Chapter 1301 - 579: Father and Son
After Luke gave his father a tour of the villa, the two of them drove to the supermarket to shop.
Originally, Luke planned to eat at a restaurant, having stayed at the club for some time and without any preparations at home; going to a restaurant was more convenient.
But then he thought about it and realized that eating at home in their own luxury villa was much more comfortable. The father and son could enjoy some drinks and chat in their garden, which would be great.
Luke took his father to a nearby Chinese supermarket and bought some prepared foods: marinated goose, century eggs, braised beef, and peanuts. After returning home, he cooked three quick dishes: steamed grouper, stir-fried spicy green peppers with dried tofu, and plain-sautéed choy sum.
The two opened the sunshade, served the dishes in the yard, and Luke got two bottles of Wuliangye from the wine cellar.
Li Zhaofeng looked at the spacious yard, truly filled with the sounds of birds singing and the fragrance of flowers, and the beautiful scenery called for a few more drinks.
Luke poured the wine, raised his glass, "Dad, I toast to you."
Li Zhaofeng raised his glass and waved, "Half a glass is fine. There's nothing to do this afternoon, so let's take our time drinking."
They drank and ate while chatting about family matters.
"How are grandpa and grandma's health?"
"Their health is alright, nothing major, just that your grandpa is noticeably hard of hearing this year, and you have to speak louder with him."
"How about my second uncle and the others?"
"They're all doing well. Last time we met, your second uncle said that when you and Jack go to New York for the New Year, he'll cook something delicious for you."
Luke laughed, "I really miss my second uncle's cooking."
Luke's second uncle, Li Zhaonian, owns a restaurant and is a chef himself, with excellent culinary skills.
Luke felt that the taste of restaurant food and home-cooked food are different; restaurant food is undoubtedly delicious but tends to be heavy in flavor due to various reasons.
Home-cooked meals are not so particular, with fewer seasonings used, making them healthier, though not as flavorful as restaurant dishes.
Li Zhaonian, being both a good chef and family, combines the best of both worlds when cooking at family feasts, which you can't find outside.
"Dad, I invited you here this time because I need your help with something."
Li Zhaofeng put down his chopsticks, "What's the matter?"
Luke briefly described the recent investigation into the Kerman Pharmaceutical Company series of cases and concluded, "I suspect there's a high likelihood that Kerman Pharmaceutical Company will succeed in developing a new type of antihypertensive drug, which will certainly boost their stock price. Currently, Kerman Pharmaceutical Company's stock price has bottomed out, making it a good time to buy stocks."
Li Zhaofeng frowned and thought for a moment, lifted his glass, took a sip, and after a while, asked, "How much capital do you have now?"
Luke said, "During my time at the club, I helped some friends with small tasks and earned some money; I can probably put out around 1.2 million US dollars."
Li Zhaofeng pressed, "In cash?"
"Yes." Luke nodded, as the Lilith sisters were not short of money; the 450,000 US dollar consulting fee from Lilith had already been credited a few days ago.
This morning, the fifty-thousand US dollars Penny paid for the sketch also came through.
Although Luke knew Penny had ulterior motives and was scheming, seeing the fifty-thousand US dollars improved his impression of her quite a bit.
People are just so realistic.
Li Zhaofeng knew that his son made quite a bit from treasure hunting last time, but Luke also spent a lot on building the house and buying furniture and appliances. According to his estimate, Luke should have around six to seven hundred thousand cash on hand.
Not long after, Luke had gained several hundred thousand more; he couldn't help but admire his son's ability to make money.
It truly proves the old saying, "No matter how skilled, there's always a top master, and if you can be the best, money naturally follows."
Li Zhaofeng asked, "Do you have much interaction with Kerman Pharmaceutical Company?"
"Not very deep, mainly just investigated cases related to Kerman Pharmaceutical Company and had some contact with the company's mid- to high-level staff."
"Did any of those Kerman company executives mention any internal secrets to you?"
Luke thought for a moment, "I'm not quite sure what you mean. The police only inquire about case-related clues; they don't delve into company secrets."
Li Zhaofeng explained, "Because you have close contact with Kerman Pharmaceutical Company and there's a work relationship, I'm worried there might be insider trading concerns, and you could be watched by the Securities and Exchange Commission."
Luke frowned slightly, pondered for a while, and shook his head, "I don't think it constitutes insider trading. I haven't discussed stock issues with Kerman Pharmaceutical Company executives. My predictions about Kerman's stock trends are primarily based on personal speculation."
Li Zhaofeng said, "I'm just concerned about the possibility and want you to be cautious.
