Chapter 217 We Are Just Friends
Lynn's body tensed instantly, as if some instinctive switch had been triggered. He quickly walked in that direction, his movements light and swift, like a hunting leopard. The man seemed to have noticed something, suddenly grabbed Kate's wallet, turned around and rushed into the crowd.

"Kate!" Lynn called out softly, motioning her to turn around.

Kate was holding an ice cream when she turned around and saw the thief's back and the empty beach chair. She was stunned, "My wallet!?"

Lin En had already rushed out, chasing the thief along the beach. His steps were steady and powerful, each step closing the distance between him and his target. Visitors nearby saw this scene and stopped to watch, some even taking out their phones to record the scene.

The thief, clearly caught off guard, frantically pushed through the crowd, attempting to conceal his presence using the dense crowd of tourists on the beach. But Lin En's gaze remained fixed on him, unwavering. He easily dodged several people blocking his path, nimbly navigating obstacles like a professional hunter.

The thief rushed across the beach and ran into an alley. Lin En followed closely behind. The alley was full of shadows and the air was filled with a hot and humid smell. The thief seemed to think he had shaken off his pursuer. He stopped to catch his breath and glanced back.

However, Lin En was already standing not far from him, his eyes as cold as a knife.

"Put down your wallet." Lynn's deep voice echoed in the narrow alley, without any emotional fluctuations, but with an irresistible deterrent force.

The thief was stunned for a moment, a trace of panic flashed in his eyes, but then he became cunning, "This wallet is mine! You have no right to control me!"

"One last time." Lynn's voice remained calm, but the coldness in her eyes made people shudder. "Put your wallet down, or I'll take it myself."

The thief hesitated for a second, then suddenly pulled out a knife from his pocket and swung it at Lin En, "Don't push me!"

Lin En's expression remained unchanged. He gently sidestepped the opponent's attack and then, with lightning speed, grabbed the thief's wrist holding the knife and twisted it hard. The thief screamed, and the knife in his hand fell to the ground. Before he could react, Lin En had already pinned him against the wall, his arm firmly restrained.

"You chose the wrong target." Lynn whispered, and then he twisted the thief's other hand behind his back and quickly snatched Kate's wallet from him.

The thief struggled a few times but soon gave up. He clearly realized that the man in front of him was not an ordinary vacationer, but someone he could not afford to offend.

"Let me go!" The thief's voice was trembling. "I just want some money. I didn't hurt anyone!"

Lynn gave him a cold look, took out her phone and called the local police. "This is Brooklyn FBI Agent Lynn Wittman. I just caught a theft suspect in an alley near Hawaii Beach. The address is—"

After the call was disconnected, the thief was completely desperate. He collapsed on the ground and stopped struggling.

A few minutes later, local police arrived and took the thief away. Lin En briefly explained the situation and confirmed everything before leaving.

When they returned to the beach, Kate was standing there anxiously waiting. When she saw Lin En, she immediately rushed over, "Lynn! Did you find it?"

Lin En handed her the wallet, her tone calm but with a hint of subtle concern, "Check to see if anything is missing."

Kate took the wallet, opened it and checked it, then breathed a sigh of relief. "Everything is there, even the cash is not missing. Oh my God, Lynn, how did you do it?"

"It's a habit." Lin En answered simply, then raised an eyebrow. "But I have to remind you, be careful next time and don't leave your bag lying around."

Kate lowered her head and smiled, with a hint of gratitude and helplessness in her tone, "I understand, Mr. Agent. Thank you for saving me again."

"Don't make me save you a third time." Lin En looked at her with a complicated look in his eyes. "This is a vacation, not a dangerous game."

Kate looked up at him, a complex emotion flashing in her eyes, but in the end she just smiled and said, "Don't worry, I will be more careful next time. After all, you are not always there."

Lynn didn't respond, just nodded, then turned and walked towards the shade of the beach.

As night fell, the Hawaiian ocean breeze, mingled with the faint scent of coconut, gently wafted across every corner of the island. Linn and Kate, dragging their luggage, entered the resort's lobby. The hotel's decor was rich in local flavor, with handwoven tapestries draped across the walls. Bamboo furniture and soft lighting intertwined to create a tranquil atmosphere.

Kate stood at the front desk, checking in with her wallet, while Lynn stood behind her, his hands in his pockets, his eyes darting around thoughtfully. He looked uncomfortable, as if the relaxed atmosphere of the place didn't mesh with his natural defensiveness.

"We have booked a double suite." Kate said to the receptionist with a smile.

The receptionist was a young local girl. She took a look at the two people in front of her and then smiled professionally. "Okay, the suite is ready for you. You can enjoy the facilities of a private balcony and a bathroom with a sea view. This is a favorite choice for couples."

As soon as these words came out, Lynn's eyebrows raised almost invisibly, while Kate was stunned for a second, and then showed an awkward smile.

"Uh...actually," Kate glanced sideways at Lynn, a hint of uncertainty in her tone, "We're not a couple, we're just...friends." She deliberately emphasized the word "friends."

The receptionist was obviously a little surprised, but her professionalism allowed her to quickly adjust her expression. "Oh, of course, that's no problem. However, if you need, we can also help you adjust to two rooms."

Kate turned back to look at Lynn, her tone a little uncertain, "Uh, Lynn, what do you think?"

Lin En looked at her calmly, and after a moment, he said calmly, "Let's have two rooms."

Kate nodded, secretly relieved, and then said to the receptionist, "Then please help us change to two rooms."

A few minutes later, the two took the elevator upstairs with their room cards. The atmosphere in the elevator was a little awkward. Kate lowered her head to play with her room card, as if avoiding meeting Lynn's eyes. Lynn stood to the side, staring straight at the elevator door, her expression as calm as ever.

