After returning from November City, He Kui dedicated more time to researching the light shield, making pleasing progress.
Waking up in bed, the first thing He Kui saw was the virtual frame in front of him.
**[Shi He Hanifs Favorability: 146]**
**[Experience Bonus: 7]**
**[Microcomponent Processing A-Level: (48894/100000)]**
**[Academic: Monophasic Wave Shield System (18623/30000)]**
With a total requirement of 30,000 for the light shield, he was close to 20,000 now.
As his knowledge increased, the miniaturization of the light shield was steadily improving.
Just as a smile appeared on He Kui's face, Shi He, nestled in his arms, opened her eyes.
Refreshed and blooming like a flower, Shi He murmured coquettishly, "Up so soon?"
"Got to get to work."
Patting the tight curve of her buttocks, He Kui got up without waiting for Shi He to respond.
Perhaps it was the long-missed relaxation, but their intimate time yesterday was particularly prolonged, with Shi He surprisingly proactive.
If not for their Coordinator physiques, he doubted he could get up now.
"Mm~"
Shi He sat up, stretching languidly, her graceful curves on full display.
In the kitchen, He Kui took out reheated buns and milk.
Though it seemed like an ordinary breakfast, compared to synthetic meals and later porridge, these two items felt quite luxurious now.
Soon, Shi He emerged from the room.
Seeing He Kui bustling in the kitchen, she flashed a cute smile.
"Why aren't you wearing shoes?"
He Kui noticed Shi He standing barefoot on the floor as he placed the buns on the table.
"I won't catch a cold that easily, plus, don't you like it, He Kui~?"
Her teasing words brought to mind their new play from yesterday, causing He Kui to smile before quickly suppressing it.
"If we keep playing, we'll be late."
Both being directors, if one took a day off, the other had to work unless everyone was on vacation.
"Okay~"
Shi He wasn't planning anything, but hearing He Kui, she glanced at her slender, delicate feet.
Smooth and fair, her toes were evenly spaced, nails like dewdrops—clear and translucent.
As she wiggled her toes, she looked up with a mischievous smile and said, "I'll surprise you tonight~"
"Alright."
Though her smile was somewhat sly, he didn't mind.
Just as He Kui was internally looking forward to it, the doorbell suddenly broke the intimate atmosphere in the living room.
"At this hour? Who could it be?"
Shi He asked curiously.
"I'll check."
He Kui opened the door.
Standing there was a well-dressed young man holding a delicate Japanese bonsai.
"Hello, I'm Hirai Yuta from the Nuclear Fission Research Group, recently moved next door to Director He. Pleased to meet you."
A polite Japanese bow made He Kui step back.
"Mr. Hirai, you're too kind."
The Nuclear Fission Research Group, which officially belonged to PLANT's Energy Group, might not remain so in the future...
"He Kui, who is it?"
Hearing the conversation outside, Shi He came over.
"This is Director Hirai from the Nuclear Fission Research Group."
Accepting the bonsai from Hirai, He Kui continued.
"Director Hanifs."
Hirai seemed aware of Hanifs' identity.
He Kui's eyes showed more caution. They had seen enough neighbors and colleagues turn out to be spies.
Though a director was unlikely to be a spy, you never knew.
"Sorry to have taken up your time."
Hirai said warmly before leaving.
"Should we check it?"
Shi He looked at the bonsai in He Kui's hand with concern.
"Yes."
Using an auxiliary Haro, He Kui scanned the bonsai to ensure it was safe before they hurried off to work.
In the ever-temperate colony satellite, the weather was as perfect as always. In the cool morning breeze, they returned to the Beam Group.
Entering the office, they saw their team members entertaining a guest.
"Director He, sorry for the intrusion."
Deputy Director Erin stood up from her seat upon seeing He Kui.
"Good morning, Director. Shall we talk inside?"
This deputy director usually didn't visit without reason. Who knew what today's matter was?
Nodding, Erin followed He Kui to his director's office.
"I heard your new small MS patent was successful."
Once the door closed, Erin spoke.
"You could say that, though it wasn't just my effort."
"True, the Clyne faction is known for being shrewd."
Though not explicitly stated, Erin's disdain was evident.
He Kui merely smiled and remained silent. Saying anything could imply taking a side.
"Director He is cautious indeed."
They initially thought he was just lustful, yet he hadn't accepted any advances they offered, nor did he reject interactions.
It seemed like He Kui was waiting for the highest bidder. Knowing this, there were voices internally suggesting to cool things with He Kui for now.
It wasn't worth wasting resources to win over someone so indecisive.
As long as He Kui stayed at Hailan Design Bureau, any weapons, including the light shield system, would eventually fall into the Defense Committee's hands. As long as he didn't run or fully join the Clyne faction, it was fine.
Since He Kui wanted to play hard to get, they would play along.
"Since your external work is done, we hope you'll return to your main duties soon."
"Alright."
He Kui showed no change in expression to Erin's slightly colder demeanor, calmly seeing her out.
Barely had he settled when Shi He walked in.
"What did she want?"
"Just a warning."
"Again?"
"Well, I didn't accept their goodwill, so it's expected."
He Kui shrugged nonchalantly. Maintaining good relations was all he aimed for.
Joining wasn't necessary.
"What goodwill?"
Shi He's suspicious gaze swept over He Kui.
"You know, that kind."
Though speaking vaguely and with a wink, Shi He understood.
"The Zala faction is getting more and more reckless!"
Pouting adorably, Shi He's displeasure was endearing.
He Kui couldn't resist standing up to pinch her cheeks.
"Turning into a platypus."
"No, I'm not. Hoss is back with our new recruits. Go take a look."
Batting away He Kui's mischief, Shi He playfully glared at him before heading out.
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