Chapter 1342: On Women

It was useless even if the two women followed his orders without hesitation.

As long as he relaxed for a few days, they would subconsciously think about breaking out of his control.

The brainwas.h.i.+ng effect on Elektra, in particular, disappeared at twice the rate compared with Angel.

These two could only be used as temp goons! Thinking that, Luke wasn't disappointed.

It was impossible for life to always be smooth-sailing, and accidents and difficulties would often happen.

On this peaceful day, it was 18 June.

It was Luke's 20th birthday, and the system's official two-year anniversary.

As a low-key person, Luke naturally wouldn't do anything.

He never celebrated his birthday in his previous life. At most, he would go home and ask his mother to make his favorite braised pork and a bowl of longevity noodles.

Other friends might send him birthday greetings by text.

As for those who didn't remember, it was even simpler. That meant that their birthdays weren't something he needed to remember either.

But Dustin didn't let it go so easily.

Using this as an excuse, his boss suggested a small, private party, which they hadn't had in a long time.

Dustin was rarely at home, and only rented a small apartment in Manhattan.

He and Jennifer could barely live together there. It was definitely impossible to have a party there; the kitchen couldn't even fit two people.

Ultimately, Elizabeth's place was decided as the venue.

Since Elizabeth had volunteered, n.o.body had any objections.

The house Elizabeth was talking about wasn't in Manhattan, but New Jersey.

It was just that this house was a little further away from the Hudson River, and it would take around 40 minutes to get to HQ from there.

Everybody was amazed when they arrived.

But Luke and Selina were only pretending, since the multifaceted intelligence system already had this information.

Dustin and Jennifer were a little surprised, but didn't think too much of it.

Elsa was the most surprised, because she had been to Elizabeth's "house" a few times. It was a single unit in Manhattan. It was rather s.p.a.cious, but still an apartment.

She was quite surprised that Elizabeth had bought a house in New Jersey without saying anything.

What surprised her even more was that there was a "big bathtub" at the back of the house that was more than 200 square meters in size. It was the same as the one in the backyard of a certain Los Angeles villa, except that it had a more feminine style and functions.

Apart from the environment, the house was similar to the L.A. villa.

After Luke and Dustin set up the barbecue for dinner, the four women changed into swimsuits and went to the big bathtub to enjoy themselves.

Dustin sat in a deck chair not far from the grill and drank a bottle of beer.

It wasn't like he was slacking off, but the things he barbecued didn't cook all the way through, and were completely below standard.

Luke decisively told him to go away.

Dustin glanced at the four women and coughed.

Seeing Luke look at him, he said in a low voice, "Although I shouldn't interfere in the affairs of you young people, we're friends, after all. A word of advice: Don't fool around too much."

Luke:

I never thought you were like this, Dustin!

"Your words are based on the premised that I am indeed 'fooling around.'" Luke lowered his voice as well. "However, I've never met Elizabeth in private. You're overthinking it."

Dustin frowned. He didn't doubt Luke. There was no need to lie about this, since it could cause trouble in the future.

Pondering for a moment, he said, "Then, what Elizabeth thinks of you hm?"

Looking at the "you know what I mean" look in his eyes, Luke sighed. "I've mentioned a few times that I have a certain lady friend, but that's all. I can't make the first move to shut her down directly, right?"

Dustin knew that meant that Elizabeth had never said anything.

What basis did he have to think that Elizabeth had to like Luke?

He couldn't help but scratch his head. "This you should pay more attention. It's best if it doesn't develop to the point of no return."

Luke snorted. "Nothing happened at all. Do you think I'm like you, sticking to Jennifer when I have the chance? When are you getting engaged?"

Dustin was surprised. "Next month? Wait, I haven't told Jennifer yet. How did you know?"

Luke shrugged. "I guessed. But you're not young anymore. Jennifer is a nice person. Don't miss the chance. Only one thing needs to be said for a man: Don't cower, just do it."

Jennifer didn't receive an engagement ring from Dustin that night, but Luke received birthday gifts.

Following Selina's lead, everybody rubbed his head and said kindly, "Kid, you've finally grown up."

Luke could only accept it.

In most places in the United States, 18 was an important age. Many people who didn't go to college officially entered the workforce, and could be considered adults.

20 years old, on the other hand, was the age when they were considered mature enough to get married.

Of course, there was still the age of 21, where one could buy alcohol.

So, alcohol was more dangerous than women, a driving license, or guns.

Did that mean that from today onward, women weren't the most dangerous thing to Luke?

After dinner, Luke looked at the four women who were flushed from drinking, and felt that it was better not to let down his guard so soon.

So, he told Gold Nugget to watch them while he and Dustin hid far away and talked about the commissioner and the sheriff.

So far, it seemed that the higher-ups were still up to no good.

There was no telling whether the mayor would be staying, so NYPD couldn't make a decision.

And NYPD would likely be in this limbo for several months.

However, the people at the mid- and lower levels who actually did the work weren't that affected, and law and order in New York wouldn't suddenly collapse.

Most of the time, Luke just listened. Then, he casually told Dustin about how Chief Nelson had been set up in the Soderbergs' villa.

They hadn't had time to discuss the incident in detail before, but now that they were free, they didn't mind engaging in their usual line of work as they speculated on the case.

"It should be Brad," Dustin sipped his beer and said casually. "If there are no leads until now, it's probably his handiwork."

Luke asked, "Is he that good?"

Dustin had rarely talked about Brad in the past.

Firstly, Brad and Luke were a little distant in status, and secondly, Brad had no intention of "accepting" Luke.

Dustin was really worried that Brad would p.i.s.s Luke off.

If it was a year ago, he wouldn't think that way, but after understanding Luke's temperament, he knew that he was a person who was outwardly hot but inwardly cold.

Or rather, this so-called "heat" had always been a disguise.