Love Assault - Chapter 21

Lin Che lowered his eyelids and remained silent. Jian Dan, however, spoke up, If she wants to leave, let her. The police haven’t made any moves either. If she hadn’t come here herself earlier, you wouldn’t have been planning to look for her now anyway. Besides, with her skills, she’s unlikely to get into any real danger. Let her go wherever she wants.

Yun Xi glanced sideways at Lin Che. What do you say?

Lin Che sighed, roughly towel-drying his hair with one hand. He urged Jian Dan to hurry up with treating his wound before turning to get dressed. Yun Xi stared at him strangely. You’re going?

Lin Che didn’t reply, methodically putting on his clothes. Yun Xi stepped in front of him. In your current condition, are you deliberately trying to kill yourself?

Lin Che smiled. Just going to check things out. Just in case. He then looked past Yun Xi at Jian Dan. Xiao Bai, drive me there.

Yun Xi glared at the two figures leaving before plopping down on the bed in a huff. I’m done with you! I’m not getting involved anymore! You’re going to drive me crazy!

Six years ago, on a winter day, Xue Wen died.

Chen Mo remembered it vividly.

That day, Xue Wen lay in the snow, her police uniform stained crimson, the bl00d blooming like plum blossoms against the white. Chen Mo rushed to embrace her, her hands stinging from the ice crystals on Xue Wen’s uniform.

Mo… this world… isn’t just black… and white… Xue Wen’s raspy voice echoed in Chen Mo’s ears. Mo… live well…

These were Xue Wen’s final words.

Chen Mo gently kissed Xue Wen’s gradually cooling face, her eyes burning with unshed tears that blurred her vision of Xue Wen’s pale features. She removed the pendant Xue Wen always wore and hung it around her own neck. Then, she left that city and came to B City. Over the past six years, she had witnessed countless stories of heartbreak, sorrow, pain, and tragedy, but she had never cried again.

Sitting on her bed, the pendant warm against her palm, Chen Mo stared blankly through the darkness at the snowflakes drifting outside the window. The room was well-heated, yet she felt bone-chillingly cold.

Captain Chen, why are you abandoning your comfortable bed and driving like a maniac in the middle of the night just to come home and stare into space?

Chen Mo jumped at the sudden voice, quickly standing up and turning around. A dark figure leaned against the door, their pale face illuminated by the faint moonlight filtering through the window, a faint smile playing on their lips.

How did you get in here? Chen Mo instinctively tightened her grip on the pendant in her hand, tucking one hand behind her back while her face betrayed her surprise.

Lin Che gently closed the door, glancing at the light switch but making no move to turn on the light. You were too careless. The door wasn’t properly latched. In your dazed state, if I had shot you just now, you probably wouldn’t have even known what killed you. He stepped closer, his gaze as soft as moonlight. Chen Mo, I suspect something’s weighing on your mind. Noticing the flicker of wariness in her eyes, he smiled. Don’t worry, I won’t pry. But for your own safety, please come back with me. Will you?

Chen Mo looked at Lin Che’s deathly pale face and the exhaustion etched between his brows, feeling a pang of guilt. Are you alright?

If Captain Chen would do me the honor of coming with me and letting me get back to sleep quickly, I’d probably be fine, Lin Che replied with a smile, though the wound in his left shoulder throbbed painfully and he felt dizzy. He tried his best to hide any sign of discomfort from Chen Mo.

But Chen Mo saw through his act immediately.

She nodded. Alright.

Lin Che’s relieved smile lit up his face as he followed Chen Mo downstairs and into the car. After arranging for Chen Mo to sit in the back seat, he slid into the passenger seat and said, Drive.

Jian Dan glanced sideways at Lin Che, pursed her lips, and muttered, You reap what you sow.

Lin Che, his eyes closed and head swimming, still managed to tease, Jian Xiaobai, don’t talk nonsense. There’s an officer in the back. Drive properly and no speeding.

I owe you a thank you, Chen Mo murmured, leaning back against the seat and tilting her head to watch the scenery blur past the window. General Manager Lin, thank you for saving my life.

Lin Che remained silent, seemingly asleep against the seat. Jian Dan glanced at Chen Mo in the rearview mirror and said, He’s probably just passed out. Don’t worry, a good night’s sleep will do him good. As for your thanks, I’d love to pass them on, but I think she’d prefer to hear them from you personally.

Chen Mo stared at the passenger seat ahead, catching a glimpse of Lin Che’s head resting against the window through the gap between the seat and the door. A mix of emotions churned within her.

Yun Xi told me he didn’t know where Lin Che was. But it seems you haven’t left Dingsheng after all.

