Love Assault - Chapter 37

Once again, Yun Xi found himself drinking to oblivion at a social gathering Lin Che had left early. He wore white trousers and a pale yellow silk shirt, his long, wavy hair cascading over his shoulders, swaying with his unsteady steps. Stumbling blindly, he fumbled for the keyhole in the dark, but his drunken fingers couldn’t align the key. After a fruitless search, he finally tossed the key to the ground, fueled by alcohol. Leaning against the door, he pounded on it and shouted for Sister Li.

But it was past 2 a.m. He had told Sister Li before leaving that he had his key and didn’t need her to wait up. Now, his head was a muddled mess, and his stomach churned with nausea. Though it was early spring, the night wind remained bitterly cold. His clothes offered little warmth, barely covering his body.

Just as he raised his hand to ring the doorbell again, a warmth enveloped him, followed by a gentle embrace. He didn’t move, squinting blearily as slender fingers took the key and unlocked the door with a soft click. Lin Che’s gentle sigh followed I’m sorry, Sara. You’ve had a rough night.

Yun Xi didn’t stand on ceremony. He wrapped his coat tighter around himself, pushed the door open, and stepped inside. The corner lamp cast a soft, pale yellow glow across the room. Yun Xi shrugged off Lin Che’s jacket and kicked off his shoes, slumping diagonally into the sofa. His dark circles were stark against his pale face, and he looked like he’d lost weight, almost unrecognizable.

Lin Che poured a cup of hot water and placed it in Yun Xi’s hands, then sat beside him and gently took his hand. You’ve been through so much.

Yun Xi huffed, cradling the cup and blowing on the water. I’d be thanking the heavens if you just stopped getting into trouble. Weren’t you supposed to be on a date? Why are you here? Couldn’t Officer Chen keep you in check? Did you run away again?

Lin Che was about to get up to fetch a towel from the bathroom, but he didn’t pause at Yun Xi’s words. He walked straight into the bathroom, turned on the hot water, rinsed the towel, and returned at a leisurely pace to sit beside Yun Xi. He gently placed the warm towel in his hands. Some things are more important than her. At least, that’s how it is right now.

Yun Xi muffled his voice through the towel draped over his head. You’re being unusually attentive. What do you want?

What about you? Don’t you have anything to say to me?

Lin Che fell silent after saying this, staring blankly ahead. Yun Xi didn’t remove the towel, appearing to have fallen asleep, yet he couldn’t bear the oppressive silence. Finally, he lazily pulled the towel off, tossed it onto the coffee table, and said, Xiao Bai did come to see me. But I don’t believe she was behind the drug tip.

Lin Che’s gaze fixed steadily on Yun Xi. What did she want?

A few days ago, you asked me to find out where A-Fi was buried. I found the location. She came to ask me for it.

When did she leave?

Yun Xi shifted his position, stretching out fully on the sofa. Five or six days ago. She didn’t come in person she just called me from an unfamiliar number. Her voice sounded so dejected, and I… Yun Xi sighed, his gaze lingering on Lin Che’s face, meeting Lin Che’s complex expression. I softened. I’m sorry, Xiao Che, I softened. I thought it would be good for her to pay her respects, to fulfill that wish.

Lin Che nodded slightly. You didn’t do anything wrong. But if she didn’t tell the police where the goods were hidden, I can’t imagine who else would have known. This whole situation is just too strange, don’t you think? She looked steadily at Yun Xi. Before Chen Mo told me, I had no idea about any of this. But you knew, didn’t you?

Yes, Yun Xi replied, nodding with a hint of conflict. I knew. I got the news a week ago. The very next day, Xiao Bai called me. He straightened up and rested his head in his hand. My first thought was Xiao Bai. After all, apart from her, none of us knew exactly where those things were hidden. But it’s just so unbelievable. Even if Xiao Bai wanted revenge, she hates the police so much… how could she… I tried to call Xiao Bai to get some answers, but her phone was switched off. And I was afraid you’d panic if I told you, so I kept it to myself…

Lin Che sighed in relief and patted Yun Xi’s hand. I don’t believe it was her either. But you should have told me sooner. I was genuinely shocked today. She rubbed her temples. When Chen Mo told me, I didn’t even know what expression to make.

She suspects Xiao Bai too.

She has every reason to be suspicious, Lin Che said gravely. I’m suspicious too. But I have to pretend everything’s fine. You know how hard that is… Chen Mo’s deep hatred for drug dealers makes her especially focused on this case, and Xiao Bai is currently beyond our control. Sara, do you know what I’m most worried about?

You’re worried that Xiao Bai really did this, that she’s gone off on her own to avoid implicating any of us. If she clashes with Eighth Master, we don’t know if the Jian Family will intervene. Knowing the old man’s temperament, he’ll likely stay out of it. To be honest, I’m worried it’s true too, Yun Xi said slowly, rubbing her face with both hands and closing her eyes briefly, unable to hide the worry in her expression. Even if she didn’t do it, with her temper, she’ll definitely go confront Eighth Master. Che, I want to find her. I’m afraid she’ll get into trouble.

