Emotional Strategy! Empathy Effect!

It seemed Harry had touched on a sensitive topic.

Clara eyes moved, hesitated for a moment before sighing softly and saying, "I didn't make it the last few times. But Tian Media is forming a girl group and holding auditions at our school. This is my last chance, so I want to give it a try…"

"How is that possible? You have such great qualities—excellent grades and amazing dancing skills. How could you not have been selected before?"

Clara asked warmly, his tone carrying hints of dissatisfaction with the school and entertainment companies.

"Brother-in-law, you've got good judgment! But society nowadays is just so dark! Everything depends on connections, and there are so many unspoken rules! Being good at academics or dancing doesn't count for anything!"

Clara said angrily, taking a sharp sip of her bubble tea, and then began venting to Harry about the shady side of past auditions.

[Current Status: Confiding, Relaxed, Interested]

[Affinity: +3 (27 - Acquaintance)]

Seeing the affinity level above Clara head increase again, Harry felt a surge of excitement.

This method worked.

"In that case, we definitely can't miss this audition with Tian Media. You have to give it your best shot! It just so happens that I'm free these days. When the time comes, I'll personally take you there and cheer you on!" Harry encouraged her warmly and supportively.

[Current Status: Confiding, Relaxed, Interested, Touched]

[Affinity: +3 (30 - Acquaintance)]

"Thank you, brother-in-law! You're the only one who supports me! Unlike the others, none of them are on my side!!"

Just as Clara finished speaking, her phone buzzed with a notification.

Frustrated, Clara picked up her phone, glanced at the message, and angrily recorded a voice reply:

"I'm studying at an arts school, so what's wrong with joining a girl group and becoming a star? I'm not your wife, so you don't get to control me! Do whatever you want! I'm starting to think we're really not a good match!! Stop bothering me!"

After sending the message, Clara tossed her phone aside with a huff.

Harry's eyes lit up, sensing an opportunity. He immediately smiled and asked, "Clara, what's wrong? Arguing with your boyfriend? Why not try talking things out calmly? You know, your temper could use a little work."

"Brother-in-law, you don't understand! Justin is so annoying! He keeps opposing me participating in auditions, and insists that after graduation, I should work for his family's company. His family is in Chansester! If I go that far, how long would it be before I can come back to see Mom, Dad, and all of you? I don't want that!"

Clara complained, pouting in frustration.

"That's true," Harry chimed in, subtly sowing discord.

"Why would you pick a boyfriend so far away? If you end up marrying into Chansester, your parents would be heartbroken. Who knows how long it'd be before we get to see you again. Sigh..."

Clara's boyfriend is from Chansester, while Clara herself is from Hacheston. With such a long distance between them, many conflicts are bound to arise after they graduate from university.

As the saying goes, "The house closest to the water enjoys the moonlight first."

I live under the same roof as my sister-in-law every day, while her boyfriend is far away in Chansester.

In this regard, I hold a significant advantage!

"Actually, I don't like him that much. He just relies on having a bit of money and annoys me all the time. He even said that girl groups are often exploited by investors and that if I really joined one, he'd break up with me! If we break up, so be it. I don't really like him that much anyway!"

Clara's words didn't sound like mere venting. Hearing that she was considering breaking up with her boyfriend, Harry felt a surge of happiness.

"Clara, if you have a dream, just go for it. Whether others support you or not, I'll always back you up. If you encounter any difficulties, just tell me. I'll do my best to help you. I understand your pain—I felt the same way when I gave up my job to pursue my dream of becoming a full-time writer... Sigh..."

Harry sighed softly as he spoke.

[Current Status: Confiding, Relaxed, Moved, Sympathetic]

[Affinity: +10 (40 - Friendly)]

Affinity +10!

It had directly reached the "friendly" level!

The emotional approach and empathy had proven very effective, increasing Clara's affinity toward him to a friendly level.

This was a significant step forward!

"Brother, you've been working so hard lately. I know my sister and our parents don't really support your writing... But I will! I believe you can become a great author someday!"

Hearing Harry's words, Clara seemed to empathize with him. Her gaze toward Harry softened, and there was a newfound warmth in her eyes.

"Thank you, Clara!" Harry gazed at the warmth in his beautiful sister-in-law's eyes. The snow-white short skirt barely concealed her smooth, pale thighs, causing his heart to stir uncontrollably once more.

Unable to resist, Harry shifted his body slightly, inching closer to his sister-in-law, Clara.

As he moved, he carefully observed her reaction.

Noticing that she showed no signs of resistance or wariness, he boldly mustered his courage and sat directly beside her.

The distance between their bodies now was barely the width of a fist.

"By the way, Clara, your summer vacation starts tomorrow. Tonight, I'll ask Wanda and Elena if we can go out for a gathering. It's been a while since the four of us siblings got together."

Harry absentmindedly tried to divert Clara's attention, but his gaze never left her status bar.

"Sounds great, Brother-in-law! I want to eat barbeque! I haven't had it in ages!" Clara cheered excitedly at the mention of food.

[Current Status: Relaxed, Moved, Sympathetic, Happy]

[Affinity: +1 (41 - Friendly)]

Seeing the affinity increase once more, Harry grew even bolder. He moved his body closer, letting his leg lightly press against Clara's thigh.

The warm and soft touch immediately made Harry's heart race with delight.