Love Assault - Chapter 9

Chen Mo’s eyes remained closed, yet she immediately recognized Lin Che’s presence. She straightened up, her right hand trembling as she pressed firmly against her forehead. Opening her eyes, she turned to find Lin Che sitting beside her, their gazes meeting. She gently lifted her coffee cup and raised it in a toast. Thank you.

Lin Che’s gaze lingered on Chen Mo’s bandaged left hand, then shifted to the bl00d seeping through the gauze on her right arm. He frowned slightly and pointed. A glorious injury, I see. Looks like Dingsheng’s gotten into quite a mess this time, and it’s dragged you into it too.

Chen Mo paused, studying Lin Che’s bright eyes, which seemed to hold no trace of worry, even a hint of amusement. She chuckled softly. So you’re aware Dingsheng’s in trouble.

I knew the moment I stepped off the plane. My mom’s ability to make money is directly proportional to her knack for stirring up trouble. But this is the first time she’s ever run away after causing a mess. So if the police suspect Dingsheng’s involved in the drug trade, it’s understandable. After all, she left in such a hurry. But that’s just how she is. Lin Che shrugged, his tone remarkably casual. He glanced at the receipt on the table and burst out laughing. Hey, you’ve got to admit, the forgery’s pretty convincing!

Chen Mo leaned back in her chair, her hands resting on the armrests, quietly observing Lin Che as he finished speaking. Only then did she speak, her voice calm and measured Procedurally, you are currently a suspect. Sitting so brazenly in my office, don’t you intend to offer any explanation for yourself?

Lin Che shrugged, his expression indifferent. I haven’t done anything wrong. And I believe someone as intelligent as Captain Chen wouldn’t be fooled by such childish tricks.

Whether I’m fooled or not is irrelevant. The law requires evidence. She nodded toward the receipt. This is the evidence.

Lin Che nodded thoughtfully, biting his lip as if pondering, though his gaze remained fixed on Chen Mo’s face. Perhaps it was exhaustion and pain that lent her pale complexion a sickly beauty. Though she maintained her composure as a police officer—cool, solemn, and meticulous—Lin Che could still sense her vulnerability. As he watched, a faint, almost imperceptible smile slowly curved his lips. To Chen Mo, it looked like a malicious grin. True to form, Lin Che murmured softly, Captain Chen, has anyone ever told you how beautiful you are?

Oh? Chen Mo’s gaze didn’t waver as she met Lin Che’s stare directly. Her voice, though soft, was crystal clear as she said, General Manager Lin, has anyone ever told you that staring at someone like that is extremely rude?

Lin Che’s attempt at flirtation fell flat, yet his smile only widened. Since that’s the case, how about I treat you to breakfast later as an apology?

Chen Mo shook her head. General Manager Lin, I hope you understand the gravity of your situation. This is no time for games or jokes.

Do I look like I’m joking? Lin Che touched his face in confusion, then pulled out his phone and checked his reflection in the screen. Very serious, he thought.

While Lin Che was absorbed in examining his own face, Chen Mo had no time to waste on this wealthy socialite. The interrogation had already dragged on too long, and she worried that Zhang Lining and Han Zhiwei might not be able to handle the two desperate criminals. She knew she needed to take charge personally. But she had overlooked her own injuries and severely depleted energy. The moment she stood up, her vision blurred, and she swayed dizzily.

With lightning reflexes, Lin Che caught her, his smile unwavering. Captain Chen, your health is the foundation of our revolutionary cause. You should rest first. How can we combat crime if you’re exhausted? But Chen Mo saw through his facade. Lin Che remained a suspect, his name yet to be cleared. She’d dealt with plenty of law-breaking, wealthy young men and women—she knew their fake smiles and hidden daggers well. Moreover, this wasn’t some petty offense it was drug trafficking. Chen Mo’s hatred for drugs ran deep, ingrained in her very bones. Though her rational mind told her Lin Che might be innocent, his smile—three parts earnest, seven parts mocking—struck her as pure mockery. Her face darkened as she flung off his hand. General Manager Lin, get a grip on your situation.

