Love Assault - Chapter 16

Chen Mo had finally experienced what it meant to be stuck with someone like a persistent leech.

General Manager Lin, since you came all the way here to find me, you must know why I’m here. My time is limited, and I don’t want to waste it listening to your romantic escapades. A hint of anger flashed in Chen Mo’s eyes. Moreover, I want you to understand one thing I don’t believe in love at first sight, and I have no desire to be the object of your infatuation.

No problem. Love that blossoms over time is even better, Lin Che replied, his words seemingly impervious to reason. Noticing the frost on Chen Mo’s already icy expression deepen, he realized that if he continued, she might kick him out of the car. He quickly raised his hands in a gesture of surrender. Alright, alright, I’ll stop. Let’s get down to business. He straightened up and rubbed his temples. I suspect Lu Qingqing is in possession of a substantial quantity of narcotics.

You suspect? Chen Mo shot Lin Che a skeptical glance, clearly disinclined to believe him. But seeing the rare seriousness on his face, she couldn’t help but wonder if there might be some truth to his claim. What have you discovered?

Lin Che nodded. I did use some connections and managed to get some information. Seeing the growing suspicion on Chen Mo’s face, she added, As for how I obtained this information, I doubt you’re interested in knowing. After all, you have your methods, and I have mine. But my information is absolutely reliable. About six months ago, several ruthless drug traffickers fled the Yunmian border region. These individuals smuggled highly pure narcotics without authorization, and both the police and local criminal organizations have been hunting them ever since. You should be aware of this. The police have been investigating for months without any leads.

Chen Mo nodded slightly. Lin Che glanced at her watch and frowned slightly. I’m not entirely clear on the details, but these traffickers have been hiding here. Pockmark bought drugs from them. Recently, anti-narcotics police from Yunnan caught wind of their activities, so they plan to use Dingsheng as a scapegoat and shield. They learned early on that you were tracking Pockmark’s whereabouts, so they deliberately leaked his hideout to lure you into launching their plan.

Leaning closer to Chen Mo, Lin Che said each word deliberately Drag Dingsheng into the mess, sell their drugs in the chaos, and clear their own names. If they succeed, I’m afraid I’ll be doomed.

They’ve already framed you, shifted the blame, and diverted attention. Why is Lu Qingqing still trying to get close to you?

Heh… Lin Che chuckled dryly and shrugged. I suspect we have your mysterious mole to thank for that. Ever since our lunch together, I doubt he’s had a single good night’s sleep. He’s probably been using every means at his disposal to spy on our relationship and conversations.

Chen Mo stiffened at this. Yes, if an insider at the police station wanted to check someone’s call logs and text messages, in this age of advanced technology, his police status and access to various networks and information platforms would make it easy to uncover my communication history with Lin Che. But she immediately shook her head. I haven’t communicated with you at all. She had never answered Lin Che’s calls or replied to his texts.

True… Lin Che stretched lazily and turned to look at Chen Mo. But I have communicated with you…

Chen Mo paused, realizing Lin Che’s meaning. She looked at him thoughtfully. So, those daily texts…? Her voice trailed off, half-believing, You were deliberately using them to leak information to that person?

Lin Che shook his head honestly. No, I genuinely wanted to text you. He watched Chen Mo’s expression turn cold again, then rolled his eyes in exasperation. But after Lu Qingqing showed up, it became fifty-fifty. I played the part of a useless playboy, completely obedient to her. I wanted to see what she was really up to. Sure enough, within a week, my friends found drugs in all eight of Dingsheng’s shipping containers.

Chen Mo’s expression sharpened. She did it?

She or her accomplices, Lin Che sighed. One container with drugs could be explained as the killer’s own stash. But eight? Someone will be inviting me to the police station for tea again soon. He chuckled. But she underestimated me. Thinking she could bring down Dingsheng with a few bags of white powder? She’s still too green.

Chen Mo asked, puzzled, If you found the drugs, why didn’t you report it to the police?

Report to the police? Lin Che muttered, a strange sound escaping his lips, followed by a soft snort. Captain Chen has been a cop for too long. Everything has to be by the book. Did you even report this operation to Director Guo?

Chen Mo shook her head. But I suspect they know every move I make. Even if they didn’t before, your reckless arrival has likely alerted them.

Of course they know, Lin Che grinned, his eyes fixed on Chen Mo. Our shared goal is finding Zhao Xiaomao. That’s why I had to come to you. Before we arrived, Zhao Xiaomao was planning to flee, and they couldn’t find him. But now, I suspect they’ve decided to eliminate him. Chen Mo’s eyebrows twitched slightly, but Lin Che continued, But I’m not that foolish. If you want to find Zhao Xiaomao, you can’t do it without me.

Are you saying Zhao Xiaomao is in your custody?

Lin Che gazed out the window at the gloomy weather, his voice calm and measured as he said, Team Leader Chen, you’re a police officer. I can’t tell you everything. But rest assured, things are proceeding according to plan. He winked. I’ll take you to see him.

Perhaps due to the heavy rains in J City, the weather in B City, not far away, remained gloomy.

Dingsheng Corporation had unexpectedly declared a holiday today.

Apart from the security guards faithfully maintaining their posts, all other employees were leaving the building, chatting and laughing as they carried their bags. The workaholic Lin Zhili had never granted them extra holidays before, so this felt like a windfall from the heavens. The newly appointed young CEO, Lin Che, had already become the most popular topic of conversation among the staff.

