It wasn't just men who got distracted by beautiful women.
Women had eyes too, and they appreciated an impressive specimen just as much.
Hunter was about to apologize and turn around to grab a shirt.
But then he caught it.
The heat in Mia's gaze. The way her expression shifted from friendly to... flushed.
Hunter raised an eyebrow, internally amused.
Huh. I haven't even made a move yet.
She's already hooked?
He found the situation entertaining, but he didn't forget his manners.
"Come on in," he said, stepping back. "I was just about to start dinner. Stay and eat with me."
His voice snapped the mixed-race beauty out of her hormonal trance.
Their eyes met for a split second, and Mia felt her face burn even hotter.
Fortunately, growing up in a house full of roughnecks had given her some resilience. She swallowed the sudden shyness bubbling up inside her.
Mia nodded, flashing a bright, generous smile.
"Sure! Thanks, Hunter."
This was the biggest difference between Western and Eastern women, Hunter mused. Eastern women tended to be reserved and subtle. Western women? Direct and enthusiastic.
Mia followed him inside.
"Hunter, I heard you haven't been to the garage in a few days?"
"Yeah," Hunter replied over his shoulder. "I've been feeling dizzy and nauseous the last couple of days."
"Probably a mild concussion from when I hit my head. So I called in sick for five days."
"But don't worry. I'm pretty much recovered now."
"I'll be back at work tomorrow."
Hunter had indeed called in sick immediately after the transmigration.
The excuse was perfect. Vince had shoved him out of jealousy, causing a head injury. Claiming a concussion to take a few days off was the most natural thing in the world.
As for why Hunter didn't just quit and use his System to make money elsewhere?
Please.
This was the Fast and Furious universe. The plot hadn't even started yet.
The adrenaline-pumping races, the heists, the insane adventures of Dominic Toretto and his crew—none of it had kicked off.
If Hunter didn't get involved, didn't grab some cash, drive some supercars, and maybe romance a beauty or two... what was the point of coming here?
So, quitting the garage was off the table.
The five-day break was just to familiarize himself with the Proficiency System.
Even though Mia clearly didn't mind his state of undress—in fact, she was still stealing glances at his abs—Hunter went to the closet and pulled on a casual outfit.
When he turned back around, fully clothed, to head to the kitchen...
He saw a flash of genuine disappointment on Mia's face.
Noted, Hunter thought. Looks like the new physique is working as intended.
Cooking the Kung Pao Chicken didn't take long.
Soon, Hunter walked over with two plates.
Having learned a bit about Western eating habits, he plated Mia's portion carefully. He gave her only a small scoop of rice, placed neatly beside the glossy, stir-fried chicken.
And while he used chopsticks, he set a spoon down for her.
"Thanks!"
Mia took the plate. She hadn't eaten much Chinese food before, but Hunter's cooking had a track record now. First the beef stew, now this.
Hunter had adjusted the recipe for her palate. This version of Kung Pao Chicken was "Sweet & Spicy"—heavy on the sweet, light on the heat.
Mia scooped up a piece of chicken, a slice of cucumber, and a peanut, and popped the spoon into her mouth.
Her eyes lit up instantly.
"It's good!"
"This is really, really good!"
The moment the praise left her lips, the mechanical voice rang out in Hunter's head.
[Ding! Cooking session complete. Duration: 29 minutes. Rating: Very High.]
[Received 52 Cooking EXP. Please continue to improve your culinary skills.]
The familiar cold voice triggered a realization in Hunter.
Over the past five days, he had cooked three meals a day for himself.
With the System, every session granted EXP. Leveling up gave him Free Attribute Points and Inventory Space. Plus, leveling up injected new knowledge and techniques directly into his brain. His cooking had genuinely improved.
But...
When he cooked for himself, the EXP gain was mediocre. At best, he got maybe 10 or 12 points per meal.
Today, the dish wasn't particularly complex.
Yet, after receiving Mia's praise and seeing her genuine enjoyment, the EXP reward was massive—higher than the last two days of cooking combined.
In a flash, Hunter understood.
He had found the shortcut to power-leveling his Cooking skill.