Los Angeles Detective

 Buggs Club.

A Spanish-style restaurant built on the coast. The restaurant is divided into two parts: indoor and outdoor.

Luke and Lilith were sitting at the outdoor dining table chatting. Next door was the endless sea. The sea breeze was blowing on their faces and they could faintly hear the sound of waves crashing on the shore. It was very healing.

Lilith picked up the red wine glass and said, "Cheers."

“Cheers!” Luke also picked up the wine glass and took a sip, savoring the taste of the red wine.

 After arriving in Los Angeles, Luke followed the locals and gradually became accustomed to drinking wine.

 Lilith asked, "When do you think Inspector Yarrow will catch the thief?"

Luke looked at the sea level, "This case is not very difficult, and the method of doing it is not clever either.

 In the past, Detective Yarrow had not made any progress in the investigation because the other party misunderstood the suspect's motive and always thought that the suspect wanted to steal the complete enamel gourd bottle.

 Now that Inspector Yarrow has determined a new direction of investigation, the investigation should progress quickly.

 I guess the results may be available tomorrow. "

Lilith rubbed her temples and said, "I feel relieved when you say that."

Luke picked up an olive and took a bite. "Your grandfather gave you the responsibility to manage this club?"

"Yes." Lilith smiled, "I have to thank you.

I gave my grandfather part of the treasure we found on the unknown island, and also told us about our treasure hunting experience. My grandfather was very happy and asked me like a child about the process and details of my treasure hunt.

 I haven’t seen him so happy for a long time.

Grandpa also told me that doing business requires a spirit of exploration just like treasure hunting.

I told him that as his granddaughter and a member of the Finn family, I have never lacked the spirit of exploration, and this treasure hunt is the best proof.

 I made the old man happy, and he handed over the management of this club to me. "

Luke asked with some envy, "What do you mean I left it to you? Did I give it to you?"

“It’s still too early to say this now. Although my grandfather is old, he is in good physical condition and has a clear mind...

 What I have to do now is to take care of this club, which is also the most basic.

　　If I can't even do this..." Lilith showed an expression that you know.

Luke smiled and said, "It seems that being the heir of a big family is not easy either."

“Yes, I have never managed a family business before, and I still have a lot to learn.” Lilith said softly, “To be honest, I was a little panicked when I suddenly landed in this position.

Especially when the auction items were stolen, I was very passive. If I didn’t handle it well, I would definitely be laughed at by those annoying people at the next family gathering.

 Thank you again for your help, my knight. "

Luke grabbed her white palm, kissed the back of it, and raised his eyebrows, "Thank you with words, but it's not sincere. You have to take action."

Lilith smiled, "I haven't had a good rest since the auction was stolen last night. Now I can finally relax and have a good sleep.

 I don’t have the energy to go crazy with you tonight. "

 “What about tomorrow night?”

 Lilith blinked her big eyes, "It depends on my mood."

Luke joked, "There is a saying in China that a rabbit dies and a dog is cooked. I understand it now."

 “Comon, I am not the kind of person you say, why don’t we talk about your reward.”

Luke picked up the red wine glass and clinked it with her, "The theft suspect hasn't been caught yet. Isn't it a little early to say this now?"

Lilith took a sip of red wine and said, "Captain Luke takes action, how can there be a suspect that cannot be caught, let alone a small thief.

I believe in you. "

At this moment, a waitress came over and nodded, "Miss Fenn, Mr. Li, your dinner is ready."

 “Let’s serve the meal.”

“Okay.” After a while, several waiters came over with trays and placed exquisite dishes on the table.

 Spanish paella, Iberian ham, Galician octopus, stewed oxtail, Spanish fish soup, Spanish roasted pork loin, Asturian stew, etc.

 “You two, please use it slowly.”

 After serving the food, the waiters left the restaurant one after another, leaving only two people left in the entire open-air restaurant.

  Luke asked, “Have you reserved the venue today?”

"Yes, don't talk about it being a waste of time. I value you very much." Lilith picked up the wine glass, clinked it with Luke, and said with a smile, "How about trying the food? It's my first time too. vegetable."

Luke first came with a piece of roasted pork loin. This thing needs to be eaten while it is hot. It has a charred and soft aroma in the mouth, and there is also a faint aroma of wine. "It tastes good."

 Lilith ate a mussel and nodded slightly, "It's not bad."

 Luke ate another piece of ham. The meat was soft, slightly chewy, and melted in your mouth. It had a salty, sweet taste, and a rich texture, which was perfect for drinking.

After tasting several dishes, Lilith put down her fork and took a sip of red wine. "What do you think of these dishes?"

Luke nodded, "Except for the octopus dish, everything else is delicious. Overall, it tastes good."

“Since Captain Li said so, let’s keep him.” Lilith smiled, “Let’s talk about your remuneration. If you have any requirements, you can ask directly.”

"I came here because of your face, so it doesn't matter how much money you have." Luke looked like you were looking at him.

Lilith leaned forward and said in a coquettish tone, "Is it okay if I don't give it?"

 Luke shrugged, "Just take care of the food."

"Ha ha…"

Lilith chuckled lightly, "Your words are enough, I will not use my favor to save money for the club.

 So, I’d better save your free help for future times when I need it. "

“I have two plans. The first plan is a consulting fee of US$500,000;

 The second option is a consulting fee of US$450,000, plus a one-year Baggs Club membership card. "After Lilith finished speaking, she added, "I suggest you choose the latter, because the annual membership fee of the Bugs Club is usually about one hundred thousand dollars. "

 “Is it so expensive? Are there any services?”

