American comic book: I, with my abundant martial virtue, love to do good to others.

Chapter 208 The Slowest Pace

"Brother, what are you so nervous about now?" Gwen suddenly stopped, crossed her arms, and glared at him. "You look like you're investigating a case."

Lynn chuckled at that remark. "No, I was just looking around."

"Just browsing?" Gwen scoffed, half-believing. "I think you're being too wary."

Please, this is Brooklyn, not a place teeming with bad guys in your cases.

"Alright, Gwen, stop nagging your brother," George said, trying to smooth things over for Lynn. "He's been a secret agent for so many years, he's probably used to it. You need to be more patient with him."

"Hmm, okay." Gwen pouted and continued walking forward.

Just then, Lynn suddenly heard a familiar laugh. He instinctively turned his head and saw an unexpected face—Kate Miller.

Kate, wearing a grey trench coat, stood in front of a street-side café with her hands in her pockets, chatting with a man who looked like a reporter. Her smile still carried that indomitable sharpness, but there was a rare hint of relaxation in her eyes.

"It's her," Lynn said softly, pausing slightly in his steps.

Gwen followed his gaze and immediately perked up. "Wow, bro, who's that? She looks beautiful."

"Someone I know," Lynn replied simply, but her tone unconsciously carried a hint of complex emotion.

George glanced at Kate, raising an eyebrow slightly. "She doesn't look like an ordinary person. Is she your colleague?"

"No." Lynn shook her head. "She's a reporter, and we've had some interactions before."

"A reporter?" Gwen's eyes lit up instantly. "Brother, don't tell me you have some kind of special relationship with reporters. They're really good at digging up secrets."

Lynn ignored his sister's teasing; he simply stood there, his eyes involuntarily following Kate's figure. As Kate said goodbye to the reporter and turned to leave, her gaze inadvertently fell on Lynn.

Kate stopped in her tracks, clearly not expecting to run into Lynn here. After a moment of surprise, she gave him a knowing smile and walked towards him.

"Lynn." She stood before him, her smile serene, but a hint of curiosity flickered in her eyes. "I didn't expect to run into you here."

"Kate." Lynn nodded, his tone flat, but his gaze remained fixed on her.

How have you been lately?

"What else could it be? It has something to do with your FBI business." Kate crossed her arms, her tone slightly teasing. "But I'm having a slightly better time than you, aren't I? You look so tired."

"Yes, he's tired, but still handsome." Gwen suddenly interjected, her gaze sweeping back and forth between Lynn and Kate, her eyes full of admiration.

Kate looked down at Gwen, her smile softening slightly. "You're Lynn's sister?"

"Yes, I'm Gwen." Gwen extended her hand confidently. "Are you my brother's friend?"

"You could say that," Kate squeezed her hand, then turned to look at Lynn. "But you didn't tell me you had such a cute little sister."

Lynn sighed and said in a low voice, "She's not as cute as you think."

Gwen stuck out her tongue, then looked at Kate. "We're getting ready for dinner, do you want to come along?"

"Gwen—" Lynn tried to stop her, but Gwen immediately interrupted him, "Don't be so petty,"

Brother, that person is your friend. Besides, what do you think of Dad?

George smiled slightly and nodded. "We can add another seat. If this young lady would like, she'd be happy to."

Kate was clearly surprised to be invited, but her gaze lingered on Lynn's face for a moment before she gave a relaxed smile. "Since you've extended such a warm invitation, I won't stand on ceremony."

Lynn rubbed his temples in exasperation, but ultimately said nothing more. The three continued walking toward the restaurant, while Kate followed silently behind them, occasionally exchanging a few words with Gwen.

The restaurant was softly lit, and the air was filled with the aroma of food. Gwen and Kate chatted animatedly.

They chatted about everything from school performances to news gossip, and even boldly asked a few questions about Kate's work experience.

"So you're a journalist, specializing in writing about dangerous news?" Gwen's eyes widened, clearly curious about Kate's profession.

"You could say that," Kate replied with a smile. "My job is to uncover the truth, no matter how hard it may be to accept."

"That sounds really cool!" Gwen's eyes sparkled with excitement. "It sounds way more interesting than my brother's job."

Lynn raised an eyebrow and said calmly, "If you really knew what she went through, you wouldn't say that."

Kate gave him a warning look, a sly smile playing on her lips. "Lynn is right, Gwen."

My job is indeed dangerous and very stressful. But sometimes, uncovering the truth is a risk worth taking.

Gwen nodded thoughtfully, while George smiled slightly and said, "In any case, both of you have remarkable professions. It's always admirable to strive for justice."

Kate took a sip of red wine, looked at Lynn, and smiled meaningfully. "It sounds like your family is very supportive of your work."

Lynn didn't answer, but just lowered her head and cut a piece of steak.

The restaurant's lighting was warm and soft, and the candlelight on the table flickered, creating an exceptionally cozy atmosphere.

