After experiencing the wonderful feeling of "unlimited stamina" Stark immediately designated Shi Xiaolei as an important partner and actively began cultivating a relationship with him.
A scientist billionaire pride?
In the face of reproductive instinct, mere personality traits developed over time could only stand aside.
"I mean, don't you have anything else to do every day?"
Just after closing, before they had time to clean up, Stark arrived again in his sports car.
Speaking of which, in this short week, Stark had come to check in almost every day.
Although his fame brought a lot of business to the store—which was something to be happy about from a revenue perspective—on the flip side, the family daily life had also been somewhat disturbed by the paparazzi that followed him.
2B, who rarely went out, was fine, but when even little Kanna who was still in school had paparazzi following her, it became unacceptable to Shi Xiaolei.
"You know, big bosses like me basically don't need to handle things personally. If there's anything to be done, there are plenty of people to take care of it."
Stark removed his sunglasses, sat down at the table on his own, and casually pulled out a tissue to wipe the table.
"Got anything to eat? I'd like an order. That noodle dish with meat chunks yesterday was pretty good—give me two extra pieces of meat."
"You're not being shy at all, are you?"
Shi Xiaolei rolled his eyes and pointed to the entrance.
"Don't you see that big 'Closed' sign? Can't you read?"
"Don't be so rigid. I think we're already friends, aren't we?"
"How about fried rice? There's no noodles left anyway."
"That works too. I want one with those black vegetable leaves."
"That's called sauerkraut. What a shame, being rich and never having eaten sauerkraut."
Despite his complaints, Shi Xiaolei still dutifully went to the kitchen and made a delicious yet affordable sauerkraut fried rice for Stark.
Considering Stark preferences lately, he also took out a small box from the refrigerator and filled it with a small stack of pickled radishes he had made himself.
Just as Stark said, through their interactions over this period, the two had become friends.
Setting aside what Stark might be thinking, on Shi Xiaolei part, there were three reasons why he accepted Tony Stark.
That Stark bought some potions every time he came and spent large sums of money to help improve his family living conditions was the least significant reason.
In comparison, having seen the original work and knowing Stark heroic act of sacrificing his life for humanity in "Avengers: Endgame" and greatly admiring his choice, was the key reason why Shi Xiaolei was willing to be friends with him.
Additionally, Stark brought a small gift for Kanna every time he came and occasionally helped guide the little girl with her homework, which also counted for quite a bit.
"Tony, Tony!"
As if on cue, hearing from 2B that Stark had arrived again, Kanna, who had been watching cartoons in the back, came running out.
"Hey, Kanna, good evening!"
No one could dislike such an adorable little girl.
After a few encounters, Stark had also been defeated by Kanna pure and innocent big eyes.
While greeting her, Stark pulled a small box from his pocket.
"Here, I specially called Switzerland yesterday and had them air freight these chocolates."
"Wow! Chocolate!"
Happily accepting the small box, Kanna looked up with her small face and gave Stark a brilliant smile.
"Want me to open it for you?"
"Mm-hmm!"
Climbing onto a stool, kneeling on the soft seat with her small hands propping up her chin, Kanna big eyes were full of anticipation.
Waiting for Stark to open the box, take out a chocolate, and unwrap the foil, Kanna opened her small mouth wide.
"Ah~"
Putting the chocolate into Kanna small mouth, this act, like feeding his own daughter, gave Stark a warm feeling he had never experienced before.
Just as Shi Xiaolei came out with a plate of fried rice, Stark couldn't hold back and suddenly looked up at Shi Xiaolei, saying.
"Rock, what do you think about me becoming Kanna godfather?"
If it were anyone else hearing this, even if they didn't immediately agree, they would involuntarily weigh the pros and cons.
After all, Stark wealth and status were significant.
But Shi Xiaolei reaction was different from the ordinary. Looking at Stark, his eyes were full of "Did you take the wrong medicine?" inquiry.
"Alright, I was being hasty."
Being stared at by Shi Xiaolei, Stark smiled sheepishly.
Having never thought of taking advantage of Stark, merely treating him as an ordinary friend, meant that whether or not to accept Stark proposal had only one factor to consider: whether their friendship had reached that level.
How many days had they known each other? He hadn't even invited Kanna to his home to play yet.
Obviously, at this point, Stark was far from qualified to be the little girl godfather.
Giving him a "good that you understand" look, Shi Xiaolei sat down at the table and casually picked up the little girl, holding her in his arms.
Looking at Stark who was eating, Shi Xiaolei naturally asked.
"So, how many bottles do you want today?"
"Same as yesterday, ten of each type."
"Alright, I'll get them for you in a bit."
Nodding, Shi Xiaolei smiled at the little girl in his arms, declining a piece of chocolate she offered to his mouth, then looked at Stark again.
"Speaking of which, you've taken over a hundred bottles of potions from me by now. How's it going? Have you figured anything out yet?"
The game didn't provide an explanation for how the potions were produced.
But thinking carefully, since they were magic potions referencing the potions in "Harry Potter" the three potions probably also used some rather special ingredients in their production.
Whether those ingredients could be found in the Marvel universe was questionable.
Honestly, Shi Xiaolei wasn't optimistic about Stark, and didn't think he could replicate potions with the same effects.
At least, before he became acquainted with the Kamar-Taj forces and met Doctor Strange, it seemed unlikely he would achieve this.
"I haven't figured out the red potion and black potion yet."
To Shi Xiaolei surprise, Stark showed a somewhat pleased expression.
"But for the white potion that enhances endurance, I've already found the right research direction. If nothing goes wrong, in another month—no, three weeks will do—I'll definitely be able to compile a formula."
"Really?"
Blinking his eyes, Shi Xiaolei couldn't help but ask further.
"Are you sure? I mean, will the replicated formula achieve the same level of effect as the original potion?"
"It might be a little less effective."
With a reluctant smile, Stark answered competitively.
"From a marketing perspective, controlling the effect to about thirty to fifty percent of the original is the most appropriate choice."
"Huh, if you can't make it, just say you can't make it. Why find an excuse?"
"What do you know?"
Stark insisted stubbornly.
"For high-end big business like this, a small restaurant owner like you couldn't possibly understand as much as I do. If you don't understand, don't get involved—just wait for your share of the profits, OK?"
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)