Coming to see Stark had no other purpose than to bid farewell.
"You know, my restaurant is all set up, and it's time to start business."
"Besides, just playing around all the time without doing any real work makes me feel uneasy."
Spreading his hands, Shi Xiaolei shrugged.
There were actually people who didn't like vacations?
"..."
"Buddy, you really surprise me."
Looking at Shi Xiaolei with a strange expression, Stark laughed speechlessly.
"Well, I am Chinese after all."
"Are all Chinese people like you, unable to sit still?"
"More than ninety percent of them."
Smiling, Shi Xiaolei words carried a hint of pride.
"Someday I'll take you to China for a visit. Once you see it with your own eyes, you'll know how hardworking Chinese people are."
"Hehe, then it's settled. When I've recovered enough, let's find time to go."
Perhaps the craving that had just subsided was surging up again, as Stark couldn't help but swallow.
"Emmm, I plan to call it the 'Eastern Culinary Journey.' What do you think?"
"Great name."
"I guarantee you won't be disappointed."
Shi Xiaolei gave a thumbs up.
After chatting for a while, seeing that it was about time, Shi Xiaolei bid farewell to Stark again, leaving the space for him and Pepper.
Since they would meet again soon anyway, and male friendship didn't require being together all the time, Stark didn't show any reluctance about Shi Xiaolei departure, nor did he ask him to stay a few more days.
The luggage he had accumulated along the way had already been sent back to New York by car through Stark arrangements.
With just a backpack, Shi Xiaolei traveled light.
Plus, with Happy helping to book a first-class ticket, he didn't have to squeeze in with a crowd waiting to board.
When he left Stark house, it was past two in the afternoon, and by around five o'clock, Shi Xiaolei had already landed at Newark Airport.
Although most passengers using this airport were headed for New York, geographically speaking, Newark Airport didn't belong to New York City.
It was located in neighboring New Jersey, on the border between Newark and Elizabeth.
From the airport to New York, there was still about 26 kilometers to travel.
It was quite far, and he hadn't thought to have 2B drive over to pick him up.
Considering that this was rush hour and the route into the city would likely be congested, taking a taxi didn't seem like a good idea either.
'Might as well take the subway.'
Rubbing his nose uncomfortably, Shi Xiaolei made a decision that he was somewhat reluctant about.
People who haven't been to New York don't know that in this city, the most criticized aspect of transportation isn't the frequent traffic jams from too many cars, or getting cut off when trying to hail a taxi.
The subway system, which clearly had enormous potential to greatly alleviate traffic pressure but had never truly fulfilled its role, was what New York locals found most unacceptable.
The facilities were too old and deteriorated, with vomit from drunks and urine stains from street loafers everywhere.
Pickpockets, drug-addicted homeless people, oblivious underground musicians, and various other dangerous individuals frequented these places.
Even the municipal management found the chaos in subway stations troublesome, let alone ordinary people struggling to make a living.
Having lived in America for so long, if Shi Xiaolei had to choose the place he least wanted to go, he would definitely pick New York subway stations.
"Huh?"
"Long time no see."
He hadn't expected to encounter the Ancient One on his way to the subway station, and she wasn't wearing her signature sorcerer robes but had changed into an inconspicuous casual outfit, wearing a baseball cap to cover her bald head.
Looking at the Ancient One three meters away, Shi Xiaolei asked in surprise: "Master Ancient One, what are you..."
"Just a small matter."
"I plan to visit your home. I hope I'm welcome?"
Smiling and making a 'this way' gesture, the Ancient One walked leisurely ahead.
"Visit my home?"
"What's this about?"
Even more confused, Shi Xiaolei felt surprised and somewhat uneasy.
"It's because of your new companion."
"Her appearance has caused some changes."
The Ancient One replied.
"Bayonetta?"
"Yes."
Having not yet met Bayonetta, the Ancient One didn't immediately provide a specific explanation.
With some worry in his heart, Shi Xiaolei didn't dare ask more questions and could only rack his brains trying to figure it out.
In the blink of an eye, the two arrived at a secluded corner.
Confirming that no one should notice this area, the Ancient One concentrated and opened an orange-colored portal.
On the other side was the small garden on his own rooftop.
Stepping through the 'ring of light,' the next second Shi Xiaolei was back home.
Avoiding the journey troubles, especially not having to suffer in the subway station, should have made him quite happy.
But given the current situation, honestly Shi Xiaolei really couldn't feel happy.
What made him even more speechless and troubled was that, perhaps sensing the magical fluctuations, Bayonetta appeared like a ghost in front of the Ancient One, completely ignoring his presence and immediately launching an attack on the Ancient One.
"Bang bang bang!"
Several consecutive gunshots like popping beans, and Bayonetta, like an agile female leopard, left an incredibly graceful arc-shaped afterimage with her long legs in the air, kicking toward the Ancient One head.
"Whoa~"
Perhaps having anticipated this, or perhaps being too powerful, facing Bayonetta attack, the Ancient One maintained her elegant and relaxed demeanor, handling it very calmly.
After a crackling series of sounds, in just a few seconds, the two had already exchanged several rounds.
Bayonetta hadn't achieved any results, but conversely, the occasional counterattacks from the Ancient One were all avoided by her.
"Hey, hey!"
Not bothering to applaud the spectacular performance the two were providing, taking advantage of the moment when both sides temporarily separated, Shi Xiaolei quickly stepped forward and positioned himself between them, shouting loudly: "Big Sister Bay, don't attack! We're on the same side!"
Maintaining an incredibly seductive yet explosive posture ready to launch another attack at any moment, Bayonetta raised an eyebrow: "Are you sure? Rock, the aura on her doesn't seem like that of a good person."
"You mean this?"
Hearing Bayonetta words, the Ancient One cooperatively raised her hand, condensing a small mass of black mist.
Her face also showed fine lines like a black spider web, just like Kaecilius and others who had been seduced by Dormammu in "Doctor Strange."
"As expected."
"Rock, step aside. She's already been infected by demonic energy and has become a demon."
Bayonetta gaze became even sharper.
"In a certain sense, your words are indeed correct."
Whether wanting to test Bayonetta abilities or rarely encountering an opponent and wanting to stretch her limbs, the Ancient One didn't defend herself at all, but instead went along with the conversation, acknowledging Bayonetta judgment of her.
"No, Big Sister Bay, listen to me..."
(T/N: Like the story fellow daoist?you can read 20 chapters ahead on my P@treon [[email protected]/DaoistRongyi] Thanks for your support! 😊)