Chapter 484: Rainy Night, Mysterious Attack!

As soon as this was said, the meeting room was instantly filled with suspicion and uncertainty?

The detectives stared at each other, their eyes full of suspicion??

To find Lin Yuan, the robbers gave up the chance to escape safely??

This really exceeds common sense. It doesn't match the motive for the crime!

Deputy Bureau Chief Gu Tianming furrowed his brow, clearly disagreeing with this conclusion.

Gu Tianming was about to speak up in doubt when Mu Lingxue beat him to it.

"What do you mean?" Mu Lingxue leaned forward slightly, her beautiful eyes fixed on Lin Yuan, "What are they after for you?"

"They're after my ancient martial arts." Lin Yuan said firmly.

"To be precise, they're after my silver needle sealing acupoint technique."

"They're after your silver needle technique?" Mu Lingxue's beautiful eyes were deep, still somewhat disbelieving.

Lin Yuan nodded solemnly: "Yes, the silver needle technique I master can precisely control the body's acupoints, rendering the target unable to resist in a short time. For the robbers carrying out a robbery, this is an excellent aid."

"Their previous robbery methods were ruthless but not precise enough; they obviously wanted to steal my technique... to improve themselves, which would help their robberies."

"How can you be sure?" Mu Lingxue pressed.

Her tone carried obvious skepticism: "Ancient martial arts are inherently mysterious; your speculation alone can't be taken as fact."

Lin Yuan met her gaze: "Because I am both an ancient martial arts practitioner and versed in psychology."

"Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes observation, listening, questioning, and palpation, and I can read a person's true thoughts by observing their eyes and micro-expressions... I have looked into those robbers' eyes, and I know what they are thinking." Lin Yuan said earnestly.

"I don't believe it." Mu Lingxue immediately stood up and walked to Lin Yuan's front.

She crossed her arms: "You say you can read people's hearts—then tell me, what am I thinking right now?"

Mu Lingxue deliberately straightened her back, trying to hide her emotions, but a hint of competitiveness lingered in the depths of her eyes.

She wanted to see if Lin Yuan was just pretending to be mysterious.

Lin Yuan did not avoid, his gaze calmly meeting hers.

Lin Yuan's gaze swept over Mu Lingxue's tightly pressed lips... over her slightly clenched fingertips... finally settling in the depths of her eyes.

After a few seconds, Lin Yuan spoke slowly: "You're secretly doubting, thinking I've been deceiving you... deceiving you into believing I'm not involved with the Underworld, deceiving you into joining the Special Task Force, just for ulterior motives."

Mu Lingxue's beautiful eyes narrowed slightly, the hand at her side unconsciously clenching.

"You're still thinking..." Lin Yuan's voice remained steady, yet like a precise key, it opened her heart.

"If I truly never mixed with the Underworld, with my ability and courage, perhaps we could have a wonderful future. Even your subconscious may still be tolerant... Even if I really had some involvement with the Underworld, as long as I can reform now, you'd be willing to give me a chance to truly join your world." Lin Yuan analyzed word by word, holding nothing back.

Swish! At that moment, Mu Lingxue's pretty face shifted from stunned shock to a flush of angry embarrassment.

It was as if the secret hidden in her heart had been exposed?!

"You..." Mu Lingxue froze on the spot, her voice beginning to tremble, "How could you..."

Lin Yuan actually spoke aloud her most hidden thoughts, word for word!

Those conflicts and expectations she herself refused to admit... in front of Lin Yuan, seemed to become transparent.

The detectives in the meeting room were also stunned.

Everyone looked at Lin Yuan and Mu Lingxue with eyes full of complex suspicion.

Even Deputy Bureau Chief Gu Tianming forgot to question...

Gu Tianming's gaze swept back and forth between Lin Yuan and Mu Lingxue.

Lin Yuan caught a flicker of doubt in the depths of her eyes.

Lin Yuan continued to add: "Moreover, you're surely still wondering how I could have guessed so accurately."

Mu Lingxue's breath hitched, obviously having her thoughts laid bare.

Lin Yuan, seeing this, curled the corner of his mouth into a faint smile: "You're even more worried now—since I can read your thoughts so clearly, did I also already guess earlier that you deliberately deceived me, tricked me into signing that illegal contract in the interrogation room?"

Mu Lingxue's deep eyes fixed on him, her cheeks uncontrollably flushing crimson, leaving her momentarily speechless.

Lin Yuan lightly nodded, frankly admitting: "Exactly, I had already guessed. The liquidated damages clause in that contract is full of loopholes, lacking any legal force—you were just trying to scare me."

