Love Assault - Chapter 29

By the time Lin Che parked the car in front of the bar, it was already 7 PM.

They had originally planned to leave after lunch, but Lin Che’s lack of rest that day had pushed their departure back to evening. She had only intended to take a short nap before waking Chen Mo, but a yawn knocked her out until 6 PM. When she woke up, she was lying on the bed, Chen Mo sitting at the desk with her legs crossed, watching her with narrowed eyes. Chen Mo stood up, her tone half-mocking, half-sarcastic, with a wry smile General Manager Lin, you certainly took your time. If you’d slept any longer, I would have gone out on my own.

Lin Che rubbed his temples and sat up groggily, swaying slightly. I must have been really tired. What time is it?

A quarter past six, Chen Mo glanced at the wall clock. They probably aren’t there anymore.

Lin Che shook his head. No way. That Xiao Bai can stay rooted in one place for days. He pulled out his phone and called Yun Xi. After a brief exchange, he hung up and waved the phone at Chen Mo. See? I told you. Sara said she’s been sitting there all afternoon and is now having a drinking contest with some random rich guy. He chuckled sheepishly and, with a thick-skinned grin, added, Maybe we shouldn’t interrupt her fun. What do you think…?

Chen Mo stood up, unwilling to accept the offer. Then you keep sleeping. I’ll go myself.

Lin Che, feeling rebuffed, pouted, knowing further persuasion would be futile. He quickly dressed and led Chen Mo out the door without another word.

However, as they parked outside the bar, Lin Che hesitated. His hands gripped the steering wheel as he stared at the bustling entrance, where people streamed in and out under the night sky. He glanced at Chen Mo, suddenly worried whether her profession, status, and current circumstances made it appropriate for her to go inside.

Chen Mo… maybe I should just go…

Before he could finish, Chen Mo shook her head. No need. You go back. I’ll go in alone.

Lin Che reached out and grabbed Chen Mo’s arm as she opened the car door to get out. Then I’ll come with you.

Chen Mo shook her head again. No. It’s not convenient for you.

She stepped out of the car and closed the door.

Lin Che stared blankly at Chen Mo’s retreating figure, muttering to himself, Not convenient? Why wouldn’t it be convenient?

Inside the bar, flashing red and green lights pulsed rhythmically as patrons crowded around a central table, chanting in unison, Drink! Drink! Drink…

Chen Mo struggled to push through the crowd, finally standing at the edge of the table with her arms crossed. She watched Jian Dan and the man across from her chugging bottle after bottle of beer. Her chin tilted up with amusement as she observed the man’s collar tearing open, beer dribbling down his chin and soaking his shirt. It was less drinking and more like a synchronized chugging and spitting routine. She couldn’t help but chuckle softly.

Just as her laughter faded, the man collapsed into his chair with a thud, beer foam still clinging to his lips, clearly defeated. Chen Mo found the sight comical and turned her attention to Jian Dan, who remained calm and collected, as if nothing had happened. Jian Dan noticed Chen Mo too, tilting her head as if she didn’t want to acknowledge her presence.

Unfazed, Chen Mo strolled over to the man slumped in his chair, gave him a casual shove aside, and pointed at the beer bottles on the table from the other side. Beer? You can’t even taste it. Why not switch to something stronger?

Jian Dan glanced sideways at Chen Mo, then turned her head to stare at her intently for a long moment, a playful glint in her eyes. She chuckled twice, glanced at Yun Xi beside her, and pointed at Chen Mo. Sara, did you invite this person here?

Yun Xi tugged at the corner of his mouth. Don’t ask me. I have no idea. They’re cops—finding you wouldn’t be hard for them.

Jian Dan ignored him, turning to Chen Mo. Drinking baijiu? I’m worried you can’t handle it.

Chen Mo raised an eyebrow and smiled at Yun Xi, completely shedding the awkwardness from their earlier conversation. Sara, Lin Che said this bar is Dingsheng’s property?

Yun Xi nodded, slightly confused. Then Chen Mo said something that nearly made him choke So I can drink whatever I want here without paying, right?

The drinks are free… but let me make one thing clear… Yun Xi grabbed his bag, sensing it was time to leave. As he pushed through the crowd, he warned, Drink whatever you want, but if you two end up in trouble, don’t! come! crying! to! me! With that, he slipped through the crowd and headed for the exit. The remaining onlookers continued to clap and cheer—two women competing in a drinking contest? Holy sh1t, I’ve never seen anything like this! This is going to be good!

Jian Dan grinned, a simple yet sinister smile spreading across her face. She snapped her fingers to summon a waiter and turned to Chen Mo. Well, what will you have?

What to drink… Chen Mo pondered for a moment, unable to think of anything specific. She blinked at the waiter and said, Bring me your strongest baijiu.

