Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

"Big sister, do you like Mr. He Kui?"

In the guest room arranged by He Kui on the asteroid base, Meyrin hesitated before voicing her question.

"Why do you ask?"

"Because… you're always staring at the gifts he gives you!"

"Well, maybe a little."

Luna didn't look at her sister, instead, she continued staring at the Owl mobile unit, lost in thought. She knew He Kui had a fiancée, but in certain situations, her views on relationships were more… flexible.

Caught up in her own thoughts, Luna missed the conflicted expression on her sister's face.

Meanwhile, He Kui had made his way to the radar station, which was fully set up and only needed final calibration.

"As long as it's not used within PLANT, it should be undetectable," he mused, quickly scanning the radar for his Aegis stored there as well.

He Kui considered buying two GuAIZ units as a backup. As a design bureau director and a decorated war hero, his process for acquiring GuAIZ units, which were being gradually phased out, was simpler than most. In fact, he could obtain them at 30% below market price.

But he'd still need about fifty million.

Watching through the monitor, he observed the hangar full of thirty mini-mobile suits, which were idle since it was a holiday. Nearby, several space work pods waited, but He Kui felt the defenses were insufficient.

For now, he didn't need the level of protection that a full shield would provide, but he still didn't feel fully secure. Much of the money he earned was already reinvested in his new MS, but it was about time he prioritized his own security.

If PLANT were to make peace in the future, demand and prices for these mining materials would surely drop.

"It's probably time to stop."

He Kui decided to halt further mini-MS purchases. He could use the remaining funds to buy personal defense units, which could also serve as private security for hire in the future.

With this plan in mind, He Kui didn't linger. After bidding farewell to his parents, who were happily experimenting with the agricultural systems, he returned to May City and found Hoss.

"The Freedom's high-powered pulse cannon is still undergoing miniaturization! Come on, Director He, can't you give me a few extra days for the sake of Director Hanifas?"

Seeing He Kui, Hoss's first words were a plea, which drew amused smiles from others in the office.

"I'm not here to rush you. Let's talk in the office."

Saying this, He Kui led the way to Shi He's office. At the moment, she was testing the Freedom's new beam rifle in the underground test range and wasn't present.

"So if it's not about rushing the work, what's this visit about?" Hoss asked, taking a seat opposite He Kui with a puzzled expression.

"We're pausing the mini-MS acquisition plan. From now on, any extra funds will go toward purchasing two GuAIZ units."

"What? But isn't this the peak mining season?"

To be honest, Hoss had never seen a more profitable venture. Mining might as well be digging for gold at this point — though in this spacefaring age, mining was even more lucrative than gold.

"It won't be for much longer."

Based on the current pace, this mining boom would probably only last a few more months. Once it ended, PLANT would likely cut back on such conspicuous mining operations and stop offering such high buyback prices.

These mini-MS units weren't free; they came with contracts and fees. Another round of purchases could lead to losses once revenue decreased.

"If we're already contractors in mining, we might as well branch into security," He Kui explained. "There's a future in security contracts."

With Aegis in his possession, He Kui could handle security missions personally if things got too hectic. As an elite pilot, he was already on par with most in this world, only surpassed by the likes of Kira, a few Red-coats, or enhanced pilots.

In most situations, a single Red-coat pilot and two Green-coats should be more than enough for security work.

"Acquiring weapons might be tricky; we might be limited to older machine guns."

"We can modify the mining lasers for defense," He Kui replied.

After a thoughtful pause, Hoss nodded. "If that's your decision, Director, we'll halt the acquisition plan. But what about the miners?"

"They'll stay as they are. This scale works fine."

"Understood."

But Hoss continued to look at him intently. "You're not going to Earth for any missions, are you? It's too dangerous. If you're so eager, why not head to Boaz? Maybe you could even assist the commander there with installing the positron cannon."

"Alright!" Hoss's face lit up, even though it wasn't Earth, at least it was the border fortress.

"Take this."

He Kui handed Hoss a Haro from Shi He's office.

"Is this...?"

"A Haro equipped with Mirage Colloid. It can disrupt nearby radar signals for thirty seconds, no discrimination. Just don't die out there."

"Are you worried about me, Director He?"

He Kui rolled his eyes at Hoss's exaggerated reaction. "Just worried about who'll manage the company if you kick the bucket."

"Understood!" Hoss's face beamed with excitement at the chance to work on the front lines.

"Read the battlefield carefully. The Alliance has positron cannons now, remember?"

"Yes, sir!"

Watching Hoss's enthusiasm, He Kui could only shake his head before finally leaving the beam group's lab.

In the days that followed, He Kui resumed his usual routine until April arrived.

Seeing that the Zala team had already been stationed near Orb for nearly half a month, he grew increasingly uneasy. He wasn't entirely sure how the battle between Athrun and Kira would unfold.

In his memory, Kira had been brought up by Reverend Malchio. If he calculated correctly, the day Malchio would visit should coincide with Kira and Athrun's fateful clash, possibly before the 21st.

But with so many changes to the timeline, there was a chance this confrontation might be altered.

If the alteration led to Athrun's death, Chairman Zala might be driven over the edge. And if Kira died… the consequences were anyone's guess. However, given that Kira had previously survived close-range explosions in his Strike cockpit, he was likely to make it through.

Ideally, he hoped they wouldn't clash at all.

"What's on your mind?" Shi He had just entered the room when she noticed the serious look on He Kui's face.

"Nothing, just thinking about a few things."

"If you feel it's too dangerous to go to DSSD, why not cancel the trip?"

Shi He misunderstood his worries, not realizing he was concerned about a possible deadly duel on Earth.

"It's not dangerous; I'm even bringing a CGUE for backup."

He Kui smiled, pulling her close. Better to visit DSSD, get updates on Orb's situation from Selene, and avoid overthinking the matter.

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