In the movie "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom", how did Indy meet Short Round?

In "Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom," Indy met Short Round after catching him pickpocketing.

The film establishes that the meeting happened in Shanghai, shortly before the story’s main adventure begins in 1935. Short Round, whose real name is Wan Li, was a resourceful street child who tried to steal from Indy. Instead of turning him over, Indy recognized his intelligence and brought him along as a driver and assistant.

Short Round quickly becomes much more than a sidekick. He helps Indy and Willie Scott escape Shanghai, survives the crash into India, and repeatedly proves his courage at Pankot Palace and in the mine tunnels. His quick thinking is especially important when Indy falls under the control of the Thuggee cult.

A common mix-up is assuming Short Round was Indy's longtime companion before the film. He was introduced specifically for Temple of Doom, and the pickpocketing encounter explains why the pair already trust each other when the adventure opens.