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

"It was incredibly cold, but also spectacular," Lin Xi recalled of the icy continent. "And something very interesting is happening there now. Humans and new friends are establishing cooperative relationships."

“New friends?” George repeated, a hint of understanding flashing in his eyes. “You mean those alien visitors?”

“Yes,” Lynn nodded, “though I can’t go into too many details, I can tell you they are friendly and very intelligent.”

“This is unbelievable,” Gwen said, shaking her head. “I mean, I know it’s true, but it’s still hard to imagine. We really aren’t the only intelligent life in the universe anymore.”

“This changed everything, didn’t it?” George said thoughtfully. “I mean, it gave us a whole new understanding of our place in the universe.”

“That’s true,” Lynn agreed, “but in a sense, it also makes us cherish the uniqueness of Earth and human civilization even more.”

"How so?" Gwen asked curiously.

“Because we have discovered that every intelligent species has its own unique strengths and contributions,” Lynn explained. “Human creativity, emotional depth, and the pursuit of beauty and harmony are very special in the universe.”

“That sounds wonderful,” Gwen said. “Maybe one day I’ll be able to meet them too.”

“Perhaps,” Lynn smiled. “Now that there’s a peace agreement, cultural exchanges will increase.”

They continued their conversation over dinner, the topic gradually shifting from work to more relaxed family matters. Gwen recounted her experiences working at the hospital, particularly how a young patient she had recently cared for bravely faced surgery. George, on the other hand, shared his involvement in a community history preservation project since his retirement, where he is helping to establish a local history museum.

“You know what, Lynn,” George said, munching on an apple pie, “ever since you left home to start your work for the FBI, I’ve been thinking about something.”

"What's the problem?" Lynn asked.

“Regarding the meaning of family,” George put down his fork, his expression turning serious, “when we adopted you, we just wanted to give a child a home. But over the years, I’ve realized that you’ve given us far more than we’ve given you.”

“Dad.” Lynn was touched.

“Let me finish,” George raised his hand, “You’ve made us better people. Watching you grow up, watching you choose to protect others with your own life, makes me proud of humanity and proud to be your father.”

Tears welled in Gwen's eyes. "Dad's right, Lynn. You've always been our hero, no matter what job you do."

Lynn was deeply moved. After experiencing so much danger and pressure, being able to sit here, unconditionally loved and supported by her family, was a feeling that no external achievement could compare to.

“Thank you,” Lynn said, her voice choked with emotion. “Sometimes I feel like I don’t deserve this family.”

“Nonsense,” Gwen retorted immediately, “you’re the best part of our family.”

“And,” George added, “family isn’t about blood ties, it’s about love and support. From the day you came to our family at seven, you’ve been our true son.”

The dining table was quiet for a while, with the three of them enjoying the deep warmth of family.

“Alright,” Gwen finally broke the silence, “that’s sentimental enough. Lynn, what are your vacation plans?”

“To be honest, I don’t have any concrete plans yet,” Lynn wiped her eyes. “I just want to get away from work and do something completely different.”

“That’s great,” George said, a hint of excitement in his eyes. “I have a suggestion.”

"What suggestion?"

“Fishing,” George simply said.

“Fishing?” Lynn and Gwen said almost simultaneously.

“Yes, fishing,” George stood up and began clearing the table. “I’ve always wanted to go to that lake in the Adirondack Mountains, you remember? We went there once when you were twelve.”

Lynn immediately recalled that trip. It was five years after he joined the Hall family, when George decided to take the whole family on a fishing vacation. It was the first time Lynn truly felt the warmth of family and a sense of belonging.

“I remember,” Lynn smiled, “Mirror Lake, right?”

“Correct!” George exclaimed excitedly. “I’ve checked, and there are still cabins available for rent. We can go there for a week, away from all the city noise and stress.”

“That sounds great,” Gwen agreed. “I haven’t really relaxed in a long time. Working in the hospital is meaningful, but it’s also exhausting.”

“And,” George continued, “we can revisit those traditional family activities: fishing, hiking, chatting by the fireplace in the evenings. Just like those good old days.”

Lynn felt a deep longing. After going through so much complicated and dangerous things, simple family time sounded like heaven.

“I think this is a brilliant idea,” Lynn decided. “When do we leave?”

"How about tomorrow?" George suggested. "I can book the cabin tonight and get the equipment ready."

"Too fast, isn't it?" Gwen laughed. "I need to ask for leave, and we need to prepare a lot of things."

“What about the day after tomorrow?” Lynn suggested. “That way we’ll have time to prepare, and Gwen can also arrange her work.”

“Perfect,” George clapped his hands and decided, “Then we’ll leave the day after tomorrow morning. I’ll prepare the fishing gear, Gwen, you’ll take care of the food and supplies, and Lynn, you… you just need to relax.”

“That’s not fair,” Lynn protested. “I wanted to help with the preparations too.”

“You’ve already done your part for world peace,” Gwen joked. “Now it’s our turn to take care of you.”

Over the next few hours, they began to meticulously plan their fishing trip. George took out his fishing gear, which he had kept for years, and carefully inspected each piece of equipment. Gwen started making a shopping list and planning food supplies for the week. Lynn was in charge of finding the latest information about Mirror Lake and the surrounding area.

“Look here,” Lynn pointed to a photo on his laptop, “the lake is still so clear, and the surrounding forest is very well preserved.”

“It’s so beautiful,” Gwen exclaimed, looking at the photos. “I’d forgotten how beautiful nature is.”

“This is what we need,” George nodded with satisfaction, “clean air, clear lake water, and each other’s company.”

As night fell, Lynn suggested going back to his apartment to pack his luggage, but George and Gwen insisted that he stay overnight.

