After returning to Minsk Street from the factory area, Klein had a simple lunch and fell asleep. He slept until it got dark and evening came, then he woke up naturally.

But even so, he still felt tired, tired from the bottom of his heart.

After being lost in thought for a while, Klein went downstairs, lit the gas lamp, and prepared to sit on the sofa to read today's newspaper. But when he glanced around, he saw an invitation on the coffee table.

He was stunned at first, but then he realized that this was the dinner invitation that Mrs. Starling Summer sent her maid to make a few days ago.

“I almost forgot about this… a blind date party in disguise…” Klein put down the invitation and walked to the bathroom on the first floor. He cleaned his face with cold water, making himself look a lot more energetic.

Compared to when he first arrived in Backlund, he now had thicker black beard around his lips and above his chin. Although this did not completely eliminate his bookish temperament, it made him look much more mature and rugged.

We are not real acquaintances, so there is no way he can recognize me in person... Klein exhaled silently, wiped his face, and put his gold-rimmed glasses on his nose.

He took a short rest, changed into a shirt with a stiff collar and a black tailcoat, then put on a half-high silk hat very formally, took his cane and invitation, went out and turned to the next door.

Amid the jingling of the doorbell, he saw the maid Julian opening the door, and saw Starlin with her blonde hair piled high and silver ornaments on her earlobes.

Klein took off his hat, bowed, and praised politely:

"Mrs. Summer, you look very beautiful today."

Although his words were perfunctory, Starlin was indeed much prettier today than usual. Her ability in dressing up seemed to have achieved a breakthrough.

It seemed that the incident of catching the cheating had made her and Lady Mary truly "best friends." The other party was a wealthy man with a net worth of tens of thousands of pounds. He had currently joined the Kingdom's Air Pollution Investigation Committee and had made friends with many dignitaries. He must have sufficient knowledge in makeup, clothing, accessories, etc. Klein nodded in his heart with sudden realization.

The corners of Starlin's mouth couldn't help but curl up:

"These are my new earrings. They need to be re-made."

Madam, your style hasn't changed... Klein smiled and handed the hat, cane, and coat to the maid.

The fireplace and pipes in the house brought a warm feeling as if from early summer. Many young ladies' and ladies' dresses were relatively loose, some revealing half of their white and tender arms, and some had smooth chests.

"Luke is discussing business with some friends. Let me apologize to you on his behalf." Starling fulfilled her duties as a hostess and said, "You eat first. I will introduce you to some well-educated ladies later."

Actually, there’s no need for that. Just let me eat quietly... Klein smiled and said:

"I can already smell the food."

Because there were more than 20 guests, the dinner was held in a buffet style. Klein took the plate and turned around, and found that the food this time was much richer than before:

Cold salmon, chicken pie, lamb stew with peas, salted breast, curry food, roast beef, cooked turkey, tongue pie, ham, salad and cream cake...

The wine is still champagne and red wine.

This is very much in line with the appetite of a carnivore. Klein picked up a large plate and did not go to chat with anyone. Instead, he retreated to a corner and tasted the food slowly.

"Not as good as the chef at the Krag Club..." He commented in his mind from time to time.

When he was about to get the second round, he was finally discovered by Starling Summer.

At the same time, he saw an acquaintance, Lawyer Jurgen, with a serious expression, next to the lady.

Yes, Jurgen is still a bachelor as well... Klein smiled and moved over to greet him:

"How is Mrs. Doris recovering?"

Jurgen tugged at his tie uncomfortably and said:

"She will be discharged next week."

"This is really great." Klein said sincerely.

At this time, Starlin had already led a few young ladies over and introduced them:

"This is Mr. Jurgen Cooper, a senior solicitor. His weekly salary is at least 3 pounds, and he often gets commissions from cases. His annual income must be more than 2 pounds. He is young and promising, and he may become a barrister in the future."

"This is Mr. Sherlock Moriarty, a famous detective. His income is not stable, but every payment is very generous, such as 1 pound or 5 pounds."

Madam, this introduction is too direct... Klein couldn't help but complain in his heart.

Jurgen next to him visibly frowned.

Starling didn't think there was any problem and continued to introduce:

"Miss Sarah Taylor, her parents are both grammar school teachers..."

"Angina Watson, her father is a civilian employee of the Backlund Police Department..."

…

Klein smiled numbly and greeted each lady.

After Starlin finished speaking, Jurgen said in a deep voice:

"Mrs. Summer, it's not polite to mention someone's income to their face."

Starlin was not angry, and responded very seriously:

"No, it's very important."

"If you can like each other and build a family, income is an essential foundation."

"Think about it, we need meat, vegetables, fruits, milk, white bread, cream, butter and other foods every day, right? We have to spend at least 1 pound and 5 soli a week on these, not counting alcohol. In addition, we have to rent a good house, which costs nearly 1 pound a week. Well, we also have to buy water, gas, charcoal, soap and other things, and we have to consider the cost of travel, which adds up to about 1 soli."

"This is the most basic expense. Don't you take your wife to concerts and plays?"

"Don't you have some new clothes every year? Ladies, I think a family should spend at least three pounds a year on this to be considered respectable."

"In addition, there are also the maid's salary, the children's education expenses, medical expenses, and some necessary decorations."

"Only if you earn more than £2 a year can you meet these needs and have a happy family."

"So, in order not to waste your time and cause any misunderstandings, I think it is necessary to introduce them in advance."

