Who is Playing the Love Development Game in Gundam

"Thank you to all our guests, and everyone who cares about and supports the growth of PLANT's children. Today, we've gathered here to discuss and support the future of our community," He Kui spoke confidently from the stage, a spot once occupied by Lacus herself. His speech was engaging, exuding a quiet charisma born from confidence. Beside him were several Haros and models he had crafted himself.

As his words resonated with the audience, another round of applause followed.

"We know children represent the hope of tomorrow. However, due to ongoing war and political turmoil, many of them live in fear and uncertainty. They need not only material aid but emotional support and guidance."

"Our foundation is dedicated to providing these children with a safe, healthy, and joyful environment for growth. We aim to gradually expand our work in educational support, psychological counseling, and medical assistance, striving to offer comprehensive care for each child."

"Now, please join me in welcoming our capable chairperson, my lovely fiancée, Shi He Hanifes, as she shares our latest accomplishments."

From the corner of his eye, He Kui noticed Shi He behind the curtains, playfully scolding him for his introduction. Smiling, he stepped down to sit on the edge of a row, watching Shi He take the stage to present the foundation's achievements, from educational sponsorships to mental health initiatives.

"This is our moment to shine," he thought.

"What's with calling her your 'lovely fiancée'?" Su Lei teased him from beside him.

"Jealous, are we?" He Kui chuckled, turning to her.

If it weren't for the presence of so many people and children, he would have loved to embrace the adorable Su Lei right there.

"Absolutely not!" Su Lei muttered, giving him a feigned glare. Though the blush on her cheeks betrayed her words.

Shi He soon finished her report, leading to a children's segment and, if all went well, the banquet afterward.

Or so it should have gone, until He Kui's wrist communicator started buzzing.

"What!?"

After a brief conversation, he stood from his seat.

"What happened?" Su Lei asked, concerned.

"Lacus is here."

"What?!" She looked stunned, then quickly stood up.

"Where are you going?" he asked, slightly amused.

"With you, of course!"

Lacus was no ordinary friend, after all. Despite her friendly demeanor, Lacus didn't take kindly to sharing. Heaven only knew why she had come all this way for a foundation banquet.

"Alright…" Sensing Su Lei's concern, He Kui didn't object.

Together, they headed outside the venue, where Lacus stood, dressed in a pink-and-white knee-length dress that gave her an air of innocent charm.

"Director He, Su Lei," she greeted, her bright gaze lingering on Su Lei before landing on He Kui.

"Miss Lacus, what brings you here?" He Kui asked once Su Lei had exchanged polite greetings.

"Just thought I'd drop by," Lacus replied with a smile. "After all, it's your foundation, isn't it?"

Her tone was so familiar that Su Lei couldn't help but feel a hint of wariness, though she stayed silent and took a step closer to He Kui.

"Su Lei, you're as adorable as ever," Lacus laughed, gently tapping her on the forehead as if reading her mind. Embarrassed, Su Lei blushed and stepped back, regaining her composure.

"But I imagine having me here to promote the foundation must be a welcome surprise, yes?"

"If it's Miss Lacus gracing us with her presence, we're delighted," He Kui replied with a light smile.

"Since Director He insists…" Lacus gave a sly smile and, without waiting for his reaction, entered the venue. Her visit had partly been on impulse—she had recently learned through her channels about a new research group He Kui had formed. The project, from what she had gleaned, held immense importance, potentially on par with the battles raging on the front lines. She felt compelled to see him in person.

"Director He, I've heard about your new research," Lacus remarked, walking beside him.

"Have you? And what do you think?" he asked.

"I should be asking you that," she replied, amused.

"It's a long-term project," he said, shaking his head.

"But what do you want from it?"

"I want to protect my loved ones, my friends, and PLANT."

"And what about me?"

"Lacus is my friend," he replied calmly.

"Hmph, fine," she muttered, pouting slightly before stepping forward. Her feelings were clear to anyone who read between the lines. While his response seemed impartial, the order was evident: family, friends, then PLANT. His commitment to PLANT seemed to hinge on protecting the first two.

As for being more than a friend? Lacus mused that she'd need to make a stronger case.

Her temporary appearance on stage brought considerable publicity to He Kui's foundation, though she inevitably stole the spotlight.

"Lacus sure is popular," Shi He noted from beside him, watching Lacus surrounded by admirers.

"Indeed. I wonder why…" He Kui murmured thoughtfully. With his growing understanding of genetics, he couldn't shake the feeling that Lacus's charisma seemed…unnatural. Her allure seemed almost beyond what any normal genetic trait could explain.

Was it some kind of "main character aura"? The idea seemed ridiculous, but then again, considering the strange luck of people like Ro and the elusive Kira, he couldn't dismiss it outright.

"Lacus is beautiful, huh?" Su Lei's voice had a hint of jealousy.

He Kui smiled, knowing that Su Lei was fully aware of his past admiration for Lacus, though not exactly as a fan.

"Indeed." His expression grew contemplative as he gazed at Lacus. Solving the mysteries surrounding her and Cagalli would require far more research. For now, he had other matters to attend to, such as coordinating with Matthias to handle the ongoing threat posed by the First Generation.

Now

that he had completed his obligations here and had rested, it was time to reach out to Matthias.

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