"Cough...!" Huo Gang beside them could no longer hold back, letting out a heavy cough.

Meanwhile, Deputy Bureau Chief Gu Tianming's face had already darkened.

He looked at the space between Lin Yuan and Mu Lingxue... an atmosphere that outsiders couldn't break into.

Gu Tianming's jealousy surged within him.

Everyone knew that Gu Tianming was Mu Lingxue's pursuer.

This deputy bureau chief really likes Mu Lingxue.

At this moment, watching Lin Yuan and Mu Lingxue's covert feelings tug back and forth, Gu Tianming felt very jealous.

Huo Gang also hurriedly interjected, "Consultant Lin, are we now holding a special task force meeting, or should we be discussing the key points of the case?"

Only then did Mu Lingxue snap back to her senses, her pretty face still flushed.

She gave Lin Yuan an angry, annoyed glance, forcing herself to stay calm as she asked: "You... just how did you figure it out?"

"It's not guessing." Lin Yuan restrained his smile.

Lin Yuan said seriously: "This is traditional Chinese medicine's observation, listening, questioning, and palpation. By observing your micro-movements—like your clenched hands, tense shoulders and neck, your breathing rate, and changes in your gaze—these subtle facial details, combined with psychological analysis, I can precisely predict your inner thoughts."

"This is similar to Western medicine's criminal psychological profiling, only it places more emphasis on deriving mental activity from physiological responses."

"Even if you guessed right, so what!" Mu Lingxue, feeling a bit embarrassed by his words, grew increasingly stern: "Don't think that just because you can see through my thoughts you're impressive—even if you truly reformed, you'd still have no chance!"

"That would be best." Lin Yuan spread his hands, his tone indifferent: "It's best if we have nothing between us, so we won't be restrained when working together."

"You!" Mu Lingxue gritted her teeth, her chest rising and falling slightly.

At this moment, the meeting room seemed to have become a place for the two to vent their emotions.

Mu Lingxue was about to erupt when Huo Gang's cough cut her off.

"Cough cough cough! Enough, enough..." Huo Gang tapped the table, helplessly looking at the two: "This is the meeting room, not a place for you to bicker. Lingxue, Consultant Lin, calm down, let's continue discussing the case."

After the two had returned to their original seats, Captain Huo Gang's gaze fell on Lin Yuan.

Huo Gang spoke solemnly: "Consultant Lin Yuan, since the robbers clearly targeted you, your personal safety must be a priority. I plan to draw two top hand‑to‑hand combat officers from the criminal investigation team to follow you 24/7 as your personal bodyguards."

"No need." Lin Yuan refused without even thinking, "My own skills are enough for self‑defense, and since they're after me, assigning bodyguards would only alert them."

"If I act alone, they'll dare to get closer—perfect to draw the snake out of its hole, giving us a chance to set up surveillance and net them all at once."

Huo Gang furrowed his brow, obviously concerned: "But that's too dangerous—what if they throw caution to the wind and try to kill you?"

"The greater the risk, the greater the opportunity." Lin Yuan said firmly, "I'll stay in touch with the task force at all times and notify you immediately if I find any trace of them."

Seeing Lin Yuan's resolute gaze, Huo Gang knew his mind was made up.

Huo Gang sighed helplessly: "Fine, we'll do it your way, but you must stay safe—report any situation immediately."

The meeting soon drew to a close.

After the meeting ended, Deputy Chief Gu Tianming suddenly spoke.

Gu Tianming wore a smile: "Everyone, the upcoming manhunt for the robbers is arduous; tonight I'll host a simple meal for the entire task force—consider it a pre‑battle rally."

The officers laughed and thanked him, and the atmosphere lightened considerably.

Gu Tianming's gaze swept the room, but he deliberately avoided Lin Yuan.

Gu Tianming turned to Lin Yuan and said, "Consultant Lin Yuan, the meeting is over—you may leave first. We have a more important confidential meeting coming up, and outsiders aren't welcome."

As soon as he spoke, the air in the meeting room grew tense.

Everyone could tell Gu Tianming was deliberately targeting Lin Yuan.

Deputy Chief Gu Tianming not only didn't invite him to the rain‑soaked dinner, but also hinted that he was an "outsider."

Lin Yuan didn't take it to heart, merely giving a faint nod.

Then the rain‑soaked one stood up to leave, saying, "No problem, I also have things to take care of."

"Wait." Mu Lingxue suddenly rose to her feet.

She walked over to Lin Yuan and suddenly linked her arm through his.

