Blazing Armor

Just as Ren Yi arrived at the door, he could already hear voices arguing inside. When he opened the door, he saw the nanny and his father pushing at each other.OVjRgGeRxONaYhbsUnwzmmLIXPstin

PhvSuPdQHFoJbYh

“Auntie, what’s going on?”fOwLoNenZGDizGVMsSpJAwzDIIJbgK

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Auntie Wang, flustered, said as soon as she saw him, “Captain Ren, thank goodness you’re back! Your dad won’t take his medicine!”TONYsWFFYuZDwdFFIECFTYOwUUpVLX

oozXALdBxJFYtYw

Ren Yi glanced at the man sitting in the wheelchair and sighed inwardly. “Dad, why aren’t you taking your medicine if your stomach’s feeling bad?”DRpbQPNxOJzmIXDNNJsnQUsBRqmbLr

SdHDiBVEfflqnpj

“Medicine is poison in small doses! I’m not taking it, not taking it!” Ren Xiangrong got worked up and slapped the medicine out of Auntie Wang’s hand.OwHyxaigxOLLQDDsiwNTYpcfmFKzEZ

hjeOQBXQklTBKEv

The bottle hit the floor, and pills scattered everywhere.PjroRVBmDOhIYurKjMcZpTIfyBuOKq

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Auntie Wang shook her head helplessly.tScwuRtKEARZKtjSqCoQyiWdFmNwOh

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Ren Yi gave her a reassuring look and bent down to pick up the pills together.mPyiMYSKIteqEPXtpDlYAGNtZOHVGD

TKPNdlwbuUfsvGR

Ren Xiangrong, as if nothing had happened, looked at Ren Yi and asked, “Why are you home from school so early today?”zNOjBsVELvDCBRJqKMPOatbJjBnWKG

KOvmsvpPJLjCilo

“It’s already dark; it’s not early.” Ren Yi replied softly, then turned to Auntie Wang. “You can go home for today, Auntie.”jxnlFqeqPuciOywolJhulVZutPUmwu

bqaYZFhPWuCXzMl

“The food’s ready in the pot. I’ll be off then,” Auntie Wang said, glancing at Ren Yi with hesitation before putting on her shoes and leaving.OtpbWDxAcKpOLfKiDPDHPkiariGAEj

HkcyTfXlsrHTqpB

Ren Xiangrong lightly tapped his legs, mumbling, either to Ren Yi or himself, “Has your mom finished work yet?”ZhHmrpBYHKlLYJQViEAOPGvjpduqVr

TjuJizLeAltUHaX

“Not yet,” Ren Yi said as he set the medicine aside, thinking he’d try again in a few hours when maybe his father would be more lucid.QHtQgnjxzNFbUFvNsIUdKuxeFUlSrg

LSaFILTdMCtvtAM

It was a sad situation. His dad, who could once precisely name every street in the district and how many fire hydrants there were, now spent half his time not remembering what year it was, or that his wife had passed away and his son was grown.TiaKbhecqyhuugBBRAhtoPjmyJzmGq

rqkimEnyhIAaAIt

Ren Xiangrong mumbled again, “We’ll eat when your mom gets back.”aKuOzIzPbqTDVIDmSmBFvsEOhHmiPL

XebtKaKcPMoVqXO

“Alright, Dad, how about I give you a bath first?”WjbQTkwywHoHGZDZNDTRtKrjUPCVUa

JJmgQBmryLisdfK

Ren Xiangrong seemed not to hear him, continuing to murmur, “We’ll eat when your mom gets back…”fAaWhqRerhbsHuxGDWsFgOUfxanzSv

OWCapJCItEHIlGh

Ren Yi wheeled his dad to the bathroom, lifted him into the custom bath, and patiently began to wash him.CKvacKHSSsivxHYGcrHeHXyMpeVREu

jhiUeMsNmXCzAtr

His dad had once been a legendary firefighter, winning a May Fourth Medal, earning one second-class merit, and three third-class merits. The year he retired due to a leg injury, he was already the captain of a major fire brigade. But in just three years after being confined to a wheelchair, he got sick.HXluljtSPEZMEeBlSzmiwDwHVApSIb

