Blazing Armor

“Palace, as in the palace.”fsNfwcPYwZXwClZIKtYRHjuxIUAfct

VzfAxBGfXQLVAJp

“I heard his family works in chemical engineering.”SBEMwUixffzmXIGEqADkPKsyPuNgHX

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“His family passed away when he was very young.”muhKrWCidPHroYoHuFSCRjrHCGatrJ

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“I hate fire.”RMLQzHyiLEePyDDkouyDanMdrHNWVd

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As Ren Yi searched online for information about the Baosheng Chemical Plant explosion, these words kept echoing in his mind.CsLDHUtakVlPYqSIlQYCjbxbcZcSGF

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Back then, the internet wasn’t as advanced, so there wasn’t much available information. But what he could find was enough to show how shocking and terrifying the incident was. In reality, Ren Yi didn’t need to look it up online—he had been at the scene back then, and later in college, he even analyzed the case. But now, he needed to understand a perspective he hadn’t considered before.sbEtXpuIrxRaIskFxAQGXWafemkAzm

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After confirming a few details, Ren Yi called Fu Kai and asked him to look up some household registration records.PgSTeuQBvYeWkBdYtJyrSJqAIfftNC

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Fu Kai’s response confirmed Ren Yi’s suspicions.WCKLPNywzfvVrvEURmhtVraNFoeZsk

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Mingyu Gong, the chairman of the group that owned Baosheng Chemical Plant, which exploded 18 years ago, was none other than Gong Yingxian’s father.QwvrCqyHvSONBMTFxDSQEDXabguQbN

HxAfOxLQEhnGXDl

Suddenly, a voice echoed in Ren Yi’s head, repeating over and over: “I hate fire.” It was in Gong Yingxian’s cold yet elegant voice. Back then, Ren Yi thought Gong Yingxian had said it just to piss him off, but now he realized that behind those simple four words lay a tragic story.YteWaKFGwFuQUsFYqlgWfGLDGUJnCn

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A six-year-old child, who lost his home and family overnight, and in such a horrific way—how many people could bear such a change? The fact that Gong Yingxian became who he is now all made sense.vKGGPtuvFGnVRYiUmFKcmUyVYKrUNL

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Ren Yi felt awful. He had seen too many fires and knew the brutal scars they left, both physical and psychological. Just like burn marks that can never be undone, the trauma stays with you for life.kHnedbOgnikYwfXJdRXoZllFYohNLU

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How did Gong Yingxian feel about becoming a cop and investigating fire cases? What did he think when he stepped into the ruins, left charred and broken by flames? Did he… did he have to relive the past again and again, forced to remember?ifvriNAlurSSeRMdkqrZLUOzQgXHNf

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Ren Yi didn’t dare think further. His chest felt tight, and his brows furrowed deeply.pwpzejAWXiRQAiRfMoFSWFeVhYhBbA

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From his father being trapped in the chemical plant rescue for eight days and seven nights, to later saving Gong Yingxian from the fire with his own hands, to the two of them meeting and working together—perhaps there really was some unseen hand of fate that tied them together.BZKyDIZOyiccFeCvmorEIdsXNiAVAa

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As someone who had aspired to be a firefighter since childhood, Ren Yi carried a natural sense of mission to “save.” But for Gong Yingxian, maybe investigating fire cases was his own form of redemption. Their fates intertwining had to mean something—like the Fourth Perspective case, which held meaning.rFfzMiPqihSHCFoYDDvLIoVwufZmYV

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Ren Yi took out his phone and silently stared at the message Gong Yingxian had sent him.yqYqUXpJvtBAWyKdQPdRqhkpDHyRkE

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He called Gong Yingxian.gqNhIytJoGggmarIwUFyYIUvAUtSvf

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As the call connected, Ren Yi spoke in a low voice, “Where are you?”fxVgGDzDdzoiEMLImUnyxiYmDZXUky

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“At the precinct. What’s up?”frPYHxldoIEicYKydSREUFDMCybHnr

