Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

As soon as He Kui returned home from the office, he found Shi He waiting for him at the table.

"What's up?" 

Seeing the excited look on her face, He Kui asked uncertainly.

"What's up!? You forgot about the miniaturization scheme for the beam weapon oscillation component you promised me!"

Shi He stepped closer, her nose almost touching his.

"Is there an issue with the data?" 

He Kui furrowed his brow. After all, it was just a theoretical plan he had handed over to Shi He to run data using the laboratory's equipment.

The theory alone was insufficient; it needed supporting data, which Shi He could provide him with considerable convenience.

But if there was an issue, could it mean that the system might fail?

Before He Kui could think the worst, Shi He continued.

"What are you talking about? Your scheme solved the problem of the oscillation component being too large, which we've been struggling with! Now, the only challenges left are improving the power component and the cooling system."

The miniaturization of beam weapons revolved around three components: the oscillation component, the power component, and the cooling system. They hadn't even tackled the first one until now, so Shi He's excitement was understandable.

"...So it worked?" 

A smile finally broke across He Kui's face.

"Absolutely successful! Look!"

Shi He raised her wrist, and a small projection illuminated the air between them, displaying a multitude of perfectly matched data.

Taking a few deep breaths, He Kui managed to suppress his excitement before slowly asking, "Does anyone else know?"

"Only our director, but don't worry; he's a trustworthy person. He's even thinking of scooping you up from Director Sule's team!" 

Since they had to leave a record with the director when using lab equipment, it wasn't surprising that he knew. However, He Kui had no intention of moving to Shi He's side; after all, Sule was key to his future. Plus, the invitation was likely an attempt to pull him toward the Sara faction, though no one said so outright. They just gave him a choice.

"For now, I want to stay with the radar team."

"That's fine, he can't force you to move."

Shi He brushed past that topic and continued, "When do you plan to publish the paper?"

"The sooner, the better. Just let's co-author it as joint first authors."

He Kui thought that spending time summarizing and writing those annoying papers would take away from making more Haros, which was unnecessary.

Since Shi He had run the data, co-authoring was no problem, especially since they were a couple; there was no question of who would gain an advantage.

"Absolutely no problem!"

After discussing the academic paper, the two moved on from that topic.

"By the way, you don't have any ideas for the other two components, do you?"

Shi He snuggled up to He Kui on the sofa, her eyes sparkling as she looked up at him adorably. If they could create a fully miniaturized beam weapon, their advantage on the battlefield would expand, which was the initial reason Shi He had joined this research.

"Not yet."

"Oh, that's okay. There's no need to be discouraged; inspiration sometimes strikes out of nowhere. Maybe you'll have it by tomorrow!"

Still maintaining their cuddling position, Shi He gently stroked He Kui's head, as if hoping the knowledge within him would grow quickly.

Wasn't that rushing it? Of course, he wouldn't come up with it tomorrow. With his work schedule, he could only make one Haro for Shi He each day, meaning it would take at least another half-month for the theory of the next component to fully materialize. Inspiration couldn't be forced, and even if he had a theory, it would require various tests and validations before being ready for practical use.

Days passed, and He Kui's research hadn't drawn too much attention yet. After two to three days, the news about ZAFT's plans for Yakin Dui spread throughout the design bureau and the civilian sector.

Perhaps influenced by He Kui's previous performance on Earth, several of his colleagues signed up for this recruitment. However, Yakin Dui was essentially a large fortress with a warship-like structure, and it wasn't yet fully constructed. Comfort wouldn't be guaranteed, and anyone stationed there would likely have to stay for at least a month.

As Sule had mentioned, the income was indeed attractive—one could earn a monthly subsidy of 10,000 credits without counting their salary. This was a good deal for ordinary B-level design bureau employees, and it would certainly add to their resumes.

Moreover, if A-Level applicants signed up, their pay would skyrocket to 30,000 credits a month. Yet, very few A-Level positions were available; directors wouldn't go, and those in lower-tier reserve roles or assistant directors generally had significant workloads. Only recently promoted A-Level staff might consider signing up, but He Kui was not one of them.

While he was short on cash, he also recognized that Yakin Dui likely posed no real danger. However, he earned money for experience points, and neglecting that for mere cash would be counterproductive.

"Mr. He Kui, you're back! What are you looking to buy this time?" 

When He Kui visited the Junker's Guild again, the owner greeted him with the same enthusiasm.

"I'd like to ask about the recent material prices."

Not rushing to list his items, He Kui wanted to confirm the information he had seen on the official bulletin.

"They've risen by 25%. Unfortunately, Yakin Dui needs a lot of metal right now, and I've heard ZAFT can't reroute supplies."

"I see."

The prices had been steadily rising for two days. Considering Yakin Dui wouldn't be completed anytime soon, and with several battlefronts expanding, plus his inventory nearly half gone, He Kui had to stock up early. Selling would still earn him some profit.

"I'll take twenty Haros and twenty smoke dispensers."

After listing his items, He Kui painfully transferred 20,000 credits from his wristband. If his A-Level assessment had been approved, he could have gotten a better deal.

"Just take the transport route."

Recently, the notorious bandit group targeting the colonies had been apprehended, so he didn't have to worry about his goods being robbed.

"Alright."

The owner quickly confirmed the transaction and continued chatting with He Kui.

"Mr. He Kui, are you not applying for Yakin Dui?"

"No, I'm still preparing for the A-Level assessment."

"A-Level."

Upon hearing this, the owner's expression shifted.

"Do you feel confident, Mr. He Kui?"

"I've heard the assessments are becoming stricter year by year."

While processing the materials, the owner's tone became more enthusiastic as he asked, "Just wait for your 30% discount."

"Ha! I'll be looking forward to that good news, then. By the way, since that's the case, would you be interested in registering as a partner with our Junker's Guild?"

"Partner?" 

He Kui asked, confused.

"It's about providing us with some development insights and offering us technical assistance. Of course, it won't interfere with your main job, and you'll be compensated if your plans succeed."

"Sounds interesting, but let me think about it."

It seemed similar to a quest board in a game, but he'd better consult Sule for her opinion.

"Alright! Take care!" 

The owner's enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming for He Kui to adjust to.

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