Blazing Armor

Ren Yi and the others were all discharged on the third day, except for Sun Dingyi, who had inhaled more toxic gas and needed to stay in the hospital for further treatment.TFUwykKdtsHvUgBNCGowFyxzGTKSIV

OzUHyjJqNKPyQlf

After being discharged, Ren Yi held a debriefing meeting to review why this mission had resulted in injuries to comrades and to discuss any improvements needed in the rescue process.ojACdZpsDztoZahQoJglNAhDLaKjvD

QcmdjWKSpPHVhxl

After the meeting, Ren Yi called out to Li Sa. He asked, “Feeling better?”LQjGGPOhwHHugJmHQtdvlrYjeKHiwZ

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“Don’t worry, Captain Ren, I’m fine.”fOWbOmLhokJXBxwYtYnLPehvSwDBNZ

IjIFimiEDfLlcDT

“This was your first time participating in a rescue as a combat firefighter. You were assigned under urgent circumstances, and you performed very well.”gNBaWeozMejaZbRcyVJwoPmjGMInbO

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“Thank you, Captain Ren.”vdfUxSMiRPerFGACrFGhhEagfKReTU

lyTwmUmZOLsvmXt

“However, the situation this time was special. You’ve seen it yourself—though you get along well with everyone in daily life, most of them are still concerned about your gender when it comes to work. This isn’t something that can be solved overnight, so I hope you can keep a calm mindset.”mJTABodsfCmMjKWmtZdpsDKUEoFBrD

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Li Sa pressed her lips together and said, “I understand.”uzSlRHQOQrObhYsFMTIUCUGkfDmgPz

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“I’ll find an opportunity to let you into a fire scene. If you can earn the trust of others this year, so they see you as a qualified firefighter and not as a woman who needs protection, I’ll consider transferring you out of the specialized duty squad next year.”BRsfKaDfolQlWRCwIiltoIHcpBHbtQ

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Li Sa nodded firmly. “Yes, sir!”wUYsBGnfcMSpIePWGrhQXjIMhdNwyb

FMFdELUkxYVKiHG

After the meeting, Ren Yi returned to his office to write the report. Any incident where a firefighter was injured during an operation required a particularly detailed report, making the process a headache for him.XGdPucZGhUQUxxYWPieJddqpuXdVMs

EreugqCZChdRTCA

Two hours into writing, the fire alarm rang. Ren Yi rushed downstairs.FLZdkZBzGLdPLNKIZTLTOLlOVoTBQn

OuiprvwWzRDgjSA

When the dispatcher informed him that someone had called to report a snake, everyone assumed Ren Yi wouldn’t go. Usually, low-risk, low-skill incidents didn’t require the squad leader’s presence. But feeling stifled from writing reports, Ren Yi decided to go out for some fresh air and joined the team.myMFkzRySbWsEujwHMWzgWWZXACEks

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At the scene, two of them suited up and quickly caught the snake using snake tongs.gglwMhwePuettXtxyvosncTBTKYZsP

IRqTGnhDnjFxbjL

It had been raining frequently, causing snakes to become more active. Although this red-spotted python wasn’t venomous, it looked quite intimidating. They bagged the snake and prepared to send it to the forestry department.TVdJKMOMmtyvgAiUIFzjWuuRJsKZKZ

ElPfgdMOCChSldu

On the way back, their vehicle passed by the Hongwu Substation. Ren Yi hesitated for a moment and said, “Drop me off ahead. I’ll stop by the Hongwu Substation and head back on my own later.”oFBqYFdBHJbZxiSYdobtgNYUGrCEat

MXqRQfUOKAqEVzN

After getting out of the car, Ren Yi realized he’d been foolish. He should have called to see if Gong Yingxian was even there—otherwise, it would be a wasted trip.HUOZtWOcQIxjzLmSSHmHPhtowSNJYC

DZpemeMhyNYoBXx

But since he was already there, Ren Yi decided to go in and take a look.ocAUViFDsuaHAsslHNZMEDWjLdbbah

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As luck would have it, Gong Yingxian was indeed at the station, but he was in a meeting. Ren Yi sat in the reception area to wait.SoNvsKzRXmrhRmWJgMCUchEcMgGkgf

vbVkRkWBijXsNrh

He didn’t wait long before the conference room door opened. Several police officers filed out. Just as Gong Yingxian emerged, Ren Yi was about to call out to him when he saw Gong turn around and smile at someone behind him.mShskJlVPJCgHrnChWovnFdVqCkAfR

