Grandma: Ah Hong, I Think You Can Be Director (2/2)

The meeting ended just as the workday was drawing to a close. Zhou Hong offered a polite invitation for Director Sawai to visit when he had the time, never expecting the Director to accept on the spot.

Some time later, on one of Zhou Hong's days off, Director Sawai arrived early in the morning, accompanied by Daigo.

Or perhaps, it was a day Director Sawai had specifically chosen for his visit.

Daigo followed behind the Director, carrying a mountain of gifts, his eyes scanning the house with curiosity as he took in its vintage charm.

Surrounded by towering skyscrapers, the elegant bamboo and wooden structure stood in stark, beautiful contrast to the modern city around it.

Director Sawai and Grandma were already deep in conversation, chatting about daily life while Zhou Hong busied himself bringing out various snacks and refreshments.

"Director, you should take more time to rest when you can; don't work yourself into the ground," Zhou Hong said with a hint of concern as he poured a cup of clear tea for him.

The Director had arrived early, and the dark circles under his eyes were impossible to hide. Though the old man was putting on a brave face, Zhou Hong's sharp eyes had caught the exhaustion beneath.

Taking a light sip of tea, Director Sawai smiled, "It's just that things have been a bit busy lately."

"The destruction caused by monsters around the world, combined with the disasters triggered by the undersea earthquake swarms, haven't given this old set of bones much of a break."

"But the TPC branches everywhere are finally on the right track, so things should be easier for a while."

Zhou Hong didn't believe him for a second. Every time this handsome old man had a free moment, he was out visiting subordinates and bringing gifts—he never had a moment of peace.

Grandma chimed in then, "When you get to our age, the body can't keep up. You really need to train more reliable young people."

"Once you retire, you can just hand everything over to the younger generation."

Grandma signaled to Zhou Hong with her eyes.

This is a reliable young man, you should promote him more.

Zhou Hong could only stand by in silence, marveling at Grandma's ambition.

Director Sawai chuckled and gave a slight nod, "Zhou Hong is excellent. He's already a reliable cadre without me needing to groom him."

"Director, my position is still just a member of the Rookie Squad. Being a vice-captain hardly makes me a cadre," Zhou Hong said, acting oblivious.

"You'll be promoted, you'll be promoted."

Daigo felt a twinge of envy. Although he had made it into GUTS, it seemed clear that Zhou Hong held a special place in Director Sawai's favor.

"I really hope the days can just continue on like this, peaceful and simple."

Breathing in the fragrance of the tea and savoring the soft texture of the daifuku, the scent of cherry blossoms blooming on his palate, Director Sawai couldn't help but narrow his eyes in comfort.

Grandma smiled without answering, quietly holding her tea and soaking in the tranquility.

The green bamboo leaves swayed in the breeze, rustling like classical music, and for a moment, the tension in their hearts eased significantly.

The PDI suddenly vibrated, shattering the peace.

Daigo stiffened. He didn't want to disturb Director Sawai at this moment, but as a member of GUTS, he had his own responsibilities to uphold.

"Daigo, a monster has appeared. Please return to base immediately." Megumi Iruma's expression was one of helplessness.

She was well aware that Director Sawai had chosen Daigo as his bodyguard.

But GUTS was simply too short-handed.

Even though she had wanted to recruit Zhou Hong into GUTS, Director Yoshioka had refused to let him go, allowing only a temporary transfer.

Director Sawai opened his eyes, "I'm sorry to have intruded today. I'll come by again when I have the chance."

"Daigo, let's go."

"Zhou Hong, you should go back and help, too," Grandma said as she stood up. "If you want to take over for Sawai one day, you need to work harder now."

Even though he had no such ambition, since Grandma had said it, Zhou Hong could only nod and follow Daigo into the car.

Much like his own style of flying a plane, Daigo possessed a unique set of driving skills honed from his time in the ground transport unit.

Sitting inside, one didn't feel any violent shaking, yet the car moved with such incredible speed that it brought to mind a certain tofu-delivering AE86.

Before long, they arrived back at headquarters.

"Zhou Hong is here too? Then I'll leave it to you and Daigo to pilot the GUTS Wing 1 and provide support for the team." Through the PDI communication, Zhou Hong and Daigo rushed toward the hangar.

Meanwhile, Director Sawai headed straight for the GUTS Command Room.

"What is the current situation?" Director Sawai asked before he had even sat down.

"The monster is still attacking the Oil Survey Station. The Commander and the others are already on their way. Based on Zhou Hong's flying speed, they should arrive at the same time," Yazumi reported, providing the details.

Yazumi's use of the title "Brother Hong" made Director Sawai smile, though he quickly adjusted his demeanor.

"Can you confirm the casualties at the Oil Survey Station?"

"Communications have been cut off."

Director Sawai fell silent. All he could do now was pray that the casualties were minimal.

"Zhou Hong, I see the monster and the Commander's team." His constant training and his constitution as a being of light allowed Daigo to withstand the side effects of high-speed flight.

Zhou Hong didn't pay much attention to that minor detail. He glanced at the closed team channel, his thoughts drifting off course.

"Daigo, tell me, if we both crash, and Tiga and Jostar appear at the same time, don't you think that would be a little suspicious?"

Daigo's forehead instantly broke out in a sweat. "You have a point."

Zhou Hong whistled, a more subtle smile tugging at the corners of his mouth: "Looks like the only option is to not crash."

Zhou Hong gave the engine a slight breather, yet his hand had already pressed the attack button.

The laser surged forward, passing beneath the Guts Wing 1 piloted by Shinjoh ahead, and ignited a massive spray of sparks across Raybeak's body.

"It got here so fast? Is that Ah Hong flying the fighter?" Given such speed, Shinjoh immediately thought of a certain ace pilot.

"Yo, ace pilot, it's me." Zhou Hong's teasing voice rang out over the communication channel. "Shall we have a contest to see who drives this monster back?"

Hearing Zhou Hong's voice, Commander Munakata's stern face relaxed just a fraction.

"You two are to pilot the Guts Wing 1s to drive the monster away; keep it as far from the Oil Survey Station as possible. Guts Wing 2 will begin rescue operations."

"Understood!" *3

Because they were unsure of the monster's attack patterns, neither Guts Wing 1 lowered its altitude, instead giving Raybeak a full baptism of laser fire.

Amidst the sparks, the monster let out a pained cry and looked up at the fighter jets in the sky.

Without a moment's hesitation, it dove straight into the water.

Night shift tomorrow, updates will likely be late. Don't wait up, just check in the morning.