Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

February 9th, early morning.

Luke received New Year's greetings and calls early in the morning, the first person was somewhat unexpected to him, Chen Kelin from the second squad.

However, it makes sense upon reflection; old Chen is also Chinese, so he must celebrate the Spring Festival too.

During the morning, Luke received New Year's wishes from several friends, which moved him somewhat. Most of these friends don't celebrate the Spring Festival and might not have known about it earlier; they probably learned about it because of Luke, their friend.

"Ring ring..."

Luke's phone rang. He picked it up and saw it was Lilith Finn's number.

"Hello, Luke speaking."

"Happy New Year!" Lilith greeted him in somewhat awkward Chinese.

Luke laughed, "Happy New Year! Are you in Los Angeles?"

"No, I'm in New York, have you come to New York?"

"How did you know I was in New York?"

"Last time we drank, someone told me he'd come to New York for the Spring Festival, but it turned out he forgot."

Luke laughed, "I remember, I did say that. I think you also mentioned wanting to prepare a gift for me for the Spring Festival?"

Lilith hummed, "Since you forgot, the gift is naturally gone."

"To show my apology, how about I treat you to dinner?"

"Didn't you say you wanted to spend the Spring Festival with your family?"

"Isn't this a way to show my sincerity?"

"Okay, I give you this chance, see you tomorrow." Lilith said, then hung up the phone.

Luke felt amused and helpless, Lilith hung up too quickly, not giving him a chance to respond. Tomorrow is the second day of the new year, Luke wasn't sure if he'd have the time.

Oh well, let's take it day by day.

Luke and his father and grandfather went to bed late yesterday and woke up late today. After tidying up, it was already past ten in the morning, then they drove to Luke's grandfather's house.

Today is the Spring Festival.

After meeting the family, they exchanged New Year's greetings and best wishes for the new year.

The lunch was simplified but still hearty.

Steamed bowls and dumplings.

A variety of steamed bowls, both meat and vegetarian, a dozen types in total.

The dumplings also had two types of fillings, three fresh fillings and beef with green onions.

This meal might not be considered extravagant back in China, but in New York, it was definitely high standard.

Luke had dined at many restaurants in Los Angeles but had never tasted such authentic steamed bowls. He ate until he was full.

After lunch, the old man felt a bit fatigued and drowsy, so he went to the bedroom to rest.

The old lady, however, was still lively, organizing everyone to play Mahjong.

This was also considered an essential entertainment activity during festivals.

Soon, the Mahjong table was set up, Luke also played a few rounds; his luck was good, winning two rounds in a row.

The chubby one, however, didn't win a single round, complaining about needing to switch positions.

Luke simply stopped playing and let him take his place; sure enough, as soon as the chubby one took Luke's seat, he won the first round.

Sometimes things really are mysterious like this.

Luke yawned and half-reclined on the sofa to rest, watching the family play Mahjong nearby, feeling it was quite amusing.

Will came over with two bottles of beer, handed Luke a glass, "Bro, how many days are you staying this time?"

"I took a day off, staying in New York for about five days," Luke took a sip of beer and asked, "By the way, when is aunt's family coming over?"

"They usually come on the second day of the new year, but this year... they probably won't."

"Why?"

"Earlier, aunt said they would come on the second day, but then Julia said her college courses were tight, so they're not coming back this year. Aunt and Uncle went to the city where Julia studies to spend the New Year with her."

Tight college courses, who are you kidding.

Luke looked at Will, hesitating to speak, and asked, "Did Julia break up with that black guy?"

"Who knows, that's a forbidden topic now," Will showed an expression that said you know what I mean.

Luke nodded; since aunt's family isn't coming tomorrow, he could make the appointment.

"I heard from my aunt you joined the Bounty Hunters training?"

"I was planning to tell you personally." Will shrugged, "Did they ask you to persuade me to change careers?"

Luke laughed, "Why did you decide to become a Bounty Hunter?"

"A friend's father is a Bounty Hunter, so he followed in his father's footsteps and joined the bounty hunter training. He asked if I wanted to join him?

I researched online about Bounty Hunters and found the industry quite challenging and capable of increasing combat experience, so I signed up. My friend even helped me get a discount."

Luke said, "So, you joined the bounty hunter training just out of interest, without fully deciding to enter this industry."

"Um... I don't know how to put it.

You should know, Asians are often seen as a minority in America, perceived as easy to bully; I've had similar experiences.

So, I hope to become strong, more confident, and face other races openly.

Whether it's being a police officer or a bounty hunter, both require training in firearms and combat skills. This makes me feel empowered and more confident to live in this land.

