Love Assault - Chapter 1

Where was Lin Che?

She didn’t even know herself.

But one thing was certain she’d likely been kidnapped.

Her oversized sunglasses still perched on her nose, her shoulder-length hair was soaked with icy water, tiny ice crystals clinging to the strands. Her casual outfit—jeans and a sporty jacket—was covered in dust. Her thin lips pressed tightly together. Just hours earlier, the moment she cleared customs, these men had invited her into a cargo van. The dust on her clothes and the ice in her hair were undoubtedly from that rough ride. After being jostled around in the van’s cargo hold for what felt like an eternity, she’d finally been invited out again.

Now she sat in the back of a luxurious, extended-wheelbase sedan, her legs crossed and swinging rhythmically with the car’s bumps, showing no trace of panic.

Across from her sat a man in his early forties, his lean face expressionless. His impeccably tailored suit suggested a moderately successful businessman. Since getting into the car, he’d been staring intently at Lin Che, silent and motionless. Yet the thin mustache clinging to his upper lip convinced her that he was more suited to being a thug than a businessman.

Lin Che grew increasingly irritated by the man’s gaze. Ignoring the two burly men flanking her, she reached up, removed her sunglasses, and bit down on one temple. Leaning forward, she narrowed her eyes and locked gazes with him.

The man frowned slightly, then leaned back against the seat, chuckling noncommittally. Truly, you’re worthy of being Lin Zhili’s daughter. Unfazed even by the collapse of Mount Tai before you. Impressive.

His smile prompted a matching one from Lin Che, who snapped her sunglasses shut. My competence has nothing to do with my mother. Though I suspect this little trip is another one of her ‘gifts.’ You didn’t go to all this trouble just to let me enjoy the luxury of your car, did you?

You’re quite amusing, the man chuckled dryly, his refined attire clashing sharply with the roguish glint in his eyes. His tone shifted abruptly from polite to menacing as he reached into his pocket and produced a gun, its dark barrel pointing directly at Lin Che. Let’s cut to the chase your mother has made enemies. Someone paid me ten million to take your life. Once we reach the forest on the outskirts of town, I’ll have to send you on your way.

Lin Che let out a noncommittal oh, as if she were already accustomed to this situation, completely unfazed by the gun pointed at her. Instead, she glanced at the burly men flanking her, pointed at them, and grinned at the man. Could you ask these two to move a bit farther away from me?

The man frowned, as if he hadn’t understood her request. In truth, he was utterly baffled by Lin Che’s composure. He had never seen anyone facing imminent death remain so calm and collected—unless they were mentally unstable. But Lin Che seemed perfectly normal.

Noticing the man’s strange look, Lin Che shrugged. These two are sitting beside me like door gods, crowding me into a corner. Why don’t you have them move closer to you? With three of you and a gun, you think I’m going to run? How would I even escape? Jump out of the car?

The man chuckled, tucked the gun into his pocket, stretched lazily, and yawned. Little miss, you’re about to die anyway, so just bear with it. After this job, I’m heading to Hawaii to soak up the sun. Don’t make things difficult for me.

Alright then, Lin Che leaned back against the seat, rubbing her shoulder. Must be a dangerous line of work you’re in, right? Ever think about what would happen if you messed up one day?

Never thought about it. I never miss, the man said, rubbing his face and squinting at Lin Che. Especially with a girl like you. If I ever messed up, I wouldn’t have the face to face my ancestors in the afterlife.

You’re quite the talker, Lin Che said, blinking sleepily. Did you always chat with your victims like this before killing them?

Nah, not usually. Most of them would be scared shitless the moment I opened my mouth—begging, kneeling, even pissing themselves. You’re the first one I’ve ever met like you. But it doesn’t matter. You’ll be the last. Counting the others, you’re number ten—perfectly rounded out. After you, I’m washing my hands of this business. I’ve made enough anyway.

Lin Che scoffed softly. So you’re quitting after me? What a coincidence that I’m the unlucky one? How about you spare me? I’ll pay you double what you’re getting.

The man’s eyebrows twitched, and he straightened up slightly, clearly tempted by her offer, which sounded almost like a joke. But he quickly leaned back and shook his head. Miss, I know your family has money. But there are rules in this line of work. I can’t betray my word like that.

Lin Che rolled her eyes, exhaling with utter disdain. Don’t be ridiculous. You desperate thugs talking about honor? She turned to the man with another smile. How about triple? Thirty million? After a moment’s thought, she slapped her thigh with a decisive gesture, gritting her teeth. Fifty million! What do you say? Forget Hawaii—you can go anywhere you want. Want a private jet? I’ll get you one. You can fly off with a girl, as romantic as you like.

The man’s eyes widened as he stared at Lin Che, who was now speaking a mile a minute. He wondered how much of what she was saying was true. As for her financial resources, he had no doubt Lin Che could come up with fifty million. Apex International had been thriving for over a decade fifty million was a drop in the bucket for them. As for her connections, Lin Zhili was known in the industry as a workaholic, a shrewd operator who could navigate any situation. Lin Che was her daughter. Even if he didn’t kill her, just kidnapping her would mean certain retribution if Lin Zhili ever caught him. In the end, he was drawn in by the irresistible terms Lin Che offered.

The man stared blankly, clearly lost in thought. Lin Che smiled. She understood the proverb Men die for wealth, birds for food, but she couldn’t help feeling a pang of regret over her fifty million. It wasn’t that she doubted her worth, but she suspected that if she had waited longer, she might have settled for thirty million. The remaining twenty million could have been put to better use than throwing it away. Seeing the man wavering, she straightened up, rubbed her hands together, and flashed a conciliatory smile. Brother, what do you guys in the underworld really want? It’s all about the money, right? The law clearly states that murder carries the death penalty. Wouldn’t it be better to avoid another murder charge? Since this is your last job, this deal would be a real win for you. Isn’t that the perfect ending?

Ha… The man clapped his hands together and smacked his lips. Sister, your offer is tempting, I’ll admit. But I still can’t agree.