Love Assault - Chapter 36

Are you worried about Lin Che?

Chen Mo nodded without hesitation. Yes, she replied, meeting Lin Che’s almost luminous gaze with unwavering composure. I consider you my friend, and this situation is partly my fault. If I’ve dragged you into danger just for my own sake, I’ll feel terribly guilty.

Lin Che’s emotions surged like a rollercoaster, rising and falling with each word. He murmured, Friend… Then nodded. Yes, we’re friends now. So if I can help the police, I’m willing. But I truly didn’t do this. As for whether Xiao Bai is involved, I need to find him and ask.

Will there be danger? Chen Mo pressed again. If you’re not telling the police the drug location, are you planning to give it to Eighth Master?

Lin Che smiled knowingly, picked up a cigarette, lit it, and took a deep drag. As he slowly exhaled a white smoke ring, Chen Mo instinctively covered her nose and mouth, frowning. Lin Che drawled, Yes.

Chen Mo froze, studying Lin Che’s slightly pale face, which showed no trace of jest. What will he do?

Lin Che naturally knew who Chen Mo was referring to. She watched Chen Mo with keen interest, her attention entirely focused on the shift in Chen Mo’s attitude toward her, completely disregarding her own precarious situation. Can I call you something other than Chen Mo?

Chen Mo clearly didn’t catch Lin Che’s sudden tangent, humming in confusion as if she hadn’t heard properly. What?

Lin Che smiled shyly, pointing at Chen Mo. I mean… since we’re friends now, calling you Chen Mo feels a bit… formal. She bit her finger thoughtfully, gazing at Chen Mo. What should I call you? You know, I always found simple names annoying to say, so I called her Xiao Bai. It’s strange how both your names are so… efficient—just single words. But I can’t call you Chen Xiao Bai, can I? What about Chen Xiao Mo? Xiao Momo? Seeing Chen Mo ignore her, Lin Che continued to muse aloud, her words tinged with a renewed sense of intoxication.

General Manager Lin… Chen Mo sighed helplessly. Can we please focus on the matter at hand?

Lin Che looked up, as if waking from a dream, and gazed at Chen Mo with a dazed expression. Huh? What I’m talking about is important to me. What should I call you? He watched Chen Mo’s entire face transform from gentle to icy cold. After a dizzy, foolish grin, he swallowed a mouthful of congee and mumbled, Okay, okay, let’s talk business. Real business.

Chen Mo stared at Lin Che, her patience wearing thin. I only need to know two things first, how Eighth Master will react if he learns the police destroyed his shipment. Second, are his people still in this city, and will he personally intervene because of this?

A cunning rabbit has three burrows, let alone an old fox like him. Why would he risk exposing himself? Lin Che’s eyes flickered. You’re planning to move against Eighth Master?

I’ve never abandoned that idea. The moment I get the chance, I’ll seize him. Chen Mo’s tone left no room for doubt. Even if she had replaced seize him with kill him at that moment, Lin Che wouldn’t have been surprised. He chuckled softly, shrugged, and remained silent. Chen Mo pressed on, But right now, what I really need to know is whether you’re safe. You’ve been avoiding my question this whole time.

I’m not, Lin Che blurted out, emboldened by the alcohol. I already answered. Eighth Master isn’t a fool he wouldn’t rashly suspect Dingsheng or the Jian Family. Besides, I’ve told you before—he wouldn’t dare offend us. Our safety isn’t threatened. Once he finds the leaker, he’ll naturally deal with them. What does that have to do with us?

What if Jian Dan is the leaker? Chen Mo stared intently at Lin Che, trying to discern any trace of deception on her face. She was convinced Lin Che was hiding something—whether to spare her worry or because she still didn’t trust her completely. But whatever it was, she couldn’t possibly be as nonchalant as she appeared. Yet Lin Che remained impassive. If Xiao Bai really did this, she’s already considered all the consequences. I can’t stop her. You saw her stubbornness last time—when she gets her bullheaded streak, no one can hold her back. As she spoke, her gaze softened, and she reached out to gently squeeze Chen Mo’s hand. Mo, thank you for caring about me.

Chen Mo’s entire body trembled slightly, her reaction involuntary. She couldn’t fathom Lin Che’s motives or thoughts behind addressing her this way. In this world, only her deceased father and Xue Wen had ever called her by that name. In her hazy memories, her mother, who had been part of her life for just nine years, had always called her Mo Mo, while her long-unseen uncle still referred to her as Xiao Mo. Her colleagues either called her Captain Chen or Sister Mo, finding the single-character name awkward and strange. Yet this particular form of address inexplicably felt warm and familiar to Chen Mo, especially now, as Lin Che uttered it with such effortless naturalness and a gentle tone that hinted at deep affection.

But her proud and stubborn heart immediately erected its defenses against Lin Che’s open sincerity. At this critical moment, admitting that a mere change in how Lin Che addressed her could make her face flush felt like an impossible task. She swiftly withdrew her hand, her expression darkening. Lin Che, she said, her voice firm, I want you to understand that my concern for you stems from considering you a friend.

