A series of hurried footsteps echoed down the corridor.
Liu Lu suddenly looked up and saw her daughter, Liu Bei, running towards her anxiously.
"Mom, are you alright? I heard..." Liu Bei gasped for breath, hesitating to speak.
Liu Lu forced a smile and patted her daughter's head: "It's okay, don't worry."
However, things were far more serious than Liu Lu had imagined.
Rumors spread rapidly through the factory like a virus.
Some say she obtained her promotion through improper means, some say she has a chaotic private life, and some even say she plagiarized other people's ideas.
Various versions of rumors have emerged, embellishing and exaggerating, portraying Liu Lu as a morally corrupt and wicked woman.
Her colleagues' gazes changed, shifting from admiration and friendliness to suspicion and disdain.
Walking through the factory, Liu Lu could clearly feel the pointing and whispering.
She felt as if she were in a giant vortex, suffocated by invisible pressure.
Liu Lu's mood plummeted.
She couldn't understand why she was being treated so unfairly when she had worked so diligently and never done anything against her conscience.
Just because she is too outstanding and is in the way of some people, does she deserve to be maliciously slandered like this?
What chilled Liu Lu even more was that her competitors, A and B, not only did not stop spreading rumors, but intensified their efforts.
They tried to win over other contestants, attempting to isolate Liu Lu and cause her to fail completely in the selection process.
Liu Lu gripped the USB drive tightly, a resolute glint in her eyes.
She will not admit defeat, nor will she let them succeed!
She wants to fight back and make those who spread rumors pay the price!
However, she did not choose to defend herself directly, but instead silently collected evidence and waited for the best opportunity to fight back.
The day before the official selection, the factory organized an exchange meeting for the participants.
Liu Lu took a deep breath and slowly walked into the conference room.
All eyes were on her, some with curiosity, some with suspicion, and some with schadenfreude.
Liu Lu looked around, a meaningful smile appearing on her lips.
"Everyone," she cleared her throat, her tone calm and firm, "I think there are some things that need to be clarified..." She paused, her gaze falling on the faces of competitors A and B, "especially regarding certain people..." Liu Lu did not directly address the rumors, but instead inserted the USB drive into the projector, where her project's complete planning proposal appeared on the screen.
Instead of offering much explanation for the baseless accusations, she confidently began to explain her project, from market analysis to technological innovation, from cost control to future development, demonstrating her deep understanding and precise grasp of the project in every detail.
Competitors A and B initially wore smiles of amusement, but as Liu Lu explained, their expressions gradually turned ugly.
Liu Lu's project was far more complete and mature than they had imagined, and many of its innovative aspects were things they had never thought of.
They initially thought Liu Lu was just lucky or had used some underhanded means, but now they realize that her abilities far surpass theirs.
In the audience, Liu Bei clenched her fists tightly, her eyes filled with admiration and trust for her mother.
Liu Lu would occasionally glance at her daughter, Liu Bei's gaze giving her immense strength.
She continued her explanation with even greater determination, her voice clear and powerful, each word resounding and forceful, as if carrying an irresistible power.
As the explanation went on, the audience gradually became attracted to Liu Lu's project. They began to think seriously, ask questions, and engage in a lively discussion with Liu Lu.
The initial doubt and disdain that filled the meeting room gradually dissipated, replaced by respect and admiration.
Competitor A couldn't help but whisper to competitor B, "It seems we both underestimated her."
Yi's face turned ashen, and he remained silent.
He knew that their meticulously planned conspiracy had completely failed.
After Liu Lu finished her explanation, the entire audience burst into enthusiastic applause.
Old Zhou stood up excitedly, walked up to Liu Lu, and grasped her hand tightly: "Comrade Liu Lu, your project is outstanding, and I have high hopes for you!"
Factory Director Wang also came over and patted Liu Lu's hand: "Liu Lu, you have not let me down. I believe you will definitely succeed!"
Liu Lu smiled, her eyes sparkling with confidence.
She knew she had won the battle, but the real victory was yet to come.
After the exchange meeting, Liu Lu and Liu Bei walked home together.
Liu Bei said excitedly, "Mom, you're amazing! I believe you can win the championship!"
Liu Lu smiled and patted her daughter's head, then suddenly stopped, looked ahead, and said meaningfully, "Beibei, look..." The afterglow of the setting sun shone on the main road of the factory area, casting long shadows of the mother and daughter.
Liu Lu pointed to the bright red congratulatory notice posted on the bulletin board in front of her, which read in bold letters, "Warmly congratulate Comrade Liu Lu on winning first place in the innovation project competition!"
Liu Bei jumped up excitedly and hugged Liu Lu tightly: "Mom, you did it! You really did it!"
The atmosphere was extremely tense on the day of the official selection.
Liu Lu calmly and confidently walked onto the stage and spoke eloquently, showcasing the project's advantages and innovations to the fullest extent.
Her fluent presentation, professional analysis, and clear plan for the project's future development won unanimous praise from the judges.
