Chapter 217 We Are Just Friends
Lynn's body instantly tensed, as if a switch for some instinct had been flipped.
He quickly moved in that direction, his movements light and swift, like a hunting leopard.
The man seemed to sense something, abruptly grabbed Kate's wallet, and turned to rush into the crowd.
"Kate!" Lynn called out softly, signaling her to look back.
Kate, holding an ice cream, turned her head to see the thief's retreating back and the empty beach chair, and was momentarily stunned, "My wallet!?"
Lynn had already charged out, chasing the thief along the beach.
His steps were steady and powerful, each stride shortening the distance to his target.
Tourists around them stopped to watch the commotion, some even pulling out their phones to record.
The thief clearly hadn't expected to be targeted; he frantically pushed through the crowd, trying to use the dense beachgoers to conceal his movements.
But Lynn's gaze remained locked on his figure, without the slightest hesitation.
He easily dodged several people in his way, his body flexibly overcoming obstacles, like a professional hunter.
The thief rushed across the beach and ran into a small alley.
Lynn followed closely; shadows crisscrossed the alley, and the air was thick with a humid, hot scent.
The thief seemed to think he had shaken off his pursuer, stopped to catch his breath, and glanced back.
However, Lynn was already standing not far from him, his gaze as sharp as a knife.
"Put the wallet down." Lynn's low voice echoed in the narrow alley, devoid of any emotional fluctuation, yet carrying an irresistible deterrent force.
The thief froze for a moment, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes, but then it turned cunning, "This wallet is mine! You have no right to tell me what to do!"
"Last chance." Lynn's voice remained calm, but the coldness in his gaze was chilling, "Put the wallet down, or I'll take it myself."
The thief hesitated for a second, then suddenly pulled out a small knife from his pocket and swung it at Lynn, "Don't force me!"
Lynn's expression didn't change; he subtly shifted his body to avoid the attack, then struck like lightning, grabbing the thief's knife-holding wrist and twisting it hard.
The thief cried out in pain, and the knife clattered to the ground.
Before he could react, Lynn had pinned him against the wall, his arm firmly controlled.
"You chose the wrong target," Lynn said in a low voice, twisting the thief's other arm behind his back and quickly snatching Kate's wallet back from his hand.
The thief struggled a few times but quickly gave up.
He clearly realized that the man in front of him was not an ordinary vacationing tourist but someone he couldn't afford to provoke.
"Let me go!" The thief's voice trembled slightly, "I just wanted some money, I didn't hurt anyone!"
Lynn gave him a cold look, took out his phone, and dialed the local Police, "This is Brooklyn FBI Agent LynnWhitman.
I've just apprehended a theft suspect in an alley near Hawaii Beach, the address is—"
After he hung up the phone, the thief completely despaired, slumping to the ground, no longer struggling.
A few minutes later, the local Police arrived and took the thief away.
Lynn briefly explained the situation and only left after confirming everything.
When she returned to the beach, Kate was anxiously waiting in place, and as soon as she saw Lynn, she immediately rushed over, "Lynn! Did you find it?"
Lynn handed her the wallet, his tone flat but with a hint of subtle concern, "Check it to see if anything is missing."
Kate took the wallet, opened it, and checked it, then breathed a sigh of relief, "Everything's here, not even the cash is missing.
Oh my God, Lynn, how did you do it?"
"Habit," Lynn simply replied, then raised an eyebrow, "But I have to warn you, be more careful next time, don't just leave your bag lying there."
Kate looked down and smiled, her voice filled with a mix of gratitude and helplessness, "I know, Agent.
Thank you for saving me again."
"Don't make me save you a third time." Lynn looked at her, a complex emotion in his eyes, "This is a vacation, not a dangerous game."
Kate looked up at him, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but she ultimately just smiled and said, "Don't worry, I'll be more careful next time.
After all, you're not always around."
Lynn didn't respond, just nodded, then turned and walked towards the shaded area of the beach.
As night fell, the Hawaii sea breeze, tinged with a faint coconut scent, gently swept across every corner of the island.
Lynn and Kate, dragging their luggage, entered the lobby of the resort hotel.
The hotel's decor was rich in local character; walls were adorned with handmade woven tapestries, bamboo furniture, and soft lighting intertwined, creating a tranquil atmosphere.
Kate stood at the front desk, holding her wallet to check in, while Lynn stood behind her, hands in his pockets, his gaze thoughtfully scanning the surroundings.
He seemed uncomfortable, as if the relaxed atmosphere of the place was at odds with his innate vigilance.
"We have a reservation for a double suite," Kate said with a smile to the front desk attendant.
The front desk attendant was a young local girl; she sized up the two people in front of her, then offered a professional smile, "Alright, the suite is ready for you.
You can enjoy facilities like a private balcony and an ocean-view bathroom; it's a favorite choice for couples."
As soon as she said this, Lynn's eyebrows almost imperceptibly twitched, while Kate froze for a second, then managed an awkward smile.
"Uh... actually," Kate turned her head to glance at Lynn, a hint of uncertainty in her voice, "We're not a couple; we're just... friends."
She specifically emphasized the word "friends."
The attendant girl was clearly surprised, but her professional demeanor allowed her to quickly adjust her expression, "Oh, of course, that's no problem.
However, if you need, we can also arrange two separate rooms for you."
Kate turned back to Lynn, her voice tinged with uncertainty, "Uh, Lynn, what do you think?"
Lynn's gaze calmly met hers, and after a moment, he said flatly, "Two rooms, please."
Kate nodded, secretly relieved, then said to the receptionist, "Then please change it to two rooms for us."
A few minutes later, the two took their room cards and went upstairs in the elevator.
The atmosphere in the elevator was slightly awkward; Kate looked down, fiddling with her room card, seemingly avoiding eye contact with Lynn, while Lynn stood to one side, his gaze fixed on the elevator door, his expression as composed as ever.
