บท 2: Sheldon is a tsundere??

After completing a few laps, Mike plopped down on the sofa, which happened to be Sheldon's favorite spot. Sheldon looked at Mike with eyes as big and round as copper bells. Mike, sitting on the sofa, pretended not to notice.

To others, it seemed like Mike was leisurely glancing at the system, but in their eyes, he just appeared to be rolling his eyes, creating an especially awkward moment.

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Character Profile: Mike Lee

Strength: 10

Physique: 10

Agility: 6

Intelligence: 5

Spirit: 5

Favorability Ratings:

(The Big Bang Theory)

Sheldon: -50

Leonard: 0

Howard: -20

Penny: 30

Rajesh: -10

Skills:

[Cooking]: Culinary skills specializing in Chinese cuisine.

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Regarding the [Cooking], it was either a skill inherited through time travel or a skill Mike possessed naturally.

Observing the character favorability system, Mike couldn't help feeling like he was engaged in useless work. Despite his efforts to make friends, his favorability score remained negative, indicating that he hadn't done enough!

Fortunately, Penny's favorability was still high, but integrating with the scientists proved more challenging. Would Mike have to rely on his cooking skills to win them over?

"Alright, I'll do as I say," Mike proclaimed to those around him. "As a friend, I plan to treat you all today and showcase my culinary skills." With those words, he headed out to buy some nearby vegetables, deciding to drag Leonard along and enlist his help.

Why Leonard? Well, Mike thought it would be less lonely to have some company and Leonard could also assist in carrying the food. Additionally, increasing Leonard's favorability wouldn't hurt.

Mike praised his own wit, as Leonard reluctantly agreed to accompany him under Mike's coercion.

An hour later, Mike and Leonard returned home with bags of vegetables, much to everyone's puzzled expressions. They wondered what Mike was up to, considering he didn't strike them as someone skilled in the kitchen.

The contradiction confused them. Shouldn't Mike be the type of person who lived a carefree life? Shouldn't he be the one eating fitness meals like chicken and rice every day? This unexpected revelation left them bewildered, unable to comprehend Mike's sudden culinary prowess.

Penny couldn't help but roll her eyes at Mike, her long-time boyfriend. She had been with him for so long and never knew he could cook. She couldn't help but scold him silently, calling him an asshole. Doubts about her own charm crept into her mind.

Penny, always kind-hearted, couldn't resist commenting, "Don't expect anything from this guy, everyone. He has never done anything like this before, at least not in front of me."

Others cast doubtful glances at Mike, who wore a mysterious smile. While the previous Mike might not have known how to cook, his experience in the back kitchen before joining a gang in his past life had taught him a thing or two. Cutting vegetables was at least within his skill set. He had gradually progressed from washing dishes to washing and cutting vegetables, climbing the ladder of culinary expertise.

Mike picked up his tools and began cooking. In less than an hour, the aroma wafted through the air as several dishes graced the table. Vibrant and enticing, the dishes looked appetizing, boasting a delightful blend of colors and fragrances.

The dishes were a feast for the eyes and the senses, except for the fact that Mike was only proficient in Sichuan cuisine, making the taste especially spicy. This presented a thrilling experience for the foreigners at the table.

Once everything was ready, Mike picked up his chopsticks, sat at the dining table, and announced, "Considering the short preparation time, I've whipped up a few random dishes. Dig in and enjoy!"

As Penny took the first bite, her expression quickly turned from surprise to a mix of blue and white. As his girlfriend, she had never tasted Mike's cooking before and never knew he had this skill. She inwardly scolded him, feeling betrayed and questioning her own charm.

The others thanked Mike and began eating, except for Sheldon, "I must abstain from partaking in such culinary indulgences. The complexities of Chinese cuisine do not align with my meticulous dietary regimen, and I refuse to compromise my pursuit of optimal nutrition."

Penny swiftly countered Sheldon's disapproving scowl. "Hold on, Sheldon! We all know your go-to takeout order: steamed dumplings, General Tso's Chicken, beef with broccoli, shrimp with lobster sauce, and vegetable lo mein. So, why the sudden rejection of this tasty Chinese feast? Don't tell me it's jeopardizing your routine!"

Leonard, with a wry smile playing on his lips, couldn't resist joining in on the playful banter. "Ah, Sheldon, I recall our memorable visit to Szechuan Palace. You meticulously critiqued the tangerine chicken, dissecting its flaws with scientific precision. And now, faced with Mike's genuine Chinese cuisine, I'm curious to hear your enlightening analysis. Are your taste buds evolving at an exponential rate, or is there some quantum culinary phenomenon we're yet to discover?"

Howard, with a touch of humor in his voice, interjected, "Hey, Sheldon, remember that time you wrote a scathing review because the Chinese restaurant didn't have your precious bubble tea? If that doesn't define a picky eater, I don't know what does! Come on, give this amazing Chinese cuisine a shot. You might discover a new favorite to add to your list of eccentric food preferences!"

