With the addition of three new employees, the staffing shortage at the restaurant had been alleviated.
Shi Xiaolei once again turned his attention back to the kitchen, throwing himself wholeheartedly into cooking.
Through deliberate control, the quality of the dishes gradually returned to their previous standards and the customers dining experience began to improve.
After several days, the complaints from regular customers had completely disappeared, while some first-time visitors were won over by the affordable yet delicious dishes and became repeat customers.
Overall, the restaurant business situation after reopening was quite good.
There's a saying that "work makes people fulfilled" and another that goes "having money in hand keeps worry at bay."
As the restaurant business gradually got back on track, Shi Xiaolei state of mind became increasingly fulfilled and peaceful.
After a busy day at the restaurant, seeing off customers who left with satisfied smiles, returning home to wash away the smell of cooking oil and smoke, playing with little Kanna for a while and chatting with 2B about daily life—this plain yet warm lifestyle might seem like retirement, but for Shi Xiaolei who yearned for peace and stability, it was nothing short of ideal.
If only this kind of life could continue forever.
"I knew things wouldn't be this easy."
Shi Xiaolei couldn't help but curse inwardly as he looked at the group of armed American soldiers standing outside his door.
"Mr. Rock."
"You are suspected of leaking military secrets and endangering public safety. Please cooperate with our investigation and come with us."
The soldier who appeared to be the squad leader stepped forward and pulled out a piece of paper from his pocket.
Perhaps to ensure the success of this operation or for other reasons, these soldiers had appeared at the restaurant back door when it was already past eight o'clock, nearly nine at night.
Half an hour earlier, Lisa, Claire, and Chapelle had already finished work and left.
Only 2B was by Shi Xiaolei side.
Little Kanna had been at the restaurant for a while earlier but wasn't there now because Bayonetta who had just finished a battle had come to the restaurant to replenish her energy during dinner.
After eating together, Bayonetta planned to go home and rest first, taking the little girl along with her.
"Rock."
Not knowing what was happening, but the soldiers hostility was obvious.
Coming to Shi Xiaolei side, 2B had already switched to alert mode, mentally prepared to act at any moment.
In that soft call filled with deep concern, there was also a sense of unwavering determination.
Feeling 2B protection, Shi Xiaolei heart warmed.
But out of his desire not to escalate the situation, he gave her a look and shook his head slightly: "Relax, don't be so tense."
"Miss, this matter has nothing to do with you. You can leave now."
As an intelligent android born from the YoRHa unit, 2B had been programmed with "master protection" code from the moment she was created.
In the world of "NieR: Automata" this bond that made her willing to sacrifice her life was directed toward all humanity, but after being summoned by Shi Xiaolei to the Marvel universe, the object of this bond had shifted to Shi Xiaolei alone.
Although Shi Xiaolei had never viewed 2B as a bodyguard or guardian, nor had he ever given her such orders, in 2B heart she had long positioned herself as Shi Xiaolei personal attendant.
In the current situation, hearing the American soldier words "you can leave" it wasn't hard to guess what 2B reaction would be.
Her eyes sharpened, 2B moved her hands behind her back, her seemingly slender and powerless legs spread slightly apart, subtly lowering her center of gravity and assuming a stance ready to attack at any moment.
The soldiers assigned to this task obviously had considerable experience and skill.
Despite 2B subtle movements, they sensitively detected the change.
The atmosphere suddenly became tense, and the soldiers instinctively responded.
The two soldiers behind the leader had already raised their gun barrels, clicking off their safeties with two sharp sounds, assuming shooting positions.
"Whoa, whoa, whoa"
Fearing that things would slide toward the outcome he least wanted to see, Shi Xiaolei quickly raised both hands, putting on an expression of "I'm very cooperative, not resisting" while hurriedly giving 2B an order: "Silvia, don't act rashly. Calm down, stay calm"
"But..."
"No buts."
Forcing an awkward smile toward the leading soldier, Shi Xiaolei turned around to look into 2B eyes, lowering his voice to the minimum: "Listen to me. First, you should know my abilities—these few can't really threaten my safety. Second, we don't know the specific situation yet, so we should be more careful in our response. We can't just flip the table and make things irreparable. You know I really like this peaceful life lately... Finally, forget it, I won't say more. Just remember one thing: unless I nod, absolutely don't act rashly. Understand?"
"..."
Staring eye to eye with Shi Xiaolei, after several seconds 2B reluctantly bit her lip: "Yes, I understand."
"Good."
Nodding, Shi Xiaolei continued his instructions: "Now, go home first and make two phone calls for me. One to Stark, and the other—do you remember that man named Coulson?"
"I remember, the middle-aged man with a somewhat high hairline, right?"
"That's right, him. I put his business card in the box on the bedside table. If you don't remember the number, look for it there. Anyway, call him too and explain the situation."
"Alright."
Before the soldiers could become impatient, Shi Xiaolei gave brief instructions and finally gave 2B a reassuring look.
Watching 2B leave, he turned back to face the soldiers.
Shi Xiaolei smiled and rubbed his hands together: "How about coming into the restaurant to sit for a while? Have a drink before leaving? Gentlemen, at least tell me what this is all about?"
"NO."
The orders he had received were "don't do irrelevant things, bring the target back to base as quickly as possible." The soldier unhesitatingly refused Shi Xiaolei suggestion.
To achieve "quickly" the squad leader stepped forward two more paces, grabbed Shi Xiaolei arm, and gave him a push toward the vehicle.
"Whoa~ I get it, don't push, I'll walk myself."
Since he had already started down this path, he might as well endure it to the end.
To figure out what was really going on and confirm which faction was targeting him, Shi Xiaolei suppressed his inner anger and forced the curses that had risen to his throat back down into his stomach.
Without showing any sign of resistance, he cooperatively got into the military vehicle.
To deceive the soldiers in the car, Shi Xiaolei even deliberately curled up his body, intentionally appearing somewhat dejected.
The soldier in the driver seat started the engine, leaving the dimly lit street lamp behind and disappearing into the deepening night.
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)