American comics: I am full of martial virtues and I love to be kind to others.

Chapter 216 This is my habit
Kate looked down in thought for a moment, then looked up at him with a smile on her lips, "Okay, Lynn. Maybe you're right. I'll try to relax today."

Lynn nodded without saying anything else. The two of them stood together quietly, watching the yacht sail across the river, gradually moving away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

As night fell, the sunset glow dyed the water a golden red, and the city lights in the distance began to light up, as if drawing a perfect end to the day. For the first time, Kate felt an unprecedented sense of peace and security in her heart.

At FBI headquarters in the early morning, sunlight streamed through tall glass windows onto the lobby floor, casting a warm glow over the cold metal and concrete. However, this warmth didn't melt the bustle and orderliness of the place. Agents milled about, documents clutched, headphones in hand, whispering about the latest missions. The air was thick with the scent of coffee and the whirring of a copy machine, thick with the tension that characterized this place.

Lin En walked down the hall and headed straight for his office. His steps were still steady and powerful, but there seemed to be a hint of deep thought between his brows. Kate's invitation from yesterday was still lingering in his mind. A vacation in Hawaii, the beach, the sea, the sunshine... To him, it sounded more like a strange dream than the reality he was familiar with.

He pushed open the office door, closed it, and sat down at his desk. He clicked on his computer and began to check his work schedule and remaining vacation time. An internal system document popped up, clearly showing that he had five days of available vacation time—not a lot, but not completely impossible to find.

Lynn's fingers tapped away at the keyboard, his eyes growing increasingly focused. He wasn't one to let go of his work easily; even on vacation, he kept an invisible string taut in his mind. He knew that every FBI case could affect several, even hundreds, of lives, and it was his responsibility to find answers to these cases.

"Lynn," a familiar voice called from the doorway, interrupting his thoughts. Hans leaned against the doorframe, holding a pile of documents, his eyes teasing. "I thought you'd take another day off today, but I didn't expect you to come back."

Lynn raised her head and looked at him calmly, "It's only one day of rest. I don't need more."

Hans walked in, placed the documents on the table, and casually pulled out a chair to sit down. "Tell me, what are you doing back this time? Are you not getting enough vacation time, or do you think none of us can handle it?"

"Both." Lin En's tone remained calm, but with a subtle hint of self-mockery. "I want to confirm the remaining vacation time, and also see if there are any urgent cases recently."

Hans raised an eyebrow. "You still have five days off. It's clearly written on the system. But, to be honest, this isn't like you. You're actually concerned about your vacation. Did someone give you some special reason?"

Lin En didn't answer directly. He just lowered his head to look through the documents Hans brought and said slowly, "Any new cases?"

Hans stared at him for a moment, as if trying to discern something from his expression, but ultimately shrugged and replied, "There's a case still in the preliminary investigation stage that the intelligence team just sent over. It sounds a bit complicated, but it's not to the point where you need to personally take action."

Lin En flipped open the file and took a quick glance. It wasn't much, really. It was about an illegal interstate arms deal involving several suspects, and they were currently sorting through the relevant leads. He put the file down and leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.

"What are you worried about?" Hans' tone turned serious. "We haven't had any major cases lately. No one would question you even if you took a long vacation. You've already done twice as much work as everyone else anyway."

Lynn's gaze lingered out the window for a moment, then she whispered, "I'm just not used to relaxing in uncertain situations."

"My goodness, Lynn," Hans couldn't help but laugh, "are you a machine? No wonder a woman like Kate fell for you. She probably thought you needed someone to pull you out of your world."

Lin's eyes flickered, but he didn't respond. It wasn't that he didn't understand Hans's meaning; he was just... unsure how to respond. He was accustomed to this high-pressure and dangerous world, used to facing emergencies at any moment. Words like relaxation, vacation, and Hawaii always seemed a little unfamiliar to him.

"Well, whatever you think," Hans stood up and walked towards the door, "but I suggest you consider it. If someone is willing to let you take a break from these troublesome cases, it means she cares about you. And you, maybe you should try to enjoy yourself for once."

Lynn watched Hans leave and was silent for a moment. Then she picked up her phone and dialed Kate's number.

"Lynn?" Kate's voice quickly came from the other end of the phone, with her usual lightheartedness and teasing. "Let me guess, you want to tell me that you've finally decided to accept my invitation?"

"I'm still considering it." Lin En's tone was calm, but there was a hint of softness in his eyes. "But I need to know, why did you insist on choosing Hawaii?"

Kate chuckled on the other end of the phone. "Why? Because I think you need some real relaxation, and Hawaii is the best place. Beach, sun, sea, and... me."

Lin En was slightly startled, then said, "You know this is not easy for me."

"I know." Kate's tone softened. "But that's why you need to give it a try. Lynn, not everything requires so much planning and responsibility. Sometimes, you should just take some time for yourself."

Lynn didn't answer immediately. His eyes fell on the documents on the table, and his mind flashed through the countless cases he had experienced over the years, each one filled with darkness and danger. But at this moment, Kate's voice was like a ray of sunshine, penetrating his layers of defense.

"Okay," he murmured finally, "I'll think about it."

Kate smiled, a hint of triumph in her laughter. "Very good, then I'll wait for your decision. But don't make me wait too long."

After hanging up the phone, Lynn leaned back in her chair and closed her eyes.

After Lynn hung up the phone, he folded his hands on the table and pondered for a moment. Kate's laughter seemed to still echo in his ears, that lighthearted, slightly sly tone that was out of place in his world, but he couldn't ignore it. To him, Kate was like an unexpected storm, disrupting his peace, but also bringing something he couldn't resist—a long-lost warmth.