Those people wouldn’t dare provoke us for now, but if they really get desperate, it could become a problem, Lin Che said, shifting closer to Yun Xi and draping an arm around her shoulder with a playful grin. Hey, General Manager Yun, you know I’m still not very familiar with Dingsheng. I’d be completely lost without you for many official matters.

Yun Xi forced a bitter smile. You won’t let me go, he said, a hint of bitterness in his voice. I don’t even know if I should go. Even though she’s never shown me that kind of affection, even after everything that’s happened, I still don’t want anything to happen to her. Am I being stupid?

Aren’t I the same? Lin Che shrugged, pulling Yun Xi closer. Sara, you and Xiao Bai are my most important friends. I won’t let anything happen to either of you.

Yun Xi leaned heavily against her shoulder, his voice groggy. Lin Che, I have this feeling… something’s going to happen. It’s a terrible feeling.

Lin Che gently patted his shoulder, whispering, It’s okay. What could possibly happen? Look, everything’s peaceful.

Yun Xi tilted his head slightly, closing his eyes. His voice turned barely audible. Lin Xiao Che, I’m dizzy right now, but I know you’re scheming something. Whatever it is, tell me after I wake up. Now, please help me back to my room. You can sleep in the guest room tonight.

Lin Che slumped onto the other end of the sofa. I’m done for too. My head’s spinning, and my stomach’s killing me. Let’s just stay here on your sofa. I can’t move.

And so, the two of them sprawled awkwardly on the sofa and drifted off to sleep. Already tipsy from the drinks, the uncomfortable sofa only made things worse. By the middle of the night, Lin Che had already shifted from one side to the other, turning over to rest his head against Yun Xi’s shoulder and rubbing against the sofa back. He stretched an arm across Yun Xi’s body. Yun Xi, meanwhile, had draped Lin Che’s coat over himself, hogging two-thirds of the sofa. The immediate consequence was Sister Li’s reaction when she came downstairs. The bizarre position of the two men in the living room made her think something strange had happened, her face flushing crimson and then paling.

Lin Che, looking slightly embarrassed, rubbed his messy hair and scrambled to wash his face. Yun Xi clicked his tongue, glanced at Sister Li with casual indifference, and said, Sister Li, make breakfast. I drank too much last night, and my head’s pounding.

Sister Li hurried to the kitchen, muttering her assent. By the time breakfast was on the table, the two men had finally tidied themselves up and taken their seats.

Handle things at the company for the next few days. I’ve almost finalized the Bo Zhu project if things go smoothly, I should wrap it up in the next day or two. Lin Che leisurely spread butter on his toast, not even lifting his eyelids. Call me if anything comes up.

Nothing major should happen, Yun Xi said, reaching over to snatch the toast Lin Che had just prepared and taking a bite. He mumbled, Are you sure about this?

Lin Che calmly continued decorating his toast, chuckling softly. What else can I do? I’m your guardian. I have to keep an eye on you.

Yun Xi paused, chewing thoughtfully. That sounds nice, but you always make me clean up your messes. We agreed you can go, but you and Xiao Bai both have to come back safe and sound. If things get too dangerous, you just come back safe.

So harsh! You’re just going to abandon Xiao Bai?

I can’t control her. She won’t listen to me anyway. Yun Xi held out his hand. Give it to me.

Lin Che raised an eyebrow, grinning mischievously. No need. I’ll only be gone a few days, just to bring Xiao Bai back. It’s not like I’m doing anything dangerous.

Yun Xi shook his head. No. Give it to me. I need to know where you are in case of an emergency.

Lin Che sighed, pulled his phone from his pocket, and removed the case. A thumb-sized device was magnetically attached to the back. He detached it and placed it in Yun Xi’s palm. Keep this safe. Besides my mom and Xiao Bai, you’re the only one who has one.

What an honor, Yun Xi chuckled, closing his hand around it. Aren’t you going to tell your sweetheart about this?

Ha… Lin Che stood up. If I tell her, I won’t have to go.

Lin Che, Yun Xi said, rising to his feet and watching Lin Che dress, a flicker of pain in his eyes. Maybe… you shouldn’t go…

Lin Che, his expression a mix of flippancy and amusement, swayed slightly as he tucked his hands into his pockets. Sara, I rarely see you like this. He glanced out the window. I just told Chen Mo I’m going to pursue her seriously. I haven’t even started yet, and Xiao Bai is already giving me trouble. Don’t worry, I’ll be back to chase after my girl. Don’t make it sound like it’s some big deal.

Yun Xi watched Lin Che leave, then nervously rushed to the window to watch his car drive away. He opened his palm to look at the small, dark blue device, his brow furrowing involuntarily.