Blazing Armor

“Dr. Gong? Dr. Gong?” Ren Yi called out anxiously. “Are you okay?”YSNbXXfwvjQdqHZWpSRrelEaXebbSK

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He wanted to turn around, but Gong Yingxian’s arms were wrapped tightly around him, imprisoning him in an unbreakable grip. Every tremor he felt through their skin connection left him shaken.UtgzhdeKxmDJHtZvZIxFlKGPAGubIy

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Gong Yingxian’s rapid, labored breaths hit Ren Yi’s neck, his body frozen as though encased in ice, trembling uncontrollably. It was the only sign his heart was still beating.HgRtQogLXeHKiZGtnGxpQKoaxuLVin

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His skin, bones, and memories all reawakened to the feeling of nearing a flame—as if a blade had skimmed across his throat, an arrow had grazed his ear, or a demon had passed by his shoulder. Gong clung to Ren Yi as if holding on to the last lifeline. It had been eighteen years since he’d felt human warmth, warmth that could offer such a sense of security amid his nightmare.LoRhqytEcYWBPRPrqaAnwAvakEsujf

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He couldn’t let go. He was terrified that if he did, he would fall into the inferno’s abyss and be burned to ashes.tLqNwuokLOstSotMsFXAFPCZddcwkG

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Ren Yi took a deep breath and gently whispered, “Dr. Gong, it’s okay now. We’re far away from the fire; it can’t hurt you.”bkQnkZsqQcSBWxTuZdpBbqonhQNtQl

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Gong Yingxian remained silent.UkyrogqIAXeiqvngWhkrLJCUdtYOSo

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“Trust me, I’m here. The fire can’t hurt you.” Ren Yi softly stroked Gong Yingxian’s arms. “You can let go now. I won’t leave. I’ll stay with you.” As a firefighter, Ren Yi had seen countless victims cling to their rescuers in times of crisis, relying on them for safety. Gong Yingxian was no different, though the fire he was escaping wasn’t a literal one. His grip was strong, but Ren Yi understood it was to conceal a soul too fragile to bear.LLAXMqsYKeLXlGPpTfYfZLCeQzStty

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Finally, Gong’s grasp loosened. Ren Yi took the opportunity to turn around, looking at Gong’s dilated pupils, his pale face, and the torrents of sweat. He knew that Gong’s condition was critical. A severe PTSD episode could trigger a heart attack or memory disarray; he needed professional medical help.xjatPSKMSHnvjxCCkejuFrKwJBsPgX

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Though Gong had likely undergone years of treatment, enough to walk into burning ruins and wield a fire extinguisher, he had still chosen to enter the source of the fire—for Ren Yi. The thought made Ren Yi’s heart tighten painfully.lXbmEIvhsYBKUBdTGbzZXbbIBpIhTz

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He reversed the hug, holding Gong gently, stroking his hair, and whispered, “It’s okay now, don’t be afraid.”ShwigSjWiqEveCjFyTjtbqZmvsLKmH

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Gong’s mind remained anxious and disoriented, his body still stiff and trembling. Yet, the sound of Ren Yi’s voice and the gentle touch gradually soothed him, like a soft rain falling upon his chaos.CpqsHCblkTrsEVGrpSMGKpWNvsarJz

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A small black dot appeared in Gong’s vision. He struggled to focus on it, and slowly, his vision returned to clarity. He recognized it—it was a mole on Ren Yi’s nose.QgciAfBtwXTnwYmzsZfbysKjvCxEls

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The background was engulfed in blazing flames, but in the foreground were Ren Yi’s strong yet tender arms and the mole on his tall nose.jOtAtarMyLkXAECzxKtrpSsrnFKbIb

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It was as if a gust of wind blew away the dust on his memories, revealing old, yellowed scenes in his mind. This moment, this person—it all felt so familiar.QHMfwqXrRwxLVECScHhZUmQGCMGNSI

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But who was it? Why couldn’t he remember?kVpZFdBucGFFsUVLDrwFGdgSQoaeco

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In the distance, the harmonious sirens of fire trucks and ambulances rang out.ZQwonXPAaevByIhITVUgSNVKIvslco

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Ren Yi exhaled in relief.UmTxSmMUakJaQLSEifnNkUTEyqSieg

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The fire trucks had arrived quickly, and the burning car was extinguished before it could explode, preventing a more serious disaster.WZMFampTLIcISPwKkMxDgdPUlTdMft

