Chapter 416 Undercurrent
"Crackling..."
In the morning, Luke was awakened by a burst of firecrackers.
Luke put on his clothes, opened the door on the balcony, and a burst of cold air hit him, making him shiver. This is the winter he is familiar with.
Although the weather in Los Angeles is comfortable, there is no Chinese New Year atmosphere.
Someone was setting off firecrackers not far from the street, like a pair of Asian father and son. This community is closer to Chinatown and there are many Chinese living there.
After setting off the firecrackers, the teenage boys cleaned up the firecrackers on the ground under the command of their father. This is not to say that they are very qualified, but if they don’t clean up, they will be reported and fined.
The so-called civilization is established under strict rules and laws, which cannot be constrained by morality alone.
Luke changed his clothes, washed up briefly, and went down to the second floor.
Li Zhaofeng is making breakfast in the kitchen, "Wake up, how did you sleep last night?"
"It's okay, just a little dry." Luke cleared his throat.
This house is quite old. Although it has been renovated, some pipes are difficult to replace. The heating pipes are still exposed, not underfloor heating.
Li Zhaofeng warned, "New York is indeed drier than Los Angeles, so drink more water."
Luke sat at the dining table, chatting with his father casually. Li Zhaofeng always had a smile on his face while cooking. He liked this way of getting along very much, and he had always fantasized about this scene in his mind.
The meal is almost ready, the little fat man yawned and came down without calling.
"Good morning."
Li Zhaofeng smiled and said, "Just in time for dinner."
The little fat man sat opposite Luke, "What are you eating?"
Little Fatty loves to eat, but he is also picky eater, especially when he just wakes up in the morning and has no appetite.
"Salty food." Li Zhaofeng put a spoonful of batter mixed with vegetable leaves into the pan.
Salty food is a traditional northern snack, also known as slabs.
The ingredients are very simple, flour, eggs, vegetables.
Li Zhaofeng also fried bacon and ham as side dishes.
The little fat man just glanced at it, and immediately swallowed, his appetite came up.
The little fat man picked up a piece of salty food, wrapped it in bacon and ham, and ate it with big mouthfuls.
Luke's movements are unhurried, but he eats no less than him.
I have to say that Li Zhaofeng really put in some effort to receive his two sons.
After eating two salty foods, Luke was full and drank a glass of milk to smooth it out, "Is Will going home?"
"I sent your second uncle a message, but I didn't reply. I guess it's still awkward.
Will is also stubborn, and this is not the first time he has run away from home.
Today's New Year's Eve, maybe I went directly to your grandparents' house. Li Zhaofeng shook his head, his nephew has already graduated from university, so he can't care too much.
The little fat man is also full, "When shall we go to grandma's house?"
"Clean up and go.
Your grandparents live in the suburbs, which are more spacious than ours. "
…
Unlike Los Angeles, New York suburbs are less expensive than downtown.
Of course, this does not mean that the houses in the suburbs of New York are cheap, it can only be said that the houses in the center of New York are too expensive.
Which American wouldn't want to buy an apartment next to Central Park?
Luke and his son drove to the Sulot community.
Luke's grandparents are here.
The house is a two-story building with an open yard, a stone path, green lawns on both sides, and a black pickup truck in front of the garage on the east side.
"grandfather."
"Grandma."
As soon as he entered the yard, the little fat man started yelling.
The three of them walked into the house, and an old man in his seventies came out of the kitchen and said with a smile, "Luke and Jack are back, come in quickly."
"grandfather."
"Grandma."
Luke and Jack took the initiative to call for someone.
"Okay." Grandma Luke also smiled and waved, "Come here, let's see what delicious food Grandma makes."
There is an oil pan in the kitchen, and the old man and the old lady are frying new year's meatballs, tofu, hairtail, etc.
The old lady took a piece of crispy meat from the bowl of fried New Year's goods, and put it into the little fat man's mouth.
"Crackling..." The little fat man chewed vigorously, smiling broadly as he ate.
"Is it tasty?"
"tasty."
The old lady also took one and handed it to Luke.
Luke also secretly praised, this is the taste of Chinese New Year.
Li Zhaofeng asked, "Mom, shall I help you blow it up?"
"No, don't touch your hands, it will be fine soon." The old lady waved her hand.
Li Zhaofeng knew that the frying pan could not stop, "Okay, then you continue to fry, and I will take them to clean up the other things, and we will talk later."
"Go."
Li Zhaofeng said hello, and took Brother Luke to sweep the yard, post couplets, blessing characters...
