"I got you something."
He Kui placed the newly crafted owl on Suli's desk. In the sunlight streaming through the window, the white owl reflected a hint of metallic sheen.
Compared to the somewhat rough materials used before, this owl was made from high-quality materials, ensuring its reliability.
"Why are you giving me so many of these lately? I could almost start a zoo."
Suli looked at the round little owl with mock annoyance and poked at its head, though she actually poked He Kui's forehead.
Her soft fingertip pressed between his brows, carrying a hint of sweet affection.
He Kui smiled, catching Suli's mischievous hand and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"There's also..."
Suli didn't resist, just pursed her lips, about to say something when He Kui interrupted her.
"I'll be careful."
"I-I didn't say anything! Don't flatter yourself, you pervert!"
With that, Suli pulled back her hand, warmed by He Kui's grasp.
"Alright, I'm off."
He Kui nodded, pretending to be hurt.
"...Don't wander too much."
Seeing He Kui's pitiful expression, Suli lowered her eyes and added softly.
"I'll be careful."
The hurt look vanished from He Kui's face, replaced by a teasing smile.
"Get lost!"
Faced with Suli's flustered annoyance, He Kui quickly darted out of her office.
Watching him leave, Suli stomped her foot, subconsciously rubbing the fingers He Kui had held, still warm.
The rough texture from assembling radar parts lingered on her skin. She really should visit a salon and surprise him when she returned.
"Director He, did you upset Director Suli again?"
Outside, the deputy director saw He Kui's mischievous grin and asked helplessly.
They couldn't hear what was said inside, but every time He Kui visited, they somehow ended up in trouble.
"Something like that."
He Kui chuckled and nodded.
Seeing his expression, they couldn't say much under his authority.
After He Kui left, a newly hired young woman couldn't contain her curiosity.
"Why does Director He always upset Director Suli?"
"Who knows? He didn't dare before."
Recalling when He Kui diligently worked with them on radar, the deputy director sighed.
In no time, he'd become a candidate for director, his position surpassing even Suli's.
"Really?"
"You didn't know? He used to be in our group."
"Really? Tell me more!"
The girl's eyes sparkled.
Who wouldn't want to hear gossip about Director He?
It'd make a great conversation starter.
And she might have a chance...
Considering He Kui's current status, being his lover wouldn't be bad.
"Stop gossiping! Or I'll dock your pay!"
Suli, who appeared in the office unnoticed, glared at them.
"Okay."
They thought He Kui really shouldn't upset Suli.
Unaware of the office chatter, He Kui returned to his office, taking out a small black Haro.
Equipped with AI and a stronger processor, this single Haro had cost him countless hours to develop.
The processor and parts were all bought new, using synthetic metals of the highest civilian standard in durability.
A Haro worth a hundred thousand.
Looking at it, He Kui felt a pang in his wallet.
The two million set aside as funds couldn't be touched, so he used his last bonus for this Haro.
Maintaining trades with mechanical enthusiasts left him with little income.
While lost in thought, an email arrived on his terminal.
"The goods are gradually being distributed. Following your idea, we're marketing total cost benefits, along with rental and trial services. But it's tough."
"Understood."
He Kui thought for a moment. They had invested a billion in him, though only about five hundred million was used. Earning back five hundred million at fifty thousand per unit wasn't easy.
Whether his share would be worth thirty million would only be known upon return.
"Return safely. We'll need your help, Director He."
"Will do."
Replying to Lacus' email, He Kui slowly walked to the Beam Group's office.
"Director Hanifs and I are heading to Boaz. Hoss will act as deputy director here. Two more will join us. The rest will continue developing the light shield system."
"Director He!"
As expected, Hoss eagerly stood up as soon as He Kui spoke.
"Director He! I want to go!"
"Well... Your role is crucial. Next time."
He Kui patted Hoss on the shoulder.
Hoss was nearly A-level in fine operations and a versatile talent, making him the best temporary director replacement.
With a life-and-death bond, if He Kui became deputy director, Hoss would be ideal to lead the Beam Group.
The two selected to accompany were one volunteer and one previously transferred member.
After arranging work for his absence, He Kui secretly boarded the flagship to Boaz from May City's port the next day.
Upon reaching the bridge, he saw Captain Ironwall's beaming face.
"Director He, long time no see!"
Seeing the captain approach for a hug, He Kui didn't refuse.
After a firm embrace, they separated.
"Didn't expect to see Captain Ironwall again."
"We're tasked with protecting important figures. Hope your research goes smoothly."
"Thank you."
"I read the report. There's frequent harassment at Boaz, and maybe some spies remain. Stick with us, don't wander alone."
"Your quarters are in the highest security zone, so there's little to worry about. Stay vigilant. We'll have dedicated guards for your safety."
Captain Ironwall advised.
"I understand."
Even Gibraltar had spies, so a few at Boaz were possible.
Ultimately, safety depended on oneself.
Speaking briefly to his subordinates, He Kui, with Suli, went to rest in his quarters.
With his rising status, his officer's quarters, though the layout hadn't changed, were more luxurious.
Several potted plants adorned the room, and the hard alloy bed was now covered with a soft mattress.
The two windows offered excellent views, clearly showing the twinkling galaxy outside.
It felt like being in a themed hotel.
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