Mu Lingxue said, "Chief Gu, Consultant Lin Yuan is our 907 Task Force's consultant—not an outsider. Since the dinner is meant to boost morale for the task force, everyone should naturally attend, and Lin Yuan must go as well."

Mu Lingxue's words… caused Gu Tianming's face to darken instantly.

He hadn't expected Mu Lingxue to publicly rebuke him.

What's more, Gu Tianming was annoyed and jealous to see Mu Lingxue… still holding Lin Yuan's arm?!

This was unbearable for Gu Tianming.

He had pursued Mu Lingxue for years with no progress.

As a result, this man—out of the blue—had such a good relationship with Mu Lingxue?

Gu Tianming's jealousy flared up inside him!

But in front of all the officers, he couldn't lash out.

Gu Tianming could only suppress his displeasure, forcing a hollow smile as he said, "Deputy Head Mu is right—I didn't think this through. Consultant Lin Yuan, let's all go together tonight."

Lin Yuan raised an eyebrow, looking at Mu Lingxue…

This woman—just moments ago she'd been opposing him, now she's speaking up for him.

Her thoughts are really hard to fathom.

Lin Yuan had originally intended to refuse.

But Mu Lingxue insisted that Lin Yuan attend the dinner, saying there was work and instructions for him.

Lin Yuan felt helpless, seeing no way out, so he agreed.

Gu Tianming named a high‑end restaurant, his eyes flashing with reluctance.

Seeing this, Huo Gang hurried to smooth things over: "All right, everyone go back and prepare; we'll meet at the hotel entrance at six tonight. Meeting adjourned!"

After the meeting dispersed, Gu Tianming's face grew grim as he watched Mu Lingxue's back while she actively discussed case details with Lin Yuan…

Deputy Chief Gu Tianming's expression worsened, his clenched fists betraying his emotions…

The closer Mu Lingxue and Lin Yuan walked together, the stronger his jealousy grew.

……

At six in the evening, everyone gradually arrived at the upscale Western‑style private room Gu Tianming had reserved.

Gu Tianming naturally took the seat of honor as soon as he entered.

His gaze swept over Lin Yuan, and he gave a subtle look to the subordinate beside him.

The subordinate immediately understood, guiding Lin Yuan to the farthest corner.

The subordinate also "carelessly" tossed Lin Yuan's coat onto the edge of the sofa, as if hinting that this "external consultant" didn't deserve special treatment.

Lin Yuan paid it no mind and sat down calmly.

But Gu Tianming's harassment of Lin Yuan, his romantic rival, had only just begun.

When the waiter handed over the menu.

Gu Tianming waved the menu, his tone teasing:

"Let's switch Consultant Lin Yuan to a bowl of beef noodles—after all, he's from the jianghu; Western knives and forks are delicate, and if he's not used to them he might choke, which would ruin everyone's appetite."

As soon as he said that, the atmosphere in the private room turned awkward instantly.

The officers kept their heads down, afraid to speak.

Everyone could see Gu Tianming was deliberately mocking Lin Yuan.

Before Lin Yuan could speak, Mu Lingxue set down her water cup.

Mu Lingxue interrupted in a flat tone:

"Chief Gu, you're wrong—Lin Yuan not only knows how to use Western cutlery, he's taken me for authentic French Western meals several times. By the way, the last time you went to the provincial office for a meeting, you came back saying the steak was tough to chew; shall I also order you a bowl of noodles?"

Mu Lingxue's words hit the nail on the head, exposing Gu Tianming's embarrassment.

This made Gu Tianming's face stiffen instantly.

Gu Tianming wanted to lose his temper, but he didn't dare to do so with Mu Lingxue.

After all, Mu Lingxue was his goddess..

Thus, Gu Tianming could only force a laugh twice and change the subject.

After the dishes were served, Gu Tianming again signaled his subordinates to repeatedly toast Lin Yuan.

The subordinates handed Lin Yuan one cup after another.

This was clearly an attempt to get Lin Yuan drunk.

"Consultant Lin, I toast you a cup, thank you for helping us solve the case!"

"Consultant Lin, I also toast you, your skills are amazing!"

Lin Yuan, being toasted cup after cup, soon had his face turn red.

At this moment, the police bureau's subordinates kept toasting without cease.

Lin Yuan was just about to pick up his wine cup…

Mu Lingxue suddenly reached out and pressed his wrist.

She told the officer who was toasting, "He still has to go back and organize the clues later; I'll drink for him," and then she went to pick up the cup in front of Lin Yuan.

"No need." Lin Yuan gently withdrew his hand, tone indifferent, "I can drink myself."

He raised his cup, gestured to the toasting officer, then drank it all in one go.