EqXNcfEknrcpFni

Ren Yi’s mother had passed away unexpectedly when he was in university. With few relatives, when his dad fell ill, all the household responsibilities fell on him. Since he couldn’t be home most of the time, he had to hire two nannies to take turns caring for his dad around the clock. But with Alzheimer’s, his dad’s mood could change unpredictably, sometimes making him entirely unreasonable. Over the years, he had gone through more than a dozen caregivers.fvTwpztZhXSSChlXyAcXbfjPQLYnDT

xvYAAcwnoTjLBZz

What pained Ren Yi the most was seeing the once strong, mountain-like man now so frail and sickly. He had saved so many people, yet modern medicine couldn’t save him.soCZBrTbfOHOYJAPXuTWRRKQRxqyKF

eCqJddhwMRCIttk

After the exhausting task of bathing his dad, Ren Xiangrong seemed to drift off to sleep, and Ren Yi, also tired, put him to bed, adjusted the air conditioning, and went to the kitchen to heat up some food.fuNbnFrqfnHjBgOGIgJYlozgcTNXAt

zGliCXlPdgMudtT

As he ate, Ren Yi made a phone call.HMszxWZqyBcRFUoELBzJyMOSRTpXlm

WmzgXaFlQWeLsTx

The call was answered almost immediately, with a voice on the other end deliberately lowered. “Hey, brother.”peYhBGmmntkOIKKGvmeXDXHNSrdVqn

IgXfUokAfthQPnU

“What are you up to?” Ren Yi asked.MDsqgmAPEfeykiLamuytMBMMDNHYkI

scVqbEkgLuUEONv

“The kid just fell asleep, what’s up?”jkxDWIvgCzqwInRgRZLhrKjzXDrvRm

rclEuOpaCAmulaF

“Need to ask you about someone.” The man on the other end was Fu Kai, his high school buddy, one of his closest friends.uJZUzreshxXEMzQbYoSOuIPfGOMrED

tuKnqQBVDomaoTl

“Who?”hBFxWAUzuajQFKXecrXsHZPgBzfhbx

perXDXBwWbHGmlz

“Gong Yingxian. Ever heard of him? Gong as in palace. He’s also a cop.”rsDvvUdrEQuKsucSvjKfTefrlUmfaK

kwWtNWwqHLfWith

“Yeah, I’ve heard of him. Why’re you suddenly asking about him?” Fu Kai clicked his tongue. “You wouldn’t happen to be interested in him, would you?”ZKEfSazfPVhDQUaffFDPLXzyXLjayQ

JlXQIbjAshWNFNi

“What the hell are you talking about? I just suspect someone’s impersonating a cop and wanted to verify.”tsPmINeDmzTCFNwdYhIlQHtEdAVdGn

JRGXcegwqJgAFAL

“Oh, he doesn’t seem much like a cop.”OyhLJRTyaPYnMTmQrqxxLNkUiSMbxf

gGdNiKypOiiKPux

“You know him?”uxaffLLBBubVYAFbYgvTrtneoNxApU

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“Not really, just seen him.”MYRFXMbXvucBkQjrCbQDIeDxRMEeNT

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“What’s his deal?”tlTRmFBlSaeoMfoziMsepsYfMFgbAO

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“He’s an odd one… Damn, my daughter woke up because of you.” The sound of a child crying came through the phone. “I’ll tell you more later.”xXPnrLHztlnffOWMUyvxgUcRRRMzkP

ZTFclkYPKCdrvSs

Ren Yi hung up, muttering, “Weird enough, alright.”PTeWgGJPffqOXSpJileFfyXwYJDPHm

CxCxnjuCNqVwauJ

After finishing his meal, Ren Yi called Gao Ge to check on the situation at the station, then lay down on the couch and played some games.XlsRwdqQSJBgzJkXodtCYnIsSKqFNy

yOGCcVmMGUbwaWg

It wasn’t until after nine that night that Ren Xiangrong’s room stirred.cWlhNHVrMKPtsFVDaSYvNcaXvLCCkk

uDeNuuWODSABlmr

Ren Yi opened the door and saw his father just sitting up. “Dad, you’re awake?”VowloxpJxHsPpTIQodVnTbOmwVMiHv

JUszLBwbXGwuOko

Ren Xiangrong looked at Ren Yi for a moment and scolded, “Why are you home again? I’ve told you how many times not to abandon your post because of me.”tMvZgTXTlAIzKFlDIeAkqcZgClWNRV

pVnvMmrYTmtUVyd

Ren Yi breathed a sigh of relief. “The station’s just across the street. It won’t interfere with responding to calls. Auntie said you threw up, so I came back to check on you.”RzlidTRREgsOuxEppzziYepbkkspGD

