Next moment, Peter couldn't help crying out. The sand in the plate moved on its own. Rapidly formed the building's shape at incredible speed. Even the protective netting appeared completely intact in Sun Xiaoxiao's plate.
"Whoa!" Everyone gathered around. Looked at the model. After JARVIS's scan, even the brick structures matched the building beside them perfectly.
"This is the model. What are your requirements? We'll design and estimate prices based on your needs." Sun Xiaoxiao said.
Tony hurried forward. Examined the model carefully. Compared it to the building. Thought. Then voiced his requirements: top floor for himself—tech lab and living area. American wizards would work there too. Need to shield magical fields—both sides coordinate. Second-to-top floor—Gemini's shop area. She'd handle specifics. Third-from-top—guest rooms for friends. Below that—banquet hall. Rest arranged as ordinary office space. JARVIS would be installed throughout. Magnetic field issues were crucial.
Sun Xiaoxiao listened. Rapidly constructed on the model. When Tony finished, her model was basically done. Split it open. Unfolded from middle. Showed interior. "How's this?"
Ignoring Tony, Gemini leaned in first. Examined the lifelike model. Her floor featured wooden decorations. Rich Chinese style—carved details, silk drapes everywhere. Exquisite and grand.
"I love this! I want exactly this!" Gemini looked delighted. Already imagining what to place where.
"Love the top floor style too. This terrace is perfect!" Tony was satisfied. "Can you handle electrical issues? I'll install clean energy eventually..." Described his plans.
Sun Xiaoxiao manipulated the model. Walls receded. Revealed colorful wiring inside. "We'll arrange all this. Done plenty of buildings combining mystical and scientific sides. Easy. Is your clean energy good? Guaranteed clean? Can it be commercialized?"
Tony examined the wiring. Each route clear, organized, unobtrusive. Extremely satisfied. "Course! Stark Industries will be in energy business. Stark products—always premium."
Sun Xiaoxiao quickly pulled out a notebook. Wrote and sketched. Soon quoted a price with generous discount—1,300 yuan per square meter. About 200 US dollars. Materials included. Tony said immediately—money wasn't an issue. Speed was important. Sun Xiaoxiao calculated again. Reported timeline: fastest completion March 2012. With cleanup and equipment installation, operational use May at earliest.
Tony calculated. Agreed. Made the decision on the spot.
Gemini watched them getting along. Offered to pay for her floor's decoration. Tony firmly refused. Though Gemini treated him like a mark, Tony always noticed her help. With so many floors, why should Gemini pay?
After argument, Tony brought up Seraphina. Gemini had to give up.
Building settled. As Tony and Sun Xiaoxiao were about to sign contracts, Gemini grabbed Sun Xiaoxiao. "We want to travel to China. Any special considerations? Can we go?"
Sun Xiaoxiao became interested. Looked at their group. Only Gemini and half of Peter counted as mystical side. "Course you can. What method? Ordinary methods reach China's interior directly. MACUSA's Floo Network only reaches Hong Kong—need special applications for interior."
Gemini persisted. "Isn't there a simpler way?"
Sun Xiaoxiao rubbed her chin. "Wait, let me call."
Walked aside. Dialed. Spoke in Chinese.
After a while, returned. "Asked the Daoist sect's external liaison. You helped us greatly during Quidditch. They're inviting you to visit. All expenses covered. Plus transportation!"
"Really?!" Gemini asked in delight. Behind her, Peter was cheering.
"Course it's real. Confirm timing and call me. I'll have someone pick you up. Provide guides!" Sun Xiaoxiao smiled.
"We'll pack right now!" Gemini decided. Pulled Steve along. Completely ignored pitiful Tony. "I want to go too..."
"Go discuss with Maria and Seraphina! If they agree, I have no objection!" Gemini shouted without looking back. Called everyone to car. Hurry home to pack.
Sun Xiaoxiao watched Gemini's urgency. Smiled. Pulled out paper. Wrote her number. Folded into paper crane. Blew on it. Crane wobbled after Gemini's car.
In car, Gemini was celebrating. Suddenly slapped forehead. "Oh no! Forgot to ask Sun Xiaoxiao for her number!"
Just as they were about to turn back, paper crane flew through open window. Into Gemini's hands. Unfolded. Sun Xiaoxiao's private number written on it.
Gemini relaxed. Pocketed the paper. Urged Steve to drive faster. Pack and leave immediately—sooner the better!
Back at shop, everyone busily packed. This China trip different from Quidditch venue—that was wilderness. Brought own tents. This time—cities. Just bring personal items and money. Cities couldn't lack things to buy.
Peter hesitated long time. Found Gemini alone. "Can I bring Ned?"
Gemini looked at cautious Peter. Unsure what to say. "Our travel method might not be ordinary. Where we're going likely involves magic. How would you explain to your friend?"
