I've been in this workshop for over twelve years. Over that time, I've noticed something interesting.
A lot of people at the factory dress sharp during the day—clean uniforms, proper shoes, everything tidy. But when lunch break comes, something changes. They switch into old socks. Not worn-out ones with holes—just soft ones. Socks that have been washed so many times they feel like they've molded to your feet.
One of my coworkers put it well: "Wearing them is like putting on slippers in the middle of the day."
I asked around, and almost everyone said the same thing. Work is tough on your feet. You're stepping on pedals all morning. New socks can be too tight—they make your feet feel more tired by lunch. At lunch, you switch to an old pair that's been washed soft, and your feet can finally relax.
People who make socks understand better than anyone what feet actually need. It's not about the most expensive pair. It's about the right pair for the right moment. Now when I recommend socks to clients, I always ask: "What are you doing in these?" Because the answer changes everything.
We never let issues sit overnight. A few of us—Old Zheng, me, Gu Qichi—meet briefly every day. Samples, client feedback, production updates. We go over everything in person. No delays. No passing things around.