Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

"What's the matter?"

"Uh..." The chubby guy hesitated for a moment, "It's about Maggie."

Luke shrugged, "What about her?"

The chubby guy looked downcast, "Maggie has disappeared, and I'm really worried about her."

"Disappeared? When did this happen?"

"I asked her classmates; she hasn't been to school for two days. They said she called in sick."

"Listen, if you're worried about Maggie, you can contact her directly. Even if you can't be lovers, you can be friends.

There's no need to scare yourself like this."

"I tried contacting her, but I couldn't reach her. I even went to her house, but there was no one there, so I'm worried.

Our school just had a murder case, and I'm worried that she might..."

"Hey, don't scare yourself.

I've already solved that murder case. It has nothing to do with Maggie.

Maybe Maggie's not feeling well and went somewhere else to recuperate."

"Where could she go? We've never been apart for this long."

"Hey, buddy, you two have broken up. It's different from before."

"I know. I'm also accepting it, but...

I just can't help worrying about her.

I just... want to make sure she's okay.

That's all."

"Looks like our Li family has a romantic." Luke sighed a bit helplessly, "OK, what do you want me to do?"

"Can you contact Maggie? I just want to make sure she's safe."

"I think I added her number before. Let me check..." Luke took out his phone and looked through his contacts. After a while, he said, "OK, I found her number.

But first, let's get this straight, if I get through, should I talk or should you?"

"You talk."

"Do you want me to tell her you're worried about her?"

"No, I don't want her to think I'm pestering her. Maggie doesn't like that kind of person."

Luke nodded, "Then what should I say if I get through?"

The chubby guy said, "You guys talked pretty well during parties before."

"Yeah, but that's because we had a common topic— you.

But now I can't bring you up...

It feels a bit strange to just call her out of the blue."

The chubby guy seemed to recall something sad, and his round face immediately drooped.

Luke glanced at his watch and, not wanting to dawdle any longer, directly dialed Maggie's number.

A moment later, the phone connected.

"Hi, Maggie."

"Luke, what made you think of contacting me? I'm a bit surprised."

"I was handling a case at your school recently and heard by chance that you haven't been attending classes. Did something happen?"

"Oh, thanks for your concern.

I've just been feeling a bit unwell, so I gave myself a few days off."

"Are you planning to rest at home for a few days?"

"I'm not at home. Actually, my dad wanted me to have a change of environment, so I'm temporarily staying at my aunt's place.

I should be back in a few days.

But there's nothing seriously wrong with me, no need to worry."

"OK, hope you get better soon."

"Thanks, I will."

Luke hung up the phone and looked at the chubby guy beside him, "Did you hear?"

The chubby guy had a complicated expression, "Looks like she's not out of touch, just... blocked me."

Luke suddenly felt curious about why the two of them broke up.

But he held his tongue, realizing he's her brother, not a close friend.

"I'm planning to buy a new car. Are you going home now, or coming with me?"

The chubby guy slowly raised his head, "What's for lunch?"

"The main task today is to buy a car, so we'll just grab something near the dealership for lunch. I'll treat you to a nice dinner tonight."

"Sounds good."

"Come with me; you won't regret it."

Soon, the two of them took a taxi to the largest Dodge dealership in Los Angeles.

The chubby guy got out of the car and spread his hands, "Haven't you had enough of driving police cars?"

"Most Dodge police cars are Chargers, but today I want to buy a Challenger. One is a four-door, the other is a two-door, and there's a big difference in performance."

The chubby guy thought for a moment, "Let me guess?

You're buying a Hellcat!"

"I haven't decided yet. It could also be a Demon."

The chubby guy looked envious, "It's great to be rich!"

"Good morning, gentlemen. Welcome to Dodge Dealership." A white female sales associate in a short skirt and with long legs walked over, with a faint smile on her face. "Which car would you like to know about? I can help you with that."

Luke looked at her and smiled, "I like your voice. How should I address you?"

"Abis Owen.

Sir, how should I address you?"

"My last name is Li, and this is my brother."

"Mr. Li, which car do you like? I can show it to you."

"The Challenger series."

"Wow, just like I thought. That car really matches your vibe.

Mr. Li, what's your budget?"

"No budget."

"OK." Abis Owen raised an eyebrow, led Luke and Jack into the car showroom, and pointed to a Dodge on the far left, saying, "This is the 2023 Dodge Challenger SXT, two-door, four-wheel drive, large trunk, 3.6 liters, six-cylinder naturally aspirated engine, with a maximum horsepower of 309, and it goes from zero to sixty in 6.2 seconds..."

"How much is it?"

"Thirty-four thousand US Dollars and you can drive it home."

Luke nodded. This is just the asking price; there should be room for negotiation.

Luke opened the car door and sat in the driver's seat. The space was large, the seats were thick, and the view was not bad. Although it only had two doors, it had four seats, and people could sit in the back.

"Mr. Li, do you want to take a test drive?"

Luke often drove a Dodge police car, and the performance wasn't much different from this one, so he didn't need a test drive.

Jack got out of the car, pointed to a black Challenger with a cat logo, and asked, "Is that the Hellcat?"

"Wow, the main event is here.

This is the 2023 Red-eyed Hellcat, 6.2-liter V8 turbocharged engine, 807 horsepower output, 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 3.4 seconds, with new tech configurations in the car. I dare say, it's the dream car of many men."

