Love Assault - Chapter 11

The police station wasn’t far from Dingsheng, about a fifteen-minute drive. Chen Mo was roused from her drowsy slumber by Lin Che. When she opened her eyes, she was met with those light, slightly smiling eyes. Team Leader Chen, Lin Che said, you’ll sleep better after eating.

Perhaps refreshed by her nap, Chen Mo felt much more alert. She instinctively checked her watch and was surprised to see it was already 1230 AM.

Lin Che shrugged apologetically. Sorry, Team Leader Chen. I haven’t been back in a while, so I took a few wrong turns. You must be hungry.

The apology should be mine, Chen Mo replied with a rueful smile. I was just too tired and fell asleep.

Lin Che raised an eyebrow casually. You’re not made of steel, of course you need rest. He gestured forward. Let’s take the elevator up.

Lin Che’s car was parked in the underground garage, a vast space housing at least a dozen luxury vehicles, all gleaming and new. The rubberized floor bore the large characters Dingsheng, and the walls around the elevator were prominently marked with the Dingsheng Group logo. Chen Mo never imagined Lin Che would bring her here. Given her current position, being here would only tighten the already taut strings of her nerves. Or perhaps Lin Che had brought her here deliberately, for some specific purpose.

As if already aware of her thoughts, Lin Che placed his hand on the car door and pointed to the elevator beside them. This is my mother’s and my private garage, located on the fifth underground level of Dingsheng. There are two entrances one in an alley two blocks from Dingsheng, which is where I came down from. No one comes here except my mother and me. This elevator goes directly to my private club on the 55th floor—my personal space. So, no one will ever know Captain Chen visited Dingsheng.

If Chen Mo hadn’t known that entrepreneur Lin Zhili was typically extremely cautious and remarkably upright, she might have almost believed the Lin Family was indeed involved in drug trafficking and storage. Of course, the Lin Family certainly had the capability. Just from Lin Che’s words, she could tell that the Young President Lin’s counter-surveillance skills were top-notch. If he were to commit a crime, he would undoubtedly be able to cover his tracks flawlessly.

One thing was certain Lin Che’s invitation was far more than just a meal. Yet he seemed remarkably relaxed, his smile radiating genuine cheer as he waved Chen Mo over. Team Leader Chen, let’s go. Everything’s prepared upstairs—they’re just waiting for our guest to be seated.

Inside the elevator, Chen Mo instinctively glanced at the four corners, but found no cameras. Lin Che chuckled. Captain Chen, now that we’re out, try to relax a bit. Not every private space needs cameras in every nook and cranny. Besides, just because you can’t see a camera doesn’t mean it’s not there, and even if you do see one, it doesn’t mean it’s useful.

Chen Mo smiled. That’s true. But I’m curious—what couldn’t be said at the police station that requires us to be here?

Lin Che’s gaze fixed on the elevator’s digital display, watching the numbers climb steadily. Leaning casually against the handrail with his arms crossed, he paused thoughtfully before replying, Because I believe this place is far safer than the police station.

With a crisp ding, the elevator doors slowly slid open, allowing soft, warm light and a gentle breeze to wash over their faces. A delicate fragrance of lilies followed, filling the air. The plush carpet and meticulously arranged antique furniture defied Chen Mo’s expectations instead of the modern European style favored by most, the room exuded a timeless, classical charm. The dark, rich tones of the decor were punctuated by a dozen potted green plants and flowering herbs, creating an atmosphere that was both bold and refined.

Beyond the massive desk and rows of bookshelves, a solid wood round table stood in the center of the room, already set with steaming dishes and a bottle of red wine. Half the wine had been poured into a decanter, creating a striking blend of Eastern and Western aesthetics.

Lin Che gestured for Chen Mo to sit, pulling out a chair. Come, Team Leader Chen, don’t be shy. We should eat while it’s hot. As he spoke, he guided her to the seat and poured himself half a glass of red wine. He then poured her a cup of hot water and placed it beside her. Team Leader Chen, you’re injured. You shouldn’t drink alcohol. Have some hot water first. I’ve asked the kitchen to prepare a nourishing soup for you.

Chen Mo took a polite sip of water and smiled at Lin Che. General Manager Lin, you must have something you want to discuss with me. Let’s get straight to the point. After all, she hadn’t come here for a meal.

Lin Che raised an eyebrow almost imperceptibly, took a sip of red wine, picked up his chopsticks, and smiled. I truly admire Captain Chen’s efficiency. But I have a peculiar habit—I’m deeply devoted to the act of eating. Besides, the matter we need to discuss is rather unappetizing talking about it would ruin my appetite. So, let’s eat first—really focus on enjoying the meal without saying a word. Once we’re full, I’ll begin. With that, he served bowls of rice for himself and Chen Mo and began eating in silence.

Seeing that Lin Che had no intention of speaking for the moment, and realizing she was genuinely hungry after a long night of work, Chen Mo nodded in agreement. She ate her meal quietly, focusing only on finishing quickly so they could get down to business.