“Your room is still there, everything is exactly as it was,” Gwen said. “And we can get ready together tomorrow morning.”

“Okay,” Lynn agreed, “I do miss sleeping here.” That night, the three of them sat in the living room and watched an old movie, just like Lynn often did when he was a teenager. It was George’s favorite Western, and although Lynn and Gwen had seen it many times, they still enjoyed this simple family time.

“You know,” Gwen said after the movie, “I’ve been thinking that maybe we should get together like this more often.”

“I agree,” Lynn nodded. “Work is important, but family is more important.”

“Then it’s decided,” George announced. “From now on, we’ll have dinner together at least once a month and take a vacation at least once a year.”

“Deal,” Lynn and Gwen said in unison.

The next morning, Lynn was awakened by the delicious aroma wafting from the kitchen. When he went downstairs, he found Gwen preparing a sumptuous breakfast, while George was already setting up his fishing gear.

“Good morning, Sleeping Beauty,” Gwen joked. “How did you sleep?”

“Great,” Lynn stretched, “I haven’t slept this soundly in ages.”

“That’s the power of home,” George said, looking up from the pile of equipment. “Nothing makes you feel more relaxed than home.”

At breakfast, they continued discussing the details of their vacation. Gwen had successfully secured a week off, and her colleagues were very supportive of her plans. George had already booked a cabin by Mirror Lake, a three-bedroom cottage that could comfortably accommodate their family of three.

“I’ve also booked a small boat,” George announced excitedly, “so we can row out to the middle of the lake and fish, just like before.”

"Do you still remember how to row?" Gwen joked with Lynn. "The last time you rowed was ten years ago."

“I think it should be fine,” Lynn laughed. “It’s like riding a bicycle; once you learn, you won’t forget.”

“We’ll see,” Gwen said playfully.

In the morning, they went to an outdoor gear store together to buy the necessary equipment for their trip. Although George had a lot of fishing gear, some things still needed to be updated or replenished.

Inside the store, Lynn felt a long-lost sense of normalcy. Watching other customers prepare for various outdoor activities and listening to the staff explain the features of different equipment, everything seemed so ordinary and beautiful. There were no urgent missions, no alien threats, just an ordinary person preparing for a family vacation.

“How about this sleeping bag?” Gwen asked, picking up a sleeping bag that looked very comfortable.

“It’s good, but maybe a little too luxurious,” Lynn checked the tags. “We’re just going fishing, not on an adventure.”

“But comfort is also important,” George said, walking over from the side. “After all, we’re not young anymore, and we need to take good care of our bodies.”

Ultimately, they chose some practical and comfortable equipment: new fishing line, some special bait, picnic gear, and a portable barbecue grill.

“That way we can grill the fish we caught right here and eat it,” George said with satisfaction.

In the afternoon, Gwen went to the hospital to handle some handover work, while Lynn helped George organize and pack all his gear. During this time, the father and son had more time alone together.

“Lynn,” George said suddenly as he inspected the fishing rod, “I have a question for you.”

"What's wrong, Dad?"

"Are you satisfied with your job?" George asked earnestly. "I mean, aside from the noble goal of protecting people, does this job bring you personal satisfaction?"

This was a profound question, and Lynn thought about it carefully before answering: "Most of the time I'm satisfied. This job makes me feel like I'm doing something meaningful, and my team is like family. But sometimes..."

“Sometimes what?” George encouraged him to continue.

“Sometimes I wonder what would have happened if I had chosen a different path,” Lynn said candidly. “Like becoming a teacher, like you, or doing some more ordinary job. Having a normal family, a normal life.”

“But that wouldn’t be you,” George said wisely. “From your childhood, I could see a special sense of mission in you. You always wanted to help others and protect those who couldn’t protect themselves. It’s your nature, not a job choice.”

“Perhaps you’re right,” Lynn nodded, “but sometimes this sense of responsibility can also be a burden.”

“Everything meaningful comes with burdens,” George put down his fishing rod and looked intently at Lynn, “but that’s why rest and family are so important. They remind us what we’re fighting for and give us the strength to keep going.”

“That’s why this vacation is so important,” Lynn understood her father’s words, “not just for relaxation, but also for rediscovering inner balance.”

“Absolutely right,” George smiled, “and I believe a few days of fishing and family time will recharge you and prepare you for the next challenge.”

In the evening, Gwen returned home with some snacks she had packed from the hospital cafeteria as a reward for Lynn and George for helping them pack their gear.

"Is everything ready?" she asked excitedly.

“Everything is basically ready,” Lynn said, looking at the equipment neatly arranged in the living room. “We can leave tomorrow morning.”

"That's awesome!" Gwen clapped her hands in celebration. "I can't wait to see that lake!"

“I checked the weather forecast,” George added. “It’s a week of good weather, perfect for fishing and outdoor activities.”

That evening, they prepared a simple dinner together, and then sat in the living room chatting and discussing the next day's itinerary.

“I suggest we leave at six in the morning,” George proposed. “That way we can avoid rush hour and arrive before noon.”

"Six o'clock?" Gwen made a face. "So early?"

“The early bird catches the worm,” Lynn joked, “and the early fisherman catches the fish.”

“Fine, I can get up early for the fish,” Gwen conceded.

“Then it’s decided,” George nodded with satisfaction. “Get up at 5:30 tomorrow morning and leave at 6:00.”

At 10 p.m., they returned to their rooms to rest and prepare for getting up early the next day.

In his room, Lynn did a final check of his luggage, making sure he hadn't forgotten anything important. Then he sat on the edge of the bed and texted Sarah: "Everything's arranged. Fishing vacation starts tomorrow. Contact Manager Jason in case of emergency." (End of Chapter)