Before Luke returned from New York, he carefully picked out a few small gifts, including one for his grandfather, Robert, which he would give later.
The chubby kid's gift was the new Nintendo console, which Luke and his father jointly funded.
The chubby kid saw the gaming console, and with his chubby face beaming with joy, his eyes squinted into slits as he picked up the console and started examining it eagerly.
Linda received a box of bird's nest as her gift. She paused for a mont, recognizing the delicacy she'd seen before but hadn't eaten in a long ti.
The uncle's gift was two bottles of whiskey with nice packaging, a good vintage, and a reputable brand.
By five in the afternoon, Robert had also arrived, and Luke gifted him a box of cigars, perfect for an old leisure smoker like him. A single cigar lasts an hour, but Luke didn't have ti for that.
Everyone received their gifts, and the room was filled with a joyous atmosphere.
At six in the evening, the family held hands for prayer and then began dinner.
Having eaten Chinese food in New York for a while, Luke found the spread of Western dishes a bit disorienting.
Honestly, although Linda cooks every day, her culinary skills are quite average. It's not just compared to his professional chef uncle Li Zhaonian, but even compared to his father. Of course, it might just be because Luke prefers Chinese cuisine.
At the dinner table, Robert inquired about the New York trip, "Luke, why did you stay in New York for so long this ti? Is there anything going on with your father?"
With close family present, Luke didn't hold back, "Indeed, I encountered so troubles.
My uncle runs a Chinese restaurant in New York's Chinatown, and local gang mbers often dine-and-dash. My cousin, being young and impulsive, got into conflict with them.
Those thugs vandalized the restaurant and threatened my uncle's family's safety, so I stayed there for a while to resolve the issue."
Robert listened attentively and put down his knife and fork to ask, "How did you resolve it? LAPD's jurisdiction doesn't extend that far."
"I have so connections with the FBI. I asked a friend to help make a consultant for the FBI's New York branch and used that identity to settle the gang problems.
But helping goes both ways. The FBI's New York office also encountered a tricky case with a gambling king wanted by Southeast Asian governnts who fled to New York. He's committed several murders, and the FBI hopes I can assist in catching the gambling king quickly."
"So that took up so ti."
Val comnted, "Gambling king from Southeast Asia? Sounds intimidating, is he very formidable?"
"He runs online gambling in Southeast Asia with illegal gains amounting to over a billion US dollars. Apparently, quite a few Aricans also bet via his network, having a widespread impact."
"Wow, over a billion dollars, that's indeed impressive." Val showed a look of envy and asked, "How's he doing now?"
"Quite well, staying in a governnt-provided house, living carefree, and has FBI agents as bodyguards."
Val rolled his eyes, "You've beco humorous."
Luke chuckled and changed the subject, "In a couple of days, my dad might co to Los Angeles."
Linda paused, raised her glass to sip so red wine, "Why is he coming to Los Angeles?"
"I'm planning to buy a house in Los Angeles and need his help with so tax-related matters."
Robert also showed a curious expression, "Buying a house is a big deal, where are you planning to buy?"
"Palisades Community."
"Are you sure?
It's a famous upscale villa community with great surroundings, complete facilities, and a real estate average over tens of millions of US dollars, definitely not affordable for everyone."
"I have that in mind, but it's not confird yet." Luke had only seen the villa on paper, hadn't visited the site, so there was no need to explain much.
Robert said earnestly, "Luke, you're still young. At your age, I was renting a place too, don't put too much pressure on yourself."
"I know."
"Your father is a steady person, consult him more."
"I will."
"However, having such ideas at your age shows comndable courage.
Here's to your courage, let's toast."
...
After dinner, it was already past seven, and Luke was ready to head ho.
Linda helped her son load the luggage into the car, standing with arms crossed beside him, looking as if she had sothing to say.
Luke glanced at Linda, "Mom, is there sothing wrong?"
Linda snapped back, waving her hand, "No, there's nothing wrong?"
"Mom, don't lie to an officer.
Ever since I ntioned dad coming to Los Angeles, you've seed a bit distracted."
"It's really nothing, just that it's been such a long ti. eting suddenly feels a bit strange." Linda sighed slightly, "How's he now, is he doing well?"
"Not bad, moved into a new house."
"Does he have a girlfriend?"
"Probably not."
"Is it 'probably not' or 'hasn't told you'?"
Luke laughed, "While there might be people who can fool , that certainly excludes you and dad."
Linda laughed as well, closed the car door, "You drank, drive slowly."
Luke nodded, looking at Linda, "Mom, I love you. No matter what decision you make, I will support you."
"Sa here. You're my pride, my son."
Luke bade farewell to his mother and left the Inno Community in his rcedes.
Instead of heading ho, Luke drove to Daisy's place.
This was also his final stop for the night.
His main purpose for visiting Daisy was to discuss the house purchase, not due to their relationship but because Luke needed a lawyer.
A trustworthy lawyer.
From birth to death, major decisions in Arica always involve lawyers; buying a house is no different.
By the ti Luke arrived at Daisy's ho, Daisy had just returned from work, dressed in a black professional skirt, and red high heels. Beautiful, mature, and capable, letting Luke temporarily forget his purpose for coming.
The reunion felt like a new marriage; they deeply connected for two hours before Luke's hormones settled.
Luke laid on the bed, looking at the languid beauty beside him, and said, "Daisy, I'm planning to buy a house in Los Angeles and would like you to be my lawyer."
Daisy was a bit surprised, not expecting Luke to buy a house so soon, "What prompted this? Why buy a house just after returning from New York?"
Since she was his lawyer, he couldn't hide the origin of the house from her, so he briefly talked about Zhou Tiansheng's matter.
Daisy expressed so envy, "I've heard of that community. A client of mine lives there; I've heard the environnt is great.
Captain Luke, you've hit it big."
Luke wrapped Daisy's smooth waist, "Once the house is renovated, I'll invite you to moon-gaze in the bedroom on the first night."
Daisy laughed, "Wait until you buy it first before extending that invitation."
"Consider it agreed then." Luke's hand wandered again, exploring the nooks and crannies.
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