Love Assault - Chapter 39

Yun Xi’s lips trembled slightly. But… but… she… said…

She said? When has that mouth of hers ever told the truth? Lin Zhili chuckled, then sighed, her expression turning bitter as she gazed at Yun Xi. Ah, as her mother, I had to find a way to use the police to help my willful daughter.

So… Yun Xi looked at Lin Zhili with dawning understanding. You deliberately sent Chen Mo there, and you were certain she would contact the local police?

Chen Mo is a good girl, but she’s too straightforward. Lin Zhili gently stroked the corner of her desk. She’s like a double-edged sword—capable of hurting others, but just as likely to wound herself. And sending her wasn’t just about that. She shook her head. We still need to observe how things unfold.

Then it’s simple… Yun Xi hesitated, glancing at Lin Zhili. This matter… with the old man…

I’ll handle Jian Si, Lin Zhili said, shaking her head. He’s getting old. Even if he’s angry, he won’t actually hurt his own daughter. At most, she’ll get a beating. She sighed, You young people are so headstrong, thinking you can do whatever you want just because you’re full of passion. You have no idea how much we elders worry! Her expression shifted to one of pity mixed with exasperation. Ah, the path you walk was paved with our bl00d and sweat! Do you think it was easy for us?

Yun Xi felt a pang of awkwardness but couldn’t shake his lingering doubts. But Aunt Li… what if Eighth Master really hurts Xiao Bai and Xiao Che?

Lin Zhili raised an eyebrow and shrugged helplessly. Those two little brats walked right into his trap themselves. If they get hurt, what can I do? She chuckled. But Sara, do you really think my daughter is someone who can be easily subdued? She reached out to adjust the flowers in the vase, gently tapping a red petal. My daughter isn’t someone ordinary people can control. I’m not worried about her at all.

Yun Xi stared at Lin Zhili, puzzled. Lin Zhili had always maintained this calm demeanor, never showing any particular anxiety or unease, even in such a tense situation. Her unwavering composure suddenly reminded Yun Xi of Chen Mo’s eternally unchanging expression.

Lin Zhili tilted her head and studied Yun Xi, then playfully stuck her tongue out at her like a mischievous child. What’s wrong? Why the long face? Haven’t you been sleeping well these past few days?

Before Yun Xi could answer, Lin Zhili waved her hand dismissively. Go, go home and rest. I’m giving you a week off. Go get some proper sleep and don’t let me see those panda eyes again.

Yun Xi stood frozen, unsure how to react. Lin Zhili walked up to her and gently pushed her toward the door. Little Yun Xi, listen to Aunt Li and go home to sleep. Be good…

Aunt Li… I… Yun Xi stammered, I’d rather stay here and help you.

I’m still going strong, I don’t need your help, Lin Zhili said, pushing Yun Xi toward the door. Go, go, go, get some rest. Maybe do a face mask, go on a date… You’re not getting any younger. I can’t count on Lin Che anymore, so I’m counting on you now. Hurry up and get married and give me a grandson to hold—that’s what truly matters in life…

Before she could finish the word matters, the door slammed shut. Yun Xi stood outside, dazed, a forced smile tugging at her lips as she wondered what Lin Zhili meant by I can’t count on Lin Che anymore. She couldn’t help but chuckle. Aunt Li, I can’t even count on myself anymore…

Lin Che met Jian Dan two days after arriving in Yunnan. The first thing he did was deliver a resounding slap across her face right in front of Eighth Master.

The slap echoed sharply, stunning everyone around them. Lin Che pointed at Jian Dan and erupted in a furious tirade Who the hell told you to come here? You think you’re so important, huh? Making me come get you! Are you stupid?!

Bl00d trickled from the corner of Jian Dan’s mouth, yet she chuckled. Who asked you to come looking for me? None of your damn business. She turned her back on Lin Che and addressed Eighth Master directly Eighth Master, about our agreement… how do you plan to resolve it?

Eighth Master watched Lin Che and Jian Dan with keen interest, patting Lin Che’s shoulder. By seniority, both of you are my great-nieces. I’ve always treated you well, with good food and drink. But there’s one condition until we find the leak, I can’t let either of you leave.

Jian Dan shook her head impatiently. You old windbag! I’ve already told you I informed the police. Just find the person from six years ago for me, and I’ll settle my score. After that, you can kill or torture me as you please. Is that not a fair deal?

Fair? Eighth Master chuckled, crossing his legs as he sat down. You suddenly barge in here, claiming my men killed your friend six years ago. Who even remembers details from six or seven years ago? I have hundreds of underlings coming and going, living and dying. How am I supposed to find this person for you? He gestured toward Lin Che. She told me there’s another leak. Eighth Master has plenty of methods. If you’re truly responsible, I won’t hesitate to move against you. But if you’re innocent, I don’t want to make an enemy of Fourth Master Jian over your personal matters. Eighth Master slowly raised a hand. So, I’ll need you both to stay here a few more days. Once I’ve sorted things out, we can discuss our business.

Jian Dan glared at Eighth Master, her face cold with displeasure. Are you saying you’re going to force me to stay?

