CHAPTER 497: CHAPTER 295_2

"Outside of Los Angeles County, preferably a homicide case. Whether privately commissioned or by the police, either is fine."

Dean lowered his head, crumpling the note from the front desk into a small ball. For some reason, after confirming Niel’s place in his heart, he just couldn’t muster much enthusiasm for other women.

Ariel then understood that Dean had only come to use his place as a relay point for cases, not to officially associate with him.

He unconsciously breathed a sigh of relief. "No problem, I’ll go ask around for you now."

With that, Ariel walked to an empty space by the bookshelves in the corner, pushed open a hidden door that blended with the wall’s decor, and disappeared from the office.

After he had left, Happy, who was brimming with questions, finally couldn’t help but look at Dean. "Boss Dean, did you actually investigate that black man before you came?"

Dean lifted his head and pointed to his eyes. "I deduced it from observation. If you want to become an excellent detective, you must learn to observe everything you see and form instinctive analyses in your mind."

Happy gaped. "Boss, are you saying that with just one glance at Ariel, you analyzed all that information about him?"

Dean nodded and explained, "When he came out, he deliberately took large steps and quickened his pace, but his stride was even, and he couldn’t hide the disharmony in his body. This indicates he’s been injured and served in the military for years.

Ariel’s worn clothing suggested he had experienced British life for many years. Considering the situation over there, it’s highly likely he was born in the Commonwealth.

As for how long he served, you need to understand their system.

Ariel had the scent of a woman’s perfume on him, and his hair wasn’t completely dry. This means he had just taken a shower. Normal interactions don’t require one.

Furthermore, when Ariel spoke, there were remnants of candy in the crevices of his teeth. This situation is rare for a middle-aged man who served in the military for years. It means he uses candy as a substitute to manage his anxiety..."

His concise analysis led to Happy’s sudden understanding and admiration.

Happy’s eyes were full of admiration. "Boss Dean, Harry told me before how amazing you are, but I never had a direct sense of it. Now I realize it’s simply because that guy’s educational level is too low to express even a tenth of your true skill..."

It had to be said, this kid was truly Harry’s good brother; they both seemed to have graduated from the school of abundant praises.

Dean remained inwardly unfazed by Happy’s admiration. It couldn’t be helped; he was simply that formidable. With even the slightest action, he would exude a dazzling brilliance, attracting the worshipful gazes of those around. Ah, perhaps this was what they called the aura of a king.

Upon confirming that Dean really was a bigshot, Happy couldn’t suppress his eagerness to learn. "Boss Dean, how then can I train my own observation skills?"

Dean thought for a moment and then said, "There’s a simple method.

When you’re free, you can go to some busy restaurants or fast-food joints to observe the patrons, analyzing their professions and personalities through their attire and behavior.

If you’re with a companion, you can also analyze their relationships, then approach them to see if your analyses are correct. If not, reflect on the reasons and take notes.

At the start, it might seem difficult, but once you’ve recorded a thousand or ten thousand patrons, this observational skill will become your instinct, and it will have a high degree of accuracy."

These were genuine learning experiences that had been integrated into Dean’s mind after his various abilities were upgraded.

If Happy earnestly followed his advice, making a living in the detective industry would be a breeze. As for how far he could go, that would depend on his talent and opportunities.

His encounter with Dean, and the opportunity to stay by his side thanks to his connection with Harry, was indeed a stroke of luck for him.

As they were speaking, Ariel, who had disappeared earlier, returned to the office with several files in hand.

"Consultant Dean, here are the local cases that meet your criteria. You can look over the introductions. After you’ve decided, I’ll give you the detailed files for the corresponding case," Ariel said, handing over the documents.

Dean looked through them and noticed that these were only brief narrations of the cases, akin to background summaries.

The files included spousal murders, murders related to wealthy individuals’ inheritances, and missing person investigations. These cases, as far as the police were concerned, were either gathering dust in the archives or had already been closed. The clients were either the families of the perpetrators or the victims.

This was as Dean had expected.

Typically, homicide cases that reached detective agencies usually fell into one of these two categories.

Such cases, Dean estimated, wouldn’t provide many Experience Points and would merely serve to pass the time.

After sifting through them, Dean finally selected a file concerning a student murdering a teacher. "Mr. Ariel, please give me the detailed information for this case and the client’s contact details. I’ll take it."

Ariel took the file, glanced at it, and frowned slightly. "Consultant Dean, I must remind you: this case occurred in a small town. The circumstances are severe, it caused a significant local uproar, and it’s already closed. If you investigate, you might face non-cooperation from the police and hostility from the locals."

Dean replied nonchalantly, "I enjoy a challenge. Besides, for these commissions to have remained until now and come to my attention, they must all have their share of complications. That being the case, I’d much rather try to save a potentially innocent child than get involved with wealthy people fighting over inheritances."