Old Zhou nodded repeatedly, his eyes full of appreciation; Director Wang also showed a gratified smile.
On the other hand, competitors A and B, perhaps because they were guilty of previous rumors, or perhaps because they were eager to win back their losses, made many mistakes in their performance.
A's explanation was halting and illogical. Under the judges' persistent questioning, he broke out in a cold sweat and struggled to make sense of his own words.
Yi attempted to smear Liu Lu again, implying that her project was suspected of plagiarism. However, after Liu Lu presented conclusive evidence, his lies were exposed, and he ended up in an embarrassing situation.
Ultimately, the result was no surprise; Liu Lu won the championship with an absolute advantage.
Flashbulbs went off incessantly, and applause thundered.
Standing on the podium, holding the heavy trophy, Liu Lu was overwhelmed with emotion.
She recalled the challenges and doubts she faced when she first came to the factory, the people who had slandered and defamed her, and her daughter's expectant eyes. A warm feeling welled up in her heart.
She took a deep breath, looked firmly at the audience, and smiled confidently.
After the awards ceremony, Liu Lu was surrounded as she walked out of the venue.
Factory Director Wang strode up to her, extended his hand, and said excitedly, "Comrade Liu Lu, congratulations! Your achievements..."
Before Liu Lu could respond, a sharp voice suddenly rang out from the crowd: "Wait!" A short, stout woman with a fierce face pushed through the crowd and pointed at Liu Lu's nose, cursing: "You shameless woman, how dare you..." Liu Bei was so frightened that she hid behind Liu Lu and tightly grabbed her clothes.
Liu Lu frowned slightly, looked coldly at the newcomer, and asked in a deep voice, "Who are you? What do you want?" The woman put her hands on her hips and said arrogantly, "I am..." She paused, a hint of malice flashing in her eyes, "I am your ex-husband's current wife!"
Liu Lu's expression changed...
At the awards ceremony, the spotlight was focused on the center of the stage.
Factory Director Wang and Mr. Zhou personally went on stage to present Liu Lu with the weighty trophy and certificate.
Liu Lu accepted the trophy, her excitement beyond words.
She bowed deeply to express her gratitude to Director Wang and Mr. Zhou for their continued support and encouragement, and for their trust and affirmation.
Her voice was slightly choked with emotion, and her sincere feelings touched everyone present, resulting in thunderous and prolonged applause.
"Comrade Liu Lu, your achievements belong not only to yourself, but also to our entire factory!" Director Wang excitedly shook Liu Lu's hand, his tone filled with pride and expectation.
Old Zhou nodded approvingly: "Young people, work hard, the future belongs to you!"
Liu Lu's award is undoubtedly well-deserved.
She proved her worth through her own strength and hard work, and won everyone's respect.
However, success is not the end, but a new beginning.
After winning the championship, Liu Lu will face new opportunities and challenges.
At the celebration banquet, toasts were exchanged and the atmosphere was lively and festive.
Liu Lu raised her wine glass and toasted her colleagues one by one, thanking them for their support and help.
However, at that moment, a discordant voice shattered the peaceful atmosphere of the banquet.
"Hey, isn't this our champion Liu Lu? Congratulations!" A sarcastic voice came from the crowd.
Liu Lu looked in the direction of the sound and saw a woman dressed in a flamboyant manner walking over, swaying her slender waist.
She wore heavy makeup, and her eyes were full of provocation and disdain.
"Who are you?" Liu Lu frowned slightly, having no recollection of this woman.
“I’m your ex-husband’s current wife. You can call me Lisa.” The woman smiled contemptuously, her tone full of smugness. “I heard you’ve been doing quite well lately. You’ve really changed a lot in just a few days.”
Lisa's appearance made Liu Lu feel slightly displeased.
She didn't want any entanglement with this woman and just wanted to end this boring conversation as soon as possible.
However, Lisa doesn't seem to intend to give up so easily.
"I heard you won the championship, that's really impressive," Lisa said sarcastically. "But I heard you used to..."
Before Lisa could finish speaking, Liu Lu coldly interrupted her: "Miss Lisa, if you're just here to congratulate me, I accept your kindness. But if you want to say something irrelevant, I'm afraid I won't keep you company."
Liu Lu's tone was firm and cold, and Lisa's expression changed slightly.
She hadn't expected Liu Lu to be so assertive, and was momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond.
Just then, Director Wang walked over, patted Liu Lu on the shoulder, and said, "Liu Lu, the new project is your responsibility. Come to my office tomorrow morning." He glanced at Lisa, a hint of displeasure flashing in his eyes, "As for this lady, if there's nothing else, please leave. We don't welcome uninvited guests here."
Lisa's face turned pale and then red. She glared at Liu Lu fiercely before turning and leaving.
As Liu Lu watched Lisa's departing figure, a faint unease crept into her heart.
The appearance of this woman seems to foreshadow a new challenge to come...
She took a deep breath, turned to Director Wang, and said, "Director Wang, I will be at your office on time tomorrow."
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