Luke laughed, "Great! It looks like we'll have one more option for our future family gatherings."

Robert pointed at the butter base pot, "Is this spicy? It smells a bit pungent."

Luke said, "That's right, this is spicy and numbing, my favorite flavor. But if you can't handle spicy food, maybe don't try it."

Robert used a skimmer to scoop up a ladle of lamb from the spicy pot, standing there and eating with the dipping sauce, "Wow, it's an unusual sensation, really spicy, feels a bit pungent, however, the taste is not bad."

Robert picked up his beer glass and took a big sip, asking Li Zhaofeng, "How are your parents doing? I haven't seen them in years."

Li Zhaofeng replied, "They're doing well. Last time, Luke and Jack were in New York. They mentioned you, thinking of visiting you in Los Angeles when they have time."

"I'll go to the airport to greet them and treat them to the best barbecue in Los Angeles."

"I'll pass that on to them, I'm sure they'll be delighted."

Robert picked up the skimmer again and scooped a ladle of meat from the spicy pot, this time Luke put in some beef brisket. Robert took a bite, nodding, seemingly enjoying the flavor. He wiped his mouth and said, "Did you come to Los Angeles for work this time? How long are you planning to stay?"

Li Zhaofeng said, "Luke must have told you that he's planning to buy a house in Los Angeles. I'm helping him with some tax issues and the property purchase procedures. It's mostly handled, once he signs the contract, I'll head back to New York."

Robert looked at Luke beside him, "Congratulations, kiddo, you're about to have your first house. When will you take us to see it?"

Luke thought for a moment, "The house I bought is a bit old, it might need renovation or rebuilding, so buying it means I can't move in anytime soon."

Robert rubbed his nose, "Are you planning to live there long-term, or is it more of an investment?"

"Long-term living." Barring any surprises, Luke is not considering selling this house as the purchase price was low, selling it would mean a high tax rate.

Moreover, this community is very suitable for living, there's no need for Luke to sell it.

"Then it definitely needs a good renovation, let me know if you need any help. I'm not that old yet."

"I will."

Val also said, "And me, as long as it's not borrowing money, I can help with anything."

Luke automatically ignored his comment.

Robert put down his chopsticks, "Family, let's raise our glasses, cheers to Luke who's about to own his first house."

"Cheers!"

…

The next morning.

Luke and Daisy went to the transfer company together.

Because the property is being auctioned as a confiscated asset, it is handled by a real estate company.

The real estate agent is named Tom Aklam, a Caucasian, around forty years old, wearing a suit and tie, with meticulously groomed hair, looking very professional.

"Mr. Li, nice to meet you." Tom proactively extended his hand.

The two shook hands, and Luke introduced, "This is my lawyer Daisy Ellis."

"Hello, Lawyer Daisy."

"Hello, Mr. Aklam."

"Tom, just call me by my first name."

Both parties sat at a conference table, Tom Aklam said, "Captain Li, I just saw your news a couple of days ago and thank you for capturing that deranged gunman, restoring peace to Los Angeles. I believe the process was very thrilling and exciting."

"You're right, it was indeed stimulating." Luke said politely, thinking to himself, just a rookie, nothing compared to the felons captured.

Tom Aklam said, "If there's a suitable time, we can have a drink, sit down, and chat. I'm very interested to hear about your experiences, you're quite famous here in Los Angeles, even my daughter knows you, Detective Luke."

Luke laughed, "If I ever write an autobiography, I'll definitely give your daughter a copy."

"She would be overjoyed."

After a few conversational exchanges, Tom Aklam put a briefcase on the table and took out some documents, "Captain Li, you should be aware of this property's situation.

Our company was entrusted by the FBI to handle the sale procedure."

"Yes, I'm aware."

"Would you like me to explain the community and house details again?"

"Sure."

"Palisades Community is located in the suburbs of Los Angeles, with convenient transportation, beautiful scenery, and nearby there are large supermarkets and restaurants, two elementary schools, one middle school, and one high school. Although the school district is not huge, it ranks in the top seven in all of California.

It's also something many Chinese residents value the most.

The average housing price in the community is around 10 million US Dollars.

The house you're purchasing has a good size and location, similar houses are priced between 11 million and 12 million US Dollars.

The house you're buying is quite old and has been unoccupied for a long time, it needs refurbishing to be livable, which is why its price is relatively low.

However, based on the house's size and location, if you rebuild it, the overall price of the house will appreciate. The new house's price might be between 11 million to 12 million US Dollars."

Daisy said, "From what I understand, due to the poor economic environment, Los Angeles house prices have fallen recently, hasn't the Palisades Community been affected?"

Tom Aklam shook his head, "The amenities in the Palisades Community are top-notch, and over fifty percent of the residents are Chinese, the housing prices in Chinese communities tend to be stable, almost never dropping."

"Okay, let's start the signing process then." Luke's purchase of a plot worth 9 million for 3 million is a no-brainer.

Luke also opened his briefcase and took out the loan documents.

Tom Aklam likewise took out some documents and paperwork.

With Daisy's help, Luke started signing some documents, such as property rights, insurance, and property management.

Luke asked, "Tom, you know the house is a bit run-down, I'm planning to hire a construction company for repair or reconstruction, when approximately can I start the work?"

Tom Aklam replied, "According to general rules, the loan needs to be approved, and the transfer needs to be completed before starting work.

However, the person responsible for communication at the FBI said as long as you submit the down payment check and loan documents, you can dispose of the house at will."

Luke laughed, "Thank him for me."

Strictly speaking, this house is actually a perk for the internal staff of the FBI, except there's no need for Luke to advertise it.

Tom Aklam reminded, "Before you start work, it's best to communicate with the community committee beforehand."

"Thanks, I will."

After signing the contracts, both parties shook hands and said their goodbyes.

Luke and Daisy left the transfer company together.

Daisy sat in the car, exclaiming, "Wow, mansion worth millions!"

Previously, Daisy knew that community's environment was nice, but didn't expect such a high value.

Luke laughed, "Do you want to come and take a look with me?"

Daisy glanced at her watch, "Let's wait until the house is repaired.

I have to meet with a client this afternoon."

"That's fine, even if you went now, I wouldn't be able to entertain you." Thinking of that dilapidated house, Luke felt a bit helpless, it's a big project after all.

"When do you plan to start the work?"

"I've arranged to meet a contractor this afternoon, take them to the house for a site inspection, make a construction plan, and then decide whether to refurbish or rebuild."

Daisy nodded, "Before signing a contract with the contractor, remember to consult me. The construction contracts often have ambiguous terms, if no issues arise, it's fine.

If any problems do arise, it will be quite troublesome, lawsuits cost money and waste time."

"I will."

Daisy took off her high heels, adjusted her posture for comfort, "It's getting late, let's go for lunch.

Consider it a celebration for your new house purchase."

Luke started the car, "What do you want to eat? My treat."

"French cuisine, consider it your lawyer's fee for today."

"Deal."

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