I'll reach out to him; even if his building company isn't suitable, we can still ask about the prices."
Luke nodded. Actually, he also had a contact in the construction industry, the old-timer John, who worked in construction contracting for over twenty years before becoming a cop. But since he switched fields, it's better to let Dad ask first if he already knows someone.
"Dad, I want to hold a family gathering tonight, invite Mom, chubby guy, Robert, Val over, and Jack's girlfriend too."
Li Zhaofeng "..."
Jack hasn't even graduated from high school, why meet his girlfriend?
Kids are unpredictable; who knows what'll happen in the future? Calling him to marry now is unrealistic.
He hoped Luke would bring a girlfriend instead, more reasonable at this age.
...
Half an hour later, Luke rode his Harley to the community where Walker lived.
This was a high-end community. Perhaps because it was developed earlier, the roads in the community weren't very wide, and the architectural style was mostly classic. He slowed down the motorcycle, paying attention to the shape and structure of the houses, hoping to incorporate it into his new house.
Luke was visiting the Walker family for the first time, and he found their house number based on the address.
The yard had a few trees planted on the green lawn. There was no swimming pool, and the house overall was gray, a typical Western style. In front of the eastern garage were parked a motorcycle and a motorhome.
Luke parked his motorcycle at the entrance and walked up with a heavy backpack, pressing the doorbell.
"Ding-dong~"
He waited a moment with no response.
Luke pressed the doorbell again, still no answer.
"Judge Walker."
Luke resorted to the most straightforward way of calling someone to the door.
"Creak..."
The motorhome door opened, and Walker stepped down dressed casually, "Luke, sorry, I couldn't hear the doorbell from inside the motorhome." He waved, "Come in quickly, the gate isn't locked."
Luke pushed open the black iron gate and walked into the yard, glancing at the motorhome.
It was a new-style Class C motorhome, mostly white, similar to the motorhome Luke had rented before. "Is this your new purchase?"
"Yes, not bad, right?" Walker introduced, "It's a 3.0T diesel motorhome with two beds that can sleep two to four people. The interior space is large enough to satisfy basic cooking and shower needs.
Want to take a look inside?" Walker answered his own question, "Yes, I'm sure you're interested. Come on."
Luke "..."
It's my first time here.
Such a nice house, such a big yard, you're not touring me around the house, but showing me the motorhome?
Despite his inner grumbles, Luke followed the host's lead and walked towards the motorhome with his backpack.
Inside, Walker gave a vivid introduction, but Luke didn't feel much about it. The motorhome, while newer and slightly larger, was basically the same layout as the one he rented before.
After Walker finished, he asked, "What do you think?"
"Pretty good." Luke glanced at the bedding on the bed, "You stay in the motorhome?"
"Yes, I'm trying it out first, preparing for future travels. If there's anything inconvenient, I can modify it in advance."
"Very considerate." Luke sat on the semi-circular sofa and opened the black backpack, "These are the gold coins from our last treasure hunt. I kept three as souvenirs; the rest are here."
Walker pulled the backpack over to examine the gold coins inside, "These treasure hunt gains have great sentimental value. Are you sure you want to sell them?"
"I do feel a bit reluctant, but I need the money now."
"I don't usually meddle in others' affairs, but as friends and treasure hunt partners, if you're facing any difficulties, feel free to talk to me."
"I'm not in any trouble, just encountered a nice house I want to buy."
"Sounds like a good decision." Walker had initially worried that Luke, being young, might squander the unexpected fortune; as an older friend, he felt a need to advise him.
But since it's for buying a house, there's no problem.
Both being acquaintances, one wanting to buy, the other to sell, the transaction went smoothly, and Luke presented a pre-drafted contract.
The actual deal price was 150,000 US Dollars.
But the contract listed only 133,000 US Dollars; the remaining 17,000 US Dollars were gifted by Walker to Luke as a friend, which was tax-free.
Walker collected the gold coins seriously and said, "Luke, we need to discuss some serious business."
Luke "..."
What do you mean by 'serious business'? What are we doing now?
Walker pulled open a drawer under the sofa and took out a small wooden box, opening it to reveal a piece of brown leather.
It was the map Luke found in the hidden compartment of the treasure chest.
This map was discovered by Luke, who had researched it himself. However, due to lack of experience and patience, he got nothing out of it and handed it over to Walker, curious about how the old man would fare in his research.
"I've researched it, and it's indeed a treasure map.
I've checked the maps of America and found the map likely depicts a red rock formation, matching Colorado's Red Rock Canyon's topographical features. I carefully compared it with Google Maps and determined the general location the treasure map illustrates, which should be in the southern part of Red Rock Canyon.
Buddy, are you ready to start another treasure hunting expedition?" Walker's tone was filled with excitement and anticipation.
Perhaps the saying holds true; interest is the best teacher, the greater the interest, the more effort is put in, and enjoying it without feeling the struggle is the ideal state.
Initially, Luke wasn't keen on treasure hunting, as he believed it was a waste of time and passion, being too elusive. But after the previous treasure hunt and seeing the fifteen thousand US Dollars in his hands, he thought it was quite a decent experience.
Not only could it offer the fresh stimulation of exploring new environments, but more importantly, it could earn money.