Lin Yu looked at the clear water bubbling up within the circle formed by the Age-Changing Spring Rope. Recalling Miyoko Mangetsu's appearance from their brief encounter, he estimated her age, then used a glass to scoop up the water and began to drink.
(The Age-Changing Spring Rope truly was an incredibly reality-defying gadget. A single cup could adjust one's physical age by a year – red button water added a year, blue subtracted one. For older individuals, it offered the potential for sustained youth. In any other world, it would be a priceless treasure, yet here it was just another of Doraemon's gadgets.)
Lin Yu drank four glasses in quick succession. He deliberately stopped short of aging himself into a full adult, aiming for the appearance of a mid-to-late teenager. He reasoned that interacting with Miyoko as someone closer to her own age might be easier and less formal.
As the fourth glass went down, a warm current flowed through his body. Lin Yu could distinctly feel himself growing taller, his limbs lengthening, his features subtly maturing.
"Truly magical," Lin Yu murmured, looking at his reflection in the bathroom mirror. He was noticeably taller, clearly different from his usual ten-year-old self, yet still recognizably him. A satisfied smile played on his lips. Experiencing these gadgets firsthand was still a novel thrill. He gave his now slightly-too-short pants a tug.
Emerging from the bathroom, he gathered the folders containing the first two chapters of his manga, took some money, then looked down at his ill-fitting clothes. He shook his head with a chuckle; first stop would have to be a clothing store.
"Doraemon, I'm heading out now!"
"Mm-hmm, be safe!" Doraemon replied without looking up, completely absorbed in the manga pages.
Outside, Lin Yu immediately hailed a taxi and directed it towards the shopping street. A fair bit of time had passed already; he needed to hurry. Arriving at the bustling commercial district, Lin Yu quickly found a clothing store and bought a simple, age-appropriate outfit: a plain white shirt, comfortable jeans, and casual sneakers. Keeping it simple, he was changed and ready in about fifteen minutes.
Carrying the folder with his precious manuscript, he located a public phone booth nearby, took out Miyoko's business card, and dialed her number.
Ring... ring...
"Hello?" A clear, pleasant voice answered.
"Hello, Ms. Mangetsu?" Lin Yu began politely, adjusting his voice slightly to match his older appearance. "Apologies for calling so suddenly. I came across your contact information somewhat by chance. I was wondering if you might possibly have a moment? I have a manga manuscript I'd like to submit to your company..."
Suddenly, a sharp, stressed voice interrupted from Miyoko's end: "Miyoko! Get these manuscripts printed out for me right now! You messed it up again!"
"Ah! Sorry, sorry! I'll do it right away!" Miyoko replied hastily in the background.
(Hearing the background chaos, Lin Yu frowned slightly. It sounded like Miyoko wasn't having the best day at work.)
Miyoko came back on the line, sounding flustered. "Hello? I'm so sorry, it's a bit hectic here right now. Could I perhaps take your contact information? Or... actually, would you happen to be free sometime soon?"
"Yes, actually," Lin Yu replied smoothly. "I'm currently at the cafe on the second floor of the Nerima shopping arcade."
"Oh! In that case, could I possibly meet you there shortly? Maybe in about half an hour?"
"Yes, that would be perfect. I'll wait for you here."
Hanging up, Lin Yu headed towards the designated cafe. So, Miyoko isn't her father's assistant in this timeline, he mused. Even as a scientist's daughter, it seems the demanding Japanese work environment doesn't offer her much special treatment. Inside the cafe, he ordered a coffee, chose a booth by the window, and watched the people passing by outside, his thoughts drifting as he waited.
Fortunately, half an hour wasn't too long to wait. Soon enough, a familiar, slender figure hurried into the cafe, looking slightly rushed – none other than Miyoko Mangetsu. She glanced quickly at the watch on her wrist as she entered, visibly relieved to see she was just on time. (In Japan, punctuality was paramount, especially for professional appointments.)
Lin Yu stood up and waved her over with a polite, warm smile. "Ms. Mangetsu, over here."
Seeing Lin Yu, Miyoko's eyes widened slightly in pleasant surprise. Although his voice on the phone had sounded quite young, the actual person standing before her (in his temporary older form) made a positive impression. (Just as Lin Yu had guessed, interacting with someone closer to her own age felt potentially easier. Plus, the added maturity from the gadget gave Lin Yu a clean-cut, cool look that was undeniably attractive.)
"I'm so sorry to keep you waiting!" Miyoko said, hurrying over, tucking a stray strand of hair behind her ear with an apologetic smile.
"Not at all," Lin Yu replied smoothly. "I contacted you quite suddenly. The fact that you could make time to meet is a pleasant surprise in itself." As they settled into the booth, Lin Yu politely offered her the menu. "What would you like to drink, Ms. Mangetsu?"
Miyoko glanced quickly at the menu – and the prices – then quickly waved her hand dismissively. "Oh, just water is fine, thank you. Actually, I didn't catch your name earlier?"
"My name is Lin Yu. Their cappuccino here is quite good, if you don't mind my suggesting it," Lin Yu said smoothly. Before Miyoko could politely refuse again, he confidently waved down a passing waiter. "Excuse me, could we get a cappuccino for the lady, please?"
"Mr. Lin Yu, you really didn't have to," Miyoko protested, looking slightly embarrassed. (In her eyes, Lin Yu appeared to be around her own age, likely a student. Being treated felt awkward, especially since she was here professionally. If his manuscript wasn't suitable, having accepted his treat would make delivering the rejection even more difficult.)