Gwen was clearly completely absorbed in her own "mission"—she had never been so enthusiastic as she was tonight.

While cutting his steak, he subtly glanced in the direction of Kate and Lynn, a cunning glint in his eyes.

"So, Kate," Gwen finally put down her knife and fork, speaking casually, "how long have you known my brother?"

Kate paused for a moment, then smiled. "It hasn't been that long, has it? Just a few months? We met because of some—well, work-related things."

"Oh, really?" A hint of teasing flashed in Gwen's eyes. "It must have been something very special, a 'work-related matter,' otherwise how could my brother remember someone so clearly?"

Lynn put down her cup, her eye twitching slightly. "Gwen, I remember everyone I've ever met; it's a work habit of mine."

"Yes, yes, yes." Gwen rolled her eyes dramatically. "But you never mention anyone else, Kate is an exception."

"Because she's a reporter," Lynn answered crisply, but with a hint of wariness in her tone.

He clearly sensed Gwen's "intentions".

"A journalist?" Gwen raised an eyebrow. "That's quite interesting. Kate, don't you think my brother is actually particularly difficult to approach with the media?"

Kate squinted at Lynn, seemingly amused, "Hmm—that's true."

He's difficult to approach, especially when you try to ask him questions that make him uncomfortable.

"For example, what kind of problem?" Gwen's tone was full of curiosity.

"For example," Kate put down her cutlery, pretended to think seriously for a moment, and then said in a teasing tone, "Do you always tend to shoulder everything alone? Are you afraid to let others get close to you?"

Lynn frowned, but didn't immediately refute. He just looked at Kate with a slightly helpless expression, "You're analyzing me again."

Kate shrugged. "It's a professional habit, don't mind it."

Gwen couldn't help but laugh as she watched their interaction. "My goodness, you two are quite in sync! Lynn, it's so unusual that you didn't go straight back."

"Why should I go back?" Lynn raised an eyebrow. "What she said was just some superficial observation." "Wow, 'superficial'." Kate feigned offense, but couldn't hide the smile on her lips. "Okay, Agent Lynn, I'll try to go deeper next time."

George listened from the side, a knowing smile on his face. He didn't interrupt the conversation, but quietly cut his steak, seemingly enjoying it.

"But seriously," Gwen suddenly dropped her teasing tone, her gaze sweeping seriously back and forth between Kate and Lynn, "I think you two are a good match."

The moment those words were spoken, the atmosphere at the table became subtly tense.

Kate paused for a moment, then lowered her head to hide her expression. "Gwen, you're joking."

"I'm not kidding," Gwen said seriously. "The chemistry between you two is just too obvious. Bro, don't you think so?"

Lynn's expression froze for a moment, then she coughed lightly. "Gwen, have you been watching too many TV dramas?"

"This has nothing to do with the TV show; I just have eyes." Gwen smiled slyly. "Don't tell me you didn't feel anything at all."

Kate looked up at Lynn, her eyes filled with a hint of embarrassment, but mostly curiosity.

Lynn deliberately avoided her gaze, reached for her water glass, took a sip, and tried to hide her unease.

"Your brother probably has too many professional habits; he treats relationships like a case, cold and indifferent," Kate said casually, trying to easily change the subject.

"Oh, no, no, no, he's not cold-hearted, he's just really clumsy," Gwen bluntly exposed. "He's not good at expressing his feelings, he always acts tough, but he's actually more nervous than anyone else."

"That's enough, Gwen," Lynn finally said in a low voice, but her tone was more of a sigh of helplessness.

Instead of getting angry.

"Oh, don't be so serious." Gwen blinked, then turned to Kate. "But seriously, Kate, have you ever considered dating my brother? He may be stubborn, but he's actually a nice guy."

Kate's smile froze; she clearly hadn't expected Gwen to ask so directly. She hesitated for a moment before speaking, "Lynn is a remarkable person, I respect him greatly, but—"

"But what?" Gwen pressed.

"But he might not be the best suited for dating." Kate took a sip of her drink, glancing at Lynn almost imperceptibly.

"Why?" Gwen asked like a curious child, not wanting to miss a single detail.

Lynn finally couldn't hold back any longer. He put down his cup and said in a low, firm voice, "Gwen, that's enough."

Gwen pouted, seemingly a little unwilling, but didn't continue. She lowered her head, cut a piece of steak, and muttered, "Fine, fine, you two are so boring."

Kate forced a smile, but her gaze remained fixed on Lynn. She knew that Gwen's words, though a joke, had inadvertently struck a nerve with something she didn't want to face. And while Lynn's expression appeared calm, she could sense that he, too, seemed to be harboring some complex emotions.

Although Gwen's "matchmaking" slightly disrupted the atmosphere at the dinner, it quickly returned to normal.

