It wasn't Tony who came knocking, but rather an invitation extended by our side.
Though the gathering was small, it was still a dinner party, and as the host, I had to show some enthusiasm.
Additionally, I had an appointment with Agent Coulson of S.H.I.E.L.D. to meet at my house tonight to deliver and settle the payment for the hundred bottles of medicine he ordered as a representative... A transaction worth one million US dollars is quite substantial for ordinary people, and Coulson's identity as an agent is also rather special, making it unsuitable for ordinary people to stumble upon.
So, Shi Xiaolei simply gave up on the evening's business and closed for the day around five o'clock.
He locked the shop door, piled the skewered meat onto a large tray, and carried it all to the back.
The front-shop, back-home layout was indeed a bit cramped.
Fortunately, the landlord was an old-fashioned man who always adhered to the principle of 'closeness to the land brings health and longevity,' and he stubbornly left a small, modest courtyard in the back.
After 2B tidied it up, this vacant courtyard was perfect for hosting today's gathering.
He lit the charcoal that came with the grill, found a small stool, and sat behind the grill.
Shi Xiaolei, holding a small brush in one hand and a handful of skewers in the other, began his first round of grilling.
Old Liu had gone back to fetch his good wine and would probably be back in about ten minutes.
2B was preparing a salad... Eating only grilled meat, especially lamb, could be a bit greasy, so having some cold dishes to cut through the richness was essential.
Considering that the ingredients at home weren't very abundant and it was too late to go buy more, Shi Xiaolei had to abandon the spicy and sour cold dishes common in China, opting instead for the salads popular in the US.
"It smells so good~~!" Squatting in front of the grill, Kanna's bright, watery eyes were fixed on the meat skewers rotating over the charcoal.
The fat and seasonings mingled, emitting a rich aroma.
At this moment, Kanna had forgotten the large strawberry she had already taken a bite out of.
"Smells good, doesn't it?" To prevent the cumin and chili powder from burning, Shi Xiaolei dipped the brush in a little more seasoned oil and gently dripped it onto the skewers: "It smells good, but it tastes even better."
"I really want to eat it~," Kanna mumbled, unconsciously drooling.
"Just a little longer, it'll be ready soon."
"Hello." Just then, a greeting came from outside the courtyard gate a few meters away.
He looked back and saw that it was Coulson.
He hadn't expected him to arrive early, and what surprised Shi Xiaolei even more was that Coulson was accompanied by another familiar-looking woman.
'May? Why is she here?'
"Good evening, Locke." Through the courtyard gate, Coulson showed his signature gentle smile.
Temporarily suppressing the questions in his heart, Shi Xiaolei nodded in response and then instructed the little girl Kanna: "Kanna, go open the door."
"Oh."
"Hello there, Kanna~." As he entered, Coulson took out a small bag and handed it to 2B, who had come to the gate with Kanna to greet him: "Miss Sylvia, this is a small token of my appreciation."
Whether it was a one-time deal or a long-term partnership was entirely up to Shi Xiaolei.
Since it was a seller's market, as the buyer, Coulson, or rather S.H.I.E.L.D., would naturally be more proactive in their approach.
Indeed, to better interact with Shi Xiaolei, Coulson not only took the time to study the etiquette of visiting a Chinese immigrant's home, prepared a gift for his visit, but also specifically brought May, who is ethnically Chinese, to accompany him and help him with any potential oversights.
"Thank you, please come in."
"Coulson." The skewers were just about ready, so Shi Xiaolei called out: "You've come at a perfect time, come, try my cooking.
And this is..."
"This is May, my colleague."
Perhaps it was the sight of this scene, like a farmhouse courtyard in the suburbs of China,
that stirred old memories, or perhaps it was intentional, wanting to leave a good first impression on Shi Xiaolei, but May didn't speak English, but rather perfectly articulated Mandarin: "Melinda May.
Hello, Mr. Shi."
"Hello." Knowing who the other person was but having to pretend not to know... feeling a bit awkward and unsure how to act for a moment, Shi Xiaolei simply gave up on overthinking and treated her as a fellow countryman, smiling as he grabbed a few freshly grilled skewers and offered them: "Want to try?"
No pleasantries, just offering skewers right away?
Although May was a bit older, she was still a woman, and it was their first meeting...
Looking at Shi Xiaolei, Coulson couldn't help but inwardly complain.
"Thank you." But outwardly, Coulson smiled cheerfully and took the skewers: "I smelled it when I got out of the car earlier, I thought a new barbecue restaurant had opened nearby."
"Xiaolei, Xiaolei, I want some too~!" Little Kanna didn't know what it meant to be discerning.
Seeing that Coulson and May had both received skewers, she quickly ran over and hugged Shi Xiaolei's leg.
"How could I forget our Kanna?" Shi Xiaolei laughed heartily, patted the little girl's head, and reached into the plate for two skewers: "Here, take them and eat.
They're a bit hot, remember to blow on them first."
"Mmm~." She nodded vigorously, took the skewers with a beaming smile, and puffed several times with her little mouth.
Feeling that they should be cool enough, Kanna opened her small mouth and bit off a piece of lamb from the skewer.
"How is it, delicious?"
"Mmm mmm~." A drop of juice overflowed from the corner of her mouth, but the little girl didn't notice, happily squinting her eyes: "It's so, so delicious, Xiaolei is amazing~!"
"If you like it, eat more." He rubbed the little girl's head again, and Shi Xiaolei turned his gaze back to Coulson and May.
"It's delicious, this is the first time I've tasted skewers prepared this way." Coulson gave a thumbs up.
May also gave high praise: "The taste is very good, it really feels like a domestic barbecue stall."
"Right? I learned this from a barbecue stall owner.
You might not know, but whether barbecue is good or not, the quality of the meat and the seasonings are secondary; the key is the oil.
Many people now directly use bottled oil, but mine is different; it's proper seasoned oil, simmered with star anise and other spices." Their reactions were quite good, and Shi Xiaolei felt a great sense of accomplishment, becoming more talkative.
Seeing Shi Xiaolei in a talkative mood, Coulson and May exchanged a quiet glance, forming a silent understanding.
They sat down in the courtyard and chatted with Shi Xiaolei.
Thinking this was a good opportunity to build rapport and gather information, the two didn't immediately remind Shi Xiaolei to bring out the promised medicine and complete the transaction.
As a result, this delay led to trouble.
Why do I say that?
Because just ten minutes later, Stark arrived with Pepper.
"Hmm?"
Under the influence of Shi Xiaolei, the butterfly effect, Stark and Coulson's relationship was not as close as it was in the original plot.
But conversely, Pepper wasn't targeted by Obadiah precisely because Coulson had taken action beforehand, taking her to a safe house for protection.
Looking at Coulson, Stark couldn't help but find him familiar: "You are..."
"Phil Coulson, Strategic Homeland Intervention, Enforcement and Logistics Division.
Mr. Stark, we've met before."