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

Chapter 216 This is my habit

Kate lowered her head and pondered for a moment, then looked up at him with a smile. "Okay, Lynn. Maybe you're right, I'll try to relax a bit today."

Lynn nodded and said nothing more. The two stood quietly together, watching the yacht sail across the river and gradually move away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

As night fell, the sunset painted the water a golden-red hue, and the city lights in the distance began to illuminate the scene, as if drawing a perfect conclusion to the day. For the first time, Kate felt an unprecedented sense of peace and security.

In the early morning, sunlight streamed through the tall glass windows of FBI headquarters, casting a warm glow on the lobby floor and the cold metal and concrete. However, this warmth did not melt away the busyness and order. Agents moved about, files in hand, earpieces in hand, discussing the latest missions in hushed tones. The air was filled with the aroma of coffee and the hum of photocopiers, imbued with the unique tension of this place.

Lynn walked through the hall and headed straight for his office. His steps were still steady and powerful, but there seemed to be something thoughtful in his eyes. Kate's invitation from yesterday was still lingering in his mind.

A Hawaiian vacation—the beaches, the ocean, the sunshine—sounded more like a strange dream to him than a familiar reality.

He pushed open the office door, closed it, and sat down directly at his desk. He turned on his computer.

He started checking 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 entirely impossible to find the time for.

Lynn's fingers tapped on the keyboard, but his gaze gradually became focused. He wasn't an agent who would easily put down his work; even on vacation, an invisible string remained taut in his mind.

He knew that every FBI case could involve several or even hundreds of lives, and his responsibility was to find answers to these cases.

"Lynn," a familiar voice came from the doorway, interrupting his thoughts. Hans, holding a stack of documents, leaned against the doorframe, his gaze slightly teasing. "I thought you were going to take another day off today, but I didn't expect you to be back."

Lynn looked up at him calmly. "I've only rested for one day. I don't need any more."

Hans walked in, placed the documents on the table, casually pulled out a chair and sat down. "So, what brought you back this time? Did you run out of vacation time, or do you think none of us can handle this?"

"Both." Lynn's tone remained calm, but with a hint of self-deprecation. "I wanted to check the remaining vacation days and also see if there were any urgent cases recently."

Hans raised an eyebrow. "You still have five days of leave, it's clearly stated in the system. But honestly, this isn't like you. You're actually concerned about your leave, did someone give you some special reason?"

Lynn didn't answer directly, but instead looked down at the documents Hans had brought, and said in a leisurely tone, "Any new cases?"

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

Lynn opened the file and quickly glanced at it. The content was indeed sparse: an illegal interstate arms deal involving several suspects, and they were currently gathering relevant leads. He put down the file and leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.

"What are you worried about?" Hans's tone became serious. "We haven't had any major cases lately. Even if you take a long leave, no one will question you. You've already done twice the work of everyone else anyway."

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

"My God, Lynn," Hans couldn't help but laugh, "Are you a machine? No wonder a woman like Kate would be interested in you. She probably thinks you need someone to pull you out of your world."

Lynn'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 had grown accustomed to this high-pressure and dangerous world, accustomed to facing unexpected events at any time. Words like relaxation, vacation, and Hawaii always seemed somewhat foreign to him.

"Alright, whatever you think," Hans stood up and walked towards the door, "but I suggest you consider it. If someone is willing to let you temporarily leave these troublesome cases, it means she cares about you. And you, perhaps you should try to enjoy this."

After seeing Hans off, Lynn remained silent for a moment, then picked up his phone and dialed Kate's number.

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

"I'm still considering it." Lynn's tone was calm, but a hint of gentleness appeared in her eyes. "But I need to know why you insist on choosing Hawaii?"

Kate chuckled softly on the other end of the phone. "Why? Because I think you need a real break, and Hawaii is the perfect place. Beaches, sunshine, the ocean, and — me."

Lynn paused slightly, then said, "You know this isn't easy for me."

"I know," Kate's tone softened, "but that's why you need to give it a try. Lynn, not everything needs so much planning and responsibility. Sometimes, you need to give yourself some time."

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

"Okay," he finally said in a low voice, "I'll think about it."

Kate laughed, a hint of triumphant joy in her voice. "Very well, then I'll await your decision. But don't keep me waiting too long."

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

After hanging up the phone, Lynn placed his hands on the table and pondered for a moment. Kate's laughter seemed to still echo in his ears; that relaxed yet slightly mischievous tone was out of place in his world, yet 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 pull himself out of his thoughts of the invitation with his familiar work rhythm, but no matter how focused he was, Kate's voice kept echoing in his mind.

"Beach, sunshine, sea, and—me."

Lynn's lips curved into a barely perceptible smile, but he quickly regained his usual composure. Perhaps Hans was right; he did need to relax. Years of high-pressure work had left his nerves taut like steel wires, and Hawaii—a place far from the cases and dangers—might be a good choice.

