Chapter 255: Neglecting One

On Monday, Grandma Yang and He Xiulan arrived at the Provincial Capital as scheduled.

Douzi went to the airport to pick them up and took them straight to the workshop.

Seeing the renovated warehouse space, the two Embroiderers were both stunned.

"This… is that old warehouse?" He Xiulan couldn't believe it, "It's become so beautiful!"

Grandma Yang ran her hand over the red bricks on the wall: "These walls are good, they have history, just like the old houses in our village."

Su Ruan stepped forward: "Grandma Yang, He Jie, welcome! The journey was hard, wasn't it?"

"Not at all, the plane was fast," Grandma Yang said, gripping Su Ruan's hand, "Designer Su, you've made this place wonderful, it has character."

"I'm glad you like it," Su Ruan smiled, "Come, I'll show you the exhibition area."

In the exhibition area, Grandma Yang saw her own work carefully framed and hanging under the lights.

She stood before it for a long time, her eyes became moist.

"I've been embroidering all my life and never imagined my pieces could be displayed in such a beautiful place," she said softly, "If my mother could see this, she would be so happy."

"Your mother in heaven can surely see it," Su Ruan said softly, "and she would be proud of you."

He Xiulan's work was hung on the opposite wall, showcasing her innovative design that combined Dongba Script with modern patterns.

Next to it were her Photo and a brief introduction.

"Is that me?" He Xiulan looked at the Photo on the wall, a little embarrassed, "It was taken really well."

"It's your embroidery that's excellent," Lin Xiaoyu came over, "He Jie, many people like your work, and some have already asked if they can buy it."

"Really?" He Xiulan exclaimed with surprise, "My embroidered pieces… can be sold?"

"Of course they can," Su Ruan said confidently, "And the price won't be low. Your Handcraft is worth this amount."

At noon, everyone ate at a small restaurant near the warehouse.

Grandma Yang and He Xiulan were still a bit dazed, unable to believe it was all real.

"Designer Su, President Jiang, you have been too kind to us," Grandma Yang said, "My old bones can still be useful, still be seen by people… I…"

She choked up and couldn't continue.

"Grandma Yang, it's your Handcraft that's excellent," Jiang Ran handed her a tissue, "We only built a platform so good Handcraft can be seen."

He Xiulan also wiped the corner of her eye: "After my husband returned, he told the villagers about me. Everyone envied me, saying Xiulan has made a name for herself. A few young people asked if I could teach them as well."

"Sure!" Su Ruan's eyes lit up, "After this event ends, we'll hold a workshop in the village; you and Grandma Yang can be teachers and instruct the youngsters."

"Good, good!" He Xiulan nodded repeatedly, "I will definitely teach well."

After the meal, everyone returned to the warehouse for final preparations.

Li Huijuan also arrived; seeing Grandma Yang and He Xiulan, the three women quickly fell into conversation.

"Sister Yang, your peony embroidery is truly excellent; the petals are layered like the real thing."

Li Huijuan examined Grandma Yang's work carefully.

"You have a keen eye; the hardest part of this peony is the layering," Grandma Yang, finding a kindred spirit, began to talk more, "You need three shades of red, transitioning layer by layer from the flower's core outward."

"May I touch it?"

"Sure, feel free to touch."

The three women gathered around a piece of embroidery, discussing stitch techniques, the atmosphere warm.

Su Ruan watched from the side, feeling warm inside.

This is exactly what she wanted.

People of different ages and backgrounds are connected through Handcraft.

Jiang Ran walked to her side and put an arm around her shoulder: "What are you looking at?"

"Looking at Inheritance," Su Ruan said softly, "See, Mom and Grandma Yang, though they didn't know each other before, became close instantly because of Handcraft."

"Indeed," Jiang Ran nodded, "Handcraft is not just technique; it's a language, a bridge."

In the afternoon, volunteers arrived one after another.

Most were university students interested in traditional Handcraft.

Lin Xiaoyu gave them training, explaining the event schedule and precautions.

"Everyone, remember, we're not here to perform, we're here to share," Su Ruan told the volunteers, "We must respect every Handcraft Person and every visitor. What we need to do is create a warm, open space so the stories of Handcraft can be heard."

The volunteers were all diligent, taking notes and asking questions.

Seeing these young faces, Su Ruan felt confident about the future.

That night, all preparations were completed.

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran did a final check, confirming everything was in order.

"Tomorrow we start at nine, be there by eight," Su Ruan said to the team, "Everyone get a good rest tonight, and give it your all tomorrow!"

After seeing everyone off, only Su Ruan and Jiang Ran remained in the warehouse.

The lights were dimmed, leaving only a few spotlights on the exhibits, like a museum at night.

"Nervous?" Jiang Ran asked.

"A little," Su Ruan admitted, "It's my first time organizing such a big event, afraid of slip‑ups."

"It will be fine," Jiang Ran squeezed her hand, "We've prepared for so long; it will go smoothly. And even if there are minor issues, that's okay—sincerity is what matters most."

He paused: "RuanRuan, do you know? When you do these things, you're especially beautiful. There's light in your eyes and love in your heart."

"You did it again…" Su Ruan's face flushed slightly.

"I'm serious," Jiang Ran lowered his head and kissed her, "I'm proud of you."

The kiss was especially tender in the quiet warehouse.

From afar came the city's night sounds; up close there were only each other's breaths and heartbeats.

After kissing for a long while, Jiang Ran finally released her, "Let's go home; we have to get up early tomorrow."

Hmm.

Back in the car, Su Ruan suddenly said, "Jiang Ran, thank you."

What are you thanking for?

"Thank you for always being by my side, supporting me in doing these unorthodox things," Su Ruan said earnestly, "If it weren't for you, I might not have dared to do something this big."

"That's not unorthodox; it's more meaningful than a regular job," Jiang Ran said, gripping her hand. "RuanRuan, when we married I promised to let you do what you want. Now I've kept that promise, and I'm glad."

Tears welled up in Su Ruan's eyes. She leaned in and kissed Jiang Ran on the cheek, "I love you."

"I love you too."

Early the next morning, before eight o'clock, everyone had already gathered.

Grandma Yang and He Xiulan put on traditional Naxi Ethnic Group attire, and Li Huijuan also specially wore a Chinese‑style top.

The volunteers all wore matching Needle Memory T‑shirts, looking spirited.

At nine, the first batch of visitors arrived.

There were young people, elders, and families with children.

As soon as everyone entered, they were drawn to the space and the exhibits.

"This place feels so right!" a girl said to her companion, "Look at these embroidered pieces, they're gorgeous."

"This is the teaching area, where you can try simple embroidery," the volunteer guided, "This is Grandma Yang, and this is Teacher He Xiulan; they'll instruct you."

The teaching area quickly filled up. Grandma Yang and He Xiulan taught patiently, while the volunteers helped nearby.

Li Huijuan was also teaching a few young people basic stitching techniques.

"Auntie, your embroidery is wonderful!" a university student exclaimed.

"I've been practicing for decades," Li Huijuan smiled, "When I was your age, I made all my clothes myself."