After returning home, Shi Xiaolei called 2B, who was watching cartoons with Kanna, into their room and proactively explained what had happened on his way home.
Although Stark and SHIELD were helping with the aftermath and cleanup, with this double coverage there shouldn't be any oversights.
But it's better to be safe than sorry.
What if, before they took action, some soldier with a screw loose had already made a record?
The possibility of the military showing up at their door still existed, albeit small. Therefore, giving 2B advance notice and agreeing on what to say was truly necessary.
Additionally, the car was totaled, which needed to be reported as well.
With Shi Xiaolei current assets, a car worth twenty or thirty thousand dollars wasn't really a big deal.
However, having money didn't mean his views on finances would immediately change.
At his core, he was still that frugal, ordinary citizen, so "completely wrecking a newly purchased car" was, in his view, quite serious.
It was serious enough that he felt slightly guilty, like a child afraid of being scolded by their parents after accidentally breaking a household appliance.
Fortunately, 2B was an intelligent android with a gentle temperament, not a fierce and intimidating housewife.
"Rock, are you hurt?"
Ignoring the matter of the car, 2B eyes were full of concern as she unconsciously reached out her hand, wanting to check if Shi Xiaolei had sustained any injuries.
"I'm fine, I'm fine. Shh!"
Afraid that Kanna might hear them, Shi Xiaolei quickly raised his finger in a silencing gesture.
Looking back, the little girl was still sitting firmly on the sofa, giggling at the images on the TV screen, showing no sign of having heard anything.
Only then did Shi Xiaolei breathe a sigh of relief and turn back to continue.
"Don't worry, I was wearing armor at the time, the kind that covers from head to toe. Even though it has great strength, being hit by it at most just feels a bit stuffy—it's really not that serious."
"Really?"
"Really. If I were truly injured, why would I pretend otherwise?"
As he spoke, he patted his chest and smiled.
"See? I'm perfectly fine."
"That's good, that's good..."
2B lowered her gaze and let out a deep breath of relief.
But on second thought, 2B felt somewhat dissatisfied.
Raising her head again to look at Shi Xiaolei, determination appeared in her eyes.
"Rock, next time there's a battle, take me with you, okay?"
"Uh."
Knowing that 2B was an incredibly powerful ally, Shi Xiaolei honestly didn't want her to join in the fighting.
Not wanting to expose her was one aspect.
Another was that Shi Xiaolei already viewed her as family.
Whether dragon or intelligent android, none of that mattered—in Shi Xiaolei eyes, Kanna and 2B were first and foremost "female members of the family."
And as the head of the household and the only adult male, Shi Xiaolei felt it was his duty to create a safe space for them.
Issues like combat, unless absolutely unavoidable, should never involve them.
"Well, Sylvia..."
Scratching his head, Shi Xiaolei smiled awkwardly.
"Rock."
Unlike her usual demeanor, 2B attitude was now extremely firm. To convince Shi Xiaolei, she even said these words.
"I am a member of the YoRHa squad, codename 2B, where B stands for Battle. Combat is my duty and the purpose of my existence."
Feeling pressure from her hand and seeing the determination in her eyes, Shi Xiaolei fell silent as he looked at 2B standing gracefully before him.
After a long moment, he could only sigh and nod with a bitter smile.
"Alright, next time something happens, I'll definitely call you."
"Mm."
"That said, agreement aside, you can't be reckless."
Still concerned, Shi Xiaolei couldn't help adding another admonition.
"You can only join the battle if you can ensure you won't get hurt. You know I don't have repair technology, let alone the ability to manufacture a new body for you."
In the game "NieR: Automata" 2B could also use medicine to heal injuries and restore her health points.
However, her healing items were somewhat special—not pills or medicinal soups made from herbs, but crystals formed by nanomachines clustering together.
Only this type of "medicine" could treat an intelligent android injuries.
Or to put it more plainly, the process shouldn't be called healing, but rather "repairing."
Although she appeared in perfect condition, as a companion summoned by Shi Xiaolei, 2B didn't have system access.
This meant she couldn't purchase recovery items by spending money like Shi Xiaolei could.
As for Shi Xiaolei himself, the reason he could purchase various potions from "Diablo 2" through the system was because he had drawn the Barbarian bloodline and merged it with himself, elevating his connection with the "Diablo 2" world to a higher level.
By the same logic, if he wanted to purchase items that could heal 2B injuries in the same way, Shi Xiaolei would first need to draw an "intelligent android" template and merge it with himself.
Setting aside whether he would ever have the chance to draw such a template, even if he did, Shi Xiaolei might not use it—coming from two completely different games, the setting conflicts were simply too great.
Merging these two bloodlines simultaneously could potentially cause problems.
With only one body and temporarily only one life, although he now lived in America, Shi Xiaolei had never intended to risk his life to test the theory that "Westerners have fewer people."
Relying solely on the nanomachines replicated within 2B body, she could at most treat "surface wounds."
Without an adequate supply of healing items in reserve, letting her participate in high-intensity combat? To be honest, it wasn't a good idea at all.
"...I'll be careful."
"Being careful isn't enough."
Shaking his head, Shi Xiaolei emphasized again.
"You must avoid those situations entirely. Sylvia, listen to me—you're my family now, not just a combat machine anymore, understand? There are no missions here worth sacrificing your life for, so no matter what situation you encounter, your own safety comes first. Understand?"
"But..."
"In my heart, nothing is more important than my family safety."
With his hands on 2B shoulders, looking into her eyes, Shi Xiaolei said with absolute seriousness.
"Listen, if you still consider me the head of this household, you must remember these words. Now, nod your head and promise me, okay?"
"..."
Meeting Shi Xiaolei gaze, 2B felt a warmth flowing through her chest, as if her energy supply unit was overloading.
Unconsciously pressing her lips together, a strange light appeared in her eyes.
Under Shi Xiaolei watchful gaze, 2B finally nodded firmly.
"Yes, I understand."
"That's more like it~."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)