The bandage around Mike's neck was originally a disguise, and now that the brawl had been successfully resolved, he naturally didn't need to keep up the pretense.
Because of the previous conflict on the field, Coach George personally taught Mike the basics of American football today.
[American Football Experience +10]
[American Football Experience +8]
[American Football Experience +5]…
Coach George was like a rich experience pack; as he diligently taught American football knowledge, small light clusters continuously emanated from him.
Before long, Mike's American football skill level reached Lv2, already reaching the point where he could play in a game.
And that wasn't all; as the players on the field began to do resistance training, Mike also picked up many light clusters from them.
[Strength Attribute +3], [Speed Attribute +1], [American Football Experience +2]…
A certain intensity of exercise can produce endorphins, which make people feel happy unconsciously.
This sense of pleasure made the players continuously contribute small light clusters to Mike.
Coach George gave Mike an hour-long theory lesson, then called over the gentle Aaron.
After giving a few more instructions to Aaron, Coach George had Mike follow him to the field for resistance training.
Compared to Sam's arrogance, Aaron was much gentler.
He first introduced Mike to the essentials and small tricks of tackling, then had Mike act as the attacker and himself as the defender, beginning the training.
Another hour passed, and Coach George announced the end of training.
Today was Friday, and hearing the dismissal order, the players cheered and ran off the field.
Aaron patted Mike's arm and said, "You have a lot of potential in American football. If you don't understand anything in the future, you can always come to me. Of course, if you want to do extra practice on the weekend, you can also call me."
Smiling and waving to Mike, Aaron then slung his tool bag over his shoulder and left the field.
It was clear that after an hour of sparring, the American football captain had already recognized Mike.
Not long after Aaron left, Georgie came looking for him and asked, in a familiar way, "What were you two just discussing?"
"Nothing, just training matters," Mike replied.
Hearing that it wasn't anything interesting, Georgie first shook his head, then suddenly said happily, "Come to my place tonight! We can secretly drink Meemaw's wine."
Every weekend, George and Mary would leave their children and go out for some time to themselves.
During this time, Georgie and his siblings would be entrusted to Connie's care.
With Connie's generous personality, during this period, Georgie and his siblings could do many things that their parents usually wouldn't allow.
Mike's appointment with Cady wasn't until tomorrow, and thinking he had nothing to do tonight, he decided to accept Georgie's invitation.
Just then, Lina appeared by the field, and seeing Mike, her eyes lit up and she ran over.
"Mike, are you free in a bit? I have two movie tickets here…" Lina was still a bit out of breath from running too fast, but a bright smile still shone on her face.
Georgie looked at Lina's beautiful and charming appearance, glared at Mike with envy, and then wisely stepped back two paces.
"Alright, let me change my clothes," Mike hesitated for only a second before agreeing to Lina's invitation.
After Mike quickly rinsed off in the changing room, when he came out, Georgie was gone, and Lina was waiting prettily at the door.
Looking at Mike's thin T-shirt clinging to his body because the water droplets hadn't been wiped dry, Lina couldn't help but swallow.
Their movie tickets were for the 6 PM to 8 PM slot, and it was only 5:30 PM, so they had plenty of time.
So, the two finally decided to walk to the cinema.
Along the way, Lina chattered like a happy little bird.
The two walked and chatted, finally arriving at the cinema just before six o'clock.
Because it was the weekend, the cinema was very crowded today.
Mike proactively bought a large box of popcorn and two cups of cola before entering the screening room.
"August Rush" was a popcorn movie, also considered a romance film.
Mike and Lina's seats were quite to the side, and it was unclear if the girl had done this on purpose. Almost everyone sitting next to them were young couples.
After the screening room darkened, as the seductive music began to play, Mike felt the girl's breathing beside him grow heavier.
Mike was originally a gentleman, but after the previous "baptism" by Jennifer, he was quite adept at handling the current situation.
Two hours passed, and Mike had no idea what the movie was about.
Walking out of the cinema, the sun had not yet set. Lina's face still had a hint of a blush, but compared to the intimacy in the screening room, she had returned to her cheerful self.
Mike tacitly walked Lina home. The girl's house was in a relatively secluded area. However, the independent apartment in front of them looked much more luxurious than Connie's house.
A heavy old car was also parked at the apartment entrance.
"I have a small ranch at home, and my parents should still be working there…" Lina licked her lips, alluringly saying, "Do you want to come in and sit for a bit?"
Women are fickle, Mike thought, calling her a little vixen in his heart.
However, sticking to the three-strike rule: that is, three dates before reaching full base.
"Next time, definitely next time." Mike had already reached first base today, and the progress was just right.
Watching Mike's retreating back, Lina stamped her foot. She also knew that it would probably be difficult to tie Mike down to herself so quickly.
And Mike, on his side, had no intention of settling down so early. Although he felt a bit sorry for Lina, he still chose to play the long game.
By the time he got home, it was already getting dark.
Mike saw that Connie's house was dark, but Sheldon's house was very lively.
Thinking that Connie should still be at Sheldon's house, Mike walked towards the house across the street.
Entering the yard, he saw Georgie setting off firecrackers one by one.
Seeing Mike return so early, Georgie was a bit surprised and said, "What, you didn't play with Lina for a bit longer?"
Lina, as the class beauty of the eleventh grade, also had some reputation.
"No," Mike shook his head. "Is Connie here?"
"Yes, she's playing with Sheldon," Georgie, seeing that Mike didn't want to talk much about Lina, followed along and said, "The house is full of old people and children. Do you want to set off firecrackers with me? I can share some with you."
"No, I'll go see Connie instead," Mike expressed no interest in setting off firecrackers.
Upon entering the room, Mike just happened to see Connie cheating, using tricks to win all of Sheldon's chips.
[Gambling Experience +100]
An unexpected surprise, Mike's gambling skills immediately reached the beginner level.
"Look who's back~" Connie, deep in her gambling fervor, dismissed Sheldon, who had lost all his chips, looked at Mike, and asked, "Want to play a few rounds? I can lend you some chips."
"No," Mike didn't touch gambling or drugs, and resolutely refused her invitation.