Eighth Master chuckled dryly. Great-Niece, you can’t speak like that, and you certainly can’t act like that. I know you’re skilled in martial arts, but my place is deep in these mountains, and this house is as sturdy as a fortress. Guards stand every three steps, checkpoints every five. Even if you managed to escape the house, you’d never make it out of the forest alive. You came here alone, demanding people right off the bat. After all these years in the underworld, I’ve learned one thing above all else respect for rank and seniority must always be kept in mind. As he spoke, he rose and approached Jian Dan, his eyes narrowing. In all things, a measure of reverence is required.

Jian Dan snorted. So, Eighth Master, you’re saying you won’t help me find the bastard who killed my family back then, is that it? She nodded to herself. Very well. No matter. I like to keep things simple I hate beating around the bush. If you won’t help me find him, then I’ll just kill them one by one. Each kill will be a bonus. She moved to strike.

The dozen or so men flanking Eighth Master instantly surrounded Jian Dan. These were just the ones inside the room who knew how many more lurked outside? Lin Che immediately grabbed Jian Dan’s arm. Jian Xiaobai, how dare you speak to your elders like that! Apologize to Eighth Master!

A flicker of confusion crossed Jian Dan’s simple gaze, followed by a slightly disappointed smile. Lin Che, I thought you were here to help me. Turns out you’re just here to be this old bastard’s mouthpiece? Fine. Since you dare to stop me today, I’ll kill you too.

What the hell are you doing?! Lin Che roared, jumping up and down like a madman. A-Fi’s been dead for ages! Doing this won’t bring her back! Have you forgotten what she asked you to do?

Heh… Jian Dan chuckled bitterly. Since I’m already here and can’t find the person I’m looking for, I’ll just make them all accompany A-Fi in death. Lin Che, if you still consider me a friend, stay out of this. If I die, give me a proper burial. I’d be grateful.

Lin Che frowned slightly, gripping Jian Dan’s arm tightly to restrain her. Turning to Eighth Master, he said, Eighth Master, she’s lost her mind. If she’s offended you in any way, I apologize on her behalf. Please…

You’re quite reasonable, Eighth Master said coldly, his face like ice as he stared at Lin Che. I keep my word. Once I find the traitor who leaked the information, I’ll let you both leave. With that, he turned and led his men away. The heavy door slammed shut with a thud, and the lock clicked into place from the outside.

Lin Che watched Eighth Master leave and finally let out a sigh of relief. But before he could fully relax, Jian Dan shoved him aside with surprising force and threw a punch.

Lin Che ducked, his head tilting to avoid the blow, and grabbed Jian Dan’s arms. Do you realize how utterly foolish this is?

Foolish? Jian Dan smirked. You’re not exactly a genius yourself. I’ll handle my own problems. What are you doing here? So eager to die with me?

Lin Che pushed Jian Dan away, sending her stumbling back two steps until she collapsed onto the sofa. She sat there, looking up at him. Lin Che, what are you doing here?

Lin Che shook his head. What am I doing here? I’m here to save you. He sat down opposite her and looked up. Xiao Bai, tell me honestly did you deliberately leak the location of the drugs to the police?

Jian Dan grinned, glanced at a corner of the ceiling, blinked with clear eyes, and nodded as if speaking to someone in the air. I told you, it was me. Why doesn’t anyone believe me?

Seeing Jian Dan’s peculiar expression, Lin Che immediately guessed what was coming and chuckled softly. Throughout their journey here, guided by Eighth Master, the place truly resembled a secret base hidden deep within the mountains, just as he had described. The car’s windows were completely blacked out, preventing any view of the surroundings. When the vehicle finally came to a stop and the door swung open, Lin Che momentarily thought she had been transported to a tropical rainforest. The ground crunched underfoot with every step, littered with dry twigs and fallen leaves. Calling this place a house was a misnomer it felt more like an underground bunker. The surface appeared to be nothing more than a dilapidated wooden cabin, like a forest ranger’s hut, but lifting the floorboards revealed a hidden staircase leading to a subterranean world.

Escape was impossible even seeing the sky was a challenge. And even if they managed to break free, they would likely get lost in the labyrinthine wilderness.

Neither Lin Che nor Jian Dan feared the dense forest or physical confrontation. However, Lin Che understood the futility of fighting against overwhelming odds. Her primary goal was to bring Jian Dan back safely, but she had also prepared for the worst-case scenario if Eighth Master forced their hand, they would have no choice but to fight back.

Following Jian Dan’s gaze, Lin Che scanned the room, noticing at least four surveillance cameras. He raised an eyebrow and touched his forehead. In that case, I can’t help you. Jian Xiaobai, I was personally groomed by my mother, and the old man invested a lot of effort in me too. If anything happens to me, my mother won’t let it slide.

Jian Dan propped her legs on the coffee table and swung them back and forth. So?

Lin Che stood up. So, you’ll have to take responsibility for your own actions. I’ve never been involved in underworld affairs and don’t want to get dragged into your mess. Do you understand?

Jian Dan suddenly leaped up and grabbed Lin Che by the collar. Lin Che, I never thought you were this kind of person.

Lin Che smiled faintly. Sorry, when disaster strikes, everyone looks out for themselves. He patted the back of Jian Dan’s hand. Let go. I’m going home. I’m not wading into this murky water.

Jian Dan’s grip on Lin Che’s collar tightened instead of loosening. Gritting her teeth, she spat out each word Then I wouldn’t mind taking care of you first, before dealing with them.

As she spoke, she yanked Lin Che toward her and thrust her knee into his stomach.