GXFPguTTLGImtsp

“Throwing up is no big deal.” Ren Xiangrong pushed himself to stand. Ren Yi moved to help, but his father waved him off.FvqztvqxPVVzRZEQeelWviqGEXLwwS

qsnEhoHFFWKcNAl

One of Ren Xiangrong’s legs still worked, but walking was difficult. Still, when he was lucid, he preferred using a cane to sitting in a wheelchair.kveHxMhRGjGzkyKTBbcfmFtobufQVg

UJxtgKqPRuGwaXd

“Take your medicine first,” Ren Yi said, handing over the pills and some water.yRklaWcJjMkefsNuUwvxHTAOoKTJcv

XoFoNqStBozYdHq

Ren Xiangrong sat on the couch and obediently took the medicine.ojkfhUSPRslLKIZSTYGXJXQnEYPPNN

wYNJGlieVIEjIEZ

“You’d better skip dinner tonight and see how your stomach feels tomorrow. If it’s no good, I’ll take you to the hospital.”jRrXQXfuNGbOzKuabuEuncsoHDoOkr

xmzpQwaNGXSteXT

“Hospital? What for?” Ren Xiangrong glared at him. “You think I’m a useless old man?”xEtgDpIEvZmfbMUQiKBuAJwkVXZjLA

stoWxXESerxODRA

“I wouldn’t dare.” Ren Yi laughed. “No hospital then. Captain Ren never leaves the front line for minor injuries.”hTHvJuWtLOwmcmooTGeWSyvjvlxZLk

YGtpWflhXSunPoY

Ren Xiangrong smiled too. “How’s work been lately?”nnjsNVkpTGrCSmEnUNcssevwfVXioL

orsuiIkENlpnSaf

“Last week there was a fire alarm at Changxing Road. A café burned down. Fire investigators said it was caused by faulty wiring during renovations,” Ren Yi said, sipping his tea.vTLKRKDPBsAWzQDpJeDibcZNWrptod

mpUgIrCpRHlLFQC

“Oh? Tell me more about it,” his father replied.gWYxBTsyFxzqXsESmwoAFyqwuDXDaF

aWPtrkMRSIATLMk

The father and son sipped their tea, comfortably chatting about the incident.hFBtzGgEsivtygFTdyIuKnfPEqvHRP

MhcSqkSqYZWhlkm

—–QvvMIWdtkmFcmRXfhNIDMkPHQoDbpL

GOeWGUVncBOOTyB

The next morning, Ren Yi returned to the station just in time for morning exercises. By around 10 a.m., the day was getting hotter, so he called for everyone to disperse and start free activities.KKVqreuJQPLaWjNFDxfVbpzmAdbHWl

bUjBUeJTygtdXhx

Although they couldn’t leave the station, life there was far from boring. Besides routine drills and study sessions, they often conducted fire safety inspections at local establishments. In their free time, they could play basketball, work out, play video games, or watch TV and movies. They also had plenty of room to indulge in hobbies that didn’t violate discipline.QcglgEGswWNEIlUqedVdIJZgAySxgh

gEoSiSLVjvpZfXA

At that moment, Ren Yi, Gao Ge, and Sun Dingyi headed to the rec room. Each found a comfy sofa and sprawled out, ready to play some games.CRyXIDOtxsrmJPwRwUiwudyAleYOXI

NBuRYATkTilINAZ

“PUBG or King of Glory?” Sun Dingyi asked.dNBwGhiFwCUNAVZQcDTYcVNEwYnIRg

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“PUBG.”ggbzLofJjCyKxNzvVXXahJeSRRkzBL

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“Can I bring my girlfriend—”DWThqCbMojlmitBrIsuZuIUHQSxOTV

