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

Lynn smiled slightly, opened the car door and motioned for her to get in: "You are my 'major case' today, how could I be late?"

The two drove together to a nearby cafe. They had just ordered coffee and hadn't been sitting for long when a fashionable man with a confident face suddenly walked up to Kate, smiling a little too enthusiastically: "Kate! What a coincidence, I didn't expect to run into you here."

Kate raised her head, the smile on her face instantly froze: "Bruce? What are you doing here?"

Lynn raised his head, his tone cold but polite: "I'm Lynn Stacy, Kate's friend."

Bruce was slightly stunned, then chuckled to himself: "A friend, that's okay then. Kate and I have known each other for a long time, and I've always wanted to have the opportunity to get to know her better."

Kate was a little displeased and was about to speak, but Lynn interrupted her calmly: "Mr. Bruce, do you know Kate's profession?"

Bruce obviously didn't expect this question, but he answered without hesitation: "Of course, she's a journalist, very talented."

Lynn nodded, his tone still calm: "In that case, you should understand that her time is very precious, every minute and every second could be spent uncovering the truth. What you're taking up now is her only private time."

Bruce's smile stiffened for a moment, seemingly not expecting Lynn to be so direct, but he quickly regained his confidence: "Oh, come on, we're friends. It's rare to have a chance to relax, it's good to chat more."

Kate finally couldn't bear it anymore, she put down her coffee cup, her tone a little colder: "Bruce, I think I've made myself very clear. Today's arrangement has nothing to do with you, please leave."

Bruce still wanted to say something, but Lynn's eyes were already fixed on him. His eyes were calm and sharp, as if silently telling him that if he continued to pester, something more unpleasant would happen.

Bruce finally gave in, stood up and said with an embarrassed smile: "Okay, Kate, then I won't bother you. But you must remember, I welcome you to contact me at any time."

After Bruce left, Kate rubbed her forehead, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness: "I'm really sorry, Lynn, for you to encounter something like this."

Lynn picked up his coffee, took a sip, his tone flat: "No need to apologize. You didn't do anything wrong, he just doesn't know his place."

Kate looked at Lynn and suddenly smiled: "Actually, you looked pretty cool just now, calm and reassuring."

Lynn put down his coffee cup, the corners of his mouth slightly raised: "This is one of the professional skills of a detective, preventing unnecessary 'interference'."

The two looked at each other and smiled, there was a sense of easy understanding in the air.

In the evening, Kate invited Lynn to her apartment. This was the first time Lynn had stepped into Kate's personal space. His eyes swept over the clean and cozy living room, the bookshelves were filled with various books, and several news photos she had taken were hanging on the wall, every place revealed Kate's personal touch.

"Sit down, don't be shy," Kate said with a smile, taking off her coat and hanging it on the coat rack, walking into the kitchen, "You're in for a treat today, I'm going to cook steak myself."

Lynn smiled slightly, sat on the sofa, watching her busy figure: "Do you often cook for yourself?"

"Of course!" Kate raised her eyebrows, her tone revealing a hint of pride, "Although not often, my skills are not bad."

Lynn nodded lightly, said nothing more, just leaned back on the sofa and relaxed. The light sound of chopping vegetables and the clinking of spice bottles came from the kitchen. He closed his eyes and enjoyed this moment of peace.

However, less than ten minutes later, a burnt smell suddenly wafted from the kitchen. Lynn suddenly opened his eyes, got up and walked to the kitchen door, only to see Kate standing in front of the stove, flusteredly holding a spatula, constantly flipping the steak in the pan, but one side of the steak had turned black.

"Oh, no!" Kate looked annoyed, and was even more embarrassed when she saw Lynn walk in, "Lynn, I... I seem to have overcooked it."

Lynn couldn't help but smile, walked to her side: "Looks like you need a little help."

"I clearly did it according to the tutorial!" Kate sighed, handing the spatula to Lynn, "Forget it, you do it, I give up."

Lynn took the spatula, lowered his head and checked the situation in the pan. He quickly turned down the heat, took out the burnt steak, and put another piece of meat back into the pan. Then, he took a few bottles of seasoning from the spice rack, skillfully sprinkled an appropriate amount of salt and black pepper, and at the same time lubricated the bottom of the pan with a piece of butter to allow the steak to heat evenly.

