The factory's first formal inspection notice regarding the progress of the technology center's establishment was like a stone thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples in the technical department and the preparatory team. The inspection was scheduled for a week later and covered multiple aspects, including the feasibility study of the establishment plan, the basis for equipment selection, personnel allocation planning, and even initial projected results, requiring a systematic written report. Time was tight, the task was heavy, and pressure instantly descended.

As the person in charge, Liu Li immediately went into high-speed mode. She convened a meeting with the preparatory team members to break down tasks, clarify milestones, and took on the most crucial part of the plan demonstration and results compilation herself. In the following days, the light in her office was always on late at night, and her desk was covered with various drawings, lists, and drafts.

At this critical moment, Zhao Weiguo came to the technical department office again. He was still wearing a crisp Zhongshan suit, with a concerned smile on his face.

"Comrade Liu Li, I heard you've been working overtime to prepare for the inspection? That's really tough on you!" His loud voice broke the quiet atmosphere of the office where everyone was engrossed in their work. "You should remember to balance work and rest. By the way, I have two tickets here for a newly staged play, 'In the Silence.' It's been very well received, and it's both politically significant and artistically excellent. How about we go together tomorrow night for a bit of education and to relax?"

He waved the ticket in his hand, his posture as proper as ever, and the reason he gave was impeccable.

Liu Li looked up from a pile of documents, her eyes slightly dark, but her gaze clear and focused. Without much thought, she shook her head, her tone carrying an undeniable apology and firmness: "Officer Zhao, thank you for your kindness. But with the inspection imminent and preparations so numerous, I simply can't spare the time. Forget about seeing a play, even eating and sleeping have to be timed perfectly. I appreciate your gesture, but please leave the tickets for other comrades who have more time."

Her words were crisp and clear, leaving no room for maneuver, and clearly distinguishing between work and personal life.

Zhao Weiguo's smile was somewhat forced this time. He looked at the mountain of materials piled on Liu Li's desk and her eyes, which were clearly tired but still sharp. He opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something like "sharpening the axe won't delay the work," but in the end, he just nodded, put away the tickets, said "Then you guys get back to work," and turned to leave. His back paused at the door, seemingly carrying a hint of disappointment at being misunderstood.

Liu Li didn't even bother to glance at him before burying herself back in her documents.

As night fell, most of the windows in the office building went dark, except for the lights in the technical department's office, which remained stubbornly lit. Liu Li rubbed her throbbing temples, preparing to continue checking the last part of the equipment parameter list. Just then, a slight noise came from the doorway.

Fu Jingchen walked in carrying an aluminum lunchbox, which was still slightly steaming. He walked to Liu Li's desk, put down the lunchbox, and said in a calm and natural tone, "The cafeteria steamed some buns tonight, with cabbage and vermicelli filling. I brought you two. I guess you haven't had dinner yet."

Liu Li was slightly taken aback and looked up at him. Fu Jingchen's face didn't show any particular expression. He simply pushed the lunchbox forward a little more, then naturally pulled over a chair next to him and sat down. He picked up the other half of the list beside her and scanned the data on it.

“Here, the accuracy class of the coordinate measuring machine uses the old national standard. The experts in the inspection team may prefer the new standard, so the labeling needs to be updated.” He pointed to one of the lines and said in a steady tone, “Also, the estimated utilization rate of these machine tools has a problem with the algorithm. I’ve recalculated it for you.”

As he spoke, he took out a piece of paper filled with calculations from his pocket and placed it in front of Liu Li.

Without asking if she needed help or exchanging pleasantries, he directly intervened in her work, providing the most practical and precise support.

Looking at the still-warm buns, and then at the light reflected off Fu Jingchen's focused profile through his glasses, Liu Li felt a slight relaxation in the tension that had gripped her. She picked up a bun and took a bite. The taste was ordinary, but it soothed her empty stomach and heart.

"What is the new standard number?" She swallowed the food in her mouth, picked up her pen, and immediately got to work.

“GB/t ......” Fu Jingchen fluently recited the standard number, while turning to another page of the list, “And this…”

In the office, only the rustling of papers, the scribbling of pens, and the occasional hushed conversations between the two remained. Fu Jingchen wasn't a member of the preparatory team, but thanks to his solid theoretical foundation and familiarity with the factory, he could always pinpoint omissions or inaccuracies in the materials and offer suggestions for revision. He didn't replace Liu Li's work; instead, he acted as a precise proofreader and think tank, making her arduous checking and revision work much more efficient.

It was late at night, and all was quiet outside the window. When Liu Li signed her name on the last document and breathed a long sigh of relief, she noticed that Fu Jingchen had somehow prepared two cups of strong tea and was sitting quietly beside her, reading a foreign technical journal and waiting for her.

"All done?" he asked, putting down the journal.

"Mm." Liu Li nodded, her exhaustion mixed with the relief of having completed her task. "Thanks to you today."

Fu Jingchen shook his head and stood up: "It's my duty. Let's go, I'll take you back to your dorm."

The two packed their things, turned off the lights, and walked side by side into the quiet factory area. The cool moonlight cast long shadows on the road. They didn't say anything more about work, nor did they mention Zhao Weiguo or any outside disturbances. But an unspoken understanding and support flowed slowly in the quiet night, more powerful than any words.

Liu Li knew that while she was giving it her all and facing challenges, Fu Jingchen chose to stand with her in the same trench, using his expertise to help her identify and address any weaknesses and strengthen her defenses. This sense of security from fighting side by side touched her heart far more deeply than any "relaxation invitation" detached from the real difficulties.