Luke went to the supermarket to buy some white sketch paper, drawing boards, and charcoal pencils.
He planned to use Li Zhaofeng's description to create a forensic sketch of Mr. Song, who wanted to hire a private accountant.
Luke set up the drawing board, laid out the white paper, and started asking about Mr. Song's physical characteristics.
Li Zhaofeng frowned, looking a bit troubled. Over three months had passed, and his memory was faded, but he didn't want to disappoint his son's kind intentions.
He struggled to recall.
With Luke's guidance, Li Zhaofeng gradually remembered some features of Mr. Song...
The chubby kid watched intently from the side, propping his chubby cheeks with his hands. It was his first encounter with forensic sketch artistry.
Although the chubby kid didn't say anything, he was very proud of his brother; solving several big cases at such a young age, gaining a great reputation in Los Angeles, and even receiving an award from the Great Commander at the White House. Who wouldn't like such a brother?
Of course, this admiration had actually begun last year. The present goodwill made him overlook the past incidents of his New Year's money being snatched away.
The chubby kid's lips curled into a smile; he and his brother shared the same genes. When he grew up, he would surely be excellent too.
No, he would be even more excellent.
Whenever the three of them were together, the time always passed quickly.
By a little after eleven, Luke had completed the forensic sketch.
"Dad, do you see any areas that need modification?"
The man on the drawing board was about thirty-something, with a small mustache, Asian features, and a slight scar on the lower left cheek.
Li Zhaofeng stared at the sketch, "It looks a lot like the Mr. Song in my memory."
The chubby kid also praised from the side, "Big brother, you're really good at this. When did you learn to do sketches? How come I didn't know?"
Luke set the charcoal pencil aside, "Did I have to specifically tell you when I was learning?"
Li Zhaofeng laughed, "Your brother learned sketching when he was in third grade, but you were still young at that time."
The chubby kid pouted, "Was that young? I wasn't even born yet. Fine then."
He glanced at the screen, the number seemed familiar.
"Manager Negan, is there something you need?"
"I know a restaurant with pretty good steaks. Interested in trying it?"
"Of course, I've been eating a lot of Chinese food lately, looking for a change of taste."
"I'll send you the address."
"See you in a bit." Luke hung up the phone and said to Li Zhaofeng, "An FBI friend is inviting me to a meal."
Li Zhaofeng was a bit worried, "There won't be any trouble, will there?"
"No worries, I was wanting to talk to him too."
"Want me to go with you?" Li Zhaofeng was a bit uneasy since this matter involved him.
"No need." Since both were law enforcement, the conversation between Luke and Negan would be more direct; Li Zhaofeng's presence would be inappropriate.
The chubby kid swallowed, "Big brother, what are you going there to eat?"
Luke pinched his brother's head, "Your point of interest... is quite peculiar."
The chubby kid shrugged, "I haven't had Western food for a few days myself."
"Just stay home, I'll bring something tasty back for you."
Luke drove off in his gray Volvo.
Li Zhaofeng stood at the door, watching the car disappear at the end of the street.
The chubby kid asked from behind, "Dad, what are we eating for lunch?"
Luke drove to the vicinity, parked in a nearby lot. This steakhouse had a typical Western style, with a long-horned cow model at the entrance.
Luke walked into the restaurant, perhaps because it was noon, the restaurant wasn't very crowded; Negan was sitting by a table near the stairs.
Negan stood up, "Over here."
Luke walked over, glancing around the restaurant, "Nice environment."
"The taste is even better. I've been eating here for over a decade." Negan waved his hand, leading Luke upstairs, "There are fewer guests at noon, so the second floor is mostly closed."
Indeed, the second-floor tables were all empty. The two found a window seat to sit down.
Not long after, a server came up, handing them two menus, "What would you like to have?"
Negan gestured invitingly, saying to Luke, "It's on me."
Luke glanced through the menu, ordering the signature black pepper ribeye steak; he believed beef tasted better with some fat.
A serving of fries, a strawberry salad, and a seafood risotto.
After ordering, the waitress looked towards Negan.
Negan didn't look at the menu, directly saying, "The usual, bring out the bottle of red wine I have stored here."
Luke got straight to the point, "Manager Negan, is there something you need me for?"
Negan pulled out a folder, retrieving a document from it, "This morning, a homicide case was discovered. We'd like you, as our forensic consultant, to take a look."
Luke glanced at his watch, "Is the consultant fee charged by the hour or by the case?"
He had only gotten the consultant position yesterday, and there was already a case today; the FBI certainly made full use of its people without letting them idle.
Negan smiled, "By the case, but that's only if the case gets solved."
Luke opened the file to take a look.
Victim, Ma Jiansheng.
Nationality, Chinese-American.
Occupation, Accountant.
Company, Prosperity Accounting Firm.
Social Security Number, 050-53-7343.
Address, 109 Samaki Community, Manhattan.