The next morning, the air was filled with the fragrance of soil. Shen Qiqi got up early and changed into what she considered the most formal clothes - a washed-out blue shirt and a pair of gray pants, and prepared to set off in high spirits.

Lu Qing followed her silently, carrying a basket in his hand, which contained some small gifts prepared by Shen Qiqi in case of emergency.

The textile factory in the neighboring village was much larger than they had imagined, and the red brick factory building looked particularly imposing in the sun.

Shen Qiqi stood at the factory gate, took a deep breath, and a confident smile appeared on her face, as if she had seen a bright future.

She went forward and knocked on the door. A middle-aged man in blue overalls came out. He looked Shen Qiqi up and down with a hint of vigilance in his eyes.

"What do you do?" The man's tone was cold and a little impatient.

"Hello, we are from the next village. We heard that your factory has very advanced textile technology, and we would like to come and learn from it." Shen Qiqi explained with a smile, and handed over the gift. "It's just a small gift, not a token of respect."

The man glanced at the things in the basket, a trace of disdain flashed across his face, "The technology in our factory is confidential and will not be disclosed to outsiders. You'd better go back." After saying that, he was about to close the door.

Shen Qiqi quickly blocked the door and said, "Director, we are really here to learn sincerely. Our village also wants to develop the textile industry and improve everyone's life. Please help us!"

The man, Director Li, waved his hand impatiently. "I said no, and it's no. Stop wasting your time here."

Shen Qiqi's smile gradually disappeared, and a feeling of powerlessness surged in her heart.

She didn't expect to be turned down. She originally thought that she could impress the factory director with her sincerity and enthusiasm, but it seems that she thought too simply.

"Director, we really have no ill intentions..."

"That's enough. I don't want to hear any more of your nonsense!" Director Li interrupted her rudely. "Leave now, or I'll call security!"

Shen Qiqi wanted to fight for it again, but was stopped by Lu Qing.

Lu Qing shook his head gently, signaling her not to say anything more.

He knew that Director Li had made up his mind and there was no point in continuing to argue with him.

The two of them left the textile factory silently, and Shen Qiqi was extremely depressed.

Lu Qing held her hand tightly, silently comforting her.

At this moment, Shen Qiqi's eyes fell on a worker coming out of the factory...

Shen Qiqi did not give up. She stood like a nail at the entrance of the textile factory, staring intently at the workers coming in and out.

Lu Qing stayed by her side silently, like a solid and reliable mountain.

“Qiqi, let’s think of another way.” Lu Qing patted Shen Qiqi’s shoulder gently, with a hint of worry in his tone.

He knew that once Qiqi made up her mind, no one could change it even with ten oxen, but it was no use for her to continue being so stubborn.

Shen Qiqi didn't say anything, her eyes still fixed on the factory gate.

Suddenly, her eyes lit up, as if she had discovered a new world, and she grabbed Lu Qing's arm, "Lu Qing, look at that person!"

Lu Qing followed her gaze and saw a young worker wearing blue work clothes and a slightly thin figure walking out of the factory.

This worker looked relatively friendly, with a faint smile on his face, which was in stark contrast to the fierce Director Li before.

"This person seems easy to talk to, maybe he can help." Shen Qiqi's tone was full of hope.

"Well, we can try." Lu Qing nodded, and a glimmer of hope ignited in his heart.

When the women around saw that Shen Qiqi had found a new target, they all gathered around and started talking about it.

"Qiqi, what do you think of this person?" Aunt Wang asked expectantly.

"I think it's okay. This man looks honest." Uncle Lu's daughter also agreed.

Shen Qiqi ignored their comments and carefully observed the young worker's every move.

She found that the worker's walking posture was a little strange, as if he had some difficulty with his legs.

"Lu Qing, look at the way he walks, he seems to have a limp." Shen Qiqi said to Lu Qing in a low voice.

Lu Qing nodded, "Yeah, I noticed that too."

At this moment, Lu Qing's fingers accidentally touched Shen Qiqi's hand.

He was stunned for a moment, then gently held her hand.

Shen Qiqi's face flushed slightly, and her heartbeat began to accelerate.

She felt Lu Qing's palm was warm and strong, giving her an unprecedented sense of security.

Lu Qing's movements were a little shy, and there was a hint of tenderness in his eyes.

He looked at Shen Qiqi, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, revealing a faint smile.

The air around them seemed to become sweet, and an ambiguous atmosphere slowly spread between the two of them.

"Cough cough..." Aunt Wang's cough broke the beautiful atmosphere.

Shen Qiqi quickly pulled back her hand and looked away as if nothing had happened.

Lu Qing also coughed a little unnaturally, and then said: "Let's think about how to strike up a conversation with that worker first."

Shen Qiqi nodded, "Well, you are right."

Her eyes fell on the young worker again, and she secretly made up her mind to find a way to talk to this person.

"Oh, it seems like he's leaving..." Uncle Lu's daughter suddenly said.

Shen Qiqi's heart sank suddenly, and she quickly said, "Lu Qing..."

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