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“I need to talk to you in person.”OzXVngZzfnwOvgTzwKxyGdVFKVTHiU

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“I’m about to head home.”DaiQdcPoDygtCguuzcNLuSFDwqrGjC

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“Wait for me. I’m close. I’ll come over now.”OgMPcXjerlhxXspCpgdNvfpXuYmKWW

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Gong Yingxian hesitated for a moment. “Parking lot. I’ll meet you there.”dNdIQliFSmNXJJrxfhSOPFuaUgzmJq

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Ren Yi informed his father and headed downstairs, driving straight to the Hongwu Precinct.VHBLnmfvBSaedfNghIicdibuYqPTGi

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In the underground parking lot, Ren Yi quickly spotted the Jeep Wrangler with its door open. Gong Yingxian was sitting inside, reading through some documents.BvHpkxtkNyNbqWupfdLFJdaHWOSyPR

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Ren Yi got out of his car.fUlGjqErmfotDmqIGSABVqrswqyLEX

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Gong Yingxian looked up briefly, put the documents aside, and stepped out of his vehicle. “What’s going on?”sEfYYgShARSCQQimdYhjuaoUPHXctA

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Ren Yi took a deep breath. “Dr. Gong, we can’t give up yet.”rmuQLobPoiMWOgSGJHSpUlJVufNncU

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Gong Yingxian frowned, a complex look flashing in his eyes.hHmgPiWjRbjuICjOzSKABfYnzpDXWm

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“The Fourth Perspective case. Unless we can prove Cai Wan wasn’t an accomplice, we can’t just give up like this. We can’t let anyone who could’ve set that fire and killed so many people get away.” Ren Yi’s chest heaved as he spoke. “Isn’t this the reason you became a police officer?”VwrdtYcSLwbQFmYLXahsUVOqMYmJMk

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Gong Yingxian narrowed his eyes. “What are you talking about?”EhctHHvzFgcRcTyUVKPAgkKtqmKkHo

HslYTvRcOuhfKkA

“I asked you before why you became a cop. You didn’t answer, but being a cop is about protecting people, right?” Ren Yi stared deeply at him. “Instincts and guesses aren’t enough for the law, but they give us a reason to keep investigating.”izojzYWViRHrHFiIpFJCqfkpEjbbwL

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Gong Yingxian pressed his lips together. “Your part of the job is done. The rest isn’t your concern anymore.”yCTbxecYdMbINmSWXOwmVdSLrBnbBL

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“Are you really giving up just like that? Even if the case is closed, if we find new evidence, we can still prosecute her. You don’t want to let an arsonist walk free, do you?”waJDJuZtuVUZRJNfoNQGXNMkNERpIp

pFFpcZBEiLpkaUF

“It’s not your problem anymore. Go home.” Gong Yingxian turned to get back into his car.ZfGyneoEHLAGYMTCFXeMtXxsoPsIvS

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In a flash, Ren Yi stepped forward and grabbed Gong Yingxian by the shoulder.uiGuruNHTARztGclXLUBAlSQExobdM

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A sharp glint flashed in Gong Yingxian’s eyes as he suddenly bent down, twisted around, and locked Ren Yi’s wrist in a firm grip. In an instant, he maneuvered behind Ren Yi, wrenching his arm behind his back and slamming him against the car door.caQoFEWkDZlCHZWghcmFqxpPQKNsmX

zJfNpyHownkQZfV

Ren Yi cried out in pain, struggling fiercely, but Gong Yingxian’s grip was terrifyingly strong. The hand restraining him didn’t budge an inch. Ren Yi couldn’t believe that someone as refined and elegant-looking as Gong Yingxian could have such brutal strength. He cursed, “Goddamn it, let me go!”oxTuVaQVQchpDPMHVdkCvllKmizeAf

