When it came to knowing what to say, what not to say, and when to say it, Agent Coulson had mastered this art to perfection.
Like today.
After meeting with Shi Xiaolei in person, he didn't reveal much information, not even mentioning the behind-the-scenes help he had provided.
He merely offered a few warnings not to cause trouble, gave a promise that "no more outsiders will disturb your daily life in the future," and then directly took his leave, disappearing from Shi Xiaolei sight.
"Sir, are you sure this is okay?"
"Eighty percent sure. Based on my observations, he's the type who responds better to a soft approach than a hard one. So I believe that when dealing with him, it's best to use gentler methods. If we come across too forcefully, it could very well backfire."
"Alright, you're the team leader, your call."
"Continue to monitor the situation. Report any anomalies to me immediately. Hmm, reduce the alert level to three, and reassign the extra personnel to Stark detail."
"Yes, sir."
Tony Stark had only been rescued a few days ago, and because of his statement about "shutting down Stark Industries weapons division," the massive Stark Industries was in turmoil.
They still hadn't identified who wanted to take Tony Stark life.
If that person took advantage of Stark Industries' unstable situation to make another attempt on Tony Stark.
Considering that Stark was the owner of this massive corporation, his safety was crucial.
Any mishap could potentially cause changes in the country's economic, military, and even political environment.
Naturally, Coulson needed to focus more attention on him.
As for Shi Xiaolei.
In Coulson view, even if he caused some trouble, it wouldn't trigger the large-scale chain reaction that would follow if something happened to Stark.
Plus, after meeting him in person and getting a more intuitive sense of his character, Coulson believed Shi Xiaolei wasn't the type to actively cause problems.
So he felt there was really no need to continue devoting so many resources to keeping him under intense surveillance as they had been doing.
Meanwhile.
After seeing off Coulson and his subordinates, Shi Xiaolei sat in his shop, lost in thought.
The information Coulson had revealed was too sparse to analyze when he had first entered SHIELD radar, and he had no idea whether HYDRA, hidden within SHIELD, had already noticed his existence.
Because of these unknowns, Shi Xiaolei mind was filled with chaotic thoughts, making it impossible to think clearly.
"I'm back."
Hearing movement at the back door, Shi Xiaolei snapped out of his contemplation.
Turning to see 2B, who had already changed her clothes, he remembered that he wasn't alone—he had her and Kanna with him.
Shi Xiaolei gaze brightened, and his thoughts suddenly became clear.
Although his own strength was still far from reaching the limit shown on his status panel—currently, he had only completed what might be considered the "normal difficulty" level—2B and Kanna, who he had exchanged for through the "system" had appeared in this world at their full capacity.
How strong was 2B at full capacity?
She had every weapon that needed to be collected in the game without exception, had mastered all the skills that needed to be unlocked, plus she had her support terminal—the POD from the game that could provide assistance and came with an "infinite bullets" buff—as well as the transforming fighter she piloted during airborne operations.
Without exaggeration, even Tony Stark as of "Iron Man 3" might not be a match for her in a single exchange.
As for Kanna at full capacity, that went without saying.
Despite her cute appearance, standing less than a meter tall and adorable to the extreme, she was actually a dragon who had lived for over 14,000 years.
Moreover, according to the original settings from "Miss Kobayashi Dragon Maid," Kanna should be like the feathered serpent god Lucoa or the evil dragon Fafnir—a character who could be called a "god" in some sense.
In terms of combat power, she was at least at the level of Thor from "Thor: Ragnarok" after he lost an eye and activated his lightning talents.
If you considered her performance in the anime, where a single dragon breath easily tore the ground apart, she might even be comparable to the fire giant Surtur after his resurrection from the Eternal Flame.
What was SHIELD or HYDRA in the face of Kanna, the "true dragon destroyer"?
Looking at 2B with her gentle smile, as obedient as an ideal little sister, and thinking of Kanna attending school, incredibly adorable and popular, Shi Xiaolei worries melted away like thin snow under warm sunlight, vanishing without a trace.
Getting up and moving behind 2B to help tie her apron, Shi Xiaolei smiled and asked.
"Was everything okay on the way? Kanna wasn't unhappy, was she?"
"No."
Shaking her head, her white hair swaying gently, 2B revealed a faint, warm smile.
"When I dropped her off at the school gate, she met two little girls she close with. Kanna was very happy and even shared two lollipops with them."
"Really? So she's learned to share candy with friends..."
Shi Xiaolei chuckled happily.
"It seems Kanna is doing quite well at school."
"Yes."
2B nodded, skillfully beginning to work.
"When we parted, Kanna told me she wants to invite her classmates to the shop this weekend."
"Is that so? Then I'd better prepare properly."
Putting on arm covers and gloves, he began to process the ingredients 2B had already cleaned.
While cutting vegetables, Shi Xiaolei asked.
"Sylvia, what do you think about cake?"
"Kanna would definitely be happy."
2B nodded in agreement and reminded him.
"Also, we should prepare more pudding."
"Of course, Kanna loves the pudding I make."
Recalling Kanna happy expression when eating pudding, Shi Xiaolei smiled with a sense of fulfillment.
The little restaurant had been open for almost two months.
Although it initially went through a period with few customers due to the not-so-great environment, as Shi Xiaolei culinary skills gradually gained recognition from diners, business slowly improved.
By now, two months later, Shi Xiaolei small shop had won the favor of office workers from nearby buildings, thanks to its advantages of being both affordable and delicious.
One wave at morning, another in the afternoon, serving nearly a hundred customers every day.
As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
With continued operations, Shi Xiaolei had forgotten his profession on Earth and truly become a qualified chef.
And 2B, who was originally supposed to be a combat-specialized intelligent mechanical person, had mastered various service skills, transforming into an impeccable server.
Just like that, in just over an hour, the two of them had processed all the ingredients and completed the preparations before opening.
Looking at the time, it was almost 10:30 AM.
Shi Xiaolei washed his hands while smiling and called to 2B.
"Sylvia, go flip the sign in the front. We can start business now."
"Okay."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [p@treon.com/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)