Chapter 79: Daughter-in-law, You

In the end Jiang Jiaojiao couldn't hold it any longer, letting out a "pfft" laugh that broke the room's silence: "Oh dear, my precious little brother, sister‑in‑law, what are you two doing? Coming back to your own home like you're committing a robbery? Sneaking around so quietly."

Jiang Ran was caught, a hint of awkwardness flashing across his face, then he resumed his nonchalant demeanor, smiling as he wrapped his arm around Su Ruan's shoulder: "We just thought it was so late, the house was dark, thought you were all asleep, didn't want to disturb you."

Jiang Jianguo put down the newspaper, adjusted his glasses, and in his usual steady tone said: "Tonight Uncle Zhang and his wife came over to sit, chatted a bit late, and just left not long ago."

He scanned the two of them and asked, "Why are you both so late? Busy at the shop?"

Jiang Nainai looked at the young couple, her face kind but tinged with worry, and said: "Yes, RuanRuan, Ranran, why are you so busy that you only come back this late? Have you eaten? Hungry? Should Grandma heat up some food for you?"

Feeling the family's concern, Su Ruan's heart warmed and she quickly waved her hand: "Grandma, no need, we've already eaten."

Her face couldn't hide the excited glow; after catching Jiang Ran's encouraging glance, she carefully took from the cloth bag she carried the slightly old yet now immensely precious sketchbook.

"Dad, Mom, Grandma, Sis!" Su Ruan's voice rose a little with excitement as she spread the sketchbook on the coffee table, pointing to the three revised design drawings, her eyes glittering: "Look, these are Jiang Ran's!"

The whole family's gaze instantly fixed on the coffee table.

Li Huijuan let out a low gasp first: "This… is this a clothing design? It's really… really special!"

She looked at the sleek coat and the oddly structured skirt, surprised; she had never seen such a style before.

Jiang Jiaojiao leaned in, eyes wide, pointing at the ribboned shirt: "My god! This shirt is so beautiful! The ribbon! And this skirt! How is it made? It's unlike anything I've seen before! Ranran, is this really your drawing?!"

She looked at her brother in disbelief.

Jiang Jianguo, though not well‑versed in women's wear, could see that these sketches were completely different from the stiff styles he usually saw, exuding an indescribable novelty and boldness.

He looked at Jiang Ran, his eyes carrying a re‑examination.

Jiang Nainai seemed half‑understanding, but hearing her granddaughter and daughter‑in‑law's exclamations, she laughed broadly, repeatedly saying, "Beautiful! Beautiful! My great‑grandson's work, it's just beautiful!"

Jiang Ran, surrounded by family, hearing everyone's amazement and praise, especially seeing his father's rare approval, felt his face warm, a swelling feeling rose again, mixed with an indescribable pride.

He touched his nose, trying to appear calm, but the corners of his mouth couldn't help lifting upward.

"Just… just a casual sketch." His voice was low, yet tinged with unmistakable pride.

"That's not a casual sketch!" Su Ruan immediately retorted, her tone full of proud excitement, "Dad, Mom, you don't know, Ranran is especially gifted in design!"

"These ideas are bold and beautiful, not at all inferior to professional designers! We plan to make these three models, display them in the shop as the flagship pieces, each design only one piece!"

She explained their plan and limited‑sale strategy in detail, clear and confident.

The Jiang Family members listened to Su Ruan's presentation, looked at the sketches on the coffee table that held infinite possibilities, and then at the bright‑eyed couple standing side by side, feeling both satisfaction and anticipation.

Li Huijuan took Su Ruan's hand, glanced at her son, her eyes slightly moist, "Good, good, you have ideas, you're willing, Mom supports you!"

Jiang Jianguo nodded, said gravely, "The idea is good; since it's decided, do it well."

That was already a very high endorsement.

Jiang Jiaojiao could hardly wait, pointing at the coat: "This one! Make this the first for me to try! So handsome!"

Jiang Jiaojiao kept pulling Su Ruan, asking about the design details for a long while, until Li Huijuan urged everyone to rest, then they each returned to their rooms, still lingering.

After freshening up, lying on the soft bed, Jiang Ran felt no sleepiness.

He turned to look at Su Ruan beside him; the moonlight traced her gentle outline, her long lashes like two tiny fans.

"Daughter‑in‑law," he whispered, his voice unusually clear in the quiet night, "I'm especially happy today."

Su Ruan turned, facing him, and even in the darkness she could feel his sparkling eyes.

"Is it because Mom, Dad, Grandma praised you?"

"Not entirely." Jiang Ran leaned closer, his warm breath brushing her cheek, "It's because of you."

He paused, as if gathering his words.

"You looked at my drawings, your eyes so bright, you said I'm a genius… Daughter‑in‑law, no one has ever said that to me."

His voice carried a soft dependence.

Outsiders only see his reckless fighting, and although his family loves him, they are mostly helpless and indulgent.

Only Su Ruan saw the light hidden in his heart, and without hesitation brought it out, solemnly telling him: This is precious.

Su Ruan's heart softened, she gently stroked his cheek, her fingertips touching the firm line of his jaw.

"That's because you already are. Jiang Ran, your ideas are truly, truly wonderful. We have 'Chongsu', which means we must let everyone see these wonderful things."

Jiang Ran seized her hand, pressed it to his chest, letting her feel his steady, strong heartbeat. "Hmm! Together!"

He swore solemnly, then his tone brightened: "Shall we start tomorrow? I'll go find Wang Mujiang, see if we can modify the display rack according to our ideas! Then head to the Fabric Market to look for suitable material!"

"Okay." Su Ruan smiled, "But not urgent in the next day or two; first gather the material and samples, compare them carefully before deciding. The workmanship must be exquisite, we can't betray your design."

"All yours!"

Jiang Ran followed her suggestions; now Su Ruan was his main support.

He pulled her close, placed a light kiss on her forehead, "Sleep, daughter‑in‑law, tomorrow we start, there's work to do."

The next morning early, his biological clock woke Su Ruan right on time.

As soon as she moved, Jiang Ran also opened his eyes, his gaze clear, showing no sign of lingering in bed.

"Daughter‑in‑law, you can sleep a bit more, I'll go buy breakfast!"

He smoothly rolled over and got out of bed, his movement so swift it stirred a gust of wind.

Su Ruan watched his energetic back and couldn't help smiling.

This guy used to be able to lounge until the sun was high.

When Su Ruan finished getting ready and came out, Jiang Ran had already bought steaming soy milk, fried dough sticks and xiaolongbao, placing them on the table.

The other Jiang Family members also got up; seeing Jiang Ran full of vigor, they were a bit surprised.

"Hey, the sun's coming up in the west? Up so early?" Jiang Jiaojiao yawned and teased.

Jiang Ran proudly lifted his chin: "Well, I have important work, can't sleep in."