"It's a shame, John was just about to start cooking..." Meemaw said, sounding like she wanted Mike to stick around.
But seeing the teasing grin on his face, Meemaw chuckled. "Alright, have a great weekend yourself."
They exchanged a knowing wave, and Mike headed out the door.
Today, the "Plastics" clique was throwing a house party over at Karen's place, and Mike was heading over to keep them company.
After all, he needed to smooth things over after turning down their lunch invite at school yesterday.
Mike hadn't made it far when he saw young Sheldon pop out of the house across the street, frantically waving at him.
"What's up, Sheldon?" Mike asked with a smile, amused by the kid's conspiratorial vibe.
"Did Professor John go into Meemaw's house?" Sheldon asked urgently.
Earlier, Sheldon had been brushing his teeth when he spotted Professor John entering Meemaw's house. Having stumbled upon this critical intel, Sheldon had been posted up by his window ever since, monitoring the situation across the street.
"Yeah, Professor John is currently making spicy chicken for Connie..." Mike briefly explained the situation inside.
Sheldon couldn't care less about the spicy chicken. His face remained serious as he whispered, "What base are they on?"
He looked expectant; he genuinely wanted things to work out between John and his Meemaw.
"I know what you're thinking." Mike shook his head, smiling. "It's best to just let nature take its course with these things."
Seeing Sheldon fall into deep thought, Mike didn't say anything more. He turned and headed toward Karen's.
Because her family ran a food manufacturing business, Karen's parents were always swamped with work, rarely home even on weekends.
So, the massive villa became a playground for the girls and Mike.
...
By evening, after a full day of hanging out, Regina drove Mike back home.
...
Watching Regina drive off, Mike turned to find little Sheldon standing in front of him. "What now?"
It looked like Sheldon had been waiting there all day.
"I've been observing all day, and Professor John hasn't left Meemaw's house. I do not know the current status of their relationship." Sheldon voiced his confusion.
Sheldon was clearly very invested—and remarkably persistent—in matchmaking John and Meemaw.
"If you're so curious, why didn't you just go in and see for yourself?" Mike asked.
"I was afraid of interrupting them..." Sheldon replied sheepishly. It seemed he wasn't completely clueless about social etiquette.
After Sheldon pleaded with him multiple times, Mike reluctantly agreed to get some intel on Meemaw and Professor John for him.
Inside, the two seniors were lounging comfortably on the sofa, sipping the tea John had brought and chatting idly.
The atmosphere was very harmonious.
"Mike, you're back. Did you have fun today?" Meemaw greeted Mike warmly upon seeing him. Then, she happily shared, "You know, John knows so many interesting things. He can even identify every species of chili pepper..."
Professor John had traveled to many countries in his youth, so his perspective and experiences were naturally broad.
Coupled with his intentional efforts to charm her, he had kept Meemaw entertained and happy all day.
Hearing Meemaw's praise, a satisfied smile appeared on Professor John's face.
He then looked at Mike with interest. "Connie tells me your sweet and sour pork and moo shu pork are delicious. Could you share the secret?"
John had visited many countries, and he had a strong affinity for China, a land of vast resources and rich culture. He had even learned a set of Tai Chi moves specifically for seniors from there.
"There's no big secret, really. People from different regions naturally have different taste requirements. And depending on an individual's condition, their flavor preferences change..." Mike briefly explained his understanding of flavor profiles.
For example, people who engage in heavy physical labor tend to sweat more, so they often prefer heavier flavors, more salt, or spice. Conversely, those who use their brains more tend to prefer sweets...
Okay, that theory wasn't exactly scientific. Developing personal dietary habits is a long process influenced by many factors.
But Professor John was fascinated by Mike's casual dietary theory.
He even started discussing with Mike how climate affects people's food choices.
Watching Professor John inferring new ideas and seriously discussing the topic, Meemaw smiled again.
Yes, after spending the day together, Meemaw was already starting to feel attracted to Professor John.
In her eyes, a man who was earnest and knowledgeable was very charming.
Just then, the house phone rang.
"That's probably Shelly again. He's made several nuisance calls today," Meemaw said, half-exasperated, half-amused.
Throughout the day, although Sheldon hadn't come over directly to disturb the two seniors' date, he had been calling repeatedly, trying to gauge their progress.
However, Meemaw hadn't picked up on her grandson's subtle interrogation tactics; she just thought he was pranking her.
"I'll get it." Mike hadn't forgotten his promise to Sheldon to gather intel.
"Hello? Connie, are you free tomorrow?" A gruff voice came through the receiver.
"Is this... Mr. Ira?" Mike recognized the voice.
Meemaw was a free spirit and had been a beauty in her youth. Even now, her charm hadn't faded.
So, she was still very popular with the older gentlemen. As far as Mike knew, this Mr. Ira was one of Meemaw's suitors.
"It's Ira. You must be Mike. Connie mentions you often..." Ira made some polite small talk before asking, "Is Connie home?"
Mike glanced at Meemaw, who was chatting happily with Professor John, and said, "She might be tied up right now."
"Alright, I'll call back later when she's free..." Ira took the hint and hung up.
"Was that Shelly again? I don't know what's gotten into him today," Meemaw asked casually as Mike hung up the phone.
"That was actually Mr. Ira," Mike said truthfully. But with Professor John right there, he didn't elaborate.
"Ira? What did he want?" Meemaw was surprised, then glanced guiltily at Professor John sitting next to her.
Mike just smiled and didn't answer.
Professor John, sensing that Mike had something private to discuss with Connie, and noting that it was getting late, stood up to leave. "I had a wonderful time today. Connie, thank you for your hospitality. I should be going."
After nodding to Mike, John picked up his wok and headed out.
As soon as Professor John was out the door, Meemaw asked, "Mike, what was that phone call really about?"
"Mr. Ira wants to take you out tomorrow," Mike said.
"Oh, boy!" Meemaw looked troubled, then chased out the door.
She watched Professor John ride away on his bicycle, then slowly walked back inside, looking heavy-hearted.
---