“Membership is just a threshold to enter the club. In addition, you can stay in the club for free for 20 days within a year and enjoy all public facilities and services, such as golf, gym, racecourse, buffet, etc.

 As long as there are no additional services, you basically don’t have to pay any fees. "

 Luke thought for a moment and decided to choose the second option for two reasons.

The first is the issue of paying taxes. Although the first plan seems to be an extra $50,000, it is before tax. After tax, you will only get more than $30,000. It is still more expensive to buy a one-year club membership with more than $30,000. Very good deal.

Among them, you can stay for twenty days for free. Luke can come here for a vacation when he is tired from work.

 Second, the threshold for this club is very high. Those who can come here are either rich or noble. It is necessary for Luke to spend 30,000 US dollars to experience the life circle of the rich.

What’s more, isn’t making money just for enjoyment?

Luke smiled and said, "I'm here on vacation alone. Can I ask you for afternoon tea when I'm bored?"

Lilith said arrogantly, “If all the guests want to invite me for afternoon tea, then I don’t have to do anything else every day.

However, you are an exception.

 As long as I’m in a good mood, of course. "

 “Why do you feel like you are so fickle?”

Lilith said indifferently, "Are there any women who are not fickle?"

Luke raised his glass and said with a smile, "Cheers to your emotional stability!"

 …

 The next morning.

Luke slept until he woke up naturally. Looking at the unfamiliar bedroom, he remembered that this was not his new home, but the club's house.

Luke walked to the window and opened the curtains. The sun shone into the room. When he opened the window, a breath of fresh air hit his nostrils.

Luke also lived in a single-family villa. Outside the window was a separate courtyard planted with many small purple and yellow flowers, which looked vibrant and beautiful in the morning sun.

Luke stretched himself, washed up, changed into clean clothes, and went to the cafeteria to eat.

 The food in the restaurant is very rich. Luke ordered a glass of milk, a cup of coffee, French fries, fried eggs, bacon, ham, sandwiches, blueberries and oranges.

 Luke ate very slowly, admiring the scenery outside the window while eating, enjoying the leisurely time.

Luke was halfway through breakfast when Lilith came and sat opposite Luke with a dinner plate, "Good morning."

“Eat so little?” Luke saw that there was only an omelette, a vegetable salad and a cup of coffee on Lilith’s plate.

 “I just woke up and I don’t have much appetite yet.”

"Did you sleep well last night?"

"It's good. If I hadn't been woken up by my cell phone, I could have slept for another hour." Lilith took a sip of coffee. "By the way, I have good news for you. Inspector Yarrow has caught the enamel theft." of suspects.

 Do you want to go and see it with me? "

 “Why not?” Luke also wanted to know the suspect’s motive.

 After dinner, Luke and Lilith came to the auction venue again.

There were several police officers standing inside and outside the auction venue. Detective Yarrow and two handcuffed men seemed to be identifying the scene.

Luke did not enter the auction venue immediately, but stood at the door and watched.

The same was true for Lilith, but she frowned slightly and looked at the two handcuffed men with a look of worry on her face.

  Luke asked, “Do you know them?”

“Yes, the older white man is a member of the club, I saw him at the auction that night.

 The other man in handcuffs was the guest he brought. In my impression, he was not at the auction venue at the time, and was probably the person who was waiting outside. "

Ten minutes later, two handcuffed white men were taken away directly by the police.

Nicolin Yarrow walked up to Luke and Lilith and pointed at the backs of the two white men, "Those two guys are the suspects who stole the auction items. They have already confessed."

 Lilith asked, "How did you catch them?"

Nicolin Yaro replied, “According to Captain Li’s speculation, I changed the direction of the investigation and re-interviewed the guests at the auction venue.

 After verification, two suspects who fit the characteristics of the crime were found.

　　I questioned the two of them separately, and together with the testimonies and confessions of eyewitnesses, the two became at odds with each other.

I also found the broken enamel, and the two of them were convicted. "

Lilith asked curiously, "What was their motive for committing the crime?"

“Fred Conley, the older suspect, was a very wealthy and successful businessman.

He liked enamel porcelain very much and also collected a similar gourd bottle enamel, which was very similar to the damaged gourd bottle enamel.

After he heard that there was a similar enamel auction at the club, he rushed to the club to take the enamel and make a pair.

After he came to the club, he began to inquire about the situation of the enamel, and also had contact with the owner of the damaged enamel.

What makes him depressed is that the price of the enamel gourd bottle is far higher than expected, and he may not be able to afford it.

 So, before the auction started, he made two preparations. If the auction price was not high and within his affordability, he would buy the enamel and make a pair.

 If the auction price exceeds his ability, he will use criminal means to steal the enamel.

I have to say, this guy is indeed a bit crazy. "

Lilith asked, "What good would it do him to steal the damaged enamel?"

Nicolin Yarrow explained, “In his words, these two enamel gourd vases are very similar, and it would be best if they could be paired together.

 If you can't make a pair, the more the quantity, the lower the price will be.

 The smaller the quantity, the more cherished it is.

 Having destroyed the enamel-colored porcelain vase at auction, his enamel-colored gourd vase is an orphan, and its collection value will be greatly increased. "

Luke said, "If you can't get it, destroy it."

Nicolin Yarrow nodded, "Yes, that's what he said."

 In Luke's view, the idea of ​​orphan product appreciation is a bit taken for granted. It can only be said that it is possible, and ultimately it depends on the buyer's market.

Fred Conley's approach harms others and does not benefit himself.

Luke felt that he originally wanted to make a pair of two enamel gourd bottles, but unfortunately he was short of money. The greater his hope, the greater his disappointment. The reason why he damaged the enamel gourd bottle for auction was not only for profit, but also for revenge. psychology.