June 28, CE70, Nova Resource Satellite Frontline - The battle concluded far earlier than the original timeline's July 12 end date.
This inevitably caused unprecedented shockwaves across this worldline.
Not only was the catastrophic destruction of the L4 Colony Satellite region in East Asia avoided, but the Nova Resource Satellite also escaped its tragic fate of being renamed Boaz Fortress.
This alone was cause for celebration.
As for other ripple effects - the Allied Forces' morale soaring, PLANT and ZAFT experiencing military and civilian unrest, even their slowed offensive tempo - all these became mere bonus outcomes in comparison.
Truth be told, without Wang Hu's alterations to this world, the original fate would have seen both sides entering a stalemate phase after the Nova Resource Satellite offensive and defensive battle.
Thus, a brief peace descended, one that would last until the original world's key players made their respective appearances!
Time flowed swiftly, soon arriving at January 24, CE71.
"After last October's failed negotiations, who would have thought our Chairman Patrick would still manage to stir up such commotion," Wang Hu remarked casually while browsing news alerts on his phone within the neutral nation of Orb's space colony Heliopolis.
"The space launch site was attacked."
Li Chengzhi appeared deeply troubled by his companion's detached indifference. "That was our home territory's launch site!"
He referred to ZAFT Forces' recent diversionary tactic during intense Pacific combat along the Tropic of Cancer, when they suddenly launched a surprise attack on their primary launch facility.
"According to latest military intelligence, ZAFT went all out for this assault!"
"What could we have done?" Wang Hu spread his hands in bewilderment toward his deputy commander. "Didn't we already report this concern to higher-ups?"
"If not for that launch site continuously sending us endless reinforcements and supplies from Earth during the Nova Resource Satellite campaign, who knows how that battle might have ended."
"Moreover, our request to be reassigned as launch site guards was rejected by command. We've done everything within our power."
"Must we now put on some anguished performance for show?"
Studying Li Chengzhi's unchanged expression, Wang Hu continued, "My apologies, I was wrong. Before Deputy Commander Li, I should maintain an appropriately distressed demeanor."
"But—" Drawing out the syllable, Wang Hu whistled at some lightly-dressed young women strolling through the colony, initially earning their glares until they recognized his handsome features and charisma, prompting shy waves instead.
"Wang Hu!"
Face darkening with anger, Li Chengzhi stepped between them and began dragging Wang Hu forward by his collar. "Don't overstep. Remember your position."
"If not for your outstanding performance and the outcome of the last major battle, neither the Atlantic Federation nor that madman Azrael would be courting our favor."
"Do you think we can just come here? If a scandal breaks out because of you..."
"At such a tense moment, the higher-ups would skin you alive!"
"Tense?" Wang Hu grinned, still holding Li Chengzhi's hand that was gripping him.
"This is peaceful neutral nation Orb—what could possibly go wrong?"
"Or are you suggesting that among the entire military, only you and I know how to fight, and all the other officers are idiots?"
"Not to criticize you, Xiao Li, but that kind of thinking won't do. If word gets out, do you still want to advance your career?"
"Advance?" Li Chengzhi laughed bitterly at Wang Hu's words, releasing his grip and staring at his friend, who was still waving at a young woman.
"Don't worry, Captain Wang Hu of the Third Squadron. I'll advance much faster than you, rest assured."
"Yeah, yeah," Wang Hu replied insincerely, finally tearing his eyes away from the scenery.
"Son of a farmer, huh? Want to bet I'll come back with a princess this time?"
"Princess?" Li Chengzhi gave Wang Hu a sidelong glance, sizing up his friend who had somehow lost all semblance of seriousness.
Admittedly, with his looks, in the old century, only Yan Zu and Cheng Wu could compare.
But that was only if he could maintain his composure!
Shaking his head helplessly, Li Chengzhi steered the conversation back on track.
"The higher-ups have reached a secret agreement with the other side, but we were only allocated one mobile suit. That's why it's just the two of us here."
"As for the ground space launch site, there's nothing we can do about it now. Besides, General Zheng is currently commanding the battlefield."
"I trust General Zheng, the top tiger of our forces, won't let ZAFT off easy."
"But Wang Hu, we can't afford to let our guard down on this mission. Remember what I told you before? The waters on this colony are murky."
"Beneath the calm surface, it's far dirtier than we imagine."
"I get it." Wang Hu wiped the smile off his face, turning serious.
With memories of a past life as his foundation, both his hardware and software had ascended in this life.
If he still couldn't see through the fog to the truth—
"So the truth is clear—in the name of my grandfather!"
Striking a dramatic pose—left hand on his hip, right arm extended forward with a single finger pointing—Wang Hu declared with conviction:
"Tomorrow, ZAFT's special squad will attack, aiming to seize the Allied Forces' newly developed war machine, the Gundam."
"They're willing to destroy all of Heliopolis to achieve it!"
"You... you..."
Li Chengzhi donned a pained expression, pressing a hand to his forehead.
How had he never noticed this guy's inner clown back at the military academy?
Hadn't he been so serious and stern back then?
Ever since he blacked out on the resource satellite and woke up, he'd turned into this mess.
Was this the side effect of gaining immense power?
Whatever.
Staring at Wang Hu, Li Chengzhi decided he was fine as he was. If gaining Wang Hu's strength came at this cost...
His rigid old man would probably tear him apart!
"Hey, what did you mean by what you just said?"
Just as Li Chengzhi was pondering how to smoothly acquire the supplies his unit needed during this official trip,
a voice called out from high above the two men. When they looked up,
Li Chengzhi instinctively rested his hand on his waist as a petite figure descended from the sky.
"What the hell?" His eyes snapped into focus, his mind flooded with confusion.
Are spies these days really going all out like this?
"It's her," Wang Hu clicked his tongue, gauging the landing spot.
Then, in a swift motion, his sturdy arms firmly caught the unexpected guest who had fallen from the sky.
"Soft. And smooth."
Holding the person in his arms—whether intentionally or not—Wang Hu even gave a little squeeze.
Slap! The crisp sound of a palm striking flesh snapped Li Chengzhi out of his daze.
Glancing at the likely origin of the fall—the still-open second-floor window—
then turning to look at Wang Hu's solid, powerful arms,
Li Chengzhi thought to himself: One with freakishly sharp hearing, the other with freakishly strong arms.
Damn beasts.
"Stop! Don't run!"
Before Li Chengzhi could even step forward to interrogate the intruder, several men in black suits appeared at the second-floor window.
They shouted down at the street below.
"Armed?" Li Chengzhi frowned. "Wang Hu, trouble's coming."
He turned to warn his friend, but—
"You bastard!"
Stamping his foot in frustration, Li Chengzhi watched as Wang Hu sprinted away at full speed—still carrying the person in his arms.
He hurled a sincere curse at the shameless man.
"See you at the usual spot tomorrow!"
Wang Hu's voice drifted back from the distance.
(End of Chapter)