Lin Che was about to get out of the car when Yun Xi pushed him back inside. Dazed, he watched her circle around the hood, climb into the passenger seat, and slam the door shut. She muttered under her breath, Fvck…

What’s wrong? Lin Che asked, sensing something was off. Worried, he tried to get out again. Did they start fighting? I need to…

Yun Xi grabbed Lin Che’s shirt and yanked him back. No fighting. Just stay here. Don’t get caught in the crossfire.

Confused, Lin Che gripped the car door, ready to push it open at any moment. What are they doing in there?

Let’s drink, Yun Xi said, leaning closer to Lin Che and reaching across to pull the car door shut on Lin Che’s side. She wants to drink baijiu with Xiao Bai right away. I’ve seen Jian Xiaobai’s alcohol tolerance—it’s terrifying. Though I’ve never seen her drink baijiu before she usually sticks to foreign liquor and beer. But… do you think Chen Mo can handle it?

Lin Che paused, then chuckled dryly. If you’re not watching inside, what are you doing out here?

Yun Xi winked. I knew you’d be here. Let’s watch the show from the sidelines! She laughed and waved her hand. No, wait—it’s more like the heron and the clam fighting, and you’re the fisherman who gets the prize.

Lin Che leaned back in his seat, utterly bewildered, and stared at Yun Xi for a long moment before asking, Sara, you came prepared, didn’t you?

Yun Xi grinned, pulled out her phone, waved it at Lin Che, and started a video call. Lin Che watched the conversation window with a grim expression. The other party was the bar manager—clearly this had been arranged beforehand. The camera was currently focused on Jian Dan and Chen Mo.

Yun Xi turned off the microphone and camera on his phone, leaving only the video feed running. Leaning against Lin Che, he sighed, Lin Che, Jian Xiaobai asked me to investigate the cause of A-Fi’s death. She told me not to tell you, but I think I should.

Lin Che stared at the phone screen, watching Jian Dan casually pour liquor from a bottle into a glass. He tilted his head slightly. She wants revenge.

So, what do you think?

Chen Mo accepted the glass Jian Dan handed her, the strong aroma of liquor filling her nostrils. Jian Dan swirled the glass—a tall, slender juice glass—and noted that half a bottle of baijiu had already been poured into their two glasses. Accustomed to Western spirits, Jian Dan had only rarely tasted baijiu. As she brought the glass to her lips, the pungent fumes stung her eyes. She squinted and muttered, Fucking intense. Then she jerked her chin at Chen Mo. How do we drink this?

Chen Mo held her glass expressionlessly and shook her head. I don’t know your rules. How about this whoever forgets who they are first loses. Sound good?

Jian Dan let out a cold laugh and said nothing more. She tilted her head back and gulped down the entire glass of liquor in one go, not a drop left.

The rowdy onlookers grew even more excited. This guy had downed a hefty glass of white liquor in one shot? Without even flinching? They erupted into thunderous applause. Jian Dan wiped her mouth and casually said to Chen Mo, Your turn.

By now, nearly everyone in the bar had crowded around the table, jostling for a view of the two women in the center. The boisterous crowd kept chanting Drink! Drink! Drink! Chen Mo, growing slightly annoyed by the commotion, raised her glass with a smile. What brand is this? It smells pretty potent.

Heh… Jian Dan scoffed. It tastes even stronger. She waved her hand impatiently. Enough talk. Your turn.

Chen Mo nodded almost imperceptibly, showing no hesitation. She tilted her head back and drank the liquor as easily as water. She set the empty glass on the table and pushed it forward until it landed right in front of Jian Dan. Fill it up.

The cheers and shouts of approval swelled into a deafening roar. Jian Dan stared at the empty glass for a moment, visibly stunned, before bursting into laughter. She grabbed the bottle and poured another round.

Yun Xi stared at the video in disbelief, his eyes wide as he watched Chen Mo and Jian Dan facing three empty wine bottles sprawled haphazardly on the table. He glanced at Lin Che, whose expression was one of casual indifference, only deepening his confusion. He stammered, This… this… but couldn’t find any other words.

Lin Che watched the ongoing scene with mild amusement. He observed Jian Dan’s initial fierce momentum gradually waning, her hands gripping the table for support. Chen Mo, however, remained composed, arms crossed, watching her as if nothing were amiss. Lin Che knew a subtle yet intense rivalry simmered between the two women. He also knew that beneath Chen Mo’s calm facade lay a simmering anger, one that needed a proper outlet. Yet he hadn’t anticipated Chen Mo orchestrating this peculiar contest—part competition, part confrontation—with such meticulous planning and absolute confidence in victory.

Now he understood why Chen Mo had mentioned a fierce battle that afternoon and the need to eat well beforehand.

Lin Che chuckled softly, turning away from the video. He leaned back in his chair and gazed out the window, where a light rain had begun to fall.

Chen Mo, you’re really something.