CHAPTER 448: CHAPTER 448: THE BEACH

Lin Mengyao knocked on the door and walked in from outside, "Why haven’t you changed clothes yet? Hurry up and change, we’re going to play on the beach for a while and then attend the hotel’s beach party, I heard it’s very lively." Lin Mengyao walked to Yu Xia’s side and gently pulled her from the edge of the bed, speaking warmly.

"Okay, I’ll change right away and join you guys in a while," Yu Xia returned to her senses, with a hint of anticipation in her eyes, she replied.

Seeing the interested look in Yu Xia’s eyes, Lin Mengyao smiled and chatted with Yu Xia for a few more minutes before leaving the room, giving Yu Xia some space.

When Lin Mengyao saw Yu Xia again, she had already changed into the clothes they bought earlier. The mint-green off-shoulder short dress made her look incredibly refreshing, like taking a sip of icy mint water, cooled by the sea breeze on the beach, it was extremely comfortable.

Meanwhile, Lin Mengyao wore a dark green backless long dress that accentuated her slender figure. This green outfit toned down her allure, adding a few touches of chilliness to her presence. Like a celestial maiden descending to earth, it felt like a rare privilege to catch her gaze even for a moment was a blessing cultivated over several lifetimes.

There were quite a few good-looking men and women on the beach, but none as stunning as Lin Mengyao. Although Yu Xia hadn’t fully matured, one could tell she was a budding beauty. While she might not have the same presence as Lin Mengyao, once you noticed her, it was impossible to shift your gaze to anyone else. Despite not being as striking as Lin Mengyao, Yu Xia had an inexplicable allure, binding your eyes once noticed.

Having one beautiful woman beside a man was enough to catch attention, but Xu Ke had two with him, attracting openly envious stares from the other guys. If looks could kill, Xu Ke would have been shredded to pieces by now.

"Sis, let’s find a quiet place to sit and rest for a while. They’re always staring at us, and it’s making me uncomfortable," Yu Xia quietly suggested, secretly holding onto Lin Mengyao’s hand.

Seeing Yu Xia’s slightly furrowed brows, knowing she didn’t like being the center of attention, Lin Mengyao agreed without another thought, finding a spot on the beach with fewer people to rest.

"Are you very tired? If so, you should rest. I can call you when the party starts if you want to attend," Lin Mengyao suggested upon seeing Yu Xia lying on a recliner with her eyes shut, appearing on the brink of sleep.

"No need, I’ll just rest here for a bit, that should do it. Sis, you go ahead and have fun, don’t worry, I can take care of myself," Yu Xia opened her eyes and reassured Lin Mengyao.

Though she appeared alert, in truth, she was exhausted. It was her first long flight, and though mentally she was extremely tired yet excited, she was almost too tired to keep her eyes open, her body aching and all she wanted was to lie here, listen to the waves, feel the sea breeze, and recharge for the evening party.

Seeing the weariness and determination in Yu Xia’s eyes, Lin Mengyao refrained from further persuading her to return, rather agreeing with her, "Okay then, rest here for a bit, and I’ll call you when the party starts."

Upon hearing Lin Mengyao, Yu Xia happily pursed her lips, a small dimple appearing then quickly disappearing on her face.

Yu Xia snuggled into the recliner and closed her eyes, almost instantly slipping into slumber, her expression peaceful, an image of their usual gentle demeanor undisturbed.

Lin Mengyao chuckled softly at Yu Xia’s sleeping face. At that moment, Xu Ke approached with two cups of juice, seeing Yu Xia asleep, instinctively lowered his voice, "Why’s she sleeping here, shouldn’t she sleep in a hotel room?"

"Shh, keep your voice down, she wants to sleep here, and I also think it’s comfortable here with the sea breeze and the sound of waves," Lin Mengyao whispered back.

While they were speaking softly, a hand quietly reached for Yu Xia’s face, about to touch it, when Xu Ke intercepted, immobilizing it mid-air.

"Let go of me," the man demanded loudly, immediately waking Yu Xia from her sleep. Like a startled fish, she bolted up, though groggy, her actions were anything but.

The sudden movement upward led her head to knock into Xu Ke’s chin; luckily, Xu Ke withdrew his tongue in time, or yes, he would’ve likely bitten it off.

The pain from the collision dispelled Yu Xia’s last bits of sleepiness. Holding her head, she teary-eyed asked Xu Ke, "Are you okay? Did I hit you hard?"

Xu Ke shook his head silently, leaving it to Lin Mengyao who approached Yu Xia, comforting her, "Don’t worry, Xu Ke’s fine. That jerk tried to take advantage of you while you were asleep. Let Xu Ke deal with him." Lin Mengyao glared at the man in floral shorts, her eyes filled with disdain.

Yu Xia followed Lin Mengyao’s gaze, her eyes tinged with displeasure, realizing the man to be a complete scoundrel.

While Lin Mengyao and Yu Xia quietly discussed the man, Xu Ke had already secured his wrist in a vice grip, twisting it into an awkward angle, causing the man’s face to distort with pain, even standing on his toes to alleviate some pressure on his bound arm.

"What were you doing just now? If I hadn’t returned, what were you planning?" Xu Ke asked coldly, licking his teeth that still tingled from Yu Xia’s collision.

"I wasn’t going to do anything, I just wanted to touch her face."

Xu Ke was almost amused at the man’s shamelessness, his righteous demeanor made it seem as if he and Yu Xia were familiar, whilst Xu Ke stood obliviously butting in the situation.

"You wanted to touch my sister’s face, did you have her consent? Did you ask her for permission before you acted? Remember to stay away from my sister. I’ll let you off this once, but if I catch you again, I’ll break your hand. Wherever you touch her, that’s where I’ll break it."

This statement seemed directed at the man, but Xu Ke’s voice was raised to warn all nearby men as well, his gaze sweeping over them like knives ready to carve their flesh.