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Ren Yi was stunned. He had never seen Gong Yingxian smile like that before. In that fleeting moment, all of the coldness and aloofness that usually surrounded him shattered. It was an extraordinarily gentle smile.TdcwwwgmPvkFxCdhUIoDSsNuwddyfI

ynVoLtArsHTbidW

Walking alongside Gong Yingxian was a woman with long wavy hair, tall and graceful, with strikingly beautiful features. She wasn’t just beautiful; she also had a remarkable presence—mature, elegant, and both intelligent and capable.PWNjHttOCNTOhjTTQoRyjufHtvdwwr

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Standing next to her, Gong Yingxian looked like a scene straight out of a movie poster, frozen in time.SPBQSxynnJziUgLzOYgOoBaJDPhspd

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The two stood in the hallway, chatting about something. Gong Yingxian nodded occasionally, smiling faintly, his demeanor calm and gentle.QgMGzBfVQxxyRISNBTiTobgOnvCwXK

vxhgVeXUKkikZbl

Ren Yi stared at them, dazed, unable to snap out of it for a long time.DwXNWzEaqoNtdDpDKuwblIWdPOIlbQ

chrrxkzVPesWwcJ

So, Gong Yingxian had this side to him. He could look at someone with those eyes and smile like that, but Ren Yi had just never seen it before.gXbDhOIgHRkxwgTIZCcPsXdZZVNuUX

CKtTUMgoeyZEhwy

Suddenly, Gong Yingxian caught sight of Ren Yi from the corner of his eye. Ren Yi awkwardly stood up, trying to act casual as he nodded and walked over.QkSsTBDhSmvcUQBLHcdZPJHSbluzyQ

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“Captain Ren, what brings you here?” Gong Yingxian’s expression was as usual when facing Ren Yi.DppbkmBnqlmqcsxoKUkeQBajenRwDp

hvaBXQOKCqkMsXT

Ren Yi felt a little uncomfortable inside. “Oh, I came to ask about the progress of the case. And this is…?”QBDdXIwaMXOmgySYVeMJbSLjHGPCmE

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“Captain Song retired. This is the new captain of the third squadron, Qiu Yan. Yan-jie, this is Captain Ren Yi of the Phoenix Squadron.”YVPLUWQdvHhKzbrVfLRDNkITTmhIVW

QqJaCqOrEDEqMtj

“So it’s Captain Ren,” Qiu Yan extended her hand. “I’ve heard a lot about you.”hFVfVzBUAddbOhdALmsxgKQQIaLARg

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“Hello,” Ren Yi smiled as they shook hands. “Didn’t expect the new squadron captain to be so young and pretty.”wGyDdWXdzgjDkqDcZnlciwsDOSuTsz

zKumvVFQiIKKEex

“You’re too kind,” Qiu Yan laughed. “I’ve heard you’ve helped us out a lot. The case a while ago, it was solved with your assistance to Xiao Gong. Captain Song couldn’t stop praising you.”vLMzTTKHguWbjEBEbzCdevjNVcovbw

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“It was nothing, just doing my part.”JpmbSzzyPijYUFEvdGDXvapCRzOqPv

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“Sorry, Captain Ren, I have a meeting to attend,” Qiu Yan glanced at her watch. “You’re here for Xiao Gong, right? You two can catch up, we’ll chat later.”mhCvhOfJRIYQGDDExFlVUdSklMolGg

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“Sure, see you later.”zPpLCzXSrGWmGZyzuiYGWSEJBcyrep

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After Qiu Yan left, Ren Yi raised an eyebrow, teasing, “Such a pretty captain, you’re lucky.”PpHmsomNmzauEjHhNyRbRZUpAhmjzQ

wkGvzxziLnTVkgk

Gong Yingxian replied, “What’s lucky about it? We’ve known each other since childhood.”AbEYQkUhBZqdeSfDgdShuoTMzXDbrd

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“Really?” Ren Yi chuckled, “Then she’s your childhood sweetheart.”DJYEVDhdSbUKLpYOTFuxscAShWZzzm

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Gong Yingxian frowned, “Don’t you have anything better to do?”GpThuaAIPgvfFkXqRPBnuhoLbermUg

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“Just some gossip. I’ve never seen you treat someone so nicely before. Could it be that…?”NwxvziNhEVYGecUJMLSfcMliYxPnAV

