Love Assault - Chapter 34

Chen Mo returned to the city ten days later. Lin Che’s guess had been spot-on she had indeed gone to the place where she used to work with Xue Wen. She flew to Kunming, took a long-distance bus, and then walked for several hours to reach her destination. She wanted to be alone, to clear her mind and calm down, to spend a few days completely isolated from the world. So she turned off her phone and didn’t turn it back on until she landed in B City.

During her days in Yunnan, apart from visiting Xue Wen’s memorial, she stayed in an extremely simple village inn. The nights were cold, the quilt damp and musty. The food was barely edible, but the saving grace was the abundance of trees, water, and flowers. She could stare out the window and let her mind wander, or sit by the window all day, lost in thought.

She reflected on many people and events, recalling her younger self when she first arrived here—young, full of ambition, and naive. She remembered all the moments she had shared with every blade of grass, every tree, every person, and every incident in this place. Watching the sun rise and set, through the daily cycle of clear days and dark nights, she realized what she had gained and lost over the past six years.

Chen Mo had never felt so relaxed, nor had she ever seen herself so clearly. The moment she handed the pendant to Jian Dan, she felt a pang of resentment—not toward anyone else, but toward herself for the six years she had spent deceiving herself and constructing a false reality. Yet she refused to bury her head in the sand. Through constant reflection and introspection, she became even more certain that she had made the right decision in how she ultimately handled the Xue Wen and A-Fi situation.

However, one thing puzzled her she couldn’t stop thinking about the man with the perpetually amused eyes and the devil-may-care attitude.

Perhaps fate had arranged for this man to uncover the truth about A-Fi. Since Lin Che’s arrival, Chen Mo’s life had undergone a complete upheaval in just a month. She resented this sudden, bizarre, and unprepared-for series of overtures, approaches, tests, and unwarranted attempts at protection. Yet she couldn’t deny that during her solitary days, she had found herself missing that noisy fellow.

She hadn’t even realized it herself, but the moment the plane landed and she turned on her phone, a flicker of genuine happiness stirred within her at the thought of receiving a text from Lin Che.

The message had arrived the day after she left Chen Mo, text me when you’re back. Or if you ever need someone to chat with, grab a bite with, have fun with, or even help catch a thief, I hope I’ll be the first person you think of. Any time, any place, any reason—if you need me, I’ll be there. This message is valid indefinitely, with a shelf life of forever. O∩_∩O Lin Che.

Chen Mo shook her head, a wry smile playing on her lips. Same old expression, same flippant tone—classic Lin Che. She didn’t reply, tucking her phone back into her pocket. Guo Haitao had already texted her, telling her she could return to work whenever she was ready. It was now March, and the weather was gradually warming up. The warm sun bathed her as she stood beside her dusty car, travel pack slung over her shoulder. She slipped on her sunglasses against the slightly glaring sunlight, deftly opened the car door, and tossed her backpack onto the back seat. She slid into the driver’s seat, started the engine, released the handbrake, and pressed down on the accelerator.

At that moment, Li Zhiyong was flirting with the new female police officer in his team, chuckling mischievously. He was so engrossed in his antics that he didn’t even notice someone approaching until a tap on his shoulder. He turned around, grinning, and said, What’s up? I’m busy here…

Before him stood Chen Mo, her face half-hidden behind dark sunglasses.

He yelped reflexively, snapping to attention and saluting. Sister Mo, good morning!

Morning, Chen Mo replied, removing her sunglasses to glance at the glaring sun outside and the clock on the wall. It’s 1120 AM. Not exactly morning anymore. She then glanced at the new officer and snorted at Li Zhiyong. You certainly seem busy. With that, she turned without another word and headed upstairs toward Director Guo Haitao’s office.

Li Zhiyong trotted after her, grinning. Sister Mo, you’re back! Everyone’s been missing you like crazy. Looking for Director Guo? He’s out at a meeting.

Chen Mo stopped, turned, and walked back to her own office. She took off her coat and changed into her police uniform. Your injuries have healed.

Completely healed! Li Zhiyong nodded vigorously. I’m as energetic as ever, ready to fight for the socialist cause again!

Chen Mo nodded. Good. Now that you’re recovered, focus on more important matters.

Yes, yes, yes… Li Zhiyong replied eagerly.

How are Zhiwei and Li Ning doing? Chen Mo asked, slowly folding her coat. She glanced around the spotless office—undoubtedly cleaned by the others—and her mood brightened. Gather everyone later. I’ll treat you all to dinner.

