North American Detective: I am Proficient in All Kinds of Gun Quick Draws

French restaurant.

Under the dim, hazy lights, pairs of urban men and women strove to maintain an unspoken yet romantically charged atmosphere, all for the sake of a thrilling post-dinner activity.

Eve looked at the man before her, her eyes seeming to ripple with seductive waves. "Dean, I haven't seen you for a while. You've become even more handsome."

Dean chuckled lightly. "I'm still the same me. It's just that in your eyes, my rank as a detective adds a flattering filter."

A man's power and wealth are natural 'aphrodisiacs' for women.

Regarding the dishes and the woman before him, Dean was actually more curious about why Eve had sought him out.

He knew the predicament Eve was in.

Strictly speaking, he was the one who gave Eve the opportunity to rise.

He was also the one who took that opportunity away.

Therefore, Dean was even more curious about what Eve planned to use to persuade him to help her.

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Eve wiped the corner of her mouth, picked up her champagne, and gestured towards Dean. Then, she said suggestively, "Dean, do you remember the joyful times we shared and the promises we made?"

"What?"

Dean feigned ignorance. "Lieutenant Eve, are you talking about sending me undercover? I do owe you thanks for that. Otherwise, I likely wouldn't have been able to transfer to the Homicide Division, nor would I have been promoted to detective so quickly. By the way, speaking of which, Lieutenant Eve, you're about to be promoted to Captain soon, right?"

In other words: we both got what we wanted before and received our due rewards. If you have something to say, say it and show your bargaining chips. Don't play the emotional card with me!

He had indeed considered cooperating with Eve and supporting each other before.

But that was based on the premise that Eve would be promoted to Captain.

The current Eve, although a lieutenant in the Special Crimes and Narcotics Division, was parachuted into her role, lacking support from her subordinates. Her situation was the same as Old Hunter from the Fourth Squad; she was merely a mascot.

Under these circumstances, was he expected to selflessly help this woman who had once schemed against him?

Not a chance!

Eve's face tensed slightly. She pretended not to understand Dean's words. "Yes, our last cooperation was very pleasant, so I want to deepen our collaboration."

"Like how?"

"I know you've made connections with the person behind Monet, which is why you got promoted so quickly. I need you to introduce me!"

Upon hearing this, Dean gave Eve a long, penetrating look.

Although Eve was just a mascot, a woman who managed to climb to the position of lieutenant in her early thirties obviously hadn't relied solely on her skill at 'playing the trumpet'.

She had her own sources of information.

Dean didn't speak. Instead, he slowly tapped on the table.

The rhythmic tapping gradually influenced Eve's heartbeat. It sped up and slowed down intermittently, making her emotions fluctuate nervously. It was reminiscent of a night seven or eight years ago when she traded her youth and beauty for a chance at the future.

It was only then that she realized how, imperceptibly, the positions between her and Dean had been reversed in just a matter of two months.

Eve didn't like this feeling. She had worked hard to climb up the ranks precisely so that one day, she could reclaim her dignity, which had been trampled underfoot, with honor.

As Eve was lost in her thoughts, Dean stopped his tapping and got straight to the point. "You should be more familiar with Monet than I am. Why come to me instead of going directly to him?"

After all, Eve and Monet had vouched for him when he first joined the Fourth Squad.

Eve forced a smile. "Dean, Monet seems kind to everyone. That's because his previous backer has lost power, which is why he was all smiles and friendly to everyone. But now, everything has changed. I've received word that Monet won't be staying at the Detective Bureau much longer."

Dean, intrigued by this information, asked, "Is the information accurate? Where is he going?"

"The information is definitely accurate, but I can't reveal my source." Eve looked around to ensure no one was paying attention to their corner, then continued in a lower voice, "It's not certain yet, but there's a high probability he'll be laterally transferred to either the Operations Department or the Internal Affairs Department!"

Hearing this, Dean fell deep in thought.

Both of those departments were forces to be reckoned with.

The former controlled the city's largest mobilization of force, while the latter made every government official and police officer tremble.

If Eve wasn't lying to him, that would mean Monet was currently very trusted by the person supporting him from behind.

Seeing that Dean remained silent, Eve exhaled a breath of alcohol, her cheeks flushed. Her nylon-clad foot, like a silent black python, stealthily ventured out in front of the passing waiters. It climbed onto the 'dragon's lair,' expertly 'rubbing' against it. She then said in a soft voice, "Dean, let's go somewhere else to talk."

Dean grabbed her misbehaving foot and tossed it aside. "Eve, I can give Monet a heads-up for you, but what can you offer me in return?"

"What about me?" Eve's eyes were as alluring as silk threads. "I've been wanting to try the joy of the 'Female Knight' for a while now."

Dean quietly watched her performance, not uttering a word.

His past experiences had ingrained in him a difficult-to-shake habit: receive payment, then fulfill the agreement.

This was evident in the way Dean handled things.

He was an egoist.

Whether it concerned family, friendship, romance, or any other emotional value, he always had to receive first before he was willing to give. Otherwise, there had to be something in it for him.

If Eve was asking for his help without him seeing any tangible gain—and worse, he might have to occasionally sleep with her to ensure future stability—Dean would be a fool to agree.

Eve was made extremely uncomfortable by Dean's indifferent and clear gaze.