Before he knew it, he had accumulated quite a bit of wealth.
Luke was planning to buy a house. While Americans are not as obsessed with real estate as the Chinese, they still like to buy homes.
The so-called "love for renting" might just be a temporary inability to buy a house.
Among people around Luke with financial capability, no one only rents without buying.
In America, buying a house is one of the primary ways to accumulate assets.
Two point seven million US Dollars is also a considerable amount of wealth; Luke felt it might be time to consider buying a house.
Of course, he's not in a hurry. He just has the thought and intention, keeping an eye on Los Angeles real estate. He'll buy whenever he finds something suitable.
He's very picky by nature; such a big decision as buying a house, he doesn't want to settle for less.
During the flight, apart from some turbulence while passing through clouds, it was pretty smooth.
There is a time difference between New York and Los Angeles. When the plane landed at New York Airport, it was already dark.
The little chubby guy was exceptionally excited, waving his fist after getting off the plane, "New York, I'm back!"
Previously, Luke's whole family lived in New York. It was only after Linda and Li Zhaofeng divorced that they moved to Los Angeles.
However, since Luke's journey, this was his first time in New York. Facing many 'relatives,' it's inevitable to feel a bit distant. This is also why he wanted to buy gifts.
After getting his luggage, the exit was not far away, and there were many people on both sides of the railings waiting to pick someone up.
Among the crowd, an Asian man waved his hand, his face full of joy.
"Dad!" The little chubby one was also very excited.
Luke smiled and waved back.
The person who came was Li Zhaofeng, about fifty years old, around 1.8 meters tall, with some semblance to Luke.
"Haha, Jack, you've grown taller, almost catching up with me." Li Zhaofeng attempted to pick up his younger son, but unfortunately…
He couldn't pick him up.
Luke laughed, "He's not just taller, but also heavier."
The little chubby one corrected, "It's not heavier, it's stronger."
"As long as you're happy."
Seeing his two sons bantering, a smile curved on Li Zhaofeng's face, "Was the flight tiring? Give me your luggage."
Luke didn't hesitate and handed one of the suitcases to Li Zhaofeng.
"Dad, do you have something to eat? I'm starving."
"Wasn't there a meal on the plane?"
"That bread was terrible, and the chicken was dry and tough." The little chubby one looked picky.
Luke said, "Yet you didn't leave any of it."
"I only ate one serving."
Li Zhaofeng adjusted his mindset, "I've prepared food at home; we can eat once we get back."
"Did you prepare the meal before coming? What did you make?" The little chubby one swallowed his saliva; he was genuinely hungry.
"You'll find out soon enough.
Get in the car." Li Zhaofeng led the two of them into the parking lot and placed the luggage in a gray Volvo sedan.
The little chubby got into the passenger seat and chattered non-stop along the way.
Luke sat in the back, looking at the roadside buildings through the window; it was his first real visit to New York.
The most bustling city in the world.
Compared to Los Angeles, New York's climate is colder, with more high-rises, and more buses on the road; public transportation is more developed.
Li Zhaofeng lived in a 2-story townhouse on the outskirts of New York. It had no yard, the not-so-wide street had cars parked on both sides, mostly practical cars like Toyota, Mazda, and Volkswagen.
Overall, this community wasn't too upscale.
It makes sense; besides supporting himself, Li Zhaofeng had to pay child support and alimony every year, a significant burden.
The car parked by the roadside, and Li Zhaofeng led the two into the house. It was neat and clean inside, probably specially tidied up. The decoration and furniture were very unique, looking comfortable.
"Guys, let me show you your rooms."
Li Zhaofeng led them to the second floor; each brother got a room, one facing east, the other west, of roughly the same size, though Luke's room had an additional small balcony.
"How do you feel about it?"
Luke stood on the balcony, "I little balcony; having a cup of coffee here in the morning would be nice."
The little chubby one said, "If my room had a gaming console, it would be perfect."
"That's simple; I'll take you to buy one tomorrow."
"Yay, Dad, you're the best." The little chubby one pumped his fist.
Li Zhaofeng smiled, patting his son's shoulder, "You guys rest up first. I'll make dinner, see you in the dining room in half an hour."
Not that he wasn't hungry before, but now the mention of food made the little chubby even hungrier, "Half an hour more? I'm starving."
Luke pinched his head with his right hand, "Stop whining, take a shower, and it'll be just about time."
The little chubby one was somewhat intimidated by Luke and mumbled, "I want to go first."
Luke instructed, "Get your new thermal clothes out before you shower."
Li Zhaofeng watched his two sons' interaction, a smile appeared at the corner of his eyes.
Luke showered and went downstairs to eat.
The smell of meat wafted from the kitchen.
Several dishes had already been placed on the dining table.
The little chubby one pointed at the dish and asked, "What kind of meat is this?"
Li Zhaofeng smiled and said, "Try it."
The little chubby one picked up a piece and tasted it, "Is it beef? But it doesn't quite taste like it? It's more fragrant than beef."
Luke also took a bite, "Donkey meat."
It was his first time eating donkey meat in America; the saying "Dragon meat in the sky, donkey meat on the ground" was true after all.