Love Assault - Chapter 26

Chen Mo staggered slightly at the mention of the name. Though she gave no verbal confirmation, Lin Che saw the answer in her expression. His eyes instantly reddened, and he took a deep, shaky breath, tears welling up. She… how did she die? Can you tell me?

Chen Mo quietly removed the pendant from her neck. The amethyst pendant was shaped like a crescent moon. With trembling hands, she gently placed it against Lin Che’s pendant, the moon fitting perfectly into the sun’s hollow center.

What kind of relationship could make two pendants fit together so seamlessly? What kind of bond would make Xue Wen wear this relatively inexpensive pendant without ever taking it off?

A monumental, heart-wrenching realization formed instantly in Chen Mo’s mind. She closed her eyes briefly, a flicker of pain crossing her face, and looked at the pale-faced Lin Che before her. What was your relationship with her?

She was my… Lin Che paused, meeting Chen Mo’s gaze. He could clearly see a hint of pain and confusion in her eyes. She was my good friend.

A friend? Just a friend?

Chen Mo shook her head with a bitter smile, but she didn’t press the issue further. Instead, she retreated into her memories.

Xue Wen… was my Senior Sister. She was killed by a fugitive during a mission.

Lin Che stared blankly at Chen Mo, a single tear sliding down the corner of his eye. What kind of mission was it?

Drug traffickers in Yunnan. A flash of ruthlessness crossed Chen Mo’s eyes. I’m sure you’ve heard of the groups operating along the Yunmian border. Their leader goes by the nickname Eighth Master.

Eighth Master… Lin Che murmured. Eighth Master…

Yes. Chen Mo’s voice cut through the air like a blade as she continued, her gaze fixed on Lin Che. She was about to capture them all. But we got separated from our teammates, so I don’t know the exact details. By the time I arrived, she was already… Chen Mo trailed off, touching her forehead, her eyes filled with immeasurable sorrow. Lin Che looked up at her, the woman’s anguished expression making her feel as if she were reliving the scene herself. Lin Che’s heart twisted with conflicting emotions. This feeling went beyond mere sadness. She could sense the deep connection between Chen Mo and Xue Wen from Chen Mo’s expression, yet she couldn’t bring herself to believe that Xue Wen had abandoned Jian Dan for Chen Mo. It seemed utterly impossible.

Eighth Master’s men killed Xue Wen, Lin Che said, watching Chen Mo. Knowing Chen Mo couldn’t continue, she broke the painful, awkward silence herself. Has the killer been found?

Chen Mo shook her head. No. He got away. She reached out to take back the pendant. General Manager Lin, I’ve told you what you wanted to know. It was clear she didn’t want to discuss the matter further, though her own mind was swirling with unanswered questions.

Lin Che stared at the pendant in Chen Mo’s hand, her mouth opening as if to speak, but no words came. She stood up, retrieved her own pendant, and slipped it into her pocket. Thank you, she said with a nod, her footsteps heavy as she walked to the door. Chen Mo remained seated, lost in thought. Lin Che’s hand rested on the doorknob, but she paused, turning back with a pained expression. Chen Mo, do you love her?

Chen Mo sat motionless, offering no reply.

Each passing second felt like an eternity to Lin Che. She was heartbroken that Chen Mo loved Xue Wen, heartbroken that Xue Wen was dead, heartbroken that Xue Wen probably didn’t love Chen Mo in return, heartbroken that Jian Dan hadn’t been able to see Xue Wen one last time, heartbroken…

Lin Che had never felt such a painful, suffocating urge to cry, yet no tears would come.

She nodded slowly. I understand. I think we both need time to think this through.

But Chen Mo spoke then, her voice icy and devoid of warmth. There’s nothing to think about. Whatever Xue Wen’s relationship with you was, I love her. There’s no future for you and me. I don’t want to know about her past, and there can never be a future with her now. If you’re grieving her death, you should understand how much I hate drugs and drug dealers. I hope you’ll tell me where that batch of drugs is. It would be a way to honor her memory.

Lin Che paused, exhaled heavily, and turned the door handle. I’ll consider it. She opened the door and stepped out, but before she could take another step, she was struck hard, sent sprawling backward onto the floor, bl00d trickling from her lip.

Jian Dan kicked the door open, strode forward, and leaned down to grab Lin Che by the collar, snarling through clenched teeth, Lin Che! I really misjudged you!

Xiao Bai… Lin Che sighed, her right cheek throbbing dully. She’s already gone.

Fine… Jian Dan’s face was unreadable, a murderous aura radiating from her. If you don’t want it, I do! She shoved Lin Che to the ground, stood up, and strode over to Chen Mo, extending her hand. A-Fi’s pendant. Give it back.

Chen Mo stared at Jian Dan in bewilderment, while Lin Che scrambled to his feet and rushed to Jian Dan’s side, grabbing her hand. Xiao Bai, let’s go home and talk.

Jian Dan shook off Lin Che’s hand, pointing a finger at his head. Get lost! I don’t need friends like you! You can’t even get my things back! Coward!