Li Zhiyong clapped his hands and laughed heartily. Great! But Sister Mo, Li Ning was transferred. He didn’t even tell us before leaving. Director Guo said the province reassigned him. You can save some money now.

Transferred? Chen Mo paused slightly, staring blankly for a few seconds before saying, That kid… he didn’t even tell us about such good news.

Exactly! No sense of brotherhood! Li Zhiyong stuck out his tongue. I tried calling him, but his number’s been disconnected. I wonder what kind of big mission he’s been assigned to.

If the province reassigned him, it must be an important mission. Don’t bother trying to contact him. Chen Mo lowered her head and pulled a clean pair of pants from the wardrobe, waving them at Li Zhiyong. Planning to watch me change?

Li Zhiyong’s face flushed crimson instantly. He snapped to attention, saluted crisply, and hurried out of the room, closing the door gently behind him.

Chen Mo held the clothes, her lips pressed into a thin line. She had never doubted Zhang Lining, yet she hadn’t imagined the most dangerous person was hiding right beside her. No wonder Lin Che had kept her at Dingsheng. If Zhang Lining intended to harm her, Chen Mo would never have suspected anything, given their close relationship.

A soft laugh escaped her lips. Provincial transfer, major case… Fine, let them believe whatever they want.

After changing, she pulled out her phone and opened Lin Che’s text message. She replied with a simple message I’m back.

Less than a minute later, Lin Che’s reply arrived I know. Would you do me the honor of joining me for lunch?

Chen Mo leaned back in her chair and smiled. I promised to treat my colleagues.

Back to work so soon? Captain Chen’s dedication is truly a model for the people! I have dinner plans, but would you grace me with your presence for a late-night snack? O∩_∩O

Chen Mo’s reply was equally straightforward Yes. Perfect timing—I need to discuss something with you anyway.

Lin Che sat cross-legged on the office sofa, beaming as he read Chen Mo’s text messages on his phone. Yun Xi watched, a shiver running down his spine, and dumped a stack of files into Lin Che’s lap. What’s gotten into you? Look through these and sign them!

Lin Che peeked out from the pile of documents. Sara, I think my spring has finally arrived.

Your spring has nothing to do with me. Just get the work done! Yun Xi crossed his arms, watching her. Judging by that look on your face, Chen Mo’s back? Has she finally melted a sliver of her icy facade?

If spring has come, shouldn’t the iceberg melt too? Lin Che stood up, clutching the files, and walked to her desk. She seems different this time. As she sat down to review the documents, another wave of laughter bubbled up. She looked up at Yun Xi. Sara, order a bouquet of flowers for me. Send them to the police station.

Yun Xi stared at her, eyes wide. You’ve lost your mind.

I’m thirty now. What’s wrong with going a little crazy for love? Lin Che chewed on her pen, blinking innocently. What kind of flowers should I send? Roses are too cliché. I don’t want roses.

Yun Xi snorted twice. You get a little kindness from someone and immediately start taking advantage. With Chen Mo’s reserved personality, your pushiness will only drive her away.

Lin Che paused, then raised his thumb at Yun Xi. You’re right, you’re right! General Manager Yun is spot-on. I’ll take that advice!

Enough nonsense! Finish reviewing these documents now! Yun Xi, unwilling to waste another word on the lovesick General Manager Lin, hurried out of the office, tossing over her shoulder as she left, Now! Finish them immediately!

Lin Che rolled his eyes at the closing door, then turned back to his phone, his smile still irrepressible.

Looking at the bright sunlight outside, he realized he had never longed for nightfall to come so quickly.

In contrast to Lin Che’s excitement, Chen Mo’s morning passed quietly. She had hotpot for lunch with her team, and in the afternoon, she met with Guo Haitao at the bureau. Guo Haitao beamed, patted her shoulder, and showered her with heartfelt praise and encouragement, even mentioning promoting her from deputy captain to full captain.

Chen Mo was surprised, but Guo Haitao explained that the police had followed up on the men arrested on the highway for attempting to kill her. Their investigation had uncovered a massive stash of drugs hidden by the group. With the help of an informant, the joint anti-narcotics task force had successfully located and destroyed the drugs.

After leaving Guo Haitao’s office, Chen Mo couldn’t recall how she had walked back to her own office. She vividly remembered Lin Che telling her that even she didn’t know the location of the drugs, as Jian Dan had never revealed it to her. She also remembered Lin Che saying that the underworld had its own rules, and violating them was extremely dangerous.

Therefore, the informant Guo Haitao mentioned was likely either Lin Che or Jian Dan.

Standing by the window, watching the darkening sky, Chen Mo realized she had even more urgent questions to ask Lin Che tonight.