Love Assault - Chapter 3

Sitting in the police station’s interrogation room, Lin Che listlessly spread her hands. Across from her, the young officer was hunched over, making final checks on her earlier statement. He glanced at his colleague beside him, nodded, then smiled at Lin Che. Sign here, and you’re free to go.

She nodded amicably. After being dragged around since dawn, her stomach was beyond hungry. Lin Zhili had gone to the restaurant, and Lin Che wished she could sprout wings and find food immediately. She hastily signed her name, stood up, shook hands with the officer, muttered a hurried Thank you, and headed for the door. As she turned to leave, everything went black as a man charged straight at her. A flurry of footsteps followed close behind. Someone’s really causing trouble at the police station? she thought, startled. With lightning reflexes, she dodged and reached out to grab the man’s arm. But her hand closed around another person’s wrist instead. Lin Che froze, and the other person seemed equally surprised, but their movements didn’t falter. With a twist and a click, they secured the man in handcuffs. The newcomer shoved the man toward the officers behind him, barking, Take him away! As his colleagues led the man away, the officer turned to Lin Che, nodded, and said, Thank you.

The woman before her was dressed in a police uniform, her long, jet-black hair neatly tied into a ponytail. A thin layer of sweat glistened on her forehead, and beneath her slender lashes, deep, dark eyes radiated a piercing, captivating intensity. Yet the two aegyo sal beneath her eyes seemed to soften her gaze, lending her features a hint of warmth and approachability. Though she appeared aloof and unapproachable at first glance, she possessed an undeniable magnetic charm. Lin Che stared, momentarily stunned. She rarely encountered someone with such striking features. The universal human appreciation for beauty was undeniable some faces, once seen, could remain etched in memory for a lifetime. Lin Che opened her mouth, racking her brain for a conversation starter, but before she could speak, the door behind her opened. The two officers who had taken her statement earlier emerged, laughing and chatting. Spotting the figure at the entrance, they immediately straightened up, their smiles vanishing as they snapped to attention and saluted. Sister Chen Mo, they greeted her. Stealing a glance at Lin Che, they asked curiously, Miss Lin, you’re still here?

Oh, you know how it is, Lin Che chuckled. There was a sudden incident. I wanted to help, but it turns out the police station is full of capable individuals. She turned to Chen Mo, extending her hand with a bright smile. Officer Chen, your skills are truly impressive.

Chen Mo offered a polite, restrained smile. It was my failure to give him an opening. I’m sorry if I frightened you. With that, she lightly tapped Lin Che’s outstretched hand. I have other matters to attend to. Goodbye.

Lin Che stood frozen, the words I wasn’t scared, no need to apologize. How about we grab lunch together? still stuck in her throat. She watched Chen Mo’s retreating figure disappear through a door at the end of the corridor, then turned to the two junior officers beside her and winked. Wow, that woman’s impressive. Who is she, some kind of VIP?

The officers clicked their tongues in admiration. Of course she’s impressive. Her martial arts skills are formidable, but her mind is even sharper. She’s our deputy captain. They waved dismissively at Lin Che and returned to their duties. Lin Che, however, stared blankly at her hand, chuckled softly, and turned to leave the police station.

When she arrived at the private dining room, Lin Zhili and Guo Haitao were already in high spirits, drinking merrily. Seeing Lin Che enter, they didn’t bother with introductions or formalities. Lin Zhili simply waved her over, gesturing for her to sit down and handing her a glass of wine. Xiao Che, quickly raise a toast to Uncle Guo and thank him for his help. He’s your savior, after all.

Lin Che sighed inwardly, amused by Lin Zhili’s feigned tipsiness. She had known since childhood that her mother could drink a thousand cups without getting drunk, so this act was likely just for show. Most men, after all, enjoyed playing the hero in front of seemingly vulnerable women. Guo Haitao’s desperate attempts to down an entire bottle in one gulp were proof enough. With a forced smile, Lin Che stood up, raised her glass, and addressed Guo Haitao, Uncle Guo, thank you so much.

