Now that the information was out, ZAFT decided not to hide it anymore and directly announced it in the news.
[Director He Breaks Technological Barriers, Successfully Develops Miniaturized Beam Weapons and High-Energy Pulse Cannons]
[Focusing on technology, our country's research field has always been at the forefront globally, and today, we have made another significant breakthrough. Director He Kui of the Hailan Design Bureau's beam weapons group, leading his team through relentless efforts, has successfully developed key research including previously miniaturized beam weapons and high-energy pulse cannons. This achievement marks a solid step in our country's laser and pulse weaponry fields. At the same time, Director He, along with Director Hanifus, is also an experienced elite pilot, recently at the Gibraltar base...]
"That's amazing! Director He, you're now a hero," Suli teased while pointing at the news report on the screen in the radar group's office.
"They're just looking to attract attention right now. The war has mostly stalled, so I'm just some material to keep the grassroots enthusiastic."
Watching the TV report, He Kui still didn't feel much of a sense of reality.
However, he had indeed become a war hero with a reputation comparable to that of Creuset.
Much like Creuset's first battle, to maintain public enthusiasm for the war, they needed a hero, and He Kui's emergence perfectly aligned with the Zala faction's needs.
"It's good you understand that."
Suli's voice trailed off as she spoke.
"I was ambushed at Gibraltar Base," He Kui admitted.
"Why are you telling me this?!"
Suli jumped from the director's chair and quickly covered He Kui's mouth with her hand.
The soft touch of her palm on his lips made He Kui instinctively flick his tongue against her palm.
He could feel the delicate lines on Suli's palm, and her soft skin felt like the finest steak.
It made him want to indulge further.
Perhaps it was because he had indulged in too many good things, but before he could think further, his head was playfully slapped by the hand that had been covering his mouth.
It wasn't hard—just a playful tap.
"I'm being serious, you... what are you doing!"
Suli's cheeks flushed a rosy pink, blending shyness with allure.
"You could guess it even if I didn't say it, right?"
He Kui chuckled.
Everyone said he was afraid of death, so how could anyone believe he would charge into enemy lines so recklessly, especially into the heart of enemy territory?
"Aren't you afraid I'll tell Lacus?"
The Clyne faction could certainly use this to create chaos.
It could even damage the Zala faction's reputation to some extent.
"Because I trust you, Suli."
In truth, it wasn't just about trust. Even if Lacus found out, she probably wouldn't expose him.
Exposing it would push him directly to the opposing side. It wasn't that he was too important, but as long as he was still a negotiable asset, they wouldn't act against him.
Moreover, it wouldn't severely damage the Zala faction, as the Defense Council had plenty of excuses to deflect.
**[Suli's Favorability: 128]**
Seeing the favorability quietly rise, He Kui smiled.
"Don't come complaining to me if you suffer later."
Suli rolled her eyes at He Kui, who was still grinning, and continued to caution him.
"And Lacus definitely suspects something. Be careful not to slip up."
"Isn't that what Director Su is for?"
"Hmph, I won't always help you. Maybe one day when I can't stand you, I'll report you."
"Don't say that. I've prepared something nice for you."
He Kui placed a food box in front of Suli.
"What's this?" Suli smirked, asking.
"Desert specialty, Mexican burritos."
Although it took some time to bring them up, thanks to advanced preservation techniques, they retained their original flavor.
"That's not what I wanted to eat," Suli internally grumbled.
"Is something wrong?"
Seeing Suli not responding, He Kui asked, his eyes clear and innocent. Suli stomped her foot.
"Nothing! Just leave it here!"
"Oh, and also..."
He Kui stood up in front of the young woman and embraced her soft form tightly.
"I'm back safely. Thank you for the charm."
"It's just a charm," Suli responded, but she returned He Kui's embrace, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist as if trying to meld him into her being.
Her cheek rested against He Kui's chest, listening to the robust rhythm of his heartbeat, filling her heart with warmth and reassurance.
The scent of He Kui filled her senses, bringing a satisfied smile to her lips as she nuzzled her slightly chubby cheek against the rough texture of his uniform.
Although the promised 2 million from Gibraltar hadn't arrived yet, the consolation and research completion rewards had.
A week off and an 800,000 bonus—a very generous reward indeed.
He Kui didn't hesitate to spend it, ordering a lot of second-hand parts through the scrap merchants' guild online.
Buying thirty sets of materials for the three small animals, Haro, and the transport machine cost around 200,000 in total. The remaining money he didn't touch, considering he could only make two a day, and the 800,000 would last him a long time. Besides, material prices had risen about 20% since he started, so it wasn't the right time to buy in bulk.
With financial leeway, he could consider investing in a mining company. But investments were tricky—200,000 wasn't much for big companies, and small companies didn't interest him.
Today, while unloading several Haros from the delivery truck in Residential Area A, He Kui saw the boss of the scrap merchants' guild get out of the courier vehicle.
His face was more enthusiastic than ever.
"Director He, long time no see!"
The boss extended his hand warmly.
"Hello."
He Kui smiled, shaking hands briefly before releasing.
"Why did the boss come personally?"
"I heard it was your order, Director He. Couldn't rest easy, so I came along."
"Sorry to trouble you to come personally."
"Haha, you're welcome. I also came to congratulate you personally, Director He. With your successful research, your future is limitless."
The boss's eyes crinkled in delight as he spoke.
"Thank you for your kind words."
He Kui wasn't overly humble but returned the smile graciously.
At that moment, the boss leaned in and spoke softly.
"With the front lines easing, we have more time to salvage materials. So if you're planning to buy more, it might be worth waiting a couple of days. Also, regarding the mining companies you asked me to watch, we don't have much information, but we brought what we could find. I heard there's been less movement from Blue Cosmos lately, but it might just be the calm before the storm. Be careful, Director He."
"Thank you."
Hearing "storm," He Kui nodded gravely.
If they couldn't confront him directly, who knew if they would resort to terrorism in PLANT—Blue Cosmos was a terrorist organization, after all.
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