Chapter 194: Reforming Reid (Part 2)

Jack had only watched a few episodes of "Criminal Minds" in his previous life, as he was more focused on another comedy series airing at the same time, "Chuck." His memories of the BAU were limited, but he remembered that the BAU agents seemed like good people. However, whether due to the writers' artistic tendencies or the inherent sensitivity of those who study psychology, most agents were deeply affected by the cases they handled, leading to rather chaotic personal lives.

In Jack's view, in this regard, these elite agents were not doing as well as the regular patrol officers like John, Tim, and Angela from the LAPD.

His impression of Reid was limited to his genius mind, weak physique, and somewhat geeky personality. He also seemed to recall that Reid was forced into drug addiction later on. Since Jack intended to stay with the FBI for a long time, it was necessary to eliminate some potential risks in advance.

Jack didn't want to reach a point where he'd have to put a bullet in his own teammate's head someday.

The following months were a mix of pain and joy for Reid. Every day, he had delicious, highly nutritious meals tailored to his taste waiting for him.

Even during workouts, Jack would pull out a homemade milk candy to tempt himself. The taste was exactly as he remembered from his childhood, and the formula was adjusted so he could enjoy it without needing a lactase supplement (for lactose intolerance).

But to truly enjoy these delicious meals and snacks, Reid had to complete all the physical training Jack had planned for him, which often felt like a life-or-death struggle.

Reid genuinely felt he was struggling for his life because every time he thought he couldn't go on, Jack's reassuring pat on his shoulder would somehow give him a bit more strength to keep going until he finished all the planned exercises.

"I strongly suspect you're turning me into a 'Stockholm syndrome' patient."

Once again collapsing on the grass beside the track, Reid voiced a heartfelt complaint to Jack.

Jack kicked him lightly and, seeing that Reid couldn't move, sat down beside him.

"In three months, I've helped you gain 25 pounds and pass all your fitness tests. You've even started to experience the endorphin rush from exercise. And now you dare accuse me?"

"Don't expect me to go easy on you in tonight's combat training."

Jack joked. Despite Reid's quirks, he had become a good friend over time. His thoughts and actions were sometimes as innocent as a child's, and even small rewards or verbal praise could make him happy for a long time.

"How did you do it? Three months ago, I could have taken this guy down with one hand. Yesterday in combat training, he was almost evenly matched with me."

A stunning blonde with a generous figure stopped beside them, slowly walked over, and started chatting with them while catching her breath, leaning on her knees. The deep cleavage exposed by her posture caught their attention.

"Jane Banner. I've noticed you two for a while," the blonde introduced herself.

Jack wanted to say, "I've noticed you for a while too, Scarlet Witch."

Not sure if it was a mix-up of character roles, but on the first day of the newcomers' reporting, Jack recognized this female trainee. With her face and body, the original template was undoubtedly the actress named Elizabeth Olsen.

As long as she didn't have a brother named 'Quicksilver,' there shouldn't be any major issues.

"Jack Tavore. This is Spencer Reid."

The little virgin Reid had already gone into shutdown mode, his face bright red, not knowing where to look.

Out of courtesy, Jack introduced them together.

In contrast, Jane Banner seemed very open and confidently sat down on the grass with them.

"Dr. Reid is already famous here. We all know that the FBI wouldn't let a genius like him slip through their fingers, even if he did nothing."

"I'm just curious about how you did it..."

Jane Banner tilted her head, struggling to find the right words.

"I don't even know how to say it—turning a naturally office-bound genius into an excellent field agent? Does the BAU have such high requirements for agents?"

Jack glanced at Reid and laughed.

"It seems there are no secrets here, are there? It's not the BAU's requirement. I just don't want to have to worry about protecting my partner while dealing with dangerous criminals. You could say I have high expectations for my future partner."

Jane Banner didn't seem to have any particular motive. She might have just wanted to make friends. After chatting for a while, she continued her running.

Jack curiously asked Reid, "Why were you so nervous just now? I've seen you talk normally with other pretty girls."

Reid's face turned red again, and he stammered for a while before explaining, "She reminds me of my time in Las Vegas public high school."

"There was a girl as cute as her in my class. One day, she handed me a note, asking me to put on a blindfold. Then, in front of the entire grade, they stripped off my clothes."

Jack's face darkened, staring at Reid for a long time before sighing.

"You're such a kind-hearted person, Spencer Reid."

"You too. Thank you for everything you've done for me."

Reid suddenly stood up, bowed solemnly, and thanked Jack.

Jack was taken aback, not knowing why he was being so serious.

"We're going to be in the same team in the future. There's no need to be so formal. Besides, this is Rossi's assignment."

"I know you and Rossi are good people, but no one has ever done this much for me. Even Gideon, whom I see as a father figure, never did this..."

"I calculated your schedule. You spend most of your day preparing delicious nutritious meals for me, supervising my training, and studying those courses. You only get three or four hours of rest each day."

Tears glistened in Reid's eyes.

"Stop, stop, stop!"

Jack instinctively slid several meters away on the ground.

"Let me clarify, you're sure your sexual orientation hasn't changed recently?"

"Of course not! Why would you ask that? I'm 100% heterosexual." Reid instinctively shivered, and his previously emotional state was gone.

"First of all, I need to correct you. Although I'm not as much of a genius as you, those academic courses aren't difficult for me either. So, I actually get more than eight hours of rest each day."

In reality, he slept less than four hours a day. Since he had arrived three months earlier, and due to a probable oversight or intentional act by the staff, no newcomer was assigned to room with him, so he didn't fear being discovered.

Jack rubbed his arms, shaking off the goosebumps.

"Secondly, even though we're about the same age, after spending a few months together, I've genuinely come to see you as a younger brother. I don't have any siblings, and apart from pretty girls, I never thought I'd ever take care of anyone so attentively."

He ruffled Reid's curly hair, his tone deliberately fierce. "If you keep being so formal, I'll punch you, just like those big brothers who love to bully their younger brothers."

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