"The official press conference will begin next week. Before that, I'll arrange for the official media to film a special feature."
"What about the speech script?"
Lenore asked.
"I can handle it myself."
"Alright, then He Kui can take care of it himself."
Considering his extensive experience with public speaking, Lenore didn't press further.
"How is the situation on Earth now?"
Seeing that the previous topic had concluded, He Kui continued.
"Same as always, quite dire."
Lenore shook her head, her eyes filled with evident distress.
"While East Asia, South America, and Eurasia are relatively stable, other regions are in a terrible state."
Eurasia is under the influence of the Atlantic Federation, East Asia has managed to stabilize itself, and South America, being close to the Atlantic Federation and with Panama already under its control, is currently managing to feed its population. However, exporting surplus goods is out of the question.
Hearing this, He Kui nodded.
"By the way, He Kui, you must know Athrun, right?"
Lenore inquired.
"We've had some interactions."
He Kui responded with a hint of confusion.
"Once things here are settled, why don't you come over for a meal? We can let you taste the dishes we've grown ourselves."
"Sure."
He Kui didn't refuse Lenore's invitation.
It was clear that after this research, He Kui's standing in PLANT had shifted somewhat.
If his previous achievements were solely in the realm of warfare and not enough to make him Chairman, then with this latest accomplishment, his path to becoming Chairman was all but assured, barring any unforeseen circumstances. The next step would be assembling his team, which, given He Kui's achievements, would be relatively straightforward.
Thus, it was in both parties' interests to maintain frequent communication with Patrick now.
Previously, the urgency of survival had temporarily overshadowed such matters, but with the crisis somewhat stabilized, normal interactions could resume.
Just two days after concluding his conversation with Lenore and returning to the asteroid, He Kui received a notification from Lacus.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Director He."
On the screen, a handsome middle-aged man with distinctly East Asian features looked at him warmly.
This was Tong Yonghu, the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs from East Asia, as indicated by the information. He was rumored to be a Coordinator.
Of course, these were just speculations based on his work efficiency and appearance.
They couldn't be confirmed.
"Hello, Minister Tong. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Hearing He Kui speak in Mandarin, the man was visibly surprised.
He Kui had been away for so long that he hadn't expected him to still be fluent in Mandarin.
Tong quickly composed himself, a faint smile on his face.
"I didn't expect Director He's Mandarin to be so proficient."
Returning the courtesy, Tong replied in Mandarin as well.
"So, may I ask the reason for Minister Tong's visit today?"
"Would you like to consider a change of workplace?"
Though he had anticipated it, He Kui was still taken aback by the directness of the question.
"Our resources far exceed those of PLANT, and as long as your family and friends come over, they will receive the highest level of protection."
Returning would mean no longer worrying about assassination attempts, and it would also be a sort of homecoming.
These conditions were indeed highly tempting.
"Minister Tong, isn't the purpose of your visit this time to negotiate with PLANT?"
He Kui pondered for a moment before responding with a question of his own.
"Yes, but according to our intelligence, Director He's value outweighs any potential cooperation we might have with PLANT."
"Given your performance during the recent crisis, I believe you understand that what I'm saying is true."
As he had mentioned, there were climate disasters, but East Asia itself had large-scale greenhouses.
Locust invasions? The new MS equipped with flamethrowers stood their ground, holding the line single-handedly.
It could be said that, apart from Eurasia, which had covert ties with the Atlantic Federation, East Asia was the least affected by the crisis.
Even if PLANT harbored resentment towards him for leaving, they were in no position to retaliate at this point.
"Food crises, and the mass driver they're about to complete—PLANT is no longer safe."
"I understand."
Tong was unaware of the Hydroponic Pods and Genesis, but indeed, even with those, it was hard to say how safe PLANT could be.
After all, light shields and the like weren't invincible.
As long as they harbored thoughts of making a comeback, PLANT would never be truly safe.
The conflicts between the two sides were too deeply rooted to be reconciled.
Only the complete demise of one side could resolve it.
Of course, this "demise" didn't mean the annihilation of all people, but the end of their influence and ideology.
What they wanted were obedient Coordinators, while the Coordinators desired a new world where they weren't targeted, or even better, one led by them.
The two sides were in complete conflict in terms of stance, interests, ideology, and class.
"I'm sorry, but I still wish to stay here."
He couldn't easily abandon everything he had here.
"Very well."
Upon hearing this, Tong wasn't angry; instead, his smile grew even brighter.
If He Kui had agreed, it would have been a headache for him, as smuggling He Kui out would have been difficult.
Moreover, in his view, if someone could so easily abandon the country they had served for so long, there was no guarantee they wouldn't leave again.
Besides, having someone who was pro-East Asia rise to a high position here was far better than risking bringing them over. Perhaps he could even become the Chairman.
The reason for inviting He Kui was twofold: research was one, and testing his attitude and character was the other.
Of course, if He Kui truly wanted to leave, they would consider it. Even if his nationality changed, he was still a talent.
"Allow me to be blunt, Minister Tong. Do you intend to cooperate with PLANT?"
"That depends on PLANT's attitude. However, during the Third World War, we fought to the end, and this time we will not yield either."
Tong's expression turned solemn, but his meaning was clear.
They would not be coerced into submitting to the Atlantic Federation.
The Atlantic Federation had already been significantly weakened by PLANT, so it wasn't impossible to take them down.
But fighting wasn't in their best interest, and who knew what other tricks the Atlantic Federation had up their sleeve? It would be better to unite with neighboring countries and focus on their own development. If it weren't for the Atlantic Federation suddenly going mad, they wouldn't have gotten involved in the first place.
"Understood."
Upon hearing this, He Kui breathed a sigh of relief. If PLANT were to become hostile toward East Asia, he would truly be at a loss.
For now, it seemed that even if they didn't cooperate, they wouldn't directly oppose each other either.
"Um… there's one more thing I'd like to ask, though it's a bit presumptuous."
Seeing He Kui's slightly awkward expression, Shin smiled.
"What is it?"
"My family over there…"
"They've already been placed under protection."
Hearing this, Shin felt even more satisfied.
It's good that he values loyalty and relationships. There will be more opportunities for cooperation in the future.
"Thank you."
With these words, He Kui's heart also settled.
Although he wasn't very close to them, and even if there had been some communication, it was through his mother's side, he hadn't had the chance to meet them. However, given that the Atlantic Federation might have gone mad, he couldn't afford to be careless.
"Well, I hope we'll have the chance to talk more in the future."
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