"You might get two dals this ti," Zoe said, slurping up her long-missed Jack-brand heart-shaped noodles, revealing a pleasant surprise.
"Everyone involved in the operation will receive a Comndation for Outstanding Teamwork from headquarters, and they're discussing whether to award you a separate Police Star."
It would be a lie to say Jack wasn't thrilled. Although the Police Star was just an internal LAPD award, it was like a helicopter in the promotion ladder. If he could truly receive this honor, his police resu would undoubtedly be gilded with a dazzling gold.
Seeing her man looking at her with such emotion, Zoe quickly waved her hand and explained, "Don't look at like that. Although I voted in favor, it was Chief Randy McPherson who first proposed it."
Jack was sowhat puzzled. He had never t this Chief before; what had he done to deserve the attention of such an important figure?
Zoe chuckled, covering her mouth. "You don't know how many eyes were on you after you registered that Python revolver at the police station, do you?"
Seeing his still bewildered expression, Zoe continued, "The Chief of Police is one of Detective Rick Hunter's old friends. He got a share of the cost of that Python. Your Uncle Hunter has worked for the LAPD for nearly 40 years, and many big shots in the departnt have benefited from his kindness."
"As the main planner of this upheaval of the Southern Front, Jack Tavelor's na has entered the sights of many high-ranking figures. Last night, the heads of the Homicide Division and the tropolitan Division were asking about you."
"Oh, and that Hondo guy seems interested in you too. In his words, his team needs a rookie who's better at using his brain than his muscles."
Jack's mouth dropped open in surprise. He never expected that after the troubles he experienced in his previous life, caused by the complexities of human relationships, would actually benefit him in this world. How unpredictable life is!
"Looks like I need to formally invite Uncle Hunter and Auntie again, but before that, shouldn't I thank Captain Anderson properly?"
With that, Jack scooped Zoe up in his arms and carried her into the bathroom amidst her gasp.
Hmm, this three-ter-wide bed was definitely a good buy, but the bathroom probably needs so renovations; that old double bathtub is a bit too cramped for three people.
That evening, after seeing off the two radiant beauties, Jack, busy with chores, wore a mysterious smile until Hannah's video call startled him awake.
"Hi, honey, how have you been?" Hannah smiled broadly on the video, even her forehead wrinkles were showing.
Jack scoffed, "Hmph, 149 days to go. I'll be counting down the days until you co back, and I'll prepare a big surprise for you."
Hannah pouted, showing no concern for Jack's threat. The two chatted for a while longer, mainly about the details of yesterday's raid.
Jack was actually quite perplexed by the whole thing. His original goal was simply to use this plan to extricate Zoe from potential danger; whether it succeeded or not wasn't important. He hadn't expected the commander Grey to be such a good actor, completely fooling "King Midas."
Things escalated further, even involving the obsessive assassin. Fortunately, the FBI took over the later troubles.
For the Wilshire Precinct, whether the fragnted "Southern Front" would cause trouble due to turf wars was the job of the Anti-Gang and Narcotics Division. This was one of the few advantages for the lowest-ranking patrol officers — they didn't have to bear too much responsibility.
After hanging up the video call with Hannah, Jack finished tidying up the house and began his daily training.
He had made many gains recently. Leaving aside yesterday's gains, his persistent study and training had also increased his attribute values. His ntal strength had risen to 23, and his physical constitution to 22.
His weight had increased again, reaching 90 kilograms, though his overall physique remained unchanged,. He wondered where the extra weight had gone, suspecting his bone density might have increased.
The backyard of his new house now had so simple exercise equipnt and two wooden mannequins. Jack had also cultivated a small vegetable patch and laid down mulch.
Although Los Angeles had a climate with mild temperatures year-round, it was still December, and the nightti temperatures were a bit low. He wasn't expecting much, so He planted so negi (Japanese leeks) , ginger, garlic, komatsuna, lettuce, and cherry tomatoes — just to gain experience in planting.
There were too many rules here in the US; the front lawn needed regular maintenance, and you couldn't just plant vegetables anywhere, or you might get reported by an unpleasant neighbor and cause trouble.
But the backyard was much better. Jack planted a ring of fruit trees not far from the wall: apples, oranges, and grapefruits.
He even planted two Kuwa trees, not for raising silkworms, but hoping to eat fruits. The black circles around his mouth after eating them were one of his fondest childhood mories.
"Jack, you're only 22, why do I feel like you've already planned your retirent?" The next day, Nolan, who ca to help renovate the kitchen, was dumbfounded as he looked at the mulch and fruit tree seedlings Jack was ssing around with in the backyard.
"I'm just finding so hobbies for myself. My dream retirent is to have my own small farm, where I can grow so fruit trees, have a small pond to fish in, and raise horses."
Nolan pursed his lips, speechless at his friend who was old enough to be his son.
However, after a busy day, Jack felt sothing was off. Forr construction contractor John Nolan seed to be only slightly above-beginner level in carpentry.
He was obviously good at reading blueprints and giving instructions, but his actual practical skills were about the sa as Jack's.
"Why do I feel like I've hired a supervisor instead of a helper?" Jack looked utterly bewildered.
Nolan smiled and replied, "After I started having my own team, I rarely did the work myself anymore. I spent more ti negotiating with people."
Seeing the slight confusion in Jack's eyes, he continued to explain.
"For example, I needed to explain to a single mother with four children that the kitchen renovation was delayed because the tiles hadn't arrived, or convince the bank to give another week to raise the loan."
"So when we first encountered the suspect taking hostages, that is why you chose to try to persuade him instead of shooting him in the head?" Jack feigned sudden realization.
"Uh, actually, I was thinking of shooting him in the leg when he wasn't looking," Nolan tried to save his dignity.
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