I indeed want to be a Bounty Hunter, not just to earn money, but also because I think such an experience will make me stronger, able to protect my family like a real man.

Instead of being bullied by gangs like before without even having the ability to resist."

Luke patted his shoulder, "I don't know much about the Bounty Hunter industry, nor whether I should advise you to leave it.

"But uncle and aunt are very worried about your safety."

"I know, I will keep myself safe."

"It's good that you have your own ideas, if you need any help, feel free to contact me."

"Thank you, I will."

"Cheers!"

Luke raised the beer bottle and clinked it with the other person.

Evening.

After finishing dinner, Luke's family of three drove away.

Li Zhaofeng asked his two sons while driving, "Did you have fun today?"

The chubby kid laughed, "Of course, happy times always fly by quickly. However, the only regret is that we didn't set off fireworks this year."

Li Zhaofeng said, "Last year, a friend of mine set off fireworks in his yard, and the neighborhood thought someone was shooting, so they called 911.

When the police arrived, they questioned my friend thoroughly, and left him with a memorable Spring Festival.

So, we didn't buy any firecrackers this year either."

The chubby kid shrugged, indicating understanding.

Li Zhaofeng asked, "Where do you want to go to play tomorrow?"

Before Luke could speak, the chubby kid said, "Will invited me to go out to play tomorrow."

"That's good, you young folks should socialize more." Li Zhaofeng nodded, then looked at Luke, "Are you going too?"

Luke replied, "No, my friends in New York know I'm here and want to invite me to dinner."

"OK, then go out and have fun, but remember to come back for dinner in the evening, I'll make something delicious for you."

The chubby kid asked, "Still Zhajiang noodles?"

Li Zhaofeng laughed, "I've learned a new dish, trust me, it will be delicious."

...

The next morning.

Luke was eating breakfast when he received a call from Lilith, saying she would send a car to pick him up.

Luke wasn't very familiar with New York, so having a car pick him up was nice.

Around nine in the morning, a pink Rolls-Royce stopped outside Li Zhaofeng's house.

When Luke opened the door, he saw the flashy luxury car; this kind of car would find it hard to stay low-key on the road.

The chubby kid also came out, his face full of envy, "Bro, I suddenly don't feel like going out with Will anymore, can I go out with you?"

"Standing someone up isn't a good habit, tell Will I said hi." With that, Luke walked towards the pink Rolls-Royce.

The driver got out and helped Luke open the car door. Luke sat in the backseat and disappeared down the road under the envious gaze of the chubby kid.

Luke looked at Lilith sitting next to him, she was dressed in a khaki knit sweater and black jeans, not revealing skin but her curvy figure and long legs were very eye-catching.

Luke smiled, "I like your jeans, very sexy."

Lilith retorted, "Is there a part of me that's not sexy?"

"You'll only know if you see it." Luke teased, "So, are we going to a hotel now?"

"Going to a hotel first thing in the morning, are you crazy, or am I?" Lilith snorted softly, "Didn't you say you were going to treat me to a meal?"

Luke looked at his watch, "Are you sure you want to eat at this time?

You came to pick me up so early, there must be other plans."

"Hehe... You really are a big detective, can't fool you.

Unlike some forgetful people, when I say I'll give you a gift, I'll definitely do it.

I specially took a day off today to be your guide and show you around New York for a day."

Luke joked, "Where? To see the Statue of Liberty? Or Wall Street?"

"You'll know soon."

Luke stopped asking and enjoyed being in the luxury car, "Got any red wine?"

"You have a lot of requests." Lilith glanced at him, took a bottle of red wine from the wine cabinet, poured it into two glasses, and handed one to Luke.

Luke raised his glass and clinked it with Lilith, "Thank you."

He took a sip and nodded, "Good wine.

When did you come to New York?"

"I came last week, there are some business matters to attend to."

The two drank wine while chatting.

After about ten minutes, the car drove into a vintage-style street, into an estate-like yard.

Estates in New York are not cheap, Luke couldn't help but ask, "What are we doing here?"

"Bringing you to see a private art exhibit."

Luke looked at the exquisite flowerbeds along the road, and asked, "An art exhibit in an estate?"

"Yes, the environment here is quieter, and the atmosphere is better."

Luke realized, and asked, "You want me to experience the lifestyle of New York's upper class?"

Lilith tilted her head, "It's not about being upper class or not, just a way of life for some wealthy people.

Are you ready?"

"Of course, I'm looking forward to it." Luke finished the wine in his glass.

The meaning of life is not just to experience different ways of living, isn't it?