Unfazed, Mike met Sheldon's resistance head-on and playfully challenged him, a sly grin on his face. "Oh, Sheldon, are you not willing to give my culinary skills a chance? Don't worry, my friend, I have a feeling I can change your mind. Prepare yourself for a flavor adventure like no other!

With a swift, yet gentle motion, Mike's determined persuasion resulted in Sheldon being nudged closer to the dining table, propelled by the combined efforts of their eager friends who anticipated Sheldon's amusingly dramatic reaction.

The remaining three put on brave faces, refusing to show any displeasure toward Mike's efforts. It was simply common courtesy, even though Mike lacked manners.

Penny stared at Mike with a mix of confusion and doubt. She had spent so long with him and never knew he could cook. He had never prepared a meal for her before. It made her question her position in his heart, like a strand of fragile hair.

This discomfort weighed on Penny. If Mike could read her thoughts, he would feel sorry for himself.

As everyone ate, their faces grew redder, except for Rajesh. Being from India, he was accustomed to spicy food, and the authentic Sichuan dishes on the table were a welcome treat for him. He enjoyed the spicy delicacies, savoring the flavors he hadn't experienced in American-Chinese restaurants, which often toned down the spice level.

Rajesh couldn't help but increase his pace of serving dishes, while the others struggled. They drank water in a desperate attempt to combat the spiciness, their faces flushed from the heat.

Mike himself, despite being accustomed to spicy food, felt the burn, as his new and current self had not developed a taste for it. Although tolerable, his stomach and tongue had yet to fully adapt.

Leonard, unable to contain his curiosity, turned to Sheldon and inquired, "So, Sheldon, how was it? Did Mike's Chinese cuisine meet your exceptionally high standards? I'm eagerly awaiting your expert assessment, complete with a detailed breakdown of flavor profiles and culinary intricacies."

Sheldon, attempting to maintain his prideful facade, couldn't help but display a hint of begrudging admiration. He cleared his throat and responded with a touch of tsundere reluctance, "Well, I suppose... it was... passable. Not entirely objectionable, I suppose. But let's not get carried away, Leonard. It's still light-years away from my impeccable taste and discerning palate."

Mike, catching on to Sheldon's subtle acknowledgment, couldn't resist adding a playful twist to the conversation. With a smirk, he replied, "Oh, Sheldon, I can see that hidden smile of approval behind that facade of yours. Admit it, my Chinese cuisine managed to impress even your highly refined taste buds. Don't worry, your secret admiration is safe with me."

Laughter filled the air as they resumed their meal, relishing each mouthwatering bite like nothing happened. As they ate, the pace slowed down, and their stomachs filled with water. The Chinese meal was undeniably delicious, even with its fiery kick. It was a strange realization that they hadn't found spicy food delicious before.

Looking at the table adorned with red and green dishes, the group wore expressions of both joy and fear, except for Rajesh. The sight made them wonder about their lives.

Mike, being the embodiment of traditional Chinese virtues, despised wasting food. He enthusiastically urged everyone to continue eating, eagerly feeding them bite after bite, unable to bear the thought of leftovers. Their helpless expressions only fueled his determination.

They couldn't refuse. The expressions in their eyes screamed, "Eat me or else!" Each mouthful became more excruciating for them, their stomachs already filled with water. Only Penny managed to escape, as women typically ate less, and Mike was well aware of this fact.

"Forget it, I simply can't eat anymore," several of them groaned, finally reaching their limits. Mike reluctantly ceased his enthusiastic feeding.

After the meal, Penny took the initiative to wash the dishes, refusing to eat for free without contributing. Leonard, ever the obedient dog, joined her in the task.

The remaining three collapsed on the sofa, utterly defeated. Meanwhile, Mike sat at the dining table with a calm expression, sipping his tea.

Rajesh, having eaten the most, contentedly indulged himself. The others felt grateful that the warm invitation to dine had turned into a spicy feast, exceeding their usual meal portions.

Howard couldn't resist teasing him about his hearty appetite. With a playful smirk, he quipped, "Raj, my man, if you keep eating like that, you're gonna get as round as a dumpling! And we all know, if you get fat, say goodbye to your dreams of ever having a girlfriend. Better slow down there, buddy!"

Rajesh, upon hearing Howard's teasing remark, panicked and immediately responded, "Wait, what? No, no, no! I can't afford to get fat! I need to maintain my charm and physique to attract women. Oh no, I'm putting down the chopsticks right now. Crisis averted!"

Even Mike himself had eaten more than he should have. Leonard, sitting on the sofa, rubbed his temples and complained, "Why do I have a headache from eating?"

"That's because it was spicy," Mike explained, based on his experience. After all, it had been a while since he last cooked, and there was always a chance of accidentally adding too much chili.