Perhaps it was the alcohol making everyone more relaxed, but the joke didn't feel inappropriate. In the past, Luis would've at least been sternly scolded by his mother-in-law.
Luis also flattered, "Scammers these days target their victims precisely. The fact that they called Mom proves that in their eyes, she's already a wealthy woman. Let's toast to Mom!"
"Cheers!"
Sister-in-law Nancy shot him a grateful look. Luis smiled back—words were unnecessary. It wasn't exactly ambiguous, but the atmosphere had subtly shifted.
Ding… Sister-in-law Nancy: Favorability Meter 50%.
Luis had now figured out the pattern: it was easy to raise low scores, but extremely difficult to increase high ones.
For instance, even though his wife was so satisfied last night, he gave her a new phone and whispered so many sweet nothings, her favorability only rose by 1%, reaching 96%. He had no idea when it would hit 100%.
