Zhao Weiguo's "enthusiasm" is like a spring breeze that gradually warms up, blowing steadily and continuously. His approach to pursuing his goals contrasts sharply with Fu Jingchen's calm and reserved demeanor and his relationship based on technical resonance, which is more in line with people's preconceived notions of "progressive youths" in this era.

A few days later, Zhao Weiguo came to the technical department office again. This time he didn't bring any manuscripts, but instead held two light pink movie tickets in his hand, with his usual perfectly timed smile on his face.

"Comrade Liu Li," he said in a voice neither too loud nor too soft, making sure the other colleagues in the office could hear him faintly, "the Municipal Workers' Cultural Palace is showing an internal reference film, 'Lenin in 1918,' tonight. I heard it's very good. I managed to get two tickets, and since you're usually so busy with work, you should relax a bit. How about we go see it together?"

He placed the movie tickets on the edge of Liu Li's desk, his gesture casual, as if he were simply offering an opportunity for a casual activity. At the time, this was almost a tacit invitation between young men and women.

Liu Li looked up from the blueprints and landed on the two small tickets. Almost without hesitation, she smiled politely but distantly: "Thank you for your kindness, Officer Zhao. But it's really unfortunate. The equipment list for the technical center hasn't been finalized yet. I have an appointment with Comrade Fu Jingchen tonight to work overtime to check the data, so I really can't spare the time. Don't waste these tickets; you can ask another comrade to take a look."

She gave a well-reasoned and calm explanation, directly defining the invitation as a "work conflict," and naturally mentioned Fu Jingchen's name, drawing a clear line between the two.

Zhao Weiguo's smile froze for a moment, but quickly returned to normal. He readily took back the movie ticket, his tone still cheerful: "Work is important, work is important! We'll talk about it next time." He acted with great poise, as if he had just politely declined an invitation from a colleague, but the fleeting disappointment in his eyes couldn't be completely concealed.

This explicit refusal did not deter Zhao Weiguo. A few days later, the new issue of the factory newspaper was published, and in the lower right corner of the front page was a long article signed "Zhao Weiguo"—"A 'Magnolia Flower' Blooming on the Front Line of Technological Innovation—A Profile of Comrade Liu Li, a Young Technical Backbone in Our Factory".

The article, written in ornate and passionate language, details Liu Li's journey from apprentice to skilled technician, emphasizing her spirit of "not fearing difficulties and daring to innovate," as well as her contributions to ministerial projects and solving technical problems within the factory. It praises her as a "model young worker of the new era." The article is highly engaging, portraying Liu Li almost perfectly.

This report caused quite a stir in the factory. Liu Li's story was already well-known, but this extensive publicity made it known to everyone. Even when she went to the canteen, she felt more admiring and curious glances directed at her. Some older workers from other workshops would even give her a thumbs-up and say with a smile, "Comrade Liu Li, the factory newspaper wrote so well! She's made us workers proud!"

However, this high-profile publicity made Liu Li feel somewhat uncomfortable. She appreciated solid work and preferred results to speak for themselves. Zhao Weiguo's way of putting her in the spotlight, while perhaps well-intentioned, felt somewhat ostentatious, like a layer of glamorous paint smeared on her originally simple and solid path of struggle. More importantly, it inadvertently linked her name more closely with Zhao Weiguo's, as if he had become the "official recorder" and "spokesperson" of her deeds, which brought a subtle, binding pressure.

In contrast, Fu Jingchen's reaction was much calmer.

He had also read the report, but only casually mentioned it during a walk home from get off work: "I read the article in the factory newspaper."

Liu Li turned her head to look at him, trying to find something on his face.

Fu Jingchen pushed up his glasses, and the corners of his mouth seemed to curve slightly, with a hint of teasing: "The writing is good, but... it's a little cheesy."

Liu Li paused for a moment, then couldn't help but laugh out loud. Fu Jingchen's incisive comment instantly dissolved the subtle embarrassment she felt due to the report. He understood her discomfort and expressed his understanding and nonchalance in this unique way.

Zhao Weiguo's pursuit was a legitimate and upright "good" that aligned with mainstream values. Fu Jingchen's companionship, on the other hand, was based on a deep spiritual connection, a silent understanding. Faced with these two drastically different approaches, Liu Li's heart never strayed from its course. However, Zhao Weiguo's high-profile and persistent displays of goodwill, like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, while failing to alter the lake's depth, ultimately created noticeable ripples, attracting new public attention.