Chapter 1287 - 568: Gathering
Morning.
Palisades Community.
After some time airing out, the house no longer had a strange smell. The furnishings and appliances were all in place, and a few days ago, Luke had moved into this luxury mansion.
The appliances and furniture Luke set up were all renowned brands, costing him nearly 300,000 US Dollars.
It's not a small amount, but you get what you pay for. It's worth it to ensure a comfortable living environment for himself.
After reconstruction and renovation, the market value of this luxury mansion has also increased, with a selling price of around 12 to 13 million US Dollars.
Luke's total assets have risen once again.
The total price of the house is indeed a bit high, but the entire villa covers 40,000 square feet, roughly equivalent to over 3,700 square meters in China. On average, the price isn't high. In Shanghai, an international first-tier city, you definitely couldn't buy such a large villa for this price.
Of course, such a comparison is not practically significant, but Luke was a Chinese in his past life, and still habitually makes such comparisons.
If he could have such a large luxury mansion in Shanghai, that would be a real sign of wealth.
However, Luke is already quite satisfied to have a luxury mansion of his own.
Luke sat in the garden of the mansion eating breakfast, with bright sunshine, birds chirping, flowers blooming, and a high greening rate in the community. There was a fresh scent of greens in the air.
Didn't Luke work hard precisely for such moments of enjoyment?
Luke had the day off today, and making his own breakfast was a form of relaxation: coffee, milk, scrambled eggs, bacon, ham, oranges, and bread.
Lately, Luke had taken a liking to this bread. However, it wasn't the authentic version, but rather a modified one—not as sour, not as hard, and with added nuts. It's filling and tastes quite good.
The Kerman Pharmaceutical Company case had been solved, and the Detective System rewarded Luke with 150 points, which was quite generous.
Luke replenished the Bullet-Proof Card and the Accuracy Card that he used during the case, and still had 230 points left in the system.
Additionally, the 1 million US Dollar reward from Kerman Pharmaceutical Company had been received, and as the team leader, Luke got a larger share than the others, totaling 200,000 US Dollars.
He indeed reaped a substantial gain.
Additionally, during the investigation, he killed two gunmen and could take some paid time off. He planned to use this time to invite family, friends, and colleagues to his new home.
"Ring, ring..."
The phone rang.
Luke put down his fork and pressed the answer button, "This is Luke."
"Captain Li, this is Fred Kramer, the R&D manager at Kerman Pharmaceutical Company."
"Hello, Mr. Kramer. How's your injury?"
"Much better."
"I've been discharged and am recuperating at home. Apart from having some difficulty walking, I'm fine and believe I'll soon be able to get back to R&D work."
"Congratulations! Is there something you needed?"
"First, thank you again for saving me. If you weren't there that night, I might have been killed by the gunmen, and the research on the new antihypertensive drug would have been in trouble.
You not only saved me but also helped our Kerman Pharmaceutical Company."
"It certainly was a thrilling night, and even after years in the police, it was my first time encountering such a situation. Hope I won't ever again."
"You're right. The company is already considering providing me with a bulletproof car. But I'm not keen on driving such a thing; it feels like being inside a bulky metal box."
"This shows the company's importance placed on you." Luke replied nonchalantly, waiting for the main topic. He figured the caller wouldn't initiate a call just to say these things.
"Captain Li, do you have time today? If possible, I'd like to invite you out for a meal."
"Do you need help with something?"
"Yes, there's something I'd like to ask for your assistance with.
The shooting event that night was extraordinary for me. Although it sounds ridiculous, it was probably the most exciting and thrilling night of my life.
So, I want to purchase your Mercedes G500 as a memento."
Luke said, "That car has many bullet holes and severe damage; repairs could be costly."
"I understand. I don't intend to repair it.
To me, preserving it as is has more significance...
Years later, I can tell my friends and family that my life is not only about research and pharmaceuticals but also has a thrilling side.
I'm sure most of them won't believe me, as they see me as a boring person only capable of research.
That car can prove everything; the bullet holes on the body are a unique badge of honor.
It means a lot to me."
"So, you're planning to collect my beloved car?"
"I know it's a bit demanding, but compared to you, this car holds more significance for me.
To compensate for your loss, I'm willing to purchase this highly commemorative car for 500,000 US Dollars."
"500,000 US Dollars?"
"Yes."
Luke chuckled; the offer was intriguing, as the new price of that Mercedes G500 was only 130,000 US Dollars. Now, severely damaged, selling it for a few thousand would be fortunate.
Back then, Royce Woodman, Vice President of Gersten Pharmaceuticals, had hired killers to shoot Fred Kramer for 500,000 US Dollars.
Now, Fred Kramer wants to buy the Mercedes G500 for 500,000 US Dollars. Perhaps for collection reasons, but also to repay Luke for saving his life.
Luke isn't one to be falsely modest. Fred Kramer isn't short on money. Being compensated a bit for saving his life makes both sides feel better and benefits both parties.