"Lynn," Kate finally broke the silence, a hint of helpless amusement in her voice, "I don't know if you'll find it strange, but this scene is a bit like those cheesy romantic comedies."
"Romantic comedy?" Lynn tilted his head slightly to look at her, a hint of faint confusion in his voice.
"Yeah," Kate shrugged, "A man and a woman traveling, only to find they have to stay in the same place, and then sparks fly due to various coincidences.
Have you seen movies like that?"
"No." Lynn's blunt reply almost made Kate laugh out loud.
"You really need to watch more movies, Lynn." Kate shook her head, smiling, "But don't worry, I won't force you to play the male lead in a romantic comedy."
Lynn raised an eyebrow slightly, "That's your specialty, isn't it?"
Kate paused, then laughed, "You really know how to joke, Lynn.
It's rare to hear you say something like that."
The elevator chimed, reaching their floor, and the two stepped out, walking down the hallway to find their respective rooms.
Kate's room was on one side of the corridor, and Lynn's was opposite hers.
She stood at her door, turned to Lynn, and said, "Alright, good night then.
Hope you don't stay up tonight because you're too relaxed."
Lynn looked at her, the corner of his mouth seemed to move slightly, but he said nothing.
He simply nodded, opened his door, and walked inside.
Kate stood there, watching as Lynn's door closed, and couldn't help but let out a soft chuckle.
This man always seemed to amuse her at the most unexpected times.
She returned to her room, opened the window, and the salty sea breeze swept in, the sound of waves hitting the beach clearly audible.
Kate took off her shoes and collapsed onto the bed, but her mind involuntarily replayed the recent scene.
Lynn's expressions, tone, and even his seemingly unintentional dry humor, all struck her as fresh and interesting.
"This vacation is really interesting," she murmured to herself, then smiled and closed her eyes.
Meanwhile, Lynn stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the distant sea.
He held a glass of Water he had just poured from the mini-bar, the room so quiet that only the faint hum of the air conditioning could be heard.
He knew that Kate's invitation to him to come here wasn't just for a vacation.
There was a strong obsession in her character, a desire to make everything better, even including "saving" those she felt were too repressed.
And Lynn knew very well that he was one of her "targets" to be "saved."
"Save," he whispered the word, a nearly imperceptible smile playing on his lips.
He didn't need saving.
He was accustomed to his way of life; one could even say there wasn't much room in his World for so-called "relaxation" or "enjoyment."
But undeniably, some things Kate brought him did make him feel a long-lost... vitality.
The next morning, Kate woke up early, changed into light workout clothes, and prepared for a morning run on the beach near the hotel.
When she opened her door, she found Lynn already standing in the hallway, dressed in dark workout gear, seemingly waiting for her.
"You're up early," Kate said with a smile.
"Just a habit," Lynn said calmly, "Are you going for a run?"
"That's right," Kate raised an eyebrow, "Are you coming too?"
Lynn nodded, walked over to her side, "Just to check the security situation around here."
Kate couldn't help but laugh, "You really can't stop working, can you? Alright, then we'll run together.
But don't think you'll win, I'm a good runner."
Lynn's lips curved into a faint smile, "I'm just following you, don't run too slowly."
Kate paused, then burst into laughter, "Alright, let's see who can run faster."
The two ran side by side towards the beach, the sand soft and damp underfoot, the morning sun casting golden light on the sea, stretching their Shadows long.
Lynn sat in the hotel's outdoor cafe, sunlight filtering through the gaps in the umbrella onto his table.
In the distance was a vast blue sea, waves gently lapping the beach, tourists strolling in twos and threes, and the air was filled with a faint scent of sea salt.
He lowered his head, picked up his coffee cup, and took a sip, but found his gaze unconsciously lingering on Kate not far away.
Kate was on the other side of the lobby, chatting animatedly with a blonde woman in a brightly colored dress.
Her laughter was clear and pleasant, and she occasionally lightly patted the other woman's arm, clearly a long-lost friend.
This was the first time Lynn had seen Kate express such joy; it wasn't the professional facade of Jane the reporter, nor the slightly teasing ease she showed with him, but genuine, heartfelt joy and comfort.
He didn't feel left out; he just found this scene very new.
Kate was always so good at socializing in crowds, while he was accustomed to observing.
He didn't belong in such scenes, or rather, he chose not to integrate.
After a while, Kate seemed to remember something and turned to glance in Lynn's direction.
Her face held an apologetic smile, and then she pulled the blonde woman towards Lynn.
"Lynn!" Kate called out his name loudly, her smile radiant, "Let me introduce you, this is Lisa, my best friend from college.
We haven't seen each other in years, and I can't believe we ran into each other here!"
The blonde woman, Lisa, sized up Lynn, curiosity in her eyes, then extended her hand, "Hello, Kate said you two are traveling together?"
Lynn stood up and politely shook her hand, "Yes.
I'm Lynn."
Lisa raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing in her eyes, "Wow, Kate, since when did your travel buddy become this cool type?"
Kate laughed, lightly pushing Lisa's shoulder, "Don't be like that, Lynn doesn't talk much, but he's actually a very good person."
Lynn didn't respond, just nodded, sat back down, and continued drinking his coffee.
Kate clearly didn't mind Lynn's silence, and Lisa seemed even more curious.
She sat next to Kate and whispered, "Is he your boyfriend?
You know, when you mentioned him just now, your expression was quite something."
Kate was amused by this remark, "Don't talk nonsense, we're just friends."
Lisa raised an eyebrow, a meaningful smile on her lips, "Alright, friends.
It's just that this 'friend's' gaze seems to be constantly on you."
Kate looked up at Lynn and saw that he was calmly looking into the distance, seemingly completely unaware of their conversation.
She let out a soft sigh, then changed the subject, "Alright, let's not talk about this.
What about you?
How are you doing now?
Are you still working as a designer?"