As a lawyer, Jurgen couldn't find the words to refute for a moment, but fortunately he only had serious and solemn expressions.

You're so frank... But basic etiquette is to tell both parties this information in private first. Of course, I understand why you introduced me in person, Mrs. Summer... Klein smiled and said,

“Yeah, income is important.”

"Only those with an annual income of more than £4 can afford to hold such a dinner party and give their wives beautiful dresses and exquisite earrings."

Starling immediately raised her chin slightly, trying to suppress her smile and said:

"43 pounds. I mean, you need to save some every year to prepare for unexpected events or invest in stocks and bonds."

This is her husband's approximate annual income.

After helping the two strangers find a topic to talk about, she left and greeted other guests. Klein clearly noticed that Miss Sarah, Angela and others were more interested in Lawyer Jurgen. After all, he looked good and had a very stable job and income.

As for private detectives who may come to the police station at any time, they are not the first choice for middle-class women. Moreover, Klein now has a beard and looks a bit rough, so girls can't help but be a little afraid.

After chatting for a few minutes, he found an excuse to leave and hid in a corner, eating while admiring Jurgen's awkward and helpless performance.

At times like this, his eloquence as a lawyer had gone nowhere.

A few minutes later, the two children from the Summer family ran past Klein while playing.

They noticed the gentleman hiding in the corner, stopped, opened their eyes wide, and asked curiously:

"Mr. Moriarty, I heard you are a detective?"

“Yes.” Klein responded with a smile.

The little girl said innocently:

"Can you tell us about a case you solved?"

Her twin brother nodded repeatedly.

The cases I solved? They either involved vengeful spirits, secret dolls, demon dogs, or cats catching cheating. There really wasn’t anything suitable for telling children about… Klein thought for a few seconds and laughed:

"Well, this is a story about treasure."

"An officer who had retired from East Balam was suddenly murdered..."

In fact, he had almost forgotten all the detective stories he had watched in his previous life, so he could only make up stories based on his vague impressions. The two children didn't care whether the plots made sense or not. They listened very carefully and even learned to ask "What happens next?"

Unconsciously, Klein relaxed a lot.

When the dinner was coming to an end, he was about to say goodbye, but he saw that Starlin's face was full of joy.

"Did anything happen that's worth celebrating?" Klein asked casually.

Stelin raised her head slightly and replied with a reserved smile:

"Mary has been invited by Mr. Hibbert Hall, Chief Secretary of the Air Pollution Investigation Committee, to attend a luncheon at his home on Monday."

"This gentleman is the eldest son of the Earl of Hall, a true aristocrat, and he invited all the members of the committee and allowed them to bring two or three friends."

Starling paused and said:

"Mary just invited Luke and me."

…………

Monday noon.

Starling Summer, dressed in her best clothes, accompanied by her husband Luke Summer, followed Lady Mary to Queens and saw a huge building.

Marble statues, pools, fountains, gardens, lawns and other things came into her eyes one by one, making her feel nervous before she even entered the villa.

"Luke, does my necklace not match my skirt?" she turned her head and asked her husband.

Luke shook his head and laughed:

"Honey, you're so nervous."

"You don't need to worry at all. The nobles just live in bigger houses and eat better than us. We are not that bad."

After hearing this, Starlin nodded repeatedly, and seemed to have regained her former confidence.

When they entered the villa, they saw gorgeous crystal chandeliers, a hall that could accommodate many people dancing, and plates of delicious food.

Foie gras, fried tilapia, baked lobster... Olmert wine, Misty champagne... just like what was described in the magazine... Starling looked at the food curiously, thinking that if she saved some money, she could also have a meal like this during the holidays or New Year.

In addition to Olmire red wine and Misty champagne...she added in her heart.

At this moment, her eyes suddenly straightened and she saw a girl in a beige court dress slowly walking towards her.

The girl had blonde hair and blue eyes, and was extremely beautiful. She wore a pair of white silk gloves and a pair of small and beautiful emerald earrings. Her temperament was pure and elegant.

She really looks like an angel... Even though she has always been proud of her appearance, Stelin couldn't help but exclaim in admiration at this moment, feeling inexplicably inferior.

"Hello." She greeted awkwardly using the etiquette she had just learned.

"Hello." The girl returned the greeting gracefully.

After the two passed each other, Starling accompanied her husband and Mary to meet distinguished guests one by one, and met the noble Mr. Hibbert Hall.

After a while, she walked onto the balcony alone, intending to calm down, but unexpectedly saw the angelic girl just now.

She was looking at the scenery outside, and a big golden retriever was squatting obediently next to her shoes inlaid with ribbon roses.

"It's so cute." Starling looked for a topic to talk about.

The girl smiled and responded:

"I thank Susie for your compliment."

Looking at the combination of the beautiful girl and the big golden retriever, Starlin suddenly felt that she should also have a similar pet.

This is the only way to show the dignity of the Summer family! She asked carefully:

"I heard that nobles would train many hunting dogs. Is this one?"

"Yes." The girl, whose blue eyes were more charming than the gemstones in her earrings, nodded lightly.

"I wonder how many gold pounds it costs to buy one?" Starlin asked with a smile.

The pure and elegant girl looked down at the golden retriever, smiled and replied nonchalantly:

"45 pounds."

PS: Because I have to go to a meeting again, there will be no three updates tomorrow, so I can only update in advance to maintain my life. Well, I will update in advance at midnight. After the 25th, when the busy schedule for this month is over, there will be more updates.