576 Speaking About Cooperation
Xia Wan was inclined to decline, but after a moment's thought, she responded, "I'm tied up with something today. If it isn't too pressing, I can visit you over the weekend. How does that sound to Deputy Director Cai?"
"Of course, of course!" Cai Jia, visibly thrilled that Xia Wan hadn't outright refused, exclaimed, "Miss Xia, please attend to your matters first. I'll be happy to pick you up this weekend!"
"Thank you then, Deputy Director Cai," Xia Wan said, nodding courteously to Cai Jia before leaving the police station with Linda and Liu Hua.
The tall, imposing man and his companions had vanished, and Linda's cautious demeanor began to ease.
"I'm sorry, it's my fault we missed our meal today, and Liu Hua got hurt..." Linda said apologetically to Liu Hua and Xia Wan. "How about this – I invite you both to my place. I'll cook for you. What do you think?"
"You cook?" Liu Hua asked, surprised.
Liu Hua, who had been somewhat reserved around Linda, now seemed more relaxed after the day's events.
Linda replied with a resigned look, "Though I was raised abroad, my parents always preferred cooking Chinese meals at home."
"I've been living independently since adulthood. If I hadn't learned to cook, I wouldn't have survived on the foreign cuisine!" Linda added with a slight grimace.
Just as they were about to leave together, a car suddenly pulled up in front of them.
Lin Chao leaned out from the passenger window, "Miss Xia, you were hard to find!"
Xia Wan frowned at Lin Chao, "Is there something you need from me?"
"Have you so quickly forgotten what you promised me?" Lin Chao asked, though his tone was more amused than accusatory.
"Get in the car. I'll take you to the hospital," he said, beckoning to Xia Wan.
Linda quickly tugged at Xia Wan's arm, "Do you know him? He seems untrustworthy. Don't go!"
Xia Wan patted Linda's hand reassuringly, "It's okay. You go ahead. I'll try your cooking some other time."
After speaking, Xia Wan turned to Liu Hua, "Liu Hua, Linda isn't familiar with the town. Could you please take her back?"
"If anything feels off, call me, okay?"
Liu Hua nodded earnestly at Xia Wan's instructions, "Don't worry. I'll be fine."
Xia Wan then got into the car's back seat.
As the car drove away, Xia Wan finally spoke up, "How did you know I was here?"
Lin Chao, smiling, glanced at her through the rearview mirror, "Finding someone isn't too hard for me."
"But why were you at the police station? If you need help, just ask."
Lin Chao's tone was friendly, like he was speaking to an old acquaintance, which made Xia Wan somewhat uneasy.
"No help needed. It's a minor issue that I can handle," Xia Wan replied succinctly, then inquired, "The hospital should manage fine. Why did you come looking for me?"
Lin Chao, as if expecting the question, turned to face her, "You promised to look after Shi Yu until he recovers."
"I did not!" Xia Wan immediately countered.
Lin Chao, pursing his lips thoughtfully, said, "Honestly, I don't trust those hospital folks."
"Their medical expertise is reliable, but they're overly cautious. Many of their treatment methods are too conservative for my liking."
"I'm hoping you can assist me."
The playful expression on Lin Chao's face had given way to earnest anticipation.
Xia Wan, observing his demeanor, took a moment before asking, "This isn't just about Shi Yu, is it?"
"You catch on quick," Lin Chao replied, his smile returning. Sitting up straight, he added, "I'm actually here to discuss a partnership with you. But, I can't divulge much at the moment."
"Right now, my main concern is getting Shi Yu back on his feet as soon as possible."
Xia Wan considered for a moment before agreeing, "Alright."
"You trust me that much?" Lin Chao sounded genuinely surprised.
"You're not a bad person," Xia Wan stated confidently.
This response left Lin Chao both amused and relieved.
"Alright then. Your trust saves me a lot of trouble," he said, visibly relaxed.
"I need to make a phone call," Xia Wan mentioned, holding up her phone to Lin Chao.
He gestured magnanimously, "Please, go ahead. I'm not here to kidnap you. You're free to do as you please."
Xia Wan then proceeded to call Chen Mo.
Visit freewe𝑏(n)ovel.𝘤ℴ𝑚 for the best novel reading experience