NNrjaaRMNKirWXX

“Nope,” the other two said in unison.IxcmPIvcJrAClOUiJKcDJBEkbgkeVf

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Sun Dingyi clicked his tongue. “You guys never want to play with girls.”VOxpAZuskBejFDNkzIcIXFeRdZtCzT

bmcxXTVVrdVfoUq

“Nobody wants to hear you flirting,” Gao Ge replied, checking who was online. “Who should we team up with? Let’s see who’s available…”oJfUSlJEESNPKWRLlQHnJClMRIvddx

sEYBpjAJaEYBbRo

Ren Yi added, “I’m grinding for rank these days, no noobs allowed.”hCdWQsInevUGEexMbmKBCyGuZZQXWk

gcbaCmKKfwrfQFe

“Well, then I’ve got nobody.”iWLSfKiegeCoKZRthiBzuxUUNixhoF

KItrxtMiTXWjEle

“Same here.”WMdIfPYwyqMLDaFjaNEyLciXKijncI

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“Let’s just match with a random player.”JEcOIvuEnRVrnaDJjxSszawFXuNNgV

OYWpPJAngvIeIqh

The game started quickly, and Sun Dingyi suddenly began to giggle.uGfXMvMaJLLRsooeuQqeQEyULAPjTp

kDQnTvrxgeVRGXR

“What’s so funny?”BeTFCHJJneZjZquGPNcFAbRFoQDeNx

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“Your username, hahaha, Captain Ren. I crack up every time I see it.”rGvhxLElSgbNaJWPUIfGyzyUaUeWKC

YVGdReQmLdACBlj

Ren Yi’s in-game name was “Goddess.”pAScOlvKBdNhpykrBELyjOAPrhxjTX

XFXrhtWOHrAxIij

“You don’t get it, I’m balancing my five elements,” Ren Yi replied. “Let’s jump into M City.”gRDFovMsQOgwfGUzKChOxylnXPOqeu

PeCqGpWEctLVBMJ

Out of nowhere, the newly matched teammate spoke up: “Number One, your username is so unique. How do you pronounce it?”VDGwFVuObTExTWlUdhzFPMMlQBeOAs

WMDLUxvLlSlwiup

Gao Ge and Sun Dingyi both burst into laughter.hUWRoKdoUanJOoouRjQDABNvCnudey

HwkangtVSaWEFDe

Ren Yi cleared his throat, pretending to get serious. “Alright, I’m going to perform now. No more laughing.” He switched on voice chat, pitching his voice into a slightly husky, androgynous tone. “It’s pronounced ‘Man’, like the graceful ‘Man’.”BoCHCqeTNtEUEmYiCjCqvUkAtNnBQe

qeGxmNmSvILmbYm

Gao Ge and Sun Dingyi struggled to hold back their laughter.hPFGKdhLOITGrAyOzCvvSjXuyLJRXX

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The teammate paused for a moment. “Your voice… Are you using a voice changer?”MMsgyIsOVgyQLEMFxUEweqQHHoYuoo

cnHaNoXOxzlQGPI

Ren Yi slowed down his speech and, with a teasing tone, replied, “Huh? Do I sound like a guy to you?”mkyCMXCaeauUqEbDjvMRAUbHEznANB

qDrqcYdFQIlDTaB

There was silence for a while before the teammate responded awkwardly, “No, no, it’s just… a pretty sexy husky voice.”gglWiOnVTqmsnbtMEzXCTKrcPwaSck

vfWlaufTBEDxScO

“Yeah, a lot of people say that,” Ren Yi replied as he picked up a UMP9, vaulted through a window, and shot down an enemy.znHYAruraKnUahoIaAbalJrSXcfxtc

KovAKhonWOVAjDC

“Why did you choose that name, miss?”EaCtQWsotUGeAyoJRrkypOxpFsCrcO

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Without missing a beat, Ren Yi calmly replied, “Because women are made of water.”fqVqgwmOkUICnClTSlnPHWeXvUcKHk

ocfvpwKOTmNPeAi

Gao Ge and Sun Dingyi, faces red from stifling their laughter, could barely hold it together. They frantically gestured for Ren Yi to turn off the voice chat.oBdyezKzrSGaBwbkKdqyYwGELyXcoo

WhggUdzYhGEDoQe

Ren Yi rolled his eyes at them. “It’s off.”qdsXGOOSRkmksZlLCMQAygZzAUpoFC

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The two burst into uncontrollable laughter.XryYzhhjiKTVdFMuOysFWbnKRxohYg

