Love Assault - Chapter 22

Lin Che had a fever.

A high fever that left her disoriented, unable to tell day from night.

She was trapped in a nightmare pitch-black darkness, howling winds, torrential rain, scorching sun, and parching thirst. Her body alternated between chills and sweats, leaving her nauseous and drenched in clammy perspiration. Worst of all, she felt constantly pursued, a sensation that couldn’t have been more terrifying.

Even when she groggily drifted awake, she still felt trapped in the dream. She tried to move her fingers, squinting up at the ceiling. The chandelier’s two lights blurred into four. Damn, still dizzy. She closed her eyes again.

Someone moved beside her and asked, How are you feeling?

She exhaled deeply, her voice hoarse. I think I drank too much. I’m so dizzy.

A cool hand pressed against her forehead, soothingly comfortable. She smiled faintly. Xiao Bai, you’re really something. What did you slip into my drink? I was nearly tortured to death in that dream. As she spoke, she opened her eyes, her vision still blurry. The figure beside her gradually came into focus. Her eyes widened, and she forced an awkward grin. Captain Chen… what a coincidence.

Chen Mo, however, wasn’t as relaxed as Lin Che. She frowned slightly as she withdrew her hand from his forehead and sat beside him. How are you feeling? she asked.

Lin Che nodded vigorously. Much better. A good sleep did wonders.

You’ve been asleep for two days, Chen Mo sighed. I’m sorry. It’s all my fault. I owe you a thank you and an apology.

Lin Che chuckled. Team Leader Chen, you’re speaking so formally today. I’m perfectly fine, but your words are making me feel awkward. He tried to sit up, but the pain in his left shoulder forced him to lie back down. Getting old, he muttered self-deprecatingly. A few years ago, I’d be bouncing back by now.

Seeing his condition, Chen Mo judged it wasn’t too serious and stood up. I’ll go get Jian Dan to check you over.

No, no need! Lin Che hurriedly sat up, wincing through the pain as he waved Chen Mo back. Jian Xiaobai is too rough. I’m fine now. Don’t let her come.

But Chen Mo seemed not to hear him as she left the room. Moments later, Jian Dan entered. Lin Che glared at her back, but when he didn’t see Chen Mo, he gritted his teeth and muttered, Jian Xiaobai, shouldn’t you be giving us some privacy?

Jian Dan lightly touched Lin Che’s forehead and effortlessly pushed him back against the bed. You two have had enough alone time. You slept for two days and two nights straight, and Officer Chen is incredible—she stayed here with you the whole time, never leaving or sleeping. I just sent her to take a shower and rest. If you hadn’t woken up, I bet she would have stayed by your side indefinitely. Her willpower is extraordinary. She glanced at the open door and chuckled. She must be exhausted. You’re such a charmer, and since she’s not leaving Dingsheng, you’ll have plenty of opportunities.

As Jian Dan spoke, Lin Che’s eyes widened. When she finished, he clenched his right hand and muttered, Damn it, why didn’t I wake up sooner?

You nearly killed yourself, and you’re worried about that? You’re really willing to die for a woman, huh? Jian Dan plopped down on the bed and patted Lin Che’s leg. The police investigation should be underway. Someone will naturally deal with Lu Yunsheng and his gang. Listen, let’s just put this behind us. Once you’re rested, run Dingsheng as you always have. Aunt Li said if you cause any more trouble, she’ll come back and personally oversee things.

Lin Che frowned. How is this my fault? Would I just walk into the line of fire if they hadn’t come looking for me? He rolled his eyes. What about the drugs? Did they find them?

Of course they found them. But this mess has involved the underworld. They’ll handle the drugs and Lu Yunsheng themselves—they have their own rules. Since we’ve cut ties, we should let them have their share. Jian Dan spoke plainly, watching Lin Che’s lips tighten slightly, her eyes narrowing. You’re not plotting something again, are you? Lin Che, I don’t care how you chase women, but if you tell Chen Mo where the drugs are, you’ll bring trouble on yourself.

I know, Lin Che said, blinking in annoyance. I’m not that stupid. I just feel a little guilty.

Heh… Jian Dan let out a dry laugh. I’m not stupid either. I won’t tell you where the drugs are. This ends here. Once the police matter is settled, you’ll all return to your proper places and stay on the right path. Understand?

Lin Che scoffed. Yeah, yeah, I get it. Stop acting like my mother.

Jian Dan gave Lin Che’s leg a heavy thump. Lin Che, I know you well. I can see you’re really smitten with this policewoman. You’d better handle this carefully. Everything has its limits. Don’t be so reckless. This bullet hit your shoulder—if it had hit your heart, you wouldn’t be able to chase after any woman.

Lin Che’s eyes widened, and he pressed his index finger to his lips. Shh! He glanced toward the door. Sara isn’t here, is she? Don’t tell her!

Jian Dan rolled her eyes. Oh, so you’re scared now? If you hadn’t said anything, I wouldn’t have known your ‘progress’ meant taking a bullet for her.

