Chapter 96: What

Su Ruan was wrapped in his arms, feeling the solid warmth and steady heartbeat of his chest, the fresh, slightly sun‑kissed scent lingering at her nose; her lingering embarrassment slowly faded, though her cheeks still flushed.

She gave a gentle tug, didn't break free, and remained in his hold.

The two quietly embraced each other for a moment beneath the moonlight.

Su Ruan pressed her face to his chest, her muffled voice saying, "I'm being serious with you."

"Alright, alright, speak seriously." Jiang Ran went along, loosening his grip slightly while still holding her waist, looking down at her, "Now, my dear wife, what should we give? I'll do whatever you say."

Su Ruan lifted her head, her eyes sparkling in the night, clearly already having an idea.

She pulled Jiang Ran onto a roadside stone bench meant for resting, sat down, and said earnestly, "Here's what I'm thinking. Grandma now uses a wheelchair for convenience, but she's always been strong, and deep down she still wants to walk on her own."

"The doctor also said her left leg has recovered well; with proper assistance, gradual walking will aid her recovery."

She paused, then continued, "What if we give her a particularly beautiful, especially sturdy, and lightweight cane?"

"So that when she strolls around the yard or flat spots near home, she can lean on it—both safe and giving her more independence."

"I think this will make Grandma happier than staying in a wheelchair all the time, making her feel she's not that old yet."

Jiang Ran listened, his eyes gradually brightening.

He had only been thinking about how to make Grandma more comfortable, but had ignored her deep‑seated desire to be self‑reliant.

Su Ruan's idea literally struck Grandma's heart!

"Exactly!" Jiang Ran slapped his thigh, excited, "My dear wife is so thoughtful! Grandma will definitely love it! Let's give her a cane!"

But he immediately frowned, "However, the canes sold on the market are either dark wooden sticks or cold metal rods—ugly, and not at all suited to Grandma's temperament."

Su Ruan smiled faintly, confidence evident, "So we won't buy ready‑made ones. We'll make them ourselves, or design them and have a master craftsman make them."

"We design it ourselves?" Jiang Ran was momentarily stunned, then recalled his old trade, his enthusiasm spiking, "I'm good at that! My dear wife, tell me, what kind do you want?"

Under the moonlight, the young couple leaned their heads together, beginning to plan enthusiastically.

Su Ruan pulled out the small notebook and pen she always carries, sketching a Sketch while saying, "The material should be lightweight yet sturdy; we can use high‑grade hardwood, such as Rosewood or chicken‑wing wood, with natural grain that looks warm and refined."

"The shape can't be too rigid," Jiang Ran took the pen, adding details to Su Ruan's simple lines, "Here we can give it a slight curve, more ergonomic and comfortable to grip. The base must be stable, with a non‑slip rubber pad."

"Right, the handle is crucial," Su Ruan pointed to the top of the Sketch, "It can't be a bare ball or a simple hook. We could design it as… hmm, how about the shape of a reishi mushroom?"

"Reishi symbolizes health, longevity, blessings, and good fortune. Or we could carve a tiny peach of longevity? Grandma will definitely like that meaning."

"Reishi is great! Good meaning, elegant shape!" Jiang Ran agreed, picturing the scene, "The handle must be polished extremely smooth and rounded, with no burrs, comfortable to grip."

"The shaft can also have a few simple cloud motifs or a 'fu' blessing character, but not too intricate; it should look grand."

"As for color, we'll keep the wood's natural hue and grain, applying a clear lacquer to highlight the texture," Su Ruan added.

"We could also wrap a soft leather around the grip area to add friction and comfort," Jiang Ran added another detail.

The two exchanged words, their thoughts colliding, and inspiration sparked.

A custom cane design that blends beauty, practicality, and a wonderful meaning gradually took shape on the moonlit stone bench.

It's not just a birthday gift, but also a manifestation of the young couple's deep love and care for Grandma.

"That's settled!" Jiang Ran closed the notebook, brimming with confidence, "Tomorrow I'll go find the wood and contact a master craftsman with good Handcraft! I'll aim to finish it before Grandma's birthday!"

Su Ruan watched his enthusiastic demeanor, pursed her lips and smiled.

Jiang Ran was rubbing his fists, preparing to head out early tomorrow to source fine wood, then find the city's most skilled old woodworker master, determined to make this heartfelt cane flawless.

However, Su Ruan gently grasped his arm.

"Jiang Ran," she lifted her face, moonlight flowing in her clear eyes, "Why must we have someone else make it?"

Jiang Ran was startled, "Huh? Not have someone make it—do you mean we make it ourselves? I don't know woodworking, my dear wife."

He scratched his head; although he has some design talent, hands‑on fine woodworking is a completely different matter.

Su Ruan's eyes flashed with challenge and eager anticipation, "We can learn if we don't know! Making it ourselves, isn't the meaning even more special?"

"Every stroke, every chisel, every polish on this cane carries our heart and warmth; Grandma is so clever, she'll definitely sense it."

"This is more precious than anything bought with money, or simply made by others."

"Also, don't you think giving just a cane is a bit plain?"

"It's already autumn, the weather's cooling, Grandma just left the hospital, and her body needs more warmth."

"Why not also design a thick, comfortable, dignified new outfit for Grandma, to match the cane?"

"From head to toe, it's a birthday gift we both prepared by hand; isn't that even more complete?"

"Hand‑make the cane?"

"And also design and make new clothes!"

Jiang Ran was taken aback by Su Ruan's more sincere idea.

Immediately, an indescribable excitement and drive surged.

Indeed!

How could he only think of a fake hand for others!

This is a gift for their dearest Grandma!

"Good! Great! My dear wife! Let's do it this way!"

Jiang Ran, excited, swept Su Ruan into a hug and gave her a loud kiss on the cheek.

"We'll do it ourselves! Well‑provided! Let Grandma see the abilities of her grandson and granddaughter‑in‑law!"

This impulsive "do‑it‑now" surge made them forget their stroll, and they held hands, quickening home, eager to start planning at once.

Back home, Grandma had already fallen asleep, the Main Hall still lit, and Jiang Jianguo and Li Huijuan were watching TV.

Seeing the young couple return so quickly, her face still showing uncontrollable excitement, Li Huijuan asked curiously, "What's this? Found money?"