Lin Che, however, clung to Chen Mo stubbornly, refusing to let go no matter how hard she tried to shake him off. He blinked innocently, his brows furrowed in feigned concern. Officer, I was just trying to help you steady yourself. As a law-abiding citizen, I’m here to cooperate with the police wholeheartedly. You can’t just push me away like this. Since I’m already waiting here anyway, why don’t you take my statement now? It’ll save you from being so restless with nothing to do. What do you say?

Chen Mo, feeling utterly drained, gave up struggling. Her left hand and right arm throbbed with pain, leaving her with no strength to resist. Besides, she genuinely doubted Lin Che was capable of such a crime. She leaned weakly against the desk, cradling her throbbing left hand with her right, and lowered her head in silence. Lin Che, who had been gripping her arm tightly, now found himself at a loss, his hands hovering awkwardly. He rubbed them together nervously before shoving them into his pockets. Noticing Chen Mo’s pained expression, he ventured softly, Captain Chen, are you… not feeling well? Should I… take you home to rest?

General Manager Lin, I would be very grateful if you could leave me alone here, Chen Mo said, her voice hoarse and weary, without looking up.

Lin Che silently took two steps back. Just then, the door opened, and Zhang Lining walked in with a stack of documents. He glanced warily at Lin Che, clearly having just finished taking statements and intending to report to Chen Mo. Sensing the situation, Lin Che withdrew from the room. In Zhang Lining’s fleeting look of suspicion, she guessed that the two desperate criminals and the Dingsheng truck drivers likely hadn’t spoken well of her.

Sure enough, within minutes, Chen Mo emerged with Zhang Lining, heading straight toward her. Knowing she needed to assert her position immediately, Lin Che stood firm and spoke before Chen Mo could open her mouth Captain Chen, I am deeply sorry for your injury and what happened to your colleague. But Dingsheng will not take the blame for drug trafficking. And neither will I, Lin Che.

Don’t worry, Chen Mo said, her expression remaining calm and unreadable. The law won’t wrong an innocent person. With that, she turned and pushed open the door to another room.

Lin Che shrugged and made a face at Yun Xi beside him. Just as he took a step forward, Yun Xi darted ahead, blocking Zhang Lining’s path with his hands on his hips, like a mother hen protecting her chicks. I’m staying with General Manager Lin. If you need statements, you can take both of ours.

Zhang Lining shook his head. I’m sorry, General Manager Yun, but we have procedures. He gestured for Lin Che to proceed, clearly unwilling to argue further. But Yun Xi grabbed Zhang Lining’s arm again.

Procedures my ass! Dragging us here in the middle of the night over a flimsy note? Handwriting can be forged, and the driver could have been bribed. Lin Che spent the entire afternoon with me, and she was home sleeping all night. The Lin Family’s front gate has CCTV—check the footage yourself. Don’t treat us like criminals! Where’s that Dingsheng driver? Where did you take him? Find him for me! I want to see how he spins his lies and tries to frame us!

Yun Xi’s naturally loud voice, amplified by the empty police station corridor, created an echo that rivaled a home theater system. Zhang Lining stood frozen, unsure how to react to the woman’s haughty demeanor. As a man, he couldn’t forcibly push her aside to drag Lin Che into the room. Lin Che reached out to pull Yun Xi back, but she shot him a glare that made him withdraw his hand sheepishly. I’m sorry, he said helplessly. Xiao Xi is just like that—she’s focused on the issue, not the person. Please don’t take it personally. He shot Yun Xi a warning look, urging her to stop embarrassing herself. Yun Xi glared at him, huffed, and finally stepped aside.

Chen Mo leaned casually against the doorframe, looking at Yun Xi with a faint smile. Since that’s the case, Vice President Yun, would you mind telling us what you and General Manager Lin discussed at home this afternoon?

