In Regina's music room, it was clear from The Plastics girls' current performance that they had seriously practiced the new song after disbanding yesterday.
After more than an hour of adjustments by Mike, the girls were already able to cooperate with each other and sing an entire new song completely.
Next, they only needed to continue practicing systematically for a period of time to reach the level required for recording new songs in a studio.
After the singing issues were basically resolved, Mike clapped his hands, gathered the girls, and said, "Now, let's discuss the instruments suitable for your performance."
Under the interested gazes of the girls, Mike looked at Karen with the wavy hair and said, "Your sense of rhythm is good; next, try focusing on practicing the drums."
Mike, possessing the 'Absolute Pitch' trait, could easily discern others' musical talent.
Although none of the girls in The Plastics were tone-deaf, their musical talent wasn't particularly high either.
Among the less talented, Karen, who usually seemed a bit silly, was relatively better in terms of musicality.
After deciding on her instrument, Mike continued under the expectant gazes of the other three girls, "Regina, Gretchen, you two try the guitar first. Cady, you try the bass..."
After assigning the instruments for the performance, Mike then personally taught the girls some simple chords and some simple rhythmic beats.
However, Regina and the other two didn't learn very well, while Karen, who was playing the drums nearby, seemed to have found some rhythm.
"You guys practice like this for now, and we'll see the results next weekend..." Mike said to the three girls, a bit of a headache from the messy chords they were playing.
To be honest, given their current progress in learning instruments, it was highly likely they wouldn't meet the requirements for performing on stage with instruments by Christmas.
"Mike, on Christmas, aren't you going to perform with us? After all, you created the song..." Regina, holding a guitar, asked.
Regina being the school's "Queen Bee" didn't mean she was truly a naive and sweet girl. For example, right now, this "Queen Bee" had her own little intentions.
She seemed to be well aware that the musical level of The Plastics members simply wouldn't meet the requirements for a stunning Christmas performance.
And bringing Mike in, on one hand, could showcase the charm of The Plastics in front of everyone. On the other hand, it would also make the team's performance more assured.
After all, with Mike, a professional, as a backup, the worst outcome would likely not be a ruined performance.
Hearing the girl's invitation, Mike thought for a moment and said, "We'll see then."
If the girls' level still wasn't up to par by the Christmas performance, then he would have no choice but to step in and save the day.
To be fair, The Plastics' song performance was largely orchestrated by him.
Seeing that Mike didn't directly refuse, Regina, who was already quite familiar with him, realized that there was a chance.
However, the girl didn't say anything more to be annoying. After flashing a brilliant smile, she proactively went to the side and diligently practiced her guitar skills.
It was clear that ever since being isolated, the "Queen Bee" had matured a lot in her dealings with others.
Subsequently, the day slowly passed with Mike continuously correcting the girls' mistakes.
In the evening, Cady drove her dad's SUV and dropped Mike off at his doorstep.
As they parted ways, Cady seemed to suddenly remember something and said, "Oh, by the way, Mike. Ms. Sharon told me to tell you to go to the Mathematics Study Room on Monday."
"Did she say what it was about?" Mike asked.
Since gaining the freedom to study independently, Mike hadn't been to the Mathematics Study Room for over a month.
Now, with only a little over a month until the year-end Math Olympiad league, it was highly likely that Ms. Sharon was looking for him regarding the league.
"I don't know, Ms. Sharon didn't say," Cady shook her head.
"Alright, I'll go to the Mathematics Study Room tomorrow to check," Mike, having a guess, didn't dwell on it too much.
"See you tomorrow~" Cady smiled and waved, preparing to leave.
"See you tomorrow."
After seeing the girl off, Mike went straight to the Cooper family's for dinner.
Due to a combination of reasons, even after George found a job as a sporting goods salesperson, Mike, who wasn't short on money, still paid the Cooper family for his meals.
Seeing Mike enter, Connie greeted him with a smile, "You're back. How's your song preparation coming along?"
Mike hadn't hidden the matter of writing a song for The Plastics from Connie and the others.
"The rehearsals are pretty much done; it should be enough for the Christmas performance," Mike replied.
Based on the level of the school's Christmas party in previous years, as long as the act wasn't terrible, it would be allowed to perform on stage.
Even if the girls of The Plastics didn't sing the new song perfectly, with their beauty and popularity, they should still be welcomed by the students on Christmas.
"That's good. I'll be there to support you on Christmas," Connie, who loved lively events, promptly stated.
"I won't disappoint you," Mike had some confidence in his new song.
After a laugh, he didn't elaborate on the matter and then sat down at the dining table.
"Mike, do you think I have a strange personality?" Sheldon looked at Mike, who had sat down next to him, and after much deliberation, asked in a low voice.
"Why do you ask that? Did someone tell you something?" Mike didn't directly answer his question but instead curiously asked back.
Was Sheldon's personality strange?
Without thinking, the answer was definitely yes.
"No one told me anything," Sheldon shook his head.
He didn't want to expose his discussion with Paige; anyway, she had already been picked up by her parents.
With no one to question him, Sheldon felt no pressure in telling a lie.
Then, he continued in a low voice, "I've collected data on this, and the data shows that most people with strange personalities eventually end up alone..."
Yes, ever since discussing this with Paige, he had been very worried about ending up alone, so he specifically looked for information on the subject.
However, the results of his research were not ideal, which made Sheldon even more worried.
Mike, seeing some clues, said, "Don't worry, Sheldon. You'll meet many wonderful friends in the future, and they will be tolerant and accompany you."
To be honest, it was truly good luck that Sheldon would meet good friends like Leonard, Penny, and others in the future.
"Are you sure?" Sheldon suddenly became happy.
"Of course." Mike shrugged, also not elaborating too much on this question.
However, his confident attitude was enough to make Sheldon happy.
...
When Monday arrived, as Christmas approached, a festive atmosphere gradually began to appear at school.
Many small groups interested in the Christmas party also began to prepare their performance acts.
After Mike rejected several invitations from girls, he had lunch with a few members of The Plastics, and then went to the Mathematics Study Room with Cady.
"Hey, Mike. You busy man, you finally decided to come to the study room," Kevin, the Math Olympiad team captain, dressed in a hip-hop style, walked over with a smile to greet him.
"Long time no see," Mike smiled and extended his hand to fist-bump the energetic Math Olympiad team captain.
"Dude, interested in joining my 'Cool Boys Group'?" Kevin said familiarly, "With you and me performing together, our Christmas performance will definitely be popular with many girls. They'll go crazy for us!"
From his consistent hip-hop style, it was clear that Captain Kevin was someone who loved to show off. He wouldn't miss an opportunity like the Christmas party to attract attention.
Moreover, before Mike came in, he had already convinced the other two male members of the Math Olympiad team to perform rap at the Christmas party together.