Love Assault - Chapter 6

Li Zhiyong closed the fifth warehouse door. Chen Mo lowered her gaze to the deep snow beneath her feet and took a deep breath. Let’s keep going.

Li Zhiyong rubbed his shoulder and glanced at Zhang Lining, who stood silently beside him. After a long hesitation, he said, Sister Mo, there are only two more warehouses left. I have a feeling he might not even be here.

Chen Mo stared thoughtfully at the warehouse thirty meters away, saying nothing. Zhang Lining nodded slightly. He might not be here right now. If he’s not, we need to find evidence that he was here.

Chen Mo remained silent, slowly advancing. The two men followed behind, knowing she was likely devising another plan. Her pace was so slow that they struggled to keep up. Li Zhiyong opened his mouth to ask something, but Zhang Lining shook his head.

Chen Mo suddenly stopped, looking up at the setting sun. She blinked. This place is usually deserted. And with the New Year holiday, there’s even less chance of anyone being around. Right…?

Zhang Lining and Li Zhiyong nodded, remaining silent, afraid to interrupt Chen Mo’s train of thought. Chen Mo took two more steps forward, crouched down, and examined the pristine snow. She gently ran her hand over the icy, slightly prickly surface. It’s been snowing for days. Today’s rare sunshine hasn’t melted the snow yet. She scooped up a handful of icy flakes, the biting cold making her palm ache slightly. Speaking as if to the others, yet also to herself, she murmured, The warehouse has no back door, and opening the main gate would be too obvious. That leaves only the side windows, which are three meters high. How could anyone reach them? After muttering to herself for a while, she suddenly stood up. Let’s check the sides.

Her hunch proved correct. Each side of the warehouse had a window, positioned approximately three to four meters above the ground. If someone wanted to enter without using the main gate, these windows would be their only option. Zhang Lining frowned, tilting his head back to gaze at the windows, then shook his head in bewilderment. Too high. Could he fly?

Chen Mo scoffed softly. Of course not.

Li Zhiyong, still confused, stammered in a low voice, Sister Mo, then… should I open it or…?

Chen Mo shook her head. No. Let’s go back.

Li Zhiyong and Zhang Lining exchanged glances, puzzled as Chen Mo hurried back, almost jogging, to the rear of the third warehouse. Circling around to the side, they finally understood why she had skipped the last two warehouses and returned to this one. Zhang Lining chuckled knowingly, pointing at the massive poplar tree beside the warehouse and giving Chen Mo a thumbs-up. Li Zhiyong, now enlightened, started to move forward again, but Chen Mo stopped him. She pointed to the ground nearby and the tree’s cracked bark. Looking up, they saw the window was securely closed. She smiled faintly. I didn’t notice anything unusual when I went inside earlier. He’s not there now, but he’ll definitely be back tonight. The ground has been deliberately piled with snow to hide tracks—the snow here is even deeper and smoother than the untouched areas we walked on. It’s a clear case of ‘hiding silver in plain sight.’

Even the best cover-up leaves traces, Zhang Lining said, pulling out his phone to zoom in and take several clear photos of the tree trunk. The bark is cracked in places, but smooth in others—where someone has stepped on or torn it off. This kid moves like a feather.

Chen Mo’s expression darkened as she fixed her gaze on the window above. Winter nights fell quickly, and an icy wind swept through the trio. Our success hinges on tonight’s gamble.

Oh my, Lin Che drawled, leaning against the doorframe and lazily eyeing the alluring woman at the entrance. She glanced into the room. It’s just me here. Who’s worthy of Miss Yun’s grand entrance?

Yun Xi shoved Lin Che aside, sending her stumbling, and strode into the room with her bag, settling casually on the sofa. Her eyes swept across the living room. Where’s your aunt? She stood up and circled the room again. No way… She went back to work after you just barely escaped death?

Lin Che leaned lazily against Yun Xi, only to be pushed away. Hey, keep your distance. No touching.

You know I’ve always loved you most, Lin Che persisted, clinging to Yun Xi like a stubborn leech. Sara… My mom went abroad to enjoy herself, leaving you as the only person in China who still cares about me.

Yun Xi shuddered at the nickname, scooting to the edge of the sofa. Alright, stop calling me that. I have things to do later. You needed this information so urgently, I didn’t have time to compile it in detail.