Chapter 218: Probing
Lisa was clearly ignited by this question and began to talk incessantly about her recent life. She spoke of a successful design case she had worked on, mentioned some recent partners, and complained about some minor troubles at work. Kate listened intently, nodding in agreement from time to time and occasionally interjecting with a joke or two.
Lynn just sat there, occasionally looking up at Kate, but more often than not, his gaze lingered on his coffee cup. Lisa's words were like background noise to him; he didn't feel bored or ignored, he just felt that none of it had anything to do with him.
"Kate, you must come to my room and see; I've brought some of my latest design drafts, and I'll show you the jewelry I bought recently while I'm at it," Lisa said excitedly, suddenly grabbing Kate's hand.
Kate hesitated for a moment and looked back at Lynn. "Uh... Lynn, do you mind? I might be gone for a little while."
Lynn shook his head slightly. "Go ahead, I'll just take a rest here."
Kate's expression held a hint of apology as she smiled and patted Lynn on the shoulder. "Alright then, don't wander off too far. Wait for me to come back."
Lynn watched them leave, leaning back against his chair and seeing Kate's figure disappear at the end of the hotel corridor. He set down his coffee cup, lit a cigarette, and looked out at the distant sea through the rising smoke.
Rest? Perhaps, but he knew he wasn't very good at resting. His mind was still racing at high speed; even in this vacation environment, his thinking remained highly alert.
Ten minutes later, Lynn heard a sound that didn't seem quite right.
It was the sound of an argument coming from outside the hotel entrance. He frowned, stubbed out his cigarette, and stood up to walk toward the sound. When he reached the lobby, he saw a tall man arguing with the hotel security; the man seemed furious, and his voice was getting louder and louder.
Lynn's gaze swept over him, and he quickly noticed a bulge at the man's waist. He stepped forward quickly and approached the security guard. "What happened?"
The security guard looked nervous, clearly intimidated by the man's aura. "He's from outside. He seems to have a dispute with one of the guests, but he refuses to leave."
Lynn's gaze turned cold as he looked at the man, his voice low and powerful. "Leave this place. Now."
The man turned his head and seemed to freeze for a moment upon seeing Lynn, but he immediately showed a look of disdain. "Who are you? Hotel security or the Police?"
Lynn approached step by step, his eyes piercing into the man's heart like a knife. "It doesn't matter who I am; you shouldn't be causing trouble here. I'll say it again: leave."
The man instinctively took a step back, but his expression remained stubborn. He looked like he wanted to say something, but as Lynn got close enough, he involuntarily raised his hands and slowly backed away. "Fine, fine, I'm going."
After watching the man leave, Lynn turned to the security guard and said, "Next time you encounter this situation, call the Police directly."
The security guard nodded, his face full of gratitude. "Thank you, sir."
When Lynn returned to the cafe, Kate and Lisa were walking out of the hotel corridor. Kate was clearly happy, holding several of Lisa's design drafts in her hand and excitedly telling her something.
"Lynn!" Kate's voice came through the crowd as she walked quickly to him. "How long have you been waiting here? I'm so sorry, Lisa had so many things to show me."
"It's fine." Lynn glanced at her, his tone calm. "I just had something to take care of."
Kate frowned. "What was it?"
"Nothing," Lynn replied flatly. "Just some guy making a scene; it's already settled."
A flash of worry crossed Kate's eyes as she looked at him, but it was soon replaced by a smile. "Alright, it seems you always have a way of settling trouble. I'll buy you a drink later as an apology."
Lynn nodded without saying much more.
As night fell, the streets of Hawaii remained bustling. Fragrances wafted from roadside stalls, and tourists in light summer clothes wandered in groups of two or three or flooded into the brightly lit bars and restaurants. The air was filled with upbeat music and the low murmur of distant waves, as if the entire city had fallen into a state of lazy relaxation.
Lynn stood outside a low-key bar with his hands in his pockets, calmly looking at the neon sign at the entrance. Kate and Lisa had gone out together a few hours ago, saying they were going for a "walk on the beach." But Lynn's intuition told him something wasn't right.
He wasn't someone who easily suspected others, but some of Lisa's actions made him feel vaguely uneasy. Her smile was too forced, and there seemed to be something unspoken hidden in her words. Combined with her sudden disappearance tonight, Lynn's intuition told him that Lisa was hiding a secret.
He pushed open the bar door and walked in discreetly. The lights inside were dim, the air thick with the smell of alcohol and tobacco. A band played lively music in the corner, and a few tourists danced happily on the dance floor; the atmosphere seemed harmless.
Lynn swept his gaze across the room, his eyes quickly locking onto the target like radar. He saw Lisa. She was sitting at the bar, wearing a dress even more vibrant than the one she wore during the day, her makeup much heavier. She was talking to a man with a professional smile on her face, while the man's hand rested suggestively on her shoulder.
Lynn stood at the door, his brow furrowing slightly. He didn't rush into action but chose to approach the other side of the bar, ordered a drink, and watched quietly.
Lisa seemed to be handling it with ease, her finger lightly tracing the rim of her glass as she spoke to the man in a soft tone. But from the occasional flicker in her eyes, Lynncaptured a hint of unease and exhaustion. That wasn't the gaze of someone enjoying the moment, but that of someone wearing a mask.
"Why is she here?" Lynn wondered to himself. Everything Lisa had told Kate during the day pointed toward a respectable lifestyle. The design work she mentioned and her life experiences were completely at odds with the scene before him.
A few minutes later, the man seemed to have had a bit too much to drink; his movements became more bold as his hand slid from Lisa's shoulder toward her waist. Lisa's smile stiffened for a moment, and she seemed to want to pull away, but not wanting to draw attention, she could only maintain her facade of naturalness.
Lynn's gaze turned cold. He set down his glass and stood up to walk toward Lisa. His steps were steady and powerful, as if the noise of the entire bar couldn't interfere with his aura.
