"Is Mathology fun? Do we get to go on field trips on the weekends?"
"What are the perks? Do we get free candy?"
With Billy Sparks leading the charge, the kids sitting on the floor started firing off all sorts of weird questions.
It makes sense—aside from core beliefs, any church needs enough incentives to attract followers.
Sheldon, however, hadn't considered any of this. He established "Mathology" solely to spread the gospel of science. As for benefits, activities, or logistical operations? His plan was completely blank.
Faced with a barrage of questions about the perks of joining his new religion, Sheldon had no idea how to respond.
Pastor Jeff, watching Sheldon turn the Sunday School class into a chaotic mess, finally stepped in and escorted him out of the room.
Although he felt a little bad for Mary, for the sake of classroom discipline, Pastor Jeff decided the best course of action was to ship the "Sheldon problem" right back to the Cooper house.
---
Fast forward to Monday. In an effort to curb the fallout from the "flyer incident" last week—where those scandalous pages were photocopied and thrown around the halls—the school invited an aerospace expert from NASA to give a lecture.
Aerospace, space travel, rockets... it all sounded high-end and sophisticated, exactly the kind of thing to distract high schoolers.
Even if some students didn't care about the science, sitting through a professional aerospace lecture gave them bragging rights.
Between that perception and the school's heavy promotion, the students' attention successfully shifted to the upcoming assembly.
The guest speaker, Dr. Ronald from NASA in Houston, happened to be a high school classmate of Principal Tom. He was currently in charge of a Mars landing project.
To help his old friend move past the bad PR from the scandal, Dr. Ronald agreed to carve out some time this Friday to give a public lecture at Medford High.
"Mike, what do you think this Dr. Ronald looks like?" Karen asked curiously in the cafeteria at lunch.
Most of the students were buzzing about the mysterious aerospace doctor.
Thanks to the school's glowing promotion, the students had built up a mental image of a knowledgeable, cultured, and refined gentleman.
Even though the title "Doctor" suggested someone older, the students preferred to imagine a dashing "silver fox." It was a classic case of intellectual idealization.
Hearing Karen's question, Gretchen and Regina (specifically Gretchen and the others) perked up their ears. Only Cady seemed distracted.
"I'm afraid you're going to be disappointed," Mike said teasingly, noticing the girls' expectant looks. "I don't know exactly what Dr. Ronald looks like, but I can guarantee you one thing: he's got a shining intellect."
Shining intellect? Hearing Mike's deliberate emphasis, the girls quickly caught on. He was saying the guy was bald.
But it made sense. An aerospace PhD dealing with complex data all day? That kind of stress doesn't exactly help with hair retention.
The girls, who had been fantasizing about a handsome scientist—likely projecting Mike's image onto the stranger—felt their bubble burst.
Even the usually gentle Gretchen shot Mike a "resentful" glare for ruining the fantasy.
"Ahem. What are we talking about? Can I join?" Regina walked to the center of the cafeteria with her tray.
Without waiting for an answer, the Queen Bee practiced her usual dominance and sat right next to Mike.
Regina had switched up her look today. She was wearing fresh, minimal makeup and a simple white T-shirt. Combined with a sweet smile, she radiated a mature, intellectual charm.
Of course, this outfit technically violated the Plastics' dress code.
But that didn't matter anymore. During the Queen Bee's absence, the remaining members had unanimously agreed to abolish the strict rules. So, technically, Regina wasn't breaking any laws.
"What are you doing here?" Karen asked, her eyes clearly saying, You can't sit with us.
The other girls shared the sentiment.
"I'm still a member of the Plastics, aren't I? Why can't I be here?" Regina acted as if she didn't understand the hostility. As she spoke, she deliberately leaned a little closer to Mike.
It was a clear territorial claim.
However, the Queen Bee was measured in her approach, careful not to annoy Mike.
Around the table, everyone except the oblivious Gretchen looked at Mike with dissatisfaction. They could see exactly what Regina was doing.
A nice, peaceful lunch was about to turn into a war zone.
Mike coughed lightly to break the awkward tension. "Alright, let's just eat. Lunch is almost over..."
Seeing Mike's guilty reaction, the girls confirmed their suspicions. Clearly, Regina had punched her ticket to the "Mike Show."
But they also knew Mike's reputation. Since it was already a done deal, the girls glared at him one last time, decided not to cause a scene in the cafeteria, and quietly went back to their food.
Regina, seeing their reaction, let the corner of her mouth curl up slightly. Wisely, she didn't push her luck any further.
---
After a somewhat stifling lunch, Mike headed toward the Math Olympiad room. Cady jogged up from behind to catch him.
"Did you want to ask me about Regina?" Mike stopped and asked.
"No," Cady looked at him seriously for a moment, then shook her head. "I wanted to ask if you know how I can fix things with Ms. Sharon."
This issue had been plaguing Cady for the last two days.
As for Mike and Regina? Cady had already sensed something was up last Friday night.
Since she was already deeply involved with Mike, she knew that throwing a tantrum wouldn't help; it would only crack the foundation of their relationship. So, regarding Mike's wandering eye, she chose the "wait and see" approach, leaving it to time to sort out.
Right now, her priority was redemption.
"Ms. Sharon?" Mike considered her dilemma. "You need to give her a sincere apology. If you can't say it to her face, write it down in a letter and give it to her."
Knowing Ms. Sharon, Mike didn't think she was the type to hold a grudge.
If Cady could get past her own guilt and offer a genuine apology, there was a high chance she'd earn the teacher's forgiveness.
Mike had suggested this before, but reiterating it now gave Cady the push she needed.