Friday.

Saint Moni Beach.

One of Los Angeles's famed beaches with a blue sky and soft sand, it's a great location for a vacation.

Luke, David, and Xiao Hei lay leisurely on beach chairs, with three beers in paper bags on the table next to them.

The case was closed, and the three of them were on a day off.

Luke sipped his beer, watching the bikini-clad beauties on the beach, thinking life couldn't get much better.

Luke had wanted to invite Daisy to come along, as hanging out with a pretty lady would definitely be more enjoyable than with two old men, but Daisy had to work today, so he had to settle for second best.

He picked up the beer can covered with a paper bag, "This is actually the first time the three of us have hung out on our day off; we should celebrate."

Xiao Hei frowned, "You're right, why has it taken so long for the three of us to hang out together? That's not normal."

David took a sip of beer, "Because you two are pests."

Xiao Hei squinted, "So you're starting to like pests now?"

David shook his head, "I just didn't have a choice."

Luke agreed, "Exactly my thoughts. If Daisy were off today, I wouldn't be here hanging out with you guys."

Xiao Hei pouted, "Hmm, now that we're telling the truth, I don't need to hide either. If I had a new girlfriend, I wouldn't give you guys a second glance."

David laughed, "From what you're saying, it sounds like you're going to break up with Julian. I'm not surprised at all."

"No, who said I'm breaking up with Julian? We get along great, and I'm not letting another guy have her."

David said, "It's just a matter of time, want to bet?"

"Bring it on, I'm not scared of you."

"If you can stay with Julian for a year, I'll give you a thousand US Dollars, otherwise you owe me a thousand US Dollars. Do you dare?"

Xiao Hei thought for a moment, "Of course I dare, why not?"

David asked, "Luke, you want in on this?"

Luke laughed, "I'll also bet a thousand that Xiao Hei will break up with Julian within a year."

"You guys are so going to lose. Even if I break up, I'll wait until a year and a day. Those two thousand dollars are as good as mine." Xiao Hei took a big gulp of beer, his expression more serious.

"OK, the money's ready whenever you want to take it." David smiled, looking around at the beach, "This place is nice, how did you guys think of coming here?"

Luke said, "A few days ago, we were here questioning a witness, a plus-sized bikini beauty."

"Right." Xiao Hei grinned mischievously, as if pointing to a spot not far off and said, "Hey, look over there at that bikini girl lying on the beach mat; she's not wearing a bra strap right now, it's probably 'au naturel' on top. Many girls like to sunbathe so freely."

Luke curiously looked over, "True that, and she's got a nice figure. You're really observant, way more than when you're examining surveillance footage."

David shook his head, "Is this why you guys come to the beach? To check out large-breasted women?"

Xiao Hei nonchalantly said, "They dress like that for people to look, right? How she dresses is her choice, what I choose to look at is mine.

Why not?"

Luke raised his beer, "This time I'm on your side."

"Of course, we're the best partners." Xiao Hei clinked glasses with him and took a sip.

"Ding ling ling..."

A ringtone echoed, and Xiao Hei picked up his phone, his forehead creased into a frown, "Oh, it's Julian."

David raised his chin, "Why not answer?"

Xiao Hei sighed, "I didn't tell her I was on vacation; she thinks I'm still at work."

"Didn't you say you two were close?"

"We are close, but... she's a bit too clingy. Sometimes I need some personal space, to drink and chat with you guys, to enjoy a man's gathering."

David said, "Then you should tell her the truth."

"Right, I should do that. I don't know why I didn't..." The phone continued to ring, and Xiao Hei felt stuck.

"You're a habitual liar." Luke bluntly said.

"Guys, you must help me, or she might keep calling." Xiao Hei took a deep breath and pressed the answer button, "Hi, babe, I missed you, was just about to call."

"I missed you too. What time are you coming home tonight, want to have dinner together?"

"Sure, I feel like eating the pasta you make."

"I was cleaning the room just now and found you left your handgun at home; you didn't go to work today?"

"Oh, I forgot, this damn memory. I didn't have to go out on field duty today, just keep it safe."

"You're not on field duty, but it sounds so noisy there; you're not lying to me, are you?"

"Nonono, I wouldn't lie to you. I really am at work, if you don't believe me, let Luke talk, you've met him." Xiao Hei handed the phone to Luke, pleading with lip language.

Luke waved his hand in refusal, thinking it was time to teach Xiao Hei a lesson, otherwise, he might eventually get into trouble over a woman.

David gestured to pass the phone to him.

Xiao Hei sighed in relief and handed the phone to David.

"Julian, this is David."

"Uh... Detective Chief David, I remember your voice. Marcus often mentions you." Julian's tone was somewhat awkward.

The scene of their last meeting was vivid in her mind...

"Marcus is lying; he's not at work today, he's deceiving you."

Julian paused for a moment, "Thank you, I knew it would be like this."

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