The initial excitement of the skills competition gradually faded, and Liu Li knew perfectly well that honors were in the past; the work on her hands was what mattered. Early the next morning, as usual, she arrived at the workshop early to change into her work clothes and wiped the C616 lathe with cotton yarn. The smell of machine oil filled her nostrils, and touching the cool metal guide rails gave her a sense of peace. When Master Wang came in and saw her, he didn't say anything, just nodded slightly, and went to check the other machines. This silent recognition was more reassuring to Liu Li than any praise.

But things didn't go smoothly. Around nine o'clock in the morning, Director Zhao came to the workshop with someone—it was Section Chief Chen from the personnel department, who wore glasses and carried a brown paper document bag under his arm; everyone in the factory recognized him.

"Liu Li, come here for a moment." Director Zhao beckoned to her with a smile, unlike his usual serious demeanor.

The noise from the machines in the workshop gradually subsided, and the workers all looked over here—it was the first time that someone from the personnel department had come to the workshop in person to find an apprentice.

Liu Li put down the cotton yarn and walked over: "Director Zhao, Section Chief Chen."

Section Chief Chen pushed up his glasses, looked her up and down, and said with a smile, "Comrade Liu Li, congratulations on your excellent performance in the skills competition, bringing honor to the factory! Based on your performance and your usual work ethic, the factory has decided to make an exception and promote you to a permanent position ahead of schedule!"

The moment these words were spoken, the workshop erupted in chaos:

"My God! He's only been working at the factory for a short time and he's already a full-time employee?"

"You haven't even finished your apprenticeship yet, have you? This is skipping a grade!"

"From now on, I'm a permanent employee, and I've got a secure job!"

Back then, apprentices had to wait a certain amount of time to become full-fledged workers, so Liu Li's "exception" surprised everyone. Section Chief Chen opened the file bag, took out an official document, and read aloud: "Red Star Machinery Factory document, Red Machine Personnel No. [1973] xx... Apprentice Liu Li, after joining the factory, has been hardworking and diligent, with outstanding skills. In this competition, she won second place in fitter and third place in lathe operation, demonstrating excellent performance... It has been decided that, starting today, her apprenticeship will end early, and she will be promoted to first-class worker!"

After reading the document, Section Chief Chen handed over two more forms: "Fill out these 'Employee Registration Form' and 'Probationary Period Completion and Grade Determination Form,' and make sure to record the details of your family members and social relationships."

Liu Li held the pen, her hand trembling slightly—this was the form for her official employment! When she filled in the "salary level" column, Section Chief Chen said from the side, "Write 'Level 1 worker' here, monthly salary 38.5 yuan."

38.5 yuan! Liu Li paused for a moment—her apprenticeship only paid 18 yuan before, this was almost double! At this point, that money was enough to support half her family, and she could even save some to buy books and clothes. More importantly, this was the factory's "price" for her skills.

Although her coworkers didn't hear the exact number, they all knew the salary of a first-class worker. They looked at her with a mixture of envy and admiration, and some even whispered, "This girl really rose to the top in one step."

Director Zhao urged her, "Fill it out quickly, and then go to the finance department to complete the formalities. Your salary relationship will also be transferred."

After filling out the form, Liu Li washed her hands and walked towards the factory building with the form in her pocket. The sunshine felt warm on her skin, and even the dirt road that usually felt rough on her feet felt light and easy to walk on.

Section Chief Li from the Finance Department was already waiting. When she arrived, he smiled and took out a dark blue hard leather pay bag and a small red booklet: "Comrade Liu Li, congratulations! This is the 'Employee Pay Handbook.' Fill it out and stamp it. You'll need it to receive your salary from now on." He then handed her several coupons and vouchers, "These are this month's grain coupons, oil coupons, and industrial vouchers. They're issued according to the standards for first-level workers, which is much more than for apprentices. You'd better keep them safe."

Liu Li accepted the pay bag, the little red book, and the vouchers with both hands, feeling a sense of security—these weren't just pieces of paper, but proof that she had established herself here!

"Thank you, Section Chief Li!"

"Keep up the good work, young lady, you've got potential!" Section Chief Li waved his hand with a smile.

After leaving the finance department, Liu Li went to the Xinhua Bookstore outlet in the factory and used the industrial coupons she had just received and her spare change to buy a copy of "Mechanical Design Handbook" and "Metal Technology"—now that she had been promoted, she needed to learn more skills, and these books would be helpful.

When she returned to the workshop, everyone knew she had finished her business. Zhang Shulan was the first to rush over, snatching the pay bag and book from her hands: "Hey! Our Xiaoli is now a first-class master craftswoman! 38.5 yuan! She has to treat us to candy!"

Li Weidong also came over and smiled憨厚ly: "If you have any technical problems in the future, you must teach us more."

"Sister Shulan, Brother Dong, please stop teasing me. I still have to learn from my master and everyone else." Liu Li said a little embarrassed.

She glanced at Master Wang, who was grinding parts, seemingly oblivious to the commotion. But Liu Li noticed that his work was even more steady, and the corners of his mouth seemed to be secretly turning up slightly.

When the bell rang to signal the end of the workday, Liu Li waited until almost everyone had left before approaching Master Wang and saying, "Master, I... I've been promoted to a permanent position."

Master Wang stopped what he was doing, wiped his hands with cotton yarn, and looked at her: "Okay, I understand. Once you're officially hired, you'll be a full-fledged worker. You can't slack off on your work, you have to remember the rules, and the responsibilities will be even greater."

“I understand, Master.” Liu Li nodded and then held up the newly bought books. “I bought two books because I want to learn more.”

Master Wang glanced at the book, his smile widening slightly: "As long as it doesn't get out of control. Starting tomorrow, you'll be helping me debug that new universal milling machine."

Liu Li was overjoyed—her master was about to teach her more advanced techniques! "Thank you, Master!"

"I'm off, off work." Master Wang slung his tool bag over his shoulder and walked away without looking back.

Liu Li, carrying her pay purse and workbook, and slung her tool bag over her shoulder, headed home. The setting sun cast a long shadow, and compared to the flustered figure she had when she first entered the factory, her steps were now steady. Being promoted to a permanent position and having her salary doubled wasn't the end; it was a new beginning for her to work hard here. She glanced back at the factory area, her heart filled with energy—from now on, she would rely on her skills to pave her way, step by step; that was the right path.