Chapter 160: Was I Hitting a Person?

After parking the car, Jiang Lie picked up the fat cat, secured its leash, and handed it over to Xu An’an. “You two go ahead to the beach. I’ll handle the hotel check-in and find you afterward.”

Xu An’an’s heart leapt with excitement upon learning they would stay here tonight.

“Understood!”

“Let’s go play!”

She set the fat cat down. “I’m not carrying you again. Get moving!”

Unexpectedly, the cat sprawled on the ground, refusing to budge.

Xu An’an’s mouth twitched in frustration as she reluctantly dragged the cat forward. Surprisingly, the cat didn’t mind the hot sand and allowed itself to be pulled along—truly one of a kind.

At her wit’s end, Xu An’an looked back to Jiang Lie for help. “Your cat is so lazy!”

Jiang Lie retrieved some sunscreen and other essentials from the trunk, approaching her and handing over a bag. “Everything you need is inside.”

Assistant Wang, knowing they’d pass by the beach, had thoughtfully prepared plenty of useful items.

“I’ll take the fat cat to the hotel. They have a cat playground where a professional can help it lose weight.”

“That’s perfect.”

Xu An’an rubbed the cat’s little head in mock anger. “Let’s see how you slack off next time. If you get any fatter, no more little fish treats for you!”

“Meow!” The cat seemed to protest, turning its back with a flick of its tail.

Jiang Lie chuckled softly. “Alright, go enjoy yourselves.”

Xu An’an happily dashed toward the women's changing room. She had spotted a swimsuit in the bag and planned to buy a swim ring to complete her beach gear.

When she saw the swimsuit was a bikini, she hesitated about changing.

Nearby, two girls glanced over with envy.

“If I had your figure, I’d definitely wear a bikini.”

“Yeah, flaunt what you’ve got!”

Their compliments gave Xu An’an confidence, and she secretly wanted to try this style.

She entered a cubicle, changed into the swimsuit, and applied sunscreen.

Lockers were available to store belongings.

Xu An’an placed her phone in a waterproof pouch hanging around her neck, ready to stroll to the beach and buy a swim ring.

“Miss, your figure is incredible!”

“How did you get such curves?”

It was the same two girls from before.

Their conversation drew envious looks from other women in the changing room, making Xu An’an feel a bit shy.

“Are you here alone to enjoy the beach?”

“Why don’t we go together?”

The two stuck to her like shadows.

Since they were all girls, Xu An’an agreed, “But I’m not alone—my friend is checking into the hotel and will join me soon.”

“Did you book early? We came last minute and couldn’t find a room.”

“We had to stay at a guesthouse five kilometers away.”

Xu An’an wasn’t sure if there was still a room available for their spontaneous visit and glanced toward the hotel’s direction.

Jiang Lie was nowhere in sight yet.

At that moment, two boys wearing swim trunks approached, eyes practically glued to Xu An’an.

“Hey, gorgeous, want to hang out?”

The other two girls immediately agreed.

Xu An’an frowned. “You guys go ahead. I have to wait for my boyfriend.”

Not wanting to give anyone room for imagination, she stated it plainly.

The boys’ faces fell, but they didn’t give up.

“Where’s your boyfriend?”

Xu An’an headed toward the swim ring vendor. “He’ll be here soon.”

Still not deterred, the boys tried again, “No problem, we can keep you company while you wait.”

Ignoring them, Xu An’an kept walking.

The boys stared like wolves starved for a long time, eyes practically devouring her.

Feeling uneasy, Xu An’an clenched her fists.

“Boss, one swim ring, please.”

“Sure thing!”

“Can’t swim, huh? Want me to teach you?” The boys flanked her, leaning in with misplaced confidence. “You’ll learn fast and won’t need the ring anymore.”

Xu An’an was irritated.

Her expression turned icy. “If you don’t leave now, don’t blame me for calling the cops.”

“Whoa, talking to you is illegal? Go ahead, call them!” The boys’ leering eyes grew more lewd. “I want to see how the judge rules!”

Xu An’an’s face darkened. The two girls had vanished, leaving her alone with these shameless thugs.

She sat down on a bench outside the shop, waiting for Jiang Lie.

“Miss, we just want to be friends.”

“We’re not bad guys.”

The boy on the left reached out to touch her.

Before his hand could land, it was kicked away sharply.

“Ah!!”

A scream, like a pig being slaughtered, startled everyone nearby.

“Jiang Lie!”

Xu An’an’s eyes widened with joy and relief.

Jiang Lie strode up to her. Seeing her in the bikini, showcasing her perfect figure and long, flawless legs, his brows furrowed.

He took off his short-sleeved shirt.

“Put this on.”

“Wow, those abs! That V-line!” A nearby girl’s eyes grew wide.

Xu An’an pouted but obediently slipped on his shirt, smelling the faint fresh scent it carried.

The shirt barely reached the top of her thighs.

The beaten boy lay on the ground while his companion hurried to help him up.

“Hey! Why did you hit him?”

“Who said I hit him?” Jiang Lie’s handsome face darkened ominously, eyes radiating lethal intent.

The two boys, frightened out of their wits, didn’t dare argue and fled in haste.

Others dared not continue watching, clearly seeing how Jiang Lie’s single kick had sent a man flying—he was not to be trifled with.

“Don’t be mad. I’m fine.” Xu An’an poked Jiang Lie’s arm. “The fat cat should be moving by now, right?”

Jiang Lie shrugged ambiguously. “Maybe.”

He grabbed the swim ring and took Xu An’an’s hand. “Come on, I’ll teach you to swim.”

Seeing Jiang Lie calm down, Xu An’an smiled softly.

This guy’s possessiveness was quite strong.

Jiang Lie led her to a less crowded spot, demonstrated briefly, then taught her a swimming mantra.

Xu An’an was still a bit scared.

But under Jiang Lie’s encouraging gaze, she slowly stepped into the water, quietly muttering, “You have to watch me carefully—don’t let me die!”

“All right, I’ll watch you closely.”

Jiang Lie reached out, supporting her waist. “That’s it, a little further.”

When her feet left the ground, Xu An’an immediately clung to Jiang Lie, terrified.