American TV series: Starting with exploiting young Sheldon

Karen brought Gretchen along today to create an opportunity for her.

To this end, Karen even prepared a sexy Catwoman outfit for Greta. She was certain that if Greta had been bolder earlier, she would have been able to charm Mike.

This was also the "surprise" Karen had told Mike about beforehand.

Unfortunately, when things came to the last step, her best friend backed out.

“I… I just felt that it wasn’t fair to Mike. Maybe he’s not interested in me. I don’t want to force him…” Greta’s ears turned red when she heard her best friend mention their previous “plan.”

With a rather conservative personality, she actually preferred to develop some feelings for Mike first before taking the final step.

"You're overthinking it. Knowing Mike as I do, if he knew you were willing to offer yourself, he'd be overjoyed. How could he possibly look down on you?" Katie shook her head slightly, sighing at her best friend for not seizing this opportunity.

"Let's not talk about this anymore, let's talk about something else." Gretchen felt extremely embarrassed about the topic they were discussing. So, she changed the subject and said, "Have you noticed that Regina seems to have gained a lot of weight recently?"

“Of course I noticed,” Karen continued. “And I’ve also discovered a secret: Regina’s weight gain might be related to Katie’s weight loss products. If that’s the case, perhaps this is a good opportunity for us…”

What a great opportunity! Of course, it's the opportunity to overthrow the tyrannical rule of the "Queen Bee".

Despite Karen's seemingly innocent and naive demeanor, she is actually quite sensitive to certain things.

Furthermore, Regina and Mike clearly don't get along, so if Karen had to choose sides, she would definitely side with Mike.

Greta, seeing her best friend's attention shift, breathed a sigh of relief. Actually, she wasn't particularly interested in overthrowing the "Queen Bee"; rather, it was the issue of Mike that made her feel embarrassed.

At this moment, Greta's mind was still replaying Karen's melodious singing from the entire afternoon. Even more so, she couldn't help but fantasize about what it would be like if she replaced Karen.

This situation both thrilled Greta and filled her with a deep sense of guilt.

……

Meanwhile, Mike and the others, led by George, arrived at a mid-to-high-end restaurant called "Flavorful Seafood".

This restaurant is not far from Cooper's house and has extremely high ratings; George had been wanting to come and try it for a long time.

After seating everyone, George grabbed the menu and said generously, "It's on me today, everyone order whatever you like!"

It's clear that George is in a very good mood now that he's free from financial pressure. At middle age, he's enjoying success in both his career and family life.

Seeing her husband's happy expression, Mary smiled too. But her smile quickly faded.

Although the restaurant was only mid-to-high-end, the prices of the dishes still surprised Mary, who was used to being frugal.

Faced with dishes priced at over 100 yuan each, Mary ultimately chose only a sirloin steak.

This restaurant specializes in seafood, so the steaks, which are quite common in Texas, are reasonably priced.

Then the menu came to little George, who was immediately drawn to the giant seafood platter on it: "I want a seafood platter..."

Just as little George was about to order, he noticed Mary's gaze sweeping over him and, admitting defeat, changed his mind, saying, "I'd like a seafood risotto."

Compared to a seafood platter costing over 100 yuan, a seafood risotto costing over 20 yuan is reasonably priced.

"It's my turn, it's my turn..."

After little George ordered, Missy grabbed the menu: "I want a Boston lobster!"

The little girl deliberately ignored her mother's warning look and directly ordered the large dish at the top of the menu.

Boston lobster is a specialty here, and the price generally ranges from 150 to 300 US dollars depending on the weight of the lobster.

“Missie~” Mary hurriedly spoke up, trying to get her daughter to choose a cheaper dish.

“Alright, Mary. We’re here to enjoy ourselves today, so don’t worry about it,” George said, defending his youngest daughter.

Besides, they were out in public, and as the head of the family, George had to save face. He didn't want the family meal to look too shabby.

To avoid embarrassment, George took the menu and ordered several dishes, including grilled anchovy, grilled pineapple with marlin, and squid rolls with salad dressing.

"Is there anything else you'd like to eat?" George asked after ordering.

Including the three dishes ordered earlier, the price of this meal has exceeded George's weekly salary.

