The modifications to the system weren't particularly taxing. He Kui could make steady progress on it each day, working on it in between crafting Haros and smaller devices.
Just after enhancing the Aegis's performance in his combined workshop and garage, He Kui unexpectedly received a call from Elin.
"He Kui, three members of the Defense Council are making an unscheduled inspection of our design bureau. Hurry over here; they'll arrive in about an hour."
"All three of them?"
"Yes, all three."
"What are they inspecting?"
"The production of the new Mobile Suit."
After all, it was his son's Mobile Suit they were checking, so it made sense for a father to take a look. He Kui's eyes lit up at the thought.
This was an opportunity to meet all three members of the Defense Council—one of whom was the future Speaker. Even if he didn't aim to build connections, making a good impression would certainly be beneficial for his future ambitions.
Ending the call, He Kui quickly donned a fresh white uniform and joined Elin outside the residential area, heading together to the Hailan Design Bureau.
On the way, Elin offered a reminder. "Although they're mainly here to see Justice, we can subtly bring up our other projects."
He Kui nodded, "Yes, both the Dragoons and radar communication systems need significant funding, as does the development of Justice's follow-up models."
"Exactly."
"We need to capture their interest here! That's what the former director entrusted us with!"
"Understood."
Elin, driven by the goal of securing more funds, seemed especially motivated.
After a short ride on the internal staff transport, they arrived at the entrance of the design bureau, where Su Lei and several other department heads had already gathered.
The port wasn't far from the Hailan Design Bureau, but this was He Kui's first time meeting the Defense Council Chairman in person. With Elin's presence as a bridge between him and the Zala faction, it was the perfect opportunity.
Elin, as the bureau's director and a member of the Zala faction, could facilitate their conversation, and as her deputy, He Kui noticed a clear warmth in how she regarded him compared to their first meeting.
Before long, under the cover of night, eight armored jeeps arrived, three of which carried the Defense Council members while the rest held their security detail.
He Kui watched as the stern-faced Council Chairman Zala stepped out of one of the vehicles. Elin greeted him, with He Kui following close behind.
"Councilor Zala, welcome."
"This is our Deputy Director, He Kui," Elin said with a polite bow, introducing He Kui to the iron-willed chairman.
"Deputy Director He Kui, thank you for your contributions to PLANT."
With his wife still alive, Councilor Zala even managed a faint, polite smile, showing none of his usual grim determination to see Earth fall. Relieved, He Kui shook hands with him firmly.
"Shall we head inside?"
Following Zala were Joule and Amalfi, whom He Kui had met before. After brief greetings, they began their tour of the design bureau.
"Thanks to Deputy Director He's contributions, our development budget has been significantly reduced," Elin explained to Zala as they walked, while He Kui stayed close.
Soon, they arrived at a secret underground hangar, where the gray-white Justice Gundam stood silently, though its back-mounted flight pack, still awaiting installation of the Mirage Colloid, hung nearby. Wires trailed from it, giving the aircraft an imposing, high-tech look.
"The Justice Gundam is now 80% complete," Elin explained. "The PS armor and various armaments are installed, but the head sensors are still awaiting an upgrade."
Elin glanced at Su Lei, who stepped forward with ease.
"The upgraded sensors use our latest quantum communication technology," Su Lei reported. "Compared to Earth's Gundams, our communication range is increased by 122%, our detection radius by 134%, and radar warning system by 135%."
As she recited these figures and the data appeared on the monitor, Zala and his colleagues nodded with satisfaction.
"Three months' work—you've done well," Zala remarked approvingly before continuing with his questions.
"Has Deputy Director He Kui's Mirage Colloid magnetic field passed testing?"
"It's currently in the testing phase on the GAT-X units and should be ready for live trials within three days."
"Good. Ensure it's ready as soon as possible." Zala gave a nod before Elin guided him to view the other projects, after which he swiftly departed.
"He has to visit other design bureaus tonight," Elin explained to He Kui.
"So rushed?" He Kui exclaimed.
"Five design bureaus in one night—it's not an easy job being the Defense Council Chairman."
"Is this leading to a decisive battle?"
"It's likely. The former director hinted that the goal is to take down all remaining Earth Alliance mass accelerators in one strike."
"I understand."
Where was Rau Le Creuset, then? Zala's team was still waiting off Orb's coast, so he was probably here in PLANT.
"When the war ends, our status may decline. You should be prepared, though with the company, you'll be well-off at least."
"Is that so?"
He Kui chuckled, but he didn't intend to settle for mere stability. At this point, simply aiming for comfort seemed a bit too modest for someone like him, who had come from another world. At the very least, he harbored bigger ambitions, provided he could protect himself and those dear to him.
With their work complete, everyone bid each other goodnight. Soon, it was just He Kui and Su Lei standing before Justice.
Su Lei walked over, her nose crinkling adorably as she sniffed.
"You haven't showered yet."
In contrast to her serious demeanor while greeting Zala, Su Lei now showed a softer, more playful side to He Kui.
"I was just about to after tuning up the machine when I got called over."
He Kui pinched her little nose and handed her a lunchbox.
"Have you eaten?"
"Not yet."
Su Lei's eyes lit up at the sight of the lunchbox. But when she opened it, her excitement quickly faded—it wasn't spicy food, just a plain bowl of hot soup rice.
"Where's the spice?" she protested, pouting at him.
"Here you are, still wanting spicy food?" He Kui said with mock sternness.
"And try to eat on a schedule—that's why you're not growing taller."
"I am too!"
Blushing at He Kui's attention to her habits, Su Lei's cheeks turned pink. If she didn't have certain limitations right now, he would have kissed her already. Instead, he settled for gently pinching her soft cheeks.
Her face felt like two little dough balls in his hands—utterly irresistible.
"Eat up."
"How am I supposed to eat with you pinching me?" Su Lei gave him a playful glare and retaliated by pinching his cheeks in return.
"So firm!"
"Not as soft as yours."
With a mischievous gleam in his eye, He Kui's teasing remark left Su Lei's face even redder, as if steam might start rising from her head any second.
"Go on, eat. No more fooling around, and let's head back to rest after."
As he watched her, a sense of warmth and gratitude filled He Kui's heart. Even in the midst of war, he still had people he loved and who loved him back.
For them, he couldn't afford to lose. He had to stand firm, for his sake and theirs.
"You have some too." Su Lei picked up a piece of beef with her chopsticks and offered it to him.
Maybe it was the warmth of the moment, but Su Lei
's voice was softer than usual, carrying a gentleness that was rare for her.
"Alright."
A quiet, beautiful harmony enveloped the two of them.
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