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“That’s none of your business,” Gong Yingxian said coldly.WMdJHlAgIKRBYLHSHQJbPHzJdINEJm

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Ren Yi couldn’t help feeling irritated, dropping his smile. “I came to ask you about the case.”TLmhixWMFHUcDXDJzPjQcnSxVtXNCp

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“I have to head out now. Once I’m done…”uqymKmXpEbkEjjdOvtzamTpmXrUkNH

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“OK, do your thing. I’ll leave first.” Ren Yi turned and left without looking back.sYCpUrBYuCUFCfTuAmTUthDQmIaAJH

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Gong Yingxian watched Ren Yi’s retreating figure, lost in thought.RbfHUmZVoodWMWqxoLWnQBSdahzRUc

KcgDgaOZWBiXEoo

—kFYmyXvmSBLWDCDpDfiXOFGHshEABB

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On the day of the martial arts competition.SUhFUpcKesQYegCCfBOktEIruMgmfl

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The Hongwu District Fire Brigade had a total of 13 squads under its command. For team events, each squad was required to participate, while individual events were voluntary. These competitions were held at both brigade and division levels. The division-level competitions were stricter, with only the elite fighters from each brigade selected to compete, and their results counted toward evaluations. The brigade-level competitions were more relaxed, allowing family and friends to come watch, embodying more of the sportsmanship spirit.SlFCTFVUrrDJhHBxpmvyvPTzTIqweF

ruALpRLvkIHGByD

Ren Yi coordinated the shifts for his team according to the competition schedule, ensuring that no matter the time, the fire brigade must always be ready to respond promptly to any call.FlEESHWbgXcYWTAcKdxrrSiNBYsahT

EUXBNvjvIyezSGG

He and his fighters arrived early at the venue. There were four team events in total, and by the morning, they had already competed in a rapid water control drill and several individual events.efRmdSVMyNwKcOYRJTCvSgStCjTtyn

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They secured second place in that drill, with mixed results in the individual competitions.WhqWHNjPyflNLVNzkzmYHVQiRNGvGi

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During the lunch break, Ren Yi discussed the afternoon events with his fighters, occasionally glancing at his phone.aArEOFDHaiyQcNpIVlRcZLzGwIrjib

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Since their last meeting at the Hongwu Substation, he and Gong Yingxian hadn’t been in touch for about half a month. This was the longest they had gone without contact since they’d met, and Ren Yi didn’t really know what was on his mind—probably feeling a bit stifled.ShObTNkSsWYWmgxIirfWsqpYsHvfNd

SwchKeRwbgDHIjX

More than one person had either hinted or outright told him that Gong Yingxian acted the same with everyone, not singling him out. Maybe they weren’t wrong, but there were exceptions—Qiu Yan, that talented, young, and handsome man, was one of them.qpxKBfPgYAUHznSogeVrXIIvXokYaL

MIlfbKBzTrxAtPk

Qiu Yan’s existence made Ren Yi realize that Gong Yingxian could indeed be polite and warm with people, flashing smiles and engaging in casual conversation. What bothered Ren Yi was that despite all his patience, his efforts to help, and his almost saintly desire to befriend Gong Yingxian, the man didn’t seem to care.UbjhePEeqglrEOmltJidGeHEackIwq

yWTCjRDhTPYCtGK

Gong Yingxian probably wouldn’t show up today either. Whatever. Ren Yi was just really curious about the progress of the Cai Wan case. Beyond that, he didn’t really need much more interaction with Gong Yingxian.TyZsQuZYQPZsbeUHFqRFHzKPCYijKz

KOemqGazaMZjLYm

In the afternoon, the team event was a coordinated firefighting exercise with guns and cannons, where they had to extinguish a fire on a mobile prefab building set ablaze with gasoline. The teams would be ranked based on the time they took to complete the task, and Ren Yi would be participating in this event as well.TpiFdSdNDOFZyIdfNwUTyhcjQFQEbO

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After the lunch break, Ren Yi led his fighters in warming up and preparing.tKZktDaOloHnQLBhsDEQAZSbKJShVy

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The other teams had already finished, and they were the last group. Ren Yi cheered them on: “Let’s aim to beat last year’s record. If you do, you get half a day off from training.”moroDQOnCuCaFwTCEEWdmhIENEEKxl

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“Only half a day?”ybSAdxtycZFuVHSxtwuGISaQQXCKLN

