The promotion ceremony for the director of Hailan Design Bureau began shortly after, not long after He Kui became vice director.
Unlike the temporary appointment of Erin as vice director, this promotion was official.
In the spacious and grand meeting hall of Hailan Design Bureau, besides the bureau's own employees, there were guests from the government and the National Defense Committee.
The awarding ceremony was hosted by Amarfy, the mayor's representative of May City. This was the second time He Kui had seen him, and he seemed unaffected by his son's enlistment.
He Kui was seated in the front of the third row as the next vice director.
"Director He, congratulations."
As soon as he sat down, the head of the Pulse Group, who was also a reserve for the director position, sat beside him.
This person, whom He Kui had met a few times, showed a hint of humility, with a gaze towards He Kui that was somewhat fervent.
As vice director, He Kui could influence funding approvals. If he favored certain technologies, they would likely receive substantial funding.
PLANT wasn't short of money, but equal funding for everyone would dampen enthusiasm.
Funding control guided the research direction of the design bureau.
Otherwise, if everyone received the same funding, why not research something more leisurely?
After this brief exchange, more directors gathered around He Kui.
They looked at He Kui as if he were a coveted treasure.
"Director He, please support us in the future."
"Yes, we used to sit together in meetings."
He Kui didn't reject the enthusiastic group leaders.
Though he couldn't be on stage, it didn't affect his popularity off stage. As the second-in-command of the design bureau, many directors approached him for conversation.
However, with greater position came greater responsibility. If someone under him turned out to be a spy or defected like V.V., he would be held accountable.
He would also need to manage the design bureau's operations and plan research progress, like Erin did before.
After modestly enjoying the praise, the meeting concluded.
After discussing work with Erin for a while, using the pretext of testing a nuclear reactor, He Kui successfully obtained permission to work remotely from Boaz.
"Finally, vice director!"
Shi He, at home, excitedly admired the gold-trimmed uniform on He Kui, which was more elaborate than the ordinary white one.
"Yes, it took some effort."
"It's been less than a year!"
Shi He pouted playfully.
"Maybe."
This year had been quite challenging, but the rewards were worthwhile, providing support for the upcoming storyline.
"But since I'm now vice director, is there a reward?"
Feeling relaxed, He Kui flashed a suggestive smile.
"Haven't you already been rewarded with plenty of money?"
"That's the National Defense Committee's reward."
"Then~~~"
Shi He drew out her words seductively, her eyes glimmering as she straddled He Kui.
"The reward is you don't have to move tonight?"
He Kui chuckled, making no effort to resist.
The next day, feeling refreshed, He Kui went to his office in the Beam Group.
He was greeted by the team members he hadn't had much chance to talk to the previous day.
After the recent spy incident, the team looked at He Kui with a mix of respect and admiration, though admiration was more prevalent.
"Director He, remember to include us in your research."
Hoss, managing the company and acting as the deputy director of the Beam Group, led the group in expressing their support, with others nodding in agreement.
They feared the spy incident had caused a rift with He Kui.
Working under He Kui was genuinely comfortable, and fortunately, Shi He wasn't lacking either.
They were all old acquaintances, providing opportunities for collaboration and camaraderie.
"Of course, you all take care."
He Kui smiled and gathered his belongings to move to the vice director's office.
Looking at Erin's former office, all traces of the previous owner were gone, leaving only basic office supplies.
It was more spacious than his previous office, and the higher floor offered a grander view.
From there, people below seemed even smaller.
"You're alone?"
Opening the vice director's office door, Sulei asked curiously.
"Yes."
"No secretary? I thought you'd have your fiancée come over."
According to the structure, He Kui could hire a secretary for administrative assistance.
But he left Shi He in the Beam Group, so he had no candidate for now.
"She stayed in the Beam Group."
"Besides, she'd be upset being a secretary."
Knowing her well, He Kui understood Shi He wanted to continue research and help PLANT on the front lines.
So he chose to let go.
After all, they'd still meet at home.
"But finding someone will be challenging."
"Do you want to join?"
"No way! I have radar research to do!"
"Then why are you here?"
He Kui wasn't surprised by the answer.
However, he was stuck at 150 favorability points with Sulei, unsure when the next upgrade would be.
Inviting her for meals probably wouldn't help.
"Miss Lacus wants to have dinner with you."
"She's here?"
"Yes."
Sulei pouted slightly.
Seeing He Kui gaining more attention from Lacus made her feel uneasy.
Unaware of Sulei's feelings, He Kui readily agreed.
Already trained in relevant procedures during his director reserve period, He Kui efficiently handled various approvals before taking a discreet car.
Seeing the luxurious layout of the VIP room in [Mecha Enthusiast], He Kui smirked.
"Director He~ Congratulations, and sorry Lacus couldn't attend in person."
"Miss Lacus, you're too kind."
He Kui replied, taking out a Haro.
"This is a locator Haro."
"Locator?"
Lacus looked at He Kui, puzzled.
"It only activates when you switch to rescue mode."
Considering Lacus's unique identity, He Kui made special arrangements.
"It's safe to take to Julius 7 with directional energy technology."
"Director He is concerned about my safety?"
Lacus laughed softly, gently poking the blue Haro but didn't refuse.
"Yes."
Faced with He Kui's rare straightforwardness, a subtle ripple appeared in Lacus's usually calm eyes.
Her slightly downturned eyes gave a sense of innocence and charm, an irresistible blend of naivety and purity.
Yet He Kui felt speechless seeing no change in the favorability in his system. She was formidable.
"Why do you often give me gifts, Director He?"
Facing Lacus's clear eyes, seemingly piercing through all schemes, He Kui didn't retreat.
"Just a fan's support for Miss Lacus."
"Liar~"
Lacus thought, maintaining her bright smile, like a little sun.
"So, what do you think of our cooperation? As you see, we have some assets here."
"What cooperation?"
"Join us, and you'll receive comprehensive support for your company."
Lacus spoke lightly, as if merely inviting him for a meal.
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