Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

8:30 PM.

Palisades Community, at the Luke family.

Luke finished cleaning up the dishes, poured a glass of red wine, and sat on the sofa in the living room watching TV. A Chinese food documentary was playing on the screen.

Chinese dramas might be mediocre, but their food documentaries are absolutely world-class.

"Ding dong..." The doorbell rang.

Luke put down his wine glass, walked to the door, and pressed the gate button, opening the door casually.

After a while, the door opened from the outside, and Daisy, dressed in a black professional dress, walked in and kissed Luke on the cheek, "Sorry, I'm late."

"Have you eaten?"

"Yes, a cup of coffee, a sandwich... I'm not sure what flavor it was, but at least it filled me up." Daisy put down her backpack and changed into slippers.

Luke poured her a glass of red wine and asked, "It's Saturday, is work still that busy at the law firm?"

Daisy sat on the sofa, taking the wine glass, "The legal industry is extremely competitive. Every year, graduates from prestigious schools join the field. If you don't work hard, you'll fall behind.

If you don't want newcomers overtaking you, you have to put in the effort."

Luke said, "You're still young. Isn't it too early to worry about this?"

"I've seen some seniors get surpassed by juniors for various reasons. It's really awkward.

Never underestimate graduates from top universities, each one is ambitious." Daisy took a sip of wine and looked at Luke, "By the way, what I've been busy with recently is somewhat related to you."

Luke sat next to her, curious, "How so?"

"Gallian Coffey, the chairman of the Coffey Group, was killed. The entire company is in disarray. It's said that his wife, Grace Coffey, is very likely to take over the chairman position.

At that time, there might be significant changes in important positions, including the legal firms they work with."

Luke recalled, "I've dealt with Grace Coffey. She seemed quite composed and not the type to act recklessly."

Daisy said, "Gallian Coffey has been the chairman for many years. Now that he's gone, changes in company positions are normal.

Everyone has their preferences, the people Gallian Coffey was used to working with might not be who Grace Coffey is accustomed to.

Moreover, Grace Coffey was just the chairman's wife before. Her taking the position was unexpected and not something others had foreseen.

Before, she only represented herself, but now she represents the entire Coffey Group, even the Coffey family.

Most of Los Angeles's known law firms will contact her, and their attitudes will visibly change.

Even if she doesn't want to change, interests will push her to do so."

Luke nodded, "You make a good point."

"Tell me about Grace Coffey's situation. She's the current focus of our law firm's work."

Luke nodded and briefly shared his perspective on Grace Coffey. Though his interactions with her were short, due to his investigation, he had deeper insights into the Coffey family and company.

Daisy bit her lip, "According to your description, she must have resentment towards her husband, even if she temporarily compromises with those around her to secure her position as chairman.

But this also represses her. When her position is stable, changes are just a matter of time."

Luke shrugged, "Perhaps."

He didn't care much about the future changes in the Coffey company.

Daisy noticed Luke staring at her and said, "Sorry, I shouldn't be talking about work during rest time."

"It's fine. I'm just worried you're working too hard."

Daisy rubbed her shoulders, "I've been working overtime a lot these days. I am indeed a bit tired."

"I've installed the latest massage hot tub at home. Want to try it out?"

Daisy smiled, "Is it big enough?"

Luke wrapped his right arm around Daisy's waist, "Of course, it's big enough for both of us to bathe."

Daisy whispered in his ear, "Then what are we waiting for?"

...

An hour later, the bathroom was steamy.

Daisy lay weakly in the bath, "Are you sure this electric bath is for massage?"

Luke patted her smooth back, "It's not about what you do; as long as it's comfortable, that's what matters."

"I'm so tired. I hope I can sleep well tonight." Daisy submerged herself in the water and stretched lazily.

"Do you have time tomorrow?"

"What's up?"

"I wanted to invite you to a basketball game."

"I'm not interested in basketball games. I can't even fully understand the rules."

Luke was surprised, "Are you serious?"

"Isn't that silly?" Daisy chuckled and asked back, "Why did you suddenly think of watching a basketball game?"

"My grandpa gave me two tickets."

"Why not invite a friend who likes basketball? Maybe it would be more fun."

"Okay." Luke was already accustomed to it. Daisy is someone who enjoys spoiling the fun. Simply put, she won't try to please you, nor does she want to.

Even if she knows it would make you happy, she won't do it.

In the past, Luke might have been a little disappointed, but now it doesn't matter anymore.

Put aside basketball, enjoy the present moment.

In the bath, waves of water splashed again.

...

The next day, Daisy only left after having lunch.

Not having rested well yesterday, Luke napped on a recliner in the yard in the morning.

He dozed off for a bit, but couldn't sleep soundly, constantly feeling like something was missing.

Oh, right, a reward.

This time, after solving the case, no reward seemed to come.

Could it be the reward is delayed, or perhaps because he only solved one case and gave up on two old ones, the reward wasn't triggered?

He couldn't figure it out for the moment and didn't bother to delve deeper since he still had a lot of Function Cards and points stored; it was enough.

Not being able to sleep soundly during the day, Luke decided not to sleep anymore, took out his phone, and dialed Jack's number.

Jack seemed to be really heartbroken; the chances of reconciliation this time were slim, and as an elder brother, he couldn't ignore him.

Soon, the phone connected, but there was no sound from the other side. Luke said, "Hey, Jack, what are you up to?"

