After exchanging pleasantries with Hawk, the three of them finally took their seats. This upscale Chinese restaurant near the plant district truly lived up to its "high-end" label. There was no main dining hall, only small, medium, and large private rooms, each with a small bamboo-filled courtyard separated by floor-to-ceiling windows.
The atmosphere was serene and elegant, yet tasteful, making dining here a pleasant experience.
However, compared to the spacious courtyard outside He Kui's new villa, this space seemed somewhat lacking.
"Don't laugh at us, but both my daughters, Luna and Meyrin, want to apply to the military academy in December City. If all goes well, they could be your juniors, Director He."
"Is that so? What major are you planning to apply for, Miss Luna?"
He Kui asked, kindly, like a senior, as he noticed the faint blush on Luna's face.
"I want to major in MS piloting," Luna replied, a hint of nervousness on her face.
"Then we'll be in the same department. Best of luck, Miss Luna."
The front lines needed many soldiers, so among the various majors, MS piloting was the easiest to pass.
As long as you passed the physical exam, you could enter.
However, Luna probably had the potential to apply for fleet command or similar programs.
Seeing Luna's hesitation, He Kui decided not to press further.
"Thank you!"
Hearing He Kui's encouragement, Luna's face lit up with happiness, and her favorability meter shot up, reaching 70 in an instant.
This boost instantly restored the confidence He Kui had lost with Lacus.
It wasn't that he had issues; it was that Lacus was just too extraordinary.
Or perhaps her standards were too high?
After a few more exchanges, the exquisite Chinese dishes were served.
Beijing roast duck, braised sea cucumber with scallions, crispy fried bell, and Buddha Jumps Over the Wall were served one after another.
The rich aroma filled the room, making everyone eager to dig in.
"Miss Luna, please start eating."
Noticing Luna's eager expression, He Kui gently urged.
"No, Director He should start first."
Before Luna could speak, Hawk interjected hurriedly.
Having just had seafood the day before, He Kui wasn't too hungry.
He immediately picked up a piece of Beijing roast duck and placed it in Hawk's bowl.
"Captain Hawk is the elder."
In Coordinator society, meritocracy was prevalent, with an emphasis on ability over age, which was why He Kui had risen so quickly.
The traditional respect for elders and juniors was not as emphasized.
However, since He Kui insisted and had already placed the food in his bowl, Hawk had no choice but to accept with a wry smile.
"Director He, you're too kind."
"Then, Miss Luna, please help yourself."
"But..."
"It's alright, I had a big breakfast."
Luna's hesitation dissipated with He Kui's jest.
The girl finally smiled, more relaxed than before.
"Thank you."
"You're welcome."
The meal soon came to a close.
He Kui didn't refuse Hawk's gesture to pay the bill. After all, he had saved Hawk's life.
If he didn't let him pay this time, there would be fewer opportunities for gifts in the future.
"Where do you both live now?"
"In City No. 6 of August City, but since I often go on voyages, they might have to live on campus."
"Dad, don't worry, I'll take good care of my sister!"
Luna said earnestly.
"Miss Luna is quite responsible, so Mr. Hawk can be at ease."
"However, isn't it dangerous for you to be voyaging so often, Mr. Hawk?"
"There's no choice; I have to make a living."
Though voyaging was risky, it was lucrative. Plus, being part of ZAFT meant having a position, a good pension upon retirement, and substantial compensation if killed in action.
"Dad..."
Seeing Luna's conflicted expression and her tightly gripping her father's hands, He Kui had a guess.
"If Captain Hawk doesn't mind, I might be able to find a way."
"Huh?"
Hawk, who had planned to explore the topic with He Kui once they were more familiar, was surprised by this sudden offer.
"We don't have much to repay you with."
Suppressing his excitement, Hawk declined with difficulty.
"I'll just try; it's no trouble. Our meeting is fated, but further arrangements would require a deeper understanding of Captain Hawk."
Everyone's personal abilities and specialties differed.
To truly help Hawk change jobs, a skills assessment would be necessary to make specific decisions.
Preferably in May City, to avoid excessive shipping costs for gifts.
Even if not in May City, establishing a connection now would be beneficial later.
Though sudden, waiting for Hawk to slowly probe and He Kui to slowly cooperate would be too late.
Efficiency was key.
He Kui had noticed their predicament earlier.
And seeing Luna's eager expression suggested they hadn't had a proper meal in a while.
If it were the He Kui from his early military academy days, he'd have eaten even more than Luna.
However, as a black-suited officer, even if only responsible for voyages, Hawk shouldn't be in such dire straits.
But it wasn't the time to ask; their relationship wasn't at that level.
"Thank you, Director He."
In the end, Hawk didn't refuse further.
"Alright, it's about time. Let me take you to the port; it's been a bit chaotic there lately."
"Okay."
Hawk couldn't help but smile at the offer, though he didn't refuse. He Kui seemed to be looking out for them.
Driven by He Kui to the station and boarding the space elevator, Hawk remained somewhat dazed.
Meanwhile, Luna was absentmindedly poking the round, red Haro on her lap with her finger.
Looking at the finely crafted Haros, Luna's admiration for He Kui grew.
"Director He is amazing."
In terms of skill, he could pilot an elite machine straight into Gibraltar's heart. In research, he created the Boaz, known as the Coordinators' Shield on the news.
He was also kind. Most of the food had ended up in her stomach, and He Kui wasn't angry but rather smiled warmly.
It was a pity her sister couldn't come due to a lack of funds.
Recalling the earlier scenes, Luna licked her lips, still tasting the roast duck.
And perhaps it was fate, but now that she looked closely, the Haros He Kui gifted matched her and her sister's hair color.
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