JwWWMUHwfzrRSYk

Gong Yingxian leaned close to Ren Yi’s ear, speaking coldly, “I told you not to touch me.” He released his grip and took a step back, straightening his clothes.EqGydnyfuUkDoORMyhNVJDjUBpmhgB

uLybzSEeUQLHtNS

Ren Yi rubbed his sore wrist, on the verge of losing his temper. But remembering Gong Yingxian’s past, his anger softened. He huffed, “I’ll let it go this time… But are you still going to investigate or not?”pMCmMvtcSFDhgLdsQdVQqQqimsIKWo

CJhokBnuUPckTtw

Gong Yingxian picked up the documents from the driver’s seat and handed them to Ren Yi.QlbZdJzPBuhLglGzYtXFUXqHmWrpAS

xZvzlNipjfJHEBd

Ren Yi flipped through them quickly, seeing that they were detailed investigations on Cai Wan and her family, going back several years. His mood lifted. “I knew you wouldn’t just give up.”QZTyBboQcfBfHSdNYdBBHMpOspxnLI

hrXmNmJrbxkRMOp

Gong Yingxian replied, “You’re not a cop. Your part of the job is done. There’s no need for you to stay involved.”SsdyxQSAVgdAItCpcviuRKfywpwqDP

eUNLRowzxLCcTqB

Ren Yi scoffed, “Are you kidding me? I’ve been this deep in it; how can I just drop it? I helped put out that fire, saved people. All I want is a proper answer for the victims and their families, and to make sure the guilty pay. Besides, the precinct won’t give you manpower for a closed case. Don’t you need help?”fFZcXWLBGIreUDLTAYzvPmMaUgsOzr

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Gong Yingxian stared directly at him. “Are you really willing to help?”alKALMJySXMTGcEgZUhUMfhacHHyXh

xnzybPjwdbEtZsM

“Why else would I come looking for you this late? I’m even giving up my personal time for this. You should be grateful.” Ren Yi flexed his wrist. “And this counts as an injury on the job, right?”nKfTHfAPFjRDnXxDkPKvBFIUyDiThH

HQpkKUbmkCAOBar

After a brief silence, Gong Yingxian nodded. “Fine. I’ll contact you when I need assistance.”wLkJAMaxdMcRTSlKzdgAibXHpOjLfV

LFCRqcdZahXbGMz

Ren Yi smirked. “And what should you be saying right now?”SJzWhJTKYAYgRqkprcIwcqUXiElKvS

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“Saying what?”kvlzYkqbsSdTFNrVaElbkraummNdIz

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Ren Yi waved his phone. “Those two words. Texting them lacks sincerity. It’s better in person.”TopdBAVLuzzEvkufqDSsuNHUCGjJXs

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Gong Yingxian scoffed. “Move.”IoXeQIFHQNKtEVhJnZQqGvzWMBXgbl

CbABeozwkEKQOTJ

“Not those two.”wZfyRgjqxFkBIIypmMkdfPDggqOspl

ISFCCOtiMKarUCf

Without another word, Gong Yingxian got into his car and shut the door.EwOpwGpGzEveJDrmovhgbjpEkNoUbw

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Ren Yi grabbed the side mirror and knocked on the window.uRUbPSPvSdMpmYGhhmkpShxwsBYTiJ

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Gong Yingxian reluctantly rolled it down, giving him a sideways glance.qaShAYyZkiAfByDozSDsnSrarCWnOj

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Ren Yi grinned. “You’re welcome.”ikhncEliWThMGNkvNmapiIINapUijO

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Gong Yingxian froze for a moment, staring at Ren Yi’s bright, star-like eyes, momentarily lost in thought.PxdnPptyZWDTopGBGcViVwbaHsFOEY

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“But you’ll have to compensate for my injury. Treat me to a meal.”nvBSydtOnebVIMKfyoNuYPYqFqcDqD

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“You have such a bad memory. I don’t eat with others.”eubWNQPprFeifNcgEeyEMBTjoBZTbF

