Liu Li had been clutching Secretary He's phone number in her hand for several days when she finally walked into the project team's quiet phone room during a lunch break.
As the dial tone sounded, she could hear her heart pounding slightly. The call connected, and Secretary He's professional voice came through the other end: "Hello, who is this?"
"Hello, Secretary He, this is Liu Li." She cleared her throat, trying to make her voice sound steady. "I have thought it through regarding the transfer you mentioned last time."
There was a moment of silence on the other end of the phone, as if they were waiting.
“I am very grateful to the Ministry and Director Han for their high regard,” Liu Li said slowly but clearly, “but I think I might be more suited to stay in a place where production and technological research and development are more closely integrated.”
Secretary He's voice remained polite, but with a hint of inquiry: "Comrade Liu Li, could you tell me your specific thoughts? This is indeed a very rare opportunity, one that many comrades would love to have."
Liu Li gripped the microphone tightly, organizing her thoughts: "I understand this is a great opportunity. But I've worked my way up from the factory floor, I'm used to working on the front lines, used to solving specific technical problems. I'm afraid that if I'm asked to do technical follow-up and macro-level promotion, my practical experience won't be solid enough, and I'll be unable to make a difference, thus failing to live up to the leaders' expectations."
She paused, her voice becoming more resolute: "I think my strength lies in turning ideas into concrete processes and solving specific production problems. Staying in the factory, or like now in the project team, working with machine tools, blueprints, and other colleagues who are working together to tackle these challenges, makes me feel... more fulfilled and at ease."
She didn't mention Master Wang's letter, nor did she mention any specific plans for the future, only speaking from her own feelings and understanding. There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone before Secretary He spoke, her tone carrying a barely perceptible hint of regret: "Okay, Comrade Liu Li, I understand. The department respects the personal choices and development aspirations of every technical staff member. I will truthfully report your thoughts and decisions to the Director. I also hope that you will continue to cultivate your skills on the path you have chosen and achieve even greater success."
"Thank you for your understanding, Secretary He." Liu Li breathed a sigh of relief and hung up the phone. Her palms were slightly sweaty, but she felt as if a huge weight had been lifted from her heart, experiencing an unprecedented sense of ease and certainty.
Somehow, the news spread like wildfire through the project team. The reactions were far more complex than she had anticipated.
"What? She refused? She didn't even want the opportunity to go to the ministry?" someone exclaimed in the break room, finding it unbelievable.
"That Liu Li from the Red Star Factory, she's really arrogant, she doesn't even look down on the ministry?" This was a sour speculation.
"I think she's stupid! So many people are desperate to go to Beijing but can't, and she's pushing away an opportunity that's right in front of her!" This is pure incomprehension.
The atmosphere within the group was also subtle. Zhou Wei approached her, his expression complex, a mixture of regret and admiration: "Liu Li, to be honest, I admire you. It's not easy to be so clear about what you want and dare to stick to it."
Sun Mei's attitude also changed noticeably. The slight sense of distance she had shown before disappeared, and she spoke much more frankly: "To be honest, if it were me, I might not be able to refuse so decisively. You're someone who knows what's going on."
Even team leader Chen Siyuan, in a private conversation, unusually spoke a few more words: "Many people may not understand your decision. But in technical work, sometimes you really do need a bit of 'foolishness' and 'stubbornness.' Knowing what you're suited for and what you want is more important than blindly pursuing so-called 'high platforms.'" His words carried the understanding and approval of someone with experience.
When Fu Jingchen found out, he just smiled knowingly and squeezed her hand tightly: "That's good. Feeling at ease is better than anything else."
Despite the various discussions, Liu Li remained remarkably calm. She continued her routine of running around the workshop, organizing data, and participating in discussions. The misunderstandings and doubts seemed to fade into the background. She knew in her heart that this choice had meant giving up what outsiders saw as a "shortcut," but it had allowed her to safeguard what she valued most—the fertile ground where she could create and solve real-world problems with her own hands.
This decision, which seemed somewhat "foolish" to outsiders, was like a silent declaration, leading those around her to a new understanding of Liu Li amidst surprise, confusion, and even admiration—she was not a young person who would be blinded by fame and opportunity; she possessed extraordinary clarity and perseverance regarding her technical path.
Amidst the cacophony of opinions, her footing unexpectedly took deeper root. Through her choice, she clearly defined her position—a technical worker rooted in practice, dedicated to solving real problems.
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