Chapter 31: Containing Rumors

After thirty-six hours of relentless work, the base had completed its most basic construction, and the rest could be handed over to others.

"Good job," He Kui said, looking at the ordinary meal served on the stainless steel tray, tears involuntarily welling up in his eyes.

"This is the meal provided by the Oceania Federation, but yours is a special military meal with an extra fish," Sule replied, her expression equally satisfied. It was hard not to suspect that her eagerness to come to Earth was simply to enjoy the food.

"Let's eat and then rest for a bit. The first batch of Deens and three test units will arrive in six hours, so you'll need to handle maintenance and repairs again," Sule reminded him.

"Okay." 

Even Adjusters would feel exhausted after a day and a half without sleep. As soon as he relaxed and filled his belly, drowsiness crept in. However, He Kui had lingering concerns, so after finishing his meal, he didn't head straight to rest like the others.

"Excuse me, where is the second batch of construction troops deployed at the front?" 

"Ah!?" 

The soldier on the main road, disturbed from his rest, showed visible displeasure. Lack of sleep had made the officers irritable.

However, that irritation dissipated when he saw the Sea Lan Design Bureau badge on He Kui's uniform.

"Sorry, I'm not sure. But if it's the second batch, they should be concentrated along the coast, working on fortifications and laying mines."

"Thank you very much."

After politely thanking the soldier, He Kui continued along the freshly flattened muddy road toward the coastline.

"Speaking of which, didn't Hanifus's fiancé just ride on the coattails of the Sea Lan Design Bureau?"

"Maybe he's getting closer to that Director Sule. Who would've guessed he was into younger girls?"

"Cough, cough! Am I interrupting your conversation?"

He Kui's voice cut through their gossip, and he looked directly at the group that had been chatting just moments before.

"Spreading rumors and disturbing military discipline will get reported to your superiors," he stated sternly.

"I'm sorry!" 

The few Green Robes jumped up in panic upon being caught.

"Alright, if you have the energy to talk, you should return to construction."

"Yes, sir!"

The group quickly replied, a Red Robe and an engineer among them. They knew that if He Kui truly reported them, they'd be in deep trouble. They dispersed while muttering under their breath, and He Kui frowned.

This rumor needed to be contained; otherwise, his reputation could suffer, leading to a decrease in favorability. If people at their level or higher caught wind of it, it could cause them embarrassment. Given past experiences, He Kui knew such incidents were entirely possible.

The simplest way to stifle this gossip was to achieve some results or get promoted to A-level. However, a quick promotion to A-level was unlikely. The test unit project could be the solution to his immediate concerns. In short, his abilities as an engineer had yet to gain recognition from others.

After walking a bit longer, He Kui spotted a striking girl in a red pilot suit stepping down from a GINN, though ignoring the dark circles under her eyes made her seem even cuter.

"Shi He."

"What are you doing here?"

"I was a bit worried about you. Are you alright?"

"I'm fine. We faced a few small assaults earlier, but we quickly repelled them. Now they're probably waiting for the main forces to arrive. You should get some rest too."

Shi He looked at He Kui's panda eyes, noting how weary he appeared. There hadn't been much time for them to catch up before they had to fend off the Alliance's attacks.

"Same to you."

Seeing her made He Kui feel reassured, but fatigue surged over him again. He quickly made his way back to his temporary tent.

At the very least, he needed to rest well to prepare for the upcoming tests of the mobile suits.

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