During their meal, the elevator chimed again, the doors opened, but no one entered. Inside was a rack holding a massive clay pot. Lin Che set down his chopsticks, winked playfully at Chen Mo, and rose to personally push the rack forward. As he walked slowly, he remarked, I had the kitchen specially prepare pig’s trotter soup—eat what you need to replenish what’s lacking. Heh, Captain Chen injured her hand, so this is perfect for recovery. By then, he had already ladled a bowl of soup, carefully carried it to Chen Mo’s side, and gently set it down. He added, Enjoy it while it’s hot. It won’t taste as good when it cools.

You’re not drinking? Chen Mo glanced at the bowl in front of her, then at the large pot of soup, asking with a hint of confusion.

Lin Che shook his head. I don’t drink soup. Never liked it. This is specially for you. He raised his wine glass. I’m fine with red wine.

Chen Mo didn’t hesitate. She picked up the spoon and drank about three-quarters of the soup, then wiped her mouth with a tissue and smiled. Alright, let’s get down to business.

Lin Che sighed, clearly a little hurt by Chen Mo’s dismissive attitude. He finished his wine, refilled his glass, and poured another bowl of soup for Chen Mo, though the gentle warmth in his expression remained. Fine, let’s talk while we drink. Once Team Leader Chen’s injury heals, we’ll skip the soup and just drink wine. With that, he straightened up slightly, crossed his legs, pulled a cigarette from his pocket, and glanced at Chen Mo. Seeing her nod, he lit it, took a deep drag, and exhaled slowly. Wu Song already reviewed the surveillance footage earlier. Between 500 PM and 600 PM yesterday, the only camera that malfunctioned was the one in the transportation department. It resumed normal operation at 61532 PM.

Chen Mo now understood why Lin Che had insisted on eating first. This news was undoubtedly a bombshell, instantly sinking her heart. What about the main gate? If someone were to slip in forged documents during that time, there’s no reason they wouldn’t have to pass through the main gate.

Lin Che nodded. I considered that. Dingsheng has four exits, but none of the surveillance footage from those gates shows any suspicious individuals entering or leaving throughout the day. She took a breath, a faint glint of ruthlessness flickering in her eyes. So it’s highly likely this was an inside job. Either Zhao Xiaomao, the driver, tampered with the records himself, or someone else is pulling the strings. Which means… She leaned forward slightly, looking earnestly at Chen Mo. Team Leader Chen, I need to know in Zhao Xiaomao’s confession, did he say who drove the car away?

Chen Mo bit her lip and shook her head. I’m sorry, General Manager Lin. We have protocols to follow. While I personally believe you, procedurally, you remain a suspect. Even if you weren’t, I still couldn’t disclose that information to you.

Lin Che leaned back in his chair, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. I understand. But if it was someone from the company, they won’t get away. He paused, then smiled at Chen Mo, gesturing to the soup in front of her. Take a sip. Let’s talk while you eat. He picked up his glass of red wine and took a sip himself.

Chen Mo waved her hand. Once the handwriting analysis comes back, I think your suspicion will be cleared. The rest is for the police to handle. If you have any leads, feel free to call me anytime. But I’m curious about something you said earlier—why do you feel safer here than at the police station? Are you implying something?

Lin Che nodded, then shook his head, as if unsure himself. I was just thinking about something. I haven’t been back in five years. If someone wanted to frame me, it wouldn’t make much sense. Besides, I’m not my mother. She signs dozens of documents every day, so her signature would be much easier to forge. Why go to the trouble of imitating mine? It’s as if they knew she would be out of town and were confident they could perfectly replicate my signature. But the signature I gave at the police station yesterday morning was the first one I’ve left in the country in five years. Don’t you think that’s too much of a coincidence?

You mean… you suspect… Chen Mo naturally understood the implication behind Lin Che’s words, but she hesitated, unable to voice the suspicion that had been gnawing at her. Lin Che met her gaze and finished her sentence, each word deliberate I suspect that not only within Dingsheng, but also within your police department, there may be moles. Moreover, I believe a massive force is manipulating this entire situation from behind the scenes. This won’t end easily.

A frosty pallor suddenly washed over Chen Mo’s tightly furrowed brow, her expression hardening into grim seriousness. A chill seemed to seep through half her body. Moles within the police department? Law enforcement officers compromised by an unknown power? The implications were terrifying. Yet she remained composed, her sharp gaze unwavering as she fixed it on Lin Che. If that’s the case, General Manager Lin, this dinner invitation must serve a purpose beyond simply sharing this information.

Lin Che smiled noncommittally, shrugging his shoulders without a word.

Chen Mo pondered for a moment, then picked up her spoon and took a sip of soup. Stirring up trouble prematurely, General Manager Lin is taking a rather risky approach. Suddenly, this soup seems to have acquired a distinct flavor.