Love Assault - Chapter 23

The familiar banquet hall, the familiar faces.

Lin Che was in high spirits and had instructed the kitchen to prepare a lavish feast. However, at Chen Mo’s insistence, all the dishes were light and bland. She had originally planned to open a bottle of red wine, but Chen Mo had it replaced with warm water.

Chewing on her chopsticks, Lin Che gave Chen Mo a pitiful look and timidly said, Captain Chen, are you trying to make me lose my appetite? I was so hungry before, but now I feel almost full.

Chen Mo, however, continued eating leisurely, glancing at Lin Che. You’re injured. You can only eat these. Besides, you were hurt saving my life, so I have a responsibility to take care of you.

Lin Che frowned slightly and sighed. Fine. But can I make a request? Could we please stop mentioning the whole ‘I saved your life’ thing from now on?

Facts are facts. Whether we mention them or not, they remain true.

Lin Che smiled, put down her chopsticks, and gazed at Chen Mo, her eyes filled with amusement and contemplation. Chen Mo felt a chill under her gaze. Why are you staring at me like that?

I just think, Captain Chen, you’re the kind who lets officials set fires while forbidding commoners to light lamps, Lin Che said, blinking mischievously. Actually, you saved my life first. I was just returning the favor. She smiled, leaning back comfortably in her chair and tilting her chin to gaze at the bewildered Chen Mo. When those four motorcycles charged at us, most people would instinctively swerve away from danger. But I was busy fiddling with my phone, trying to call Jian Xiaobai. To protect me, you steered the car to the left. So if anyone should be thanking someone, it should be me thanking you first.

I’m a police officer. Protecting citizens is my duty. Even if Zhao Xiaomao had been in your seat, I would have done the same.

Lin Che sighed with a hint of disappointment, shaking his head. Chen Mo, is every word I say just going to be perfectly deflected by your stock responses?

I’m stating facts. Chen Mo pointed to Lin Che’s barely touched bowl of rice. Eat first. You haven’t eaten properly in days.

Lin Che pouted, looking utterly aggrieved. You’ve ruined my appetite, he said. He then turned to Chen Mo, his lips pressed into a pout. How about this? Since I got hurt for you, why don’t you try coaxing me?

Chen Mo replied, You just said you didn’t want to talk about it anymore. She then continued eating in silence.

Lin Che glared, frustrated but unable to retort. Suddenly, he chuckled, shaking his head. I think you’ve got me completely under your thumb. If you’re not seeing anyone, consider taking me in?

Chen Mo’s long, delicate eyelashes fluttered. She set down her chopsticks and looked at Lin Che with a serious expression. Lin Che, I’m truly grateful for you saving my life. But I’m sorry, we’re not compatible. Please don’t say things like that again. Can you do that?

Lin Che bit his lip lightly, forced a smile, and nodded. Okay. He quickly changed his expression, grinning again. Since Captain Chen is calling me by my name, that means we’re not strangers anymore. I won’t mention it again. Can we be friends?

Chen Mo was bewildered by his sudden shifts between calmness and manic energy, unsure what he was really after. She shook her head slightly. Aren’t we friends already?

Lin Che nodded hurriedly. Right, right, yes, yes, we’re friends. She fell silent, as if trying to cover up her earlier lapse in composure or embarrassment. Grabbing her chopsticks, she devoured the food on the table with the speed of a whirlwind, then patted her stomach. Ah, I’m full. Turning to Chen Mo, who had been sitting quietly the whole time, she asked, Why did you become a police officer?

It was an ordinary question, especially for someone like Lin Che, a wealthy second-generation heir. But the moment the question was asked, Chen Mo’s already expressionless face darkened further, as if the question had dredged up an extremely painful memory—perhaps related to her mother’s death or her father’s sacrifice. Lin Che wasn’t foolish enough to voice these thoughts directly. If Chen Mo discovered she had been secretly investigating her, their fragile, newly formed friendship would likely shatter instantly, given her temperament.

Chen Mo seemed to be pondering the question, her gaze fixed on Lin Che. After a long pause, she slowly replied, My family and friends were all killed by criminal forces. I don’t want anyone else to suffer the same pain I have.

Lin Che paused, slightly surprised by Chen Mo’s tone and attitude. While she had anticipated such a response, it still felt different from what she had imagined.

I’m sorry, Lin Che said, a hint of guilt in her voice. I was just asking casually. If you don’t want to talk about it, we can change the subject.

Chen Mo shook her head, exhaling heavily. My father was a narcotics officer. He was killed in the line of duty while pursuing drug traffickers when I was very young. As she spoke the words drug traffickers, a flash of barely concealed hatred flickered in her eyes. I’m sure you know how insane and reckless drug traffickers are.