Kate stood aside, watching Lynn's skilled movements, and couldn't help but ask: "You seem very experienced, I didn't expect you to have this skill."

Lynn smiled softly while frying the steak: "Working at the FBI, there's no time to eat out often. Sometimes after a mission, going home and making a simple dinner for yourself is also a way to relax."

Kate looked at him with her chin in her hands, a trace of admiration flashing in her eyes: "It seems that inviting you to be a guest has turned into you helping me cook. I'm really embarrassed."

"No need to feel embarrassed," Lynn flipped the steak, confirmed that it was golden brown and plated it, then prepared a little simple mushroom sauce and poured it on top, "We can be considered to have completed it in cooperation."

Kate took the plate, looked at the perfect plating, and a hint of gratitude flashed in her eyes: "Cooperation? Well, then I'm only responsible for making trouble, and you're responsible for making a beautiful and delicious finished product."

Lynn put down the spatula, washed his hands, turned to look at her: "If this is your 'making trouble', then I'm happy to cooperate."

Kate smiled, took the steak to the dining table, and invited Lynn to sit down together. They raised their glasses and tapped them lightly.

"Cheers to this unexpectedly delicious dinner," Kate said with a smile.

"Cheers to friendship and cooperation," Lynn responded, a hint of warmth in his eyes.

After dinner, the two sat on the sofa, Kate holding a glass of red wine, gently shaking the liquid in the glass. She looked at Lynn, her tone carrying a hint of anticipation: "Lynn, I'm going to New York tomorrow to attend a journalist conference. Many well-known journalists will be there to discuss industry trends and share experiences. Do you want to go together?"

Lynn raised his head, thought for a moment: "Journalist conference? Sounds good. However, I have to go back and check my work schedule first. If there are no important cases, I'll consider it."

Kate smiled, her tone light and cheerful: "You're always so serious, you demand too much of yourself. You should relax occasionally, change your environment, listen to other people's stories, maybe even spark some new ideas."

Lynn nodded, but his tone remained rational: "It's a good suggestion, but you know my line of work. Unexpected situations always take precedence over plans."

Kate sipped her red wine and sighed: "That's true, a detective's daily life isn't as flexible as ours as reporters. Anyway, I'm leaving early tomorrow morning. If you decide to go, you can contact me directly. I'll introduce you to some big names in the industry, maybe even give you some inspiration for your cases."

Lynn smiled slightly, raising his teacup: "Thank you for the invitation. In any case, I hope you can learn something new at the conference, and by the way, win some recognition for Manhattan reporters."

Kate gently touched Lynn's cup with hers and smiled: "Don't worry, I'm not just going to observe, I'm invited to give a presentation."

Lynn raised an eyebrow, his tone tinged with admiration: "Impressive, Kate. I hope your presentation will shock the audience."

Kate raised her eyebrows, revealing a confident smile: "Of course. Reporters from the Manhattan Chronicle never disappoint."

The two continued to chat for a while, until the night deepened. Lynn got up to say goodbye, and Kate stood at the door watching him leave, a hint of anticipation in her eyes. She didn't know if Lynn would appear at the conference, but deep down she hoped that he would choose to put down the burden of work and give himself a little breathing room.

The next morning, Lynn arrived at the office early as usual. He had just sat down when the phone rang. It was the administrative supervisor from the branch office.

"Detective, the New York FBI headquarters recently organized a high-level training program on inter-agency cooperation and new crime investigation techniques. We received an invitation, but the number of slots is limited. Would you like to participate?"

Lynn held the phone, a smile unconsciously appearing on his lips: "When does the training start?"

"Three o'clock this afternoon. Headquarters has already arranged the reception. The conference materials have also been sent to you," the supervisor explained.

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Lynn nodded, his tone crisp: "Okay, I'll participate. Thank you for the notification."

After hanging up the phone, Lynn's mind flashed back to the reporter's conference Kate mentioned last night. This opportunity gave him a reason to go to New York and travel with Kate.