Peter's head drooped. Gemini ruffled his hair. "How about this—when I call, I'll ask. If they have methods, bringing him's fine."
"Really?" Peter's eyes lit up instantly. "I've packed everything! Can we call now?!"
Gemini sighed. Sat on sofa with Peter. Called Sun Xiaoxiao. Explained Ned's situation. Asked if they had ways to handle it.
"Chinese heritage? Wait, let me check. Have records of all overseas Chinese." Sun Xiaoxiao muttered. "Ah, found it. Grandmother with young grandson, right?"
"Yes, should be right." Gemini looked questioningly at Peter. Got frantic nods. Confirmed.
"Have their records. They barely count as our Daoist sect members." Sun Xiaoxiao said.
Gemini became interested. "Tell me more."
"His parents were outer disciples. Working in America. Disappeared in accident. Grandmother probably doesn't know. Originally planned to visit when child turned ten—if he had cultivation talent, bring him back. If not, let them choose. Want to stay, compensate with money or whatever they wanted. If you're going together, need to arrange visit tonight."
"Won't there be problems if they know?" Gemini asked. "Won't go around talking?"
Sun Xiaoxiao laughed. "Have silencing curses. If they stay in America, sign contracts with silencing curses—can know but can't speak of it."
"That convenient? Much better than Obliviate!" Gemini marveled.
"Will you bring them?" Sun Xiaoxiao asked.
"If they're willing, we can go together." Gemini said.
"Then I'll arrange visit now." Sun Xiaoxiao said. "Are you ready? When should we schedule?"
"Schedule after you've talked with them. I'm ready—just waiting to depart!" Gemini said.
Sun Xiaoxiao efficiently said Daoist sect would arrange visit to Ned's family soon. Then come directly to Gemini's door. After few more words, Gemini hung up.
Warned excited Peter: "They're sending someone. Before we know results, better not say too much. Consequences could be unpredictable."
Peter nodded vigorously. "I know! I'll keep it secret! Waiting for news!"
Gemini sent Peter to his room. Began packing her bag. Held quite a lot. Had a feeling this China trip would involve buying plenty. Clearing bag in advance was necessary.
That evening, everyone sat around dining table. Eating absentmindedly. Glancing at Gemini's phone. Not knowing when to expect news was torturous.
Ring ring ring—
Phone rang. Gemini answered without delay. "Any news?!"
"Yes, they're coming with us. Boy has some talent—perfect timing to bring him back. Are you packed? Pickup's already en route—should arrive soon!" Sun Xiaoxiao's voice. Peter began cheering.
"We're all ready! Can depart anytime!" Gemini smiled.
"Good, see you soon. I'm escorting you—need to find people for Mr. Stark's big project anyway." Sun Xiaoxiao said. "See you soon, bye!"
"Bye!" Gemini hung up. Smiled at everyone. "Eat up! We're leaving soon!"
Dining room atmosphere became lively. Even Steve started chatting nonstop with Ben.
"What about Ethan?" Ben asked. "Didn't we promise to visit?"
"He's in Florida. We'll visit when we return—bring him gifts then. Besides, he's in lab now. Probably doesn't have time to play long anyway." Gemini said matter-of-factly.
Ben shrugged. Continued discussing China with Steve.
Coby just finished clearing table. Someone knocked on shop door.
Before Coby could move, Peter ran over. Opened it.
Sun Xiaoxiao stood at door. "Good evening, everyone. Grab luggage—let's board!"
After brief greetings, Gemini led group out. Magnificent wooden ancient ship sat on street—completely different from flower-covered boat last time.
Not even 8 PM yet. Street empty. Lights on in surrounding houses. But no one noticed ship parked on road.
Boarded in single file. At Sun Xiaoxiao's command, flying ark slowly rose. Peter found Ned in cabin. Two kids huddled together. Chattering excitedly.
Sun Xiaoxiao brought everyone into cabin. "We'll arrive 3 AM—4 PM China time. Arrange accommodations first. Rest and adjust time difference. Start sightseeing day after tomorrow."
Gemini and others nodded. When visiting someone's territory, respecting arrangements was important.
"These fruits—one per person. Eat completely. No waste!" Sun Xiaoxiao distributed plum-sized green fruits. "Called Clarity Fruits. Eating them lets you understand all languages for one month. Can't eat often—maximum two per year. Supplies limited. China's vast with countless dialects—even Chinese wouldn't dare claim they understand all. Better eat these for your visit."
Everyone took green fruits. Peter bit first. Face immediately scrunched. "So sour!"
After grimacing through coreless Clarity Fruit, everyone's faces were green. At least wouldn't get seasick now.
After finishing fruits, Sun Xiaoxiao brought out board games and toys. Told them to stay alert. Adjusting time zones meant staying awake!
With permission, everyone began exploring ship. Looked small from outside. Interior quite spacious. Having seen magical mysteries, Steve wasn't overly surprised. Just followed everyone. Relaxing as he toured.
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