Lin Che nodded. I do. Reckless and shameless.

Chen Mo spoke through gritted teeth. They manufacture drugs, traffic them, and sell them to others. They watch those people become their puppets, squandering their lives and suffering unbearable pain. Every penny they earn is stained with bl00d. So, she took a deep breath, if I ever get even a hint of a lead on them, I will never let them go.

Seeing the usually composed Chen Mo so agitated, her voice filled with indignation yet her demeanor so dejected, Lin Che immediately regretted asking the question. She picked up the bottle of red wine beside her and shook it at Chen Mo. Would you… like some?

No, thank you. I never drink.

Never? Lin Che glanced at Chen Mo with a curious expression. It was rare to meet someone who never drank alcohol, even a small glass with meals was common. Most people would simply say, No, thank you. But Chen Mo’s use of the word never prompted her to ask, Are you allergic to alcohol?

Not at all. In fact, I think I have a high tolerance. Chen Mo smiled faintly, her somber mood easing slightly. I’ve only drunk once in my life, with my father. I was just a child then, and I didn’t know what was in the small bottle he carried. Curious, I stole it and drank the whole thing. My father was terrified—a child drinking an entire bottle of baijiu! But nothing happened to me.

Lin Che’s eyes widened as she stared at Chen Mo, relieved to change the subject. You’re that strong? Is it genetic?

Perhaps the amusing childhood memory had lightened Chen Mo’s mood. A faint smile touched her lips. Maybe it is. But after he passed away, I stopped drinking altogether.

Lin Che, fearing Chen Mo would become upset if he mentioned her deceased father again, feigned a hint of regret and said, That’s a shame. But having a little now and then is fine, right? Look at me—I’m not an alcoholic, but I still enjoy a drink. He chuckled twice, but when Chen Mo ignored him, he smirked triumphantly and reached for the red wine to pour it into his glass. Suddenly, Chen Mo’s hand shot out, pressing down on the bottle before he could pour. Lin Che gripped the bottle tightly, refusing to let go, and then, with a furrowed brow, pleaded, Chen Mo, this isn’t fair. I’m only having a little—it won’t kill me. We’re good friends, right? All my friends spoil me.

It seems so, Chen Mo muttered thoughtfully before adding, Perhaps we’re not suited to be friends after all.

Lin Che wisely released the bottle immediately, clicking his tongue in exasperation. You won’t drink and won’t let me either. So bossy.

I don’t drink because alcohol impairs my judgment. My profession doesn’t allow for any mistakes, Chen Mo explained, placing the bottle on the other table. You can’t drink because you’re injured. Your body can’t handle such abuse right now.

Lin Che rested his cheek in his hand, his large eyes fixed on Chen Mo, blinking rapidly. Are you always this concerned about your friends? It must be wonderful to be your friend.

Chen Mo’s hand, which she had just withdrawn, trembled almost imperceptibly. Her slender eyelashes fluttered gently, and the warmth that had returned to her face faded again, replaced by a self-mocking, yet helpless smile. Perhaps, she murmured. She didn’t pursue the topic further, instead glancing at the darkening sky outside. Relationships between people depend on fate. As she spoke, she walked to the window and gazed out at the twilight. Suddenly, she asked, How much darkness and how much light do you think is hidden in this darkness?

Lin Che remained seated, watching Chen Mo in silence for a long moment before replying softly, It’s hard to distinguish between black and white. It’s like trying to separate an egg yolk from its white, or flesh from bl00d. She stood up and walked to Chen Mo’s side, her gaze lingering on her face. Chen Mo, you need to understand one thing. This world isn’t just black and white.

Before the massive floor-to-ceiling window, Chen Mo’s eyes suddenly widened. Her blurred reflection shimmered in the double-paned glass, and a chill raced up her spine, made all the more distinct by the warmth of Lin Che’s breath beside her. She felt herself trembling, from head to toe, inside and out. Without turning to look at Lin Che, she couldn’t suppress the slight tremor in her shoulders, which Lin Che immediately noticed. Assuming Chen Mo was cold, Lin Che reflexively checked the window. The floor-to-ceiling glass was sealed tight no draft could possibly be entering, and the room was comfortably warm. She then shifted her gaze back to Chen Mo’s profile, only to find her head bowed, long hair cascading down to obscure her face. Lin Che couldn’t discern her expression. Surprised by Chen Mo’s reaction, she asked softly, Are you… alright?

Chen Mo didn’t lift her head or move. Her voice was barely a whisper as she replied, You’re trying to tell me that you’re not black, but you have no intention of becoming white, is that right?