Before crossing over to the Marvel universe, Shi Xiaolei had worked several jobs.
First, he worked as a security guard in a residential community, then later as a porter at a seafood market.
Because his appearance was too intimidating and often scared children and customers, he had no choice but to give up these jobs.
With the introduction from a kind fellow countryman, he went to work at a construction site with almost no female presence, dealing with cement, bricks, and steel bars every day.
With his tall frame and great strength, Shi Xiaolei could handle in one trip what others needed two trips for.
Because his work efficiency far exceeded others—being more useful than a donkey in a production team—Shi Xiaolei naturally gained the foreman appreciation.
Adding to that, his honest nature meant he never gambled during work breaks nor went out looking for entertainment, he was the type to save money and live frugally.
The more the foreman saw, the more he liked what he saw, and more than once thought about introducing Shi Xiaolei to girls from his village.
At some point, Shi Xiaolei had become "one of their own" in the foreman eyes, and in daily life, the preferential treatment and care he received gradually increased.
For instance, his cooking skills were learned thanks to the foreman.
If not for his intervention, the restaurant owner who delivered food to the construction site wouldn't have been so patient in teaching Shi Xiaolei.
Additionally, being able to take time to learn from the restaurant owner was only possible because the foreman had given his approval.
"Rock, order for table 2."
"Two shrimp and egg fried rice, one without carrot cubes."
Carrying an order slip, 2B lifted the curtain to the kitchen and poked her head in to tell Shi Xiaolei, who was busy at the stove.
"Got it."
Agreeing with a word, he scooped the freshly stir-fried rice noodles from the wok into a plate and handed it to 2B.
Shi Xiaolei casually asked.
"Just two fried rice, right? Nothing else?"
"Yes, to pack and take away."
"Alright, I got it. You prepare the side dishes, the fried rice will be ready in a moment."
Not being a high-end restaurant but following a high-volume, low-profit model, to control costs, Shi Xiaolei small shop offered fewer than ten dishes—fried rice, stir-fried rice noodles, stir-fried noodles, a few simple rice bowls with toppings, plus tomato or seaweed egg soup that rotated between just those two varieties, nothing more.
Despite the simple menu, business was quite good.
Affordable prices, above-average taste, plenty of ingredients, large portions, quick service, plus the popularity of 2B, the poster girl, and the "Beauty and the Beast" visual they created when working together—all were contributing factors.
In short, Shi Xiaolei lived a very fulfilling life every day. On business days, he was basically busy from morning until night.
However, constantly working from morning till night, focusing only on business day after day, was somewhat taxing.
It wasn't about physical endurance.
Truthfully, even without merging with the barbarian bloodline, Shi Xiaolei naturally good physique meant he wouldn't be exhausted by the shop workload.
As for 2B, his work partner, there was even less concern—she had an extremely efficient energy conversion core that could convert all consumed food into energy with 100% efficiency without leaving any waste.
In terms of endurance, 2B could work until the end of time.
The key issue was mental stamina.
Even barbarians are human, and no matter how thick-skinned or resilient one personality might be, there would always come a moment of mental fatigue.
Besides, Shi Xiaolei had only merged with the bloodline recently, and hadn't undergone the blood and fire tempering like his "compatriots" on the Arreat Highlands.
To be honest, although he already possessed the strength to clear the first difficulty level, in terms of mental fortitude, Shi Xiaolei was only slightly better than ordinary people, far from meeting the standard of a "qualified barbarian."
Additionally, with 2B (who went by the alias Sylvia) and little Kanna by his side.
As the head of the household, Shi Xiaolei felt it necessary to set aside some time to accompany them, allowing them to properly experience daily life in the human world and enjoy more of its beauty.
The weekly business hours only continued until Saturday noon.
From 3 PM on Saturday, when Kanna returned from her violin interest class, the shop would close.
In the blink of an eye, it was Saturday again.
"I'm back~!"
As soon as 2B stopped the car, before she even had time to set the handbrake, little Kanna had already jumped out impatiently, bouncing on her short legs and excitedly running into the shop.
The timing was slightly later than the previous week, and when they returned, only two customers remained in the shop who hadn't finished eating.
Ignoring the two customers sitting in the corner, Kanna, like a happy little frog, jumped as soon as she entered the door, leaping into the arms of Shi Xiaolei, who was sitting on a chair by the counter resting.
"Oops~."
Hurriedly catching the little girl and ruffling her head, Shi Xiaolei face displayed a fatherly smile:
"Kanna back! Did you have fun today?"
Clutching at Shi Xiaolei clothes, she found the most comfortable position and sat in his lap.
"Fun~!"
Kanna replied while accepting the small bowl Shi Xiaolei had prepared in advance, gently scooping a small spoonful of pudding into her mouth.
As the flavors of egg and sweet milk spread in her mouth, Kanna happily narrowed her eyes, her small face full of delight.
"Mmm~~~, so delicious~!"
"Is it good? Today's pudding, I added a little condensed milk inside. Is it a bit sweeter and more fragrant than usual?"
"Mm-hmm."
Kanna nodded vigorously, scooping up a spoonful and turning to offer it to Shi Xiaolei.
"Xiaolei, Xiaolei, you eat too."
Calling him by name was an American custom, but the name she spoke was Shi Xiaolei Chinese name.
It wasn't because Kanna was too young and mixed Chinese and English daily, confusing the names.
Actually, the little girl called him this on purpose; in her words, this was her exclusive way of addressing him.
"I've already had some."
Smiling and leaning back slightly, seeing 2B walk in, Shi Xiaolei called out.
"Sylvia, there's pudding in the refrigerator."
"I'll have some later."
"I'll go back first to put this away."
Holding up the violin case in her hand, 2B smiled and replied:
"Sure, go ahead."
Remembering something, Shi Xiaolei added.
"Oh, and find Kanna doll costume. Didn't we agree yesterday that after closing the shop, we'd go to Central Park for a walk? Change her into that outfit later, make her look cute, and we'll take some photos as a memento."
"Okay."
"Are we going for a picnic?"
Kanna tilted her little head up, looking at Shi Xiaolei big face above her.
"Yes."
Extending a finger that was thicker than normal people, Shi Xiaolei gently wiped away a small drop of caramel accidentally stuck to Kanna nose tip.
Looking into the little girl eyes, he smiled and said.
"Didn't you keep asking to go?"
"Oh~~~! Xiaolei is the best~."
"Hehe, hurry and eat. Once you're done, go change your clothes, and we'll leave early."
"Mm-hmm~."
(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! 😊)