Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

After returning from Erin's place, He Kui didn't head straight back to the director's area. Instead, he took Shi He to a supermarket near the botanical district. Fresh ingredients transported from Earth filled the supermarket's cold storage section, more abundant and less expensive than before, though still quite pricey in some aspects due to increased taxes.

Passersby didn't show much happiness on their faces. Given the current anti-war sentiment among PLANT citizens, large-scale anti-war protests might not be far off. However, in December City, many were protesting that the fight against the Alliance wasn't aggressive enough, advocating for stronger action against their ruthless adversary. Conversely, in May City, where there were more neutralists, there was a preference for technology over military force, leading to a more conservative stance.

"It's rare for us to go grocery shopping together~ What would you like to eat~?" Shi He asked with a light laugh, happily holding He Kui's arm as they walked among shoppers, both wearing disguises like sunglasses and masks to avoid recognition.

"Let's have some fish and get some lobster too."

"I was asking what you wanted!"

She gave him a playful glare, hearing her own preferences listed.

"I'm not picky. How about some beef too?"

With their millions in cash flow, they no longer had to worry about the cost of groceries.

"I knew it~"

"How about we also get some things your parents like~?"

Shi He nodded contentedly, like a happy kitten.

"Sure."

"Next week is George Glenn Memorial Day; will you be back before the holiday?"

"No problem."

"Good, stay safe~"

In the supermarket, Shi He gave He Kui a quick kiss on the cheek.

Their time together was peaceful and happy, though they were still under the shadow of war. He Kui needed to become stronger.

Reviewing his current abilities, his micro-manipulation skills were nearing S-level. After returning from Julius Seven, he should break through to S-level, securing his director position at PLANT and potentially rising higher. His handcrafted weapons would be more powerful, and his shields stronger. It was the path to becoming a master craftsman.

Taking a few deep breaths to calm himself, He Kui looked at the escape pod resting silently in his home garage. Before departure, he needed to make final adjustments.

Maintaining calm and precise control, He Kui opened the vehicle's hood. The seal and component connections could be even tighter. Under his refined micro-manipulation, everything came together effortlessly.

The next day, He Kui drove his escape pod to the port with Sulei.

"Is this Director He's escape pod?"

"It looks really cool."

Familiar Iron Wall watched He Kui emerge from the vehicle-cum-escape pod with admiration.

"It has a vintage beauty."

"Does it?"

He Kui had modeled it after a memory of a Porsche, though it ended up resembling an SU7. Compared to the boxy designs of this world, it indeed had a unique charm.

"Can I drive it when we return to PLANT?"

Iron Wall's eyes gleamed.

"Of course."

"Captain Iron Wall, do you know who's piloting the test unit this time?"

"The pilot has a connection to Director He."

"Me?"

Still puzzled, He Kui saw three people enter the hangar nearby.

Besides the familiar Courtney Hieronymus, his old classmates, Malleus Strow and Lika Shita, were there.

"He Kui, long time no see~"

Lika Shita said quietly, her eyes behind glasses sparkling. Despite her lively demeanor, she was actually blind due to a congenital defect and could only see with glasses.

Contrasting her warmth, Malleus Strow, with his golden hair, nodded coolly at He Kui, exuding aloofness. He was a staunch supporter of Coordinator supremacy and found the Zala faction too moderate for his taste.

He fit the protagonist mold perfectly, except for his small-mindedness, which clashed with typical protagonist traits.

"He's still the same~"

Lika played peacemaker between them.

"Hello."

Whether it was envy or something else, He Kui didn't mind, just smiling at them.

"So, you three are piloting the new units. What a coincidence, meeting old classmates."

"Even though you've been promoted to director, you never treated us to a meal."

"Don't tease me."

Smiling at the familiar face from military school, He Kui naturally pulled out a Haro.

"For you."

"You're still making Haros~"

"My old trade."

He Kui's words were met with a scoff from Malleus.

"Malleus!"

Lika gave him an annoyed look.

"He Kui's unit is impressive; we need to familiarize ourselves with it. Can we ask you questions?"

"Feel free."

Without any notification, He Kui smiled, stepping aside for them to enter the adjacent Laurasia-class hangar.

Returning to their room later, Sulei, who had followed He Kui, sat on the bed, looking at him.

"Those two were your classmates?"

"Yes, though we didn't interact much."

Though Lika would chat with him, he was often too busy to respond.

"Hmph, doesn't seem like it."

Sulei's words were full of jealousy.

"Why not? It's all innocent, unlike with you."

"You..."

Sulei blushed, glaring at him.

Before she could speak, she felt a tingling sensation on her chest.

"Seems like it's grown a bit."

"No, it hasn't!"

"So, it's smaller?"

"Go to hell!"

"It's safe until we leave PLANT's domain."

Responding to He Kui's words, Sulei leaned into him, her body responding to his touch.

Soon, her shy voice echoed in the well-sealed room.

After a while, as they relaxed, two Nazca-class ships approached Julius Seven near L3.

He Kui stood dressed, while Sulei lazed about, though she was also dressed.

"Are we going to L3?"

Sulei asked, still blushing with satisfaction.

"Yes, we need to get within radar range of Artemis's Umbrella."

"You're not going to engage, are you?"

"Don't you know me?"

He Kui playfully brushed Sulei's smooth nose.

"You're a coward, after all."

"In some ways, I'm pretty bold."

"Hmph, let's go!"

Afraid of being caught in another round by the captain, Sulei quickly left the room.

"This cockpit is so narrow..."

Sitting on He Kui's lap, Sulei blushed in protest.

"Why not use the GINN?"

"We need to test this long-range pack's performance, and we're within the Nazca's range, so it's safe."

Given the Eurasian Federation's current armaments, they likely didn't even have mobile suits.

Any attack from such a distance would allow the Nazca-class to deploy beam shields before impact.

"Is that the problem!"

Sulei wriggled in He Kui's lap, her scent filling the space.

"It was like this when we first landed on Earth."

"That was then!"

If He Kui did something here...

For some reason, besides fear, Sulei felt a strange anticipation.

"I really don't plan to do anything."

He Kui explained.

Having just vented earlier, he was still able, but he wouldn't go that far here.

Soon, the captain's friendly smile appeared on the screen.

The same captain who had escorted them to DSSD.

Seeing him, He Kui felt reassured.

Iron Wall and his team were also on standby in the hangar, ready to launch.

"We can start the test anytime, Director He."

The captain said, unaware of Sulei's presence inside.

"One moment, we need to complete the data monitoring system check."

He Kui said, his hands moving swiftly over the Gates' keyboard, despite half-hugging Sulei.

"Your IT skills have improved."

Sulei forgot her e

mbarrassment for a moment, impressed.

"Not bad."

After tuning the sensors connecting the Nazca-class to the Gates and the three new units, He Kui reopened communication with the captain.

"Ready, let's begin the test."

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