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Sun Dingyi, struggling to catch his breath, said, “Captain Ren, have you no shame?”XqVkufusCexRxnDSAsWAmlcJxciAGH

aYXPzkloUEVokKm

“In battle, no tactic is off-limits. That’s the wisdom I’m imparting to you guys as your captain,” Ren Yi replied, then added, “Keep quiet now. He’s got a level-three helmet. Watch me talk him into giving it up.” He turned the voice chat back on. “Hey, handsome, could I have that level-three helmet?”phDCmyHOfCOUdRzdpCTKMzEsBOkPol

mpJPfRRzVeKjhwU

“Uh…”sfTWXNBoHirpmHktWngNErscvJcGYt

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“There are so many enemies. I’m kind of scared.”lidaODXWnlsDomlxqeLcPfGWwDjvfs

FSxkJyWETbRHfuZ

“Alright.”glUiNANHSrmrzudfjqgPafyzNcPvZo

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Just then, the door to the rec room swung open, and Ding Qing poked his head in. “Captain Ren, that girl is here again.”kYLQaKBpyQkFMhqHuznOpmXvbTmftN

NdlyhkOALzaXiJs

Instinctively, Ren Yi hissed for silence but then realized he’d given himself away. He quickly shut off the voice chat and stood up. “Where is she?”pawevBRanlSGQVaLGekqlOUmGKTjPR

uDGIYiMwylcxjyS

“She’s already inside, and—”FgJXCUnZOdSLAJpoJfbhxrySfzRXBN

zXofHASSQNkLWpn

“And what?”bdraACtuMyXeaKFrSmNgorGqiqQiBm

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Ding Qing scratched his head. “You’ll see for yourself.”CqCxrYaAuUaIyKdGCmapsAKzCnzeGO

cgZSsvudjkSTntL

Ren Yi lost all interest in the game, pocketed his phone, and went downstairs. Sure enough, Gong Feilan was strutting inside like she was at a shopping mall, dragging a suitcase behind her.JvckhnsncDGmKHpzEbscagvVImiLAM

swtShMuNsoqLTzz

Ren Yi quietly said to Ding Qing, “Get the political instructor.”tYBcojgqnjzPSBZwjgZiFPaECQfJbQ

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Gong Feilan spotted him and beamed. “Captain Ren!”pmuvZcenYcXlCZaOapxKKvvKaBkrIO

LmKmKwmWqPwMHHU

“What are you doing?”OLFcBNSeUgJZVFISaJObJvdVptfslZ

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“I ran away from home,” she said without missing a beat. “Can I stay here?”PJAdcyySRayhHljBAMcHzPQAEkjiRv

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“Of course not,” Ren Yi said helplessly. “Why’d you run away? Where are your parents?”cTtZlXBYeAefRoOLDyuCeEqabLGvNb

coiCoajlWKNojrN

“Who knows? They didn’t even show up when I was in the hospital. I don’t care to know either,” Gong Feilan stared at Ren Yi with determination. “I want to stay with you.”GxELJZejBZApzLIeZhNQYqSRIMFszE

bQcgBFwFEoxodxj

Ren Yi, still annoyed with Gong Yingxian, found himself unable to be harsh with her. Clearly, her rebelliousness was deeply rooted in her relationship with her parents.mlynoBuGjZhBOCYEkhwdmbNjdwhSIn

jgYjqcpSYaYPbYy

With as much patience as he could muster, Ren Yi said, “Feilan, I’ve told you many times, in my eyes, you’re just a kid. Running away from home isn’t going to solve your problems.”lYmnXgtWvtOckkjMWoKfnihfIwejkv

fIBSQNjqZferQbC

“But I feel safe with you.”MsduvufyQTnPgzPOUlwNpwGCAcvocy

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“I appreciate that you trust me, but the people who care about you most in this world are your family. How about I take you home?”TywFUSfkeRmrXpYGNbLXzQEeXcohax

jNhwQAAhuJkaejk

Gong Feilan shook her head. “I’m not going home. If you won’t let me stay here, I’ll book a hotel.”wKBhhgNCpWzGxIHNYtlSuThOrKbkqp

jYQdSQPaLRROYgh

“…You don’t want to see your parents, how about I call your brother to pick you up?”AkiwnwpLXfOHSXYVWinbEjxyiHAtZh

FnSiQLMMXsvSvPy

Gong Feilan frowned. “He came looking for you?”wuRkDwAxSfZFYfovDzzUMozmdSPmjG

uhokXxBzPGRBTvm

“Yeah, and he said you told him I was your boyfriend. Feilan, do you realize how much trouble that could cause me?”wPVuUidZqdwzKRaIhzHYkmVpQaOnst

iUcKDGqnJAYXDYj

She bit her lip. “I’m sorry.”nvSyTAvJBvhyvnuMgpxVXLEAugGWyC

QymqUSchbhHnqEn

At that moment, Political Instructor Qu Yangbo arrived. “Ren Yi, what’s going on?”fMLaztbhRfGBlnkLbMWhrLSXFkawZX

