Love Assault - Chapter 28

After Lin Che left, Chen Mo threw herself heavily onto the bed. The mess strewn across the room irritated her, but she couldn’t bring herself to care. Lin Che had arranged for workers to clean up, and the drone of the vacuum cleaner filled her ears. Once the room was tidy, someone delivered a prepared breakfast.

Her heart was definitely racing faster than normal. It had been pounding since morning, making her dizzy, short of breath, and nauseous. She sat blankly on the bed, dissecting Lin Che’s words, rearranging them, then dissecting them again. Scenes from six or seven years ago played out slowly in her mind like a film reel.

Xue Wen’s gentle demeanor, her subtle warmth toward Chen Mo, and her refusal to ever reveal where she lived. The day Xue Wen told her she was being transferred.

And in her eyes, a lightness and longing Chen Mo had never seen before.

She had assumed Xue Wen was tired of being a police officer, that she wanted to escape the dangers of her job, that she…

Chen Mo closed her eyes. She had even dared to believe that one day, Xue Wen might fall in love with the person who had been secretly in love with her all along.

Yet, it seemed the world held far fewer self-delusions than she had imagined.

She didn’t put the pendant back on. The crescent moon of amethyst lay quietly before her, and Jian Dan’s furious yet wounded gaze flashed through her mind—a sharp, desperate look like that of a cornered beast. This was Xue Wen, oh… A-Fi, the woman who had sacrificed her own life to protect.

A dull ache pierced her heart. Six years ago, she had fallen for Xue Wen’s cleverly crafted lies. For all those years, she had clung to the pendant taken from Xue Wen, deceiving herself with the lies she had woven. Unveiling this deception felt like peeling open a long-hidden wound—beneath the surface lay not healing flesh, but festering decay.

The wound had rotted beyond repair. The only remedy was to cut it away.

Chen Mo had never been one to hesitate. She knew what she had to do, even if it meant further tearing apart her already wounded heart. With her characteristic cold resolve, she gritted her teeth and steeled herself to excise the visible rot.

She dressed, slipped the pendant into her pocket, opened the door, pressed the elevator button, stepped out, and knocked on Lin Che’s door.

Lin Che had clearly just showered. His loosely tied bathrobe revealed his entire left arm and shoulder, the wound covered with plastic wrap, faint bloodstains visible on the gauze beneath. Water dripped from his hair as he stared at Chen Mo in shock.

Chen Mo had assumed she would need time to process the day’s events and hadn’t dared linger in her room. However, she had severely underestimated Chen Mo’s composure. Now, she stood frozen by the door, her mouth opening and closing soundlessly, unable to speak.

Chen Mo glanced at the haphazardly wrapped bandage on Lin Che’s shoulder and pointed. Come in. Let’s take care of that wound.

Lin Che blinked twice, then hastily ushered her inside. After closing the door, he fidgeted, unsure what to do with his hands. He finally reached up to tear off the plastic wrap, his head bowed as he mumbled, Sit down first. Have some water. I’ll clean myself up… Have you eaten? Should I order another meal?

No need, Chen Mo said, walking up to Lin Che and gently pressing him onto the sofa. She carefully removed the plastic wrap from his shoulder. Lin Che awkwardly raised his right hand. I… I’m fine. I can… I can do it myself…

My medical skills aren’t great, Chen Mo continued, ignoring his protests, but I’m decent at first aid. I can take care of this wound. She tossed aside the damp gauze and plastic wrap. Where’s the first aid kit?

Lin Che pointed to the desk. In… in the top drawer.

Chen Mo walked over to the desk, but Lin Che suddenly stood up and hurried after her. I… I should do it…

Before he could finish, Chen Mo had already pulled open the drawer. She paused visibly before retrieving the first aid kit and opening it. Lin Che stood beside her, his gaze darting around, lips pressed into a thin line. I’m… I’m sorry…

Chen Mo used tweezers to gently dab the cotton ball around Lin Che’s wound, wiping away the water and bl00d. She scoffed, Apologizing? Why are you apologizing to me?

Lin Che leaned against the table, quietly waiting for Chen Mo to finish treating his wound. After putting on his bathrobe, Chen Mo silently packed up the medical kit without a word. Lin Che sighed and opened a drawer himself, taking out a photograph and placing it on the table. It was a group photo of him, Jian Dan, and A-Fi. He hesitated, gazing at the photo, and murmured, This was taken on Xiao Bai’s twentieth birthday. It’s the only photo we have together. The Jian Family’s rules… they might never have any photos taken in their entire lives. This one… I secretly kept it…

Lin Che’s voice was barely audible. Chen Mo’s hand, resting on the medical kit, twitched slightly. She could hear the deep sorrow in his voice. Her gaze flickered across the photo, where A-Fi looked youthful and radiant, her smile dazzling. For just a moment, her eyes lingered before shifting back to the window.

Lin Che, I truly hate how you suddenly barged into my life.

