CHAPTER 449: CHAPTER 449 PROTEST INVALID

The boys gathered around received Xu Ke’s warning and threats, and a few stood up from their original positions and backed off, taking their gear to find a new place to settle. However, they weren’t too far away and could still see the few at the storm’s center.

They didn’t quite believe the men in the scene would truly listen and give up just because they were told to.

Sure enough, some already expressed dissatisfaction with Xu Ke’s words and jumped out.

"Why, even if you’re her brother, so what? She’s already an adult and can make her own judgments. She doesn’t need you pointing fingers. Your control will only make her hate you," said a man, hands on his hips, mouth wide open.

"Sorry to disappoint you, but my sister is still a minor, and as her guardian, I have the responsibility and obligation to be accountable for her everything." Xu Ke slightly curled the corner of his mouth, quietly watching the crowd’s reaction.

Some, upon hearing that Yu Xia was still a minor, had the light in their eyes dim, while others looked at Yu Xia with even more fervor after hearing the news. For such people, Xu Ke had long imprinted their appearances in his mind and wouldn’t give them any chance to approach Yu Xia.

The man was briefly stunned upon hearing that Yu Xia was still a minor, almost reflexively turning towards Yu Xia, unable to believe such a little beauty was actually underage. But on careful examination of Yu Xia’s slightly chubby little face, it wasn’t that hard to accept, and the man swallowed back the words he intended to say, his face reddening, unable to utter anything.

"So, stay away from my sister. What I said earlier wasn’t just for show. Get lost," said Xu Ke unceremoniously. However, the technique he used earlier to restrain someone wasn’t simple, and combined with the words "I’m not to be messed with" written all over him, indeed no one dared to provoke trouble for a while.

The man who came out to support others felt ashamed and retreated upon hearing Yu Xia was underage. But in this era, there are still some without these moral principles.

The ferocity Xu Ke unleashed during the day indeed frightened many, causing plenty to retreat in the face of adversity, but there were still some who had their sights set, with Cao Xu being one of them.

Both Lin Mengyao and Yu Xia were attractive women, but Lin Mengyao appeared too cold and dominant, obviously not an easy woman to control, while Yu Xia seemed small, soft, and obedient—she looked like she’d be a good girlfriend who’d listen to her boyfriend about everything. Just the thought of this made Cao Xu’s heart burn.

Moreover, Yu Xia was still young, like a budding flower, naive and innocent. If he could have such a girlfriend, how much face would that give him?

Cao Xu had quite the dream, so while Xu Ke wasn’t around, and Lin Mengyao went to get something, he slipped to Yu Xia’s side.

"Hello, beauty. Meeting by chance is fate. I wonder if I could have the honor of knowing your name. I’m Cao Xu," said Cao Xu, holding a cocktail, looking quite suave as he approached Yu Xia.

"Sorry, I don’t know you." Yu Xia subtly stepped back half a step, hoping Lin Mengyao or Xu Ke would return soon.

Yu Xia felt the scrutinizing glances from people around, observing in the shadows, making her feel uncomfortable, like an animal in a zoo.

Regarding Yu Xia’s subtle refusal, Cao Xu acted as though he couldn’t understand. Instead of leaving, he became more persistent. "It doesn’t matter that you don’t know me now. Everyone starts as strangers; we can gradually get to know each other," said Cao Xu, flicking his dyed blond hair with a self-proclaimed handsome smile.

"But I don’t want to know you," Yu Xia said again.

"Why not? Am I not handsome? Not tall? Or do you think I have no money? I’ve got money, and I’m generous, especially to friends. Once we become friends, anything you like, just tell me, and I’ll get it for you," said Cao Xu, with a suddenly enlightened expression.

"It’s not that. I don’t want to be friends with you," said Yu Xia, biting her lower lip.

No man likes losing face, and after being rejected a third time, the expression on Cao Xu’s face turned uglier, but he forced himself to suppress his anger, saying, "Are you afraid your brother will scold you for making friends outside? Don’t be afraid. You’re a person, not a machine or a fool who can’t look after yourself. Why shouldn’t you have your own social circle? If he gets mad at you, come find brother Cao. I’ll take you in and give you support."

As Cao Xu spoke, he gazed at Yu Xia’s exposed shoulder, its smooth texture like cream cake. At that moment, Cao Xu straightened, unknowingly raising his hand to place it on her shoulder, even moving his fingers.

Cao Xu’s sudden action caught Yu Xia off guard. Her shoulder felt like it was burned by a stove, causing her to step back quickly, preventing Cao Xu’s hand from resting on her shoulder.

"Don’t touch me; please respect yourself," said Yu Xia, wide-eyed, trying to emulate Xu Ke in driving this person away.

Xu Ke’s same actions were full of deterrence, but in certain people’s eyes, Yu Xia’s actions seemed like mere coquettishness, lacking any real threat despite the anger in her eyes.

Cao Xu didn’t take Yu Xia’s anger to heart at all. Instead, he found her endearing, remembering the smoothness he felt earlier. His throat tightened as he downed a whole glass of cocktail, his eyes reddening as the drink took effect.

"What does ’respect yourself’ mean? Why don’t you show me?" Cao Xu felt as if he were floating, like walking on clouds. His mind slowed with only one thought: to make the girl in front of him his own.

Cao Xu moved forward again, grabbing Yu Xia and pulling her into his embrace, speaking filthily, "So what if you’re young? Being young is great. I like young ones. Their skin is better, they’re prettier, and much better than those with fake faces," he muttered, touching Yu Xia’s shoulder and speaking with alcohol-laden breath.

"You’re drunk. Let me go," Yu Xia said, treated rudely by a boy for the first time. Her entire face flushed, ready to cry. She kept slapping Cao Xu’s hand from her shoulder and pushed against his chest to prevent his body from getting closer.

Yu Xia was so anxious she almost cried out loud, "Let me go. Stand up."

"Pretty sister, you look even better when you cry. I don’t want to let go," said Cao Xu, feeling ecstatic inside like a fireworks display. Just as Cao Xu was about to go further, a sharp pain came from his shoulder, and before he could react, everything spun as he was slammed onto the beach, followed by a foot pressing down.

"Didn’t you understand what I said? I told you not to touch her, yet you insist. Do you have a death wish?" Xu Ke had just rushed back from the bathroom and saw this scene. Anger flared within him, eager to top this man and teach him a lesson.