Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

The shop assistant had helped him match these types, suggesting that the combination of colors, water temperature, and environment were all quite suitable for the fish.

Luke brought the fish tank and the fish home, so eager that he didn't even stop to eat, instead he began to study the fish tank's oxygen pump, filter, aquatic plants, and decorations.

It took Luke over an hour to set up the fish tank, fill it with water, install the equipment, and finally place the fish into the tank.

The fish swam back and forth in the tank, their vibrant colors making them incredibly beautiful, and adding a new vitality to the house.

Luke really liked it, but he always felt something was missing.

Luke walked into the bedroom and took a wooden box out of the closet. The box wasn't very large, about 45cm long, 35cm wide, and 35cm high. When he opened the box, it was filled with gleaming Gold Coins.

After some thought, and perhaps out of a bit of mischief, he sprinkled the Gold Coins directly into the fish tank.

Watching the Gold Coins sink to the bottom as the fish swam above them made the view even more beautiful.

As for the possibility of theft, Luke wasn't worried.

First, he didn't plan to invite strangers over.

Second, even if a thief came by, they wouldn't expect the Gold Coins in the fish tank to be real.

Third, those bold enough to steal his Gold Coins would not be interested in just a few of them.

Fourth, even if someone really did steal them, haha...

As for the box that held the Gold Coins, Luke had no plans to throw it away. He intended to drill some holes in it to create a little house for the fish.

Luke said and did, he got his toolbox and started drilling holes in the box.

In Los Angeles, labor costs are quite high, and since he lived in a wooden house that needed frequent repairs, every man needed to own a toolbox.

Luke marked out a few circles on the box with a pencil, removed the lid completely, and tapped the bottom of the box with an awl, noticing that the sound was somewhat different at the bottom.

Upon closer examination, Luke felt that the bottom of the box seemed hollow, as if there were a secret compartment.

When they found the treasure previously, Luke and his friends had been so dazzled by the Gold Coins inside the box, no one gave the box itself a second thought.

Now it seemed that there might be more to the bottom of the box than met the eye.

Luke used a hammer and awl to violently pry open the bottom of the box. The hidden layer wasn't very thick, just a thin layer—no wonder it hadn't been discovered before.

After opening the compartment, he found a sealed bag inside. The bag was made of sturdy material, unable to be torn by hand, so Luke used a knife to cut it open, revealing its contents.

A brownish map.

Luke picked up the map and looked at it. There were no clear markings or recognizable locations.

In the bottom right corner, there were a few lines of writing,

'Haha, pal, we meet again.

You are the smartest one.

The previous Gold Coins were just an appetizer.

The real treasure is on this map.

Do you want it?

Then go find it.

Forrest Finn.'

"Damn, you really know how to play," Luke said, somewhat both amused and frustrated.

The ideas of the wealthy really are difficult to comprehend.

At that moment, Luke paid no more attention to the fish tank, threw in a handful of fish food, and started studying the treasure map.

This treasure map was far more complex than the previous ones, and the area it depicted was much larger; he even suspected that it wasn't a complete map.

After studying it for a long time, Luke still had no clue. This sort of thing wasn't something you could just ask someone about, so he simply decided to hide it away and study it more when he had time.

Treasure is a wonderful thing; everyone wants it, but sometimes being too obsessed with it can become a burden.

Let it be.

Even though the wooden box was now just four sides, that didn't prevent it from being used. Luke drilled a few holes in it and casually tossed it into the fish tank.

With the Gold Coins and the wooden box, he managed to give the small fish tank a mysterious pirate treasure feel.

Not bad at all.

Luke was quite satisfied with the fish tank.

At four o'clock in the afternoon, Luke drove to his mother's house.

Knowing that Luke was off for a couple of days, Linda called him to come home for a meal.

Luke hadn't been home for a while and found himself missing his mother's cooking.

The weather was nice today, so Luke didn't take the car, choosing to ride his Harley home instead.

Luke's Harley had been modified at great expense, making it very striking, and it attracted many envious glances along the way.