Guo Haitao, his face flushed crimson, waved his large hand and roared with laughter, turning to Lin Zhili. Sister Lin, your daughter is extraordinary! I’ve heard she single-handedly subdued three grown men! He turned back to Lin Che, clinked glasses with her, and gave her a thumbs-up. Impressive skills and stunning looks. Good girl, bottoms up! Before the words had even left his mouth, he tilted his head back and drained his glass in one gulp. Lin Zhili winked at Lin Che, who tugged at the corner of her mouth, muttered a Thank you, Uncle, closed her eyes, and swallowed the liquor. She grimaced, grabbed her chopsticks, and stuffed a mouthful of food into her mouth.

Guo Haitao roared with laughter again, pointing at Lin Che. Lightweight!

Lin Zhili raised her hand and poured Guo Haitao another glass of wine. My daughter has been living abroad for years and can’t get used to our country’s laobaigan liquor. She only drinks foreign spirits. I keep telling her she needs to connect with her motherland’s rivers and traditions. I’ll train her properly when she’s back, and you’ll have to keep an eye on her for me. That girl is like the Monkey King—she needs someone like you, the Buddha, to keep her in check.

Guo Haitao chuckled, waving his hand dismissively. You’re flattering me too much, sister. Don’t worry, as long as she’s in B City, she’ll be safe. With her skills, I might even need to ask her for help with some tasks someday…

Lin Zhili quickly raised her glass and clinked it against Guo Haitao’s. You’re giving her too much credit. She doesn’t have that kind of ability. She hasn’t been steeped in the revolutionary theories of our great motherland. If you need anything, just ask me.

Yes, yes, of course… Guo Haitao, his tongue thick with alcohol, nodded repeatedly in a daze. Seizing the opportunity, Lin Che rolled her eyes at her mother but forced a smile. Uncle Guo, don’t just drink. Please have some food.

Guo Haitao nodded cheerfully, picked up some food with his chopsticks, and was about to put it in his mouth when his phone rang. He sighed, wiped his face, and answered the call. Seeing the caller ID, he immediately glanced at Lin Zhili and Lin Che, signaling them to be quiet. After a brief exchange of 嗯啊啊 sounds, his expression grew increasingly serious. Lin Che remained silent, but from the moment Guo Haitao answered with 小陳 Xiao Chen, she had been listening intently. Throughout the call, Lin Zhili tilted her head, studying her daughter with a strange mix of curiosity and dawning realization. She reached out and pinched Lin Che’s cheek. Lin Che swiftly grabbed her mother’s hand, glaring at her to stop interfering. Lin Zhili returned the glare, bewildered. The two women continued their silent, meaningful exchange.

When Guo Haitao hung up, he cleared his throat twice, his face troubled. Lin Jie, he said apologetically, I’m so sorry. Something urgent came up at the police station. I have to leave. This meal’s on me—don’t even think about arguing.

Lin Zhili protested, That’s ridiculous! We agreed my daughter and I would treat you. You haven’t even eaten properly, and now you want to pay? Director Guo, you’re being unreasonable!

Guo Haitao swayed to his feet, chuckling. Alright, I won’t argue. Next time, I’ll treat you and your niece to a proper meal. As he spoke, he began to stagger toward the door, clearly a bit tipsy, his steps weaving a wobbly S-shaped path.

I’ll have the driver take you home, Lin Zhili offered.

Lin Che’s eyes darted around as she quickly rose to steady Guo Haitao. Mom, having the driver take him would be too impersonal. Uncle Guo, let me escort you home. I just came from that way anyway, so I know the route well.

Guo Haitao, slightly dazed from the alcohol, chuckled heartily as he leaned on Lin Che for support. Alright, then, he agreed, turning to Lin Zhili. Your daughter’s got good sense. You don’t need to worry about her.

Lin Zhili stood up, her smile strained as she narrowed her eyes at Lin Che. She grabbed Lin Che’s arm and whispered, Something’s off with you. What happened at the police station?

Lin Che, one hand supporting Guo Haitao and the other held by Lin Zhili, shook her head. Nothing. I’m just trying to make you proud.

Lin Zhili released her grip. Ha! Who do you think I am? I’m your mother.

Lin Che quickly looped both arms around Guo Haitao’s arm. Uncle, let’s go. I’ll take you home. Without looking back, she practically dragged Guo Haitao out the door, leaving Lin Zhili standing alone. Lin Zhili raised an eyebrow and muttered to herself, Hmm, something’s definitely up.