George tactfully changed the subject, starting to chat with Kate about lighter things, while Lynn fell into a rare silence. He kept his head down, cutting his steak, occasionally glancing up at Kate, a softness in his eyes that he himself didn't realize he was showing.

After the meal, the group walked out of the restaurant together. The wind on the street was a bit colder than when they had arrived. Gwen looked at the street corner not far away and suddenly said excitedly, "I want to buy some dessert! There's a really good shop over there!"

"Gwen," George shook his head, "didn't you just finish a meal?"

"Dessert and dinner are two different things!" Gwen said, pulling George towards the dessert shop without further ado, leaving Lynn and Kate standing at the restaurant entrance.

Lynn watched their retreating figures and sighed helplessly, "She's always like this, she never seems to run out of energy."

"She's quite cute," Kate chuckled softly, hands in her pockets, glancing sideways at Lynn. "But what she said—didn't you feel uncomfortable?"

Lynn paused for a moment, then said in a low voice, "She sometimes likes to tease people too much."

"So, do you think she's teasing you?" Kate's tone was slightly provocative.

Lynn turned to look at her, his gaze deep. "What do you think?"

Kate paused for a moment, then laughed. "I think she just wants you to have a normal emotional life, instead of always putting yourself in danger and stress."

Lynn didn't answer; his beam of light passed over Kate and landed at the end of the street. At that moment, he seemed lost in thought, while Kate watched him quietly, realizing for the first time that this cold-faced agent might be more complex than she had imagined.

After dinner, the streets still retained Brooklyn's unique warmth, neon lights flickering faintly in the hazy night, and a slightly chilly breeze brushed against our faces. George led Gwen ahead, the father and daughter chatting and laughing. Gwen held a dessert in her hand, took a bite with delight, and turned to look at Lynn and Kate.

"Brother, since Kate has run into us, why don't you take her home?" Gwen said casually, but the familiar "matchmaking glint" in her eyes set off alarm bells in Lynn's mind.

"Gwen, I think Kate can go home by herself." Lynn's tone carried a hint of resistance.

But Kate laughed, her hands in her trench coat pockets, deliberately adding fuel to the fire, "Actually, if you'd like to give it to me, I wouldn't refuse."

Gwen immediately smiled smugly and gave Kate a thumbs-up. "It's settled then! Lynn,"

Stop making excuses. You're always so busy; you finally have a chance to relax, why not take a walk and clear your head?

"To clear your head?" Lynn frowned, but faced with Gwen's confident expression, he felt that further rebuttal would be superfluous, so he could only sigh helplessly, "Alright, but just this once."

Kate looked at him with a smile, "Then I'll leave it to you, Agent Lynn."

2

Gwen waved triumphantly. "Goodnight, Kate! Bro, don't always look so grumpy on the street, relax a bit!"

Lynn looked down at Gwen's retreating figure, her lips twitching slightly, but she finally looked at Kate and asked, "Do you live far away?"

"It's alright, not too far." Kate smiled slightly and started walking. "Let's go."

The street quieted down, with only the occasional car headlights streaking across the night. The two walked side by side, neither speaking. Lynn's gaze unconsciously swept over their surroundings; his steps were steady and relaxed, yet a trace of professional vigilance remained within him.

Kate seemed to sense his nervousness and deliberately broke the silence, "Are you always like this? Even the way you walk is like you're on a mission."

"It's a habit," Lynn replied calmly, her gaze still scanning her surroundings. "An occupational hazard, I can't change it."

"Hmm, no wonder Gwen said you needed to relax." Kate chuckled softly, her hands in her trench coat pockets, glancing at him sideways. "But honestly, I rarely see you relaxed. What do you usually do that lets your guard down?"

"Does sleeping count?" Lynn pursed her lips, her tone slightly self-deprecating.

Kate couldn't help but laugh out loud. "That was truly the ultimate relaxation."

Lynn glanced at her sideways. "And you? You always seem so energetic, like nothing can stop you."

"Oh, I'll stop." Kate's smile deepened, her eyes carrying a hint of teasing. "Like right now, walking with you is the slowest pace of my day."

Lynn's lips twitched almost imperceptibly, but he didn't reply. He and Kate walked a few blocks, gradually moving away from the main road, and the surrounding buildings began to appear dilapidated and quiet. Kate pointed to an apartment building ahead, "We're here, it's right there."

Lynn looked up at the four-story red brick building. The streetlights below were dim and flickering, providing little light. He glanced around, making sure there was nothing suspicious before looking away. "This is where you live?"

"That's right." Kate nodded, then paused slightly, a hint of teasing in her voice, "What? Does it look unsafe?"

"It's alright." Lynn's voice was low and calm. "But if I were you, I would add another security camera at the door."

Kate smiled and shook her head. "Lynn, you have to learn to trust that life isn't dangerous every second. But for some people, it certainly is." Lynn looked at her earnestly, his gaze deep. "Especially a journalist like you, who always likes to dig up unsettling truths."