The autumn wind was blowing hard, and most of the leaves on the old locust tree in the factory had fallen, leaving only a few withered yellow leaves hanging on the branches. But it was still very hot in the workshop, with the machines humming and the smell of machine oil mixed with the smell of metal filings filling the whole room, just like summer.
Liu Li had just finished a meeting of the precision engineering QC team. The team decided to solve the problem of "high scrap rate in connecting rod milling"—this was the most troublesome task at the moment. Zhang Shulan patted her chest and said she would go to collect data from the front line, Fu Jingchen helped analyze the theoretical reasons, and Liu Li listed the data collection table and analysis steps clearly.
"Then everyone will follow the division of labor this week, and we'll meet again next Wednesday." Liu Li closed her notebook, looking a little tired, but her eyes were shining. Being able to solve the old problems in the workshop with modern methods gave her a burst of energy.
Fu Jingchen was tidying up the blueprints when he leaned over and whispered, "Your thinking is quite clear. If you keep at it, you'll definitely succeed."
Just then, the factory's loudspeaker suddenly crackled to life—normally there would be no announcements at this time, and the workers all stopped what they were doing and looked up at the loudspeaker.
"All staff members, broadcasting an important factory notice!" The voice of the propaganda officer, Yu, rang out, loud and energetic, "In response to the call to 'intensively practice basic skills and improve technical levels,' the Municipal Machinery Industry Bureau will hold a citywide skills competition for young workers on the 15th of next month! The competition will cover turning, fitting, milling, grinding, and forging. Each factory should select skilled workers under the age of 35 to participate!"
The moment those words were spoken, the workshop erupted in a buzz—a skills competition! And it was a city-wide one!
"The whole city? That's a huge event!"
"I heard that there are certificates and prizes for winning a prize, but I don't know what kind of prizes they are?"
"The most important thing is that I can get a promotion! If I can win an award, I'll have a better chance of being recognized as an advanced worker and getting a raise in the future!"
"Our factory definitely needs to send someone, but I wonder who will be selected..."
The young workers were incredibly excited, whispering among themselves, their faces full of anticipation. Liu Li's heart was pounding too—this was a great opportunity to test her skills, and perhaps even change the current situation. She gripped the wrench tightly, her knuckles turning white.
Fu Jingchen walked to her side: "This is a rare opportunity. You have a solid foundation, so you should give it a try."
Liu Li had just nodded when she saw Director Zhao and Master Wang walk out of the office, both looking quite serious. Director Zhao stood in the middle of the workshop and clapped his hands: "Quiet down, everyone! The city-wide skills competition is a big deal, and our factory must bring glory! The factory leaders said that we must select the most skilled young technicians! The specific number hasn't been decided yet, but there's one condition—it's all about ability! Young workers who want to sign up, please register with your team leader or me in the next couple of days!"
After saying that, Director Zhao went back to his office, and the workshop became even more lively. Zhang Shulan grabbed Liu Li's arm: "Lili, you definitely have to sign up! You're now one of the best in our workshop!"
Liu Li smiled but didn't say anything. She turned to look at Master Wang—the old master was squatting beside the lathe inspecting parts, seemingly oblivious to the commotion around him. But Liu Li knew that the master definitely knew what was going on.
During the afternoon break, Master Wang, carrying an enamel mug, strolled over to Liu Li's lathe. Liu Li had just finished measuring the dimensions of a part, and Master Wang asked, "How are the dimensions?"
"It's not bad for official business," Liu Li quickly replied.
Master Wang grunted in agreement, glanced at her neatly tidied workbench, and nodded: "Did you listen to the broadcast?"
"Yes, Master."
Want to give it a try?
Liu Li took a deep breath: "Yes."
Master Wang remained expressionless, took a sip of tea, and said, "The competition is different from our usual work. There are more rules and more pressure. With so many people watching from below the stage, it tests not only your skills but also your intelligence."
“I know, Master.” Liu Li nodded seriously—she had experienced the college entrance examination and seen big scenes, so she understood the ins and outs of “competition” better than the average young worker.
"In our workshop, we estimate there will be one spot each for lathe operators and fitters," Master Wang said slowly. "There are quite a few people who want to sign up. For fitters, Li Weidong and Zhang Pangzi's apprentices are both vying for the position; and for lathe operators, several senior apprentices at the second and third level won't be idle either."
Liu Li pondered in her heart—she studied to be a fitter, and although she could also operate a lathe, she still preferred fitter work in terms of job type, but the competition was indeed fierce.
"Don't overthink it." Master Wang saw through her thoughts. "Do your job well and practice what you need to practice. Don't leave first after get off work tonight."
Liu Li felt a surge of warmth in her heart—her master was going to give her special tutoring!
The get off work bell rang, and most of the workers had left, leaving the workshop quiet. Liu Li walked to Master Wang's fitter's bench and saw a smooth, standard flat plate, a frame level, and several shiny angle blocks.
Master Wang changed into an old set of work clothes, the cuffs of which were worn white. He didn't say much, but pointed to something and said, "No matter what the competition tests, basic measurement is the most crucial. If you're even slightly off, you're finished. We'll practice this today."
He placed the level on the flat surface, centered the bubble, and had Liu Li remember its position. Then he gently pressed down on a corner of the flat surface, causing the bubble to shift slightly: "Can you see it? How much off?"
Liu Li looked closely and gave an estimated value. Master Wang didn't say whether it was right or wrong, and then used an angle block to piece together an angle: "Measure it with an angle ruler, accurate to the minute."
Liu Li picked up the angle ruler, repeatedly aligned and read the value before reporting the result. Master Wang nodded: "Your eyesight is okay, but you need to practice your hand to be steady. From now on, come and practice for half an hour every day after get off work, using a flat plate, level, and micrometer in rotation, until you engrave the word 'accuracy' in your hands and remember it in your heart."
"Understood, Master!" Liu Li quickly replied.
Darkness fell outside the window, and the streetlights came on, casting a dim, yellowish glow over the workshop. Liu Li picked up the cold, standard-sized training board and began practicing—she knew the competition had begun, and the road ahead would be difficult, but she wasn't afraid.
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