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“You think that’s too little, huh?”fHMZumPdQvNLjttSXeJEOoqmjPnaGD

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“I wouldn’t dare, wouldn’t dare.”DVfFCDRsOVAIxndyMuDjDMNEZoOYKl

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“Captain Ren,” Ding Qing signaled to Ren Yi with a glance, looking behind him.lOWTQZFKfjpCSatuddWlQGcAjPmlsd

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Ren Yi turned his head and saw that Gong Yingxian had arrived at the competition field at some point. He had changed into a dark blue casual outfit and a pair of pristine white sneakers, strolling over leisurely with Gong Feilan bouncing excitedly by his side.CGPOBNjkDGeCvRnoXALvgoxPmjkmXa

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“Captain Ren!” Gong Feilan ran over enthusiastically. “I came to cheer for you!” She waved energetically at the fighters, familiar with them after visiting the fire station several times.ZVbpLQBfdgjUbGkSUOJoLnYjUSHeYi

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Ren Yi smiled. “Thanks.” His eyes remained fixed on Gong Yingxian.jehDtfvkhXXwnwLITqkXjMeZAnEEPK

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As Gong Yingxian approached, he explained, “She heard about this somehow and insisted on coming.”RqeuQedJyjZBPaufzEQZRNLSJuJfRQ

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Ren Yi’s irritation with Gong Yingxian instantly vanished. He gave him a once-over and teased, “It’s rare to see you dressed so casually. Aren’t you tired of wearing suits all the time? Isn’t this better?”OQBuHLeeoSDOskNcOrcwpwxwVXQQua

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“There’s nothing tiring about wearing clothes.” Gong Yingxian replied. “Have you started the competition yet?”nxqRGxPGrccBXORNZTigEZQQhWwfll

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“Almost, we’ll be up soon.”hQLWbCUIPySlYMuMgPdsbagpSEMqme

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Gong Feilan bounced around Ren Yi excitedly. “Captain Ren, you look so handsome today! You’re definitely going to win first place!”gfWpFcsxifMdvMbxVhuaOgPLVuyvOP

YLUHIRzWbBNsfPF

“Oh? And how do you know that?” Ren Yi teased her. “We’re competing in skills, not looks.”qOwWKjzYBfsPhhCTzvALwCsZllbjks

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“You’ll win both,” Gong Feilan blinked playfully. “Because I say so!”TGaDodfbshrqnYVXYXJwfkcYHxFyyd

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“Alright, I’ll take your good wishes.” Ren Yi stretched his body and nodded toward Gong Yingxian. “And what about your good wishes?”UiYvAvWFEJwTbosPKfMNcZHsJTCyRa

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“I don’t have blind confidence like that.”dxqljhExiXMUlZsUWhdpraoTPgRSSe

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Gong Feilan pouted at Gong Yingxian.mICMaGzQMSqZxVzSAJSfeHRimBFRWU

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“That’s exactly the kind of thing you’d say.” Ren Yi took a deep breath and shouted, “Alright, everyone, get ready! Someone said we’ll take first place—are we going to take first?”aIHHTSBAczHJOOxphdJvCtUniIRhhG

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“Yes!” the fighters roared back.gbVdwbvaDJDtNrQGeaakwgqkdybeGc

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“And someone said we’re blindly confident—are we?”OeRkzeHpQRaHoOqveMziqGbGpXKNnI

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“No!” they shouted again.CpKeNtVdwVHpASHIbRviBtPrqbsjza

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Gong Yingxian chuckled quietly.miflNHjCRJPVjnKGuBXVzBZbhxRBmP

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“Alright, let’s go and take first place!” Ren Yi led his fighters toward the preparation area.UoLDnMmplEnbKkHIiLIAuwLsFjgRId

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From behind, Gong Feilan shouted, “Captain Ren, good luck! Go Phoenix Squad!”lAmnZTBQyckuCLpoSPmVWnTqWRSxxv

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Gong Yingxian scolded softly, “Stop shouting, you’re just a little girl—be more refined.”ztKuAMzoDvDZvCtRyoMkgHPnUczPEV

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“No! I want to cheer for Captain Ren!”vZMEDOSRyhrvzkgagQYHjxiJrlNPYv

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“He’ll win without your cheers.”zTPtQTocgMROLBsnWDoqxgXVCfasIE