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“Come on, stop being difficult. We’ve already shared two meals—once in your car and once at your place,” Ren Yi pointed out. “You’re too shy to thank me in person, so treating me to a meal is just good manners. I know you don’t eat, but at least sit with me while I eat.”SiEaIZyypeAnMRPrDoeeRvsZatdYXZ

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Gong Yingxian checked the time and hesitated.WceyMwgGawipdYaNFWMRBOIjIbYuTC

TsmLoliJRmmmYLI

“Tell me what you’ve found so far,” Ren Yi said with a grin. “There’s a place nearby that serves amazing crayfish, but it’s pretty expensive. I usually don’t indulge, but if you’re paying, I’ll definitely feast.”rPfjHojxaBzWAcddjeFbPfAvNJezUl

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Gong Yingxian raised the car window and tossed out a response: “Send me the name of the restaurant.”tiKbJgHNjMUDdEKnBsxzmDMlrVDaaJ

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—khXJpwdsszSQcBjVXXjzHiwFcCFUeH

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Gong Yingxian arrived at the restaurant ahead of Ren Yi. He stood in front of the tacky neon-lit entrance, his face a stony mask, his feet rooted to the ground.mOvKriuPevnYBFGxHjpJgwQODbblCe

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When Ren Yi got out of the car, he saw Gong Yingxian planted at the door. “Why aren’t you going in? They’ve got air conditioning inside.”temHkncvlqZjINvXwhtLeeGihBYMHv

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“It’s filthy.” Gong Yingxian shot Ren Yi a glare. “Do you *have* to eat at a place like this?”LadgLURItuxalGqkDSxxIWHrzWfIDN

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“It’s delicious. Come on, Young Master, can’t you loosen up a little? Don’t tell me you never eat out at restaurants.” Ren Yi caught a whiff of the tempting aroma wafting from inside and couldn’t help but swallow.sbWwhMCLnuNgVyjzCWrbwdabnosfzF

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“I never eat at places this dirty.”KrckHWNDLkMPuLrteeuIhiNQWhICHr

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“It’s not that bad. Besides, you don’t have to eat. Just come in and sit with me.”NGjbkokketQAbkqBzwpNPZwusaJxSY

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Gong Yingxian clenched his jaw, seeming to make a monumental decision before turning toward his car.mQUonxbnwnJiUDAstOpOrLOjkrvzDJ

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“Are you really leaving?” Ren Yi smirked. “Where’s the gratitude? Not even a little sincerity.”CIaJNtfDDJaVQmRZJuVczWQZOTolnb

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But instead of driving off, Gong Yingxian popped open the trunk and pulled out a dining cloth and disinfectant spray.YEZazKbuixENrzcQTxdgezopYhRpRx

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Ren Yi stifled a laugh. “You weren’t this picky when you were investigating cases.”KQZsKRfOsrhHYTqmAZROdyLAtZorVd

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“That was out of necessity,” Gong Yingxian snapped back, glaring at Ren Yi again before taking a deep breath and walking into the restaurant.FvKYCnunYyRZvWXfSCNXGhYpxoAbkK

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They’d come at the perfect time—right after dinner rush but before the late-night crowd. If they’d arrived earlier, they would have had to wait in line.tVGXncDnNevoEZFSeCJWXBGBcYNXeb

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Ren Yi requested a private room.WQjZzoNDbdmjsoSTIlyJKiAsbXTqPW

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Once inside, before the server could even speak, Gong Yingxian walked around the table, selected the seat by the window, and immediately began spraying disinfectant, using up half the bottle in one go.SzeYUEsDuxoFnloVZxLcaoQjMtgTGY

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The server stood there, dumbfounded.FxdyoTXSMUsheJDXBXGzTJcyLvPHNV

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Ren Yi waved it off. “Don’t mind him. I’ll order.”BxuPRnKXwDwckkqAUVvuQXZHIFXpnm

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After disinfecting the table and chairs, Gong Yingxian carefully laid disposable cloths over the surfaces and gingerly took a seat.VXBBfXCTrNXadbWwrVBCIvngmfEdli