Lin Che leaned back against the bed, propping his chin in his hand. Did Chen Mo tell you? While I was still groggy?

Yeah, she even thanked you. Jian Dan poured out a few pills from the medicine bottle and handed them to Lin Che while getting him a glass of water.

What did you say to her?

You know me too well. Nothing much. I just asked if she was interested in women. Jian Dan handed him the water. Take your medicine.

Lin Che swallowed the pills quickly. Jian Dan narrowed her eyes, her tone meaningful. But it was interesting. She didn’t give me a straight answer. Seems like she’s not opposed to the idea…

Lin Che spat the water he had just taken a sip of onto the blanket, choking and coughing violently.

Look at you, so easily flustered, Jian Dan said, picking up the cup with a disdainful expression. Is it really that shocking?

Lin Che caught his breath and immediately asked, And then? What else did she say?

Jian Dan hummed thoughtfully, her gaze fixed on Lin Che. I think she has a story. Think about it—she’s not young anymore, almost thirty. Shouldn’t she be married or at least dating someone by now?

Lin Che listened with rapt attention. Tell me more, tell me more! I love hearing you talk about this.

That’s all, Jian Dan said, standing up. You’re still weak. Don’t get too excited. Get some more rest.

Lin Che clutched the blanket, biting his lip and staring at Jian Dan with a hurt expression, but remained silent. Jian Dan shuddered. Don’t pull that on me. It won’t work.

Lin Che whined playfully, Little Dan Dan, Xiao Bai Bai…

Jian Dan turned and walked away, slamming the door shut behind her. Lin Che huffed, finally noticing the ache in his shoulder, yet his heart fluttered with joy. Throwing back the blanket, he slipped into a loose bathrobe and slippers, stepped out of the room, and peeked into the hallway. Finding it empty, he walked to the elevator and pressed the button for the sixty-sixth floor.

Chen Mo was truly exhausted. When Lin Che quietly entered the room, she was sleeping soundly in bed. Lin Che gazed at the sleeping figure, a soft smile involuntarily curving his lips. Her damp hair lay scattered across the pillow, and one pristine arm rested on the blanket, a tender pink scar visible on her snow-white skin—likely from the warehouse fight earlier.

Lin Che frowned slightly. The woman before him seemed remarkably serene in her sleep, utterly unlike the fierce warrior he had witnessed in battle. An inexplicable pang of sympathy stirred within him. He couldn’t fathom how a woman orphaned at a young age could endure a career as a criminal investigator, a job where one risked their life daily. Yet he sensed that beneath Chen Mo’s cold exterior lay a warmth he couldn’t quite grasp.

The room felt cozy and secure. Lin Che dimmed the bedside lamp, leaned back on the nearby sofa, and propped his head up to watch her. He drifted off again, and when he finally opened his eyes, Chen Mo was lying on her side, gazing at him with hazy eyes.

Lin Che sat up abruptly, a mischievous grin playing on his lips as if he’d been caught doing something wrong. Did you sleep well? he asked, pressing his lips together.

Chen Mo showed no embarrassment. She rested one arm behind her head, the other still draped outside the covers. If General Manager Lin hadn’t suddenly appeared here, I’d probably have woken up feeling well-rested. You startled me. Good thing I didn’t have my gun.

Xiao Bai told me you took care of me for two days, so I figured I should come thank you. I didn’t expect to find you asleep when I got here, so I… I just decided to wait.

Lin Che was usually brash and persistent. Chen Mo watched him quietly, yet the man before her seemed uncharacteristically shy, almost fidgeting as if his innermost thoughts had been exposed. This was nothing like the Lin Che she knew.

I should be the one thanking you. You were injured because of me. It was only right for me to take care of you.

Mm… Lin Che nodded, then looked up and winked. Are you hungry? Want something to eat before you go back to sleep?

Chen Mo nodded almost imperceptibly. I think you’re probably hungrier than I am.

Lin Che chuckled. Yes, I’m starving. If Captain Chen would do me the honor of dining with me…

If General Manager Lin promises not to drug my food again, then yes.

Lin Che was taken aback by Chen Mo’s preemptive strike, his face freezing for a moment before breaking into a wide grin. Alright, alright, I promise—no more drugs! What would you like to eat? I’ll have the kitchen prepare it right away.

Chen Mo smiled faintly. Anything will do. But perhaps General Manager Lin could step out first so I can get dressed?

Lin Che’s face flushed crimson. He stood up awkwardly, scratching his head. Then… then I’ll go call the kitchen to start cooking. You… you get dressed first. As he spoke, he had already reached the door and fled like a startled rabbit.

Chen Mo shook her head with a hint of resignation and sighed softly. Accustomed to sleeping nude, she waited until Lin Che had left before slowly getting out of bed. Still unclothed, she strolled to the mirror, gazing at the scars etched across her body from past missions. Her fingers brushed the amethyst crystal pendant around her neck, yet for some reason, that one question kept flashing through her mind.

She murmured to herself, So, Lin Che… are you gray?