Chapter 70: Fines for Destroying Greenery

"The incident at the DSSD conference..."

The day after the deputy director's death, He Kui sought out Su Lei.

"Erica already approached you. This can't be hidden. For now, both of you are under surveillance, but since she didn't say anything to you, and you didn't say anything either, you're in the clear."

"Thank you."

"I knew you'd be worried and come ask."

Su Lei shrugged. She had already discussed this with Lacus yesterday, so the higher-ups were aware of He Kui's whereabouts that day.

But since Erica was the one who approached him and their conversation was innocuous, He Kui was in no trouble.

"However, you did destroy some greenery, so there's a 200 fine. You're quite bold, He Kui. Erica has a husband and child, you know."

Su Lei teased with a playful huff.

"It was just a coincidence..."

He Kui chuckled awkwardly. With the deputy director's death, many people must have reviewed the surveillance footage, leaving him with no way to clear his name.

As for the true cause of the deputy director's death or which faction was behind it, those were mysteries beyond his reach.

Still, the urgency in his heart intensified.

"Coincidence? Several directors with wives have told their spouses to avoid you."

"It's not that serious, is it?"

He Kui replied with a wry smile.

"In any case, keep a low profile!"

Su Lei picked up a thick stack of documents and playfully smacked He Kui on the head.

"Ouch."

"Does it hurt?"

Seeing He Kui bow his head and groan without speaking, Su Lei panicked a bit.

"No~ Did you change the carpet?"

"Go to hell, He Kui!"

Su Lei stood, brandishing the documents.

Sensing danger, He Kui quickly changed the topic.

"Is that mineral radar data in your hand?"

"Yes, and I'm going to use it to hit you!"

Despite her words, Su Lei sat back down to discuss work.

"The mineral scanning radar—if successful, as per your data—could significantly speed up our asteroid resource identification. Even without improvements in resource processing, efficiency could increase by 5%."

"And you really want to co-author with me? This isn't a small matter."

Su Lei's face showed a mix of emotions—both happiness and apprehension.

"Yes, it's a product of our collaboration."

"Pervert! Who's collaborating with you?"

Flustered, Su Lei reached for a Haro on the desk.

Seeing her about to hit him, He Kui hurriedly continued.

"It's not complete yet; it can still be improved."

He had only unlocked about a third of the necessary knowledge.

Although it was barely usable, its practical value was limited.

"But you shouldn't be too busy with this right now."

"Why? What's happened?"

Seeing the seriousness on Su Lei's face, He Kui put away his playful smile.

"Graduation season is here. A batch of students is about to graduate from the military academy and May City University. The five major design bureaus are preparing for a joint campus recruitment. Those with enough achievements might directly become directors, while those without can be recruited as high-end reserve talents. Even B-levels will receive good treatment, and C-levels will form the basic workforce."

Su Lei explained sternly. Talent was never in short supply on PLANT.

"The prices of A-level products in circulation are expected to drop. There's already talk of pressuring directors who can't produce results for three consecutive quarters to step aside for more capable individuals."

"A new policy?"

"Uncertain. It's one of the reform proposals led by the Defense Council for the five major design bureaus, aimed at boosting director productivity and streamlining the system."

"Is there no opposition from the directors?"

Some directors, accustomed to comfort, wouldn't want to be forced into hard work.

"The news hasn't spread widely yet. They'll likely release it slowly to gauge public opinion and negotiate terms. But reform is inevitable. PLANT's finances can't support so many directors, and several projects are due to be cut."

Directors could manage their subordinates but had no control over bureau chiefs or higher-ups. If those in power were determined to reform, there was little that could be done.

In the current climate, directors wouldn't have public support for a strike.

PLANT's citizens could drown them in public criticism.

As for defection, who would defect over this? Other places were not only dangerous, but defecting itself was risky.

The same logic applied to espionage.

Those accustomed to luxury feared death more than most, so they might exploit loopholes but wouldn't take reckless risks.

Perhaps this was a remedial measure after military setbacks.

"Do the five major design bureaus need to focus on weapon development?"

In that case, his mining MS might not receive much attention. It would be best to find a sponsor.

"Probably. Also, this batch of students is highly skilled. I've heard someone among them has nearly derived a high-energy pulse cannon, and beam weapons are a hot topic with many researchers."

Su Lei's words made He Kui furrow his brow further.

Second-generation Coordinators were stronger than the first, though it was just a rumor. But the new generation was advancing rapidly.

Not only was ZAFT's military strength on the rise, but even the once-calm waters of the five major design bureaus were being stirred.

Su Lei's remarks made He Kui feel a sense of urgency.

"The radar you gave me, though you're the main developer, is a radar. You're the director of the beam group. I don't want to see you here anymore! Even if this reform isn't passed, be prepared for the worst, understand?"

"I understand."

The anti-beam shield research needed to accelerate. Recently, to support his small MS development, he had been gifting most of his work to Su Lei.

But now, he needed to complete the theoretical research on the anti-beam shield quickly and apply for funding to develop prototypes.

That way, it would count as an achievement for the beam group.

He should reduce the frequency of gifts to Su Lei accordingly.

"Since you have a plan, I won't interfere."

Seeing He Kui's calm demeanor and apparent plan, Su Lei felt relieved.

She didn't want to see He Kui get dragged down.

"Okay, we can just communicate online, right? No need for you to come every day."

Hearing this, He Kui brought out a lunchbox and an owl.

"I have to come to give this to you."

"I told you not to busy yourself with these."

Su Lei accepted the gift with feigned disdain, though the tips of her ears, peeking through her soft hair, betrayed a slight blush.

"But this one's cute. I'll let it slide."

"Don't worry, I won't fall."

He Kui smiled confidently.

"Hmph."

Su Lei turned away with a pout, continuing, "By the way, Miss Lacus has a concert coming up in a few days. Do you want to go? It's fine if you're busy."

"...I'll go."

A ready-made sponsor for his mining MS had arrived.

Though he wasn't sure why Lacus wanted to see him, he also had business with her.

Leaving Su Lei's radar group, He Kui gazed at the bustling assembly plant outside the window, deep in thought.

A new wave of recruits was coming, and competition would only intensify.

While lost in thought, he encountered the familiar HR manager approaching.

"Manager Thule."

"Director He."

The two, now equals in position, exchanged greetings and passed each other.

However, He Kui felt a heightened sense of caution.

Regardless of changes in policy, there were still many who wished for his downfall.

He needed to expedite his research.

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