After those several cups in the rain, his cheeks flushed with a faint red.

Mu Lingxue looked at his indifferent profile, and for some reason felt a vague tightness in her chest…

She kindly tried to shield him from drinking, but he didn't appreciate it at all.

This aloofness made her very uncomfortable.

Mu Lingxue took out her phone and secretly sent Lin Yuan a WeChat: 【Speak!】

As she sent the message, Mu Lingxue's foot under the table accidentally brushed Lin Yuan's pant leg, her eyes hinting.

At that moment, Gu Tianming edged over to Mu Lingxue's side.

Gu Tianming kindly placed a piece of foie gras on Mu Lingxue's plate: "Lingxue, the foie gras here is tender—try it."

Mu Lingxue gave a perfunctory reply, but her eyes stayed fixed on the phone screen.

The phone screen lit up, showing Lin Yuan's reply: 【?】

Mu Lingxue typed quickly: 【What do you mean? Why are you so cold toward me, answering or not?】

Lin Yuan stared at the screen, his fingertip paused, then replied: 【We walk different paths, we can't scheme together. You're a cat, I'm a mouse—getting too close is bad for anyone.】

Mu Lingxue's fingertips trembled with anger, her typing sped up a bit: 【You're now a consultant for the criminal police team, basically half a 'cat'—how can you not scheme with me?】

【That's also the part‑time job you forced me into—it's not an official position.】 Lin Yuan replied.

【Can't you just be a good person?】 Mu Lingxue bit her lower lip and typed that.

Lin Yuan looked at those words, his eyes darkened: 【Which villain starts out wanting to be evil? I was forced.】

Mu Lingxue pressed: 【What forced you?】

"【Poverty, plus online loans.】 Lin Yuan's reply was brief, yet it made Mu Lingxue's heart tighten.

She immediately typed: 【Why don't you tell me you need money? I have money, I can lend you. Stay out of the underworld—I'll handle the Goddess Bar matter for you.】

【Once you're in the jianghu, it's as deep as the sea—I can't back out.】 Lin Yuan replied, 【If I leave the jianghu, my enemies will come after me, and even my subordinates will be targeted—I can't implicate others.】

Seeing this message, Mu Lingxue was utterly furious.

Just as she was about to erupt, Gu Tianming handed her a glass of juice: "Lingxue, have some juice to cut the greasiness."

"I don't want it! Take it away!" Mu Lingxue couldn't control her emotions, her voice suddenly rose.

The private room fell silent in an instant, the officers all stunned…

No one had ever seen Mu Lingxue be so rude to Gu Tianming.

Gu Tianming's face also looked grim, but he forced a smile: "Okay, okay, I'll take it away."

He had just withdrawn his hand when Mu Lingxue realized she had overreacted.

But, in order to deliberately anger Lin Yuan, she picked up the juice Gu Tianming had offered and took a sip.

After the meal ended.

Gu Tianming deliberately rubbed his temples, speaking in a drunken tone: "Lingxue, I've had alcohol and can't drive—could you give me a ride home?"

Mu Lingxue turned and glared at Lin Yuan, seeing he had no reaction.

Mu Lingxue gritted her teeth and agreed: "Okay."

She was doing this just to spite Lin Yuan.

She wanted to make Lin Yuan jealous.

But Lin Yuan was completely indifferent to it.

Lin Yuan, having packed his things, got ready to leave.

Huo Gang stepped forward and said: "Lin Yuan, you've also been drinking—let me take you home."

"No need, Captain Huo—I can get back on my own." Lin Yuan waved his hand and walked out of the hotel.

He scanned a Meituan bike at the entrance.

Lin Yuan ignored Mu Lingxue's gaze, directly mounted the Meituan bike, and rode off.

……

But, Lin Yuan had barely ridden a short distance when the sky suddenly clouded over.

Immediately after, large raindrops pelted down, and in no time it turned into a downpour.

Damn, it suddenly poured?

Lin Yuan didn't bring a raincoat, so he could only let the rain soak his whole body.

He rode his bicycle, icy rainwater streamed down his hair, blurring his vision.

Lin Yuan pedaled his bicycle, slowly moving forward in the rain curtain, his back looking especially lonely.

The downpour poured, raindrops smashed onto the ground, bursting into splashes.

Lin Yuan rode the shared bicycle, getting soaked in the rain as he continued forward.

But just then, suddenly from behind, a black off-road vehicle burst through the rain curtain, charging straight at Lin Yuan!

Lin Yuan was riding in the rain, he felt the engine roar from behind, his pupils constricted!

Lin Yuan suddenly turned his head!

His face changed abruptly!