Rumors are like metal dust in a factory; they drift everywhere, impossible to grasp yet choking you.
Liu Li remained silent. She didn't argue with Sun Peng, nor did she explain to anyone about discussing technology with Fu Jingchen—saying anything at this point would be useless and might even be twisted into more hurtful things. She poured all her grievances and frustration into the unfinished cube in her hands. The workbench was her support, the file was her strength, and that small lump of iron was the tough bone she had to gnaw through.
She arrived earlier and left later, practically living at her workbench except for meals and drinks. She polished every surface with an oilstone until it shone, repeatedly checked with a square, and searched for even the smallest gaps under the light, leaving no room for carelessness.
Her silence and meticulousness gradually took effect. The experienced workers who had previously harbored reservations about her after hearing the rumors began to understand her attitude as they watched her work so diligently—in the machining workshop, skill and attitude were the most important things.
Master Wang noticed everything. He still didn't talk much, but he checked her progress more often. He no longer just stood far away; sometimes he would pick up the cube, hold it up to the light for a long time, and then point with his finger: "Scrape off a fraction of a sliver here."
This almost picky guidance actually made Liu Li feel at ease—her mentor didn't abandon her because of the rumors, and was still teaching her real skills.
That afternoon, Liu Li finished sanding the last edge with fine sandpaper, wiped the cube clean with cotton yarn dipped in kerosene, took a deep breath, and placed it on Master Wang's table: "Master, I'm done."
Master Wang put down the scraper and turned around. He didn't pick up the cube first, but looked at Liu Li first—she had faint dark circles under her eyes, but her eyes were very bright. She wasn't nervous or showing off; she just waited quietly for the examination.
He nodded and picked up the cube.
The workshop seemed to quiet down a bit. The machines were still running, but several experienced workers nearby slowed down their work and secretly glanced over. Sun Peng also stopped chatting and craning his neck to look.
Master Wang first examined the cube visually, then slowly ran his fingers over each face and edge. Next, he picked up a ruler with a sharp edge, placed the blade against the cube, and carefully moved it, squinting as he searched for the light gaps. One face, two faces… he checked all six faces, but his face remained expressionless.
Next, use a right-angle ruler to check the perpendicularity, and finally take out a well-maintained, shiny lever dial indicator from the tool cabinet and attach it to the standard plate—this is a precision instrument that can read out specific errors.
He placed the cube on the flat surface and moved it slowly, his eyes fixed on the clock hands. The surroundings were so quiet you could hear breathing; everyone knew this was the most crucial moment.
Liu Li clenched her fists, her heart pounding – she was confident in her work, but the outcome was still uncertain.
Master Wang checked each surface, recorded the data, and then verified the verticality using a square box and feeler gauge. This whole process took almost twenty minutes.
Finally, he put down his measuring tools, looked up at Liu Li, and the hard lines on his face seemed to soften a little. He handed the cube to Liu Li: "The best flatness is less than two mils, and the worst is three and a half mils; the perpendicularity is all within four mils."
He paused, his voice not loud, but clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Overall, it's better than Wu Si's requirements."
Then, he looked at Liu Li, his eyes showing clear approval for the first time: "She's calm, steady, and willing to use her brain; she's got the makings of a technical professional."
The surrounding area erupted in excitement—superior to Wu Si! Hand-filed! A mere apprentice who'd only been at the factory for less than a month? And he even received praise from Master Wang!
Several experienced craftsmen quickly came over, taking turns examining the cube and using a square to check it, constantly praising, "Old Wang, your apprentice is really good!" "This work is beautifully done, solidly!" "Young lady, well done!"
These words were like a warm breeze, instantly easing the tightness in Liu Li's heart. She took the cube, clutching it in her hand; even the cold iron seemed to have warmed. She looked at Master Wang, her voice trembling slightly, "Thank you, Master!"
Master Wang waved his hand, turned around and walked to a bench drill, patted the machine bed: "Start learning drilling and tapping tomorrow. First, memorize the operating procedures."
This meant she was going to be taught how to use the equipment! Liu Li felt a surge of warmth and loudly replied, "Yes, Master!"
Sun Peng stood to the side, his face alternating between pale and flushed. Looking at Liu Li, who was being praised by the experienced craftsmen, and then at the gleaming cube, he realized how far he was from Liu Li's level. Those little tricks were utterly worthless in the face of true skill. He turned away dejectedly, no longer looking.
When she got back to the dorm, Zhang Shulan had already heard about it and rushed over to hug her: "Lili! You're amazing! Even Master Wang praised you! Let's see how Sun Peng can act all cocky now!"
Liu Li smiled, feeling extremely relieved. She knew that, through her own efforts, she had finally overcome this hurdle and truly established herself in the workshop.
But she also knew that this was just the beginning. Drilling and tapping were more complex and dangerous. The rumors might have subsided for now, but the envy and challenges would certainly remain.
She picked up the cube and looked at it against the light—each face was so flat it could reflect a shadow, with sharp edges, as if to say that persistence and focus really can make things happen.
The road ahead is long, but right now, Liu Li is full of confidence.
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