"Lisa." Lynn's low voice came from behind, interrupting the man's movements.
Lisa's body froze instantly. She whipped her head around, and when she saw Lynn, the smile on her face vanished halfway, replaced by a complex mix of emotions—surprise, panic, and a hint of irrepressible shame.
"Lynn? Why are you here?" She forced a smile, trying to cover her awkwardness.
Lynn didn't answer but looked coldly at the man, his gaze like a blade. "I need to talk to her. You can leave."
The man was clearly a bit dazed from drinking, but he could see that Lynn's attitude brooked no argument. He stood up reluctantly, spat out a curse, and staggered away.
Lisa frowned and stood up to leave, but Lynn blocked her path.
"What are you doing?" she whispered, her tone carrying a hint of annoyance. "This is my business; it has nothing to do with you."
"Does Kate know what you're doing here?" Lynn ignored her protest and threw the question directly at her, staring at her without blinking.
Lisa's expression changed. Her lips moved as if she wanted to argue, but in the end, she said nothing. After a moment, she lowered her head and let out a long sigh.
"Fine." Her voice became low and weary. "Since you've seen it, there's no point in hiding it. Kate doesn't know, and I don't want her to know."
Lynn didn't reply, just watched her quietly, waiting for her to continue.
Lisa looked up, a flash of anger and self-mockery in her eyes. "Did you think I was that successful designer she talked about? No, my job has been gone for a long time. My life is a mess, I need money, and this is my only way."
"Accompanying men for drinks?" Lynn's voice had no emotional fluctuation, but it made Lisa instinctively tense up.
"Yes," Lisa said through gritted teeth. "Drinking with them, making men happy, earning enough money to pay off the debts I've incurred. I have no choice."
Lynn's frown deepened. "You could choose to tell Kate; she would help you."
"Help me?" Lisa scoffed. "Kate is a good person, but she would never understand. She would try to change me, try to'save' me. But do you know what? I don't need her sympathy. I just want to solve these problems myself."
Lynn was silent for a moment. His gaze remained calm, but his tone became a bit lower. "Your approach will only lead you into deeper trouble."
"That's my business, isn't it?" Lisa's tone held a touch of stubbornness. "Lynn, I know you and Kate are close, but I don't need you to manage my life."
Lynn didn't say anything more. He just reached into his pocket, pulled out a hundred-dollar bill, and placed it on the bar. "You don't need to stay here tonight."
Lisa looked at the bill, her lips moving and a flash of hesitation appearing in her eyes, but in the end, she sighed softly and didn't refuse.
"Thank you," she whispered, then picked up her bag and turned to leave the bar.
Lynn stood there, watching her figure gradually disappear into the crowd.
The next morning, the Hawaii sunlight flooded the hotel terrace. Coconut trees swayed gently in the wind, and the sound of the waves was soft and rhythmic, like some secret call. Lynn stood on the terrace with a cup of hot coffee in his hand, his gaze on the distant sea. His face was calm as usual, but his heart couldn't completely settle after the events of last night.
Lisa's plea and that sentence "Don't tell Kate" kept echoing in his mind. As an Agent, he was used to discovering secrets and uncovering the truth. But this time, he was facing a completely different situation. Not a criminal, not an enemy, but Kate's friend. Someone who needed help yet insisted on refusing to let Kate know the truth.
"She wouldn't like knowing," he whispered to the wind, as if finding a reason for his choice.
The sound of the doorbell interrupted his thoughts. He turned and opened the door to see Kate standing there with her usual light smile. She was wearing a light blue dress with her hair tied casually behind her head, looking more relaxed than usual yet still so vibrant.
"Good morning, Lynn." She raised her hand and shook a bag of fresh bread. "I just bought some breakfast at the bakery downstairs and brought some for you too. I figured you'd just make do with some coffee again, right?"
Lynn glanced at the coffee cup in his hand and nodded slightly. "Good morning. You're up early."
"It's a vacation after all; I can't waste such a beautiful morning." Kate walked into the room, went straight to the small table, and set the breakfast down. She looked up at Lynn, her tone carrying a hint of a probe. "Where did you go last night? I found you weren't here when I got back."
Lynn paused for a second but quickly regained his composure. "Just went out for a walk."
Kate narrowed her eyes and stared at him. "What a brief answer. You're always so mysterious."
"I'm used to it." Lynn's tone was flat, but he didn't look her in the eye. He knew Kate's intuition was sharp; if he said one word too many, it would only make her suspicious.
Kate shrugged and didn't press further. She opened the paper bag and took out the warm bread. "Alright, I'm not going to interrogate you. Let's eat something, then we can decide on today's plans."
Lynn sat down, his gaze passing over the bread Katehanded him, but he found it hard to focus his attention on breakfast. He wasn't good at lying, and the Kate before him was clearly oblivious to Lisa's situation. This feeling of concealment made him a bit uneasy, but he also understood that some things had to be kept silent.
"Does Lisa have plans today?" Lynn asked casually, attempting to probe.
Kate took a bite of bread and shook her head. "She said she has nothing scheduled all day and might just want to rest in the hotel. I was going to ask her to go out together, but she said she wanted to sleep in. Why do you ask?"
"Nothing." Lynn's answer was clean and crisp, as if he had just mentioned it in passing.
Kate tilted her head and looked at him for a few seconds, the corners of her mouth curling up slightly. "Lynn, do you know? Sometimes I'm really curious about what's going on in your head. You're always like this, asking seemingly meaningless questions, but I know you must be thinking about something complicated."
Lynn didn't answer but lowered his head and took a sip of coffee.
Kate stared at him for a while, then suddenly laughed. "Alright, I won't disturb your 'deep thoughts.' I've already booked a short trip for today; we can take a boat to a nearby island. What do you think?"
Lynn looked up, saw her expectant expression, and nodded. "Sure."
Kate's smile grew even brighter. "Great! I promise this time won't make you feel bored."}
Chapter 219 Unquestionable Firmness
The one-day excursion was much more relaxed than Lynnhad anticipated.