Upon entering the community street, Luke slowed down to avoid disturbing the neighbors.

The Harley pulled up directly outside the garage door, and he stopped.

"Wuu wuu..."

A noisy hum of lawn mowing accompanied by the rich scent of fresh grass.

The chubby kid was trimming the lawn, a task that used to be Luke's, but since Luke had moved out, it had fallen to the chubby kid.

"Hey, buddy, good job there. Help me trim mine too when you have the time."

The chubby kid protested loudly, "Child labor is illegal!"

"You should say that to Mom, she'll help you re-understand California law."

"She doesn't care about the law, she just redistributes my allowance."

"Haha..." Luke laughed, lifting a bag from his motorcycle, "Cheer up, kid. I got you your favorite fried chicken."

"Just fried chicken?"

"What else do you want?"

"No, I was just asking."

With the mowing pretty much done, the chubby kid put away the mower and went home with Luke.

He took the bag of fried chicken, opened it and took a sniff, his face showing utter bliss.

Luke shook his head, smiling wryly, and entered the house.

"Bang bang..."

Two firecracker sounds went off.

Colorful streamers fell on Luke, who stood there somewhat confused.

"Surprise!"

Grandpa Robert, Uncle Val, and Mom Linda were all standing at the doorway.

Luke was still slightly dazed. What was going on?

Linda said joyfully, "Happy birthday!"

It finally dawned on Luke that today was his birthday, his first since moving to Los Angeles.

And because it was the first, he hadn't remembered this special day.

"Bro, what's with that face? Don't tell me you actually forgot your own birthday."

"I remembered a few days ago, but then got busy. Thanks, this really is a surprise for me."

"There's not just a surprise, but also gifts." Val handed Luke a box. "Happy birthday."

Luke shook the box. "What's the gift?"

"I've recorded a few more songs, I believe you'll love them."

"Come on, Uncle, you can't be serious." The last time Val gave him a hard drive with songs, Luke had listened to just half a song before setting it aside, using just four words to describe it: 'painful to the ears.'

Val countered, "What's that look for, kid? My songs aren't good enough? Open it and see."

Luke opened the box to find a metal flip-top lighter, exquisitely crafted with the initials of his name engraved on it. Luke flicked the lighter, which glowed a blue light.

"Thanks, Uncle. I really like this gift."

"Luke, here's your gift." Robert handed over a fancy envelope.

"I'm a bit excited." Luke smiled, opened the envelope, and found inside an Amazon gift card.

"I don't know what you young people are into these days, so buy whatever you like."

"Thanks, Grandpa. Honestly, whatever you give, I'll like it."

"My son, happy birthday." Linda also handed over a gift box to Luke.

Luke opened the box, which contained a beautiful black leather wallet, very soft to the touch, comfortable, and well-crafted.

"I saw that your wallet was getting old, so I bought you a new one."

"Thanks, Mom, I love it." Luke immediately swapped out the old wallet for the new one, transferring his cash and cards, "It fits perfectly."

Then, Luke looked at his little brother. "Your gift?"

The chubby kid said, "This time my exams are all As..."

Luke interrupted him, "No, I don't care if my little brother is going to be a lawyer or a dishwasher in the future, I just want my gift now..."

"You really are a dear big brother."

The chubby kid rolled his eyes and gestured for everyone to step aside, walked over to the table in the living room, where a box sat. He lifted the lid, "This cake is handmade by me, with the best chocolate, cream, nuts, and fresh fruits. I worked on it all morning.

It's also the first birthday cake I've ever made by hand."

Luke looked over the cake. Although not as finely crafted as store-bought ones, it was indeed to his taste. "Did you really make this yourself?"

Linda said, "I can vouch for that."

"Thanks, little bro. I'm touched. I'll savor it well."

Robert laughed, "Family, I brought a bottle of champagne. Let's have a good drink to celebrate Luke's 26th birthday."

Everyone drank and chatted, with the sound of the chubby kid crunching on fried chicken filling the room with laughter and joy...