The specific situation needs to be analyzed in context. First, the Securities and Exchange Commission also values evidence. Without conclusive proof, they can't accuse you of insider trading.
Secondly, the amount involved in buying the stock; if it's only just over one million US dollars, it shouldn't affect the stock market much. The SEC wouldn't bother with such 'small change.'"
Luke nodded, "So, the issue isn't big."
Li Zhaofeng took another sip of wine and continued, "For now, it indeed isn't a big issue for you.
However, the future is uncertain. You're already at a mid-level position equivalent to a team captain in the police force.
Your position will likely increase over time.
If one day you become the chief, and someone revisits this matter, even without evidence, it could still negatively affect you.
If your prediction is correct, buying Kerman Pharmaceutical Company stocks right after investigating their case and making a substantial profit will become a fact.
This could lead to negative public opinion.
I'm not saying there will definitely be an impact, but...
The higher you stand, the more eyes are on you; it's inevitable that old matters will be brought up.
So, it's best to be prepared."
Luke understood his father's worries. Although it sounded a little like overthinking now, it was indeed a preventive measure.
As his father said, who can be sure about the future? Luke couldn't spend his whole life on the front line solving cases. He was bound to become part of the senior management in the police department or FBI, and as his fame grew, so would his opportunities.
In America, anything is possible.
Better safe than sorry.
Luke nodded, "Dad, you're right. What do you think is the safest way?"
Li Zhaofeng said, "Actually, the issue isn't that significant. We just need to take some precautionary measures and make some procedures more reasonable, which can avoid unnecessary troubles.
For example, you can open a company under someone else's name. You're the major shareholder but have no specific role. Buying stocks under the company's name would be safer.
Even if the SEC investigates, they can't trace it back to you."
Luke expressed concern, "Wouldn't they find out that I'm a shareholder of the company?"
Li Zhaofeng laughed, "America is different from China.
The requirements for start-ups and public companies in America are different.
Public companies might have to note their management and major shareholders, but start-ups don't.
The business department in America can't check shareholder information; the only valuable document is the equity contract signed by both parties.
Only the parties involved know about it, so there's nothing to worry about."
Luke also found it more secure, "Alright, let's do it that way."
With the serious matters discussed, the two started drinking and chatting leisurely.
"Have you adapted to living in this community?"
"It's pretty good."
"How are the neighbors?"
Luke shrugged, "Haven't had much interaction yet."
"Have you hosted a housewarming party?"
"Just a small one, invited Mom and Grandpa.
After some time, I plan to invite some colleagues over."
Li Zhaofeng raised his glass to have a drink with his son, "That's not enough. You should invite the neighbors over, so you can quickly integrate into the community."
Luke didn't have such experience, "Do I need to invite them personally?"
"Of course, you need to take the initiative and show enough sincerity, only then will the neighbors accept you.
It's very important."
"OK, then while I'm still off work, I'll organize the housewarming party."
Luke knew his father was right. Previously, in Ridge View, he was just renting a place without plans to stay long-term. But now it was different. This house was his, and he would live here for a long time, so it was necessary to maintain a good relationship with the neighbors.
"That's good. I can help you entertain the guests. I've checked the community, and there are many Chinese residents, so you should have common topics."
Both father and son were action-oriented and began preparing for the housewarming party.
First, the two discussed the scope of guests to invite, whether it should be targeted or include all neighbors.
Except for a well-known writer, Luke wasn't acquainted with other neighbors in the community, so he decided to invite everyone, although the number would be larger. But his yard was big enough to host a party without any issues.
Then, Luke found a 'Rey Party Company' online, which provides party products and services.
Luke inquired about the services and pricing of this party company and was overall satisfied. However, because the number of guests wasn't definite, the total cost couldn't be determined.
Afterward, Luke went to the supermarket to buy invitations and began visiting the neighbors one by one, inviting them to the housewarming party on the evening of August 20th.
Some neighbors were very enthusiastic and accepted the invitation on the spot; others were unsure if they would be available; some households had no one home, so Luke placed the invitation in their mailbox.
Luke roughly estimated the number of attendees for the party and informed the party company.
The party company provided a list of food, required party supplies, and needed staff for the event, and they quoted a price for the party — 2500 US Dollars.
The price was quite reasonable, and Luke didn't bother looking for other companies.
Besides neighbors, Luke also invited his mother and the little chubby one to the housewarming party. Americans value family highly; although Luke's parents divorced, it was no big deal in Los Angeles.
After the divorce, everyone remained friends and could get along harmoniously, which further earned them the appreciation of others around them.
Li Zhaofeng, Linda, and the little chubby one were Luke's family and supported him; if there was only Luke at the party, he might be taken less seriously by the guests.