The island scenery was beautiful, the water crystal clear, and the sunlight spilled onto the beach, like a layer of golden brilliance.
Kate seemed completely immersed in the holiday atmosphere, chatting with local guides from time to time, and taking many photos.
Lynn, however, maintained his usual low profile and calmness, following beside her like a silent Guardian.
But even in such an environment, Lynn's mind could not completely calm down.
He occasionally thought of Lisa, of her expression in the bar, and her request.
He knew that if Kate ever learned the truth, she might be greatly affected.
And his current silence was only delaying the time for this truth to be revealed.
"Lynn!" Kate's voice interrupted his thoughts.
Lynn came back to his senses and saw Kate standing by a reef, waving at him, "Come over quickly, the scenery here is amazing!"
Lynn walked over and stood beside her, his gaze sweeping across the sea before them.
Waves crashed against the reef, splashing countless tiny Water droplets, and the sunlight shone on the Water surface, reflecting dazzling light.
"It's very good," Lynn said softly.
Kate looked at his profile, a slight smile appearing at the corner of her mouth, "Do you know? I think you are actually very suitable for a place like this.
Quiet, peaceful, far from dangerous missions and complex cases."
Lynn did not answer, only nodded slightly.
Kate sighed, her gaze returning to the sea, "I really wish every day could be as simple as today.
No complicated interpersonal relationships, no unsolvable problems.
Just sunshine, the sea, and… friends."
Her voice lowered, but her tone was unusually sincere.
Lynn's gaze turned to her, and after a moment of silence, he said softly, "Simplicity is not easily obtained."
Kate smiled softly, "Yes, but that's why we should cherish it even more, right?"
Lynn did not answer, but looked into her eyes, which held no hidden emotions, only a frank purity.
At this moment, he suddenly felt that his choice might be correct.
Hiding Lisa's matter could at least allow Kate to have more of these "simple times."
As for what happened afterward, he would try his best to find a better solution.
"Kate," Lynn said softly, with an unusual tenderness in his voice, "Some things, the simpler, the better."
Kate turned to look at him, seemingly not fully understanding his meaning, but still nodded, "I think you're right, Lynn.
Some things don't need to be too complicated."
The two stood on the reef, their gaze fixed on the sea.
The warm sunlight fell on them, and the sea breeze gently blew, as if temporarily dispersing all complex emotions.
The hotel at night was still immersed in the lazy atmosphere of Hawaii, with soft lights illuminating the corridors and lobby, exuding a relaxing warmth.
Kate and Lynn walked into the hotel lobby one after another, ending their day trip to the island.
Kate had a smile on her face, humming some tune softly from time to time, showing she was in a good mood.
"I need to go back to my room to shower first, then come down to chat with Lisa," Kate glanced at Lynn, her tone relaxed, "Today was really great, Lynn.
Thank goodness you finally don't have a tense look on your face."
Lynn just nodded, his face still bearing his usual calmness.
He instinctively remained vigilant but didn't say much.
He knew Kate was in a good mood, and he didn't want to spoil this rare moment of relaxation.
Kate took her room key and turned to go upstairs, while Lynn lingered in the lobby, ordering a coffee and quietly sitting in a corner, his gaze occasionally sweeping towards the elevator.
He was still thinking about Lisa's matter; those unresolved questions loomed like a Shadow in his mind.
About twenty minutes later, faint voices came from Kate's room, but soon, those voices became sharp, mixed with a hint of tension and unease.
Lynn's intuition told him something was wrong; he quickly got up, walked to the elevator in a few steps, and pressed the floor button.
The moment the elevator door closed, his hand had already quietly pressed on the holster at his waist.
When Lynn reached Kate's door, he heard the conversation inside.
"Lisa! What exactly is going on?" Kate's voice was urgent and angry, "Your arms, your legs… How did these scars get there?
Don't tell me this is just an accident!"
Lynn frowned slightly; he knew Kate had discovered something.
The air inside seemed to solidify because of this conversation; he stood outside the door, listening quietly.
"Kate, don't ask!" Lisa's voice clearly showed panic; she tried to cover her emotions, but the more she did, the more powerless she appeared, "I'm fine, these… are just minor accidents, nothing big."
"Accident? Do you think I'll believe that nonsense?" Kate raised her voice, with an unignorable determination in her tone, "Lisa, I'm your friend, I know you're hiding something from me.
If you don't tell me the truth, I won't let you off!"
A moment of silence fell inside the room, followed by the sound of a chair being dragged, as if Lisa had sat down.
Her voice became low and tired, "Kate, I really don't want to get you involved.
This is my business, I'll handle it myself."
Kate's voice was still firm, but with a slight choke, "Your business?
Lisa, you're covered in injuries, your face is as White as a ghost, and you tell me you can handle it?
Don't lie to me! You're destroying yourself!"
Hearing this, Lynn felt it was necessary to intervene.
He pushed the door open.
Kate suddenly turned her head; when she saw Lynn, she paused, but quickly turned her gaze back to Lisa, "Lynn, you came just in time.
Help me ask her what exactly is going on."
Lisa looked up at Lynn, a complex expression flashing across her face, a mix of shame and panic.
She bit her lip, her voice carrying a hint of resistance, "Lynn… you know too, right?
Please don't let Kate know, I beg you."
Kate's gaze moved back and forth between the two; she quickly sensed something, and her tone suddenly became even more tense, "Lynn! What do you know?
She just said you know?"
Lynn stood at the doorway, silent for a moment, then walked into the room, his gaze calmly falling on Lisa.
His voice was low and firm, without any extra emotion, "Lisa, if you continue to hide it, you will only make things worse.
Tell Kate now, or you will lose her trust."
Lisa's eyes instantly turned red; she lowered her head, gripping the hem of her clothes tightly, seemingly trying to control her emotions.
