"No, Meyrin is still in the kitchen."
Feeling He Kui's intimate caress, Luna quickly whispered a plea for mercy.
The kitchen in He Kui's home was semi-open, and the sound of running water blocked most of the noise. However, if Meyrin turned her head, she would be able to see her sister in such a state of passion.
Just the thought of it was already enough to make her feel utterly embarrassed.
"But Luna, you seem to be enjoying yourself."
He Kui's hand gently stroked the girl's flushed temple.
Wherever his warm hand passed, the girl's slightly cool skin would tremble faintly.
"Who's enjoying it?"
Luna dared not look at He Kui, her gaze fixed on her sister, fearing that Meyrin might turn around at any moment.
Yet, her sister's presence was so vivid, and in Luna's heart, there was both shyness and a hidden sense of excitement brewing.
At the same time, Meyrin wasn't faring much better. She knew her sister was being "attacked" right behind her.
Although she couldn't hear anything, she couldn't suppress the urge to turn around.
"Sister, when are we going back?"
"Ah!"
"Hmm... after you finish washing the dishes..."
First, there was a startled cry, followed by a series of fluctuating sounds. As someone who had experienced this before, Meyrin knew what it meant, though she wasn't sure how He Kui was teasing her sister.
"Is that so?"
The dishes were just placed in the dishwasher, and soon the automatically washed dishes were taken out. When Meyrin turned around, she saw her sister's radiant complexion and He Kui's mischievous smile.
Of course, there was also a small puddle of water on the sofa.
"I accidentally knocked over the water glass just now."
Facing Meyrin's gaze, Luna blushed and explained.
"Is that so?"
Seeing Luna like this for the first time, Meyrin's lips curled into a cute smile.
The tension in her heart was also eased by Luna's shyness.
She wouldn't lose to her sister in this regard.
"Then let's go? We have work tomorrow."
"Wait."
He Kui interrupted upon hearing Meyrin's words.
"I still have something to discuss with Luna. Meyrin, you can go back first."
"Is that so~?"
Pretending to think, Meyrin also noticed her sister growing increasingly nervous as she remained silent.
Finally, a sweet smile appeared on her face.
"Alright then~"
With that, Meyrin left.
And of course, what followed was He Kui embracing Luna, who had just breathed a sigh of relief, and then Shihe and Sulei gradually joined the battlefield.
[You gifted Luna Maria Hawke a gift worth hundreds of millions, Precision Shooting Range +5m]
[Luna Maria Hawke's Favorability: 98]
[Favorability Bonus: 4]
[Precision Shooting Range B-Level: (1241m/10000m)]
Leaving aside the other two for now, Luna's progress could finally begin to accelerate.
The next day, waking up on the large bed, He Kui held the girl in his arms and sighed.
However, Luna was, after all, a Red Uniform-level pilot, and she was indeed quite resilient in that aspect.
If Meyrin were to join, his stamina might not be enough.
When masters clash, it's truly terrifying.
As He Kui pondered, the girl's eyelashes, like a fan, trembled slightly, and then she opened her eyes, still hazy from sleep.
"He Kui~"
No longer harboring the anger from yesterday when He Kui had embarrassed her in front of Meyrin, Luna licked her lips, looking like a contented little cat.
Seeing this, He Kui felt a surge of satisfaction.
"You should sleep first."
"After you wake up, we'll continue training."
"Is there still no mission?"
Although He Kui's embrace was warm, she always wanted to do something for him.
"Not for now."
"But there will definitely be one in the future."
"Okay~!"
Hearing He Kui's words, Luna closed her eyes again without any doubt.
He Kui then bid farewell to his warm bed and headed to the experimental fields located in the vast restricted area of June City.
In this experimental field, which held great hopes, researchers led by Lenoa were busily debugging and optimizing the Hydroponic Pod technology.
These Hydroponic Pods utilized efficient water circulation systems and precise nutrient supply to simulate the most suitable environment for plant growth, aiming to maximize food production and achieve self-sufficiency.
The scene in the experimental field was exhilarating. Rows of transparent Hydroponic Pods were filled with lush greenery, and crops were thriving under artificial light, showing growth speed and health far surpassing traditional soil farming methods.
Researchers moved among them, meticulously monitoring the growth data of each plant, like diligent bees.
However, unlike bees, each of them had an expression of excitement on their faces.
Just by looking at their expressions, one could tell how smoothly the research was progressing.
"The Hydroponic Pods are now fully stable. With the current yield, we can fully deploy them in four months, barely avoiding famine," Lenoa said to He Kui in a transparent observation room on the second floor.
"The cost is still too high," He Kui remarked, looking at the project plan in front of him.
Although it wouldn't lead to famine, it would only maintain the state they were in right after the food embargo.
After all, it was meant to sustain the entire PLANT's food consumption. The vast experimental fields like this one were present in many other cities, and the combined expenses had even surpassed those of Genesis.
"There's no other way, but with further research, we should be able to reduce costs, right?"
"This is the first phase. Once your technology matures, we'll start the second phase of experimental field development."
"Alright."
He Kui responded, feeling a bit more at ease as he looked at the endless fields before him.
"Now that the technology is stable, the next step is to make it public."
This was one of the reasons they were in such a hurry to develop this technology.
Without this boost, internal chaos might have ensued.
In the past, the people of PLANT had gradually grown accustomed to Earth's food, which had also been a reason for their support of the war. If they realized they might starve, under the threat of death and the incitement of certain individuals, the number of surrender advocates would likely increase.
Spies and various acts of sabotage would rise in an unstable internal environment, and even the location of Genesis might be exposed.
But with this technology in place, they could free up more labor resources.
The emergence of classes, art, and technology in human society is also due to the fact that one person can produce food for several people.
With the labor force of others liberated, naturally, more things can be accomplished.
"Are you ready?"
"If not, Rick and I can help."
Reynoa chuckled softly, her expression returning to its usual gentleness.
"I guess I'm ready."
He Kui nodded.
If this achievement were added to his name, his reputation would undoubtedly reach the pinnacle of PLANT. Wearing this mantle, he would no longer be just himself, but a symbol of PLANT, a figure written into the textbooks of the entire PLANT.
Reaching such heights would allow his company to earn even more money, but of course, he would also have to shoulder greater responsibilities.
As for Reynoa's help, it would be to conceal the true inventor.
But having come this far, He Kui had no intention of retreating.
(End of Chapter)