Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

With the roar of the shuttle engine, they safely landed at the port of December City. However, without a mass accelerator, MS and other heavy equipment couldn't be transported, and even luggage was severely limited. Fortunately, He Kui only had a few sets of clothes, and the materials had long been used up. Anything brought here couldn't be openly taken back to PLANT, or else the Discipline Inspection Committee would likely come knocking on his door.

"By the way, are we really going out? We're just researchers, after all," He Kui said as they descended from the elevator at the port, observing the crowded sidewalks of December City. The main road, typically reserved for maglev vehicles, was now flanked by several GINNs used for ceremonial parades, and the atmosphere was jubilant. Those unfamiliar with the situation might think they had achieved complete victory.

"Feeling shy?" Sule teased.

"A little."

"Don't worry; we don't have to follow the soldiers around. After the victory ceremony here, we can go back. But your fiancée is part of the guard unit, so she'll have to stay until the end."

"Yeah."

"Can't wait to see her, huh? Didn't you see her often while on Earth?"

Sule squinted her large eyes at him playfully.

"Sounds like you're in love."

"A-are you serious?" 

He Kui felt uneasy, fearing that any wrong answer could lead to a decrease in favorability. He had no experience in such romantic situations, after all.

Of course, he was eager to see Shi He. With his progress toward Level A, he was thinking about gifting her something special.

"By the way, when will our bonuses be distributed?"

"Since we won this time, we don't have to hide the amounts like before. Bonuses will be awarded during the victory ceremony."

"Wait, we have to go on stage?" 

"If you want to, I can let you go up, but normally I'll represent us. I could give you special treatment, though," Sule replied.

"Let's skip it."

He didn't see the point in going up there, and lately, Sule seemed to enjoy teasing him more than before.

He was set to receive a bonus of 200,000 credits. Perhaps due to his contributions to the proposal and performance on the front lines, it was 100,000 more than the last battlefield bonus. For a researcher, that amount was quite substantial. Only Sule's bonus would likely exceed his, based on their positions.

He Kui was already planning how to allocate that hefty sum when the large doors ahead swung open, and the cheers of the crowd flooded into his ears. The resounding applause felt like it could tear apart the clouds in the colony's sky, and the heroes of the recent battle walked proudly at the front, waving to the crowd.

"The people here are still as warm as ever," He Kui remarked.

"Are you envious?" 

"Not at all."

Hero units were dangerous units, often flaunting personalized paint jobs to ensure everyone knew who they were. Being in the limelight meant becoming a target during battles. This time, the hero unit's performance was somewhat exaggerated; only one had shot down six enemy fighter jets, which was merely on par with elite Red Robes. It was all part of a publicity stunt.

Watching the lively scene ahead, He Kui reaffirmed his decision to stay away from the front lines.

"Afraid of dying, huh? Well, that might be for the best."

"Huh?"

As they spoke, they boarded a train heading to the main venue for the victory ceremony, away from the main road.

The ceremony wrapped up in a jubilant atmosphere quite quickly; many had only managed to nap on the warships and were eager to get home to sleep. 

Now that he had received his payment, He Kui couldn't wait to head to the Junker's Guild on the other side of the May City port.

"Welcome! Why did you come to see me right after returning?"

The owner began to speak, but upon recognizing He Kui, his face broke into a warm smile.

"Long time no see."

"By the way, congratulations on your victory."

"Thanks! How are the prices lately?"

"They've dropped about 5% from when you last bought, but overall, prices remain stable."

"Alright, I'll take forty micro-magnetic levitation devices, forty high-performance micro-processors, and fifty sets of materials for Haro."

With a spree of buying, He Kui's cash dwindled by half, leaving him with only 80,000 credits. If not for keeping some for potential emergencies, he would have bought even more. Today, no one dared to rob them—the port and nearby areas were filled with researchers and military security, all with transportation provided. Anyone bold enough to rob would be risking their lives.

With the materials in hand, He Kui hurried back home, unloading all the Deen models he had accumulated, leaving only three for himself, and took them to the Mechanical Maze for a few thousand credits in return.

Just as he finished, Shi He returned home. He Kui promptly presented her with the warning-type Deen model he had used during meetings.

"This is for you!"

"Is it really okay to receive this?" 

Shi He, who understood what the model represented, was aware that although the proposal had been rejected, it was still a commemorative piece.

"It's fine; you can keep it. It's the same whether it's in your hands or mine."

"Then I'll gladly accept it!" 

Hearing He Kui's affectionate words, Shi He blushed and smiled, and He Kui couldn't help but grin back.

[You gifted Shi He Hanifus a present, Micro Component Processing +40]

[Shi He Hanifus's Favorability: 115]

[Experience Bonus: 6]

[Micro Component Processing Level B: (9476/10000)]

Almost there—he could send her a couple more gifts.

Looking at the information displayed in the virtual window, He Kui felt an urge to keep gifting her right away, but his inventory was empty. As for the Deen models? They didn't have good cost-performance ratios, so it was better to sell them off. He planned to make more Haros tonight to ensure he could gift Shi He something special tomorrow.

"He Kui, what's got you so excited?" 

Shi He softly asked.

"I'm just glad we all made it back safely."

"Yeah!

Let's not be apart anymore!" 

Shi He linked her arm with He Kui's and gently rested her head against his chest.

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