But finally, she let out a long sigh, her voice so low it was almost inaudible, "Kate, I… I owe some people money, a very large sum.
Those people are not ordinary debt collectors; they… they are very dangerous."
Kate's eyes widened, her anger instantly replaced by shock, "Debt? Why are you in debt?
Lisa, you never mentioned any of this to me!"
"Because I didn't want you to worry!" Lisa looked up, her voice trembling slightly, "I knew you would be like this, Kate, I didn't want to get you involved.
Those people… they are thugs, gangsters.
If I don't pay them back, they will come after me; they've already come after me many times… These injuries are their 'reminders'."
Kate's face instantly turned pale; she walked step by step to Lisa, trying to grab her hand, but Lisa subconsciously recoiled, seemingly afraid to meet her gaze.
"Why didn't you tell me?" Kate said softly, a hint of suppressed pain in her voice, "Lisa, you are my best friend.
Do you think I would stand by and do nothing in a situation like this?"
"It's precisely because you are my best friend that I didn't want you to know!" Lisa's tears finally fell, her voice choked, "Kate, your life is so good; you're a reporter, you have your own goals and dreams.
And me… my life is a mess.
I don't want to drag you down."
Kate's eyes also reddened; she reached out and hugged Lisa, her voice as firm as a stone, "Lisa, no matter what you think, I won't let you face these things alone.
We will solve it, no matter who those people are, they cannot do this to you."
Lisa trembled slightly in Kate's embrace but said nothing.
Lynn stood aside, his gaze still calm, but with a hint of complex emotion in his eyes.
He knew Kate's personality; she wouldn't let go, but this matter was far more dangerous than she imagined.
If Lisa's debt was truly related to a gang, then things would certainly not be simple.
"Kate," Lynn's voice broke the silence in the room; he walked to the two of them, his gaze sweeping between Kate and Lisa, "This matter cannot be solved by just the two of you.
If you try to directly contact those people, you will only make things worse."
Kate looked up at him, a hint of pleading in her eyes, "Then what should we do, Lynn?
We can't just do nothing, can we?"
Lynn pondered for a moment, then nodded, "I will handle this matter.
But Kate, you must listen to me.
I need all the details—how much money Lisa owes, to whom, and the background of the other party."
Lisa lowered her head, hesitated for a while, and finally said softly, "They are a local underground organization called the 'Kavana Group'.
I owe them twenty-five thousand U.S. dollars… it's because…" She gritted her teeth, "It was because of a failed investment before.
I thought I could turn it around, but in the end, I got deeper and deeper."
Lynn's gaze darkened; he knew this was far more complicated than it appeared on the surface.
But at this moment, he had only one goal—to protect Kate and Lisa, to prevent them from being swallowed by these dangers.
"I will find out," Lynn's voice was as calm as a rock, "But from now on, Kate, you must follow my arrangements.
You cannot act rashly, understand?"
Kate looked at him and nodded, but her gaze remained firm, "I will listen to you, Lynn, but no matter what, I will not let Lisa face these things alone."
Lynn said nothing more; he just nodded, then turned and left the room.
The night was deep, and the streets of Hawaii were still filled with the strong scent of alcohol and cheerful laughter.
The lights of the bar street were bright, and the colorful neon signs were like jumping musical notes, scattered on the wet ground.
Behind every door, different stories unfolded; some raised their glasses in celebration, others bowed their heads in solitary sorrow.
Kate and Lynn walked side by side down this street, their atmosphere out of place with the surrounding liveliness.
Kate's expression was stern, her eyes filled with an unshakeable determination.
Lynn, however, maintained his usual calmness, but his steps were slightly heavy.
He knew that tonight's operation would not be easy.
"Lynn, why didn't you tell me earlier?" Kate's voice suddenly broke the silence.
She didn't stop walking, her eyes fixed on the front, but her tone carried a hint of complaint.
Lynn turned his head to look at her, his voice flat, yet with an undeniable rationality, "Because she didn't want you to know.
Lisa asked me; she didn't want to get you involved."
"But I'm her best friend!" Kate's voice slightly rose, her steps pausing as she turned to look at Lynn, her tone revealing a certain pain, "She thinks she can solve these things alone, but she can't.
If you hadn't told me, how much longer would she have kept it from me?"
"That's also why I told you," Lynn's gaze was as sharp as a hawk, falling on Kate's face, his voice low but convincing, "But Kate, you must understand that your involvement is very likely to make things more complicated.
You are too emotional; this kind of thing requires calmness."
Kate's lips pressed into a thin line, clearly suppressing her emotions.
She took a deep breath, trying to calm herself, then said in a slightly softer tone, "Okay, maybe you're right.
But no matter what, I can't just stand by and watch her suffer like this.
She is my friend, and I have a responsibility to help her."
Lynn said nothing more, just nodded.
He knew Kate's personality; it was impossible to persuade her to give up.
And he also understood that the danger potentially hidden behind this matter far exceeded Kate's imagination.
They quickly arrived at the target bar.
It was an inconspicuous place, even a bit dilapidated in appearance, but the neon lights at the entrance were still bright, and the faint sounds of music and crowd chatter could be heard from inside.
Kate stood at the entrance, took a deep breath, then turned to look at Lynn.
"Let's go in," she said softly, with an undeniable firmness in her voice.
Lynn nodded and pushed open the bar door.
The bar was smoky, dimly lit, and the air was filled with the smell of cheap alcohol and noisy chatter.
Lynn's gaze quickly swept around, noting every exit and suspicious person.
His intuition told him that this place was not as simple as it appeared on the surface.
Kate, however, immediately saw the owner standing behind the bar.
He was a middle-aged man, wearing a wrinkled shirt, with a shrewd and impatient expression on his face.
He was polishing a glass, occasionally looking up at customers, seeming to maintain vigilance towards everyone.
Kate walked directly to the bar, her voice cold, "We need to talk to you."
