Lacus wasn't entirely satisfied with He Kui's response. It was just his usual way of maintaining neutrality. However, with the largest neutralist, Amalfi, leaning towards the Zala faction, the Supreme Council now had only three neutralists left. Two were leaning towards the Zala faction, and only one was inclined towards the Clyne faction.
This left them at a significant disadvantage with six Zala faction members and three Clyne faction members.
Lacus had hoped to extract more information about the Warrior Gundam, but seeing He Kui's cautious demeanor, she decided not to push further to avoid scaring him off.
"If possible, I can participate in some of your development projects. I'll provide you with the beam shield generator technology, and in exchange for the asteroid..."
This was an opportunity for He Kui to interact more with Lacus. With their growing list of shared secrets, he wasn't worried about Lacus betraying him.
"Why would we need a beam shield?" Lacus blinked, finding He Kui's suggestion curious.
"Your factory's development requires protection, doesn't it?"
"I'll consider it, but I'm glad you mentioned it, Director He~"
Lacus's secret base had likely been detected by He Kui during recruitment, so she smiled lightly.
"We'll help Director He with the asteroid construction, which should take about a month."
In a place capable of building Gundams in three months, constructing an asteroid base in a month was feasible. Even though Lacus didn't immediately agree to exchange beam shield technology, He Kui was quite satisfied.
"Thank you."
He Kui extended his hand.
"Pleasure to work with you, Director He."
"And please protect PLANT well."
Lacus shook his hand, both wearing gloves, so there wasn't much sensation.
"I will."
Their conversation essentially set the terms. He Kui could assist but only as a collaborator, and Lacus wouldn't reveal his role.
This arrangement benefited both parties.
After bidding farewell to Lacus, He Kui returned to his familiar home, having resolved everything.
Despite his Coordinator's stamina, the continuous work had left He Kui exhausted, collapsed on the bed.
"Is everything settled?" Shi He gently stroked He Kui's back, speaking softly.
"Yes, I gave the rare metal to Lacus."
"I hadn't asked yet."
Shi He chuckled softly.
"I didn't want to hide it from you."
He Kui greedily absorbed Shi He's sweet and unique scent.
"Lacus can help me complete the base, and then you all can move there."
"Us?"
Shi He raised an eyebrow, her slender hand gripping a certain part of him.
"Gently..."
"It's safer there."
Lacus had generously doubled the asteroid's size, with walls thick enough to withstand pulse and beam attacks, as well as physical attacks. The asteroid could serve as a shelter if necessary.
If negotiations went well, the asteroid would have a beam shield, effectively becoming a mini-Boaz, different from Lacus's factory, as it belonged to He Kui.
"No!"
Shi He glared at He Kui, her grip growing firmer.
Under the warmth and pressure, He Kui's resolve only strengthened.
"I want to protect PLANT too! Did you forget?"
"Of course not."
He hadn't forgotten.
"Let's send our parents there, and we'll stay here."
"Alright."
He Kui didn't argue further, having anticipated Shi He's choice to stay.
He had only wanted to ask.
"I'll focus on finishing the escape pod. Get familiar with its operation, and if anything happens, head straight to our base."
"We all need to survive."
He Kui said solemnly.
As the conflict escalated, no one was safe.
And with the decisive battle approaching, no preparation was too much.
"No problem~ If the war ends, let's travel the world together?"
Shi He's eyes shone with hope for the future.
"That's a FLAG."
He Kui laughed.
"What's a FLAG?"
"It's like saying, 'I'll marry you when I return safely,' and then I die..."
Before He Kui could finish, Shi He silenced him with a kiss.
"You won't die, He Kui!"
Shi He insisted, biting down lightly.
[Shi He Hanifus Favorability: 170]
[Experience Bonus: 8]
[Micro Component Processing A-level: (94560/100000)]
[Unlock Academic: Circular Magnetic Field Shield (0/30000)]
"Yes, I won't die."
Seeing the new academic field in the virtual interface, He Kui spoke softly.
