Chapter 119: Shi He's Feelings for You

He Kui and Shi He had just returned to the changing room, switching back to their smart white outfits, and the results were already in.

"The pilot committed suicide."

"The prototype, Director He, could you check if there are any damages?"

With the matter settled, the chief of staff relaxed a bit, his previously serious demeanor softening as he smiled at He Kui in the hangar.

"Suicide?"

Such precise movements didn't seem like those of a Natural. It was equivalent to Red-level proficiency. If they had all piloted assault-type ZAKUs against each other, while He Kui could still win, it wouldn't be an easy victory.

"We'll conduct a thorough investigation of the body later, but it seems some inhumane methods were used."

The staff officer spoke disdainfully.

"Understood."

Hearing this, He Kui stepped forward to inspect the prototype.

Aside from some usage marks and signs of forced tampering, there wasn't much else.

"No major issues; it can be transported back."

He Kui said with a light smile after disembarking from the ZAKU.

"Alright, then I'll leave it to you, Director He."

"It's no trouble, it's for ZAFT."

With that, He Kui and the others quickly returned to May City.

As they took the elevator down, the simulated sunrise within the colony greeted them.

Unbeknownst to them, they had been busy all night, even engaging with the Alliance's secret forces within PLANT territory.

"Shi He, go back and rest first. I'll head to the Design Bureau to see the deputy director."

"I'll go with you!"

"No need, go home first and tell my parents. Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

While Coordinators can handle staying up overnight, that's generally speaking; combat takes a toll.

Especially since he wasn't the pinnacle of Coordinator physicality, looking more worn out than Shi He at the moment.

"Alright then."

Seeing He Kui's insistence, Shi He reluctantly nodded.

After parting with Shi He, He Kui headed to the deputy director's office.

"I thought our next meeting would celebrate your new home, not here again. Last night was tough."

Erin remarked as she placed a prepared cup of tea in front of He Kui and continued to ask.

"How's the prototype?"

"Intact, but its performance is lacking."

"Indeed, I've seen your battle footage. There are significant gaps in real combat. I've simulated it for warships as well; it can't respond quickly across the entire ship. If the enemy has elites, they might breach it. However, since warships are vital, the Defense Committee plans to produce a limited number of Light Shield-equipped Nazca-class ships. The exact number hasn't been decided. Regarding the shield generator layout, please coordinate with the Vernier Design Bureau's warship development team."

"No problem."

"You're tired, Director He. Go home and rest well."

"Understood."

With that, He Kui returned to his office, arranged some matters with Hoss, and then went home.

Upon opening the door, a faint aroma of meat accompanied by cheerful laughter greeted him. Shi He was happily eating breakfast with his parents in the lush courtyard.

"He Kui, you're finally back. Come eat; Mom's buns are delicious."

Shi He joyfully stood up, taking He Kui's hand and leading him to the picnic chair in the garden.

"Eat a little, then go rest."

His mother said, concerned, as she placed the buns in front of him.

"Alright."

Seeing his family and the steaming meat buns on the table, a warmth welled up from within.

What he wanted to protect wasn't just himself, but also the peaceful life with his family.

He wanted more, to climb higher.

After eating a bun, He Kui and Shi He soon returned to the master bedroom on the third floor.

"When did you get so close with them?"

He Kui teased, gently brushing Shi He's nose.

The two were cuddled up, both exhausted from the night. There was no lingering romance, just a comforting warmth.

"Of course, I'm your fiancée, after all~!"

Shi He wrinkled her nose, proudly pushing away He Kui's playful hand.

Her cute demeanor made He Kui's heart flutter.

"Not just a fiancée."

"Then what~?"

Shi He shyly buried her head in He Kui's chest, mumbling.

"Family."

"Family..."

"What's wrong?"

Hearing her seem to sob, He Kui asked with concern.

"Nothing, I'm just so happy to become family with you."

Though Shi He didn't lift her head, He Kui could feel her smile through her tears.

"I feel the same."

So he would do his utmost to protect her.

[Shi He Hanifs wants to spend her life with you.]

[Shi He Hanifs Favorability 150]

[Experience Bonus 7]

[Micro-component Processing A-Level: (60872/100000)]

[Unlock Academic: Ultra-Compact Nuclear Fission Reactor I (0/20000)]

Seeing the changes in the virtual display, He Kui felt excitement, but more so, happiness.

Previously, he harbored a bit of guilt towards Shi He, thinking he was only trying to please her for the favorability.

Now he knew it was genuine affection, not because of the system or anything else.

He genuinely wanted to be with her.

With this realization, He Kui leaned in, gently capturing Shi He's sweet, juicy lips.

"Tastier than buns."

"Be careful, I'll tell Mom."

Shi He playfully threatened, though her lips never left his.

As they spoke, He Kui could clearly feel Shi He's lips moving against his.

"Then they're equally tasty."

"Are we going to sleep or not!"

After a bit more affection, they slowly parted.

At noon, awoken by the warm sunlight, He Kui noticed two new emails on his phone, gradually regaining full consciousness.

The first was from the Design Bureau, notifying him of a PLANT TV interview tomorrow—a good opportunity to mention the small MS.

With the completion of the Light Shield system, the Zala faction likely wouldn't trouble him.

The second email was Hawk's personal information, including his background and, most importantly, skill certifications.

"Fleet Command Level B, Space Tactical Strategy Level C, Ground Tactical Strategy Level C."

Indeed, voyaging suits him well.

But fleet logistics management is also an option, or he could ask Erin to place him in a civilian security consultancy firm.

What was difficult for Hawk was now effortless for He Kui.

"Time to get back to work."

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