The Real Daughter Just Wants to Pilot Mechas - Chapter 166

“It’s fine. I don’t think I made any mistakes in how I handled things.” Jiang Momo propped her head on one hand and was about to say more when a message from Lu Feng came through.

[Lu Feng]: Momo, congratulations on officially becoming director of the research institute. Our military department studied the appointment regulations overnight and found no rule against dual positions. So we want to ask, would you be willing to continue serving in the military?

“What does the military want this time?” Jiang Momo perked up, tapping her index finger on the desk as she replied.

[Jiang Momo]: Is it still the same non-staff role as before?

[Lu Feng]: Not the same. It’s as a technical advisor on legendary mecha and alien beast eradication technology.

[Jiang Momo]: Sounds fancy.

[Lu Feng]: So, are you willing?

[Jiang Momo]: Let me think it over. I’ll give you an answer tomorrow.

Jiang Momo didn’t give an immediate answer. She trusted Lu Feng personally, but a high-level position like that clearly wasn’t just his idea. It likely represented a probing move from the military, so she needed to weigh things carefully.

Letting out a long sigh, Jiang Momo rubbed her temples and muttered, “I feel like my brain isn’t enough for all this. Who would’ve thought before I left the desolate planet that one day I’d be pulled into high-level political games?”

The military fell under the President’s jurisdiction but based on recent events, it was clear some higher-ups had their own agenda. The true purpose of the invitation still needed investigating.

[Sorry, Momo. I can only provide you with partial perspective-based intel. When it comes to human thinking, I can’t crack it, so I can’t guarantee their real intent,] Little Eight sounded a bit downcast.

Jiang Momo smiled, “If you could crack human thought too, that’d be terrifying. Thanks for the intel. I’ll study it carefully.”

Half an hour later, just before Vice Director Liu came through the door, Jiang Momo had leisurely finished reviewing all the data. She looked up and saw Vice Director Liu’s slightly forced smile.

“Director Jiang, please come with me.”

***

The research institute’s conference room.

Jiang Momo took the main seat, eyeing Qin Chu sitting nervously across from her with a raised brow. “You got promoted?”

Qin Chu looked up, pupils trembling, dark circles under her eyes obvious. “All the higher-ups got taken out. I’m the only one left.”

The last big purge didn’t just investigate violent acts; it also exposed corruption, bribery, and abuse of power. The research institute lost a big chunk of its core staff. The newly promoted workhorses lost their slacking privileges and had to step up, leading themselves and doing the work of entire departments solo.

“She doesn’t have enough years in service to be formally promoted. She’s only temporarily in charge of their unit, not an official appointment,” Vice Director Liu explained to Jiang Momo while instructing someone to serve tea.

“Got it. Run this meeting as you normally would,” Jiang Momo said, sipping the tea and glancing around. Sure enough, Li Yu was nowhere in sight, likely already suspended.

The meeting proceeded smoothly under Vice Director Liu’s direction. Jiang Momo tilted her head slightly, watching Vice Director Liu’s mouth move as she spoke, her eyes showing a trace of admiration.

This woman had a strong presence and control. Too bad she was on the President’s side.

Once the meeting finished its agenda, Vice Director Liu turned to Jiang Momo and asked symbolically, “Director Jiang, do you have any directives to issue?”

“I do.” Jiang Momo paused to think. “The newly revised federal textbooks don’t match reality. They need updates.”

A nearly imperceptible smile tugged at Vice Director Liu’s lips. “Director Jiang, curriculum editing isn’t within our research institute’s responsibilities.”

Jiang Momo: “Alright, then mecha manufacturing grades fall under us, don’t they?”

“That they do. Are you looking to get certified as an S-grade mecha manufacturer?” Vice Director Liu asked in a lowered voice.

Jiang Momo shook her head. “I just think that now we’ve developed a whole new grade of mecha, our classification system for mecha manufacturers should be updated too.”

Vice Director Liu immediately understood. They needed to create a new tier just for Jiang Momo, the creator of the legendary mecha and broadcast it widely to counteract the influence of textbook revisions. Her smile grew more genuine. She believed she’d just found Jiang Momo’s weakness: a craving for recognition.

Jiang Momo stared at Vice Director Liu, puzzled.

How could someone look genuinely happy after being given such an odd assignment by leadership? Was the task too easy, or did she just love working?

Jiang Momo only thought for a second before turning up the heat. “Once it’s established, make sure the whole Federation knows about it.”

“I understand.” Vice Director Liu nodded quickly.

“The evaluation process must be strict. If anyone else passes, establish detailed profiles, but don’t interfere in their lives,” Jiang Momo added.

Vice Director Liu didn’t even register the second half, agreeing eagerly, “Don’t worry. I’ve got it.”

“That’s it for now. Meeting adjourned.” Jiang Momo got up and left, with Vice Director Liu following behind.

“Why are you following me?” Jiang Momo turned around at the office door.

Vice Director Liu glanced around and said, “The latest update is, due to overwhelming public backlash, the dissolution procedure is going through Congress. It’ll be restructured, but our previous proposal is probably shelved.”

“Good,” Jiang Momo replied directly. “You seem to know quite a bit. Any other insider info?”

Vice Director Liu’s eyes rolled slyly. “Actually, yes. The presidential election might be postponed.”

“Why?” Jiang Momo was surprised.

“Because of the escalating alien beast invasion,” Vice Director Liu said.

Jiang Momo frowned. “How can you be so sure? I haven’t given you the legendary mecha data yet and the research institute hasn’t released any forecasts.”

“We know that, but the public doesn’t,” Vice Director Liu replied.

Jiang Momo understood.

The President was scrambling. He knew that if the election happened as scheduled, he’d be done for. So he was using fear to push the public into accepting a delay and then buy time to maneuver.

But…

“Why are you telling me all this?” Jiang Momo felt she might’ve overlooked something. Maybe Vice Director Liu wasn’t actually loyal to the President.

“My ancestral home is in the Border Star System,” Vice Director Liu said and then left it at that.

Which meant she understood the truth behind that disgusting plan better than anyone.