The conference room erupted in chaos as soon as the chief engineer finished speaking.

"Nonsense!" Senior Engineer Chen, with graying hair and extensive experience in the equipment department, was the first to slam his hand on the table, his face flushed, his finger almost pointing at Liu Li. "This young girl is spouting nonsense! It's true that the mechanical-electrical interlocking device is a precision component, but its reliability is extremely high. How could it possibly malfunction so easily? Just because of a little oil stain and a few strange noises, she thinks she can lead everyone astray? Does she know how troublesome it is to disassemble that part? What if it's not a problem there after disassembly? Who will be responsible for the time wasted and the secondary damage caused?!"

His questioning represented the sentiments of a considerable number of conservative, experienced craftsmen. Immediately, others echoed his views:

"Engineer Chen is right! That thing is inside, so it's time-consuming and laborious to disassemble, and we'll have to recalibrate and adjust it!"

"We've spent half our lives repairing machine tools. Aren't the main drive and feed systems more likely to malfunction than that damn interlock device?"

"It's understandable that young people want to perform well, but they can't joke around with production targets!"

The doubts, like a cold tide, instantly overwhelmed Liu Li. She felt her cheeks burning, but her back straightened even more. She had expected this.

“Engineer Chen, fellow veterans,” Liu Li’s voice remained calm as she tried to suppress the turmoil in her heart, “I understand your concerns. Precisely because it is intricate and complex to disassemble, our previous investigations may have subconsciously avoided it. But please consider this: have we ruled out all the more common possibilities? Can all the current indications be perfectly explained by a core failure in the main drive or feed system?”

She paused, her gaze sweeping over everyone: "Especially that rhythmic 'clunking' sound, it sounds very much like a mechanism with a periodic movement getting stuck. And the interlocking device is precisely one of the components that moves periodically with the reciprocating motion of the workbench. I think this should not be easily overlooked."

"That's just sophistry!" Old Chen's anger hadn't subsided. "Judging by sound? That's too subjective! Oil stains? Which old piece of equipment doesn't have some oil stains!"

The atmosphere in the meeting room became tense and confrontational once again. Those who supported Liu Li's ideas (mainly young technicians and some workshop cadres who had witnessed her abilities) dared not speak up easily, while those who opposed her were aggressive, relying on their seniority and experience.

Just then, a deep, steady voice rang out, not loud, but instantly drowning out all the noise.

"I think Liu Li is right."

Master Wang Jianguo stood up from the chair in the corner. He was usually a man of few words, but when he spoke, all eyes were on him. This eighth-grade fitter, a technical expert in the factory, wielded considerable influence.

“Repairing machines can’t be done by just relying on experience and assumptions.” Master Wang’s gaze slowly swept over Old Chen and the others. “You have to pay attention to the ‘pulse’. The ‘pulse’ she’s pointing out now—the location of the oil stains, the direction of the scratches, the rhythm of the sound—can be connected and point to one place. This is much more organized than us guessing randomly here and there.”

He looked at the chief engineer and Director Zhao: "I agree to investigate this area first. If any problems arise, I, Lao Wang, will share the responsibility with her."

“Master Wang…” Liu Li’s heart warmed, and her nose tingled. This unreserved trust was more precious and warmer than any honor.

Almost simultaneously, Fu Jingchen also stepped forward, holding the sketch he had just quickly drawn: "Chief Engineer, Director Zhao, from the perspective of system control principles, Liu Li's judgment is logical. The failure of the interlock device could very well have caused the phenomenon she described. I support her analysis."

Seeing this scene, workshop foreman Zhao Dahai, with Wang's strong support, Fu's theoretical backing, and Liu Li's proven abilities time and again, made up his mind. He took a deep breath and said to the chief engineer, "Chief Engineer, although Comrade Liu Li is young, her ability and sense of responsibility are evident to everyone in our workshop. Wang's judgment is also sound. Time is of the essence now, and I agree to concentrate our efforts and prioritize investigating the areas she pointed out!"

The power of trust began to coalesce, forming a balance of power with skepticism.

The chief engineer's gaze swept between the supporters and opponents. Finally, he gave Liu Li a deep look, his eyes filled with scrutiny, weighing of options, and a hint of desperate resolve.

"Alright!" He raised his hand to stop Old Chen, who still wanted to speak. "The debate ends here. Master Wang, Director Zhao, and Engineer Fu have all expressed their opinions. I believe their judgment, and I believe even more in the facts."

His gaze fell on Liu Li, filled with an unprecedentedly heavy expectation: "Comrade Liu Li, let's proceed according to your plan. You are the core of the technology, and you are also in charge of on-site command! The mechanics team and the electricians team, give your full cooperation! I need you to give me a clear answer in the shortest possible time!"

The pressure, as if it were a physical weight, suddenly pressed down on Liu Li's shoulders. But this time, she wasn't facing it alone. Meeting the heavy engineer's gaze, she nodded firmly: "Yes! I guarantee the mission will be completed!"