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

"I'm Lynn Wittman," Lynn's voice was deep and crisp. "I'd like to confirm if applying for the remainder of this week will affect the scheduling of any urgent missions?"

The operator checked the system and replied, "Agent Lynn, according to our records, you do indeed have five days of leave available. Your request for leave will not affect the current case arrangements."

"Understood, thank you." Lynn hung up the phone, paused for a few seconds, and then dialed Kate's number back.

The call was answered almost immediately, Kate's voice filled with obvious anticipation, "Lynn, have you decided?"

Lynn sighed softly, but there was a hint of hidden helplessness in her tone – “If you can guarantee that this will be a complete relaxation, and not an opportunity to dig for news, I will go.”

Kate laughed like a triumphant child on the other end of the phone, "You really surprised me, Lynn."

I thought you'd hesitate for a few more days.

"Kate," Lynn's voice carried a warning, "Don't make me regret this."

"Don't worry, I swear, this time we're just enjoying the vacation. No interviews, no recording devices."

"I can even leave my laptop at home." Kate paused, then added in a light tone, "But you'd better dress casually. Don't show up on the beach in your old black jacket; I don't want people to think I'm with bodyguards."

Lynn didn't answer, but just gave a low hum and then hung up the phone.

Three days later, at the sunny Hawaiian airport, Lynn, dressed in a simple grey T-shirt and jeans, with a travel bag slung over his shoulder, surveyed the crowd. Kate was already waiting for him at the arrivals gate, her light white dress and straw hat making her look nothing like the busy reporter she usually was.

"I can hardly believe you're actually here." Kate waved to him, her smile so bright it seemed to melt away all the coldness.

Lynn approached her, his brow slightly furrowed. "Why do I feel like you're constantly doubting me?"

"Not doubt, just surprise." Kate raised an eyebrow, her gaze sweeping over his attire, and couldn't help but laugh. "Wow, you're dressed so casually. Lynn, I think I should buy a lottery ticket right now; today is clearly a miracle day."

"Enough with the nonsense." Lynn glared at her, slung her travel bag over her shoulder, and asked, "Where do we go next?"

"Of course, we're going to a resort by the sea," Kate said with a smile, taking his arm. "I've already booked the room; you just need to enjoy it."

Lynn shifted his arm slightly, a little awkwardly, but ultimately let her take his. Kate excitedly told him about the sights, food, and activities, while Lynn simply observed his surroundings with his sharp eyes, maintaining his usual calm demeanor.

However, when they arrived at the seaside resort, the azure waters and white sand beaches did give Lynn a different kind of relaxation. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city and the pressure of work, even the air here seemed lighter.

Kate led him to their booked room. The room was spacious and bright, with a balcony overlooking the beach. She dropped her luggage, excitedly stepped onto the balcony, and took a deep breath of the sea breeze. "Lynn,"

Isn't this much better than your office?

Lynn stood to the side, hands in his pockets, watching her smile, a rare faint smile appearing on his lips. "It's better than the office."

"Then what are we waiting for?" Kate turned and took his hand. "Change into your swim trunks and let's go to the beach!"

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

"This isn't a choice, Lynn," Kate said with a sly smile. "You promised me a real vacation, and that means you have to fit in here. Come on, I won't leave you with a long face all day."

Lynn looked at her, then sighed softly after a moment. "Okay, but I have to warn you, I don't like playing in the sand."

Kate laughed and dragged him to the balcony. "We're not playing in the sand, Lynn, we're enjoying life!"

Lynn stood there, watching her retreating figure, and finally shook his head.

The beach was bathed in intense sunlight, the sand shimmering like it was sprinkled with gold dust. Tourists gathered in small groups; some played volleyball, others lazily sipped chilled drinks on beach chairs. Lynn stood in the shade by the sand, a bottle of water in her hand, her gaze fixed on Kate. She was chatting with a group of young tourists not far from him, looking more relaxed than ever.

He didn't feel completely relaxed. His habits prevented him from truly letting his guard down, even in this sunny resort. Everyone around him could be a potential source of some kind of accident, which unconsciously kept him at a low level of alertness.

Kate walked over with a big smile. "Lynn, aren't you sure you don't want to play a game of volleyball? This is a perfect opportunity; I've already found you some teammates."

Lynn raised an eyebrow, glancing at the excited crowd. "You know this isn't my style."

“Of course,” Kate shrugged. “I knew you’d refuse. But at least you can try to enjoy the atmosphere, instead of standing here like a bodyguard observing everyone.”

Lynn lowered her head and took a sip of water. "It's my habit."

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

Lynn watched her walk toward the stall, then turned his attention back to his surroundings. His gaze swept over every detail on the beach until it returned to Kate. But then he noticed something strange—a man in a floral shirt, moving furtively, was reaching a hand out of Kate's bag on the beach chair.