The clamor of the steel factory gradually faded, leaving only scattered lights dotting the pitch-black factory grounds.
Xu Weidong was a little tipsy, his steps unsteady as he walked. Yet he stubbornly kept his arm around Ji Xiaosong's shoulder, as if afraid she would wander off.
Ji Xiaosong supported him, murmuring, "Slow down, don't fall!" But she couldn't stop the corners of her mouth from turning up.
Back home, Xu Weidong plopped down on the edge of the bed. He stared blankly at the enamel mug on the table, then suddenly broke into a grin. "Xiaosong, we won the first battle."
Ji Xiaosong poured a glass of warm water and handed it to him, deliberately teasing, "Won what? Country M's steel is still better than ours."
Xu Weidong tilted his head back and gulped down the water, his Adam's apple bobbing. His eyes, however, were exceptionally clear. "But we've found the path."