"How much is it?"

"This car is ninety thousand US Dollars, but the specific price depends on the configuration you choose."

Jackson glanced around, "Where's the Demon?"

"That purple one is the Demon 170, with stronger horsepower and 0 to 100 km/h acceleration in 2.3 seconds; it's definitely the strongest muscle car on the planet."

The chubby kid leaned against the car body, took a selfie, "Wow, super cool."

Luke asked, "How much is this car?"

"This car's configuration is one hundred and thirty thousand US Dollars.

However, the Demon 170 is a bit special because it's a limited edition, so there's an additional premium of one hundred thousand US Dollars, bringing the total price to two hundred and thirty thousand US Dollars."

"Can I try the car?"

"Of course, which car do you want to try?"

"The Red-eyed Hellcat and Demon 170."

"Follow me."

Abis Owen led the two brothers to the test track, and Luke first test-drove the Red-eyed Hellcat. Abis Owen handed him a black key.

Luke asked, "No red key?"

"Are you sure?"

"Of course."

Abis Owen hesitated slightly, "OK, I'll go get it."

Luke opened the car door and first sat in the driver's seat. The black car, with red seats, was very beautiful, much more comfortable to sit in than the Challenger SXT.

After Abis Owen brought the red key, she sat in the passenger seat, while the chubby kid was driven to the back seat.

Luke started the car, and it immediately made a 'rumbling' sound. With one press on the gas, it launched forward, roaring like a cat, "Meow..."

Jack excitedly shouted, "Wow, I love this exhaust sound..."

Abis Owen turned around and laughed, "Indeed, it's a super sexy sound, who wouldn't love it."

Luke made a lap and found the car really powerful. The only regret was that the track was too short and didn't allow it to fully unleash its potential.

Then, Luke eagerly test-drove the Demon 170.

This car also felt great to drive, not much different from the Red-eyed Hellcat.

Before coming, Luke had also researched these two cars; the Hellcat's performance was already strong, and the Demon was enhanced on the Hellcat's basis.

However, this enhancement was more noticeable on straight tracks, not much different for daily driving. Luke even felt the Hellcat drove more steadily.

Then there's the price; the total purchase price of the Red-eyed Hellcat is about a little over one hundred thousand, while the Demon is slightly more expensive by ten or twenty thousand, but due to its limited production, the premium is one hundred thousand US Dollars.

This one hundred thousand US Dollars premium is enough to buy another Hellcat.

Luke felt unless someone was a collector enthusiast, very few people would want to be taken advantage of like that.

"Mr. Li, which car do you want to buy?"

"What's the lowest price for the Red-eyed Hellcat?"

"Let me walk you through the configuration first, then I'll give you the best price."

"Ok."

Luke selected the configuration on the computer, mostly choosing the top configuration, and the discounted price was ninety-two thousand US Dollars. With taxes and fees, the total cost reached one hundred thousand US Dollars.

Abis Owen asked, "Mr. Li, are you paying in full or taking a loan?

If you're taking a loan, I can recommend the best interest rate."

"In full, can I pick up the car today?"

"Our dealership happens to have a fully equipped Red-eyed Hellcat that meets your configuration needs, and if everything goes well, you should be able to pick it up this afternoon."

"I'm looking forward to it."

...

Six o'clock in the afternoon.

"Meow..." a roar that sounded like a cat echoed.

A brand-new black Dodge Hellcat drove out of the dealership, attracting many onlookers.

The chubby kid was sitting in the passenger seat, shouting, whether out of excitement or fear, "I feel like my heart is about to jump out!"

"Haha, isn't that the effect we're going for?" Luke laughed.

"Slow down a bit; I haven't fully adjusted to this car yet." The chubby kid felt his heart racing and his stomach growling, "What should we eat?"

"Anywhere in Los Angeles, you can have whatever you want." Luke was still immersed in the joy of buying a new car and wasn't going to skimp on anything.

"You said it. I know a great restaurant, but it's a bit pricey. You won't think I'm ripping you off, will you?"

"Doesn't matter; if you want to eat there, we'll go.

If I'm not happy with the bill, I'll just beat you up."

"Then I definitely want to eat there."

With the new car, they quickly arrived at a Michelin three-star French restaurant called 'Cento Pasta Bar.'

After parking the car, they entered the restaurant, and the chubby kid stopped in his tracks, looking at the luxurious and high-end decor, "How about this place? It's great, isn't it?

I've wanted to come here for a long time."

Seeing the couples inside the restaurant, Luke shrugged, "It's indeed nice; it would be even better if I wasn't here with you."

The chubby kid had a complex expression, "You're right; I originally wanted to bring Maggie here..."

Luke "..."

Led by the waitress, they found a table by the window and sat down.

As soon as Luke picked up the menu, the chubby kid exclaimed, "I think I see someone I know."

"Who?"

"Val."

"Then you must be mistaken."

"I thought so too. After all, he shouldn't be in this kind of restaurant.

But...

That sure is him."

Luke turned his head and indeed saw Val's figure. What surprised him even more was that there was a woman sitting opposite him.

"Even Val...has a girlfriend?"

The chubby kid looked at the menu, suddenly losing his appetite...