"Studying."

Luke was taken aback. This was the first time he got this response.

"Good, that's good."

"Do you have something to say? If not, I'm going to hang up."

"Don't be in such a rush to hang up, my dear brother. Do you have a date tonight? If not, come with me to watch a basketball game."

"I'm not interested in basketball right now."

"Hey, don't lock yourself in at home all the time. Getting out will brighten your mood and might help you see things differently."

"Big brother, I know you care about me and I'm thankful. But this doesn't solve the root problem. I'm hanging up."

"Wait a minute, just by watching the game with me, you might solve your heartbreak. Trust me."

"How do you plan to solve it?"

"You'll know once you go with me. If I tell you now, it won't have the same effect."

"No, if you don't tell me, I'm not going."

Luke took a deep breath and compromised, "OK, it's not just players on the court, there are also 'Laker Girls.'

When you see so many young girls dancing on the court, you'll realize...

This world is big.

Maggie is great.

But other girls aren't bad either."

"Hey, buddy, I'm not you." The chubby guy sighed and hung up the phone right away.

Luke "..."

What the heck?

What's it mean by 'I'm not you'?

What's wrong with me?

Darn chubby guy.

Luke resisted the urge to call back, "Forget it, I'm not going to argue with someone heartbroken.

You all don't want to go.

I'll go by myself."

After failing twice to invite anyone, Luke was too lazy to ask others. Isn't it fine to watch the game alone?

Occupying one seat, leaving one seat empty, that's just how capricious I am.

...

Staples Center.

It's a modern arena, spacious and comfortable, with over 20,000 seats, offering fans a great view of the game.

Luke had been in Los Angeles for so long, and it was his first time watching an NBA game.

Before, he poured too much energy into work, neither having the funds nor the time to enjoy, but now he has some success and savings to experience the life of the affluent in America.

Luke bought a Coke and some popcorn, a cliché choice, but he hadn't had any for a while and missed it.

He took a bite of popcorn, and the taste wasn't bad.

As the game time approached, the players began warming up on the court.

There weren't many NBA stars Luke knew, but James was one, and when he appeared, cheers erupted.

He wore a pair of blue-grey sneakers and made a couple of beautiful long-distance shots.

"Hey, buddy, is the drink on this empty seat yours?" A tattooed white guy with a nose ring walked over.

Luke looked up at him, "It's my Coke. Is there a problem?"

The guy with the nose ring shrugged, "No problem, I just want to sit here, so move your drink."

If it were a pretty girl, Luke wouldn't mind giving up the seat, but not for this guy.

Luke showed his ticket, "This is my seat."

The guy with the nose ring wasn't bothered, "Hey, your butt isn't that big, one seat is enough."

His companions around him snickered.

Luke was a bit annoyed, "I don't like strangers sitting next to me."

The guy with the nose ring raised his right hand, showing his muscles, "What did you say? I didn't catch that."

Luke revealed his gun from his waist, "You really are a disgusting fool, get out of my sight immediately."

A white girl with an afro pulled the guy with the nose ring, "Tony, there's no need to cause trouble."

The guy with the nose ring said defiantly, "I have a gun too, I'm not afraid of him."

"I didn't say you were.

But it's just a seat, no need to pull out guns," the girl with the afro whispered, "He's either reckless or tough, no need to clash with him."

The guy with the nose ring was convinced, "Kid, you're lucky today."

Luke laughed, "That's what I was going to say too.

Treasure your friend, she's the one who saved you."

The guy with the nose ring was pulled away by his companions.

Luke took a sip of his Coke and shook his head, "Jerks are everywhere."

On the court, James made a slam dunk that brought cheers.

I have to say, his physical fitness is still impressive.

The players finished warming up, and the game was about to start.

Luke took a photo of the live scene and sent it to the chubby guy, of course, not without the Coke and popcorn.

Just to tease him.

"Let me go."

Suddenly, some shouts came from behind.

Luke turned his head and saw a familiar figure.

A fifteen or sixteen-year-old white girl was walking quickly forward, being held back by a thirty-something white woman behind her.

Luke stood up, walked over to the white girl next to him, "Hi, Maggie."

"Luke, what are you doing here?" Maggie looked around, seemingly searching for someone.

"Jack's been in a bad mood recently. My grandfather gave me two tickets, but he wouldn't come, so I came alone." Luke glanced at the white woman beside her, "Is she your friend?"

Maggie looked at the white woman, then shook her head, "No, I don't know her."

The white woman said helplessly, "I'm Maggi's aunt. This kid's been in a bad mood and very irritable lately."

"My brother too."

Luke smiled at the white woman and then said to Maggie, "I'm up front. If you need anything, just come find me."

Maggie asked, "Is your seat in the front?"

"Yes."

"Can I sit with you?"

"Of course."

The white woman looked at Luke warily, "Maggie, I promised your father I'd take you home, not leave you with strangers."

"Luke is my friend, my father knows him, and he's a cop."

After Maggie said that, she went to the front row with Luke.

Looking at Maggie sitting next to him, Luke felt a bit surreal. He offered her the popcorn, "Want to try it? It's pretty good."

Maggie took the popcorn, "Thanks."

Luke really wanted to take a photo to send to the chubby guy but changed his mind to avoid making him furious.

Besides, he didn't want to meddle in the kids' relationship issues, too childish.

Soon, the game between the Lakers and the Warriors began, and Luke focused on the game.