Los Angeles Legendary Sleuth

Brown's Restaurant.

This is a Spanish-themed restaurant, predominantly white in decor, with an ordering counter visible right at the entrance.

As you walk in, there's a unique antler chandelier, with dining tables arranged in two rows on either side, most of them occupied by what seem to be tourists.

Luke and Orty are seated in a corner of the restaurant near the window.

Luke glanced at the menu, "The menu here isn't cheap."

"That's right, for an average person like me, it's a bit pricey, which is why I'm letting you, a wealthy guy, treat me." Orty blinked her bright eyes, "If you want to split the bill, there's still time."

Luke laughed, "No need for that, I just didn't expect a small street-side restaurant to be this expensive."

Orty said, "This is not an ordinary restaurant, it's a Michelin two-star establishment. The space may be small, but the food is really good."

Luke wasn't worried about spending money, just felt that a small place shouldn't be so pricey. Now, hearing Orty's words, his expectations grew a bit.

A white female waiter wearing an apron came over, "Lady, gentleman, what would you like to eat?"

Orty looked at the menu and ordered a Spanish seafood paella, Spanish ham, and gazpacho.

After ordering, Orty handed the menu to Luke.

Luke glanced over it, "The Hemingway fried mushrooms look good here, I'll have that; one stewed oxtail in red wine, and a chorizo and potato stew."

The waitress asked, "Would you two like some drinks?"

Orty said, "Two glasses of ice water, please."

After the waitress left, Orty asked, "Did you receive the $800,000 transfer?"

"I received it."

Orty showed a look of envy, "What are you planning to do with such a large sum of money?"

"I bought a property a while ago, but the house is quite old and needs rebuilding. This money can just cover the construction contract costs."

Orty teased, "You truly have Chinese blood, using the money wisely. If it were someone else, they might use it for a world tour."

Luke laughed, "That's a good idea, once I'm debt-free, I do want to take a world tour, just missing a partner."

"Do you have a lot of debt?" Orty asked, then seemed to think it was inappropriate, "Sorry, I shouldn't ask such personal questions."

Luke looked at her with a slight smile, "Why the sudden interest in my finances?"

Orty shrugged, "Just making conversation."

Luke didn't want to discuss the topic because he felt Orty was testing his willingness to accept a commission.

If Luke had debts and needed money, he'd naturally be more inclined to take on the commission.

While they chatted, the waitress came with the food, the first dish being Spanish ham, sliced thinly to fill an entire plate. This dish didn't require heating, so it was served first.

Luke tasted it and it was quite good.

The next dish was the stewed oxtail in red wine, likely pre-cooked and just heated up.

The oxtail was soft and flavorful, with a rich red wine aroma.

The other dishes were brought out one after another.

All the dishes tasted good, and Luke's favorite was the Spanish seafood paella, which was well-loaded with ingredients and tasted fresh and delicious.

Orty didn't eat much, so most of it went into Luke's stomach.

After the meal, Orty wiped her mouth and said, "I just received a commission this morning. Are you interested?"

"Let's hear it."

Orty said, "It's a rather peculiar commission task.

The client obtained a treasure map and wants to go on a treasure hunt, but the client lacks experience in this area, so they want to hire you to join the adventure.

Whether or not the treasure is found, the client will pay a $200,000 commission.

If the treasure is found, you'll get a quarter of it."

Luke laughed, "What's the client's name?"

"Lilith Finn."

As expected, it's her. This woman really knows how to create trouble. Last night, after I refused to recount my treasure hunting adventures, she now wants to hire me to go on a treasure hunt with her.

Is this woman interested in me, or does she have other motives?

Luke didn't want to agree easily because this commission task was different from the others.

The process of treasure hunting is filled with various uncertainties and potential dangers, requiring a high level of teamwork, and trust is the foundation of cooperation.

Without understanding Lilith Finn's clear intentions and motives, Luke couldn't agree.

But he didn't immediately refuse either, because he did need money to repay the construction contract costs.

He looked at Orty, "Do you think I should accept the commission?"

Orty hesitated for a moment before saying, "Actually, I was a bit surprised when I heard about this commission. It's the first time someone has asked you to go treasure hunting together.

I also asked her why she invited you to join the treasure hunt, given that you're good at investigation and deduction."

She just smiled and didn't answer.

I then told her that you probably wouldn't accept the commission.

She said if you have doubts about the commission content, you could discuss it with her face-to-face."

At this point, Orty asked back, "Do you know the client?"

"We've met once."

"Do you want to see her again?"

"Why not? If I can win her over, I can retire early."

Orty laughed, "Then I should congratulate you in advance."