Twins
After Shang-Chi discovered that the pendant around his neck was missing, he thought for a moment and worked out what had led to the attack. Presumably, his father, a gang leader, had come to seize it.
At that thought, Shang-Chi's expression instantly grew grave. He rubbed his forehead and slumped weakly against the sofa, looking listless. Seeing her boyfriend like this and knowing that the keepsake left by his mother had been stolen, Katy softly comforted him.
It was not a good time for Li Qi to keep asking about Shang-Chi's affairs. After a brief pause, the artificial intelligence JARVIS's voice rang out in the living room. "Master, Major Rhodes will soon arrive at the villa's entrance. Shall I let him in?" Li Qi considered it briefly. There was an event coming up anyway, and another person would make it livelier, so he ordered JARVIS to let Major Rhodes in.
Half a minute later, a black vehicle slowly drove into the villa grounds, followed by a motorcade. JARVIS continued reporting to his master. "Tony Stark has returned. There is a luxury coach in the motorcade with all its windows rolled down."
After Tony and Major Rhodes met in the courtyard, they embraced warmly and exchanged familiar greetings. The two had known each other and become good friends before Li Qi appeared. Although Major Rhodes had reservations about making contact with Li Qi, the new president of Stark Industries, that did not affect their close personal friendship.
After a little small talk, Tony hurriedly arranged for the staff inside the luxury coach to get off and head to the changing room on the first floor. Tony had returned to California from New York by private jet, then hired some local professionals skilled at livening up a gathering.
Although Li Qi had taken the vast majority of Tony's company shares and assets, he had still left him enough wealth for everyday spending. As such, Tony could still afford routine expenses such as flying on private jets and buying luxury cars and yachts.
Watching the professionals step off the coach one after another, Major Rhodes could not help envying Tony's extensive entertainment arrangements. A faint smile appeared on his square face.
Upon reaching the living room on the second floor, Major Rhodes saw that there were other guests and felt that this was not a convenient time to discuss continued cooperation between the military and Stark Industries with Li Qi.
The two exchanged a few pleasantries upon meeting, considerably more familiar with each other than at their first meeting. Li Qi invited Major Rhodes. "Rhodey, thanks for making another trip. We have an event coming up. Come join us."
Major Rhodes smiled slightly. After he exchanged a few greetings with everyone, it was time for lunch. Tony Stark joined his master and the others for the meal.
During the meal, Shang-Chi remained gloomy, while Katy praised the lunch endlessly, chattering away as she ate. Clearly, she was talkative and at ease around strangers.
Only after the meal did Tony report to his master about the special event he had prepared-a relaxed, cheerful party. Li Qi naturally nodded his approval.
Everyone present then headed to the villa's karaoke hall. The hall had karaoke equipment and a bar, as well as a display of various expensive beers, baijiu, whiskies, and other drinks.
Next, Tony introduced the professionals taking part in the event to his master. Li Qi had little interest, but still politely listened to the introductions given by his puppet and slave.
These people were full of energy, and now that they had changed into casual clothes, they looked youthful and vibrant. A pair of white twin sisters were particularly enthusiastic.
Seeing Shang-Chi's low spirits, Li Qi intended to help him unwind. He quietly paid attention to the twin sisters' performance, thinking of having them lift Shang-Chi's mood.
Once the party officially began, Katy seemed like a different person. Glass in hand, she drank freely and sidled up to Li Qi to chat and get friendly with him, lavishing praise on the villa and the people taking part.
Li Qi really could not handle this girl with the small eyes. Although she was intent on getting close to him, he did not want much contact with her, so he instructed Daisy Johnson to talk to Katy more, lest she keep bothering him.
Major Rhodes and Tony drank surrounded by the others. Everyone interacted to the music, and the cheerful atmosphere drew bursts of laughter from those around them.
Daisy Johnson also joined the crowd in singing. Katy sang half a song in her distinctive voice, then, after drinking half a bottle of whisky, grew somewhat tipsy and pulled Daisy Johnson into an endless chat.
Following her master's orders, Daisy Johnson had no choice but to listen patiently to her drunken chatter. Whenever Katy wanted to get up and find Li Qi, Daisy Johnson pulled her back onto the sofa and kept her company in conversation.
Holding a glass, Li Qi walked over to Shang-Chi and handed him a whisky. After clinking glasses with him, he drained his drink, then offered some reassurance. "Listen, Shang-Chi, your family pendant is definitely fine. Your father certainly won't lose it. It belonged to his wife too, after all, so don't be too upset. When I get the chance, I'll help you get it back."
Li Qi had already planned to meet Shang-Chi's father, which was why he said this. Shang-Chi set his empty glass back on the coffee table, a trace of dejection crossing his face, and thanked Li Qi.
Li Qi pulled Shang-Chi up from the sofa. "Don't just sit there. A party is for singing and relaxing. Come on, let's move around and stretch a little."
Shang-Chi was reluctant at first, but Li Qi hauled him to his feet anyway, then called over the twins and two other staff members.
The four came over holding their glasses. Li Qi put another drink into Shang-Chi's hand, and after they finished drinking, they sang and interacted with the four.
From his initial reluctance, Shang-Chi slowly began swaying to the beat. At Li Qi's signal, the twin sisters enthusiastically invited Shang-Chi to join in, complimenting him on how well he was doing and encouraging him to enjoy himself fully.
After a few glasses of whisky, Shang-Chi grew tipsy, and his spirits gradually rose. He danced with everyone to the cheerful music, humming along, having become fully part of the party.
Watching the twin sisters encourage Shang-Chi, Li Qi reflected that they really were skilled at livening up the atmosphere, always managing to make things more festive.
After interacting for a while, Li Qi signaled for the twin sisters to accompany Shang-Chi off to the side to rest and relax.