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The paramedics loaded Zhou Chuan onto an ambulance, then came to assist Gong Yingxian.uoxWPfqVmdrUmPweKqupYuSKpgfXgB

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Gong grabbed Ren Yi’s arm and shook his head.UUnTzMvGSpcCVMbZdUNJLkNtIYxTLl

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“I’ll go with you. I’ll go with you to the hospital, okay?” Ren Yi said softly.EzJmExleGDsBTTjEgGGRHpVOqMqyFy

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“No…” Gong struggled to squeeze out the word.GUUXLgSqySBtejjKsvtmVmKzAFylHZ

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“You have to go to the hospital. Trust me, it’s just a check-up, nothing more. I’ll have Sheng Bo come to pick you up.”EZYIvJMBIpwQnoVfjmkldDsIEdrBud

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Gong still shook his head.MxoBGjxpfgqFqQJBbCxTRbKRQMkLMv

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“Be good, listen.” Ren Yi signaled to the paramedic to administer a sedative.DVWthBolWoVdEnqBvrfHqWlSHLEqvg

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Understanding his intention, the paramedic quickly injected the sedative into Gong Yingxian, and he slowly closed his eyes.MVbcfpJAlKYPJeyqpMFAwMTjijFFdc

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“You all go ahead. Wait for me, just one minute.” Ren Yi helped the paramedics lift Gong’s stretcher onto the ambulance.HahnZCimhppbGXojTSOXpmQSchLULU

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A commander from the Harmony Fire Brigade approached. “Comrade, what’s the situation?”UaHOobUbebdfRoasvkfRkLVPQfbrZg

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Ren Yi carefully picked up the kitten he had rescued from the ground and quickly said, “Brother, I’m the captain of the Phoenix Brigade in Hongwu District. That man is from the criminal division of Hongwu Branch. We’ve caught an arsonist. Please notify the Hongwu Branch immediately.”HmZdCMWsKbpmLncZvinVashDUCZajU

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“You’re… Captain Ren?” The other officer took a closer look at Ren Yi’s soot-blackened face. “Oh, it is you! I’ve seen the promotional videos you were in.”LTWMOseTDIjmOvCxgseSYUIBBGkYaa

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Ren Yi shook his hand briefly. “Brother, I’m leaving this to you. The cat’s still alive, I need to take care of it.”eikIkQQQYRySdCRfNKTBYfPqPuuNfD

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“Go ahead, I’ll secure the scene.”qWzlrZWjyJVSCPMpuzmphzfRaIiqql

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Ren Yi boarded the ambulance with Gong Yingxian, examining the tiny kitten, no bigger than his palm. Its skin and fur were matted together, making it impossible for him to assess the full extent of the injuries. He turned to the paramedic. “Comrade, can you do anything to help?”YXMiVYKHadAqRDHAUsByWuBuLplKQj

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The paramedic frowned. “I’m not trained to treat animals. I can only cool it down for now. There’s a 24-hour vet clinic on the way—you can take it there.”JbMQIyZIwQVJWUxXhxZiobZHHFuxSp

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“Okay.”FMDbwokySUcKfMVylwvZdcUTXIlAPf

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The paramedic wrapped several layers of gauze around some ice and gently applied it to the kitten’s wounds. The kitten curled up painfully, letting out a weak, raspy meow. The paramedic’s voice softened with concern. “Such a small kitten… I don’t know if it’ll survive.”lpuQNIwFjBeUUMqkGIAylcCFocumKh

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Ren Yi sighed deeply, his heart heavy.daCbXWUDJIrHOEHVufJMWumRdhoaWa

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So much had happened that night. His mind was in chaos, and he didn’t even have the energy to be angry anymore. When he thought about what Zhou Chuan and the man in black had done, and those watching behind their screens with morbid curiosity, all he felt was a coldness creeping from his core, chilling him to his bones.lyLAFsIMMqsynfhGYhkjHJdeNshbqP

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As they passed the veterinary clinic, Ren Yi handed the kitten to the vet on duty, leaving a thousand yuan and his contact information. When he left, the kitten was already asleep, its dirty, tangled fur barely rising and falling with its fragile breaths. It looked so vulnerable, as if anyone could snuff out its life—but it was still breathing, fighting to survive.kcAmikKIbdoBUMIrbwUBEhwArpWWVW

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He gently stroked the kitten, silently praying for its recovery. Then he got back in the ambulance and accompanied Gong Yingxian to the hospital.TswjeikffEgkbVbjysHnLjbqldklxr

