Chapter 256: I Help You Relax

At half past ten, the Handicraft Inheritor's sharing session began.

Su Ruan hosted, inviting Grandma Yang, He Xiulan, and Li Huijuan onto the stage.

The three women sat on the stage, with projections of their works behind them. Su Ruan asked questions, and they shared their own stories.

Grandma Yang said she began learning embroidery at eight, spoke of her mother's Handcraft, and described the wedding dresses and festive garments she had embroidered.

He Xiulan explained how she innovated, turning traditional Dongba Script into modern patterns, and spoke of her husband's and children's support.

Li Huijuan talked about her era, when every woman knew needlework, described the clothes she made for her family, and expressed regret at seeing Handcraft gradually disappear.

The audience was very quiet; everyone listened attentively.

Some took photos, some recorded video, some wiped away tears.

After the sharing ended, applause continued for a long time.

"So moving," a middle‑aged woman said to Su Ruan. "My mother also embroidered, but I never studied it seriously. After hearing these stories today, I've decided to go back and learn from my mother."

"How nice," Su Ruan smiled. "That's the purpose of our events: to let more people see the value of Handcraft and be willing to learn and pass it on."

The event lasted until five p. m.

After the last group of visitors left, everyone began to tidy up.

Although tired, everyone had a smile on their face.

"How many people came today?" Jiang Ran asked Lin Xiaoyu.

"Two hundred thirty‑seven people registered, and the actual number may be higher," Lin Xiaoyu said excitedly. "Many came after seeing it on their friend circles; the last‑minute arrivals weren't registered."

"The response was especially good," Douzi said. "I heard several people say this was the most meaningful event they've ever attended."

Grandma Yang and He Xiulan were tired but in high spirits.

"I taught more than twenty students today," Grandma Yang said happily. "There was a little girl whose hands were especially deft; she picked it up instantly."

"It's the same on my side," He Xiulan said. "Someone even asked whether I accept apprentices."

Su Ruan looked at everyone, feeling a deep sense of accomplishment.

She walked to the center and shouted, "Everyone, thank you for your hard work today! The event was a great success! Tonight I'll treat everyone to dinner to celebrate!"

"Yay!" everyone cheered.

The dinner was booked at a nearby restaurant, reserving two large tables.

During the meal, everyone continued excitedly discussing today's observations.

"Did you see the mother who came with twins?" a volunteer asked. "She said she wants her children to be exposed to traditional Handcraft from a young age and has signed up for the follow‑up workshop."

"And that elderly gentleman, over eighty, who said he did carpentry when he was young; he was especially moved by our event."

Su Ruan and Jiang Ran sat together, listening to everyone and smiling at each other.

"It's a success," Jiang Ran said softly.

"Yes, a success," Su Ruan said, holding his hand, "but this is a beginning, not an end."

"Right, it's a beginning."

After dinner, when escorting Grandma Yang and He Xiulan back to the hotel, Grandma Yang grabbed Su Ruan's hand and said, "Designer Su, I'm especially happy today. This old skeleton of mine can still be useful, still teach the younger generation… I'll go back and live well, embroider for several more years."

"Grandma Yang, you'll surely live to a hundred," Su Ruan said, eyes moist. "We'll still be collaborating for many years."

"Alright, alright, many years."

After seeing off the two Embroiderers, on the way home, Su Ruan leaned on Jiang Ran's shoulder, so exhausted her eyes could barely stay open.

"Sleep a bit, I'll wake you when we get there," Jiang Ran said softly.

"Okay."

When they got home it was already past ten. The children were all asleep; Li Huijuan and Jiang Jianguo were still waiting in the living room.

"Mom, dad, why aren't you asleep yet?" Su Ruan asked, rubbing her eyes.

"We've been waiting for you to come back," Jiang Jianguo said. "How was today? Smooth?"

"Especially smooth," Jiang Ran said, supporting Su Ruan as she sat down. "Over two hundred came, and the response was great."

"That's good," Li Huijuan stood up. "There's soup in the kitchen; I'll go heat it up."

"Mom, I'll go, you rest," Jiang Ran said.

After heating the soup, the four of them sat in the living room, drinking and chatting. Li Huijuan talked about the students she taught today, describing the young people's curiosity and enthusiasm for Handcraft.

"A girl said her grandmother also embroidered, but her grandmother passed away last year, and the Handcraft wasn't passed down," Li Huijuan said. "She said that learning today is like continuing for her grandmother."

Su Ruan's nose twitched with emotion: "That's the meaning of Inheritance. One generation passes, but Handcraft and memory can continue through the next generation."

Jiang Jianguo nodded. "What you're doing is wonderful. It's not just business; it's creating culture, creating memory."

After finishing the soup, the elderly couple went to sleep. Su Ruan and Jiang Ran brushed their teeth and lay in bed; although tired, neither could fall asleep.

"Jiang Ran, I've been thinking…" Su Ruan said softly.

"Hmm?"

"Many people asked today whether this Handcraft Workshop will continue," Su Ruan turned to face him. "I want… to make it a long‑term project. Not just our company, but in partnership with communities and schools, bringing Handcraft into more people's lives."

"Sure," Jiang Ran held her hand. "What support is needed?"

"We need people, space, and funding," Su Ruan paused. "But the most important thing is sustained passion and investment."

"We have all those," Jiang Ran said. "RuanRuan, if you want to do it, just do it; I'll always support you. As for funding, the Needle‑Thread Memory Fund can keep contributing."

"We could also train a volunteer team, even provide job positions for young people interested in Handcraft."

Su Ruan's eyes lit up: "You mean… turning the Handcraft Workshop into a social enterprise? One that both preserves Handcraft and provides employment?"

"Right," Jiang Ran nodded. "And it can be combined with product lines like Dongba Impression. Those who learn in the workshop, the outstanding ones, could become our partner Handcraft Persons, participating in product creation."

"That would create a complete chain: learning, practice, production, sales."

"Great!" Su Ruan exclaimed, sitting up. "Then Handcraft is no longer just sentiment; it becomes a tangible livelihood skill. Young people will be more willing to learn!"

"Slow down, slow down," Jiang Ran laughed, pulling her back into his arms. "The idea is good, but we must proceed step by step. First summarize this event's experience, solidify the model, then expand gradually."

"Hm." Su Ruan leaned against his chest. "Jiang Ran, you always manage to take my ideas as a foundation and make them more refined, more feasible."

"Because I'm your husband." Jiang Ran kissed her hair. "Your dream is my dream. I will help you turn the dream into reality."

Su Ruan felt warm inside, tilted her head back and kissed him.

The kiss was gentle and passionate, carrying a day's fatigue and satisfaction, and also a yearning for the future.

As they kept kissing, the atmosphere changed.

"Jiang Ran..." Su Ruan whispered softly, "I'm tired today..."

"I'll help you relax."

Jiang Ran chuckled lowly, turned over and pressed her down, moving his kiss from her lips to her neck, then to her collarbone.

Su Ruan quickly gave up resisting, wrapped her arms around his neck in response.

"Jiang Ran..." Su Ruan whispered in his ear.

"Hm?"

"I love you."

"I love you too."