章 16: Penny the Genius Gamer

Mia and Mike sat side by side, engrossed in the game.

Mia, despite being unfamiliar with it, displayed impressive skills, surprising herself and Mike.

She swiftly maneuvered her character, executing complex moves and strategic decisions.

Mia couldn't help but tease Mike, a mischievous grin spreading across her face.

"You're definitely going easy on me, aren't you?" she playfully accused.

Mike's lips curled into a mysterious smile as he glanced at Mia. His eyes twinkled with amusement and a hint of something else.

"That's not necessarily true," he responded, his voice laced with intrigue.

Ten minutes passed, and Sheldon stared blankly at the computer screen, utterly defeated and confused at the game. He couldn't grasp fully grasp the fact that Penny defeated him, which only fueled his frustration.

Just as Sheldon was lost in his thoughts, Penny couldn't contain her excitement and exclaimed, "WOOHOO! I WON!"

Everybody just stares blankly at them, surprised that Penny beat Sheldon, 'wasn't she supposed to be a novice when it comes to gaming?'

Mia glanced at Penny, amazed by her unexpected gaming prowess, and couldn't help but exchange surprised glances with Mike.

Mike approached Sheldon, patting him on the shoulder while wearing an amused expression. "Life is like this, don't be sad. There's a bigger challenge waiting for you," he said, enjoying the sight of Sheldon's distress and laughing until his stomach ached.

Mia was equally entertained by the turn of events. She looked at Penny, who had surpassed everyone's expectations, and at Mike with a mix of surprise and curiosity.

Mike, unable to contain his excitement, exclaimed, "Six things!"

Sheldon, still reeling from the defeat, felt even more aggrieved upon hearing Mike's words.

Meanwhile, Mike turned to Penny, a smile playing on his lips, and suggested, "You know, Penny, you could consider becoming a game streamer."

Penny raised an eyebrow, slightly bemused by the idea. "A game streamer? What's that?"

Mike chuckled and explained, "Well, as a game streamer, you can play video games live and entertain your audience. With your skills and good looks, you could make money doing what you enjoy."

Penny tilted her head, considering the proposition for a moment. "Hmm, it's an interesting thought, but I'm not sure if it's something I want to pursue," she replied, a hint of uncertainty in her voice.

Mike nodded, understanding her hesitation. He didn't want to impose his own desires on her. "No worries, Penny. It's your decision, and I respect that, but if you do change your mind just hit me up."

Penny sighed, unsure about the idea. Despite her reservations, Mike didn't push her further, understanding that it wasn't his place to interfere in her life.

Later in the afternoon, Penny had to leave for work. The topic of conversation among the group shifted to Leonard's lack of progress with Penny.

Sheldon couldn't resist chiming in, "I have always felt that you and Penny have no chance, Leonard because you have never asked her."

Mike, seizing the opportunity, leaned in closer to Leonard and whispered in his ear, trying to convince him. "You know, Leonard, sometimes you have to take the initiative. Don't let fear hold you back. Just ask her out and see what happens."

Howard, who had been listening intently, joined the conversation. With a mischievous grin, he added, "Yeah, Leonard, as someone experienced in the art of chasing girls, I can tell you that sometimes you just have to go for it. Life's too short to wait around."

Raj, known for his shyness around women, empathized with Leonard's predicament. He continued, "I've faced my fair share of challenges in romance, but I've learned that you have to seize the moment. Go ahead, tell Penny how you feel, and don't let fear hold you back."

Leonard hesitated for a moment, contemplating their words. He glanced at Mike and Howard, sensing their genuine support. "You know what? You're right," he said with determination in his voice. "I'm going to gather my courage and confess my feelings to Penny."

Mike nodded approvingly, a glimmer of satisfaction in his eyes. He was a fan of the Big Bang Theory TV show and wanted to see the events unfold as he remembered from his past life. Helping Leonard in his romantic pursuit seemed like a small way to influence the course of events, without interfering too much.

[t/n: as a transmigrator, Mike can fish out other chicks, Penny is just like a low-level character from a novice village, and besides he doesn't wanna ruin the canon event lest a certain spider-vampire or the TVA comes running at him, maybe.] [p.s. Just a heads up, this world was created by a certain OOA]

The story shifted back to the plot of The Big Bang Theory, but this time, Leonard's embarrassing incident was skipped, and the focus was on giving Penny and Leonard a chance to go on a date.

It was a joyful day that passed in a whirlwind of laughter and noise, providing a much-needed break for both Mike and Mia.

When they returned home late at night, Mike turned on the system on his bed and was surprised to find that the best way to enhance friendship with the science group was to engage in activities of mutual interest.

He realized that doing things together that everyone enjoys is the key to building stronger bonds and finding like-minded people.

While considering his next move, Mike heard a knock on the door.

Mia informed him that Vince had arrived.

Mike wondered why Vince hadn't left for Rio as planned.

Vince greeted Mike and Mia, and his tension visibly eased upon seeing Mike sleeping in the living room and Mia coming out of the bedroom.

Vince had been worried about the situation, as Mike had already clarified that he wasn't interested in a romantic relationship, but you'll never know what happens when a man and a woman lives together.

"Hi, Vince!" Mike greeted him.

"Hi, Mike!" Vince replied.

Vince turned to Mia and asked, "Are you willing to leave Los Angeles with me now? The feds won't be able to find us, and you won't be bothered anymore."

Mia pondered for a moment, then looked at Mike and said, "I'm still not going. My brother told me to wait for him here."

Vince saw this as an opportunity and pleaded with a trace of love, "Would you reconsider coming with me?"

Mia understood the situation and firmly refused, "I'm sorry, Vince! I see you as a brother. It's not because of Mike. Although he's kind, I want to wait here for news from my brother. Don't worry, my brother entrusted me to Mike's care, and I'll continue running his car repair shop soon. As for the police, I just need some time to calm down before I face them."

Vince's eyes filled with sadness, followed by a tinge of anger. "Is it because of Mike? Are you in love with him?" he asked.

Mia smiled and clarified, "I don't have feelings for Mike, I don't even consider him as a potential partner. He's nice, but I simply want to wait for news from my brother here. Don't worry, my decision has nothing to do with anyone else."

"Okay," Vince's eyes reflected deep sadness and resentment.

Realizing that leaving would offer no chance at all, he stared at Mike and said, "Take care of Mia for me."

Mike assured him, "Don't worry, I'll take good care of Mia. Call me when you arrive safely."

He then entered the bedroom, took out some money, and handed it to Vince. "Be careful on the road!" Mike said, offering his support.

Vince, grateful for Mike's generosity, hugged him tightly and said, "Thank you, my brother."

With a final look at Mia, Vince left.

Mike heard the voice of the system and knew that Vince had extracted his skills. With Vince's favorability level at 80, Mike looked at the available skills and couldn't help but let out a scream of excitement.