Lin Che shrugged, straightened up, and nodded earnestly. Okay.

Yun Xi tapped Lin Che’s forehead with a slender finger. You seem genuinely invested this time. What’s so special about Chen Mo? What kind of magic does he have to finally tether your wandering heart?

Lin Che hummed twice. Don’t put it like that. I admit I’m curious about her. But whether she can truly hold me… that remains to be seen. As she spoke, she reached for her cigarette case and shook it at Yun Xi. Want a smoke?

Yun Xi smiled and waved her hand. Just listen.

Lin Che lit a cigarette and took a deep drag. Alright.

Chen Mo. Twenty-eight years old this year. Yun Xi’s expression darkened, suddenly becoming serious. An orphan.

Lin Che’s gaze locked onto Yun Xi, urging her to continue.

Her father was a narcotics officer, while her mother was an addict. Her mother died of an overdose nineteen years ago. Her father was killed in Yunnan fifteen years ago. After that, she lived with her uncle in Britain until she returned five years ago and became a police officer. In those five years, she’s solved countless cases, big and small, and climbed the ranks quickly. Yun Xi watched Lin Che’s gaze deepen. She reached for the half-smoked cigarette in Lin Che’s hand and took a drag herself. I have some friends in the underworld who’ve crossed paths with her. They say she’s decisive, intelligent, and resourceful. Not someone you’d want to provoke lightly.

Lin Che rubbed her hands together and took another cigarette, holding it but not lighting it. Her brow furrowed in thought. She really is… impressive.

Yun Xi chuckled. You know, Xiao Cheche, your taste this time is truly exceptional.

Lin Che tilted her head, pondered for a moment, then smiled faintly. So, Xiao Xixi, what do you think I should do…?

Ha ha… Yun Xi’s smile widened into a full-blown laugh. She automatically sat beside Lin Che, draped an arm around her shoulder, and gave her a playful shake. I’m no expert on career-driven women like you. I can’t give you any advice. Then, as if suddenly remembering something, she exclaimed, Ah! and pulled a photograph from her bag, handing it to Lin Che. Consider this a bonus. Auntie reported Fang Youfu last month, and Chen Mo was in charge of the arrest. They wouldn’t dare target Auntie directly, so they naturally went after you first. Who would have thought you’d be so formidable? I bet the Fang Family’s remaining forces will be coming for Chen Mo soon.

Lin Che stroked her chin, examining the photo with a raised eyebrow. The Fang Family only has a few small companies left now. Dingsheng’s capabilities should be more than enough to clean up this mess.

Yun Xi rolled her eyes. My capabilities are certainly not the issue. But Little Boss Lin, aren’t you going to personally seize this perfect opportunity?

Lin Che shook her head. No. You handle those small companies—cut off their support and funding. I’ll focus on other matters.

Other matters? You’re entrusting me with the most critical task! What exactly are these ‘other matters’ you speak of? Yun Xi’s face loomed close, her nose practically touching Lin Che’s. I don’t care! Auntie’s out of town, so Dingsheng is under your command now. You can’t leave me to shoulder this alone!

You said yourself that Dingsheng is under my control now, Lin Che said, gripping Yun Xi’s shoulders. So, Vice President Yun, you’ll have to hold down the fort for a while.

Yun Xi slumped onto the sofa, then suddenly sat up straight, frowning in deep thought. After staring at her phone for a long time, she looked up. Lin Che watched her intently, saying nothing. Finally, she ventured, What are you thinking about?

Yun Xi shook her head thoughtfully, then nodded. I keep feeling like I’ve forgotten something important. Never mind. I have a client meeting. I should get going.

Lin Che raised an eyebrow. You’re leaving already? What’s the point of me coming back if I’m just going to be alone at home?

Yun Xi waved from the doorway. Come back to gain some experience. Look, if you’re bored, watch TV, make coffee, or even go stake out the police station. I’ll come see you when I’m done. Before the words had even finished, the door slammed shut. Lin Che scratched her head in boredom, stretched lazily, and gazed out the window at the darkening sky. Recalling Yun Xi’s words, she picked up a photo from the table. In the picture, Chen Mo was casually dressed, her long hair cascading over her shoulders. She wore a black trench coat, her face radiating a cold, aloof, and otherworldly beauty. Lin Che couldn’t help but curl her lips into a playful smile.

Chen… Mo…