Soon after, Lynn dialed Kate's number.

"Hello, Kate, it's me."

"Lynn?" Kate's voice held a hint of surprise, "Why are you calling so early?"

"I happen to have the opportunity to go to New York," Lynn explained, his tone relaxed, "Headquarters has a learning program starting this afternoon. I thought, since we're going to the same city, how about we go together?"

Kate on the other end of the phone was obviously stunned for a moment, then laughed: "You're just making excuses, aren't you? But sure, traveling together will save me from being bored alone."

"Then it's settled," Lynn said with a smile, "I'll pick you up downstairs in a while, remember not to be late."

"Don't worry, Detective," Kate's tone carried a hint of teasing, "Don't keep a reporter waiting."

At eleven o'clock in the morning, Lynn parked his car downstairs at Kate's apartment building. Kate had already packed and was dressed in a light-colored trench coat, looking capable and elegant as she carried a small suitcase.

"Good time management, Detective," Kate teased after getting into the car, "Looks like the FBI's efficiency is still trustworthy."

"Of course," Lynn started the engine, his eyes looking forward, "Just like a reporter's punctuality."

The two headed to New York, the atmosphere in the car relaxed and pleasant. They talked about the theme of Kate's presentation and the training program Lynn would be attending. Kate was obviously curious about the internal workings of the FBI, asking questions from time to time, while Lynn patiently answered.

A few hours later, the car drove into downtown New York, and Lynn dropped Kate off outside the reporter's conference venue.

"Call me after it's over this afternoon," Lynn said, his eyes showing a hint of concern, "If the time is right, I'll take you to try some authentic New York dinner."

Kate gave a playful smile and waved her hand: "Okay, Detective, it depends on whether you have time."

Watching Kate walk into the venue, Lynn felt a sense of relief in his heart.

At seven o'clock in the evening, Kate's meeting ended. She walked out of the venue with a relaxed expression, seeing Lynn already standing at the door waiting for her, holding a cup of hot coffee in his hand.

"Detective, you're so punctual," Kate said with a smile, accepting the coffee, obviously in a good mood, "The meeting went very well, everyone liked my presentation."

"That's for sure," Lynn smiled slightly, "You're the star reporter of the Manhattan Chronicle. Now, since you've accomplished your mission, it's time to reward yourself with a big meal."

Kate raised an eyebrow: "Sounds good, but I hope I won't be disappointed."

Lynn smiled and led her to the car, and they quickly arrived at a restaurant famous for its exquisite French cuisine. The lighting was soft, the atmosphere was quiet, creating a relaxing atmosphere.

They ordered a few signature dishes, paired with champagne, and the atmosphere on the table became more relaxed and pleasant. Kate talked about the interesting things in the meeting, and Lynn shared some of the things he saw and heard in the training. The two smiled at each other from time to time, as if everything was developing in a perfect direction.

However, just as dessert was being served, a commotion suddenly came from outside. Accompanied by the sound of breaking glass and screams, people poured into the restaurant from outside the window, their faces filled with horror.

"What happened?" Kate put down her knife and fork and asked with a frown.

Lynn stood up and quickly looked around: "Stay here, don't move, I'll go out and take a look."

He walked through the chaotic crowd and went outside the restaurant. On the street, a mutant was waving his hands, the surrounding street lights and cars were overturned by a powerful aura, electrical wires sparked, and people fled in all directions.

The mutant roared: "Stop oppressing us! I want everyone to know that we mutants are also people, with dignity and rights!"

Lynn frowned, quickly took out his badge, signaled to the nearby passers-by to avoid, and then walked closer to the mutant, his tone calm and firm: "I'm with the FBI, calm down! No one wants to hurt you, we can sit down and talk about any problems."

The mutant turned to look at Lynn, a trace of hesitation flashed in his eyes, but he was obviously dominated by emotions, and roared: "Talk? We've been talking for decades, what's the result? We're still being marginalized and discriminated against!"

"I understand your anger," Lynn slowly approached, his tone low, "But your current behavior will only make people more afraid of you, it won't solve the problem. Stop, let us find a better way."

(End of this chapter)