After Lin Chen’s arrangements, the identity of the dismemberment case victim was finally confirmed. By the time the follow-up investigation work had been assigned, it was already close to 13:00. At that moment, Bai Mengyan suddenly showed up, leaving Lin Chen somewhat puzzled by the unexpected visit from the beautiful flight attendant.
In the office, after exchanging a few pleasantries, Lin Chen got straight to the point and said, “Miss Bai…”
Before he could finish, Bai Mengyan immediately showed a displeased expression and asked in a slightly annoyed tone, “Uncle Lin, calling me ‘Miss Bai’ like that… does that mean you don’t plan on treating me as a friend?”
Hearing this, Lin Chen sighed inwardly, nodded helplessly, and said apologetically, “I’m really sorry, Xiaoyan. What brings you to the unit today?”
Seeing his sincere apology, Bai Mengyan smiled in satisfaction. Her flawless face lit up with a childlike joy. Her smile seemed to carry a kind of magic, one that could instantly ease the pain in someone’s heart.
“Uncle Lin, I came to invite you to my dad’s house. He heard I was back and specifically asked me to invite you over for dinner to thank you for your help last time. You can’t refuse an elderly man’s invitation,” Bai Mengyan said, her expression full of anticipation as she waited for his answer.
Delivering the keys had only been a small favor, yet Lin Chen hadn’t expected her father to be so courteous. For such a trivial matter, inviting him to dinner… somehow, it felt like this meal wouldn’t be easy to accept.
“Can you stop calling me ‘uncle’? It makes me feel old. Since it’s your father’s invitation, of course I’ll accept. But I’ve run into a difficult case recently, so the timing for the meal might need to be discussed later,” Lin Chen said truthfully. Right now, solving the case as soon as possible was his top priority. Everything else could wait.
“Pfft.” Bai Mengyan couldn’t help but laugh. She hadn’t expected this meticulous and serious criminal investigation captain to be so unexpectedly endearing in private.
“What are you laughing at?” Lin Chen asked, slightly confused. He still couldn’t quite figure out this cheerful flight attendant’s temperament.
“Nothing. I was just thinking… you’re so reliable at work, but your life and family seem completely out of order,” Bai Mengyan said.
Her words made Lin Chen pause. Though she appeared carefree, she clearly had a keen insight into people. Seeing his momentary daze, she quickly added, “I’m just saying. Don’t take it the wrong way.” Find the original chapter at novelping . com.
Lin Chen smiled faintly and said, “I think you’re right. If I had been as careful in my personal life as I am at work, maybe I wouldn’t have gotten divorced.”
There was a hint of self-mockery in his tone, but more than that, a quiet heaviness. Thinking about his separation from Chen Ya always left him feeling lonely and desolate.
Perhaps that was human nature… only after losing something did people realize its value and wish they had cherished it. But by then, everything had already changed beyond recognition, and there was no going back.
“Uncle Lin, the only one who can heal your heart is yourself. You need to face the future properly and try to find things you truly enjoy. That’s the only way to forget the past. It’s much better than sitting alone and hurting inside,” Bai Mengyan said, waving her slender hand in front of him.
Seeing Lin Chen finally smile faintly, the corners of his lips curved into a perfect arc. She beamed and said, “That’s more like it. Face life with a smile.”
“Then can you stop calling me ‘uncle’?”
“What should I call you then? Honestly, I think ‘uncle’ sounds pretty good,” Bai Mengyan said with a hint of playful teasing.
Lin Chen shook his head helplessly. After a moment of thought, Bai Mengyan said, “Then I’ll call you A’Chen from now on.”
“Sounds good,” Lin Chen replied happily.
At that moment, there was a knock on the office door. Xia Meng walked in, carrying a takeout bag. The moment she saw Bai Mengyan turn her head, she couldn’t help but feel a flash of surprise. The woman in front of her was stunning in both appearance and figure… truly top-tier beauty.
Men really were simple creatures… Xia Meng knew about Lin Chen’s recent divorce. In her mind, she couldn’t help but think that it had only been half a month since his divorce, and already such a beauty had come looking for him. Just a few days ago, when Lin Chen asked her to throw away the photo frame, she could clearly feel the reluctance and sadness in his heart. Yet now, in just two days, another young beauty had appeared.
“Captain Lin, your takeout is here,” Xia Meng said, stepping forward and handing it over while giving him a slightly disdainful look.
Bai Mengyan smiled gently, looking Xia Meng up and down before nodding in greeting.
The two greeted each other. Seeing the takeout in Lin Chen’s hands, Bai Mengyan frowned slightly and asked with concern, “A’Chen, is this what you’re eating? That’s not very healthy.”
“Can’t help it. We often work overtime. Being able to eat at all is already pretty good,” Lin Chen said awkwardly, scratching his head. He glanced at Xia Meng and asked, “Anything else?”
“Mm. Captain Xiao informed us there will be a case analysis meeting tonight. It’s for another case the team is handling. You’re required to attend,” Xia Meng said.
Lin Chen nodded and gave a short acknowledgment. Xia Meng turned and left.
“A’Chen, you really don’t know how to treat a lady gently. She’s so pretty, even brought you food, and you still sound a bit harsh when you talk to her,” Bai Mengyan said.
“Ah, she talks back to me all the time anyway. I’m used to it,” Lin Chen replied casually.
With Bai Mengyan present, he felt a bit embarrassed to eat, but she seemed to see right through him. With a playful smile, she said, “Then it’s settled. About dinner at my dad’s place… just let me know when you’re free. I won’t disturb your work any longer. I’ll head off now.”
“Your car is still here. Here are the keys,” Lin Chen said, picking up the car keys from the table, intending to return them.
Bai Mengyan waved her hand indifferently and said, “Just use it for me. I’ve been flying around lately and don’t have time to drive it.”
After she left, Lin Chen let out a helpless sigh. Because of a transfer, he had gotten drunk at a celebration banquet, and somehow, he had been taken home by a flight attendant and stayed the night. And just like that, she had unexpectedly stepped into his life.
It was so absurd… even a novel wouldn’t come up with a plot like this.