He turned on his computer and began browsing the latest case updates. He tried to use the familiar rhythm of work to pull himself away from the invitation, but no matter how hard he focused, Kate's voice kept appearing in his mind.

"Beach, sun, sea, and... me."

Lin En's lips curled up slightly, an almost imperceptible arc, but he quickly regained his usual composure. Perhaps Hans was right; he really needed to relax. Years of high-pressure work had stretched his nerves to the limit, and Hawaii—a place far from crimes and danger—might be a good choice.

He picked up the phone and dialed the FBI's personnel department. A clear-voiced operator answered, "FBI Personnel. How may I help you?"

"My name is Lynn Wittman," Lynn said in a low, crisp voice. "I'd like to confirm if requesting leave for the remainder of this week will affect any urgent assignments." The operator checked the system and replied, "Agent Lynn, according to our records, you do have five days of leave available. Your request for leave will not affect the current case schedule."

"I understand, thank you." Lynn hung up the phone, was silent for a few seconds, and then dialed Kate's number back.

The phone was picked up almost immediately, and Kate's voice was filled with obvious anticipation, "Lynn, have you decided?"

Lin En sighed slightly, but there was a hint of helplessness in his tone. "If you can guarantee that this is a complete relaxation, and not an opportunity to dig up news, I will go."

Kate smiled like a triumphant child on the other end of the phone. "You really surprised me, Lynn. I thought you would hesitate for a few more days."

"Kate." Lynn's voice was filled with warning, "Don't make me regret it."

"Don't worry, I swear, this time we're just enjoying our vacation. No interviews, no recorders, I can even leave my laptop at home." Kate paused, then added cheerfully, "But you have to dress casually. Don't show up on the beach with that old black jacket of yours. I don't want people around me to think I'm here with bodyguards."

Lynn didn't answer, just hummed softly and then hung up the phone.

Three days later, at the sunny Hawaii airport, Lynn, wearing a simple gray T-shirt and jeans, with a travel bag slung over his shoulder, surveyed the crowds. Kate was already waiting for him at the airport gate. Her light white dress and straw hat made her look nothing like the busy reporter she usually was.

"I can hardly believe that you really came." Kate waved at him, her smile so bright that it seemed to melt all the coldness.

Lin En walked closer to her, frowning slightly, "Why do I feel like you're always doubting me?"

"Not skeptical, just surprised." Kate raised an eyebrow, her eyes scanning his attire, and she couldn't help but laugh, "Wow, you're dressed so casually. Lynn, I think I should buy a lottery ticket now. Today is obviously a miracle day."

"Stop talking nonsense." Lin En glanced at her and pulled the travel bag onto his shoulder. "Where are we going next?"

"To a seaside resort, of course." Kate smiled and took his arm. "I've already booked a room. All you have to do is enjoy it."

Lynn twitched his arm uncomfortably, but ultimately let her hold his arm. Kate excitedly told him about the local attractions, food, and activities along the way, while Lynn simply observed the surroundings with his sharp eyes, maintaining his usual calm.

However, when they arrived at the seaside resort, the turquoise waters and white sands did give Lin En a different kind of relaxation. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the pressure of work, the air here seemed to have become a little lighter.

Kate took him to the room they'd booked. It was spacious and bright, with a balcony overlooking the beach. She dropped her luggage and excitedly walked out onto the balcony, taking a deep breath of the ocean breeze. "Lynn, isn't this much better than your office?"

Lin En stood aside, his hands in his pockets, looking at her smile, a rare faint smile appeared on the corner of his mouth, "It's better than the office."

"So what are you waiting for?" Kate turned around and took his hand. "Put on your swimming trunks and go to the beach!"

Lynn raised an eyebrow, "Kate, I'm not interested in sunbathing on the beach."

"This isn't a choice, Lynn." Kate smiled slyly. "You promised me a real vacation, and that means you have to fit in with the pace here. Come on, I won't keep you with a sullen face all day."

Lin En looked at her and sighed softly after a moment, "Okay, but I have to remind you that I don't like playing with sand."

Kate laughed and dragged him towards the balcony, "We don't play with sand, Lynn, we enjoy life!"

Lin En stood there, looking at her back, and finally shook his head.

The sun blazed down on the beach, coating the sand in a golden dust. Tourists gathered in groups of two or three, some playing volleyball, others lazing on beach chairs sipping iced drinks. Lynn stood in the shade on the beach, a bottle of water in hand, his eyes fixed on Kate. Not far from him, she was chatting with a group of young tourists, looking more relaxed than ever.

He didn't feel completely relaxed. His habits prevented him from truly letting down his guard, even in this sunny resort. Everyone around him was a potential source of some kind of accident, which made him unconsciously maintain a low-intensity alert.

Kate came over, smiling broadly, "Lynn, are you really not going to play a game of volleyball? This is a great opportunity. I've already found teammates for you."

Lin En raised an eyebrow and glanced at the excitedly cheering crowd, "You know this isn't my style."

"Of course," Kate shrugged. "I figured you'd say no. But at least you could try to enjoy the atmosphere instead of standing here watching everyone like a bodyguard."

Lin En lowered his head and took a sip of water. "This is my habit."

Kate shook her head, smiled, and turned to walk towards an ice cream stand. "Well, then I'll go enjoy the holiday by myself."

Lynn watched her walk to the stall, then turned his attention back to his surroundings. His eyes swept over every detail on the beach until his gaze returned to Kate. But then he noticed something strange—a man in a floral shirt, acting rather stealthily, reaching into Kate's bag, which she had placed on the beach chair.

(End of this chapter)