Chapter 59: Lacus's Affinity

On the day He Kui officially became a director, the miniaturized beam weapon team held a simple celebration for him. Given the recent setbacks on the lunar front, it wasn't appropriate to be extravagant.

"Congratulations, Director He!"

"Thank you."

With He Kui's promotion, Shi He also earned a promotion to deputy director. The couple had effectively taken charge of the miniaturized beam weapon team.

Of course, this was just a single team, and they were still far from deputy director or even director of the bureau. They couldn't afford to stop here.

With renewed motivation, He Kui officially moved into the director's office.

Sitting in the director's chair, He Kui fell into deep thought.

Shi He's research had been completed, but there hadn't been any new academic developments in the past few days.

Could it be that the affinity needed to be increased further? But increasing affinity wasn't something that could be done at will.

He sighed at the thought.

"What's wrong?"

Shi He, sitting across from him, asked.

"Nothing, just thinking about when my parents are coming over."

Now that everything was settled, he was preparing to move his parents into the A-Class residential area.

"How are your mom and dad doing?" 

As she spoke, Shi He's face flushed slightly.

"Don't worry; they will definitely like you."

"Hmm."

As Shi He looked at him, the virtual panel in front of He Kui changed slightly.

[Shi He Hanifus Affinity: 130]

[Experience Bonus: 6]

[Micro-component Processing A-Class: (20137/100000)]

[Academics: Anti-Beam Coating Shield II (0/10000)]

So it really unlocks when it hits ten? 

The anti-beam coating shield does have different strengths. Currently, the lack of research on it is due to the beam weapons not being widespread, but with He Kui's development of the miniaturized beam weapon, research on shields would likely receive more attention in the future.

After all, having a stronger shield to match the sword would bring peace of mind, and it seemed this shield could also be upgraded. The earlier miniaturized beam weapons might not have been unlocked due to the prerequisite technology. This meant that if He Kui continued to improve Shi He's affinity, new beam weapons might become available again.

Though he still didn't fully understand the system, He Kui was generally satisfied. He immediately pulled out an old Haro he had saved for Shi He as a gift.

[Cheating prevention mechanism triggered. A-Class items will automatically have their benefits reduced by tenfold.]

[You gifted Shi He a Hanifus gift, Micro-component Processing Experience +3.]

[Shi He Hanifus Affinity: 130]

[Experience Bonus: 6]

[Micro-component Processing A-Class: (20155/100000)]

[Academics: Anti-Beam Coating Shield II (18/10000)]

"A-Class and below."

"What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

A-Class and below meant he could sell most of his Haros, and the A-Class Haros were the ones that barely met the order standards.

This wasn't a big problem, but it did mean that the material costs would be higher, completely blocking his path to grinding for upgrades later.

"Are you really okay?"

Noticing He Kui's furrowed brow, Shi He still felt concerned.

"I'm fine."

It was just more taxing on him.

"Oh."

Time flew by, and soon it was the day his parents arrived. He Kui and Shi He were waiting at the port to welcome them.

"This must be your fiancée; you two really make a perfect match."

He Kui's mother, a middle-aged woman with the traces of time etched on her face, remarked.

"Hello, Mom and Dad."

"Hi there!"

As they exchanged pleasantries, they took the elevator into the interior of the colony.

The four of them soon reached an area that used to be dangerous. Since the group involved in the recent crackdown had been captured, the area had become much quieter. While it still felt dark, more pedestrians were around, and at least the area near the port was beginning to show signs of prosperity.

However, the eyes of the passersby lacked brightness, and some even had a hint of malice when they glanced at the four.

"Is that contract you mentioned reliable?"

Along the way, He Kui's mother began her usual barrage of questions.

"Absolutely reliable and very safe. He Kui has moved into a specialized residential area since becoming the director."

Shi He spoke proudly, causing the faces of nearby pedestrians to change when they heard about the director and his exclusive residence.

A director of the design bureau was a person of real authority. Just meeting the A-Class standards to become a director was something most people could only dream of their entire lives.

Directors rarely ventured out, and when they had tasks, they traveled in dedicated vehicles.

Seeing a "wild" director like He Kui was a rare sight, and if they could establish some connections, it might be useful in the future.

Many eyes brightened with eagerness, preparing to approach and offer to help carry luggage or engage in small talk.

However, before they could make their move, the four of them quickly hailed a maglev vehicle and sped away.

They arrived at the Mechanical Maniac area, which was busier than usual.

"What's going on?" 

He Kui randomly grabbed a passerby to ask.

"Lacus is here!"

The person exclaimed excitedly. He Kui was taken aback, not showing much expression.

It wasn't that he didn't want to increase his affinity; it was simply that he had no idea how to approach her. With so many bodyguards around, if he tried to walk up and chat, he'd likely be tackled to the ground.

So He Kui figured he would just wait for her to come to him.

Just as he thought this, He Kui had not anticipated that Lacus would come looking for him so soon.

"Director He, hello~"

Standing at his doorstep was the pink-haired princess, her eyes sparkling with an enchanting glow, embodying the perfect blend of innocence and charm, her slight baby fat accentuating her cuteness.

"Hello, Miss Lacus."

He Kui was taken aback; this was their first face-to-face meeting.

"It's nice to meet you. I heard from Su Lei that today is your housewarming day, so I came to check on you~"

Lacus's sweet voice made it easy to overlook the abruptness of her visit.

For an ordinary person, having such a popular idol show up at their door to celebrate would likely send them into a state of bliss, feeling grateful beyond measure. It was the dream of countless people on PLANT. However, He Kui could only manage a subtle, forced smile, pretending to be excited and touched.

"Please, come in, Miss Lacus!"

He suspected her intention was to win over his parents or perhaps she had seen how much he cared for them in her research. Lacus seemed well-prepared, and this wasn't about He Kui increasing his affinity; it was more about Lacus boosting her affinity with him.

"Hello, Uncle and Aunt!"

"Lacus?!"

His parents were visibly shocked to see such a well-known idol in their home.

"Don't be so formal, Uncle and Aunt! I heard Director He is moving, so I came to take a look. After all, Director He has done so much for PLANT! Please forgive my sudden visit."

"I brought some gifts~ Please accept them~"

Watching Lacus chat happily with his surprised parents as if she were a neighborly little sister, He Kui realized that increasing her affinity would not be so simple. It wasn't something that could be achieved in just a couple of encounters; she was clearly a boss-level challenge.

-Support me in Patreon for more chapters 35+ chapters in there 

patreon.com/LegendaryTL

Thanks