Chapter 247: I Missed You to Death

Photo shows Grandma Yang wearing reading glasses, concentrating on embroidering a pattern.

Those hands, covered in wrinkles, seemed to glow in the sunlight.

"So nice," Su Ruan said softly, "this one could be the cover of a picture book."

"I thought the same," Lin Xiaoyu said excitedly, "when we get back I'll start organizing and aim to finish the draft within a month."

Three hours later, the plane landed in the Provincial Capital.

As soon as she stepped out of the arrivals gate, Su Ruan saw Jiang Ran standing there, holding a bouquet of flowers.

"Welcome home," Jiang Ran walked forward, handed the flowers to her, and then naturally took the suitcase.

"Why did you even buy flowers?" Su Ruan took the bouquet, a smile that couldn't be hidden on her face.

"To celebrate your safe return," Jiang Ran turned his head and kissed her cheek, "you've worked hard."

Lin Xiaoyu chuckled beside them, "Chief Jiang is really romantic, so I won't be the third wheel. Teacher Su, see you at the office tomorrow!"

"Alright, see you tomorrow."

In the car, Su Ruan leaned on Jiang Ran's shoulder, inhaling the floral scent, "What about the kids?"

"They're waiting at home," Jiang Ran said, one hand steering, the other holding hers, "these past days An'an has been mentioning you constantly, and although Jinjin doesn't say it, she asks every day when you'll return."

"I miss them too," Su Ruan paused, "and I miss you as well."

Jiang Ran squeezed her hand, "I miss you too. Without you, the house feels empty."

Back home, as soon as the door opened, the two little ones rushed in.

"Mom!" An'an clutched Su Ruan's leg tightly, "you finally came back!"

Jinjin also stood nearby, whispering, "Mom, welcome home."

Su Ruan crouched down, hugging one, "Mom's back, did you miss Mom?"

"Missed you!" An'an said loudly, "especially, especially missed you!"

"I missed you too." Jinjin expressed her feelings, a rare occurrence.

Li Huijuan came out of the kitchen, "RuanRuan back? Tired? The meal will be ready soon, go wash your hands first."

"Mom, thank you for your hard work." Su Ruan stood up.

"It's no trouble, as long as you're back."

During dinner, the family sat together around the table.

Su Ruan recounted her observations of Lijiang, and the children listened with great interest.

"Mom, what is embroidery?" An'an asked.

"It's using needle and thread to create beautiful patterns on fabric," Su Ruan explained, "like painting, but with thread."

"Is it hard?"

"A bit difficult, it requires patience. But the result is especially beautiful."

Jinjin, interested in Dongba Script, asked, "Mom, that character… is it really like a drawing?"

"Indeed." Su Ruan took out her phone, showing the children a Photo, "Look, this is the character 'mountain,' this is 'water,' don't they look alike?"

"Really!" An'an leaned in, "Mom, can I learn?"

"Sure, Mom will teach you on the weekend."

After the meal, Su Ruan handed out the gifts she brought to everyone.

A Dongba Script tracing book for the children, a Naxi Ethnic Group apron for Li Huijuan, and local tea for Jiang Jianguo.

"Spending money recklessly again." Li Huijuan said, touching the apron, though a smile blossomed on her face.

"Mom, it's a local specialty, not expensive." Su Ruan said with a smile.

After coaxing the children to sleep, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran returned to their own room. Closing the door, Jiang Ran embraced her from behind.

"Daughter-in-law, you've missed me to death these days."

Su Ruan turned, wrapping her arms around his neck, "I missed you too."

The kiss was hotter than usual, carrying the longing of the days apart.

Jiang Ran carried her to the bed, kissing her gently, from forehead to lips, then to neck.

"Jiang Ran…" Su Ruan panted, "we haven't showered yet…"

"We'll shower together later."

The days of longing turned into this entwined intimacy.

Afterwards, the two lay embraced on the bed. Su Ruan rested in Jiang Ran's arms, softly recounting details of Lijiang.

"Sister Xiu Lan is truly talented. Her designs have traditional roots and modern spirit. Jiang Ran, I want to nurture her so she becomes a signed designer for our brand."

"Alright." Jiang Ran stroked her hair, "you decide, I support."

"Also Grandma Yang, I want to set up a Gongzuoshi for her so she can create peacefully. She's old, her eyes aren't good, she needs a better environment."

"Make a plan for these, and I'll have Douzi carry them out."

Su Ruan looked up at him, "You always support me like this."

"Because you're worth it." Jiang Ran kissed her forehead, "and what you do isn't just for business, it's for Inheritance. I'm proud of you."

Su Ruan's nose tingled, and she leaned back into his arms, "Jiang Ran, thank you."

"Always saying thank you." Jiang Ran chuckled lightly, "if you really want to thank me, then…"

His hand became restless again.

"Jiang Ran!" Su Ruan grabbed his hand, "wasn't it just…"

"What was earlier was earlier, now is now." Jiang Ran rolled over, pinning her, "after days apart we need many make‑ups."

"You really are…" Su Ruan's words were swallowed by a kiss.

The night is still long.

The next morning, Su Ruan arrived at the company feeling fresh and refreshed.

The design department already knew she had returned, and everyone was curious about the results of this trip to Lijiang.

"Sister Su, quickly tell us, have you found a suitable Embroiderer?" Lin Xiao asked first.

"Found them, and more than one," Su Ruan said, turning on the projector. "Alright, let's start the meeting."

In the conference room, Su Ruan displayed the photos and video from this shoot.

"This is Grandma Yang Xiuying, seventy‑three years old, who has been embroidering all her life. Her hallmark is neatness and delicacy, and she excels at traditional patterns."

"This is Sister He Xiulan, forty‑one, who has both traditional foundation and innovative thinking. She designs her own patterns, with bold and novel color schemes."

Su Ruan switched the photos: "I plan to create a Dongba Impression series, divided into two sub‑series, Inheritance and New Life. Inheritance will collaborate with Grandma Yang, and New Life with Sister He Xiulan."

Wang Shifu pushed their glasses back and asked, "How will the craftsmanship be arranged? Hand embroidery would limit output."

"Therefore we must make Premium, limited‑edition," Su Ruan said. "Each piece will have a serial number and the Embroiderer's signature. We're not just selling clothes, but selling stories."

Sun Shifu nodded. "This idea is good. People nowadays increasingly value the culture and story behind it."

"Also," Su Ruan continued, "I want to organize an embroidery workshop, inviting Grandma Yang to teach. The venue will be in Lijiang, and we can arrange for clients or interested people to experience it."

Lin Xiaoyu raised her hand: "I can handle photography and promotion!"

"Alright," Su Ruan smiled. "Then this is yours. Also, Sister He Xiulan will come to the company next month to meet everyone. I want her to take part in design, not just embroidery."

After the meeting adjourned, Su Ruan returned to her office and began drafting a detailed plan. She had written only half when Jiang Ran knocked and entered.

"Busy?" he asked, carrying a coffee as he came in.

"Hmm, writing the Dongba Impression plan," Su Ruan said, taking the coffee and taking a sip. "Why did you come over?"

"I came to see how my daughter‑in‑law looks while working," Jiang Ran said, walking behind her and massaging her shoulders. "Don't overwork yourself; you just got back, so adjust a bit."