Yun Xi flashed Chen Mo a flirtatious smile, reached out to caress Lin Che’s cheek, and purred, What did we discuss? Love and romance. Do I need to report that?

Zhang Lining, who had probably never encountered such a brazen woman, flushed crimson and then paled at her words.

Chen Mo’s smile remained faint. Very well. I’ll ask if necessary.

Lin Che ran a hand through his hair in frustration, glaring at Yun Xi through gritted teeth. Yun Xi rolled her eyes dramatically and spun around gracefully. Fine, fine, I won’t meddle. I’m going to find Wu Song. General Manager Lin, take your time with the recording. With that, she turned and sashayed away, her movements as fluid and captivating as ever.

Lin Che gave Chen Mo an awkward smile. It’s fine now, Captain Chen. We can start.

Chen Mo nodded nonchalantly and turned to enter the room.

In truth, both Chen Mo and Lin Che knew that recording the statement would make little difference. The dramatic scenes from TV dramas rarely apply to real life. More importantly, Lin Che was innocent, a fact everyone tacitly acknowledged.

The Lin Family’s security system was impeccable. The detached villa was surrounded by 24/7 surveillance cameras with no blind spots, capable of capturing even a fly entering the premises. Every arrival and departure was recorded in crystal-clear detail. Lin Che had little to explain. Yun Xi provided the full day’s footage from the Lin Family, confirming that from the moment Lin Che returned home until he arrived at the police station, he had received no visitors except Yun Xi himself. After leaving the Lin Family, Yun Xi went directly to Guomao Hotel for a business dinner. All the attendees served as his witnesses, proving he had no opportunity to give the receipt to the on-duty driver. According to the driver’s statement, the receipt had been placed on his desk he never saw anyone deliver it.

During hours of interrogation, the two men who had killed Pockmark by crashing into him with a stolen container truck only revealed that the vehicle had been driven to them by someone they’d never seen before. They were paid to go to the eastern suburban warehouse, and when they got in the truck, they found a package of heroin inside. Overwhelmed by excitement and fear, combined with the slippery roads and poor visibility on the snowy night, they accidentally pressed the accelerator instead of the brake. They claimed they were just doing a job for money, and when they accidentally killed someone and discovered the police officer carrying a gun, they panicked and tried to flee. As for who paid them, whether they knew Lin Che, or whether they knew who they had killed, they claimed to know nothing, clenching their teeth and refusing to speak further.

This was clearly no simple frame-up.

Lin Che glanced at the clock on the wall—it was almost seven in the morning. She had yawned countless times.

Chen Mo put down her pen and pushed the folder toward Lin Che. General Manager Lin, just sign here, and you’re free to go. I apologize for keeping you so long.

Lin Che casually picked up the pen and yawned again. No problem at all. I’m more than happy to cooperate with the police and help you combat crime. But just as the pen tip touched the signature line, he paused, staring intently at the paper before him. After a brief hesitation, he slowly signed his name.

Chen Mo noticed Lin Che’s brief hesitation, her brow furrowing slightly, but she remained silent.

Lin Che pushed the folder back to Chen Mo and watched Zhang Lining take the documents and close the door behind him. Only then did he look up at Chen Mo with a smile, the usual playful glint in his eyes suddenly replaced by a serious and composed demeanor. His voice, though calm and measured, carried an undeniable force of authority. Captain Chen, since it’s already this late, would you do me the honor of letting me treat you to breakfast? He chuckled. Of course, if you’re busy now, lunch would work too. But please, I insist on your company.

Chen Mo blinked, her dark eyes meeting Lin Che’s clear gaze. She nodded. Alright. I won’t stand on ceremony then. But I do have some urgent matters to attend to. How about lunch?

Perfect! Lin Che stood up, stretched languidly, and casually pulled out his phone, waving it at Chen Mo. Captain Chen, let’s exchange numbers.