บท 209: Chapter 209: Changes upon Returning to PLANT
"I'm He Kui, here to take over the repair supervision."
Entering the repair headquarters at Victoria Harbor, He Kui introduced himself directly.
"Director He!"
The repair crew, previously deep in heated discussions over repair plans, paused and fell silent upon seeing him. Every set of eyes turned toward He Kui, and, almost in unison, they stood up and saluted him with respect.
Although He Kui's name might not resonate as strongly among the combat forces, within the realms of repair and design, he was well-known. His contributions—countless weapons and shields created by his own hands—had earned him significant recognition. With such achievements, if he aspired to, he could one day run for district chief or even a seat in the Council.
Among the crowd, a few young women even exchanged glances, casting admiring looks in He Kui's direction. Without an official title, being noticed by someone like him could mean skipping decades of struggle, opening up a promising future.
He Kui nodded to the crowd with a polite smile.
"Well then, let's get to work. How much alloy and layered armor do we currently have in reserve?"
With He Kui's involvement, the repair efforts progressed at an even faster pace. Before additional support arrived, another attack came from the Atlantic Federation's mixed mobile suit and fighter squadron. However, this time, with Jason's Special Operations Group and Andrew's leadership, the reinforced defenses held, driving the Alliance forces back once again.
"We couldn't have held out without you, Director He. We're grateful," the staff officer said, his previously anxious demeanor now replaced with a warmer expression.
"Thank you, but it was everyone's effort that made this possible," He Kui replied with a modest smile.
"You're too humble, Director."
The two exchanged polite smiles. The staff officer's grin was almost fox-like, while He Kui's was less experienced but equally shrewd, resembling that of a young fox.
After spending just three days overseeing the repairs and enhancements, He Kui, along with Shi He, Andrew, and others, boarded the mass driver to return to space.
The day after returning to PLANT, Erlin visited He Kui at his home.
"This trip must have been exhausting."
"Not too bad, but…"
"We're dining at the district chief's home tonight," Erlin said, handing him a report.
"Here's the material you requested. We've managed to gather enough for five sets."
"Mobile Defense Shields?"
"Precisely."
He Kui took the tablet from Erlin, noting the materials were stored in the Hailan Design Bureau's underground facility, waiting for processing.
"Now that you're back, let's get started," Erlin said. She then noticed Shi He holding He Kui's hand tightly.
"No vacations for now, I'm afraid," Erlin added with a slight smile. Given He Kui's elevated status, she felt the need to clarify. Before, she wouldn't have explained, but with district leadership backing him, He Kui's position was now on par with hers—no longer her subordinate but an actual director.
A seventeen-year-old director.
Erlin suppressed her envy, recalling her own days studying engineering in May City at that age. Though the times were different, He Kui's meteoric rise was remarkable, even by Coordinator standards.
"I understand."
He Kui gave Shi He a comforting look and then saw Erlin out.
"Are you going to the district chief's residence tonight?" Shi He asked. "It's in the upper plant section, isn't it?"
"Yes, there's something I'd like to discuss with him."
Durandal, and possibly Creuset. After his recent experiences on Earth, He Kui's plans had shifted slightly. With access to nanotherapy robots and insights into advanced technology, he believed he could strategically share certain information with Durandal, hoping to temper Creuset's ambitions.
As they talked, the afternoon arrived. Taking a private car, He Kui and Shi He soon joined Erlin on their way to the district chief's residence.
Located in PLANT's botanical area, the villa was surrounded by vibrant flowers and chirping birds, creating a serene atmosphere.
"It would be nice to live here someday," Erlin sighed.
"There's always a chance."
"Perhaps for you," Erlin replied with a laugh. She was content in her role as a researcher with modest ambitions, especially now that her investments in He Kui's work were yielding returns.
"Speaking of which, Director Erlin, your family?" He Kui asked, noting she always attended such events alone.
"We divorced," Erlin said with a shrug. "As for my child, they're conducting research in February City."
"For Coordinators, our active years are long. We don't really worry about retirement," she added, smiling, though her tone was slightly detached.
"Companionship is still important, don't you think?"
Especially for Coordinators, whose extreme choices often necessitated emotional stability.
"Perhaps." Erlin shrugged again, clearly uninterested in continuing the topic. Respecting her silence, He Kui dropped the matter.
Before long, they arrived at the district chief's grand villa. After ringing the bell, the iron gate opened, and the district chief's voice came through the intercom.
"Please come in."
"Thank you."
Though not the largest villa, the estate's sprawling grounds were impressive. Soon, they were greeted by Councilor Kladis, who gracefully stepped aside to welcome them in. Years in his role had lent Kladis a scholarly, refined demeanor.
"Thank you for having us."
Once seated, He Kui presented his gift—a model of the Freedom GaT-X he had crafted himself.
"A small token of appreciation," he said politely, maintaining the respect due to his superior.
Kladis smiled as he unwrapped the model, and upon examining it closely, his eyes widened with surprise. He quickly recognized the model's meticulous craftsmanship.
"Did you make this, He Kui?"
"Yes," He Kui confirmed.
The model's intricate details and precision amazed Kladis, who, after years in his position, recognized expert work when he saw it.
"This is exceptional—surpassing even A-rank craftsmanship," Kladis murmured, pulling a magnifying glass from his pocket to scrutinize the model. "The accuracy in nano-material processing is almost at the level of a master artisan…"
"Thank you for the compliment."
"No, I'm not just complimenting you," Kladis said, his tone serious. "Even PLANT has only a few true masters with such expertise."
He Kui smiled modestly. The journey to this level, though seemingly short, had been filled with challenges and choices that made it feel like a decade had passed. His perspective had matured significantly. Early on, he might not have been so cautious. Now, he showcased his skills to someone like Kladis to underscore his value and potential for collaboration.
After all, in this world, mutual benefit was the foundation of any long-lasting alliance.
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