After tidying up, the house looks much more festive.
At noon, the family simply ate some fried New Year’s goods, and the evening was the highlight.
In the afternoon, Li Zhaonian and his wife also came and brought a lot of ingredients.
The old man saw that they were the only ones, "Where's Will?"
Li Zhaonian said perfunctorily, "I went to a friend's house, come back later."
"Luke and Jack are here, why did he go to his friend's house?" The old man was a little unhappy.
Li Zhaofeng helped to smooth things over, "It's okay, the brothers met yesterday."
Luke saw that the atmosphere was not good, so he took the little fat man out to set off the cannon.
"Crackling..." There was a burst of gunfire, and the taste of the new year was even stronger.
"Brother, I see there are fireworks in the garage, let's set off fireworks after eating."
"Okay." Luke hasn't let it go for years.
As the evening approached, we began to prepare for the New Year's Eve dinner.
The Li family is from the north, making dumplings is essential.
Li Zhaonian is the chef, and he has already prepared the ingredients in advance, including vegetables, seafood, and meat.
It was past seven o'clock in the evening, the dumplings were finished and the dishes were ready.
Braised silver pomfret, sauced donkey meat, Maoxuewang, pot-wrapped elbow, steamed tofu sandwich, stir-fried Chinese cabbage, sweet and sour shrimp.
As expected of a professional cook, this New Year’s Eve dinner is delicious.
The little fat man couldn't move his eyes from looking at the side, and he wished he could eat right away.
Luke pinched his head habitually, signaling that he was promising.
"The food is served!" Li Zhaonian shouted.
The dishes are served one after another.
The old man took out two bottles of Moutai and said with a smile, "I bought these a few years ago. I'm happy today. Let's drink it."
The old lady turned on the TV and found the Central TV station to watch the Spring Festival Gala, "Hey, why hasn't Will come yet.
Zhaonian, give him a call, it’s getting dark, and ask if you need to pick him up. "
Li Zhaonian was also worried, he didn’t know where the **** was, so where could he pick him up?
He has such a big face that he let me pick it up.
It’s New Year’s Eve and you’re still making noise, and you don’t know how to go home?
The more Li Zhaonian thought about it, the more angry he became, and he didn't know how to tell his parents.
I don't want to lie to my parents, but I am afraid that my parents will be worried if they find out.
The old man also saw the problem, "Zhao Nian, what's going on?"
Li Zhaonian could only tell the truth with 70% truth and 30% falsehood, "I quarreled with that kid. He hid at a friend's house and refused to come back."
"I'll call him, Will listens to me the most." The old lady took out her mobile phone.
"Mom and Dad, leave him alone, this kid is probably still angry and won't answer the phone." Li Zhaonian also said perfunctorily.
The old lady still made a phone call, but she didn't get through.
The old man sullenly said, "Zhao Nian, you are in your forties, why are you still so unstable.
This is a big Chinese New Year, what's wrong with the child. "
Yao Xin said, "Dad, don't blame Zhaonian, Will is also stubborn.
Tomorrow Zhaonian and I will go to a friend’s house to pick him up. "
"Okay, let's eat first." The old man was still a little unhappy.
Wine is good wine, and food is good food, but everyone has their own concerns, and the New Year's Eve dinner is not enjoyable.
Only the little fat man didn't care, and opened his mouth to eat.
After eating and clearing away the dishes, Li Zhaonian and Yao Xin drove away.
Li Zhaofeng originally wanted to live with his son and let his two grandsons accompany his grandparents.
But he was afraid that his parents would ask about Will, so he also took his son home.
Luke doesn't like Maotai wine, so he drank less, so he drove back.
Fortunately, the investigation of drunk driving in New York is relatively loose, otherwise the whole family will be in the same pot.
The little fat man lay on the back seat and slapped his forehead, "I forgot to set off the fireworks."
Li Zhaofeng said, "Tomorrow, everyone is not in the mood today."
The fat man asked, "Dad, where's Will?"
"Your uncle doesn't know either, if he knew where he was, he would have dragged him back.
is also a worry. "
"Does Will and Uncle have other conflicts?" Luke felt that what happened last night should not cause such a big gap between the father and son, and the quarrel last night might just be the fuse.
Li Zhaofeng sighed, "Your uncle wants Will to learn how to cook, and he will hand over the restaurant to him later.
Will is not very happy and wants to make his own way. "
"Then go ahead, you're still young.
He was definitely not happy to have him detained in a restaurant just after graduating from college.
