The mechanical research institute relented, but getting the bearings would still require going through many procedures. Back then, transferring materials between state-owned units wasn't as simple as just paying money; you needed a letter of introduction, someone's signature, and even personal connections—you couldn't skip any of these steps.

Director Zhao personally took the lead, carrying a letter of introduction stamped with the factory's red seal, and rode in the factory's old GAZ jeep straight to the research institute. Accompanying him was Old Zhang from the purchasing department, a seasoned veteran who understood all the intricacies of the business.

On the bus, Director Zhao stroked the letter of introduction, his brow furrowed: "Old Zhang, when we get there, be humble and explain our difficulties clearly, but don't seem too hasty, or we'll be easily manipulated. The key is to be quick, we can't drag it out."

Old Zhang nodded: "Don't worry, Director. I know Section Chief Wang from the Equipment Department of the Research Institute. I've met him at a meeting before. I'll talk to him first."

In the workshop, although everyone knew the bearings were available, no one was truly confident until they actually received them. Liu Li was busy, working alongside Lao Li to clean the disassembled parts, soaking them in kerosene and meticulously scrubbing them with fine brushes, leaving no stone unturned, even the metal shavings in the gear teeth. She also arranged the sealant and new lubricant needed for reassembly, and neatly arranged the tools according to their order of use.

"Xiao Liu, your attention to detail is even better than the old mechanics," Old Li couldn't help but praise as he watched her busy at work.

Liu Li smiled, but her eyes kept glancing at the phone in the workshop office—she was worried because there was no news from Director Zhao. Suddenly, she thought of Fu Jingchen; the technical department people definitely knew about bearings and might be able to offer some installation advice.

She ran to the office to make a call, and Fu Jingchen answered. "Mr. Fu, this is Liu Li. We've found a B-grade bearing and wanted to ask if there are any special precautions to take during installation?"

“Grade B precision is higher than Grade C, and the requirements for the spindle journal are more stringent.” Fu Jingchen’s voice came through the phone, clear and organized. “Your spindle journal had some scratches before, so you need to use a dial indicator to check the roundness again to make sure there are no problems. When installing, don’t use a hammer to knock it hard; it’s best to use a special socket to press it down. Also, the grease must be clean and free of impurities.”

"I understand, thank you, Engineer Fu!" Liu Li hung up the phone, immediately found a dial indicator, and retested the spindle journal. The data was all within the acceptable range, which made her feel more at ease.

It was almost noon, and there was still no news from Director Zhao. Discussions began again in the workshop; some said, "What if the research institute changed its mind again?" Others sighed, "If we can't get it back, the order is really off." Liu Li was also getting anxious, and her work slowed down considerably.

Just then, the office phone rang! The clerk picked up the phone, listened for a few moments, and jumped up: "Director Zhao! The bearings have arrived! They've made an exception, Section Chief Wang signed it off directly, and Director Zhao is on his way back!"

"Great!" The workshop erupted in cheers. The young workers shouted, and the older workers nodded with smiles, finally relieved.

Forty minutes later, the old GAZ jeep chugged into the factory area. Director Zhao and Lao Zhang got out of the car. Director Zhao was holding a dark blue cardboard box in his hands, handling it carefully, as if it were a precious treasure.

"Got it! Grade B precision, the dimensions are perfect!" Director Zhao walked into the workshop, placed the box on the workbench covered with cotton yarn, his voice trembling slightly—both anxious and happy.

Old Li eagerly opened the box. Inside, nestled in foam plastic, was a new set of bearings, gleaming brightly, their raceways so shiny they reflected light. Compared to the old, broken bearing, it was a world of difference. Old Li put on white cotton gloves, took out the bearings, and examined them against the light: "Wow, the precision, the craftsmanship—it's far superior to Grade C!"

Liu Li also went over to take a look. The model and precision were correct, and there was no problem with the appearance. She was completely relieved.

"Old Li, Liu Li," Director Zhao clapped his hands to quiet everyone down, "The bearings have arrived! Now it's up to you guys to reassemble and test them! Are you confident you can get this old lathe up and running before you leave work today?"

"Yes!" Old Li, Liu Li, and several mechanics shouted in unison, their voices deafening. After waiting and preparing for so long, they had finally reached the last step. Everyone's eyes were filled with energy, and all the previous fatigue seemed to have vanished at once.

Liu Li flexed her fingers, looked at the new bearing and the cleaned parts, and took a deep breath—the hardest hurdle was over; now it was just a matter of putting the parts back together one by one, ensuring precision. It was going to be a tough battle, but she was confident.

The workshop lights shone on the metal parts, making them gleam. A group of people surrounded the lathe, their eyes full of determination—today, they were determined to get this old machine running again.