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“You’re really not going to eat? It’s seriously good,” Ren Yi asked.MVrlxSLAWhzcoZmcsMRZxYsNqIrZlm

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“I’m not eating,” Gong Yingxian replied curtly.tmWqItlEJdrZQLEegpmElotCXyXQoL

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“Alright then, we’ll start with these.” Ren Yi sat beside him, watching as Gong Yingxian sat stiffly, his eyes darting around the room, both pitiful and amusing at the same time.YhJToJZisynYvQSCQlDngelZMKUxNV

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“Okay, let’s talk about the case.”eWqVQygxFsNTXrDxlNLTjzcYScunlp

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Gong Yingxian shared the information he had so far, primarily about Cai Wan and her father’s complicated social connections and recent activities. There might be clues in those relationships that could lead them to the possibly existent, possibly nonexistent money, or other pieces of evidence.kZtXlTWCUFqdSuebybmyiQdFsYHMsF

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The two chatted for a bit until the server started bringing in the food—four large platters of crayfish, each with a different flavor.gNWYWauCCgrwLWYoUhPdNLpXEGYbHI

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Gong Yingxian frowned. “Can you finish all that?”hYiNpvnVIgbCJAawgckdUkPMjinjBP

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“This is nothing.” Ren Yi licked his lips, slipped on his gloves, and began peeling the shrimp. As he worked, he exclaimed, “Wow, it’s hot!”VYWRrBFEQKGpssSVmQHRcwsjCbPpbp

KcJJRTacqSWDfqz

Ren Yi peeled a particularly perfect one and waved it in front of Gong Yingxian’s face. “Still don’t want to try?”SzaPpbqvcMJyqhppiTjnVQlHHosNUV

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Gong Yingxian turned his head away. “Get it out of my face.”RCTpcqmXwHPZDCDQplMmkjCJTVgjMF

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Ren Yi popped it into his mouth, smacking his lips in satisfaction. “Delicious.”RLGnMofCFILkmQxtETAWFWDABTPpgz

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Gong Yingxian watched him in silence, thinking, *How can he eat with such enthusiasm?*RkQQVYEmyzbLltQKUSdoDwbnNZUbfO

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“Dr. Gong,” Ren Yi began, “you don’t eat out, and you don’t eat hot food. There’s barely anything you can eat, right? You probably think what I’m eating is unhealthy, huh? Well, I think what *you* eat is unhealthy—cold meals all the time.”jbJGyAroezSnoihTYrZImYWWoeuSoR

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“I don’t avoid warm food. I just don’t like it too hot. My diet is balanced,” Gong Yingxian scoffed. “And clean.”LVEnUTsAyrPZVuAwDykDmMMKbaYDgG

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Ren Yi chuckled. “Isn’t your life exhausting?”VIXqgCOQYqRJYpXhMyTbpzYjGbGVzQ

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“Living easily isn’t the greatest meaning of life.”YtBTNORMICnjMtyuaLkgGIEwpdHZHN

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“Alright, alright.” Ren Yi raised his drink. “Come on, cheers? You drink water, don’t you?” He pointed to the bottle of mineral water in front of Gong Yingxian.XdhyoYSSqvSkAKKnsTKLgXIHnyVsHs

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After a moment of hesitation, Gong Yingxian unscrewed the cap and clinked bottles with Ren Yi.nOvkayhZPHzaeaGZAssnZwNoQpGIPL

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“Here’s to a successful partnership, and to our future success.”TMoRZOCelSdoWraKznNvtFmGItPjjE

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The sound of two plastic bottles tapping together was hardly impressive, but it carried a certain weight for both of them. Their “partnership” was about upholding justice and punishing wrongdoing—they had to succeed.dJBRoiSnKluZKSXjMemHGjezZAmzaZ

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One ate, the other watched, and somehow this odd meal turned out to be surprisingly peaceful.zcjtinbwHoKXmxpZBEAjgwIleiueKN

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