"Lynn," Kate finally couldn't help but break the silence, with a hint of helpless laughter in her tone, "I don't know if you find it strange, but this scene is a bit like those old romantic comedies."

"Romantic comedy?" Lin En turned his head slightly to look at her, with a hint of confusion in his tone.

"Yeah." Kate shrugged. "A man and a woman travel, but find they have to live in the same place, and sparks fly because of various coincidences. Have you seen a similar movie?" "No." Lynn's answer was so straightforward that Kate almost laughed out loud.

"You really need to watch more movies, Lynn." Kate shook her head and smiled. "But don't worry, I won't force you to play the leading man in a romantic comedy."

Lynn raised an eyebrow slightly, "That's the part you're good at, isn't it?"

Kate was stunned for a moment, then laughed, "You really know how to joke, Lynn. It's rare to hear you say something like that."

The elevator dinged and arrived at the floor. The two walked out and found their respective rooms along the corridor. Kate's room was on one side of the corridor, while Lynn's was across from her. She stood in the doorway, turned around and said to Lynn, "Well, goodnight then. I hope you won't be too relaxed to sleep tonight."

Lin En glanced at her, the corners of his mouth seemed to move slightly, but he said nothing. He just nodded, opened the door and walked in.

Kate stood there, watching the moment Lynn's door closed, and couldn't help but chuckle. This man always seemed to amuse her at the most unexpected times.

She returned to her room and opened the window. The salty sea breeze blew in, and the sound of waves lapping against the beach was clear. Kate took off her shoes and collapsed on the bed, her mind unconsciously replaying the previous scene. Lynn's expression, tone, and even his seemingly unintentional dry humor all struck her as fresh and amusing.

"This holiday is really interesting." She whispered to herself, then smiled and closed her eyes.

Meanwhile, Lin En stood by the window, his gaze fixed on the distant sea. He held a glass of water freshly poured from the room's minibar. The room was so quiet that only the faint hum of the air conditioner could be heard.

He knew Kate had invited him here for more than just a vacation. She had a strong obsession, a desire to make everything better, even to "save" those she felt were too oppressive. And Lynn knew full well that he was one of those she wanted to "save."

"Save." He murmured the word, a barely perceptible smile playing on his lips.

He didn't need saving. He had grown accustomed to his own lifestyle, and one could even say there wasn't much room in his world for so-called "relaxation" or "enjoyment." But it was undeniable that something Kate had brought him did indeed make him feel a long-lost sense of...vitality.

The next morning, Kate got up early, changed into light sportswear, and prepared to go for a morning run on the beach near the hotel. When she opened the door, she found Lynn already standing in the corridor, wearing a dark sportswear, as if waiting for her.

"You're up so early," Kate said with a smile.

"It's just a habit." Lin En said calmly, "You going for a run?"

"Exactly." Kate raised an eyebrow. "Are you coming too?"

Lin En nodded and walked over to her side. "By the way, let's check the safety of this area."

Kate couldn't help but laugh. "You really can't stop working, can you? Okay, then we'll run together. But don't try to beat me. I'm an expert runner."

Lin En raised the corner of his mouth with a faint smile, "I'm just following you, don't run too slowly."

Kate was stunned for a moment, then burst into laughter. "Okay, then let's see who can run faster."

The two ran side by side towards the beach. The sand under their feet was soft and wet. The morning sun cast golden light on the sea, stretching their shadows very long.

Lin En sat in the hotel's open-air cafe, sunlight streaming through the gaps in the parasol onto his table. In the distance was a deep blue sea, waves gently lapping against the beach, tourists walked by in twos and threes, and the air was filled with the faint aroma of sea salt.

He lowered his head, picked up the coffee cup, took a sip, but found that his eyes unconsciously stayed on Kate not far away.

Across the hall, Kate was chatting animatedly with a blonde woman in a brightly colored dress. Her laughter was clear and melodious, and she occasionally patted the woman's arm, clearly a long-lost friend. This was the first time Lynn had seen Kate with such an expression. It wasn't the professional facade of reporter Kate, nor the slightly teasing ease she wore when she was with him, but rather a genuine joy and comfort.

He didn't feel left out, just that this scene was new. Kate was always so good at socializing with people, while he was used to observing. He didn't belong in such scenes, or rather, he chose not to fit in.

After a while, Kate seemed to think of something and turned to look in Lynn's direction. With an apologetic smile on her face, she then pulled the blonde woman towards Lynn.

"Lynn!" Kate called out his name with a bright smile. "Let me introduce you. This is Lisa, my best friend from college. We haven't seen each other in years. I didn't expect to run into you here!"

The blonde woman, Lisa, looked at Lynn with a hint of curiosity in her eyes, then extended her hand. "Hello, Kate said you are traveling together?"

Lynn stood up and shook her hand politely, "Yes. I'm Lynn."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, a hint of teasing in her eyes, "Wow, Kate, since when did your travel companion become such a cold type?"

Kate smiled and gently pushed Lisa's shoulder. "Don't be like that. Lynn doesn't talk much, but he's actually a very nice person."

Lynn didn't respond, just nodded, sat down again, and continued to drink her coffee.

Kate obviously didn't mind Lynn's silence, but Lisa seemed even more curious. She sat down next to Kate and whispered, "Is he your boyfriend? You know, your expression was unusual when you mentioned him just now."

Kate laughed at this, "Come on, we're just friends."

Lisa raised an eyebrow, a meaningful smile playing on the corner of her mouth, "Okay, friend. It's just that this 'friend' seems to always have his eyes on you."

Kate looked up at Lynn and found him quietly looking off into the distance, seemingly oblivious to their conversation. She sighed softly and changed the subject, "Okay, let's not talk about this. What about you? How are you doing now? Are you still working as a designer?"

(End of this chapter)

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