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Gong Feilan widened her eyes in disbelief, staring at Gong Yingxian.CCbUxPMQhJfwjgwFcjfIcfoUuRFQVb

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He kept his gaze fixed ahead, ignoring her.dJjIQSCwPANfaZERJVhaxNpOuyioYN

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“Wow, cousin! So you actually have that much faith in Captain Ren? And here you were calling me blindly confident.”NnAXBSzQRfEusffXDxSFggYZYrIvdn

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“I have facts to back it up. What you’re doing is emotional guessing.”QsRGMKUmXuvfxNrjTYRvdPuZRmGHkz

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“Uh?” Gong Feilan was puzzled.cyTVPkKXqoRTZTVLosdGhtANAhOSRu

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“The Phoenix Squad is the only elite unit in the Hongwu division. They’re an elite team, so they should be the strongest.”zAdJmjLdysgsoygpEemDiaKTcisPGu

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Gong Feilan laughed. “Why didn’t you say that to him earlier? That’s way more flattering than what I said.”STbVLSjlfjCMYNgmIgNIsoPQUMNTbS

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Gong Yingxian gave a cold snort and didn’t respond.PEgtfZPGHIYdpZdQwwZuqOorSvLeag

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Meanwhile, Ren Yi and his fighters were ready. At the familiar sound of the fire alarm, they quickly donned their firefighting gear, hopped into the fire truck, and drove toward the burning mobile prefab 100 meters away.LdKdOHnHxGlrxXkEUwPbtQaEgEcYqf

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Since water couldn’t be used to extinguish gasoline fires, they were operating a fire truck equipped with a dry powder extinguishing system. Upon arriving, they opened the cannon’s hatch and performed routine safety checks. Liu Hui then adjusted the dry powder cannon’s handle, fine-tuning the elevation and horizontal direction, while keeping an eye on the gas pressure. Only once everything was in order could they begin the spray, controlling the intensity based on the fire’s behavior.mLMqomAlSCfMNBNEEAscvkYufwWTYI

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Operating the equipment, especially large components like this, required extensive practice and familiarity with all parameters to handle them effectively during real-life emergencies. The operator’s role was critical.JUmkobMCTRZayGALWYEUQytzqDazuN

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Once the dry powder cannon began spraying, the rest of the team, under Ren Yi’s command, donned masks and used portable dry powder extinguishers to surround the fire from all sides, gradually shrinking the blaze. Their calm, swift actions, combined with seamless teamwork, were the result of years of rigorous training.PuaLhWvGQtxrYmZTKaJdRUEoQIAVdo

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When the fire was fully extinguished, the timer judge shouted, “Well done! 1 minute and 43 seconds! First place!”NiPMBIGqPuHiKvCfVkrxfsRNYJHICD

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The team erupted in cheers.UVxDZBvOHxGXshuNnTgAIDFsHVKBjt

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Liu Hui laughed loudly, “Two seconds faster than last year!”ZDULbRNqJjcqoYhAvneqMRWHqchmDu

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From afar, Gong Feilan let out a shriek and shook Gong Yingxian’s arm vigorously. “Cousin, they won! They really won!”rivWOlDjeMnhwzouZzqNbfotrJvhVX

tyXTheelhgrENYr

A faint smile played on Gong Yingxian’s lips. “It’s just a single event. There are still more to come.”KFVXkzkvTlMlAFqFrtkvpMRyytyxUz

SEwVDolBKzVmMSu

“They’ll win the rest too!” Gong Feilan’s face flushed with excitement. “Captain Ren is amazing! Cousin, don’t you think Captain Ren is awesome?”wgCEMnpaAliosnvhfTnvVUZalSvpeU

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“…” Gong Yingxian barely let out a quiet “Mm.”jAcpJFwbHLxhslxLhSjsaJzXyUlVTi

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At that moment, Ren Yi turned and waved in their direction. Gong Feilan jumped up and waved back energetically, her lively twin ponytails swaying.zkmjBiCtLlolCfdNJBVItolMhjbIGM

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Gong Yingxian gave Ren Yi a nod.xNewDIkZkwChkdMpZnZDvuzmQjyBrS

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Ren Yi felt a tinge of pride. Normally, his squad won the overall championship almost every year, so there wasn’t much reason to be overly boastful about winning just one event. But this year was different—Gong Yingxian was watching. So… winning felt good.nrWkgIXVvHBeWbjdMrmDrzYyqDAiXF

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