The more he insisted, the more disgusted he felt. "
"Will didn't go to a good university. Your uncle is worried that he will be useless for a few years, so he might as well learn cooking earlier.
The restaurant is its own property anyway, and your uncle can teach him by hand, which is better than outside. "
Actually, Luke also agrees with his uncle Li Zhaonian. Young people are big-hearted and always think that they can make a career, but in fact, very few succeed. Even if they succeed, they mostly rely on the relationship of their parents.
Will took over his own restaurant. With the foundation laid by his parents, it is the best way to develop and expand the restaurant while he is young and energetic and has ideas.
As a human being, Luke II has already understood that success is mostly standing on the shoulders of giants, and giants are often your parents. It is definitely a safe shortcut to cultivate deeply in the field where your parents work.
But Luke also knows that it is not easy for young people to understand this truth. Some roads have to be walked by themselves.
"Let Will go out and make a run for it, it's best if he can get out by himself.
Even if it fails, and I have no thoughts in my heart, I will naturally take over the restaurant willingly. "
"It seems... that's the only way to go." Li Zhaofeng nodded. He knew that his younger brother couldn't control it anymore. Instead of fighting against each other, it's better to discuss it.
Just like now, it collapsed, and I couldn't even find anyone, so I was even more anxious.
Li Zhaofeng glanced at his eldest son, but luckily he didn't look crooked.
He is very satisfied and proud of Luke's current situation.
The year before last, Luke was still a grumpy, moody 'bad boy'. This year, he is too sensible. Not only is he successful in his career, but he also matures in his dealings with others, and looks like a man.
With him taking care of Jack in Los Angeles, he is also relieved.
Luke glanced at the rearview mirror habitually, and vaguely felt that the car behind him looked familiar, as if he had seen it at the last intersection.
Could it be that he was being followed, shouldn't he?
Even if someone wants to harm you, can you still come to New York?
Luke was a little more vigilant. No one dared to provoke him in Los Angeles, but it was different in New York. If someone wanted to deal with him, this is really a good time.
Luke recalled the people he had offended recently, could it be the two gangs in Mexico?
The case of the two gangs was finally handed over to the FBI, and the FBI closed it. Even if they took revenge, they should not find themselves.
Could it be a professor?
I wanted him in Los Angeles, so he ran to New York to take revenge?
If this is the case, it is a good opportunity to arrest him.
But until then, keep father and brother safe.
…
A black Citroen car followed Li Zhaofeng's Volvo into the community. The car was far away and the lights were turned off, making it difficult to spot.
Luke and his son got out of the car and returned home talking and laughing.
A white man was sitting in the passenger cab of a black Citroen, taking pictures with a camera.
The man in the cab parked the car not far away, "These Chinese seem to be celebrating the Spring Festival. I heard it's a bit like Christmas."
The white man in the co-pilot put away the camera, "How long are we going to watch tonight? Is anyone changing shift?"
"Who knows?"
"Then you go to sleep first, I will watch over." The white man in the passenger cab looked towards Li Zhaofeng's house.
"I'm hungry, I need something to eat first." The driver opened the car cabinet and took out a bag of bread, "Do you want some?"
"Om..."
The man in the passenger cab took out his mobile phone, glanced at the screen of the mobile phone, "Boss, what are your orders?"
"Where are you?"
"Target is home, we're outside stalking."
A deep voice came from the phone, "Leave immediately."
"No one has changed shift yet."
"Don't worry about it so much, evacuate immediately."
"Is something wrong?"
"Don't ask, if you encounter an accident, don't take the initiative to attack the other party, and focus on evacuation.
protect yourself. "
"Fuck!"
The white man in the passenger cab turned off his mobile phone and cursed in a low voice, "What the **** are you doing?"
"What's wrong?"
"Evacuate here immediately."
The driver started the car and asked, "What happened? Have we been discovered?"
"God knows!"
The car started slowly and drove away towards the distance.
There was an extra pair of eyes in the shadow on the side of the house, and Luke walked out slowly, with a puzzled look on his face.
He took out his mobile phone and zoomed in on the photo on the screen, and he could see the license plate number of the black Citroen sedan.
Luke sent the license plate to Matthew, and sent a message, "Dude, check it out for me, go back and treat you to dinner."
Matthew replied, "This is a New York license plate, are you in New York?"
"Yes, was it difficult?"
" Kind of.
This is lapd's system, not NYPD. "
"That's why I came to you."
"OK, I'll try."
"Tell me tomorrow morning."
"You are the boss!"
I have something to update today
(end of this chapter)