Lin Che smiled faintly, then brazenly reached out and pulled Chen Mo’s hand into his, clasping it between both of his. Of course I know. Isn’t holding hands and hugging normal between friends?

Chen Mo was momentarily speechless, her hand trapped in his firm grip. If she tried to pull away now, it would inevitably cause embarrassment for both of them. The situation felt absurdly out of sync with the tense conversation. She sighed. What do you plan to do now?

The other party hasn’t made a move yet. Why should I be the one to plan my next move? Lin Che raised an eyebrow. I’m much more interested in what they’re planning. Captain Chen, just remember to do what you need to do. If anything goes wrong here, I’ll be the first to call the police and seek protection from the state’s guardians. Agreed?

Chen Mo nodded slightly. Seeing Lin Che’s determined expression, she realized he had no intention of continuing this conversation. Why press the issue further? Lin Che, with his sunny disposition, would likely seize any opportunity to escalate the matter to their nonexistent romantic relationship if she pushed too hard. Better not to invite trouble.

It’s late. I have work tomorrow. I’m going home, Chen Mo said, standing up and slipping her hand out of Lin Che’s grasp while he was distracted. She tucked it into her pocket. You should get some rest too.

Huh? Lin Che stared at Chen Mo, his eyes wide. We agreed you’d stay here until your apartment sells, right? Why are you leaving now?

It’s not convenient, Chen Mo replied, already at the door and putting on her coat. The goodbye she was about to say was cut off by Lin Che’s interruption

Chen Mo, you can’t leave.

Can’t leave?

Chen Mo frowned slightly. Lin Che, you’ve gotten bold. It wasn’t stay, or don’t go, but a direct command, fueled by alcohol. She retorted, her voice tinged with annoyance, Lin Che, am I being kidnapped?

Lin Che pressed closer, pushing Chen Mo against the wall. He braced one hand on her shoulder and the other on the wall, grinning. No. But I did say I was going to pursue you, didn’t I?

Is forcing people your idea of pursuing someone? Chen Mo turned her head away, slightly annoyed by the mix of alcohol and bath gel scent emanating from Lin Che. Let go of me.

Lin Che chuckled. Alright. He raised his hands, holding them out to either side at shoulder height. I’m letting go.

Chen Mo straightened her clothes and sighed helplessly at Lin Che’s mischievous grin. You’ve had too much to drink. Get some rest.

Lin Che nodded, pursing his lips, and swayed slightly as he pointed toward the door. You… be careful out there. He shook his head, muttering to himself, It’s probably hard to get a taxi this late. I’ll find a driver to take you home.

There’s no need…

Lin Che, already dialing on his phone, waved a hand dismissively at Chen Mo. Chen Mo, I’m not trying to keep you here. Just listen to me this once, for my sake, okay?

Chen Mo leaned against the doorframe, watching Lin Che turn and walk to the window to make the call. Leaving felt awkward, but refusing Lin Che’s genuine offer seemed unreasonable. She had no choice but to wait.

Soon, Lin Che staggered over, smiling. Alright, it’s all arranged. You can go downstairs now. The car’s waiting. Before Chen Mo could reply, he pointed to himself. I… I’m feeling a bit dizzy, so I won’t see you off. Stay safe.

Chen Mo nodded, said goodbye, and left the room.

As she exited Dingsheng Building, she spotted Lin Che’s ostentatiously flashy black Land Rover. The driver, dressed in a suit and sunglasses, hurried ahead to open the car door for her before sliding into the driver’s seat and starting the engine. Chen Mo settled into the back seat, feeling drowsy from the day’s exhausting events. She leaned back and closed her eyes for a moment, the car’s straight stretches and turns lulling her deeper into sleep.

Dingsheng was only a short drive from the Police Station. At this hour, the roads were deserted, so she estimated it would take no more than ten minutes to arrive. However, the car stopped sooner than she expected. She opened her eyes, only to find they weren’t at the Police Station. Stunned, she stared at the driver in the front seat. I’m going to the Police Station. Did you take the wrong route?

The driver didn’t even turn his head. Captain Chen, General Manager Lin instructed me to bring you here. He handed over a set of keys and a business card. This is from General Manager Lin. She said you should rest here. I’ll pick you up at six tomorrow morning. If you need anything, just call me. My number is on the card.

Chen Mo sat there, stunned. She’d been tricked by Lin Che again. She felt a strong urge to kick the driver out and drive back to the police station herself. She opened her mouth to speak. No, please take me back to the police station. Thank you.

The driver turned around. Captain Chen, you’re putting me in a difficult position. General Manager Lin said if you don’t stay here, she’ll fire me tomorrow. You see… I’m not in an easy position either… Please just bear with it… He paused. It’s not even a hardship. General Manager Lin’s home is very comfortable and extremely secure, with 24-hour security and surveillance. Please don’t make things difficult for me.

And so, Chen Mo stood at the gate of Lin Che’s villa, keys in hand, watching the Land Rover speed away. Lin Che, Lin Che, you really are…