Meanwhile, after Lu Xiaoxiao called out to the system in her mind and asked, "Does this count as a major contribution?" she had a short conversation with 037.
"Of course it does! How could it not?" 037's cheerful voice rang out at once, openly fawning. "This is more than a major contribution! It's a world-saving achievement of the highest order! Host, you're incredible! You found the source of the core bug so quickly! Mwah!"
Long since immune to its theatrics, Lu Xiaoxiao went straight to the point. "Enough flattery. If I've made such a huge contribution, there should be some tangible reward, right? I told you before that once the mission is complete, I want the ability to travel freely between my original world and this novel's world. If you take this achievement to your superiors now, it should carry enough weight, shouldn't it?"
"Well..." A trace of hesitation and its habitual timidity immediately crept into 037's voice. "Your achievement certainly carries enough weight, Host! But... as you know, something as important as permission for an interworld passage has a very complicated approval process. Those old fossils... ah, no, I mean our superiors, can debate things forever. As for exactly how long it'll take... I really can't promise anything!"
Lu Xiaoxiao had expected that answer and wasn't angry. She merely snorted. "A long process is fine. Just remember to chase them up every day. Use the 'pester them into approving it' technique I taught you. Annoy them into signing off sooner if you have to."
"Understood, understood! I'll get it done!" 037 promptly pledged its loyalty, then cautiously asked, "Then... Host, about the Lu family being able to hear your thoughts... when are you planning to come clean with them? They can't hear your new thoughts anymore. Won't they find