After dinner, there was free time.
Luke went to the hotel's rooftop bar.
Unlike other bars, this one had a cozy setup, not many people around, and a room card was required for making purchases.
Approaching the bar, a bartender in a black vest asked, "What would you like to drink, sir?"
Luke glanced at the drink menu and noticed they even had Chinese liquors like Maotai and Wuliangye, which showed the influence of wealthy Chinese, "A glass of Wuliangye."
Even though Maotai is good, Luke wasn't a fan of its strong flavor.
"Sir, your drink will be charged to your room card."
"Thank you." Luke took a sip and it was the taste he expected.
Alcohol is a wonderful thing—he planned to buy some good liquor to stock up when he had time.
"Hey, Luke, we meet again." A woman's voice came from beside him.
Turning his head, Luke saw the Latin beauty Laura, clad in a black dress that accentuated her curves and waist, very seductive.
"Laura, you're staying at this hotel too?"
"Yes, my company booked the room for me. I wanted a high-floor room, but they only got me one on the fourth floor." Laura complained and sat next to Luke, leaning forward, her assets quite eye-catching.
Luke sized her up carefully; indeed, she was quite a sight... You dare wear, I dare gaze.
Laura seemed to notice Luke's gaze but didn't mind too much and boldly asked, "Want to buy me a drink?"
"Of course... but not today."
"Am I being turned down?" Laura showed a disappointed expression.
"No, I really want to buy you one, but I have plans today."
"Yes, he's not lying to you." A Latin woman with even more stunning looks and presence gracefully walked up between them.
Luke introduced, "Orty, this is Laura, we came on the same plane."
Laura carefully looked Orty over and showed a bit of embarrassment, "I won't disturb you guys then, see you another day."
Orty sat on the other side of Luke, watching Laura's receding figure, "I didn't interrupt anything, did I?"
"No, you arrived just at the right time."
"She seems nice and appears to be interested in you, most men would be moved; you really have no thoughts about her?"
Luke looked at Orty, "I have someone more worth getting excited over by my side."
Orty turned toward Luke and her eyebrows quivered slightly, "Are you hitting on me?"
Luke countered, "Do I have a chance?"
Orty laughed, raising her hands, "I surrender, let's talk serious stuff."
"What would you like to drink? It's on me."
"An apple martini, thank you." Orty told the bartender and turned to Luke, "What are the plans for tomorrow?"
"Aren't you supposed to be my guide? You call the shots."
"Didn't you come here with your family?"
"I can operate on my own."
"Family is most important, you should stay with your family.
After the award ceremony is over, I'll take you to Pinkerton Detective Agency Headquarters." Orty sipped her cocktail,
"If you encounter any problems in Washington, let me know, I can help you out."
Luke leaned forward and whispered, "Help me check out that woman just now."
Orty laughed, "Wow... Is Captain Li smitten, or is there something else on his mind?"
"Tell me once you find out. Is it difficult?"
"I'll wait for your news." Luke raised his glass to clink with Orty's.
"Luke, there you are." Val entered the bar and waved at Luke, walking over, "Hey, is this gorgeous lady your friend?"
Luke introduced, "Orty, my new girlfriend."
"Wow, wow..." Val's mouth fell open, looking incredulously at Orty, "When did you get a girlfriend?
Is she really your girlfriend?"
Orty laughed, "He's just kidding; we're just friends who happened to meet in Washington."
Val paused. The beauty in front of him was smiling sweetly, and he wanted to believe it, but remembering Luke's analysis of the newlyweds after getting off the plane—two friends from Los Angeles just happen to meet in the same hotel bar in Washington, insinuating they had been in touch beforehand...
"I'm not intruding, am I?"
Luke nodded, "You already have."
Val punched the air towards Luke and turned a smile towards Orty, "Nice to meet you."
Afterward, Val went aside and told the bartender, "Give me your most expensive whiskey. Put it on that bad boy's tab."
"Is that gentleman a friend of yours?"
Indeed, beautiful women still prefer bad boys..."
Orty asked, "Who is he?"
"It shows, you two seem to get along well.
But why say I'm your new girlfriend?"
Luke smiled, "I was boasting."
"Boasting?" Orty leaned in and pursed her lips, "Does it give you a lot of face?"
"Of course. You won't mind, will you?"
"Given your good taste... this won't be a regular thing.
Thank you for the drink." Orty left these words behind and walked away with long strides.