Luke had gotten a promotion and was at the bar celebrating with his colleagues that evening.
The team gathered around the sofa when Xiaohei suggested, "Captain, now that you're official, I think we should have a promotion party."
Luke shook his head, "No need, we already celebrated when I was acting captain. Tonight, drinks are on me."
The deputy team leader said, "As far as I know, you must be the youngest captain in the detective bureau now, we really should celebrate. I'm gonna have a few extra drinks tonight."
Luke laughed, "I'll pay for the drinks, but if you get drunk, I'm not taking care of you."
The deputy team leader didn't mind, "Better not take care of me, I might even run into a beauty for a romantic encounter."
The crowd burst into laughter.
Economic Crimes unit chief Harvey Simmons came over and clapped Luke on the shoulder, "Luke, heard you got the official title, congratulations."
"Captain Harvey, you're well-informed."
"This is good news and should be celebrated properly," Harvey Simmons suggested, raising his glass.
"You're right." Luke clinked glasses with him and took a sip.
Originally, Luke wanted to keep it low-key, but Harvey Simmons's remark made him change his mind.
Getting official meant a rise in his status at the detective bureau, which was different from receiving a medal. A medal represented honor and benefits, but a promotion represented power and status.
The latter couldn't be hidden and shouldn't be either; it was better to openly share the joy with everyone.
He then turned to Xiaohei, "Tell the bartender, the first drink for every guest tonight is on me."
After Xiaohei relayed the message, the bartender told the guests present.
The bar quickly became lively, some expressed their thanks, while others were unclear what was happening.
Once the informed guests relayed the news of Luke's promotion, many officers came over to congratulate him.
Luke responded to all, drinking several glasses, fortunately, he could hold his liquor well, so it wasn't much of an issue.
Watching Luke receive compliments, Xiaohei showed an envious expression, "I hope I have such a day too."
The deputy team joked, "Then you should go home and sleep early."
Xiaohei pouted, retorting, "Deputy team, your method doesn't work for me, hehe."
Jackson glanced at his phone, "Captain, John wants to invite us for drinks, when are you free?"
"How about tomorrow night?"
Jackson smiled, "I can hardly wait."
Xiaohei said, "What are you guys up to? How about including me?"
Jackson shook his head, "Not this time, next time I'll definitely bring you."
Jackson feigned mystery, "Because there's a special program, but you didn't buy a ticket in advance."
Luke didn't stay long at the bar, and upon leaving, he settled the bar tab for less than a thousand dollars.
Spending a little money to bond with colleagues was indeed necessary.
Leaving the bar, Luke didn't go home but headed to Daisy's place instead.
Daisy had called in the afternoon, needing to discuss something with Luke.
By the time he reached Daisy's place, it was already past nine in the evening.
Daisy, dressed in pajamas, sat on the sofa with a glass of red wine in hand, her fair skin flushed with a hint of red, looking particularly charming.
Many Americans have a habit of tanning, but Daisy, busy with work and only occasionally exercising in the gym, seldom had time to sunbathe—her porcelain skin rather suited an Eastern aesthetic.
Daisy picked up the wine bottle and asked, "Care for a drink?"
Luke sat next to Daisy, took the bottle, and poured himself a small glass, expressing concern, "Why are you drinking so much? Don't you have work tomorrow?"
"I have an appointment with a client tomorrow afternoon."
Luke clinked glasses with her and sipped, "You seem down, did you run into trouble at work?"
"Lawrence Miller came to see me again."
Luke was momentarily taken aback before remembering, she meant her father, "Did he cause a scene at your law firm again?"
Daisy shook her head, "Not really a scene, he was actually quite 'friendly' this time. He said he sold his house for his son's case. He wanted to borrow some money to get by."
"How much did he want to borrow?"
"I didn't ask, I just refused immediately.
Money is not the main issue, but I'm worried that if I lend him once, there will be a next time."
"Did he make any threats after being refused?"
Luke had encountered Lawrence Miller a few times and had a general understanding of him, "That doesn't fit his character."
"I felt it was odd too, felt somewhat uneasy."
Luke asked, "Have you been in contact with him recently?"
"No," Daisy replied and took another sip of her wine, "but after the last incident, I've completely lost hope in him.
A few days ago, I changed my surname.
Now I'm Daisy Ellis."
I'll keep an eye on him for you, no matter what he's up to, I won't let him hurt you."
Daisy leaned on Luke's shoulder, sighing lightly, "I almost wish he would do something irrational so I could file for a restraining order."
Daisy wasn't busy in the morning, Luke had breakfast at her place before leaving.
Luke scheduled a meet with his informant, Anlek Raul, asking him to keep an eye on Lawrence Miller.
Anlek Raul was a thief who had broken into Luke's home to steal valuable vinyl records. Luke caught him and taught him a harsh lesson before recruiting him as an informant.