Lin Che didn’t want you to know she was at Dingsheng. Perhaps she thought your prejudice against her might make you refuse to stay, or that you’d feel uncomfortable if you did. Jian Dan’s voice, a deep, neutral contralto, remained flat and emotionless. Officer Chen, I don’t know what you think of Lin Che, and it’s none of my business. But I feel compelled to say this I’ve known Lin Che for nearly twenty years, and I’ve never seen her care so deeply about anyone. So, if I may be so bold, do you like women?

Do you like women?

Chen Mo’s mind flashed back to a pale face on a snowy winter day.

She bit her lip, saying nothing.

Jian Dan smiled simply but confidently. My name is Jian Dan, and my approach is equally straightforward. I dislike dragging things out. If Officer Chen prefers men or… already has a partner, I’ll make Lin Che stop this foolish and reckless behavior immediately, just like today’s incident. Of course, I can’t guarantee she’ll listen to me—she rarely does. But if Officer Chen doesn’t have any extreme or negative views about liking women, or if you have a girlfriend, I suggest you reconsider your perspective on Lin Che. I’d be happy to see you two together. At this, she let out a disdainful snort. Though I’ve never had much fondness for the police.

Chen Mo chuckled softly, her face paling slightly at the memory. I think you’ve misunderstood. General Manager Lin and I are merely friends. I’m grateful for your protection, but there’s no possibility of anything more between us.

Oh, Jian Dan replied simply, a faint smile playing on her lips. Since Officer Chen didn’t directly answer my question and has no other romantic interest, it seems the issue isn’t about Lin Che being a woman. She glanced at Lin Che. Xiao Lin, Xiao Lin, you have a long and arduous road ahead.

As if Jian Dan had seen through her thoughts, Chen Mo turned to stare out the window again, falling silent. Even after the car came to a smooth stop, she remained lost in thought. Jian Dan got out, walked to the passenger side, opened the door, and draped Lin Che’s arm over her shoulder. She waved to Chen Mo. Officer Chen, lend a hand?

Chen Mo snapped out of her daze, hurriedly got out of the car, and joined Jian Dan in helping Lin Che into the elevator. Lin Che’s skin felt burning hot. Chen Mo touched her forehead worriedly—it was alarmingly feverish. Jian Dan chuckled. This is her own fault. She insisted on showering before her wound had healed properly, then went out into the wind afterward. No wonder she has a fever.

As the elevator ascended, Chen Mo murmured to Lin Che, I’m sorry for making you worry.

Jian Dan shook her head dismissively and led Chen Mo into the room on the sixty-fifth floor. She laid Lin Che on the bed, deftly retrieved a syringe from the medical kit, and drew an injection from the nearby refrigerator. With practiced movements, she administered the shot to Lin Che, murmuring as she pushed the plunger, Officer Chen, you have nothing to apologize for. Lin Che chose this path herself and must bear the consequences. She understands that perfectly well, so don’t feel guilty. She’s not going to die. In a few days, she’ll be back to her old self.

She stood up and gestured toward Lin Che. She looks frightening like this, but there’s really nothing to worry about. She’s just exhausted. A good night’s sleep will do her wonders. Officer Chen, you should get some rest too. Noticing Chen Mo’s reluctance to leave, Jian Dan paused and fixed her gaze on the officer.

Chen Mo bit her lip, pondering for a moment. Lin Che’s gunshot wound seemed far more severe than Jian Dan had described. Having suffered a gunshot wound herself, she knew the pain firsthand. Seeing Jian Dan about to leave, she gently shook her head. I want to stay here and take care of her.

Jian Dan gazed thoughtfully at Chen Mo, remaining silent for a moment.

Chen Mo spoke up, She was injured trying to save me. I can’t shirk my responsibility.

Jian Dan raised an eyebrow, then said with sudden understanding, So that’s why she never explained how she got hurt. She smiled and gestured to the sofa nearby. If you’re tired, rest here. You can also use the upstairs room—the passcode is 5375. I’ll be in the next room. Call me if she needs anything. Without waiting for Chen Mo’s reply, she closed the door and left.

The room was lit only by a soft, dim corner lamp. Lin Che’s pale face and exhausted state filled Chen Mo with guilt. But her steady breathing at least indicated that her condition was stable. Only now did Chen Mo have the chance to take the pendant from her pocket, hang it around her neck, and tuck it under her shirt. Sitting by the bed, she gazed steadily at Lin Che’s face and whispered, I’m sorry, Lin Che, but you… you really shouldn’t have fallen for me.