Gu Mingyue chimed in, "Yes, Lu Lin has no problem getting up early, so you guys shouldn't work too hard."

Qi Juanjuan insisted, "Hey, we're all from the same compound, no need to be so polite! We're going to buy some too, it won't take up two extra seats. Don't worry, I'll definitely save some fresh beef ribs for you tomorrow, they're the best for stewing!"

After saying that, the two chatted with them for a few more minutes with a smile before turning to leave.

The next day, just as dawn was breaking, Lu Lin left home with the money in his pocket.

The streets were quiet, with only early-rising sparrows chirping on the branches. Dew dampened my trouser legs, carrying a slightly cool, damp feeling.

When he arrived at the entrance of the military canteen, he saw Qi Juanjuan sitting on a small stool in the distance, waving at him.

"Lu Lin, you're finally here!" Qi Juanjuan stood up and pointed to the seat next to her. "I've saved it for you. There are only three people left ahead of us. It'll be our turn soon."

Qin Lie followed up with a smile and added, "I just asked the chef, and the beef ribs today are especially fresh. They were all cut this morning, and the fat and lean meat are just right."

Lu Lin quickly thanked them, and as soon as he stood still, the line moved forward.

When it was their turn, the chef swiftly sliced ​​off the bright red beef, which was then weighed, bagged, and kept fresh.

He turned to Qi Juanjuan and said, "Go back and have Mingyue make some soup. I'll bring you a bowl this afternoon to try!"

Qi Juanjuan waved her hand and laughed, "No need, no need, you can keep it to nourish your bodies!"

Lu Lin carried in fresh beef ribs, and Gu Mingyue had already prepared a clay pot.

Cut the meat, blanch it, add ginger slices and scallion segments, simmer over low heat for a short time, and the rich aroma of beef will fill the whole yard.

She ladled out a large bowl, sprinkled it with bright green scallions, and handed it to Lu Lin: "Juanjuan helped queue up early this morning, so she should try this soup. Also, send some to Qinghe's family."

Not long after Lu Lin delivered the two bowls of beef soup, the courtyard gate was gently pushed open.

Qi Juanjuan walked in carrying a plate of freshly fried sugar cakes, the aroma of oil mixed with sweetness filling the courtyard.

"Mingyue, here's some freshly fried sugar cake for you to try. Your beef soup is so delicious, Xingyi drank two bowls and still said he wanted more."

As soon as she finished speaking, Xia Qinghe came in carrying a small bamboo basket containing several snow-white steamed buns.

"I steamed these doughs this morning; they're more substantial than the ones you buy outside. Keep them for breakfast. Your beef soup is really authentic."

Gu Mingyue greeted them with a smile and led them into the courtyard: "You're too kind. It's just a bowl of soup, yet you're making a special trip to return the favor."

Qi Juanjuan waved her hand: "Isn't this how neighbors should be? You help me, I help you, it's so lively."

Xia Qinghe chimed in, "Exactly."

Gu Mingyue was puzzled as she handed in the clothes a week later without receiving any news when she heard Zhao Xiulan's voice coming from the courtyard gate.

She walked in with a smile, her gaze sweeping over the finished garments on the table. She asked with a laugh, "Mingyue, did you receive the factory's notification? It's about that garment-making competition. Did you make it to the finals?"

Gu Mingyue continued her needlework, looked up, smiled, and shook her head: "Not yet, I guess it'll have to wait another two days."

Zhao Xiulan sat down on the stone bench, picked up a piece of scrap cloth next to her and twisted it, and couldn't help but complain: "Why is it so difficult to get things done in this factory! I went to ask the mailroom a few days ago, and they said there was no news. I've been worrying about it every day."

She paused, then leaned closer: "Do you think it's possible that the judges were chosen early on but they just didn't tell anyone? I had several aunties give me pointers on how to make my dress, and the stitches are much finer than before."

Gu Mingyue finished sewing and tied a knot: "It shouldn't be. Let's wait and see. Maybe we'll hear something tomorrow."

Although Zhao Xiulan was anxious, seeing how calm she was, she was unconsciously inspired and her heart was at ease.

The small conference room in the garment factory.

The long table was packed with people at both ends: the factory manager, the master craftsmen from the technical department, and several experienced tailors, each with a neatly folded garment laid out in front of them for the competition.

The atmosphere was as heavy as lead; no one spoke, only the faint sound of fingertips rubbing against fabric.

Finally, Master Zhang, who was sitting in the middle, couldn't hold back any longer. He put the evaluation form in his hand on the table and broke the silence: "In my opinion, there is no need to discuss it anymore. There is only one candidate ahead of us, and one of them is Gu Mingyue."

As soon as these words were spoken, some people immediately nodded in agreement.

"Master Zhang, yours is good too."

Section Chief Li, standing nearby, picked up two garments from Gu Mingyue. “Her designs are truly thoughtful. The neckline of the maternity wear is designed to reflect the changes in the body during pregnancy; the drawstring cuffs and large pockets of the work clothes directly address the needs of workers, making them practical and down-to-earth.”

Another experienced craftsman chimed in, "Shen Qingqing's is also quite good. She made a dress from floral fabric brought from Shanghai. The style is fashionable, and the stitching is fine."

But when it comes to thoughtfulness, Gu Mingyue's design is superior. Isn't this the kind of practical, comfortable design that our factory needs for its competitions?

No one responded except for Xiao Liu, who sat next to the director. He was the director's "lackey" and always followed him around, so he knew exactly what was going on.

He had just caught a glimpse of the director secretly tugging at Master Zhang's sleeve and slipping him a note, presumably to plead for Shen Qingqing.

After all, everyone knows that Shen Qingqing is the director's niece. This competition was just a formality, and she only made it to the finals because of her relative's connections.

Xiao Liu lowered his head and ticked the evaluation form, muttering to himself: On the surface, Gu Mingyue and Shen Qingqing are listed together, but only a few people know the real story behind it.

When we go out later, we have to pretend we don't know anything and join everyone in saying, "Both of you are excellent."

The factory manager tapped his fingertips on the table and glanced at everyone: "Since everyone's opinions are similar, let's select a few more people to enter the finals, making a total of five for the second round of interviews. Send the word out and tell them to prepare. The factory will publicly announce the final rankings in three days."

Three days later, the garment factory gave everyone a half-day off, and the spacious factory yard was already packed with people.

A long display stand was placed in the center, surrounded by workers and their families who were watching the spectacle. Even the aunties from the nearby villages came over and stood on tiptoe to peek at the stand.

Gu Mingyue and Shen Qingqing arrived one after the other, each carrying neatly folded clothes.

As soon as Gu Mingyue placed the work clothes on the table, she heard someone in the crowd shout, "Isn't that Gu Mingyue from the family compound? I've seen the clothes she makes; they're really good."

Someone nearby immediately chimed in, "I've heard that too. I heard that many people in the residential compound have their clothes made by her."

Hearing the discussion, Shen Qingqing quietly moved her floral dress closer to the center of the display stand, then turned to Xiao Liu beside her and said, "When the judges ask about it later, you have to put in a good word for me."

Xiao Li nodded quickly, but his eyes glanced at the director not far away. The director was standing next to the judging panel, occasionally whispering something to Master Zhang.

Lu Lin squeezed to the front of the crowd and saw Gu Mingyue look up. He immediately gave her a "good luck" gesture.

Gu Mingyue smiled, her fingertips brushing over the fine stitches on her work clothes, feeling very at ease.

Regardless of the outcome, she is already very satisfied that so many people have seen her design.