Chapter 248: Boss Jiang Gets Jealous

"Not tired; when I'm inspired, I actually feel more energetic," Su Ruan leans on his hand, "By the way, how's the arrangement for the matter with Sister Xiulan?"

"Douzi is handling it. She booked a hotel for her, not far from the company. The studio is also ready, right next to the design department—quiet and well lit."

"You're really thoughtful," Su Ruan turns and kisses him briefly, "Reward."

"Is that all?" Jiang Ran raises an eyebrow, "Not enough."

"It's the company," Su Ruan's face flushes, "We'll talk about it when we get home tonight."

"Your words," Jiang Ran smiles, "Then I'll wait for you after work."

After Jiang Ran leaves, Su Ruan continues working. At noon, she has lunch with Lin Xiaoyu, discussing the picture book.

"I want it bilingual in Chinese and English," Lin Xiaoyu says, "That way more people can see it. Not just domestically; there are many abroad who are interested in Chinese traditional crafts."

"Good idea," Su Ruan nods, "If translation is needed, the company can hire someone."

"Also, I'd like to add QR codes to the picture book; scanning them would show videos and let you hear the embroiderers' voices."

"That's a great idea! Dynamic records are more vivid than static ones."

The two become more excited as they talk, and the meal stretches to almost an hour. When they return to the company, Jiang Ran is already waiting for her.

"Eating for that long?" he pretends to be serious.

"Just discussing work," Su Ruan smiles, looping her arm around his, "Is Boss Jiang jealous?"

"Yes, jealous of work," Jiang Ran wraps his arms around her waist, "What's the plan for the afternoon?"

"Continue drafting the plan, then discuss craft details with Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu," Su Ruan checks her watch, "We'll probably be busy until five or six o'clock."

"Then I'll wait for you," Jiang Ran says, "Let's eat out tonight, just the two of us. Mom and dad took the kids to Sister Jiaojiao's house, they won't be coming back for dinner."

"Sure."

In the afternoon, Su Ruan holds a long meeting with Wang Shifu and Sun Shifu, discussing the concrete craft implementation of the Dongba Impression series.

"For this pattern, if it's fully hand‑embroidered, a single jacket would take half a month," Wang Shifu points at the design draft, "The time cost is too high."

"What about the hand‑embroidered parts?" Su Ruan thinks, "Hand‑embroider the key areas, use machine embroidery or printing for the rest. For example, on this jacket, only the collar and cuffs would have hand‑embroidered Dongba Script patterns."

"That works," Sun Shifu nods, "It preserves the handcrafted quality while controlling cost and time."

"Regarding fabrics," Su Ruan continues, "I want natural materials—cotton, linen, silk—to echo the simple natural style of the Naxi Ethnic Group."

"What about colors?" Wang Shifu asks.

"We'll focus on earth tones," Su Ruan writes several colors on the whiteboard, "earth‑yellow, ochre, deep blue, ink green, plus some bright accents, like Sister Xiulan's color scheme."

The discussion goes on until 5:30, and the preliminary plan is finalized.

After seeing off the two master craftsmen, Su Ruan returns to the office and finds Jiang Ran already asleep, leaning on the sofa.

She tiptoes over and drapes her own jacket over him.

Looking at her husband's sleeping face, Su Ruan feels warmth in her heart.

He's been away from her these past few days, so he must be exhausted too—having to worry about both the company and home.

Jiang Ran stirs, opens his eyes, "What time is it?"

"It's 5:30," Su Ruan sits beside him, "Tired? Want to sleep a bit more?"

"I'm not sleeping," Jiang Ran sits up, pulling her into his arms, "Are you done with work?"

"Yeah, today's work has come to a pause."

"Then let's go, get something to eat."

Jiang Ran booked a private restaurant; the setting is quiet, with only a few tables.

They sit by the window, able to see the bamboo and flowing water in the little courtyard.

"It's really quiet here," Su Ruan looks out the window, "How did you find it?"

"Douzi recommended it," Jiang Ran pours her tea, "Said it's perfect for a couple's world."

Dishes arrive one after another, all delicate Jiangnan cuisine. The two eat and chat, moving from work to the children, then to the future.

"RuanRuan, when the Dongba Impression series is finished, let's take the whole family on a trip," Jiang Ran says suddenly, "Go somewhere far, like Europe, and show the kids the world."

"Sure," Su Ruan's eyes light up, "Jinjin and An'an haven't been abroad yet. But… is the company flexible enough?"

"It's doable," Jiang Ran grasps her hand, "The company now has a team; we don't have to watch over it every day. Besides, Douzi and Yaya can hold things for a while."

"What about Mom and Dad? Take them along?"

"Ask them; if they want to go, they go, if not, they stay home. We'll hire a nanny for a few days."

Su Ruan thinks, "Let's wait for the summer break; the kids will be on vacation and we'll have time."

"Alright, it's settled then," Jiang Ran smiles, "I'll have Douzi start planning the itinerary."

After dinner, the two stroll in the courtyard. The night breeze carries floral scent, feeling very pleasant.

"Jiang Ran," Su Ruan calls softly.

"Hmm?"

"Sometimes I feel we're truly lucky—being able to do what we love, having each other's support, and family by our side."

"Indeed," Jiang Ran pulls her onto his shoulder, "But it's not luck; it's the result of our joint effort."

He stops, turns to face her, "RuanRuan, these six years you gave me a home, gave me direction, gave me courage. Without you, I might still be that little troublemaker from the Hu Tong alley."

"Don't say that," Su Ruan strokes his face, "You already had potential; I just… helped you see it."

"So we're a perfect match," Jiang Ran lowers his head to kiss her, "You make me better, and I'll make you happy."

The kiss is gentle and passionate. Under the moonlight, their shadows overlap like a painting.

When they get home, it's past nine. The children haven't slept yet, waiting in the living room.

"Dad, Mom, where did you go?" An'an runs over.

"We went to eat," Su Ruan lifts her daughter, "Why aren't you asleep yet?"

"Waiting for you to tell a story," Jinjin says softly.

"Alright, Mom will tell you a story about Lijiang."

After coaxing the children to sleep, the two finished washing up and lay on the bed. Jiang Ran pulled Su Ruan into his arms, his hand naturally resting on her waist.

"Did you have a good day?" he asked.

"Good," Su Ruan said, leaning against his chest, "Work went smoothly, and we enjoyed a private moment together tonight."

"Then let's do this often," Jiang Ran said, kissing her hair. "No matter how busy we are, we must have our own time."

"Mm."

The two lay quietly for a while. Su Ruan suddenly remembered something: "By the way, next weekend is the day Big Sister Xiu Lan is coming. Are you free then? I want you to meet her as well."

"I am, I'll clear my schedule," Jiang Ran said. "Your collaborator, I certainly want to meet her."

"Thank you." Su Ruan turned to face him. "Jiang Ran, I think Dongba Impression will be a very important series. Not just commercially, but also... a transmission of culture."