Once he completed the Mirage Colloid field system, he could gift Lacus more, and even on the battlefield, he felt confident in keeping safe from Kira's side.
And the new technology seemed familiar.
Holding Shi He tighter, He Kui resolved to grow stronger.
Only then could their dream life become reality.
In the following days, after gifting Shi He various presents, He Kui confirmed the technology was indeed what he thought.
It was the defensive type floating shield created by the talented five Gundam designers.
Stronger and more durable than regular floating cannon shields.
Meanwhile, at the Helan Design Bureau's underground testing site, the radar calibration test was underway.
Due to the need for a weapon targeting system and various new beam weapons, the Defense Committee had partnered with military industrial companies specializing in MS armaments and the Arsenal Company, which manufactured armaments and ship armor plates, for joint development.
The two companies remained competitors.
So Shi He and Sulei both continued participating in weapon trial developments, though they rarely met due to different departments.
"Director He! Please have a seat!"
"Director He, have some tea!"
"Director He, it's been too long!"
Sulei's team members eagerly greeted He Kui.
Who would have thought that the once wrinkled and factory-born He Kui would now be Director He?
Just a little help from him could propel them to success.
"Hmph."
Seeing her team fawning over He Kui, Sulei huffed in displeasure.
Noticing this, a young man beside Sulei frowned, casting a disapproving glance at He Kui.
Amidst the lively crowd, He Kui didn't notice the anomaly.
"Alright, I'll treat you to a meal later. Let's get back to work now."
He Kui smiled lightly, and no one objected. The test soon began.
"Auxiliary flight system, radar targeting test passed."
Sulei was adjusting the large yellow flight pack connected by several huge cables.
Her team members sat by her, observing the monitoring instruments intently.
"Next is the launch test, Director He."
In work mode, Sulei looked seriously at the supervisor behind her.
"Good, it's perfect."
From the data, He Kui could tell the radar was effective and advanced, meeting Sulei's usual standards.
"If everything's fine, I'll be off. I have other projects."
The seriousness faded, and Sulei gave He Kui a sidelong glance, her tone less than friendly.
Sulei's team was used to their director's demeanor towards He Kui.
Everyone knew she had little patience for him.
"Well, we're leaving then, Director He."
The researchers smiled apologetically at He Kui as they left.
"Sure, let's have a meal next time."
Watching them leave, He Kui synchronized the data and arranged for the auxiliary flight system test before returning to the research building.
"Director Su, I like you!"
"I know you don't like He Kui as Director. I'll work hard to take him down!"
".Sorry, I already have someone I like."
Approaching the radar group's office corner, He Kui overheard the young man's words in the break room.
It was after hours, and typically, only Sulei would be there, but he hadn't expected someone else.
And why was someone trying to take him down? What did that even mean?
Despite this, He Kui couldn't help but smile at Sulei's straightforward response.
The young man, face flushed, didn't say another word, quickly opening the door and leaving from the other direction.
He didn't even notice He Kui standing in the corner.
That person, He Kui remembered, had recently transferred from the Clark Design Bureau to Sulei's group.
He could have been the radar targeting system lead there, but after the design bureau merger, he applied for a transfer here.
The confession reminded He Kui of the genetic marriage law.
Though his position was high, he'd need to keep striving for special exemptions.
As for the young man's declaration to take him down, He Kui wasn't concerned.
Many had tried, but until they posed a genuine threat, he didn't worry.
While pondering this, Sulei emerged from the office.
Their eyes met for a moment, and Sulei's face turned visibly red.
"You—"
"I heard nothing."
"You heard everything!"
Embarrassed and angry, Sulei approached He Kui.
He Kui didn't hesitate, pulling her into a hug and silencing her with a kiss.
Her anger di
ssipated, leaving a charming blush.
"Let go!"
"Because of you, I'm about to get kicked down."
He Kui teased.
"If you don't let go, I'll kick you down there first!"
"Would you?"
"Hmph."
Though Sulei huffed, their embrace only grew more intense.
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