My first direct encounter with Xianhe was while filming a video on spot welding. We didn't know each other then—our only connection was that we had perhaps seen each other around. Still, we chatted about the spot welder as we filmed, discussing how long it takes to weld an IGBT module and whether my presence was disrupting her work. It was a pleasant interaction. Later, while reviewing the footage, I stumbled upon this candid photo and found it utterly captivating. From a photographer's perspective, it was a beautiful human-interest shot brimming with warmth. I immediately decided to interview this colleague whose smile had drawn me in, eager to hear the story behind such radiance.
The formal interview took place right at her workstation; she continued working as we talked. I hadn't insisted on a separate sit-down session. During the previous video shoot, I had noticed that although the spot welder automates the welding process, it cannot replace modules on its own. This "simple machine" still relies entirely on human operation, and this interview format allowed us both to remain completely at ease.
I don't know if your impression of construction sites is like mine—a place dominated by men doing heavy manual labor. Yet Xianhe began working in such environments in her twenties, moving from one site to another. For the sake of her livelihood and family, she took on all kinds of tasks and exerted every kind of effort. But Xianhe was still young, with years ahead to strive for more. Merely trading physical labor at construction sites made her feel anxious and unfulfilled as time slipped away. So in 2019, she resolutely left that life behind, joined Xixing Technology, and embraced the unfamiliar challenge of soldering work.
She started by learning to solder through-hole components before progressing confidently to surface-mount devices. At first, her hands trembled so much she feared damaging circuit boards, compromising product quality, and delaying deliveries. While others rested, she stayed at her station practicing until her hands steadied and she could keep pace with standard production speeds. I half-joked that she was incredibly tough on herself and should take breaks to preserve her energy. She replied that she dared not rest—she was determined to master the skill as quickly as possible because no one would wait for her. Indeed, who waits for someone falling behind? Only by striving to catch up can you avoid being left behind. After all, when society decides to move on without you, it doesn't even say goodbye.
I had initially assumed Xianhe might be somewhat introverted and worried she'd be shy. Instead, her talkativeness and cheerful nature delighted me. The interview didn't follow my planned outline at all—I eventually set aside my notes entirely, and we simply conversed back and forth naturally. This petite woman is already a mother of two. She feels helpless at times over her children's rebellious phases and saddened that she cannot always be by their side. She does everything she can to provide good material conditions for them and guide them toward their studies—in these moments, she is simply an ordinary mother. When talking about her kids, Yang Xianhe became even more animated. Perhaps it's a mother's reflex: if you ever run out of conversation starters, try asking about children.
Xianhe embodies the defining traits of independent women in this era. She shoulders significant family responsibilities yet remains self-reliant and never defined solely by domestic roles. She is disciplined and purposeful at work, and courageous enough to embrace new challenges. Whether in her career or personal life, Xianhe possesses a tenacious refusal to give in. She yearns for a career that keeps moving forward, cherishes the state of striving, and radiates confidence and optimism. No matter what position you hold, independence combined with the courage to venture into the unknown will always lead you to unexpected opportunities.