Chapter 220 Debt Problem
The boss looked up at her, then swept his gaze over Lynn.
His eyes lingered on Lynn for a moment, as if he noticed something unusual, but he didn't show much emotion.
"Sorry, miss, we don't offer free consultation services here," the boss continued wiping glasses, a hint of teasing in his tone.
Kate wasn't deterred by his attitude; instead, she placed her hands directly on the bar, leaning closer, "We're here to ask about Lisa.
She works here, right?"
The boss's movements paused for a second, then he revealed a malicious smile, "Lisa?
Are you talking about the beautiful blonde girl?
She does work here, but I don't think her affairs have anything to do with you."
"Cut the crap," Kate's voice suddenly turned cold, her eyes sharp with a dangerous edge, "I know her situation is inseparable from your bar.
She owes money, right?
Did you act as a go-between, introducing her to those creditors?"
The boss's face changed slightly, but quickly returned to calm.
He put down the glass in his hand, propped his hands on the bar, and said in a low voice, "Little girl, do you know what you're saying?
I'm just a bar owner, making money to support my family, that's all.
As for who Lisa owes money to, that's her own business."
Kate was about to retort but was stopped by Lynn's outstretched hand.
Lynn stepped forward, his voice calm and carrying an undeniable authority, "You know about Lisa's debt problem, and you also know that she's been threatened because of these debts.
I don't care what role you played in this matter, but if you continue to conceal it, I promise you'll have more trouble."
The boss's gaze met Lynn's, and the smile on his face gradually disappeared.
He narrowed his eyes, trying to see through Lynn's identity, but ultimately just let out a cold snort and leaned back.
"Alright, what do you want to know?" he finally spoke, a hint of impatience in his tone.
"Who is pressuring Lisa?" Lynn's voice was low and cold, "Who does she owe money to?"
The boss hesitated, clearly reluctant to speak, but under Lynn's suffocating gaze, he finally spoke, "The Kavanagh Group.
She owes them money, and those people aren't good news."
"How did you get involved?" Kate immediately pressed, her eyes filled with anger, "Don't tell me you're completely innocent."
The boss sighed, spreading his hands, "She came to me, said she needed money, and asked if I could help her.
I just offered her an 'opportunity' to work here and earn some extra cash.
She's an adult; she made her own choices, don't blame me."
Kate's fists clenched, her voice growing colder, "You knew she had no other choice, and yet you took advantage of her."
Lynn reached out and pressed Kate's shoulder, signaling her to calm down.
Then he turned to the boss, his tone still stern, "When will these people come looking for her?"
The boss hesitated, then said in a low voice, "Within the next two days, I'd say.
They've been pressing very hard recently, saying they'll 'take action' if she doesn't pay up."
Lynn nodded, then said coldly, "Good.
I hope you remember, if they come here again, you must tell me immediately."
The boss grunted, seemingly reluctant, but still nodded, "Alright, I'll keep an eye out."
Kate looked at the boss's expression, her anger still not subsiding, but Lynn's composure kept her from further outburst.
She took a deep breath, pulled Lynn, and turned to leave the bar.
Walking onto the street, Kate finally couldn't help but speak, "Lynn, we can't just sit back and do nothing.
Those people will really hurt Lisa."
Lynn's gaze was as steady as ice, and he said in a low voice, "I know.
Therefore, we must find a more effective way before they act."
Kate looked into his eyes, then nodded after a moment, "I trust you.
But we can't fail, Lynn.
Lisa's safety depends entirely on us."
Lynn's lips slightly pursed; he said nothing more.
As night fell, Lynn and Kate stood outside an abandoned warehouse, the faint glow of neon lights reflecting on the damp ground, the entire scene exuding a dangerous aura.
This was the designated meeting place for the creditors—the Kavanagh Group.
Lynn's hands were in the pockets of his trench coat, his gaze stern and sharp.
Beside him, Kate clutched her bag strap, her face seemingly calm, but Lynn knew her heart was burning with anxiety and anger.
"Are you sure this is how we can solve the problem?" Kate asked in a low voice, a hint of doubt and unease in her tone, "These people aren't the reasonable type."
"There are many ways to solve problems," Lynn's voice was low and steady, carrying his usual calmness, "But first, we need to know their bottom line and what tricks they're really playing."
Kate nodded, but her fingertips were slightly white from tension.
She had already witnessed Lynn's calmness and decisiveness, but this situation was different—this wasn't an ordinary case, but a predicament her best friend was deeply entangled in.
A few minutes later, a man in a dark suit walked out of the warehouse, followed by two tall bodyguards.
His face wore a fake smile, the kind of professional indifference that immediately revealed his dangerous nature.
"So you're here to pay Lisa's debt?" the man asked with a hint of mockery in his tone, his eyes sizing up Lynn and Kate.
"Yes," Lynn's voice was calm and firm.
He took a manila envelope from his trench coat and handed it to the other party, "Here's twenty-five thousand U.S. dollars, the full amount.
I hope that once you've taken the money, you'll leave her alone completely."
The man didn't rush to take the envelope; instead, he sneered, "Twenty-five thousand U.S. dollars?
That is indeed the amount Lisa owes, but it's not that simple, friend.
We've extended her deadline several times, and we've put in a lot of effort to 'remind' her.
I think the value of this debt now isn't something twenty-five thousand can solve."
Kate's eyes widened, her voice suppressing anger, "What are you saying?
You clearly know her situation, and yet you're raising the price?"
The man turned to look at Kate, a malicious smile playing on his lips, "Business is business, sweetheart.
Do you think we're doing charity?"
"Don't waste words on her," Lynn interrupted him, his voice as low as a block of ice, "How much money do you want?"
The man's expression instantly turned greedy, a cunning glint in his eyes, "Fifty thousand."
"Fifty thousand?" Kate almost shouted, losing control, "Are you crazy?
This is extortion!"
