"How did the anti-beam shield tests go yesterday?"
The next day, outside the May City Music Hall, Su Lei asked curiously.
"Well, it can be considered a success."
The final live simulation test barely met the theoretical requirements, but due to multiple maintenance sessions, the shield's strength had significantly decreased.
Although he had left the shield on the experimental ZGMF-1017 GINN in his group, its durability was probably only slightly better than that of the first-generation shields.
He might make a small profit, but the design bureau and the Defense Council would never suffer losses.
"What about the bonus?"
"One hundred thousand, while the others get ten thousand."
Does that sound like a lot? It seems so, but considering his expenses, it's about that.
"Then let's go."
Su Lei said as she swiped her wristband at the security checkpoint, smoothly entering the concert venue.
Inside, posters of Lacus adorned the walls, and many fans were taking pictures with her life-sized cutouts.
People of all ages gathered, demonstrating Lacus's charm transcended all demographics.
"There are so many fans."
He Kui exclaimed, gazing at the large screen in the foyer.
It was playing Lacus's new single "Proof of Water."
Her voice was filled with an angelic purity and gentleness, evoking a sense of endless tranquility and happiness.
The clear, bright notes fell softly like droplets on a crystal lake.
Each note sparkled like stars in the night sky, shining with warm light, deeply touching the heart.
"Is this your first time hearing it?"
"No."
It was just the first time in this world. He wasn't sure if it was the world's enhancement or if this was the true Lacus; her voice seemed to reach the deepest tenderness within him.
No wonder Lacus had such popularity—even he, who had firmly decided against joining the Klein faction, felt a momentary wavering.
"You seem captivated."
Su Lei said, her delicate hand slipping around He Kui's arm.
"Today, my special privilege lets us go backstage."
Before He Kui could ask, Su Lei tugged him along toward the stage's backstage area.
There, Lacus was speaking to some staff while holding a microphone.
Upon seeing Su Lei, she wrapped up her conversation and approached them.
"You made it!"
"Director He, welcome! Congratulations on your recent achievements with the anti-beam shield; I hope it will reduce casualties on the front line."
"This is our hope."
He Kui responded, pulling a rose out of his sleeve as if performing a magic trick and handing it to Lacus.
"I wish you all the best today."
"Ah~"
Lacus accepted the rose with a hint of surprise and smiled.
"You didn't pick this outside, did you?"
"Pfft."
Hearing this, Su Lei couldn't help but laugh.
"Not at all."
Seeing his favorability with Lacus rise from 0 to 2, He Kui felt the earlier awkwardness fade away.
It was a small victory, but it felt significant.
However, he wondered what had caused this shift. Was it because she had just joked about him?
That seemed a bit too calculating.
While pondering Lacus's possible ulterior motives, she continued, "This is the first time Director He has given me something other than handcrafted items. I'll treasure it."
"But I did really like the previous eagles and owls, and among them, the Haro you gave me during my first visit to May City holds the most sentimental value."
"Haro? I didn't give you a Haro on your last visit, Miss Lacus."
He Kui said, confused, while internally chuckling.
How long ago was that? The fact that she still remembered was a bit frightening, but he didn't regret it.
If PLANT had lost 240,000 people, their lives would surely have been even more difficult.
If PLANT had turned into a revenge machine for the greater good, they wouldn't have even had the right to refuse.
"Is that so?"
Not receiving the response she desired, Lacus blinked and silently gazed at He Kui.
"Um, Miss Lacus, what are your thoughts on asteroid mining?"
"Asteroid mining? I'm just an idol, Director He."
For some reason, Lacus's smile gave He Kui the impression that she was playfully evading his question.
"The thing is, I have some ideas regarding the optimization of small MS for asteroid mining."
He Kui spoke directly.
Just an idol?
Gossip on the internet suggested otherwise; he had heard they had connections with several private mining companies.
The rumors about the Klein faction and those companies, while not directly affiliated, certainly hinted at a complex relationship.
Of course, this gossip was akin to urban legends within PLANT.
Regardless, the Klein faction had money, that much was true.
"Small MS?"
"Yes. If you could invest in my research, the returns would definitely be guaranteed!"
He Kui nodded earnestly.
"If you can introduce new technologies to improve mining efficiency, it would be beneficial for the people of PLANT and the world."
He was still thinking about cutting costs and perhaps even getting materials for free. Lacus telling him it would benefit the whole world felt a bit exaggerated.
But as long as Lacus could agree, that was good enough.
So, not knowing how the world might turn out, He Kui nodded for his own high costs.
"It would definitely be a good thing for the world!"
With this, he felt a firm resolve.
"In that case, Su Lei, please take a look at this."
Thinking He Kui had come to solicit sponsors, Lacus, her curiosity piqued, casually glanced at the materials He Kui provided, not fully understanding them. She handed them to Su Lei.
As she did, she leaned in closer to whisper something in Su Lei's ear, causing the girl's cheeks to flush again.
"What did Lacus just say to you?"
Seeing Su Lei's cheeks gradually losing their redness, He Kui asked curiously.
"Nothing!"
"But you, how did you come to ask Miss Lacus for sponsorship?"
Su Lei shot He Kui a playful glare.
"I need the funds. The Defense Council is being stingy with even the anti-beam shield project; without Lacus's backing, I won't be able to finish it."
Developing something without funding is impossible. This wasn't like the anti-beam shield, where the theory was already formed in his mind.
Researching optimal designs for a miniaturized MS would require many trials and tests.
It's not like modifying a Haro; throwing in ten thousand wouldn't even make a splash.
Moreover, as the director of the Hailan Design Bureau, seeking foreign investment was impossible. Thinking it through, the only faction that could provide support was the Klein faction.
"So, have you secured any sponsorship?"
He Kui asked nervously.
"I still need to review it, but... as long as it looks promising, it should be fine. Of course, the exact funding amount will need negotiation, so don't get too excited!"
What Lacus had just said was not what she had conveyed to He Kui; she had actually hinted that if it seemed like a loss, she might as well use this opportunity to draw up a betting agreement to invest in him, effectively "buying" He Kui.
What kind of nonsense was that? She absolutely wasn't that kind of person!
"Thank you!"
Upon hearing this, the weight on He Kui's heart lifted, and a bright smile broke out.
"I said not to get too excited!"
Su Lei placed her hands on her hips, pouting playfully.
"I know, I know, I won't be too happy."
"Hmph!"
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