The five of them boarded the hotel shuttle bus and headed directly to the Hilton Hotel, enjoying the scenery outside the window along the way. Just the views on this journey made them feel the trip was worthwhile.
Upon arriving at the hotel, the five checked in: Linda took one room.
Robert and Val shared another room.
The little fatty stayed with Luke.
After settling the luggage, they rented a convertible Jeep Wrangler from the hotel and headed to their first sightseeing spot — Hanauma Bay.
This is a famous attraction on Oahu Island and the only beach in Hawaii that charges an entrance fee.
The waters in Hanauma Bay are very shallow, and the sea is quite calm, making it ideal for snorkeling and swimming. It's said that Au Guanhai's family are frequent visitors here.
Luke and the group bought tickets in advance, listened to the staff's explanations upon arriving at Hanauma Bay, rented snorkeling gear, and the five of them went into the sea.
The water was shimmering blue-green, shallow and crystal-clear, with fish and turtles swimming around. The most beautiful were the colorful tropical corals, and Luke's family took underwater photos for memories.
By noon, snorkeling was over, and everyone was hungry, so Luke drove them to get food.
Luke drove them to the city center and found a local restaurant to taste Hawaiian island specialties.
They tried garlic shrimp, Spam rice balls, moonfish, roast pork, salmon fried rice, hot pancakes, seafood ramen, and more. Luke discovered the local food resembled some Japanese dishes, tasting a bit strange and not very delicious.
After eating, Luke and his group left the restaurant.
Luke had just sat in the car when the little fatty poked his head to the front seat and pointed at a house nearby, saying, "Bro, is that a thief?"
Ahead was a three-story building where the first floor was a shop, and the second and third floors were residential.
A man climbed out from a second-floor window, walked along the sloped rooftop of the shop to the second floor of another house, and slipped inside through a window.
Val, biting into a sticky rice ice cream, exclaimed, surprised, "Wow, this thief is really brave, daring to break in during the day and rob house by house. Doesn't anyone care?"
Seeing this, Luke felt uneasy too, but he couldn't manage it; he couldn't leave his family to catch thieves.
If he really did that, this vacation would be ruined.
Besides, this was Hawaii, not Los Angeles.
Next, Luke's group headed to their second destination, the Polynesian Cultural Center.
This is a non-profit institution dedicated to preserving Polynesian culture.
There are seven indigenous villages here, where you can paddle a canoe to wander through the villages and experience the different cultures of each tribe.
In the evening, there's a sumptuous buffet dinner and ethnic song and dance performances.
Afterwards, Luke and his group returned to the hotel to rest, marking the end of the first day's play.
Early the next day.
They rushed to Diamond Mountain for a hiking adventure.
This is an extinct volcano, somewhat resembling a crater on the moon.
The mountain isn't high, but it offers beautiful scenery along the way, taking Luke's group about an hour to reach the top, where they could overlook the full view of the southern coast of Oahu Island. The scenery was stunning, making the trip worthwhile.
In the afternoon, the family went to Waikiki Beach, taking a boat to watch the sunset, where the sea and sky seemed to merge together, creating a heavenly scene.
The beauty of this moment gave Luke a feeling of wanting to settle down here.
"Ring, ring... "
Suddenly, an unsettling sound rang out.
Luke took out his phone to see Reid's number displayed on the screen.
Luke hesitated for a moment, but still pressed the answer button, "Hi, boss, good afternoon."
Reid asked, "Is the scenery in Hawaii beautiful?"
"Yes, I even want to transfer here to work."
"Haha, get back to reality soon; you belong to Los Angeles."
"The security here isn't very good; I think there's great potential here."
"Have you followed the news in Los Angeles over the past two days? The security here has also become very bad; Los Angeles needs you."
"No, I've been too busy playing these two days. What happened in Los Angeles?"
"Have you heard about the kidnapping of real estate tycoon Gary Sane's son?"
"I know about that. The day I left Los Angeles, I saw the news on airport TV. Was the real estate tycoon's son rescued?"
"No, not only hasn't he been rescued, but there's been another kidnapping case in Los Angeles. Another wealthy man's daughter has been kidnapped."
Luke replied, "Suddenly, I feel that poverty isn't necessarily a bad thing."
"That's right; the kidnappers have a clear target: they want ransom, a large amount of ransom."
"Do you want me to return to Los Angeles to investigate the kidnapping case?"
"It's not my hope but a strong request or demand from the victim's family."
"Why?" Luke asked in confusion.
"Is it hard to understand? Your reputation is well-known now; you're Los Angeles' detective with the highest success rate in solving major cases and have been awarded the highest honor as a public safety officer.
Having you around makes them feel more at ease, and they hope you can work a miracle and rescue the victim."
Luke sighed, "Boss, you should be well aware, I'm just a human, not a god.
I can't guarantee solving every case, and even if I do, it doesn't necessarily mean the kidnapped person will be rescued."
"I know, but this doesn't prevent them from wanting you to participate in the investigation of the case.
It's like seeing a doctor; everyone hopes the best surgeon will perform the operation."
"I appreciate their trust, but I'm currently in Hawaii, and it takes time to get back to Los Angeles, plus I'm completely unfamiliar with the case, so taking over might not be the best choice.
Why not look for Anthony? Their FBI often takes on kidnapping cases."
Reid said, "If it were elsewhere, the FBI would undoubtedly be a good choice.
But in Los Angeles, Robbery and Murder Department's Luke Lee is the guarantee of solving the case.
You might not believe in the morality of wealthy people, but their judgment isn't wrong.
They hope to do whatever it takes to rescue their children."
Luke said, "I'll think about it and give you an answer tomorrow."
Reid answered, "OK, say hi to your family for me."
"I'd rather not; I can't guarantee my mom won't curse you."
Reid smiled wryly, "I didn't want to make this call either, you understand."
Luke hung up the phone and continued enjoying the beach scenery.
In the evening, the family dined at a restaurant beside the beach, sipping red wine and basking in the sea breeze, feeling very cozy.
Val asked, "Luke, are you going to return to Los Angeles early?"
"Uncle, when will you get rid of the habit of eavesdropping."
Val made a grievance face, "I didn't eavesdrop; I was just standing downwind, and the sound was blown over by the wind."
Linda inquired concernedly, "Why do you have to return early?"
The little fatty also complained, "Didn't we agree to go to Gulan Ranch? I hope you can go with us; this is our Family time!"
Luke said, "I know, I want to go too, but Reid called today, the police department hopes I return to participate in investigating a case."
Robert asked, "Is it about the kidnapping of the real estate tycoon's son?"
"Grandpa, how do you know that?"
Robert pouted, "Poor people don't have the privilege to choose their investigators. Nor can they hire a well-known detective like you."
"A kidnapping case?" The little fatty muttered, "Well, if it's about rescuing someone... then you should go."
Val offered a different opinion, "No, why go back just because the victim's dad is wealthy?
That's not fair.
You're on vacation now, you bought the ticket yourself, booked the hotel yourself.
If you return now, who will cover the bill?
The wealthier people are, the stingier they become. They won't spare a dime for you or reimburse your return flight."
Don't be silly; stay.
There are so many police officers in Los Angeles; they're not short on you.
But to family, you're unique."
Luke looked at Linda, "Mom, what do you think?"
Linda shrugged, "I respect your decision."
"OK, everyone should sleep early tonight.
Tomorrow we're going to Gulan Ranch." Luke waved his hand, to hell with investigating cases, family is the most important.