Chapter 138: Look at the Mess You've Made!

As soon as Xu An'an sat in the car, a torrential downpour began. Jiang Li, who had followed a step behind, got his back soaked.

Disliking the wet, clammy feeling against his skin, Jiang Li simply took off his shirt.

Water droplets slid down his firm chest muscles, tracing the contours of his abs before disappearing into the waistband of his trousers. His physique was taut and well-defined—muscular and powerful, yet not overly bulky.

Even though she had seen it many times, Xu An'an still felt her face flush. She shrank into the corner, nervously peeking out the car window, terrified that someone might walk by.

"What do you think you're doing!"

Surely he didn't intend to do *that* with her in the car!

Watching Xu An'an with her clear, wide eyes, her long eyelashes fluttering as she glanced about, she looked exactly like a little rabbit about to be devoured by a big bad wolf.

Of course, Jiang Li wasn't so "starved" that he would lose all restraint. He smirked and reached out to pinch Xu An'an’s cheek.

"What do you think I'm doing?"

Assuming Jiang Li really meant to do the deed right there, Xu An'an crossed her arms over her chest, glaring at him with her bright eyes. Her gaze held little intimidation, shimmering instead with a delicate, watery luster.

"I’m not doing anything!"

Jiang Li looked surprised. "Isn't it usually me doing all the work?"

Xu An'an was instantly mortified. "I’m leaving!"

Seeing that she was truly getting angry, Jiang Li quickly said, "Alright, alright, I’ll stop teasing you. I was just joking." He added, "Besides, it’s pouring outside. Do you have an umbrella?"

"Don't tell me you don't have one in the car." Xu An'an froze. How long would she have to stay here? She hurriedly pulled out her phone to message Xue Shengnan.

As it happened, Xue Shengnan had just messaged to ask where she was.

Xu An'an cast a grumpy glance at Jiang Li, who was busy petting a cat. He had dragged her out here in the middle of the night just to teach her how to trim a cat's claws. If word got out, it would surely drop everyone’s jaws.

Xu An'an: [I went to buy some things. It’s raining heavily, so I’m waiting in a shop until it lets up before heading back.]

Xue Shengnan: [Which shop? I’ll come pick you up.]

Xu An'an: [No need. You just took a shower; you shouldn't have to go out again.]

Xue Shengnan: [But it's so late. I'm worried. Just send me your location.]

Seeing Xu An'an preoccupied with her phone, Jiang Li felt a flicker of annoyance. Was there anything that couldn't wait until they got back? He leaned in close, resting his weight against her.

"Hey, you're heavy!" Xu An'an protested.

Jiang Li reached out, tapped the screen, and sent a voice message: "She’s staying with me for a while, just downstairs. Once the rain lets up, I’ll have her head back."

*Whoosh—*

The voice message was sent.

Xu An'an gasped. "You!"

Jiang Li sat back. "What? What's wrong with being with me? It's not like she doesn't know. You could've just told her straight."

Sure enough, Xue Shengnan replied with a teasing emoji.

Xu An'an was fuming. "Look at the trouble you've caused!"

Jiang Li looked puzzled. "Why aren't you praising me?"

"Do you want a slap in the face?" Xu An'an raised her hand, pretending to threaten him. Her fair face was flushed bright red, like a temperamental little tiger.

This adorable contrast made Jiang Li’s eyes crinkle with amusement, and he leaned his handsome face toward her.

Recalling the last time she tried to scare Jiang Yu—who had nearly tripped over his own feet—Xu An'an was left speechless by how shameless Jiang Li was. Not only did he not dodge, he practically begged for it.

"I’m really going to hit you."

"Wait."

Jiang Li leaned over to the passenger side, rummaged around, and pulled out a back scratcher for her. "Use this. Don't hurt your hand."

Xu An'an nearly choked. What kind of person was he?

Her back happened to be itching, so she took the tool, but just as she was about to use it, Jiang Li stopped her. "My back is itchy." He tossed the scratcher back to the passenger seat. "Assistant Wang bought that."

"Turn around, I’ll scratch it for you."

Thinking of Assistant Wang’s dorky demeanor, Xu An'an turned around. "To the right, a bit lower on the neck. Yes, right there." She squinted comfortably.

Watching their reflection in the car window, a smile played on Jiang Li's lips. "Let me massage you."

He handed her a cushion so she could lay her head down and began massaging her back with skilled, rhythmic movements, lulling her into a drowsy state.

Outside, the rain poured down, but inside the car, the atmosphere was peaceful and snug. Jiang Li loved being with Xu An'an like this; it felt as if whatever was happening in the outside world had nothing to do with them.

However, once the rain eased, Jiang Li woke her up, knowing how uncomfortable she would be if she slept like that. He lowered his voice intentionally: "An'an, go upstairs and sleep. It's more comfortable in a bed."

"Mm..." Xu An'an opened her dazed eyes and yawned. She didn't want to move.

But she had already told Xue Shengnan she was coming back, so she forced herself to wake up and rubbed her eyes. "The road is slippery from the rain. Don't drive too fast on your way back."

Jiang Li listened obediently. "Okay."

He put his shirt back on and handed his jacket to Xu An'an. "Put this over yourself. Cover up."

Xu An'an complied. She wanted to ask why, but Jiang Li had already swept her up into his arms like a child, his gait steady. Every step he took on the wet ground splashed water everywhere.

Raindrops pelted his body, but he didn't even blink, only holding Xu An'an tighter until they reached the apartment building.

Jiang Li set her down. Only the hem of Xu An'an's trousers was wet, while Jiang Li was completely drenched. He carelessly swept his bangs back, looking even more roguish.

*Plip.* A drop of water fell from his dark hair onto Xu An'an's cheek. He reached out and wiped the trace of water from the corner of her lips.

"Go on up. Remember to take a hot shower so you don't catch a cold and pass it to me."

Xu An'an was speechless. He could have left out that last part.

"There should be a dry towel in the car, right? You’d better dry yourself off. If you catch a cold, I’m staying at Shengnan's for a whole week." Hmph, she'd get him back.

Jiang Li gave a perfunctory nod. He watched Xu An'an enter the elevator before he finally left.

*Click.*

As soon as the door opened, Xue Shengnan’s teasing voice rang out: "Ooh, back from your date? I was standing on the balcony and saw everything."

Xu An'an felt a bit guilty. "Saw what?"

"Saw it all."

Xue Shengnan winked mischievously. In truth, she hadn't seen what happened in the car, but she had witnessed Jiang Li carrying Xu An'an through the rain. Even after being hurt badly by a scumbag in the past, her heart still yearned for love, especially after seeing such a purely romantic scene.

"He must really like you."

"He'd rather get drenched himself just to keep you safe."

"Are you really sure you don't have any thoughts about marrying him?"

Xu An'an offered a dry laugh. The relationship between her and Jiang Li was complicated—not something that could be explained in a few words. Even she herself didn't know what she meant to him.

"It's a bit cold, I'm going to take a shower!"