Although VEDA had directly ended the communication without agreeing to Yang Hui's final suggestion, his position and power were still personally granted by Ioeria, right?
So does it really matter whether he agrees or not?
And besides, even though Ioeria was almost driven to the point of rage by Yang Hui, in the end, he would still approve of it.
Sure enough, the next day VEDA sent a directive approving all of Yang Hui's proposals, but with one caveat: Yang Hui must personally travel to Jupiter to manufacture the solar furnaces, and he must return within a year. As for how many solar furnaces he could bring back, that would depend on his own abilities.
When Yang Hui saw this condition, he almost spat out a mouthful of blood. He had only just joined Celestial Being, and now he was expected to make solar furnaces? He hadn't even fully grasped the theory of GN particles yet!
So...
Sorry, Ian, I guess you'll have to risk your life with me.
But before departing for Jupiter, Yang Hui and Leesa first returned to Earth to implement the first proposal, and then they could set off. As for the second proposal to recruit another Gundam pilot, the information had already been sent to VEDA. Yang Hui's candidate for the position was none other than the second-generation Lockon Stratos—Leesa's younger brother, Lyle Dylandy. His sniping skills were on par with those of his brother Neil Dylandy, and his capabilities in mid-range combat were even stronger. He was well-suited to fill the gap left by the current Gundam pilots.
Originally, Yang Hui had considered recommending Sergei or Graham, but as soon as that thought crossed his mind, he discarded it.
There was no need to explain further. Both were too famous in their respective forces. As for Yang Hui, his real identity was known to few now—those who knew were either retired, dead, or reassigned to other confidential departments. His position had long been moved to the Academy of Sciences, so he had mostly faded from public view. However, if Sergei or Graham suddenly disappeared, it would definitely raise suspicions.
Additionally, he wasn't sure if they would even agree. Graham might, but Sergei definitely wouldn't. After all, he had a family.
Moreover, Yang Hui thought, if he pulled Sergei and Graham into this, what was left for the other side to fight against? It would be a sweep...
Ahem, of course, this was assuming those boundary-pushing plans hadn't been set into motion yet.
...
That night, the highest-level hotel near the Federation University welcomed several very special guests.
"We've been expecting you, Professor Efman, Mr. Katou," Wang Liwei greeted the invited guests.
"Hmm, where's that brat?" Professor Efman asked in a low voice.
"Mr. Myer is already waiting in the inner room, please follow me... wait a moment, we have more guests arriving," Wang Liwei's peripheral vision caught the two newcomers entering, and she spoke to Professor Efman.
"Hm?" Both of them's pupils shrank a little when they saw the newcomers, because the two were also very famous figures.
"Professor Wang, Mr. Smirnov, welcome."
"You as well...?" Professor Wang looked at Wang Liwei, surprised. She was a young girl yet had been assigned to greet them. Given the importance of their meeting, those chosen for such tasks were never selected lightly. This girl... she seemed unusual.
"Yes," Wang Liwei answered calmly.
"Hmm..."
Once the four people were gathered, Wang Liwei led them to the inner hall.
"Brat, you're back already?" Professor Wang and Professor Efman simultaneously scolded Yang Hui in an unamused tone when they saw him.
"Uh…"
If it were anyone else saying this, Yang Hui would have immediately retorted. But with these two teachers... well, he just had to quietly accept it.
After getting scolded by both, the last guest, Katou Maikin, arrived, and the meeting formally began.
Yang Hui first shared all the information he had gathered in the past month, including the true plans of Ioeria, and then explained his own intentions.
"Hm... Ioeria Shohenberg is truly a terrifying man."
"Indeed, he saw things 200 years ago that we couldn't even fathom now."
Both Professor Efman and Professor Wang sighed simultaneously, a sense of defeat filling the air. Even among researchers, there was competition, but they both genuinely respected Ioeria.
"Well, have you all thought about it?" Yang Hui asked.
"Hmm, I never expected that in my lifetime, I'd witness such a historical moment. I cannot refuse this invitation," Professor Wang declared first. After all, whether it was Celestial Being's new technology or the upcoming dialogue, he couldn't turn down the opportunity.
"I too accept the invitation. A moment like this can't do without me! Besides, we're only responsible for overseeing you, so it's not too risky, right?" Professor Efman laughed.
With the two highest-ranking members agreeing, the other three naturally didn't refuse. Anyone with a bit of ambition wouldn't turn down such an invitation, as it meant being a witness to history.
"However, Yang Hui, the thing you promised me... hasn't been fulfilled yet," Professor Wang teased, showing no concern about Efman's presence. Or perhaps... he was trying to draw Efman into his camp.
"The thing I promised? What thing? It's not the solar furnace, is it? You brat! Am I not your teacher? How come I don't get any? Have you forgotten your teacher's role?" Yang Hui sighed and gave Professor Wang a resentful look.
