"OK, if anything comes up, give me a call." Since it was a matter concerning an elder, Luke didn't ask further questions.
Val waved his hand, seeing Luke off.
Robbery and Murder Department, office.
Luke carried a Christmas tree and decorations into the office, placing them on an empty desk, "Guys, whoever's got time, decorate the Christmas tree."
"And me too, I'm the one who hangs up our Christmas decorations every year."
Jack and Jackson voluntarily took on the task.
Luke went to the office and came out with a cup in hand.
Jack said, "Captain, when do we get our holiday?"
Luke made some green tea with hot water, "Everyone finish up your work, and we'll have a day off tomorrow."
The vice-captain asked, "Do we need to arrange for overtime?"
"I talked with Reid, he arranged for the third and fourth squads to be on duty."
Jack laughed, "Nicely done."
Jenny shrugged, "It's time we take a good break, or else those guys from the mutual aid society might target us, maybe even mess with us."
Jackson assembled the Christmas tree, placing it in the southeast corner of the office, "I also think that the killer Park Zhengmin is mentally unstable, and isn't that mutual aid society a bit like a cult?"
The vice-captain rolled his eyes, "Kid, every organization has good and bad people, you can't condemn the whole workers' compensation mutual aid society just because of one Park Zhengmin.
In such an intense place like America, without the workers' compensation mutual aid society, you wouldn't have over a hundred days off annually, and overtime pay would greatly diminish.
This mutual aid society's existence is really necessary.
Each of us enjoys the benefits that this mutual aid society provides."
If Luke had just come to America and heard the vice-captain's words, he might have found them amusing. If America is considered intense, then East Asian countries would be even more.
But after spending some time in America, he could understand.
Most Americans don't care about East Asian countries, not out of disdain, but simply because they're not concerned.
The majority of Americans generally don't concern themselves with international matters, even domestic issues aren't strongly sought after; they focus only on their own lives.
Therefore, most Americans rarely consider East Asian countries when discussing issues, usually comparing themselves with other Western countries.
And compared to other Western countries, Americans are indeed hardworking, diligent, and competitive.
The term "American Dream" is familiar to many.
Many Americans or immigrants desire to achieve success through personal effort, to move up the ladder and break through aristocratic monopolies.
Moreover, in Europe, few regard making money as their dream.
In the realm of Western countries, America is comparatively hardworking and competitive, somewhat similar to East Asian countries.
"Congratulations to the host for successfully solving the 'Mutual Aid Society Murder Case', reward of 80 points." A familiar voice sounded in Luke's mind.
Currently, Luke wasn't short of cards, so he didn't redeem them.
He planned to save some points for future needs.
With Jack and Jackson's decorations, the Christmas tree, lights, and ornaments were all set up. The curtains were drawn, the switch was flipped, and the room's decorations and colorful lights lit up, creating a bit of a festive atmosphere.
The next day, the first squad had a day off.
At home, Luke cleaned up, decorated the Christmas tree, and prepared gifts for the family.
He was going to his grandfather's house for the holiday, so he just did some simple decorating at home, placing a Christmas tree and colorful lights.
Luke arranged to have a meal with Daisy, and tomorrow Daisy would also go to her mother's house for the holiday.
In the morning, Luke packed the Christmas gifts for his family and drove to the Eno community to pick up his mom and brother, heading to his grandfather's house.
The little chubby boy was very excited on the way, often looking out the window. Every household was already preparing for Christmas, and the holiday spirit was strong.
"Mom, are we going to the mall today?"
Although many shops were closed, some large malls were hosting Christmas events, and the beloved Santa Claus would be there.
Linda rolled her eyes; usually, it's a struggle to get the chubby boy to go shopping with her, and now what's so special about the mall?
Despite not receiving a response, the chubby boy remained energetic, with a pleading look, "Mommy, what gift did you prepare for me?"
"You'll find out tomorrow."
"Tell me now, I really want to know, just a little hint will do."
"Today isn't Christmas," Linda said, turning her head to look out the window with an air of unapproachability.
Luke glanced in the rearview mirror, sensing that Linda wasn't in the best of spirits today, wisely deciding not to join the conversation.
Soon, the three arrived at Grandfather Robert's house.
Robert and Val had already started decorating the yard.
Unlike the simple decorations at Luke's home, Robert's yard was larger, and they had transplanted a real Christmas tree ten days earlier.
Then everyone divided the tasks.
Linda and Val took charge of preparing the Christmas food.
Robert led Luke and Jack in setting up the Christmas decorations.
The Robert family was relatively late in setting up, most of the surrounding neighbors were already done.
Robert's yard was much bigger than the rented yard at Luke's place, and not only did the Christmas tree need decorations, but the whole yard and house had to be lit with colorful lights.
After decorating the yard, the house also needed decorating. In the living room, there was a fake Christmas tree that Luke had bought, decorated with ornaments and colorful lights, with gifts placed underneath to be opened the next day.