Chapter 74: My Daughter‑in‑law Leads So Well!

Jiang Ran says he's just a helper, but in fact he spends most of the time causing trouble and watching.

He follows Su Ruan step by step, watching her skillfully marinate meat slices, mix sauces, and control the heat.

Those eyes that are usually either defiant or tender are now full of curiosity and admiration.

The oil smoke rises, the wok spatula clatters, and the food's aroma gradually spreads.

Su Ruan moves smoothly, like flowing clouds and water.

A glossy, tender, enticing red‑braised pork; a tangy, spicy, crisp potato shreds; a fragrant, tender, melt‑in‑the‑mouth steamed fish; a bright‑green, oily, garlic‑scented stir‑fried greens; plus a steaming, fragrant tomato‑egg soup…

Jiang Ran watches the dishes taking shape on the stove, inhales the appetite‑whetting aroma, his mouth watering, constantly swallowing, and keeps muttering, "So fragrant! Daughter‑in‑law, this is unbelievably fragrant! I'm starving to death!"

When all the dishes are brought to the table, not only Jiang Ran but also Jiang Jianguo, who had thought his son was overreacting, and the laughing Jiang Nainai and Jiang Jiaojiao, all couldn't help but show amazed expressions.

This presentation, this aroma, are in no way inferior to Li Huijuan's or even the master chefs in restaurants!

"Dinner's ready!"

Su Ruan unties her apron, her cheeks flushed pink from the bustle and heat, fine beads of sweat at her temples, her smile gentle and satisfied.

Jiang Ran is the first to pick up chopsticks, eagerly snatching a piece of red‑braised pork and putting it in his mouth.

The marbled meat, stewed to utter tenderness, melts on the tongue, the rich sauce bursting inside; it's so delicious he squints and sighs contentedly, "Mmm… delicious! So delicious! Daughter‑in‑law, you're truly a fairy descended to earth!"

His exaggerated praise makes everyone laugh.

Jiang Jianguo tastes the steamed fish, fresh and tender, perfectly cooked; he nods, eyes appreciative, "RuanRuan's handcraft is indeed good."

Li Huijuan eats the tangy, spicy potato shreds, crisp and flavorful, nodding repeatedly, "Even better than Mom's cooking; from now on, Mom will have to steal techniques from you!"

Jiang Nainai laughs so hard she can't close her mouth, repeatedly serving Su Ruan dishes, "Good granddaughter‑in‑law, you've worked hard, eat more! Look at this handcraft, truly skillful!"

Jiang Jiaojiao, while eating, winks at Jiang Ran, "Now you know you've found a treasure, huh? See if you still dare to bully RuanRuan!"

"How could I dare!" Jiang Ran, his mouth stuffed, slurs his loyalty, "I love my daughter‑in‑law and haven't even had time yet!"

The family sits around the table, eating Su Ruan's home‑cooked dishes, laughter and chatter filling the air, everyone happy together.

Jiang Ran watches Su Ruan, slightly flushed under the family's praise, her eyes smiling, his heart filled with immense happiness and pride.

He quietly grabs Su Ruan's hand under the table, his fingertips gently tickling her palm.

Su Ruan feels his small gesture, turns her head, meets his dazzling eyes full of love and pride, and lightly squeezes back.

After dinner, the family sits in the living room drinking tea and chatting, the atmosphere warm and harmonious.

Jiang Jianguo, unusually, does not immediately return to his study; instead he holds a teacup, his gaze fixed on Su Ruan who is tidying Li Huijuan's fruit platter, pauses, then says:

"RuanRuan, today's meal, you worked hard, it tastes great."

Su Ruan, a bit startled by the favor, quickly puts down what she's holding, says warmly, "Dad, as long as you like, it wasn't hard."

Jiang Jianguo nods, then shifts, "How's the shop you and Ranran run lately? I heard business is pretty good?"

Though he asks, his tone carries knowing, clearly not completely uninformed.

When the shop is mentioned, Jiang Ran instantly brightens, scrambling to answer, "Dad, not just good—it's booming! My daughter‑in‑law's designs are one‑of‑a‑kind! And I…"

He pauses, a hint of smugness on his face, "I also contributed many ideas!"

Su Ruan smiles and adds, "Dad, it's indeed smoother than we expected."

"But that's also thanks to Jiang Ran's front‑and‑back effort—hiring carpenters for furniture, sourcing supplies, he helped a lot. The shop is now basically stable, customers daily, custom orders booked through next month."

She doesn't exaggerate nor monopolize credit; her tone is calm and objective, affirming the shop's results while noting Jiang Ran's contribution.

Jiang Jianguo listens, a hint of satisfaction flashing in his eyes.

He can see that his son, following Su Ruan, has truly settled down, investing enthusiasm and effort into proper matters, no longer the trouble‑making kid he once was.

And Su Ruan's unpretentious, diligent spirit makes him even more appreciative.

"Hmm, young people, willing to endure hardship and have ideas, that's good," Jiang Jianguo gives rare explicit approval, "But business isn't easy; be steady, avoid arrogance and impatience. If any difficulty arises, tell the family promptly."

Those words are like a calming pill.

Although Jiang Jianguo said the Startup Capital was borrowed, his current attitude shows his support for the young couple's venture.

"Thank you, Dad! We'll definitely work hard!"

Jiang Ran promises excitedly, feeling full of vigor.

Li Huijuan also laughs and interjects, "RuanRuan, this child is capable and sensible. Ranran marrying you is his good fortune."

The more she looks at this daughter‑in‑law, the more she likes her.

Jiang Nainai even grabs Su Ruan's hand, chattering endless praise.

The family chats a while longer, night deepening, then each returns to their rooms to rest.

After washing up, lying on the soft big bed, Jiang Ran remains immersed in excitement.

He turns his body, his arm habitually encircling Su Ruan's waist, pulling her into his embrace, his chin resting on her hair's lightly fragrant crown.

"Daughter‑in‑law, did you hear? Dad praised us!"

His voice is excited, like a child who scored full marks and craves praise.

Su Ruan adjusts to a comfortable position in his arms, softly hums "mm", a smile curling her lips, "Heard you. Mainly because you performed well, Dad feels at ease."

"That's because my daughter‑in‑law leads well!" Jiang Ran chuckles, kisses her forehead, his tone turning serious, "RuanRuan, don't worry, I'll work even harder, help you make the shop bigger and stronger!"

"I'll make everyone know that my daughter‑in‑law, Jiang Ran's, is the most amazing designer!"

His words are plain, yet carry heavy promise and burning emotion.

Warmness flows through Su Ruan's heart; she reaches back, embraces his sturdy waist, whispering, "Jiang Ran, we'll work together."

Meanwhile, the Liu family's atmosphere is starkly different from the Jiang family's warmth.

Liu Yanhua stands before the mirror, trying on that expensive dark‑green Dress again.

The Dress fits well, making her look a few shades brighter than usual.

Liu Wenbin sits at his desk, seemingly preparing lessons, but his furrowed brow and occasional glances at the Dress on Liu Yanhua betray inner unrest.

That Dress, like a thorn, pierces his heart, constantly reminding him of the huge expense that aches him.

"Wen Bin, do you think me wearing this to the city is giving you face?"