diff --git a/atlasbot/engine/answerer.py b/atlasbot/engine/answerer.py
index 8ee3da4..e315986 100644
--- a/atlasbot/engine/answerer.py
+++ b/atlasbot/engine/answerer.py
@@ -652,7 +652,9 @@ class AnswerEngine:
                         model=plan.fast_model,
                         tag="metric_direct",
                     )
-                    if not _reply_matches_metric_facts(reply, [direct_line], all_tokens):
+                    if mode == "quick" and any(term in normalized.lower() for term in ("how many", "count", "total")):
+                        reply = _format_direct_metric_line(direct_line)
+                    elif not _reply_matches_metric_facts(reply, [direct_line], all_tokens):
                         reply = _format_direct_metric_line(direct_line)
 
             if "raspberry" in lowered_question and "not" in lowered_question: