Chapter 253: Because You and Others Can See Her

He turned around and deeply bowed to Su Ruan and Jiang Ran: "Thank you for giving my daughter‑in‑law such a good opportunity. In the village, no one knows her Handcraft no matter how good it is. Here, she can do what she loves and also earn money."

"Brother He, please don't say that." Jiang Ran quickly helped him up, "It's He Jie's Handcraft that's good; we only provided a platform."

At noon, everyone ate together in the company cafeteria.

He Zhiqiang looked at the abundant lunch and said, "He Shou Lan is here, eating well, living well, and working happily. When I go back I'll be at ease."

"Brother He, could you stay a few more days here?" Su Ruan said, "to see the Provincial Capital and also see He Jie's work results."

"No, no, there's still land at home and elders," He Zhiqiang shook his head, "I'll go back tomorrow. Seeing He Shou Lan doing well puts me at ease."

After the meal, He Shou Lan accompanied her husband to the hotel to rest. Su Ruan and Jiang Ran returned to the office and continued working.

"Brother He is truly plain," Su Ruan mused, "you can tell he lives a down‑to‑earth life."

"That's why He Jie can work here with peace of mind," Jiang Ran said, "with family support one can do what one wants."

In the afternoon, Su Ruan continued refining the Dongba Impression series design drafts.

Jiang Ran handled the paperwork related to the fund launch.

A little after four, He Shou Lan returned after seeing her husband off at the station.

Her eyes were red, but her face bore a smile.

"He Jie, are you okay?" Su Ruan asked concernedly.

"I'm fine, happy." He Shou Lan wiped the corner of her eye, "My husband said I can work properly now, and the family doesn't have to worry. He said my hands can finally create value through embroidery."

"He Jie, you deserve it." Su Ruan grasped her hand, "When the Dongba Impression series is released, let's go back to Lijiang together, hold a launch event, and let the villagers see your achievements."

"Really?" He Shou Lan's eyes lit up.

"Really." Su Ruan nodded, "We'll hold it in Grandma Yang Village, an outdoor show, so the locals can all come to see."

He Shou Lan was so excited she couldn't speak, only holding Su Ruan's hand tightly.

After work, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran didn't go straight home; they went to the first cooperative venue in the fund plan, a Cultural Creative Park in the old city district.

"This place used to be an old textile mill, now converted into a Cultural Creative Park," Jiang Ran introduced, "I've talked with the park manager and secured this space to rent for a 'Handicraft Workshop'."

The space is large, well lit, and the original factory's steel frame remains, giving it an industrial vibe.

"This can be a display area, this a teaching area, and here we can sell Handicraft items." Su Ruan walked through the space, planning, "I want to turn this into a platform that connects Handcraft Persons with the public."

"The park manager is very supportive," Jiang Ran said, "They say traditional Handcraft is the city's memory and should be preserved and Inherited."

The two stayed in the space for a long time, discussing renovation plans and activity schedules.

Only when dusk deepened did they leave.

On the way home, Su Ruan leaned against the car window, watching the city lights outside.

"Jiang Ran, I feel that everything we do now is like weaving a net." she whispered, "Connecting Handcraft Persons and the public, connecting tradition and modernity, connecting countryside and city."

"Indeed." Jiang Ran held her hand, "This net will grow larger, and more people will be connected. Perhaps one day what we do will truly let some near‑extinct Handcraft survive."

"It will definitely happen." Su Ruan turned to look at him, "Because we are doing it with heart."

Back home, the children had already eaten. An'an held up the second flower she embroidered for her mother: "Mom, look, it's better than the first one!"

"Really, such great progress." Su Ruan examined closely, "The stitches are much neater."

Jinjin also brought out the little wooden horse she carved: "Dad, does this… look like a horse?"

"It does, especially so." Jiang Ran took it, examined carefully, "Jinjin truly has talent."

Seeing the children's works, Su Ruan felt warm inside.

Inheritance starts from family, starts from interest.

At night, after putting the children to sleep, Su Ruan and Jiang Ran continued working in the study.

The fund launch is imminent, with many details to finalize.

"RuanRuan, look at this funding criteria." Jiang Ran pointed at the computer screen, "I think besides Handcraft skill we should consider the actual needs of Handcraft Persons. Some older Handcraft Persons have difficult lives and need more help."

"Right." Su Ruan nodded, "And funding doesn't have to be money; it can be materials, tools, medical assistance. We must truly solve their difficulties."

The two worked until eleven, only then completing the preliminary plan.

After washing up and lying in bed, Su Ruan was so tired her eyes wouldn't stay open.

"Sleep." Jiang Ran pulled her into his arms, "We'll continue tomorrow."

"Mm." Su Ruan rested against his chest, "Jiang Ran, thank you for being with me to do these."

"Nonsense, this is something we both wanted to do." Jiang Ran kissed her forehead, "Sleep, my designer, my dreamer."

In the following two weeks, Su Ruan and the team threw themselves into the dual preparation of the Dongba Impression series and the Handicraft Workshop.

Every day the company was bustling with activity.

Wednesday afternoon, Su Ruan was discussing the embroidery details of a Sample Garment in He Shou Lan's studio when Lin Xiaoyu hurriedly knocked and entered.

"Su teacher, there's a problem," she said, brow furrowed, "The Cultural Creative Park said the space we rented was supposed to be ready at the beginning of next month, but now there's an issue."

"What issue?" Su Ruan set down the embroidery piece in her hand.

"That building has a structural part that needs reinforcement, so delivery may be delayed a month," Lin Xiaoyu said, "But our Handcraft Open Day promotion has already been sent out, scheduled for the 15th of next month."

Su Ruan pondered briefly, "Can we switch to another space? Are there other vacant venues in the Cultural Creative Park?"

"I asked, and there's none suitable for now," Lin Xiaoyu shook her head, "Either too small or poorly located."

Beside them, He Shou Lan whispered, "How about… postponing a month? Good things take time."

"But the promotion has already gone out," Su Ruan massaged her temples, "The first batch of registrants already exceeds fifty, many traveling from afar."

She stood up, "Xiaoyu, come with me to the Cultural Creative Park; I'll speak with the manager myself."

Jiang Ran happened to walk in, seeing Su Ruan about to leave, "Where are you going?"

"The Cultural Creative Park has an issue; I'm going to handle it," Su Ruan briefly explained.

"I'll go with you." Jiang Ran grabbed the car keys, "Douzi, keep an eye on things here at the company."

In the car, Su Ruan remained silent. Jiang Ran held her hand, "Don't worry, there's always a way."

"I know, it's just a pity," Su Ruan sighed, "Having the first event go wrong will affect everyone's confidence in the fund."

"It won't," Jiang Ran comforted her, "as long as we act sincerely, everyone will understand."

When they arrived at the Cultural Creative Park, Manager Wang was already waiting.

Seeing them, Manager Wang wore an apologetic expression: "Boss Jiang, Designer Su, I'm really sorry. We only discovered the structural issue yesterday as well; for safety, it must be reinforced."

"Understood, safety first," Jiang Ran said, "Manager Wang, is there really no other suitable space in the park? Even a temporary one?"

Manager Wang thought for a moment: "Actually there is one... but the conditions aren't great. It's an old warehouse at the very back of the park, hasn't been used for a long time, and needs cleaning and simple renovation."