Back at Bridge 19 campground.
Allen Zhang got in the car, settled his belongings, and started the pickup truck that had been idle at the camp.
Wearing DG sunglasses and chewing a piece of unknown brand gum purchased by Sieg, he blasted some pulsating West Coast music, gripped the steering wheel, and zoomed out of the camp.
It felt like flying. His skilled driving was finally being put to good use.
With the exhilarating push-back and the whooshing wind, Allen also turned on his phone’s navigation system, driving past famous yet unfamiliar landmarks.
Hollywood, Disneyland, Universal Studios, Snoopy Paradise, Six Flags Amusement Park, Santa Monica Beach, the Lakers’ arena from the 90s, Dragon Avenue, Perro Avenue, Sunset Boulevard.
As Allen passed the traffic light at the intersection on Star Avenue, he turned to see a luxurious convertible with a familiar face at the wheel—it was you, Gan.
He quickly took out his phone and snapped a close-up. Several bystanders were also taking photos.
After the green light, the car sped off, tail lights disappearing.
Didn’t expect to encounter a wild celebrity here.
Allen didn’t linger on it, and drove around Star Avenue a few more times, spotting several Hollywood actors he could name, along with some unknowns.
After driving around Chinatown, he got out to take a selfie with Bruce Lee’s statue, posted it on a social media app, then drove off.
In two or three hours, he had pretty much visited all the famed spots, but never intended to spend money on Disneyland or other paid attractions.
The General Sect Leader loved freebies.
Around four in the afternoon, Sieg sent him a message.
Sieg: It’s strange, there are a lot of mysterious outsiders on Sunkist Bar Street today. They keep striking up conversations with our people deliberately, seems like they are probing for some information.
Allen Zhang: Your instinct isn’t wrong. No worries, it’s probably some secret agency investigating murderers or wanted criminals. Our homeless community hides many such individuals, and many are spot-on criminals.
Sieg went silent instantly.
Murderers? Who are you hinting at?
Allen Zhang: It’s none of your business. The homeless man died, and you wouldn’t be bothered at the local police, as they dislike feeding freeloaders. Do you think your crime would alert higher authorities?
Sieg: Of course not, I think these people might be from Homeland Security Bureau. I had some interactions with them when I was in the military. Their interrogation techniques are clever, an ordinary person wouldn’t notice, and they end up revealing a lot unintentionally.
Allen Zhang: Just answer their questions honestly, we earn our keep by collecting cans, we aren’t criminals.
Sieg: ok! That’s what I thought. But they seem to be interested in Mr. Jin’s name and your connection to Sunkist Bar, it seems they are also trying to gather information about you, many of our members have been led to talk about you.
Stop joking! I’m just collecting cans there!!
I’m a good citizen of Los Angeles, you can’t just smear me as an accomplice to an international wanted criminal.
Then I’ll just have to sell out that Mr. Moe.
Allen Zhang logged out of the chat app and immediately drove to the street where Sunkist Bar was located.
Upon arrival, he saw Beggar Gang Disciples each holding a donut and chatting, cups filled with Paper Currency and steel coins. There was also a stranger mingling among them.
Allen immediately went over to greet and inquire about the situation.
"Boss, what brings you here?" Several stalwart disciples in dirty clothing warmly greeted their chief.
"Mr. Jin, would you like a donut?"
"I don’t eat them." Allen inquired caringly, "How’s work going today? Going smoothly? Any troublemakers from other streets?"
"Boss, who would dare bother us now? Our territory is so large, it’s good enough that we don’t bully others," replied the Beggar Gang Disciples.
"Then continue with your work."
Allen then noticed the investigator and asked with suspicion, "Are you one of us? I don’t seem to remember ever seeing you before?"
The person stammered nervously and stood up, saying, "Sorry, Mr. Jin, I’ll leave now. I’m actually here to conduct a social experiment."
"It’s about experiencing a day as a homeless person." The investigator replied, taking out his phone showing credentials, "I work at a media studio, and at the behest of our boss, I’m diving deep to experience the life of the homeless. May I ask if you are the person responsible for these homeless individuals, their leader?"
If I didn’t know about your identity, you might have fooled me.
"I am not," Allen Zhang stated, unwillin...