CHAPTER 496: CHAPTER 295_1

There were no hitches this time.

Dean brought along his new follower, Happy, and drove to the ’Smith Detective Agency’ office. It was located on a prime floor of a commercial building in Los Angeles. The storefront wasn’t large, but its classical decor conveyed an air of substance, suggesting their services didn’t come cheap.

In some ways, the facade served as a clear marker of status, effectively filtering out the broke.

"Boss Dean, should I go in with you?"

The usually shameless Happy was extremely nervous at the moment, hesitating behind Dean. His posture was stooped, his previously erect back now subconsciously curved, radiating a lack of confidence.

Not long ago, when his own business endeavors were failing, he had tried to come here to learn something useful. However, they hadn’t even considered him for unpaid work, deeming him too half-competent.

Happy had only reaped humiliation; it was an experience hard to put into words.

"Be confident, buddy."

Dean stopped and offered Happy, his new subordinate, his first piece of life advice: "Happy, do you know how to start turning your crappy life around for the better?"

"Three principles!"

Happy’s eyes widened. "Tell me, Boss Dean, I’m all ears!" he said, a tremor of excitement in his voice.

Life-changing opportunities can appear in an instant.

And Dean, constantly praised by his good brother Harry, was undoubtedly such a successful individual in Happy’s eyes—someone who could offer him guidance.

"Persistence! Shamelessness! And persistent shamelessness!"

Dean shrugged. "If you can master these three things, then ninety percent of the world’s problems won’t faze you. Let’s go; we’ve got serious business to attend to."

Watching Dean’s receding figure, Happy touched his own face.

Of the three things the boss mentioned, it seemed he had only mastered shamelessness!

He thought he finally understood why, despite his decent hacking skills, his life was still a complete mess.

It turned out he was still too reserved.

"F**k it! So what if it’s embarrassing? As long as I’m shameless, there’s nothing to be nervous about!"

In that moment, the once apprehensive Happy suddenly felt an immense strength well up inside him. He was no longer preoccupied with whether the people inside would mock him as they had before and hurriedly followed.

「...」

"Hello, Sir, do you have an appointment?"

The beautiful receptionist’s eyes lit up upon seeing Dean, who was dressed in casual attire.

"Yes, I have an appointment. Could you please check? The name is Dean. I’m a consultant for the ’Smith Detective Agency,’ here to take on some cases today," Dean said with a sunny smile.

Upon hearing Dean was a consultant for the ’Smith Detective Agency,’ the receptionist’s bright eyes practically sparkled with admiration. "Consultant Dean, please take a seat. I’ll go and inform Mr. Ariel."

After saying this, she walked to the back office.

Dean turned to look at Happy. "See? Easy, right?"

Happy pursed his lips. "That’s not fair! She didn’t even verify your identity, Boss!"

He remembered his own last visit and couldn’t help but feel a pang of jealousy.

What wounded him more was realizing something: the receptionist seemed to have no recollection of him at all. Before leaving just now, she had even given him a friendly look...

She didn’t remember him at all, f**k!

Not much later, the receptionist returned, following a middle-aged Black man.

"I’m Ariel, the one in charge here." The middle-aged Black man’s keen gaze swept over Dean and Happy. He confidently extended his hand to Dean, his eyes filled with scrutiny. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr. Dean!"

"Hello!"

Dean shook Ariel’s hand, smiling. "If I’m not mistaken, Mr. Ariel, you grew up in the Commonwealth and served in the military for over ten years. You injured your right leg—an injury likely caused by an explosion. That accident left you with some unpleasant memories, which is why you enjoy desserts. You also tend to suffer from insomnia due to keeping late hours and can only fall asleep with female companionship. In fact, just an hour ago, you concluded a rather... intense engagement with a certain passionate lady."

Ariel’s pupils contracted sharply.

Spot on!

A hint of respect and apology appeared on his dark face. "Mr. Dean, your way of greeting is quite unique."

Dean released his hand and shrugged. "Sorry, I saw doubt in your eyes. I thought this greeting might facilitate our conversation."

"Yes, you’re right," Ariel said with a forced, bitter smile. "Mr. Dean, you truly live up to your reputation as a special consultant for the ’Smith Detective Agency.’ You’re far more formidable than many detectives I know. Please, follow me."

Ariel’s office was large and lavishly decorated. A vintage rifle was displayed on the wall opposite the entrance. Beneath the weapon was a framed photograph of him in military uniform with his comrades.

The beautiful receptionist from before brought in two drinks, placing them in front of Dean and Happy. Before leaving, she discreetly made a "call me" gesture to Dean.

Happy, standing to the side, saw it clearly: next to Dean’s drink, there was also a small piece of paper.

Comparing this to the treatment he received on his last visit, Happy marveled internally. This must be the fabled ’getting by on good looks’ phenomenon!

「..」

Back in his seat, Ariel clasped his hands together, his confidence restored. "Consultant Dean, headquarters mentioned you wanted to select some suitable cases. Do you have any particular requirements for them?"