Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Value is in the eye of the beholder.

The fact that Pinkerton Detective Agency was willing to offer this consulting fee indicates that they thought Luke was worth it.

Luke also felt that this agency had good judgment, considering himself a hotshot; even though his current status wasn't high, he had tremendous potential for growth. By the time they'd want to curry favor with him again, it wouldn't be solved with just two hundred thousand US Dollars.

Luke confirmed, "Are there any other additional terms?"

"If you accept a case assignment, the detective agency will take a thirty percent service fee."

If that was all, Luke felt he wasn't at a loss, but he didn't agree immediately, "I'll think about it."

"Please wait a moment." Orty got up and left, her voluptuous curves faintly visible even in the loose pajamas.

When she returned, Orty held a document in her hand, "This is the consultant contract from Pinkerton Detective Agency. Take a look, and if there are no issues, we can sign it next time."

"I will look at it carefully, good night." Luke got up and left.

Orty saw Luke to the door and waved, "Bye."

Luke drove away.

The way Pinkerton Detective Agency approached him, as if sizing him up, somewhat displeased Luke, but since they came to give money, there was no need to completely sever ties.

Having John and Afra intercept and search was also a way of giving them a nudge.

Besides, if they could woo him, they could as well seduce other high-level officers of the police and FBI.

Those 'seniors' had already risen through the ranks and held positions higher than his.

It would be mutually beneficial.

As for whether or not to become a consultant at Pinkerton Detective Agency, Luke hadn't made up his mind and planned to show the contract to Daisy the next day. When it came to contracts, being cautious was definitely not a mistake.

...

The T-bone Steak Restaurant.

At ten o'clock in the morning, Julian parked his car in the lot and walked to the restaurant.

There were five people in the restaurant in total: two chefs, two waitresses, and the owner who was the cashier. When it was busy, she'd also double as a waitress.

The owner was a forty-something Caucasian woman with a stout figure, who called out in her distinctive loud voice, "Everyone, come over here, I need to have a meeting."

The Caucasian chef laughed, "This is a restaurant, not City Hall. Do we need to have meetings every day?"

The owner replied, "You're right. Next year I'm planning to run for Mayor of Los Angeles. Will you vote for me?"

"No, I won't vote for you. That would make me unemployed."

"Ha ha..." Everyone burst into laughter.

"You idiot," the owner rolled her eyes and knocked on the table, "There's something I need to address. Today at noon, a customer has booked the entire restaurant. He's going to propose to his girlfriend here, so we need to set up in advance."

A Caucasian waitress asked, "A marriage proposal in a steak restaurant, is he serious?"

"Of course. The first time he met his girlfriend was right here in our place. He feels it's meaningful and wants to propose here.

The proposal is set for twelve-thirty. We need to prepare the setting in advance."

Julian asked, "How should we set it up? Does the customer have any specific requests?"

"Decorate the place with flowers and balloons, make it as warm and cozy as possible." After the owner finished speaking, a delivery truck stopped at the door, and a delivery worker came down,

"Your flowers have arrived."

"OK." The owner stood up, "We have our work cut out for us today. This proposal is very important, let's not mess it up."

Then, everyone started setting up the proposal scene.

Julian, along with everyone else, carried the flowers into the restaurant. Most of them were red roses, and there were some pink flowers as well, very pretty.

Smelling the fragrance, Julian's face showed an enchanted expression.

Like most women, Julian loved flowers too.

There was a time when she dreamt of a romantic proposal.

But dreams are just dreams, and Julian had given up hope on that.

Nevertheless, she set up the flowers with care, arranging them into a large heart shape.

The two chefs were responsible for the balloons, which were mostly pink, decorating the restaurant to look warm and cozy and even shaping them into the word 'love'.

By noon, the restaurant was all set.

The two chefs were sent to the back to prepare a romantic meal for two.

Julian and another waitress cleaned up the garbage.

At twelve-twenty, the restaurant was ready and decorated with flowers and balloons, looking very warm and romantic.

After a while, a black Mercedes pulled up outside the restaurant.

The owner instructed, "Julian, that must be the gentleman who's proposing. Help him with the stuff in the trunk."

"Sure." Julian responded and headed for the back of the Mercedes.

The trunk popped open automatically; Julian approached and saw a large bunch of radiant red roses.

She paused for a moment, not seeing any other items.

"Julian, what are you waiting for? Bring the stuff in," the owner gestured.

"Right away." Without further thought, Julian picked up the bouquet and walked towards the restaurant.

Not far along, a familiar voice called out from behind, "Hey, Julian."

Julian turned around, her expression reflecting surprise, "Marcus, what are you doing here again?"

"I have something to tell you."

"Not now, I'm busy. Let's talk after I finish work." Julian dropped the remark and went into the restaurant.

Julian asked the owner, "Kelly, where should I put this bouquet?"

"Ask that gentleman behind you."