Unaware of the ripples his words had stirred in Lacus' heart, Fred quickly arrived at the Central Nexus with Alec.
There weren't many people inside the nexus. After all, in this era, many things could be remotely controlled and automated.
This included the Cable System as well.
Naturally, there was no need for many people to guard it.
Moreover, this was the Solar Energy Conversion Device for the entire space colony. If someone were to sabotage it, the consequences would be disastrous.
Therefore, only a few trusted internal security personnel and on-duty staff were usually stationed here.
Of course, since this was a major renovation of the Central Hub, more personnel were definitely required.
"Representative Yuri, you arrived quite quickly."
Outside the meeting office, Fred greeted the representative from May City with his usual smile.
It seemed as though the previous encounter hadn't affected his mood at all.
"Mhm."
Yuri responded and raised his hand toward Fred.
"Fred, it's good to see you again."
After their previous conversation, he no longer underestimated the young man before him.
"Thank you for your cooperation this time."
Upon hearing this, Fred also stepped forward and extended his hand.
The two shook hands briefly before quickly releasing their grip.
"Our people will need to participate throughout the entire renovation process. Is that acceptable?"
Yuri said calmly.
"Of course."
This was the Central Hub after all. If anything went wrong, the entire space colony could explode.
The fact that they had allowed him to take charge personally was already surprising enough.
Now, hearing about the full monitoring, Fred naturally had no objections.
"Then please come in. I'll introduce you to the experts inside."
Yuri looked at the reliable and mature young man before him and finally showed a faint smile.
He was a man of few words, letting his actions speak for him—a quality Yuri appreciated. No wonder Siegel had taken a liking to him.
With that thought, the two entered the office one after the other.
The highly confidential office was already occupied by quite a few people.
All of them were middle-aged men, with no elderly among them.
But that made sense. According to the timeline, even George, the oldest first-generation Coordinator, wouldn't be considered old if he were still alive.
Fred observed the others, while they, in turn, focused their attention on Fred's mask.
They had no idea who this suddenly appearing masked youth was.
But the fact that he had surpassed them to become the deputy director was already surprising enough.
They wondered if he could handle the job.
Most of them were merely curious.
However, among these researchers, one person stared intently at Fred, as if trying to see through him.
If he had become the deputy commander of this renovation and successfully completed the defense enhancement project, the achievement would have been enough to advance his career by a rank.
But this opportunity had been snatched away by someone who seemed to come out of nowhere.
This youth, even with the mask, was clearly young.
Even if he were an Elite Coordinator, he surely couldn't compare to him.
Was he perhaps the child of some high-ranking official, placed here through connections?
How infuriating...!
However, his resentment didn't last long.
From the center of the room, Yuri, who had taken his position, continued speaking.
"Then let me begin the introductions. Freed, the proposal I gave you was this gentleman's work."
Yuri naturally wouldn't claim credit that wasn't his, stating it matter-of-factly.
While Yuri remained composed, the others did not.
Upon hearing Yuri's words, they rose to their feet one after another.
After all, before arriving, they had all assumed the modification plan was Yuri's creation.
Who was Yuri? One of PLANT's top researchers.
They hadn't thought much of it initially.
But now they were being told these designs came from the young man next to them?
Were they being played for fools?
The others were simply astonished, some even turning to glance with schadenfreude at the bearded man whose face had turned ashen.
Being well-acquainted with each other, they were aware of his previous assumptions.
Moreover, he had often looked down on them due to his status as an Elite Coordinator.
Seeing him embarrassed was simply entertaining.
Since the young man had created the designs himself, what was there left to argue about?
Understanding this, the bearded man trembled as he pointed toward the youth who had remained silent.
He seemed to be hoping for a denial from the young man.
This involved his position as head of the research department...
"Director Yuri flatters me too much."
Fred met everyone's gaze with a calm smile.
He showed no trace of nervousness facing his seniors.
Instead, he appeared quite at ease.
Hearing this, the bearded man felt a glimmer of hope.
"Though I must say I'm merely standing on the shoulders of giants and building upon our predecessors' experiences."
"..."
Damn it! What flattery? Director Yuri didn't even praise you! Where was the praise? He just stated the facts!
The bearded man internally raged while the others looked on in surprise.
They had all reviewed the designs and, finding them flawless and meticulously planned, had assumed they were Yuri's work.
Now it seemed PLANT was welcoming a new genius?
At this thought, everyone except the bearded man began to show more warmth in their expressions.
Their genetic potential had brought them this far, but from here it was mostly about seniority. Freed was different.
If what Yuri said was true, then he was a prodigious Coordinator talent.
He would undoubtedly rise to high positions in the future.
Being polite, even respectful, toward such a person was perfectly acceptable.
Even if they disdained flattery, there was no reason to make unnecessary enemies.
With this realization, the others unanimously adopted friendly expressions.
As for whether Yuri might have fabricated this for him - that was even more improbable.
And even if Yuri would go so far as to falsify things for him, that alone would make him someone not to be crossed.
Regardless, any airs of seniority had long been discarded.
The bearded man, too, forced a smile that looked more pained than pleased.
Since he hadn't actually offended the young man yet, and held no advantage in any conflict of interest, all he could do was offer this awkward smile.
Yuri observed everyone's reactions before turning to Fred.
The young man showed no arrogance, maintaining the same slight smile.
His demeanor remained unchanged from when he entered, completely unaltered.
This composure, unaffected by praise or criticism, made Yuri think even more highly of him.
"Fred, please take a seat as well."
Yuri watched with inner amusement at Fred's infuriating words, quickly directing Fred to a seat near the head position.
"Alright."
As Fred took his seat, the screen before everyone lit up.
It displayed Fred's design blueprint.
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