"Well, I can't do much about it. You see, I haven't even fully grasped the theory of solar furnaces and GN particles yet. After I return, I'm heading to Jupiter, and I won't be back for a year. Besides, if I hand them over now, can you even handle it? If they end up in the hands of the Earth Federation or UNION, you'll be without a student!"
With much persuasion, Yang Hui finally convinced the two old men. Afterward, he chatted with Billy, Sergei, and Katou for a bit.
"I say, you really went all in this time, huh? Are you that fearless?" Sergei asked.
"Heh, you should be proud, your little brother is a pioneer of world reform."
"Go to hell! I'd rather you stay home as a useless bum. I promised your dad I'd take care of you!"
"How is it my fault that I'm so great?"
"Hmph! When we meet on the battlefield, I won't go easy on you."
"Yeah, yeah, you make it sound like you could beat me."
"By the way, Myer, isn't your plan a bit too risky?" Billy, in an attempt to not be completely forgotten, interjected.
"Well, considering that it involves the transformation of the world and dialogue with outsiders, there's no way around it," Yang Hui shook his head.
Even in his past life, when watching the anime, Yang Hui always felt the entire plan was quite dangerous. For example, what if Celestial Being was wiped out in the first season? Who would take over the fight against A-Laws? What if Setsuna died in the middle, who would complete the dialogue? Purebred change-makers weren't hard to find, but finding another like Setsuna was impossible.
But now, experiencing it firsthand, he understood—they had no time to proceed slowly.
On the other side, the two close friends were having a private conversation.
"I was wondering why you suddenly retired, turns out you joined such a dangerous plan, Kyujo."
"Mm... actually, even without this matter, I had already planned to retire from AEU, I was planning to go to the Earth Federation anyway."
"That's very like you, bold but with careful strategy, good at using surprise tactics."
"If I were like you, being cautious and analyzing all the pros and cons, I wouldn't have succeeded."
"Kyujo!" Katou's face turned red, and she panickedly shouted, instantly attracting everyone's attention.
Embarrassed, Katou apologized and glared at Leesa.
Leesa stuck her tongue out, then asked, "By the way, Katou, have you made up your mind?"
"Kyu...jo..."
"Ah, haha, I didn't say anything." Leesa knew she shouldn't push Katou too far, or she would really lose it.
"Hmph! You better watch out on the battlefield! Otherwise, I won't miss the chance!"
"Wow? Didn't realize you had such big ambitions," Leesa's eyes glinted dangerously.
She had originally wanted to find an ally to deal with that scumbag and also take care of her best friend's feelings. But now, it seemed like Katou had no intention of sharing, and instead, planned to monopolize!
"So, you better stay alive."
"Aren't you worried about him being in danger? He's a front-line combatant."
"Anyone I like can't possibly die so easily!"
"You! Ka...tou..."
...
Late at night, everyone went their separate ways. The goal of coming to Earth had been accomplished, and Yang Hui and Leesa had to return to space immediately. Whether it was tactical drills, refining plans, or heading to Jupiter, time was running out, and Teiera was right—they didn't have much time left.
"Myer, I'm getting more and more curious about you," Wang Liwei said as Leesa went to the restroom.
"That won't do, little sister. Don't you know that curiosity about men is dangerous for women?" Yang Hui teased.
"Does that mean Myer plans to do something to me?" Wang Liwei pretended to be cute, her large, sparkling eyes blinking non-stop.
"Heh, not at all. Besides, I already have a fiancée, and I'm not interested in little girls like you."
At this, Yang Hui had definitely stepped on a landmine. Even a girl would hate being belittled for her looks or body, especially by a man she was interested in.
"Ahaha, don't be angry! You're still young, and your future is bright!" Seeing Wang Liwei's face almost puffing up in anger, Yang Hui quickly comforted her.
"Hmph! Don't think I'll forgive you easily!"
"I've already apologized, haven't I?"
"Hmph!"
"Alright, alright, tell me what you want."
"Hmm... Let me think... Got it! Next time you come to Earth, how about you spend a day with me?"
"Forget it. Though Leesa wouldn't think too much about it, I can't give her the wrong idea." Yang Hui immediately rejected.
"Oh? So, if Leesa agrees, then it's fine?"
"Cough... Isn't your focus a little misplaced?"
"Hm, got it. Since Leesa has returned, your train is about to leave. I'll be going now. Have a smooth journey."
"Hey! Wait a minute... What's going on?" Yang Hui scratched his head, confused.
"What happened? Where's Wang Liwei?"
"She left first. Our train is here."
"Mm, let's go then."
"Mm."
Leesa clutched Yang Hui's arm a bit more tightly. This time, when they returned, they would be separated for a year. She wanted to cherish this moment.
...
"Miss, you..."
"Red Dragon, don't ask what you shouldn't."
"...Yes."
Wang Liwei gazed out the window at the passing scenery, her lips occasionally curling into a faint smile as she thought of something quite amusing.
(End of Chapter)