Grandma Connie smiled and shook her head, indicating that there was enough food, and Mike shook his head as well.

Only little George raised his hand: "Um, can I still order that seafood platter?"

“Of course!” George granted his eldest son’s request and also handed the seafood platter to the waiter.

Then, he specifically asked the restaurant for a bottle of red wine.

Sensing his wife's subtle gesturing of displeasure under the table, George said gently, "Mary, we haven't eaten out in a long time. Next time I get my paycheck, I'll treat you to a better restaurant for a big meal just for the two of us."

Hearing her husband say that, Mary was also touched. She stopped pinching him and gave him a hug.

In a warm atmosphere, a table full of dishes was gradually placed on the dining table.

After the pre-dinner prayers, George poured himself and his wife, as well as Grandma Connie, a glass of red wine, and raised his glass to signal, "Alright, everyone, let's eat!"

Just as everyone was about to enjoy their meal, Missy suddenly screamed.

"What's wrong?" George asked, putting down his glass.

"It's looking at me!" Missy said, pointing at the giant lobster in front of her with a frightened expression.

It turns out that when the Boston lobster was plated, its head was facing directly towards the little girl.

The lobster, weighing over three pounds, was quite large, and its head, with its two black eyes, was indeed frightening to the little girl.

“Don’t be afraid of Missy, it’s just food…” George said, tenderly approaching his daughter.

He first removed the shrimp head, then broke off a large shrimp claw, processed it, mixed it with some tender shrimp meat, and put it on his daughter's plate.

"Alright, you can eat now." George returned to his seat after taking care of his daughter.

Just as he was about to clink glasses with his wife, he watched helplessly as his daughter placed the prepared shrimp meat onto Mike's plate.

Well, the little cotton-padded jacket is letting in the wind.

"Mike, try the shrimp! Is it good?" Missy eagerly offered, "If it's good, I'll ask Dad to bring us here again next time..."

"You have some too..." Mike politely divided the shrimp into two portions. After tasting his small portion, he said, "It tastes good. Next time, it's my turn to treat you."

“It’s settled then~” Missy gave a cute smile, taking it as Mike’s invitation to her.

In a pleasant atmosphere, the meal lasted for almost an hour, and overall, the food at this restaurant was excellent value for money.

On the way back, Mary, unusually for her, took her husband's arm.

Chapter 101 Coach George's Trouble

At Connie's maternal grandmother's house, it's breakfast time.

"Mike, there's another letter from you." Grandma Connie came in from outside, carrying not only the monthly bills but also a beautifully wrapped envelope.

"Which school is it this time?" Mike asked casually as he ate his breakfast sandwich.

It's been a week since Melford's last rugby game. Given Mike's impressive performance in the Summer League, he's received numerous offers from school rugby teams.

Among these schools are some highly ranked private high schools.

Mike, who had no intention of pursuing further studies in football, declined all the offers. Moreover, having just become familiar with campus life at Melford, he had no plans to transfer schools again during high school.

“This time it’s Greenhill Academy,” Grandma Connie replied, glancing at the signature on the envelope.

“Greenhill…” Mike muttered, then realized, “Didn’t they send me an invitation last time? Why are they coming again?”

Greenhill Academy is an excellent private high school, and its overall strength is probably among the top ten in Texas.

"I don't know either, let me take another look..." Grandma Connie said, skillfully opening the letter.

In the past, when Mike was too lazy to read letters, this task was always left to his grandmother Connie.

"Oh..." After reading the letter, Grandma Connie smiled and said, "This time it's their school's basketball team that sent you an invitation."

At Millennium High School, it's common for students who can't get into football to switch to the school's basketball team. After all, these students have the physical attributes to adapt to the physicality of basketball with just a little training.

Clearly, this time the Greenhill Academy basketball coach was impressed by Mike's physical attributes.

"Basketball team... not interested... could you handle the mail for me?" Mike said as he finished his sandwich and walked out.

"Okay," Grandma Connie replied, watching the other person's departing figure.

Meanwhile, Mike ran into George as he was about to drive to school after he went outside.

"Hey Mike. Get in the car!" Coach George called out, and it was clear he was in a good mood lately.

And that's exactly what happened; the school has made it clear that they intend to continue increasing Coach George's salary. So, he's currently enjoying a period of great success.

