The next day, early in the morning, He Kui headed to the underground testing facility at the company located in the industrial park.
"Mr. He, welcome!"
"Just call me He Kui or Director He."
He Kui smiled warmly.
"How's the company doing?"
"Very well. We've also sent people to keep an eye on November City, ensuring that no one threatens our projects!"
Since witnessing He Kui's one-time successful research results, Hawk had no doubts and was fully committed to working with He Kui.
After all, where else could he find such a good patron?
"That's good. By the way, there's something I'd like to ask you."
"Mr. Hawk, you must have known some friends from your time running ships, right?"
"Are you referring to captains of ships?"
"Yes."
"I do know a few old buddies."
Hawk nodded in response.
"Do you have any routes passing by Julius 7?"
"Julius 7? But there's nothing there."
"Indeed."
Seeing Hawk's puzzled expression, He Kui nodded but didn't explain further.
If necessary, there was still Erin.
"Are you looking to go there, Director He?"
"It's not for me, it's for a friend."
"I see. Is just passing by enough?"
"Passing by is fine."
Sensing a possibility, He Kui maintained his calm demeanor.
"I have a friend who, while not on that route, is nearby. With a temporary maintenance excuse for a ship, it could be doable, though the time there wouldn't be long."
Hawk analyzed.
"Is it reliable? What's the ship's configuration?"
"Absolutely reliable. As for the ship, it's equipped with the same standard escort setup as ours, with three regular GINNs."
"Does it have a maintenance work pod?"
"Yes, it does."
"Can it be arranged for February 1st?"
He Kui asked cautiously.
"I'll need to ask, but it's likely not a problem. If unchanged, it aligns with their shipping schedule."
"What about the specific timing?"
"This part is flexible due to various potential delays, and since it's not a crucial cargo ship, the departure time can be adjusted."
"Great, then I'll trouble you with this, Mr. Hawk."
"Not at all! I'm glad to help, Director He."
Hawk laughed enthusiastically.
He Kui had not only saved him, but after the research was completed, even someone like him, who contributed little, received a 50,000 bonus.
So, while his salary remained the same, with all sorts of bonuses, paying off debts and achieving a comfortable life wasn't a dream.
The more Hawk thought about it, the brighter his smile became.
With the matter resolved, He Kui also smiled brightly.
Though he might encounter the Archangel, as long as he acted quickly, there wouldn't be any problems.
There should still be some time between Lacus's attack and her rescue.
At this moment of everyone's happiness, Hawk's wristband vibrated with a message.
"Apologies, Luna seems to have gone out. She's on leave today."
"It's fine, as long as it doesn't disrupt work."
He Kui wasn't surprised; he had anticipated Luna would visit Hawk today.
He had checked the military academy's leave schedule before coming, which was one reason he chose today.
However, since it was a father-daughter conversation, he didn't find it appropriate to intrude.
After seeing Hawk off, He Kui turned his attention to the small room in front of him.
The room was now filled with ten small rack-mounted servers, and with the cooling system and server noise, the room was quite loud.
This server's computing power was over ten times higher than his own computer.
Though the price was nearly ten times as well, the cost-performance ratio was still favorable, albeit not by much.
While He Kui was inspecting the servers, a gentle knock came from the noisy room.
"Miss Luna?"
He Kui welcomed Luna from behind the transparent door into the warm server room.
"Why not chat a bit longer with your father?"
"We finished talking, and I didn't want to disturb his work."
"I'm really sorry about before!"
Luna bowed earnestly.
Though she had just entered the military academy, she had become more upright.
"I've already said it's fine, haven't I? Here, take these."
He Kui smiled and handed over the Haros.
They were just two ordinary Haros.
Though the previous time Luna passed it on without effect, giving to only one person wasn't ideal.
"Is it really okay..."
Luna looked at the two Haros.
She remembered her roommates' reactions at the military academy upon seeing the Haro.
Though it made her and her sister somewhat enemies to other girls, especially a girl named Agnese, it didn't stop them from enjoying the envy.
"It's fine, didn't you say you're sorry? If you don't accept them..."
"Alright!"
Before He Kui could finish, Luna quickly took both Haros.
[You gifted Lunamaria Hawke a present, Precision Shooting Range +2m]
[Lunamaria Hawke's Favorability: 70]
[Experience Bonus: 3]
[Precision Shooting Range B-Level: (1108m/10000m)]
He Kui smiled, satisfied.
Though there wasn't significant progress, it was still a life-saving ability.
"Where's your sister?"
He Kui asked as he resumed his inspection work.
"Still training."
"Very diligent."
"Maybe a bit too much."
Luna replied with a wry smile.
Her sister had become more competitive lately, likely feeling discontent with being ranked in the top ten while Luna was higher.
"But this server room is really advanced, Director He. If Meyrin saw it, she'd be thrilled."
"Does she like studying computers?"
"She's interested in electronic warfare. Last time, she kept talking about how well-crafted your Haro's system is."
Unlike information engineering, though there is some overlap, electronic warfare is more about attacking enemy electronic equipment, as the name suggests.
"Then thank her for me."
"Alright."
After their conversation, both fell silent.
Luna quietly watched He Kui work earnestly, her heart skipping a beat for some unknown reason.
Perhaps due to the room's temperature, Luna felt a bit flushed.
Stepping closer to He Kui, Luna used a softly scented handkerchief to gently wipe the sweat from his temples.
"Sorry!"
Facing He Kui's amused gaze, Luna quickly took a step back.
"Thank you."
He Kui smiled warmly, reassuring the startled girl.
"No! No need to thank me."
Indeed, Director He was truly gentle.
Despite being only two years her senior, he had accomplished so much in research and was rumored to be a redcoat in piloting.
Thinking about the mysterious stories circulating about him at the academy, Luna's heart raced even more.
"So, it's about time. Shall we call Mr. Hawk and go for a meal?"
With his work done, He Kui stretched and suggested.
"Sure!"
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