The day after the terrorist attack, He Kui found himself in the deputy director's office.
"We have everything under control regarding the attack, Director He. No need to worry," Erin said with a friendly smile.
"Our intelligence team had received information indicating that Blue Cosmos was hiding here, but we hadn't located their exact position. We feared that prolonged inaction might endanger the city's safety, so we prepared a decoy to lure Blue Cosmos out."
"So, my decoy didn't even make it to the entrance before getting hit?"
"No, it was hit before it even got out."
He Kui smirked slightly. They couldn't even wait a few meters; they were so eager to eliminate him.
"What about my decoy? Is it alright?"
"It managed to dodge just in time, but still suffered 36% skin burns from the explosion."
"As long as it's alright."
This is PLANT, where medical technology is top-notch. A 36% burn would require time in a healing chamber, but full recovery is highly probable.
"Thanks to the intelligence team, we've managed to trace Blue Cosmos' hideout from subtle clues, so it should be safe for now."
"And what about the progress on the shield system?"
"This is our current progress."
He Kui smoothly sent the data to the deputy director's computer.
Seeing the completed large-scale shield system test data, Erin smiled with satisfaction.
"The award ceremony will be held in Aprilius City the day after tomorrow, and we'll need to depart early tomorrow evening. We've arranged accommodation and a guide for you."
It wasn't hard for He Kui to guess why they were so eager to find Blue Cosmos. It was to ensure his safety for the award ceremony.
Otherwise, if a war hero, a ZAFT hero, were to be hit by a car upon leaving, without even leaving a complete body, who would dare to serve ZAFT in the future? They might as well surrender.
But why was the deputy director winking at him as if she was saying something?
Never mind, as long as it's safe.
The next day, with the AI Haro still in development, He Kui brought his four old Haro units and embarked on his first journey to the PLANT capital.
As soon as he boarded the shuttle and saw the guide Erin had mentioned, he instantly understood her winking gesture.
Before him stood a young woman with fair skin, beautiful features, and long legs. Her blue eyes and waterfall-like hair shimmered with a golden hue under the lights.
"Director He, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'm Elsa, one of the staff for the award ceremony."
The young woman warmly extended her hand.
"Hello, Miss Elsa."
He Kui, expressionless, extended his hand and lightly grasped a few of her fingers before quickly letting go.
"A little token for our first meeting."
He Kui handed over an original B-grade Haro. These were his go-to gifts for testing purposes, as they were simple to make and didn't raise suspicion.
He had given one to Aisha when leaving Tashue, but there was no reaction.
"Thank you!"
Elsa's radiant smile as she accepted the Haro seemed genuine.
"No need. I'll get back to work now."
Seeing no new text in the virtual frame, He Kui wasn't surprised. Although the system seemed random, there appeared to be a pattern, and there wasn't much he could do about it.
He Kui was at ease, having done everything he could.
But Elsa, observing He Kui immediately take a seat and pull out his computer, was left puzzled.
Wasn't he supposed to be interested in women? What was going on?
Seeing him more interested in work than her, Elsa was frustrated.
If she could get close to him, her family's business with the Zala faction would benefit greatly.
But the problem was, He Kui was giving her no opportunity.
"Um, Director He~"
The young woman's voice was soft and coquettish.
"Sorry, I'm quite busy with work."
He Kui's computer continued to run Haro's AI.
Even if there was any interest, He Kui would be cautious.
Elsa was likely a Zala faction member.
And unlike Shi He, being used by the Zala faction suggested strong loyalty.
Approaching him with a clear purpose, he couldn't afford to keep her around.
"Alright."
Seeing He Kui engrossed in his work, Elsa had no choice but to concede.
Later, He Kui smoothly arrived at the port of Aprilius City.
Looking down from the high-altitude elevator, Aprilius City's orderly layout shone brightly under the starlit night, far more dazzling than the somewhat chaotic center of May City.
Even the residential area resembling a slum near the central zone had more people than May City, exuding a harmonious and peaceful atmosphere.
The colonies were similarly arranged, but the capital was undeniably more prosperous.
The high-speed elevator didn't give He Kui much time to observe. With a pleasant chime, the technologically advanced docking station revealed a striking young woman with pink hair appearing before him.
"Director He, long time no see."
Lacus bowed slightly, her graceful movement and gentle voice unforgettable, her charm more potent than ever.
"Miss Lacus, what brings you here?"
"I heard you were coming, so I came to see you."
Lacus playfully blinked, her fluttering lashes adding to her adorable charm.
Despite the contradiction between elegance and playfulness, it blended seamlessly.
"We probably won't have a chance to talk tomorrow, so congratulations in advance on receiving the Star Shine Medal."
"Thank you."
"Though I'd like to chat more, it's late, so perhaps another time."
Lacus gave a meaningful glance at the young woman following He Kui with downcast eyes.
"Alright."
With Zala faction members present, it wasn't wise to say much.
Before long, back in the car, Lacus watched the familiar scenery retreating through the window, analyzing her thoughts.
"It seems the Zala faction's beauty trap didn't work."
The girl's frustrated expression was apparent to Lacus.
"This means we need to change our approach. Fortunately, there's a mining project, and there's Suli…"
She was asked not to pursue the Gibraltar incident.
Lacus had her own theories about Gibraltar.
He Kui's internal reputation was fairly established.
Having interacted with him even before the Zala faction, Lacus didn't believe He Kui would charge in recklessly. He likely escaped an assassination attempt.
But she hadn't planned to pursue it, taking the opportunity to gain favor. The question remained whether Suli could still be used.
She was one of the few who became a director at the Hailan Design Bureau. If He Kui manag
ed to win her over with charm, it would be a significant loss.
And when did Red's strength become apparent?
Perhaps He Kui still had many hidden depths.
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