The man shrugged, putting on an innocent look, "Say what you will, fifty thousand is the current price.
If you don't want to pay, then let Lisa continue to 'work'; maybe she can earn us something else back."
Kate's face turned pale with anger; she was about to rush forward and argue but was stopped by Lynn's raised hand.
His movement wasn't large, but it carried an undeniable force.
"We won't give you fifty thousand," Lynn's tone was still calm, but his voice was as low as suppressed thunder, "You've already taken enough profit.
If you don't accept twenty-five thousand, you won't get a single cent of this money."
The man's smile disappeared.
He narrowed his eyes, looking coldly at Lynn, "Are you threatening me, friend?
Do you know who you're talking to?"
"I know," Lynn met his gaze without flinching, his eyes as cold as a blade, "I also know that people like you never intended to let Lisa go.
Even if we gave you fifty thousand, you'd find other excuses to keep harassing her."
The man's face changed; he clearly hadn't expected Lynnto see through him so completely.
His hand slowly clenched, and then he signaled the bodyguards behind him to step forward.
"Friend, I don't like your attitude," the man's voice became low and dangerous, "We have rules for how we do things, but if you insist on causing trouble, we won't be polite either."
The bodyguard stepped closer to Lynn, his tall Shadow engulfing him.
But Lynn didn't even blink; his hand had already silently moved to his waist.
When Kate saw this, she immediately realized the atmosphere was already tense; her heart rate accelerated, and she forced herself to calm down, "Wait!
Don't move!"
She stood beside Lynn, trying to ease the tension, "We can talk—twenty-five thousand is all we could raise.
If you raise the price again, it will only complicate things.
We're not here to cause trouble; we just want to solve the problem."
The man glanced at Kate, seemingly appreciating her stance, but his tone still carried a threat, "Sweetheart, no one in this World gets something for nothing.
You have to pay the price."
"Price?" Lynn sneered, his voice low with a hint of chill, "Then why don't you try the price you can bear?"
His hand was already steadily on the gun handle, his gaze so cold it sent shivers down one's spine.
The two bodyguards clearly noticed Lynn's movement; they exchanged glances, as if confirming what to do next.
The scene instantly became oppressive, the air seemingly filled with a tense sense of danger.
The man was silent for a few seconds, finally revealing a stiff smile, "Alright, friend, it seems you have a lot of guts.
But you'd better remember, we don't just live by scaring people."
He waved his hand, signaling the bodyguards to retreat, then took the envelope from Lynn's hand, opened it, and glanced inside, "Twenty-five thousand... consider yourselves lucky.
We'll take this money, and from now on, Lisa's debt is completely settled."
"You'd better remember your words," Lynn's tone was still suffocatingly cold, "If I hear you bothering Lisa again, I'll make you regret today's decision."
The man's smile gradually disappeared, his gaze dark as he looked at Lynn, but ultimately said nothing.
He turned and walked into the warehouse, the two bodyguards following closely behind him, closing the door heavily.
Kate stood rooted to the spot, taking a deep breath, trying to calm her inner tension.
She turned to look at Lynn, finding his expression still calm, but his eyes held an undeniable resolve.
"Lynn..." Kate said softly, "Thank you.
If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have known what to do."
Lynn looked at her, his voice calm, "This isn't over yet.
Lisa is safe now, but I don't believe these people will just stop here."
Kate nodded, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, "Anyway, I'm very grateful that you're willing to help.
Lisa's fate cannot be destroyed by these people like this."
Lynn didn't reply, just took a deep look in the direction of the warehouse, then turned and left.
Late at night, Lynn and Kate finally returned to the hotel.
The lobby lights were dim and soft, with only the yawning front desk attendant on duty, and the corridor was empty, appearing unusually quiet.
Kate walked silently beside Lynn, her face a mix of exhaustion and complex emotions, making her seem a bit distracted.
"Are you alright?" Lynn asked in a low voice, breaking the silence.
He turned his head to glance at Kate, a rare gentleness in his tone.
Kate stopped, leaned against the corridor wall, and took a deep breath, "I don't know.
Those people just now were absolute bastards.
I really can't believe Lisa faced them alone for so long... How much pressure must she have endured, Lynn?
I can't even imagine."
Lynn watched her, a touch of complexity in his gaze, "Lisadid endure a lot, but she's safe now.
That's the most important thing."
Kate nodded, tears welling up in her eyes, "I just... I just feel like I missed too much.
She's my best friend, but I knew nothing.
She went through so much, and I only found out now.
Lynn, it makes me feel like a terrible friend."
"You're already doing everything you can," Lynn's voice was low and firm, as if trying to calm her heart, "Sometimes, people don't speak because they don't want others to see their vulnerability.
You're not a terrible friend, Kate.
Lisa needs time; she needs to know that someone supports her."
Kate pursed her lips, sniffled, "You're right.
I can't let her continue like this.
She needs a change, a new beginning."
Lynn said nothing more, just nodded.
The two continued walking towards their room.
When they returned to Lisa's room, the door was ajar, and light seeped out from within.
Kate knocked on the door, pushed it open, and walked in, with Lynn following behind her.
The air in the room was a bit stuffy; Lisa sat by the window, hugging her knees, looking down at the floor.
She seemed not to have heard them enter.
"Lisa," Kate called softly, walking to her side and sitting on the bed.
Lisa looked up, her eyes red, clearly having just cried.
She tried to force a smile, but it looked incredibly strained, "You're back."
"We've resolved your debt problem," Kate said directly, with an undeniable firmness in her tone, "You don't need to worry about those people bothering you anymore."
Lisa's eyes widened for a moment, then she lowered her head, muttering, "You shouldn't have interfered... This isn't your business; I was going to solve it myself."
"You couldn't solve it at all, Lisa," Kate's tone suddenly became intense, a mixture of anger and heartache, "You alone facing these bastards?
Using your body, using your dignity?
Do you know how far these people would push you?
You had no chance!"