"However!" Zhou Tianming's expression turned stern. "There must be punishment for Lowe's cheating. The winner of this battle is Yilei!"
Ray trembled in his embrace, lifting his tear-streaked face to gaze at Zhou Tianming with surprised delight.
"Ah!!!" Yamabuki Shuri's cheeks puffed up like red apples, flushed crimson as she shook her fist angrily at Zhou Tianming. "You big meanie! President, you're being unreasonable! Does having power mean you can do whatever you want?"
Zhou Tianming curled his lips, spreading his hands with a shrug. "Sorry, but having power does mean I can do whatever I want."
"Lowe!" Yamabuki Shuri turned to shout at Lowe. "Why aren't you saying anything? You—"
She suddenly noticed him scratching the back of his head with an awkward smile.
"Could it be...?"
"Haha~"
"First point," Zhou Tianming raised a finger. "Lowe used weapons that don't exist in reality. The transformation, propulsion, and magnetic field generators of that giant hand would be difficult to reproduce in reality. It's probably still just an idea, right?"
Lowe nodded. "Right, the inspiration came from large crane mechanical arms, combined with some characteristics imagined from the [Black Tortoise Shield]. For now, it can only be reproduced in the simulator."
"Great creativity." Zhou Tianming praised. "The thruster form ensures flexibility and speed, while the giant hand form provides assault capability against large targets. If you make a finished product, sell me one."
Lowe chuckled. "If the president wants one, I'll make a physical version and give it to you."
Yamabuki Shuri opened her mouth to speak, but Liam placed a hand on her shoulder and shook his head to stop her.
"Even brothers should settle accounts clearly." Zhou Tianming shook his head, his tone serious. "This is a bad habit of yours. Calculating money clearly isn't a bad thing." Liam and Yamabuki Shuri nodded vigorously nearby, while Lowe pondered for a moment before looking at Zhou Tianming with moved eyes.
His expression shifting, Zhou Tianming smiled. "But as your friend and the Junk Dealer president, it would be unreasonable not to give a big discount!" "Oh!" Lowe gave a thumbs up, grinning. "I'll definitely give the president a huge discount!"
"Alright, back to the topic." Zhou Tianming said. "Of course, since I cheated first, this point is just a warning. Lowe's real cheating lies in..."
Zhou Tianming shouted toward Lowe's cockpit. "Xiao Ba, you're in there, right?"
"I am." Xiao Ba's voice came from inside the cockpit.
Zhou Tianming gave a "see what I mean" look: "Lowe used an assist. During the battle, the Black Tortoise Shield was operated by Xiao Ba, right?" "Correct." Lowe nodded openly. "Just concentrating on maneuvering the mobile suit is my limit. I really can't split my focus to operate the Black Tortoise Shield's defenses."
He turned to Ray: "Ray is amazing in this aspect. He can manipulate the Feather Plumes so flexibly."
Ray's face flushed with praise, grinning happily.
At this moment, Yamabuki Shuri nearby spoke with dissatisfaction: "But Xiao Ba is an AI, it shouldn't count as cheating. He's just providing assistance."
Zhou Tianming shrugged: "But Ray does it alone."
"Despicable! Sophistry!" Yamabuki Shuri muttered under her breath.
Zhou Tianming shot Lowe a "control your woman" look, leaving Lowe utterly confused.
Shifting his gaze to Liam, Zhou Tianming gestured toward Lowe and Yamabuki Shuri with his chin - not together yet?
Liam spread his hands helplessly - Lowe is as dense as a block of wood.
Understanding dawned on Zhou Tianming's face as he smiled and nodded.
After the simulation battle, it was getting late. Zhou Tianming mercilessly kicked out Lowe, who was planning to stay in the simulator all night like an addict. "The second unit! The second one is mine! President!!!"
The Black Tortoise's warehouse door closed, cutting off Lowe's shouts.
"Let's go, Ray. Time for dinner."
"I want mapo tofu!"
Zhou Tianming frowned: "No mapo tofu, it's too spicy. Let's have something lighter."
"But I've been eating light food for months." Ray pouted.
After thinking for a moment, Zhou Tianming ruffled his hair: "Alright, let's celebrate your big victory. But you can't eat too much."
"Okay." Ray's face showed hesitation. "But did I really win?"
