For Stark, a deal worth a few hundred million dollars was merely an insignificant matter.
But for Shi Xiaolei family, purchasing a new home was an extremely important affair.
For such a significant matter, Stark had specially set aside time to help, and had played an extremely important role in facilitating and guiding the process.
Both emotionally and rationally, it seemed appropriate to treat him to a proper meal.
Thus, to thank Stark, Shi Xiaolei specifically called a neighborhood uncle he had previously befriended, asking for his assistance in preparing an excellent feast.
This uncle had originally lived in China and was a top chef who had once participated in preparing state banquets.
Because he was getting older, and his only child worked at a large company on Wall Street, he couldn't bear to ask his son to quit such a well-paying job.
So, the uncle had actively chosen to come to the United States, settling in Chinatown, which was very close to Wall Street.
Over the years, he had accumulated considerable savings, and his son didn't need his financial support.
After arriving in Chinatown, the uncle hadn't planned to find a job.
Just like old men in villages who have nothing to do after meals, the uncle daily life was full of leisure—walking birds, playing with dogs, playing chess and cards.
Aside from occasionally helping mediate neighborhood disputes, he basically spent every day in recreational activities.
However, having been a chef for so many years, it had become a habit that couldn't be easily set aside.
Sometimes, the uncle would invite a few good friends, cook several dishes, and under the pretext of hosting a gathering, indulge his passion and practice his skills.
As for how Shi Xiaolei came to know this uncle, it's a long story.
At that time, Shi Xiaolei had just arrived and wasn't yet familiar with his fellow countrymen.
He not only lacked connections but also money.
Well, to be more precise, this was before he was introduced to underground fighting—in short, during those first couple of weeks after arriving, Shi Xiaolei was still an unfortunate fellow without any money or connections.
Relying solely on being a fellow countryman was clearly not enough to persuade the landlord to rent him that storefront.
So, to save money, Shi Xiaolei had no choice but to take on odd jobs, from washing dishes and scrubbing bowls, to fixing pipes and clearing drains, to moving furniture and installing appliances.
He wouldn't refuse any job that could bring in money.
Not to mention how much money he earned, the key was this accepting and enthusiastic attitude.
Within a short week, Shi Xiaolei had built up a good reputation among his compatriots, initially establishing a positive impression.
It was precisely because of this good impression that when he went to the uncle house one day to repair the ceiling, the two connected—concerned that Shi Xiaolei might fall from the ladder, the uncle stood below, holding it steady.
Feeling a bit bored, the uncle casually struck up a conversation.
When he heard that Shi Xiaolei was saving money to open a small restaurant, the uncle, who had been a chef for decades, immediately became interested.
With "Chinese cuisine" as the bond, the old and young man formed a friendship.
After Shi Xiaolei earned some money from underground fighting and opened his small restaurant, the uncle would occasionally come by to sit.
If he was in a particularly good mood, he would even go to the back kitchen to give Shi Xiaolei some pointers and demonstrate his skills.
Although the menu in Shi Xiaolei restaurant was very simple, and fried rice and noodles alone weren't enough to showcase the uncle full abilities—not to the extent of creating a "state banquet chef takes over, causing customer flow to surge" situation—it must be said that the uncle guidance was invaluable.
Just because someone had worked in a restaurant before crossing over, and had learned some skills from construction site cooks, didn't mean they could smoothly run a restaurant.
Some things might look simple, but only when you actually do them do you realize how many challenges there are.
Pointing out flaws in technique was secondary.
If it hadn't been for the uncle help in pointing out blindspots that are often overlooked in business operations, and teaching various tips and tricks.
Being cheap and plentiful was the biggest advantage in attracting customers, laying the foundation for revenue, but the various practical techniques the uncle taught were optimizations to the entire framework.
Honestly, the fact that the "house" didn't collapse or go askew was significantly due to the uncle contributions.
The topic has strayed a bit far.
This time, when calling the uncle, besides wanting to ask him to prepare an authentic Chinese meal to thank Stark, Shi Xiaolei had another idea in mind.
With the selection of the new residence, next would come the consideration of moving and renovating the storefront.
Moving was relatively straightforward, just a matter of spending time selecting new furniture and exerting some effort to move over things he didn't want to discard.
The key was the storefront.
With an expanded business area and upgraded decor, they couldn't just continue selling fried rice and noodles like before, could they?
Adding new dishes was essential.
Moreover, the reason Shi Xiaolei wanted to upgrade the shop was because he had gained the "Ark" as an external aid, which could provide large quantities of green, natural ingredients at no cost.
If he stuck to the old approach, those ingredients would have no use, and there would be no "effective utilization" to speak of.
So, the day after treating Stark to dinner, Shi Xiaolei once again arrived at He Yingshui doorstep.
"Uncle He, are you home? It's me, Xiaolei."
"Just a moment."
The voice grew nearer, and a few seconds later, Uncle He opened the door from inside, welcoming Shi Xiaolei into the entryway.
"Didn't you just come yesterday? Why are you here again today? Oh, you kid, you didn't need to bring anything."
"I just wanted to express my gratitude."
Shi Xiaolei said, handing over the two bottles of good liquor he had brought while accepting the slippers Uncle He offered.
"Thanks to your help yesterday. If it had been just me, I couldn't have made him that satisfied."
"Now that you mention it, I just remembered. He was there yesterday too, so I couldn't speak freely."
Pointing to the rosewood sofa, indicating Shi Xiaolei should sit anywhere, Old He took up the cigarette box on the tea table and lit one for himself.
"You're something, kid. How did you get to know Tony Stark? He's such a big shot, and you're just running a small restaurant. You two couldn't be more different."
"Well, about that... Uncle He, I don't want to lie to you, but I really can't say."
"..."
Knowing that Shi Xiaolei had fought in underground matches to save money, seeing him hesitant now, He Yingshui misunderstood.
Taking a drag on his cigarette, squinting at Shi Xiaolei, He Yingshui face showed concern.
"Since you can't say, I won't ask. Anyway, kid, just be careful, live a good life, and don't get involved in those shady matters, understand?"
"Having been here for so long, you should have realized that we Chinese are always in a disadvantaged position here. If you get caught up in any trouble, it won't be easy to extricate yourself."
The mature and steady advice warmed Shi Xiaolei heart.
"Uncle, don't worry."
Shi Xiaolei nodded, showing he had taken the words to heart, and rubbed his hands together.
"I will absolutely never get involved in those messy affairs. Actually, I came to see you today to ask for your guidance. I'm planning to renovate my small restaurant and upgrade it a bit. You're an expert, so are there any important things I should pay attention to? And regarding menu planning and pricing matters—basically, could you give me some lessons?"
"Haha, that's more like it. Earning a living with your skills, living a good life."
Flicking away some ash, He Yingshui smiled with satisfaction.
"Alright, since you want to improve, this old man will give you some advice."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)