(Thank you very much to 'Lei Xiang' and 'I Will Freeze the World' for the rewards!)
"Just as expected of my Brother!"
Kotori's brisk voice came through the other end of the earpiece, leaving Wu Yan, who was walking home, rather surprised.
"Though this isn't the first time I've heard you say that, why are you suddenly praising me?..."
"Huh?..." Kotori sounded utterly astonished at Wu Yan's words.
"Isn't it obvious? Because of your progress with Itsuyo Miku just now!"
"My progress with Itsuyo Miku?..." Wu Yan blinked and asked in confusion, "What progress? When did I make any progress with Itsuyo Miku?..."
The moment those words came out, Kotori fell silent through the earpiece. It was a long while before her voice sounded again.
"Just as expected of my Brother!"
"What are you even talking about..." Wu Yan shook his head, torn between laughter and tears. "I have no idea what you mean..."
"If you can make progress without even realizing it, doesn't that deserve praise?..." Kotori said with an amused tone.
"Making progress without realizing it?..." Wu Yan scratched his cheek. "You mean me leaving my phone number with Itsuyo Miku?..."
"That's exactly it!" Kotori declared with absolute certainty. "Let me tell you something! Because of what you just did, Itsuyo Miku's favorability toward you has risen past halfway!"
"Past halfway?..." Wu Yan paused, then grew curious.
"What level is favorability past halfway?..."
"Hmm..." Kotori first made a thoughtful sound before speaking. "It's probably the level where she considers you someone she cares about!"
"What..." Wu Yan immediately curled his lips in disappointment. "She only considers me someone she cares about? I thought your admiration meant it was some huge breakthrough..."
"Have you forgotten what kind of Spirit Itsuyo Miku is?..." Kotori said disdainfully. "She utterly hates men