The car moved steadily forward, and in the back row, little George kept dozing off as if he hadn't woken up properly.

While looking at his 12th-grade study materials in the front row, Sheldon suddenly turned around at a traffic light and said, "Mike, I won't lose to you in the next test."

"Okay, good luck!" Mike encouraged him again. Then, he found a comfortable spot in the back row and started to doze off.

Mike was aware that Sheldon had recently started working on 12th-grade textbooks. However, with his solid foundation, he wasn't afraid of the challenge at all.

"Humph~"

Seeing Mike's nonchalant attitude, Sheldon muttered unhappily, "I'll definitely take back first place in the next test."

In other respects, Sheldon Jr. might be more magnanimous, but when it comes to testing intelligence, he has an almost obsessive obsession.

Upon arriving at school, Mike, as usual, skipped his morning classes. Then, at lunchtime, he walked towards the school cafeteria, surrounded by a group of girls.

After a period of adjustment, Mike had basically gotten used to being very popular with girls at school.

Of course, Lina also deserves credit for this.

The girls surrounding Mike at this moment are all members of Mike's fan club. Although they are very enthusiastic, they would never interfere with Mike's personal life.

In the cafeteria, Regina, who was sitting in the middle, saw Mike, surrounded by a group of girls, go to a seat in the back row.

The ignored "Queen Bee" let out a cold laugh in annoyance.

As it turns out, Regina's judgment last time was wrong. Even without the aura of the football team's winning streak, Mike still attracts the girls at school with his handsome looks.

Meanwhile, Mike, after having lunch with Lina and the others, strolled leisurely toward the football field.

Today is the day he plans to ask Coach George to let him leave the team.

"Mike, something bad has happened! George has been called away!" On the playground, little George rushed over as soon as he saw Mike appear.

"They called you away? What's going on?" Mike was a little confused.

It's entirely because George is currently in a state of being too excited.

"The team's sponsors have spoken with George..." George explained.

Although Melford is a public school, due to funding issues, some programs that require training equipment still need sponsor support.

"What's wrong with the sponsors? Isn't the school planning to give Coach George a raise?" Mike was getting more and more confused.

Logically speaking, given the football team's good performance this year, even if sponsors approached them, there's no need for someone like George to be so excited.

Judging from the other person's expression now, anyone who didn't know better would think that Coach George had run into some serious trouble.

"You don't understand, those sponsors have lost their minds and are planning to oust George as head coach," George Jr. said.

"What? There's such a thing? Lead the way, let's go see..." Mike frowned.

Mike believes Coach George is a highly skilled coach and definitely capable of being the school's head coach. Moreover, the team has performed well this year, so there's no reason for the sponsors to target him.

Before long, led by little George, the two arrived at the school's large conference room.

"Coach George, it's because you didn't do your job properly this year that the team lost the chance to compete for the state championship..."

As Mike reached the door, he heard a familiar voice. If he wasn't mistaken, the speaker was none other than Sam's father, Gritt.

Somehow, this guy managed to get into the sponsors' group.

"Why didn't I do my job properly?" Coach George stood on the front platform, looking annoyed.

George, who was expecting a raise, was suddenly called in for a meeting with the sponsor. Moreover, Gretel, with whom he had some friction before, immediately began to be arrogant and critical.

"As far as I know, you didn't do any research on the opponents before that last game. And during the game, you put someone who had never played quarterback before on the team..." Gretel seemed to have been prepared for this, and he continued, "Also, the team's wide receiver is your son. Everyone saw his terrible performance on the field."

"I admit that I didn't properly gather information about the opponents before the game, which was my dereliction of duty. But on the field, I know how to use the players effectively. I dare say I'm more professional than you..." Coach George was very dissatisfied with the other side's interference. He continued, "Moreover, the team's performance is the result of the collective efforts of everyone on the team. Even if we lose, we can't blame it solely on one player."

Coach George offered a special explanation, which was seen as him defending his eldest son.

"What, are you trying to shirk responsibility?" Grete retorted, "Do you really think the loss was the fault of all the players?"

“That’s the truth,” Coach George replied affirmatively.

The Melford football team is not very strong overall. If it weren't for Mike and Aaron carrying the team this year, they might not have even made it into the state's top ten.