Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Linda asked, "Where's your bow tie?"

"No, I definitely don't want to wear that thing. I'm not a gentleman, just a suit will do."

After shopping for clothes, Luke also bought a new pair of leather shoes.

As for the watch, Daisy had given him a black dial Rolex.

Luke felt this outfit was enough. As he said earlier, he's not a gentleman, so it's good enough.

Luke then spent some more time shopping with his mom and bought her a new backpack.

In the afternoon, the two of them visited a furniture store.

By the end of May, Luke's new home would be completed, requiring matching furniture and appliances. Luke lacked experience and time for this, so he'd need his mom's help.

He wasn't good at and didn't like such tedious tasks.

The main construction of the house was completed, but it wasn't yet decorated, so they just had a rough look at styles, types, and prices to keep in mind.

The final furniture and appliances would be chosen after the interior decoration is finished.

In the evening, after having a simple dinner, Linda went home.

Luke, on the other hand, dressed in his newly bought suit to attend a party.

8 PM.

Four Seasons Hotel.

Luke walked into the lobby, showed an invitation to a server, and was then led to the hotel's outdoor bar.

The entire place had been booked as the venue for the party.

At this time, melodic music played at the party, and quite a few guests had already arrived.

Luke glanced around and saw several familiar figures.

Lee Mei was chatting with a blonde, blue-eyed white woman. Thɪs chapter is updatᴇd by NoveI★Fire.net

Reid also held a glass and chatted. Upon seeing Luke, he waved, "Luke, over here."

Standing next to Reid were two others, one of whom was the West District Bureau's police superintendent, Mercedes Maso.

The other was a white man in his forties. Luke found him familiar, but couldn't place him.

Reid introduced, "This is Danik Smith, prosecutor of Los Angeles." He pointed at Luke, "Luke Lee, captain of the first squad of the Robbery and Murder Department."

Luke made a gesture for a handshake, "Prosecutor Smith, a pleasure to meet you. I've heard a lot about you."

Luke had heard his name before, but never had direct contact. He usually communicated with assistant or deputy prosecutors.

Danik Smith shook hands with Luke, "I've heard about you too.

You're doing well in the police force, young man."

Luke turned to Mercedes Maso, "Superintendent Maso, long time no see."

Mercedes Maso smiled, "Though we haven't met, Officer John often mentions you in my ear."

Luke was somewhat surprised. He didn't expect that old rookie John to be quite familiar with Superintendent Maso.

He quipped, "We indeed have similar tastes."

After chatting with the two for a bit, Luke pulled Reid aside.

"Chief, what's today's party theme?"

"Didn't I tell you yesterday?"

"No."

"Sorry, I forgot," Reid whispered, "You know Mayor Li once joined the Elephant Party?"

"Yes."

"Today is her first day leaving the party. She's now non-partisan."

Luke was a bit puzzled, "Does that require a party?"

Reid patted his shoulder, showing a 'you'll get used to it' look.

"Do I need to congratulate her?"

"No need to be deliberate. This is just a social occasion. What you need to do now is meet some 'valuable' friends; you never know when they might come in handy."

"How do I get to know them? I don't like awkward small talk."

"No one expects you to do that. If you know someone, just say hi, and they'll introduce their acquaintances to you. Naturally, everyone gets acquainted.

If you hear someone discussing a topic that interests you, you can join in.

This is essentially no different from parties you've attended before." Reid picked up a glass of whiskey from a nearby table and handed it to Luke, "Have a drink, you'll blend in more easily.

Go ahead, you'll encounter more events like this in the future."

With that, Reid left.

"Hey, Luke." An Asian woman in a floral qipao approached, none other than Los Angeles's first female deputy mayor of Chinese descent.

"Mayor Li, good evening.

I like your qipao, it suits you well."

"Thank you." Lee Mei smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry, I couldn't personally invite you as I didn't have your contact info."

Luke handed her a business card, "Now you do."

Lee Mei took the card and handed one of her own to Luke, "Next time, I'll send the invitation directly."

Luke felt someone watching him. He scanned around casually and asked offhandedly, "Didn't Betty come?"

"She's still young, not suitable for today's occasion.

I didn't tell her you'd be here, or she'd definitely have come."

Luke chuckled. He took it with a grain of salt. Although he saved Betty, seeing Luke would remind her of the kidnapping. Lee Mei might not want them to meet.

At the entrance, new guests arrived, waving towards Lee Mei.

Lee Mei said, "Luke, excuse me, I need to greet the new guests.

Glad you could make it."

Luke smiled and nodded.

Then, Luke sat by a corner table, sipping his drink and observing the partygoers.

He was new to this level of socializing and knew few people, making the experience somewhat dull.

He stood up, intending to grab some fruit, when a white woman in her twenties sat across the table.

"Sir, may I sit here?"

Luke sized her up. The young woman was beautiful, with golden hair, blue eyes, fair skin, and a blue dress, much like an elven character from European films.

"Have we met before?"

"No, but I've seen you on TV. You've solved many major cases; you're a famous detective in Los Angeles."

Luke thought to himself, could his mom be right about how dashing he looked in this outfit, and his good luck with women came so quickly?

"I'm Luke, nice to meet you."

"I'm Lilith." The blonde woman raised her glass, "Captain Luke, you've worked on so many thrilling cases, could you tell me about them?"

Luke replied, "Sorry, I signed a confidentiality agreement, can't disclose."

Lilith's lips pouted slightly, appearing a bit disappointed, "Any other exciting adventure stories? Like explorations?"

Luke asked back, "You mean treasure hunts?"

"Yes, I love listening to elders tell stories of treasure hunts since I was a child."

Luke laughed, "Have you heard about Finn's Treasure?"

"Yes, I've heard the story, about an interesting old man who loved hiding treasure everywhere.

Do you like treasure hunting too?"

Luke chuckled, "No, I'm too busy with work to go treasure hunting."

Lilith "..."

I...

How can the conversation continue?

Luke asked, "From the moment I arrived, you kept an eye on me, why?"

Lilith denied, "You misunderstood, I was watching the door."

Luke continued, "As soon as we met, you asked about thrilling cases. You know I can't discuss them openly.

So, your real purpose is to inquire about treasure hunting?"

Staring at her delicate features, Luke added, "Also, calling Finn an 'interesting old man' sounds like you're quite familiar with him.

So, are you here for Finn's treasure?"

"Clap, clap..."

Lilith applauded and laughed, "As expected from Los Angeles's most famous detective, you've seen through it so quickly, I feel defeated."

Luke cautiously asked, "What's your occupation?"

Lilith brushed aside her golden hair, removed an earring from her ear, and placed it on the table in front of Luke.

Picking up the still-warm golden earring, Luke, previously unable to see it due to the hair's coverage and matching color, examined it closely. The craftsmanship was exquisite and familiar, "This is from Finn's treasure, where did you get it?"

Lilith had a strange look on her face and softly said, "Bought it at an auction."

Luke "..."