Lin Che nodded, looking both understanding and deeply apologetic. I know… this whole thing… has shattered many of your beliefs and principles… not just… A-Fi. I’m so sorry…

But I’m also grateful you revealed the truth to me, Chen Mo said, shaking her head. She put the first-aid kit and the photo back into the drawer and closed it. It made me realize how foolish I’ve been.

Lin Che waved her hands frantically. No… no… you’re not foolish. You were just… She struggled to find the right words, stammering for the first time. Just… just too trusting in the noble patriotism of your comrades…

Chen Mo chuckled softly. Did you find Jian Dan?

Ah? Lin Che blinked, then nodded. Yes, I did. Sara’s with her, said they’re at a bar drinking. She added, You don’t need to worry about her. I’ll go check on her later. You… She pointed to Chen Mo’s eyes. You should get some rest…

Take me to her, Chen Mo said after a moment’s contemplation, lifting her gaze to meet Lin Che’s eyes directly. I have something to say to her.

Ah… Lin Che responded dryly, as if still processing the request. Then, another Ah? followed.

Chen Mo’s expression remained calm. I said, take me to her. I have something I want to say to her.

No need, Lin Che said firmly, turning away to walk to the bed. He casually removed his bathrobe and began dressing. I can go alone. She’s not in her right mind right now. I’ll bring her to see you when she’s back to normal.

Chen Mo followed Lin Che to the bedside, her gaze unwavering as she stared directly at him. Are you afraid she’ll beat me up?

Lin Che hesitated, buttoning his shirt as he shook his head. Sort of. Xiao Bai is really strong. I’m worried you wouldn’t be able to handle her. Of course, you’re strong too. But more importantly, I don’t think either of you are thinking clearly right now, so it’s best to avoid a confrontation. She nodded to herself, glancing at Chen Mo. Yeah, I think this arrangement is the most sensible. What do you think?

I think… Chen Mo’s lips curved into a slight smile as she tossed the jacket from the bedside to Lin Che. You should still take me to see her. I might not be able to beat her, but given your current situation, you wouldn’t be able to stop me from leaving Dingsheng if I wanted to. What do you think?

Lin Che blinked, shaking his head with a helpless smile. Alright, alright… I see now. I can’t control either of you. But I’m a bit hungry right now. Can you at least have lunch with me so I can recharge before watching you two go at it?

Why do you assume we’ll definitely fight?

I don’t know. Lin Che chuckled self-deprecatingly. Your mind is as deep as the ocean, and her temper is hotter than a volcano. Right now, I’m caught between deep waters and scorching flames.

Chen Mo laughed at Lin Che’s words, shaking her head repeatedly. Lin Che paused, put the jacket back on the bed, and chuckled. Chen Mo, you look so beautiful when you smile. Seeing her face suddenly turn cold at the compliment, he quickly added, Hey, what’s wrong? I’m genuinely complimenting you. Can you please stop looking at me through tinted glasses? You’re beautiful—is it wrong to say so? Where’s the justice in that?

Aren’t you hungry? Chen Mo ignored his comment and pointed to the untouched breakfast on the table. Go tell the kitchen to send some food.

Lin Che glanced at Chen Mo, surprised. Oh. Okay.

Chen Mo casually walked to the dining table and sat down, saying lightly, Send enough for two.

Lin Che stared at Chen Mo, his eyes wide, momentarily speechless.

Chen Mo looked at Lin Che, puzzled. So, you were planning to only have the kitchen send one serving? What was I supposed to eat?

You… just said… you didn’t… Lin Che stammered, clearly confused by Chen Mo’s sudden change in attitude.

Chen Mo tapped the table lightly with one hand. I figured this afternoon’s going to be a tough fight. I need to eat well.

Lin Che let out a dazed Ah, then chuckled. He jogged across the spacious living room to the table and picked up the phone to call the kitchen.

The meal was somewhat awkward.

Chen Mo wasn’t awkward at all.

The awkwardness was entirely Lin Che’s.

She had never seen Chen Mo eat with such solemn focus, as if she were completing a critical mission assigned by her superior. Several times, Lin Che opened her mouth to speak, only to close it again. Chen Mo, buried in her food, gave her no opportunity to interrupt.

General Manager Lin, who usually devoured his meals in a whirlwind, was today meticulously chewing each bite with deliberate restraint. The immediate consequence was that Officer Chen finished eating while he had only eaten half.

Chen Mo showed no impatience. Observing Lin Che’s flushed face, she said, I’m going to take a nap. Wake me when you’re done. With that, she leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

Lin Che swallowed a mouthful of rice, his eyes wide, and muttered to himself, Judging by Chen Mo’s demeanor, is there really going to be a fierce battle this afternoon?

A showdown with my rival? The ultimate showdown?

After a day and a night of relentless turmoil, Lin Che’s mind was completely numb. He grabbed a large piece of meat, shoved it into his mouth, and chewed vigorously, torn between worry and jealousy. Muttering to himself, he grumbled, So you’re all competing, huh? Fine, I’ll go all in too. Let’s see if you can turn the world upside down…