EANKaxqcSgFmUFK

Ren Yi explained, “She might’ve had a falling out with her family and is trying to run away from home.”FUSnkSyMQytxIgDSexbdwJRwhlTytF

jRQcqjRKOWSZdhK

Qu Yangbo, a few years older than Ren Yi, wore glasses and had a scholarly appearance. He was excellent at psychological counseling. He approached Gong Feilan and spoke gently. “Feilan, did you have a fight with your parents?”MllyHagphVFZVYfkichvUNgZFzdfbr

qBCkCxKPZQBrtrQ

“No,” she turned her face away, “I just wanted to see Captain Ren. I want to stay here.”qIDOucabpvfGuAoynoISYwosAxtUjF

QXVEfXhnbbMmcDf

“The fire station’s doors are always open to the public, but you can’t stay here forever. We have to send you home.”jWzShnfNDeUsusQJPxEaBsaFDuKROU

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“I’m not going back!” Gong Feilan shouted. “I’m sick of home!”eOHZLUOeyolZTOttcoKtyomAbKDkLJ

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Ren Yi exchanged a glance with Qu Yangbo and said, “No matter what, I’m calling your brother.”ImJtMqeXFzVudxRUIhUCLXvzMNPKRk

MEkCFjOOpsaswhO

“He’s just my cousin. We’re not close.”RtwuzKrlpnWyKeYzOrfARKznATdDSz

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“Feilan,” Ren Yi gently placed a hand on her shoulder, looking her straight in the eyes with both kindness and firmness. “You’re still young, and your family is responsible for you. So, either we call your parents, or we call your cousin. You decide.”gCFFBZtFJYyHuPQQFFNWYBAoeRUtNh

YXDgSauncvUVGBG

Gong Feilan fell silent.JQUnbwmYrXrjfdQycDtTXKecQIHTVm

WlnYjdwmDovrxcb

“If you stay here, it’s going to cause us a lot of trouble. You might not be able to come back again.”IBzFKzBRlYJWhxQKQCsPsNcHyEldjI

hjTUfRIlQfJMbPs

With a sullen voice, Gong Feilan muttered, “Then I’ll go home.”TFXfCnZlcJVZbCQllwEWYDshOZlNsV

CTcPhRYjGAgveUd

“No, we need to see an adult come pick you up.”ZfvuKJzHLXVbtvmGNIHtfemQPycawv

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Reluctantly, she replied, “Fine, call him.”tBLdtiQkaKVplzNshQFFBHKUaMsBIH

NYCQHcESkExfkYp

“Give me his number.”QgrXMoJsPwFZtmJIWcPgUMtQwZWYDe

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“I don’t have it,” she said, still pouting.qwMvQFPwOxXbKhAlzFgqBSdBkORNvK

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Ren Yi shook his head in exasperation and took out his phone. He called Fu Kai, asking him to get Gong Yingxian’s number and send it over as soon as possible.ElltvFyNdyGBYIDswUsSpQPIrstXgX

hGloSwCxRfAscGK

Meanwhile, Qu Yangbo led Gong Feilan to the conference room to wait.uZZOhwIlCrwVpnRINiIpojFvGYlGxS

CKYkZfqmDMiwoVG

Ren Yi waited for a while before receiving a call from Fu Kai and immediately dialed back.RdgqBdaTHISYEThNmJEuYnWRwEpaAQ

KLNDkeIiDqqiSYX

The phone rang a few times before it was answered, and Ren Yi heard that familiar cold, yet luxurious voice again: “Hello?”ZxhZsnhYDZpVmizlUSDVuyWtNfHHGd

