Luna naturally overheard the two men's conversation. Under normal circumstances, she would have ignored it. But now, looking at He Kui, who was slightly disguised beside her, she felt a mix of embarrassment and indignation. If He Kui hadn't just held her hand, she would have already gone over to teach them a lesson.
What did they mean by "his wife"? "He Kui..." Luna, though shy, still looked directly into his eyes, which burned with intense emotion.
"It's fine, Luna has grown up," He Kui said, his gaze shifting from her eyes to her ample figure. He really didn't care much; he had seen too many big scenes. Caring about this was less important than getting closer to Luna.
Meeting He Kui's gaze, Luna blushed but still straightened her posture, pushing her chest out slightly. Seeing this, He Kui chuckled.
"I heard from Ed that you've been doing well in MS piloting," He Kui said. Ed, his old friend, was still an assistant instructor in MS training.
"Yes, I've even earned my Red Uniform!" Luna replied proudly.
"Well, how about joining my company?" He Kui offered with a smile. After recent events, He Kui needed to recruit another person to maintain their three-person team. After all, Meyrin and Sulei were specialized in infiltration and radar systems. Having them pilot Mobile Suits would be a waste of their talents.
If it weren't for Shin's unpredictable temper and tendency to spill secrets, He Kui would have even considered bringing Shin on board. After all, it was Shin. Though now he was completely a sis-con and only at the level of an Elite Green Uniform, he was still Shin, with the potential of SEED.
"Really?!" Luna's eyes lit up at He Kui's offer.
"Of course, I've already arranged it. As long as Luna is willing, you can join anytime," He Kui said. That was the reason he had come here.
"I'll do it!" Luna replied without hesitation.
"Good," He Kui said, affectionately patting her head. He wondered if Luna would be okay when she found out about her sister.
Looking into Luna's joyful eyes, He Kui thought that if there weren't so many people around, he might have kissed her right then.
"Then I'll go handle the paperwork first. No need to rush, Luna," He Kui said.
"Okay!" Luna replied, heading back to her dorm to pack her things, while He Kui made his way to the administration office.
"He Kui, what brings you here today?" As soon as He Kui entered the administration building, Ed, whom he hadn't seen in a while, greeted him warmly.
"Just here to see you, and to take someone with me," He Kui replied.
Ed was momentarily stunned, then smiled. "Did you convince them?"
"Yes, the Chairman has agreed," He Kui said.
"The Chairman..." Ed was surprised. Did He Kui really go straight to the Chairman to get approval? But then again, it wasn't entirely unexpected. His former roommate was becoming more and more extraordinary, capable of doing just about anything. He had even become a council member now.
Thinking back, He Kui had once been even more down on his luck than Ed. Regardless, being He Kui's roommate was undoubtedly the luckiest thing that had ever happened to him. This job was far better than risking his life on the front lines. And now that most people in the school knew he was He Kui's roommate, his life had become increasingly comfortable as He Kui's influence grew.
"Luna is one of our top students here," Ed said with a hint of teasing.
"Well, I'm a top senior then," He Kui replied.
"Give me a break," Ed chuckled before continuing, "My wife is pregnant. When are you going to have some news?"
"What?" He Kui, usually composed, was momentarily caught off guard by Ed's sudden remark.
"She's pregnant," Ed said with a grin.
Though only in their late teens, according to Coordinator standards, it was indeed possible to start a family.
"When did this happen? Why didn't you tell me?"
"You're always so busy, and why would I tell you, the notorious ladies' man, about my wife's pregnancy?" Ed laughed.
"Come on, you're a hero of PLANT," He Kui said.
Having children in PLANT, where the birth rate had plummeted to rock bottom, was indeed a heroic act. There were substantial subsidies for it, though most people couldn't even if they wanted to. It wasn't something they could control—perhaps nanorobots could help, but not yet.
"Hero? That's a bit much," Ed scratched his head modestly.
"Is the food supply sufficient?"
"Of course, with millions in subsidies, as you said."
"That's good. If you ever run short—"
"Stop right there. I'll come to you if I need anything."
"Alright," He Kui nodded, knowing Ed well enough to expect that response.
"But I do have a question for you. If it's too sensitive, feel free not to answer."
"What is it?" He Kui pressed, noticing Ed's hesitation.
"The war—do you know when it will end?"
Ed's question was understandable. No parent wanted their child to be born into a time of war, uncertainty, and potential food shortages. They had suffered through such times and didn't want the future to be the same.
"Soon," He Kui replied.
"If you're worried, you could come to the asteroid," He Kui suggested, though he didn't specify which one, the implication was clear.
"No need, I like it here."
"Let's go. I'll take you to see the principal. He'll probably jump out of his leather chair when he sees you."
Ed's gloom lifted as he returned to his usual cheerful self.
"That's a bit exaggerated," He Kui shrugged and followed Ed up to the higher floors of the office.
"You're his star pupil."
"Pupil, huh?" He Kui thought it was strange, considering he hadn't attended a single class.
But He Kui was an unprecedented genius, even hailed by some magazines as the Ultimate Coordinator. It was only natural for people to want to associate with him.
The two soon arrived at the principal's office.
"He Kui, you're here," the principal, with a few strands of white hair, stood up and greeted him warmly.
A contemporary of Patrick, he didn't look old and smiled kindly at He Kui.
"Principal," He Kui greeted respectfully.
The principal nodded approvingly at He Kui's manners.
"Chairman Patrick has already informed me. The paperwork for Luna's departure has been completed."
"Thank you."
"Not at all. It's an honor for her to be chosen by Councilor He."
Listening to the principal's words, He Kui felt as if he were some wealthy patron coming to pick out talent.
Amused by his own thought, He Kui couldn't help but chuckle.
"You flatter me, Principal."
"Haha, still so modest. Keep up the good work with your research."
"Remember to come back and visit this old bone when you have the time."
"Of course."
The principal was being quite gracious by saying this.
In reality, the principal could have remained stern-faced and it would have been perfectly acceptable.
But the fact that he was speaking so warmly now clearly indicated a desire to build a good relationship.
As long as the person's character was sound, He Kui was open to anyone. After all,
as a neutral party, he didn't have much of a support base yet, and fostering good relations would benefit both sides.
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