"I went to see the mentor once with my dad, but I wouldn't say I'm familiar with him."
"But he seems like a good person."
Cagalli thought for a moment before answering.
"Why do you ask?"
"Nothing, just curious."
He Kui recalled Mentor Malchio's actions over the years. Indeed, he could be considered a good person.
In fact, he might even be too good? Just as He Kui was about to say more, the doorbell rang outside their room.
"Cagalli, are you there!?"
Erica's voice came from outside, cutting off He Kui's words.
Giving He Kui an apologetic look, Cagalli jumped up from her seat and skillfully opened the door.
"Erica, what's up?"
"Xiao Liu is here too, right? The data you provided earlier was very useful. The new nutrient solution increased our production by 5%."
After entering, Erica quickly scanned the room and her gaze soon landed on He Kui.
The look in her eyes was as if she were staring at a prized treasure.
"That's great to hear."
He Kui chimed in.
In fact, before handing over the technology, He Kui had already made predictions.
The numbers matched his expectations.
What was amusing was how they had previously guarded the hydroponic pod technology from him as if he were a thief.
But ever since receiving news from PLANT, Erica had practically been eager to shove the technology in his face.
If they hadn't guessed some of his identity, he'd be shocked.
"Xiao Liu, do you have any other ideas about the new technology?"
Erica was now looking at Xiao Liu with fiery eyes.
If he really was He Kui or someone connected to He Kui, then even a small leak of hydroponic pod technology from him would be a significant advancement for them.
Saving a few months each time would add up to saving several years of development costs.
Of course, the ideal scenario in Erica's mind was to directly obtain the technology from him, but that was clearly impossible.
"Not for now, but..."
Hearing the word "but," Erica's heart tightened.
"But if I could get access to cutting-edge technologies across various industries, I might be able to draw parallels and make breakthroughs."
He Kui's meaning was clear.
Technology for technology. Ideally, the Yata Mirror, but even the latest Mobile Suit would suffice.
Upon hearing He Kui's words, the enthusiasm on Erica's face visibly cooled.
"I'll need to ask about that."
"Of course."
After seeing Erica off, He Kui's attention returned to Cagalli.
This kind of behavior, which was akin to extorting Orb, would have been something the old Cagalli couldn't help but speak out against.
But now, Cagalli didn't do so. She just pursed her lips, lost in thought.
"Sorry."
He Kui said softly.
"It's fine, as long as it's fair..."
As she spoke, Cagalli's gaze toward He Kui deepened.
"What's wrong...?"
He Kui asked, puzzled by Cagalli's look.
"...If I sold myself to you, could you give us the complete technology?"
"What? What are you selling?"
At that moment, He Kui thought he must have misheard.
"Just kidding! Forget it if you didn't hear it!"
Cagalli said, her face red.
She would never admit that she had just considered trading herself to He Kui for technology.
At least until the next heir appears, this cannot be done.
After the impulse passed, Cagalli's rationality quickly returned to her mind.
"Let's wait for later."
He Kui, now also coming to his senses, smiled and gently patted Cagalli's head.
"Moreover, Orb and PLANT can still engage in normal trade."
"Mhm."
Cagalli shyly agreed, while on the other side, Erica contacted Lord Uzumi, who was still on Earth, and relayed He Kui's request.
"Lord Uzumi, should we give him some second-tier technology?"
Erica carefully asked, knowing that disguising second-tier technology as first-tier could easily be done with some fabrication.
"No, if he's truly He Kui's man, do you think they wouldn't see through it?"
Under Uzumi's counter-question, Erica was momentarily speechless.
Not a single mistake, not a single word, not a single detail—everything must be perfect!
"Let him participate in the transformable fighter project. Draft a proposal on how much technology should be exchanged for how much."
"And don't mention this to Sahak."
Uzumi's expression was serious at this moment.
"I understand."
Erica lowered her gaze and replied.
Both of them knew that if Sahak found out that Xiao Liu might possess the complete hydroponic pod technology, there was no telling what he might do.
After finishing her discussion with Uzumi, He Kui temporarily logged off and went to Setona's room.
As soon as he entered, He Kui saw Setona sitting in the living room. Upon noticing his arrival, she immediately hid behind a large Haro pillow.
It was clear that Setona had already read the materials he had sent her.
"Setona?"
He Kui spoke in a gentle tone.
"Mhm."
After responding with a nasal sound, Setona hid even more securely.
Thinking about how terrifying the act of sleeping together could be, Setona felt a wave of fear.
How could anyone find joy in such a thing? Isn't it just like being stabbed with a knife?
But if it's for the sake of Mars... "Setona, shall we talk?"
Seeing that the time was right, He Kui softly suggested.
"...Talk about what?"
The childlike fear in Setona's eyes gradually faded, replaced by a hint of Lacus's demeanor.
"Your background, and your purpose."
A flicker of hesitation passed through Setona's eyes. She had anticipated this day.
After all, they looked so alike, and her identity was still unclear. She had thought He Kui would have asked sooner, but it was only now.
After composing herself, Setona took a deep breath and raised her eyes to meet He Kui's gaze.
"I am the 'princess' of the Ostrell Colony."
Her tone was mature, and her eyes were serious. Perhaps this was the true face of the Martian princess—a goddess who led the colony through powerful genetic adjustments.
"I originally ran away on my own, but something went wrong on the way. I fell into hibernation and was rescued by Luo and the others. After that, I followed Mattias."
He Kui nodded, as this matched his memories quite closely.
"What about Lacus?"
Their faces were too similar. If it weren't for the difference in hairstyle and the slightly darker hair color, it would be impossible to tell them apart.
"I don't know... but logically, there shouldn't be two people who look so alike, and even share similar talents."
Although He Kui had never heard Setona sing, he could tell from her sweet voice that if she were to sing, it would undoubtedly be on par with Lacus.
"My guess is that we are indeed twins, but I don't have any evidence."
"So, does He Kui want to go to Mars with me now~?"
Setona shifted the topic, and after shedding her mature demeanor, she reverted to her childlike innocence.
"I can't go for now, I still need to wait a bit longer."
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