The repaired C620 lathe started turning again, and the "humming" sound in the workshop in the early morning was particularly reassuring—no longer the previous hoarse sound, but a powerful and rhythmic roar, like a giant having a heartbeat again.

"Director Zhao, all equipment parameters are normal, spindle temperature is stable, and vibration is lower than the standard value!" Old Li said in a clear voice, holding the test report, his eyes full of admiration as he looked at Liu Li.

"Great! Excellent!" Director Zhao slapped his thigh, walked a few steps to the lathe, and touched the still warm bed frame as if it were an old friend. "Liu Li, Master Wang, and everyone else, thank you for your hard work! We've finally saved this export order!" He turned to look at Liu Li, his eyes full of approval. "Little Liu, you've done a great job this time!"

A round of applause erupted from the crowd. Zhang Shulan rushed over and grabbed Liu Li's arm, shaking her so much she almost lost her balance: "Lili! Did you hear that! Even the director praised you! You're amazing!"

Liu Li blushed slightly and quickly said, "Director, this is not my achievement alone. It's thanks to Master Wang's excellent teaching, the help of the mechanics in the machine repair team, and Engineer Fu's many suggestions."

She didn't take credit for herself, but shared the credit with everyone. This attitude made even the older workers, who were initially a little resentful, nod in approval—this girl is not only skilled, but also has a genuine character.

Master Wang stood to the side, still looking serious, but a slight upturn at the corners of his mouth. He said to Director Zhao, "The machine is fine now, let's get production started."

"Yes! Production is the priority!" Director Zhao immediately gave the order. "All work teams, get to your positions! Old Zhou, this lathe is yours, make sure the quality is guaranteed!"

Old Zhou, a level-five lathe operator with extensive experience, spun a small part, measured it with calipers, and said with a smile, "Hey! This precision is even better than before it broke! Liu Li, your craftsmanship is truly exceptional!"

After these words were spoken, no one doubted Liu Li's abilities anymore.

As soon as the day shift workers arrived, news of the emergency repairs done in the early morning spread—how Liu Li diagnosed the fault, how she disassembled the bearing, how she found spare parts, and finally how she adjusted the precision, even down to the smallest detail of "one and a half" or "one thread." Everyone's gaze towards Liu Li changed completely; the previous skepticism vanished, replaced by admiration, and even a touch of awe.

When she went to the tool room to get a knife, Master Wu struck up a conversation with her and even picked out the sharpest alloy knife for her; while washing her hands, a female worker she didn't recognize greeted her with a smile; at lunchtime in the canteen, the auntie serving the food scooped out two extra slices of pork belly for her—these subtle changes warmed Liu Li's heart.

Zhang Shulan, holding a lunchbox, came closer and whispered, "Lily, you're quite the star in the factory now! I heard from the old master that you're Master Wang's last apprentice, and he taught you all his real skills!"

Liu Li smiled and put a piece of pork belly on her plate: "Don't talk nonsense, I just did what I was supposed to do. Eat up, we still have work to do this afternoon."

"Keep pretending!" Zhang Shulan ate the meat with relish, then lowered her voice, "But seriously, after this incident, who would dare to speak ill of you? That Sun Peng really brought it on himself!"

Liu Li felt a bit conflicted when Sun Peng was mentioned. She didn't like to highlight herself by relying on other people's mistakes, but she also knew that some things couldn't be avoided in the workshop.

In the afternoon, a notice was posted on the workshop bulletin board: Sun Peng's violation of regulations caused an equipment accident, he was given a major demerit, his monthly bonus and quarterly allowance were deducted, and he was transferred to the sand cleaning team in the foundry workshop—the most tiring and dirtiest place in the factory, where you have to deal with sand and molten iron every day.

A crowd gathered in front of the announcement, most of them feeling he deserved it—Sun Peng was known for his cunning, lack of technical skills, and tendency to cause trouble; this time he almost delayed the order, so the punishment was entirely justified. Some sighed, saying he used to have connections, but now they were all gone.

Liu Li glanced at the announcement but didn't linger. She knew that in the workshop, skills and a sense of responsibility were the foundation for success; going astray would inevitably lead to failure.

Just before leaving get off work, Director Zhao called her into his office. The office was very simple, with just an old desk and a production schedule hanging on the wall. Director Zhao poured her a glass of water and said in a kind tone, "Xiao Liu, sit down, don't be nervous."

Liu Li sat down, holding the enamel mug in both hands.

"I called you here today to thank you on behalf of the workshop." Director Zhao said earnestly, "It's not just that you fixed the machine, but more importantly, you showed everyone the dedication and responsibility of a young person. Old Wang has praised you to me several times, saying that you are calm and steady. I used to think that he favored his apprentice, but now it seems that he was right."

Liu Li quickly said, "Director, you flatter me."

"No need for compliments." Director Zhao waved his hand and leaned forward. "The workshop leaders have discussed it, and although you're still an apprentice, your skills are evident to everyone, so they're planning to promote you to a permanent position ahead of schedule. In addition, you'll be learning more from the equipment operators and Lao Wang about the daily inspections and first-level maintenance of the workshop equipment. What do you think?"

Early promotion! Participation in equipment management!

Liu Li felt a surge of excitement – ​​becoming a permanent employee meant a raise, and more importantly, it meant the factory officially recognized her; participating in equipment management and learning more technical skills was an opportunity she had always dreamed of.

Suppressing her excitement, she looked up and said, "Thank you, Director! I will definitely study hard and work hard to live up to your trust!"

"Great!" Director Zhao smiled with satisfaction. "I will communicate with the Labor and Wages Department and the Equipment Department about the specifics. Just focus on your work. You'll have more responsibilities in the future."

As Liu Li stepped out of the office, the setting sun streamed through the workshop's high windows, casting a warm glow on the machine tools. She walked to the C620 lathe and gently touched its bed—this machine had witnessed her perseverance and growth, and had helped her truly establish herself in the workshop.

She turned around and saw Master Wang talking to the old master not far away. As if sensing her gaze, Master Wang turned his head and nodded slightly to her.

Liu Li smiled too. She knew new challenges lay ahead, but now she was confident she could handle every test. The machines in the workshop were quiet, but the "roar" in her heart had only just begun.