"Hey, guys, what are you talking about? Looks like fun." Reid came over with a glass of beer.

Luke laughed, "We're listening to stories about the super dad."

The deputy captain poured a glass of rum and handed it to Reid, "Put down that sugar water, this is what real men drink."

Reid chuckled and took a sip of the drink, "Good stuff."

"I picked it," the deputy captain also took a sip.

Reid raised an eyebrow, "I remember last time we had dinner, Panna said your health couldn't handle strong liquor."

Luke didn't know who Panna was, but guessed she must be one of the deputy captain's ex-wives.

The deputy captain didn't mind, "Come on, at my age, this is my little joy. Drinking makes me happy, happiness makes me healthier, overall it's good."

Seeing Reid wanted to say something, the deputy captain waved his hand, "Don't worry, I know my body."

"OK." Reid said no more, and started chatting with others.

After sitting with everyone for a while, Reid patted Luke's shoulder, "Let's go chat over there."

Luke stood up, holding his glass, walked to a secluded corner, "Chief, is there something you need?"

"Do you remember Deputy Mayor Lee Mei?"

"Yes.

Last year, her daughter Betty was kidnapped, and we rescued her." Luke had rescued Lee Mei's daughter, but they hadn't stayed in touch. It's not that Luke didn't understand social etiquette, it's just at the time they belonged to entirely different circles.

"Mayor Lee is holding a party tomorrow night, but she doesn't have your contact info, so she asked me to pass this on." Reid took out a blue invitation card from his pocket, "This is for you."

Luke took the invitation, opened it and saw it invited him to tomorrow night's party, with the time and place listed, and Lee Mei's name at the bottom right.

"Why would she think of inviting me?"

"Your reputation is on the rise, befriending you early won't hurt her. Maybe one day she'll run for Mayor, and might ask for your help."

Luke shook his head and laughed, "Besides votes and a $100 campaign donation, I don't think I can help much."

"Hey, you need to change that mindset.

You're now the captain of the Robbery and Murder Department, you've solved many high-profile cases, and many citizens know the renowned Captain Luke, you've gained some fame in the police force.

You're not the same as before."

Luke joked, "Should I understand this as having the value to be used?"

Reid laughed, "Though it sounds a bit uncomfortable, that's the truth.

Welcome to the adult world."

Luke curiously asked, "Assuming, I'm just saying hypothetically, Mayor Lee runs for Mayor, how can I help?"

"Having police support helps stabilize Los Angeles, which greatly aids municipal elections."

Luke said, "Then it should be Frank you're looking for, he's the one in charge at the precinct."

Reid glanced around, speaking lightly, "Frank won't easily take a stand.

But as LAPD's rising star, with some influence and recognition among L.A.'s citizens, supporting a candidate would be very effective.

Of course, I'm not saying you must support anyone, just giving an example.

Getting involved in this circle early is not a bad thing for you.

As for the decision, that's for later."

"I get it." Luke nodded, holding the invitation; could he even decline to go?

Reid clinked glasses with Luke, glanced him over, "Dress formally tomorrow."

Luke laughed, "Will the precinct reimburse wardrobe expenses?"

"If you plan to wear swimwear to the party tomorrow, I might consider." Reid dropped the words, and walked away with a smile.

"Cheapskate."

Luke didn't really understand politics, but he could tell that Lee Mei had a good relationship with the police; if she really became Mayor of Los Angeles, it could aid Luke's career.

Luke had attended parties before, but this level of party was a first for him, especially the first, having some uncertainties, needing a little prep.

Next day morning.

Topeka Shopping Center.

It's somewhat like a shopping street in China, just larger in scale, better environment, with closed streets flanked by flagship high-end brand stores.

Inside a high-end suit shop, Luke stood in front of the mirror, having tried on several suits in a row.

Linda, fresh back from vacation, in a good mood, praised him from the side, "This one's very fitting, super handsome."

"Mom, you say that for every set."

"I'm telling the truth. The girls at the party will all be drawn to you, I should probably help tidy your place first."

Luke "…"

Linda didn't mind, "That's perfectly normal at your age, there's nothing to be embarrassed about, I'll leave after cleaning."

"No." Luke politely declined, "If needed, I'll just go to a hotel."

"Wow, you're much more romantic than your dad."

"Stop, I'm not interested in your stories." Luke interrupted Linda, continuing, "Which set should I choose?"

Linda asked, "How about this pink one?"

"Too flashy, not for me."

"True. I think the black and dark blue ones are nice too, you could get both, not like you're short on money."

"Then I'll take this black set, and when I have time I'll order a custom one later."

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