However, inside the banquet hall, usually filled with elegant music, a scene utterly different from the outside world was unfolding.

Classical music had been replaced by heavy metal rock, its deafening volume audible even from outside the door. Amidst the cacophony, the piercing screams of a woman echoed.

Yun Xi sat cross-legged in a chair, earbuds in place, gazing out the floor-to-ceiling window. He refused to turn his head toward the scene beside him Lu Qingqing lay on the floor, her hands bound behind her back. Her usually meticulously made-up face was now a grotesque mess, swollen and bruised, bl00d trickling from the corner of her mouth. One of her legs was a mangled mess of flesh, the carpet beneath her stained crimson. Beside her stood a short-haired woman, a baseball bat in her hand. She took a deep drag from the cigarette between her lips, her jacket—identical to Lin Che’s—splattered with bl00d. She shook her head. You’re really stubborn. One leg’s already ruined. Do I have to ruin your life before you’ll talk? With a flick of her wrist, she swung the bat again, striking Lu Qingqing’s mangled leg. Another agonizing scream tore through the air.

Yun Xi removed his headphones, his face etched with impatience as he glared at the woman. Hey, can you tell her to keep it down? It’s driving me crazy. He paused, then added, Beat her all you want, but don’t kill her. We can’t afford a murder charge.

The woman chuckled. You don’t have to worry about that. If it bothers you, just leave.

Can’t do that. Lin Che hasn’t returned yet, and I still need to figure things out. I’m staying. He put his headphones back on and waved dismissively at the woman. Whatever, whatever…

Lu Qingqing smirked, letting out a couple of derisive snorts. You guys are hilarious. Is Lin Che planning to break up with me? If he wants to end things, he should just say so. Why play these games?

Unfazed, the woman tossed the baseball bat to the ground, leaned down, and lifted Lu Qingqing’s chin with her hand. She clicked her tongue, studying Lu Qingqing’s face. Looking closer, you’re actually quite pretty. She shook her head, removed her sunglasses, and narrowed her phoenix-shaped eyes. Your figure’s not bad either. You really don’t look like someone who’s had a child.

As soon as she spoke, Lu Qingqing’s eyes widened with terror. Her lips moved soundlessly for a moment before she managed to stammer, How… how did you…

Your son is quite adorable. Though I wonder if he’ll still be so cute in a little while. The woman pulled out her phone, flipped through photos, and waved the screen in front of Lu Qingqing’s face. A three- or four-year-old boy grinned radiantly from the screen. I’m not a patient person, nor am I particularly compassionate. Trying to resolve your Yunnan mess with such a foolish plan is like weaving your own trap. Both Eighth Master in Yunnan and the Tiger King in Myanmar are hunting you. Think carefully—sticking with Lu Yunsheng will only lead to your death. We’ve wasted enough time already. You have thirty minutes left. I’ll give you time to consider. She inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. I know you’re worried about retaliation. Rest assured, if you give me what I want, I’ll guarantee the safety of you and your son. Refuse, and I’ll kill your son first, then torture you to death.

With that, she stood up and strolled leisurely to the window to smoke.

Yun Xi, earbuds in, glanced sideways at Lu Qingqing without a word. Lu Qingqing lay sprawled on the floor, her eyes filled with hesitation. She knew her words had struck a nerve. As the saying goes, even the cruelest tiger won’t devour its own cub. No matter how wicked Lu Qingqing might be, when her own flesh and bl00d was at stake, she had no choice but to reconsider everything.

Lu Qingqing frowned, painfully straightening up to look at the woman by the window. Can I have a cigarette?

The woman smiled and tossed her cigarette case to Yun Xi. Yun Xi removed his earbuds, rolled his eyes, and crouched down to untie Lu Qingqing’s hands, handing her the case and a lighter. He chuckled, That’s right. The sooner you figure it out, the sooner you can relax.

Lu Qingqing’s trembling hands lit the cigarette. She took a deep drag, her gaze fixed on the smoke curling from her lips as she rasped, Why should I believe you can protect me and my son?

The woman turned and slowly approached her, spitting out a few curt words Ever heard of Jian Si?

Lu Qingqing’s pupils dilated, her face frozen in shock as she stared at the woman. After a long moment, she nodded silently. I never imagined Lin Zhili’s connections ran so deep. She pressed her lips together, as if making a decision, and looked up at the woman. What do you want to know?

The woman smiled, a stark contrast to her earlier menacing demeanor. Her smile was radiant, almost blinding, as she placed Lu Qingqing’s phone on the table into her hand. Before I state my conditions, there’s something you need to do first.

Lu Qingqing looked at her, puzzled. What?

Two things. First, I know you have someone planted in the police station. I want that person sent to Stone Village. Second, call Lu Yunsheng and tell him you’ll be staying here tonight to keep Lin Che company.

Lu Qingqing shook her head. The second part is easy. But the first… it’s complicated. He’s too smart. Officer Chen Mo already went to Stone Village yesterday, and she’s on vacation. He’d never send someone there now. Besides… She paused. Chen Mo has been digging into this case for too long. Lu Yunsheng’s orders are to eliminate her. She glanced at the wall clock. Judging by the time, it should be happening soon.

Ah… The woman shrugged. That does complicate things, doesn’t it?