You know what I wasn't expecting anything out of China's step 3 but it managed to surprise and it's now my 2nd favorite after Sumika's. Even if P was barely a character in this scenario they managed to make China grow as a character. I don't like that it's another "Oh Juo Sena you are my rival and I will beat you at HIF!" but they managed to tone down the Sena wank and instead focused on growing China as a character and her bonds with her friends. We also got some world building on how the school works so it's a plus in my book

Overall my current step 3 ranking would be
1.Sumika
(A cliff as big as Ume's breasts)
2.China
3.Rinami
4.Hiro
5.Kotone
I hope next month's step 3 isn't disappointing and they manage to continue making routes that are at least the same quality as China's.