With a teasing smile: "If you didn't win, then we'll have to stick with light food."
Ray's expression immediately turned serious: "Then this counts as my win. Next time I'll definitely win for real!"
"Haha."
After their first simulation battle, both Ray and Lowe grew fond of this exciting activity and would frequently face off against each other.
Lowe's imagination and operating skills improved rapidly under this stimulation, often coming up with new ideas that gave Ray trouble. The only drawback was that these ideas were only feasible in simulations.
Ray's spatial perception talent was also awakened, his control over the Feather Plumes becoming increasingly proficient. The improved Psycommu System developed by Zhou Tianming also reduced the burden, allowing him to operate the mobile suit for longer periods.
Zhou Tianming wasn't idle either, continuously optimizing the Gundam Frame's operating system using data collected from both of them.
He categorized the operating system into levels: in normal mode, manual operation was primary with the Psycommu System as assistance; in NT mode, it became complete mind control that ordinary people without talent basically couldn't use.
After Ray's physical recovery was complete, Zhou Tianming took him back to Earth for a month of fun.
Then resolutely enrolled him in an East Asian school.
Ray was quite obedient and didn't make a fuss, though his resentful gaze made Zhou Tianming feel uneasy.
It felt like being targeted by a final boss.
Better deal with Ray Le Creuset quickly, otherwise things feel weird.
Gao Jing was quite happy to have another child to care for and doted on Ray, often telling him about Zhou Tianming's embarrassing past.
This delighted Ray, though Zhou Tianming clutched his chest in pain. Still, if it could distract Ray, he was willing to sacrifice himself.
Time passed, and in early October CE 68, a major event occurred—
PLANT Chairman Siegel Clyne presented demands for "autonomy and trade independence" at the Council of Nations' PLANT operations meeting. "Absolutely not!" The Atlantic representative slammed the table and stood up abruptly. "I disagree! Siegel Clyne, don't think becoming chairman means you can do as you please!"
The Eurasian representative spoke calmly but firmly: "PLANT was funded by our Council of Nations. It should remain a factory and not entertain wild ideas."
Siegel remained expressionless, shifting his gaze to East Asian representative Hong Xiuhua.
Hong Xiuhua did not speak immediately, instead carefully reviewing the documents submitted by Siegel.
This gesture eased Siegel's stern expression slightly.
Setting down the documents, Hong Xiuhua said, "First, I acknowledge PLANT's demands. We can agree to some of them."
The moment she finished speaking, Atlantic slammed the table again: "East Asia, think carefully before you speak."
Eurasia also cast a dissatisfied glance.
Hong Xiuhua maintained a composed smile. "Remain calm."
"We must recognize that PLANT already has the framework of a nation, not just a factory. Therefore, we agree to their request for trade independence but not autonomy."
Turning to Siegel: "Chairman Siegel, fundamentally, PLANT was funded by our Council of Nations. Our original intention was to build a factory. You may consider this funding as a normal commercial investment, but if you seek independence, the nature of this money changes—it becomes national debt. We are willing to approve PLANT's trade independence. Future trade profits can be used to repay this debt. However, autonomy will not be permitted until the debt is fully repaid. I hope you understand."
Siegel let out a sigh, a trace of disappointment finally showing on his previously impassive face. "Thank you for East Asia's recognition, but I hope—"
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Atlantic pounded the table loudly. "There's nothing for you to hope for! PLANT is a factory and has no right to make demands. I don't want to hear any more nonsense."
After glaring at Hong Xiuhua, he turned and left.
Eurasia snorted coldly, swept his eyes over Hong Xiuhua and Siegel, and hurried after Atlantic.
Hong Xiuhua stood and gathered her materials, preparing to leave. Siegel approached with a faint smile. "Thank you for East Asia's support."
"I hope Chairman Siegel does not hold it against us."
"Of course not." Siegel shook his head wryly. "I knew there would be strong opposition, but for PLANT's sake, I had to try. Honestly, I'm overwhelmed that East Asia accepted part of my proposal."
Hong Xiuhua smiled. "Our nation also rose from oppression, so we understand your perspective. However, objectively speaking, some of PLANT's actions have indeed been displeasing, haven't they?"
Siegel sighed. "With more people come more opinions. It's difficult."
After a brief exchange, the two parted ways.