Lin Che trembled slightly, suppressing his anger. Xiao Bai, listen to me. Let’s go downstairs and talk calmly.

Jian Dan tilted her head, completely ignoring Lin Che’s pleas. She turned to Chen Mo, her hand still outstretched. Officer Chen, out of respect, I’m calling you ‘Officer.’ Please return my pendant.

Chen Mo frowned as she stood up. Your pendant? She shook her head. Xue Wen gave this to me. She never mentioned who it belonged to. I’m sorry, I can’t give it to you.

Jian Dan chuckled dryly, glancing at Chen Mo. So you won’t give it up? Fine. She turned to Lin Che. You see? She’s refusing. Don’t blame me when I take it by force.

Lin Che’s eyes widened, her anger finally erupting. She growled, Xiao Bai, do you really want to make this a fight? Before she could finish, Jian Dan threw a punch at Chen Mo as if she hadn’t heard a word.

Chen Mo didn’t dodge. She raised her hand and caught Jian Dan’s fist, her body tilting slightly backward from the force. What do you want?

Jian Dan glared. Return my pendant, and I’ll spare your face for Lin Che’s sake.

Lin Che grabbed Jian Dan’s hand. Xiao Bai, stop this nonsense!

Nonsense? Jian Dan’s eyes blazed, bloodshot. Lin Che, I just want my pendant back. Is that wrong? She kicked Lin Che in the stomach, sending her sprawling to the ground with a muffled groan. Clutching her throbbing left shoulder, Lin Che gasped for breath and shouted, It’s yours, but you gave it to A-Fi long ago! She can give it to whomever she wants—you have no right to decide! A-Fi is dead! What good will taking it back do now?

Jian Dan, her eyes rimmed with red like a sulking child, roared at Lin Che, I’m taking it back! It’s mine! A-Fi is my woman! Even in death, she’s still my woman!

Chen Mo’s hand tightened in shock as she repeated Jian Dan’s words in a cold voice, Your woman.

Jian Dan turned to glare at Chen Mo. Chen Mo, give it back.

Chen Mo let out a strange laugh. What if I don’t?

Jian Dan sneered coldly and lunged forward, kicking at Chen Mo. Chen Mo dodged to the side, her entire body radiating an icy aura. Her usual calm expression had been completely overtaken by fury as she stepped forward and struck at Jian Dan.

Lin Che, still sitting on the floor, muttered in frustration, Damn it, this is a fucking disaster. He leaped to his feet and charged forward, grabbing Jian Dan’s arm. As Jian Dan struggled against Lin Che’s restraint, Chen Mo landed a solid punch on her head. Enraged, Jian Dan shoved Lin Che away violently, screaming, Lin Che, get the hell out of my way! She then swung another punch at Chen Mo.

Chen Mo and Jian Dan became locked in a fierce brawl, sending furniture crashing to the floor with a series of sharp, shattering sounds.

Caught between the two combatants, Lin Che frantically blocked one moment and parried the next. His face and body ached fiercely, his left arm useless and his right unable to muster full strength. Sweat poured down his face as he desperately tried to restrain the two hotheaded fighters. In a fit of rage, he stormed to the safe, punched in the code, and pulled out a gun, pressing it against his temple. Xiao Bai! he shouted. If you hit me again, I’ll blow my brains out! Save me the trouble of watching this mess!

The fighting stopped instantly. Both Jian Dan and Chen Mo stared in shock as Lin Che pressed the gun to his head. Jian Dan roared, Lin Che! Are you really going to pick a fight with me over a woman?

Lin Che snapped back, Jian Xiaobai! Aren’t you the one picking a fight with me over a woman?

Jian Dan clenched her fists, her entire body trembling. She pointed a shaking finger at Lin Che, her voice trembling with fury. Fine… very well… She shot a venomous glare at Chen Mo. I’ll spare her today, but I’ll get what’s mine sooner or later!

With that, she stormed to the door and slammed it shut behind her.

The gun clattered to the floor as Lin Che collapsed, his strength completely gone. He hung his head, looking dejectedly at Chen Mo. I’m sorry, Chen Mo. You must think I’m ridiculous.

Chen Mo knelt beside him, picked up the gun, and examined it. It’s fake.

Lin Che chuckled dryly. Right. It’s a one-to-one replica, almost identical in weight. It fires toy bullets, but it could still kill a bird.

Chen Mo helped Lin Che sit on the sofa and placed the gun on the coffee table. She looked at him with a calm expression.

Where would she go?

Xiao Bai? Lin Che sighed, then smiled faintly. I’m grateful you care about her. She probably went to cool off. I’ve asked Sara to find her, so she should be fine. He pulled out his phone and sent a text message to Yun Xi.

Chen Mo watched Lin Che send the message. Tell me what’s going on. I’m feeling a bit confused right now.

Lin Che wearily lifted his eyelids to look at her. To be honest, I’m even more confused than you are.