Chapter 99: Is This for Sale?

Everyone sat around a table, chatting and laughing, and ate heartily.

Grandma Jiang seemed especially hungry today, and her smile never faded.

After the meal, without waiting for Li Huijuan and Jiang Jiaojiao to start, the father‑son pair Jiang Jianguo and Jiang Ran instinctively stood up and began clearing the dishes.

"Mom, sis, you go watch TV with Grandma; we'll take care of this, the two of us."

Jiang Ran rolled up his sleeves and swiftly stacked the plates.

Jiang Jianguo said nothing, but quietly put the leftovers away and lifted the soup bowl.

Li Huijuan and Jiang Jiaojiao exchanged a smile, feeling relaxed, and escorted Grandma Jiang to the Main Hall sofa, turned on the television, brewed hot tea, and enjoyed the leisurely post‑meal time.

The tranquility did not last long.

Soon, the doorbell and knocking began to sound incessantly.

Factory Director Jiang Jianguo and Doctor Li's statuses were evident, and because Grandma Jiang is usually kind and well‑liked, when people learned it was her birthday, many colleagues, friends, neighbors, and even some who sought to attach themselves brought gifts and came to congratulate her.

"Factory Director Jiang, Doctor Li, congratulations! We heard it's the elder's birthday today, so we came to share the good fortune!"

"Elder sister‑in‑law, wishing you longevity, health, and a robust body!"

"Grandma Jiang, happy birthday!"

The Main Hall instantly became lively again.

Factory Director Jiang and Doctor Li courteously greeted the guests, while Jiang Jiaojiao and Su Ruan busied themselves pouring tea and water.

Grandma Jiang sat in a wheelchair, wearing a brand‑new deep‑red Chinese thin cotton coat, her face flushed as she received everyone's blessings; the delicate cane rested beside the wheelchair, within reach.

Soon, a sharp‑eyed guest noticed Grandma Jiang's distinctive attire.

A female colleague familiar with Doctor Li examined Grandma Jiang's clothes closely and couldn't help but exclaim, "Oh my, elder sister‑in‑law, your outfit today is truly spirited! The color is perfect, it really brings out your complexion!"

"Look at these frog buttons… wow, it's the character 'shou' for longevity! So exquisite! Where were they made? The craftsmanship is superb!"

Another guest, looking at the sheepskin warm shoes Jiang Jiaojiao had given Grandma Jiang, found his gaze inevitably drawn to the cane.

He bent down to examine it more closely and exclaimed, "Madam, this cane… it's extraordinary! The wood, the shape… is it lingzhi? What a wonderful meaning! It looks sturdy, and the workmanship is incredibly fine! This isn't something you can just buy off the market, is it?"

After their comments, other guests also turned their eyes toward it. The well‑tailored Chinese suit, with meticulous details, and the lingzhi cane that combined artistic beauty with practicality, stood out conspicuously in the modest Main Hall; it was hard not to notice.

"Indeed, indeed, the elder's attire is both dignified and luxurious!"

"The cane is truly beautiful; it must feel comfortable to hold!"

"Doctor Li, Factory Director Jiang, where did you have this custom‑made for the elder? Tell us quickly; the elders at our homes are also approaching their birthdays, and we'd like to get a set—what a thoughtful gift!"

Questions and praises rose one after another. Everyone was curious about the origin of the outfit.

Grandma Jiang listened to the compliments, her smile growing brighter, exuding an unmistakable pride.

She gently touched the orchid‑grass embroidery inside the sleeve, then grasped the lingzhi cane and announced in a resonant voice, "They didn't buy this! It's my grandson Ranran and my granddaughter‑in‑law RuanRuan who handcrafted it for me! It's my birthday gift!"

"Handmade?!"

Everyone was startled, their gazes collectively turning toward Jiang Ran, who was busy in the kitchen, and Su Ruan, who was helping pour water nearby, their faces full of disbelief.

Jiang Ran happened to bring out the washed fruit; hearing Grandma's words, he scratched his head a bit embarrassedly.

Su Ruan stood beside Grandma, smiling and nodding at the guests.

"Factory Director Jiang, your child is truly remarkable!" a guest gave Jiang Jianguo a thumbs‑up, "The craftsmanship, the thoughtfulness—outstanding!"

"Indeed, Doctor Li, your daughter‑in‑law is both beautiful and capable, and so filial; you're truly fortunate!"

Words of praise kept coming. Although Jiang Jianguo remained composed, a hint of pride flickered at the corners of his eyes.

Li Huijuan laughed so hard she could barely close her mouth, grabbed Su Ruan's hand, and repeatedly told the guests, "The kids really put effort into it; we never expected them to produce something so decent."

An impatient guest hurried up to Jiang Ran and Su Ruan, eagerly asking, "Comrade Xiao Jiang, Comrade Su Ruan, do you take external commissions for this craftsmanship?"

"If I pay, could you also custom‑make a similar cane for the elder in my family? Or craft such a garment?"

"Yes, yes, the price is negotiable! This is far better than buying those generic things elsewhere!"

Faced with the sudden orders, Jiang Ran and Su Ruan were momentarily stunned.

They exchanged a glance, seeing surprise and a hint of appreciative smiles in each other's eyes.

Jiang Ran cleared his throat, smiling as he politely declined, "Uncle and auntie, thank you for your kindness."

"But this… we only made it out of filial devotion to Grandma, tinkering on our own; the craftsmanship is still rough, not fit for refined circles, and we dare not charge for commissions."

Su Ruan added warmly, "Indeed, this sentiment is unique, made especially for Grandma. Mass‑producing it would lose its essence. We hope everyone understands."

Their words humbly declined the requests while reiterating the gift's uniqueness and heartfelt intention.

This made the onlookers hold the two children in even higher regard, repeatedly praising both their skill and character.

The birthday star, Grandma Jiang, listened and watched, feeling sweeter than honey inside.

The gifts from her grandson and granddaughter‑in‑law not only pleased her, but also, before so many guests, brought great face to her and the old Jiang family!

This made her happier than receiving any expensive gift.

Seeing everyone endlessly praising her younger brother and sister‑in‑law's craftsmanship, Jiang Jiaojiao's eyes flicked, and she immediately seized the opportunity.

She smiled and said to the few guests who had not yet left:

"Uncle and auntie, if you truly like these design‑forward items, why not visit the 'Chongsu' Image Design studio my brother runs!"

When she said that, not only were the guests taken aback, but Jiang Ran and Su Ruan also looked at her in surprise.

"Although they're not taking custom orders for canes and clothes right now, their shop often carries fashionable styles you can't find elsewhere."

Jiang Jiaojiao introduced enthusiastically, "They have clothes and accessories, each in limited quantity; if you come late, you'll miss out!"

An aunt immediately asked with interest, "Where is it? My daughter always complains she can't find clothes she likes."

"It's in City West Guihua Alley, with a 'Chongsu' sign at the entrance," Jiang Jiaojiao replied smoothly, "This coat I'm wearing was designed by RuanRuan; when I walk down the street, many people ask where I bought it!"

The guests hurriedly wrote down the address, saying they would definitely stop by.

After seeing off the last guests, Jiang Ran couldn't help but give his sister a thumbs‑up, "Sis, your advertisement was perfectly timed!"

Jiang Jiaojiao proudly lifted her chin, "Of course, such a good chance can't be missed!"