BLTwyDwTqnfrNJz

“Your sister is currently at my team station, come and pick her up now,” Ren Yi said, then hung up without waiting for a response. Turning to Ding Qing, he instructed, “When Gong Feilan’s brother arrives, take him straight to the meeting room.”bRqRXdKJNBoPghhCgoDWLmTouQtiCG

cSzvqAnQaDKYHQn

“Understood.”WQQPwiDdqgHKMsiFyeTnXkSkZXzdVG

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Ren Yi entered the meeting room to find Qu Yangbo talking to Gong Feilan. She had her head down, looking unwell.XQNjaisaibsBOGkIIZkOLmbElIzZdx

lsoMFrNwdwJTfaD

Qu Yangbo said, “Ren Yi, I just got a call from the division. I need to head out. You stay with her.”QCEOnFTlGhkadOcTTWhWCeoMQxaCLs

nfCCLhzTWsOAade

“Alright, you go ahead.”SczFkMCAfouzwgtBTCuvRAZMhuXrXf

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After Qu Yangbo left, the room fell into a long silence.xYDqbrMYFAzuvqVFuWguhXabVapaAo

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After about ten minutes, Gong Feilan finally gathered the courage to sneak a glance at Ren Yi and softly asked, “Do you hate me?”PoWOJrszdkuqByGRWzpXgijzrlgbXa

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“No, I’m just worried about you,” Ren Yi replied, softening his tone. “Your brother will be here soon.”PTvpjdbUnjBvwBxfGXGHxEhspMjYlp

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Gong Feilan nodded.DWmNkFwxInBMcdsmUjORjmGuIDeZWy

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Seeing her downcast expression, Ren Yi tried to make small talk: “He shares the same last name as you, so he must be your cousin?”WiFTpAxMMhZLJqZImywJidYOXwQNrY

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“My dad married into my mom’s family,” Gong Feilan said, clearly unwilling to talk about her father.QhnhcDDYGAdkcputDwnmxwwKzAJuIc

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“Oh… Why does he wear gloves and a mask?”TJcLgyqiNZCBWKtdYlZWgrzgoYZxNl

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“He’s a germaphobe. Whenever he feels the environment is unclean, he puts on a mask.”nCdBMmDJxWzYGisSCYBJaxUFyzbsOQ

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Ren Yi silently cursed, *What a freak*.KnfpaBHqJeMKRqgtfOFMdvVVazBDdh

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“I didn’t mean to lie,” Gong Feilan whispered, “when I said you were my boyfriend.”LyrUudjsQaZSrfpbbmivpgOcQeFrLs

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Ren Yi chuckled bitterly, “You really shouldn’t make up stuff like that.”SjGJXjNajDtcuUaowTRMXGaGcxrnFc

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“I just wished you were my boyfriend because I feel like, no matter when or how dangerous things get, you’d always protect me.”PyXGOcYAngwGmBzAcaAsTesDvaXTvH

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“I would,” Ren Yi said seriously. “Even if we were strangers, it’s my duty to protect you.”JyiGfyvfJbrvZXlJFDrkAwFuBhOPyl

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Gong Feilan looked at Ren Yi, her beautiful eyes sparkling with a mixture of gratitude and reliance.cgIthpzeQwLjHFGIwGpavdjXoEIYDV

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At that moment, the door to the meeting room swung open, and a man strode in with determined steps.rrbSAhRjfLVHBsmiQrDEEGKrFblNdB

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Ren Yi looked up, recognizing him immediately—it was the man who had cornered him in the stairwell the other day.iBIsPWeXYcuqprHyIVgJGQqJuiieHi

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Gong Yingxian glanced at Gong Feilan before sweeping his gaze over Ren Yi, his eyes filled with hostility.kQfGpSWZbyNSubqYYSOwTBfufGWxGI

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Gong Feilan kept her head down, saying nothing.mLHKhDIsFKiZJRAIehpSowNqMLMWEJ

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Ren Yi crossed one leg over the other, watching Gong Yingxian with a composed expression.QpwlYmNxAYgTcOLurwqKJzrvKFmLtZ

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Gong Yingxian surveyed the room before slowly removing his mask.qKdKlnevwgCpIteNuOVGGWpAJfyFDc

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Ren Yi was momentarily stunned. There was a slight resemblance between the siblings, but while Gong Feilan still had a youthful appearance, Gong Yingxian’s face was strikingly beautiful, almost painfully so. His features were exquisitely defined, like a work of art, yet there was nothing effeminate about him. His demeanor was cold, restrained, and even a touch… elegant.RAzpZvwDvSRvniEXuGGnVusPzNJdSR

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Ren Yi had never seen anyone like him before. He seemed entirely out of place, as though he didn’t belong to the mundane world, and yet, he was undeniably real.BmniBJSTpYzMCyKsGyPgGPMklhbajx

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