Chapter 40: You’re Still Progressing

After leaving Sule's office, He Kui arrived at the station outside, where a shady character approached him. Upon seeing He Kui, the man's smile became exaggerated, but he deliberately lowered his voice.

"Hey, brother, I see you just came from the design bureau. Been busy with work lately?"

"It's... alright?" 

He Kui eyed the man suspiciously. Before he could leave, the man continued.

"In the midst of busy work, it's essential to balance it with some leisure. I've got plenty of resources here that'll guarantee your satisfaction."

"First time's free, second time half off. What do you think?" 

The man's grin was bright, but his words were laced with danger.

He Kui quickly shook his head and took a cautious step back. "No thanks, I have a fiancée."

"That's cool! We have plenty of women here with fiancés." 

The man's smile turned increasingly sleazy.

"Sorry, my ride's here."

With that, He Kui waved down an empty maglev vehicle and jumped inside.

As the vehicle sped away, the man's smile faded, and after a soft click of his tongue, he began scanning the passing pedestrians again.

"The world is going downhill; the economy is really in decline if even pimps are out on the streets."

Even though he was enjoying his newfound freedom, he wasn't that easy to tempt.

Who knew if that so-called "free" deal was safe? Sometimes, the most expensive things come with a price—like being set up in a trap.

Arriving back at the residential area, He Kui noticed that despite it being work hours, the shops were still bustling with people. In the Pigeon Tower District at this time of day, it was usually deserted, with only a few lone figures wandering about. Most were at work, and those who were home wouldn't be out shopping either. Safety was a concern, and an empty wallet made for a poor shopping experience, creating a stark contrast to the lively environment he had just witnessed.

He wasn't about to waste money on frivolities. With the food stocks depleted after yesterday's rush, he could only buy some seasonings along with a bit of beef and rice from the specialty store.

While earning money wasn't solely for food, not enjoying it after making some felt sinful.

At least he could make beef congee.

When He Kui returned home, he found Shi He just stepping out of the bathroom, the rich scent of her shampoo lingering in the air, making the living room inviting.

"Have you eaten the synthetic meal yet?" 

"Yeah, I woke up late today," Shi He replied, a faint blush creeping onto her cheeks.

"If you're not too hungry, I'll prepare some congee. You should eat something light after your shower."

"Okay!"

Hearing He Kui's thoughtful words, Shi He nodded sweetly.

"So, where did you go so early?"

"I went to see Director Sule. I found out I have to wait two weeks for the A-Level assessment."

"Yeah, there are indeed quite a few applications lately."

"Right."

As they chatted, He Kui finished preparing the congee and placed it in front of Shi He.

[Shi He Hanifus's Favorability: 121] 

[Experience Bonus: 6] 

[Micro Component Processing Level A: (10258/100000)] 

[Academic: Beam Weapon Miniaturization Theory (12/10000)]

This was indeed useful. He felt a slight increase in knowledge in his mind, which made him smile. Although making congee didn't provide much experience, it proved that academics could grow continuously rather than just changing upon completion. This allowed him to plan ahead without appearing too sudden.

After dinner, He Kui quickly moved his belongings into Sule's room, while Shi He brought some of her files into He Kui's workshop. They put away the bed, effectively transforming it into a true workspace.

"I'll head back to my room then."

He Kui planned to make a few more Haros while he could.

"Okay, I'll do the same~"

Shi He stretched, revealing a glimpse of her slender waist. After finishing her bowl of congee, she felt relaxed and comfortable.

"Don't you need to rest?" 

"Don't underestimate the Red Robes! Plus, I can't slack off on the beam weapon development," Shi He replied playfully.

"Right."

With the recovery ability of Adjusters being stronger than that of ordinary people, He Kui also needed to focus on making more Haros. If he couldn't produce them before the invasion of Orb, then all his efforts would have been in vain.

During his seven-day vacation, He Kui maintained an intense production pace. He was able to deliver two Haros to Shi He daily, resulting in a staggering increase of 2,500 experience points. Unknowingly, he had completed a quarter of the academic goal, and as he delved deeper into A-Level, his skills became even more refined. While he could no longer speed up production, the quality of his work impressed even the store clerks downstairs.

As He Kui welcomed the first working day after his short vacation, he stepped into the office.

"You spent your entire break making Haros?" 

Sule looked at the three Haros and a plate of cold beef on his desk, her tongue inadvertently grazing her pink lips, leaving a glistening trail.

"Yeah, and you have some drool on your face."

"Hmm?" 

Sule absentmindedly wiped her mouth and shot He Kui a glare.

"Don't tease your boss! And thanks."

By now, Sule was too lazy to refuse, stealing another glance at the front Haro.

"You're still making progress!"

"Maybe it's just practice makes perfect." 

He Kui chuckled.

"Regardless, with your current skills, passing the assessment is a certainty. By the way, are you interested in going to Yakin Dui?"

"Resource satellite?" 

Hearing the familiar yet strange name piqued He Kui's curiosity.

"To be precise, it's a resource satellite set to become a defensive stronghold. You should be aware that the 5th and 6th fleets of the Joint Forces launched an attack from the Tully Base on the Moon and engaged near Yakin Dui. The highest council has passed a resolution and is recruiting talents to help with construction there. If you agree, your A-Level assessment priority will be elevated, and it pays quite well too!"

"Are you going?" 

If he went alone, he wouldn't gain much experience, and staying at home seemed more appealing.

"Me? Of course not! This time it's just for construction, and I need to stay here for radar development."

As Sule spoke, her expression shifted slightly. She had been present every time He Kui had gone out on a mission.

"Are you scared? There's no need to worry; Yakin Dui will definitely be safer since it's within PLANT's range."

"It's not that… I'll think about it."

"Alright, but let me know within this week."

"Got it."

As soon as He Kui stepped out of Sule's office, he was met with the envious and admiring gazes of his colleagues.

"Did you get fined again? I told you not to throw that radar; you'd be better off tossing your own arm than that piece of junk, 'Radar Thrower' man."

He Kui's coworker began to tease him as soon as he sat down.

"...Yeah."

What could he say? He could only awkwardly scratch his nose.

"Anyway, you really hit the jackpot on this trip to Earth. You got bonuses, enjoyed the food, and even had a paid vacation, and you still won't treat us to a meal?"

The person exclaimed dramatically, and others laughed in agreement.

"Why don't you give it a try?"

He Kui raised an eyebrow in amusement.

"Let's skip that, I think I'd get space sickness."

"Stop joking, I brought something."

He Kui took out a pack of beef jerky worth a thousand credits from his bag.

"You're such a bro!"

"Thanks."

"Thanks!"

Under the envious and jealous gazes of those around him, the beef jerky, representing a fifth of their monthly salary, was luxuriously consumed. This was something they usually wouldn't splurge on,

proving that He Kui had indeed struck it rich.

Of course, they had no idea about He Kui's A-Level application; otherwise, their envy would have intensified even more.

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