My absurd experiences in North America over the years

Li Fu returned to his residence late at night.

He walked straight into the study, and the computer screen immediately lit up again, the dim blue light dividing his cold face into blocks of light and shadow.

He wasted no time and immediately began his investigation from the address of the Spanish-style villa.

Information on property transactions and resident registrations cannot be found through public channels.

However, for the firewall of 2006, its network technology was a complete game-changer.

He first traced property information by address, and then used some vulnerabilities that were considered "black technology" at the time to easily bypass the basic firewalls of real estate brokerage companies and bank databases, and directly locked onto the target.

A name appeared on the screen—Elisha Goldstein.

A typical Jewish name with strong religious connotations.

He was right; the other person was indeed Jewish.

A cold smile curled at the corner of Li Fu's mouth.

The code name "God's Chosen" forms an ironic echo with Elisha (meaning God is the redeemer).

He continued digging and soon found basic information about Elisha Goldstein.

The other person was born in a middle-class community in the Hamptons, Long Island, New York. His parents were ordinary accountants and teachers, and his resume was as clean as a blank sheet of paper.

However, when Li Fu focused his investigation on Goldstein's educational background, his brows furrowed slightly.

He studied at the Department of Mathematics at New York University.

The place name was like a thorn, piercing deep into Li Fu's memory.

His fingers paused for a moment as he typed, a name that would become infamous in the future flashing through his mind—Jeffrey Epstein.

That same financial prodigy who was equally adept at navigating New York's high society, equally connected with countless powerful figures, and equally... left his mark at the New York University Mathematics Institute.

Are these two alumni?

Could there even be some kind of connection between them?

This conjecture made Li Fu's heart beat slightly faster.

He quickly retrieved the student records of the New York University Department of Mathematics from that year, but the records about Elisha were unusually vague, only showing that he had studied there in the early 1990s but did not obtain any degree.

A guy with a good educational background failed to get his degree?

Li Fu's fingers tapped rhythmically on the table, which was unusual.

Unless... he gave it up voluntarily, or he got involved in something "more important than the degree".

Subsequent investigations confirmed his suspicions.

After dropping out of New York University, Elisha Goldstein's resume has a five-year gap.

There are no work records, no social security information, and no public social traces.

He vanished as if he had disappeared into thin air.

Then, in 2000, he suddenly reappeared as a limited partner in an investment firm called Blackstone Capital.

This company appears to be small, but its background is unfathomable. The shareholder list, which can be found through public channels, prominently features several family names that are well-known in Eastern Europe and the Middle East.

Those five years that cannot be verified, and the smooth-sailing "entrepreneurial" experience that followed, are undoubtedly backed by secret transactions that cannot be told to outsiders.

Perhaps it's for money laundering for certain forces, or perhaps it's acting as a middleman, facilitating some shady deals.

Over the next two days, Li Fu began investigating Goldstein like a detective, but with little success.

This guy hardly ever goes out.

Of course, it's also possible that I haven't gone out these past two days.

The following evening, Li Fu suddenly received a call from Gadot.

"Li, are you free tomorrow morning or evening?" Gadot's voice, tinged with languor and sleepiness, came through the phone.

"What's wrong?" Li Fu's mind was still preoccupied with the matter of Goldstein.

On the other end of the phone, Gadot, wearing a silk robe, spoke softly, "There's a charity cocktail party in Pasadena tomorrow night. Will you come with me?"

Li Fu's two-month stint as a bodyguard has ended.

This phone call was an invitation and a request.

He can agree or refuse.

He had no interest in charity parties.

As a time traveler, he knew very well that most celebrities and wealthy people did charity work simply to gain fame.

Some of the charitable foundations that were established were simply for tax avoidance.

This kind of situation is incredibly hypocritical.

"I don't want to go," Li Fu refused.

There was a few seconds of silence on the other end of the phone, followed by Gadot's soft, coquettish voice, "Oh, please come with me... I'll be so bored if I go alone."

Li Fu frowned slightly; Gadot had actually started to act coquettishly.

Perhaps during their time together, she discovered that she had little resistance to acting cute and charming, so she simply abandoned her mature and sophisticated style.

"I've been a bit busy these past few days..." he made up an excuse.

However, his tone clearly softened.

"Just keep me company, okay? I'm new here and unfamiliar with this kind of place. I feel more at ease with you here," Gadot pressed her advantage, her voice as soft as a cloud.

Li Fu's fingers, which were holding the phone, paused slightly.

The image of Gal Gadot, Wonder Woman, appeared in his mind: her armored figure, wielding the Lasso of Truth, fighting for justice against her enemies.

There is a huge contrast between the image of the superhero and the charming little woman on the other end of the phone.

Li Fu suddenly had a very... peculiar idea.

If Gal Gadot were dressed as Wonder Woman... well, let's not go there...

That feeling must be magical.

"Alright! I'll go with you tomorrow," Li Fu sighed helplessly, but his tone softened.

Indeed, even heroes can't resist the charms of a beautiful woman.

"Then I'll pick you up tomorrow," Gadot's voice instantly lit up.

……

As night falls, Pasadena is illuminated by dazzling lights.

Inside a Spanish colonial-style estate spanning several acres, elegantly dressed women mingled and drinks flowed freely.

The light from the crystal chandelier refracted onto the champagne tower, causing golden liquid to flow out, and the air was filled with the aroma of expensive perfumes and champagne.

Li Fu was dressed in a well-tailored black bespoke suit, arm in arm with Gadot, wearing a standard social smile, but his heart was completely unmoved, and he even wanted to light a cigarette.

Gal Gadot wore a deep red backless evening gown tonight, looking radiant and attracting a lot of attention as soon as she entered. Her friends and acquaintances warmly surrounded her.

Li Fu smiled and responded politely, behaving like a dutiful protector of a woman.

But the ears, like radar, capture information from the surroundings.

He ignored the insincere pleasantries until a few key words reached his ears.

"...I heard the Hilton sisters went all out this time, bringing in half of Hollywood to promote their new fashion brand..."

"...That mysterious Mr. Goldstein is here too? I heard he's the Hilton family's newest partner, specializing in capital operations..."

Li Fu paused slightly as he held the champagne glass.

Good grief, we're going to run into each other here?