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At the hospital, the doctor listened to Ren Yi’s account while examining Gong Yingxian. Afterward, the doctor set down the stethoscope. “Physically, he’s fine, but the psychological trauma is significant. He should be transferred to the psychiatric department.”fFrhmXPGHrxhsqEsIOjdzMHniDBQnk

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Ren Yi hesitated. “Doctor, could you admit him to a regular room for now? I’ll contact his family before making a decision.” He added, “A single room, please.”CUrGEagYhFBXZQRxuEBDaImqEeesqM

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The sedative hadn’t worn off yet, and Gong Yingxian was still fast asleep. His calm face made it seem like nothing had happened, though the damp bangs sticking to his forehead hinted at the intensity of what he had just endured.dlyxPsncUucnkJqKrJcmcAWbmlTnlG

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Ren Yi called Sheng Bo, but before he arrived, Qiu Yan showed up, evidently notified by the fire department in Hongwu District. Ren Yi gave her a brief rundown of the night’s events.zGKHzuiZkaLWXUIvvmeEsBMnCElitY

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When Sheng Bo finally arrived, his face was filled with worry as he looked at the unconscious Gong Yingxian lying on the hospital bed. He clutched a set of clean clothes, unable to say a word, his heart clearly aching.ziLHVYtzkIxSBNnBomEctMteaXhQGY

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Ren Yi reassured him, “Physically, he’s fine. They just gave him a sedative. He’ll be okay once he wakes up.”uJUYHGvQqOuTkZuhGGEWyLeLlYxCtc

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Sheng Bo spoke sorrowfully, “The young master has been undergoing psychological treatment since he was a child. It wasn’t until he was thirteen that he could barely tolerate fire, but he’s never been this close to it. Because of his fear of fire, he even avoids hot food.”ZRxEAbPEdRqUevRKOisqruVAIfUGxn

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Ren Yi lowered his head in guilt.kvhwTmtFFfpPTeBjAGVSjEfMOwrVoU

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Qiu Yan quietly interjected, “Sheng Bo isn’t blaming you, Captain Ren. Don’t overthink it. This isn’t your fault.”KKFMSImowKLXUwBcoQGFPVSZpzBXWZ

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Sheng Bo quickly added, “Captain Ren, I didn’t mean it that way.”ZoaPJEumccuSdLzatQriIeEFgnVeZp

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Ren Yi nodded. “I know… It’s just… I didn’t realize his condition was this severe.”rhBDNfiBhXOHaAbkrXXCjinvASJUef

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“He’s improved a lot now. He hasn’t needed medication or a doctor in years,” Sheng Bo sighed. “The young master hates being dirty. I’ll clean him up and change his clothes, so he’s not uncomfortable when he wakes up.”fwTeHpLiaPuzuQGKfqFSliIDvXQDDl

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Ren Yi and Qiu Yan left the room.TfTuSYGsMnolTJxuDrAOtPbdhGHKXs

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Qiu Yan’s face was solemn, a trace of sadness lingering in her expression. “Let’s get some air.”FhfMbQWUelyPLiTnysPGEIiERhLAHx

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“Sure.”QSOOOnJSZhnKZNBYlcspJacvumgvet

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The two of them walked out into the hospital courtyard. Qiu Yan pulled out a cigarette and handed it to Ren Yi.tlaCDVcGMxTsumToiuIkncGzEnIzci

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Ren Yi hesitated for a moment before pulling out a cigarette. He used to smoke in college, back when he was young and eager to look cool. But after joining the brigade, he quit. As a firefighter, seeing hundreds of fires sparked by cigarette butts every year made smoking feel wrong. Yet, at this moment, his mind was in turmoil, and he needed to calm down.qTWveRAhrCyktDvaJwlkXlHtdExwvF

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Qiu Yan leaned against the stone table, her long fingers holding the cigarette. The thin wisps of smoke danced from her lips, and the glow of the cigarette in the dim light looked like a tiny star. Her dark hair, flowing like ink, framed the scene in a vast, melancholic beauty.wlyCMLEtHnGoCGWLfMIabAkxEILKfx

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Ren Yi took a drag, the harsh smoke burning his throat, causing him to cough a couple of times.PAymkyMrbzPaPevkDJdLqmfYKiKDHN

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Qiu Yan chuckled softly. “Been a while, huh?”KZEHtFVQiBMxQYEMrYmKoOXXhnOiwp

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“Yeah, and this is some strong stuff. First time I’ve seen a girl smoke something so intense.”dAQXmnuByYcIMJQKtQUpSavnIfSKZN

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“Work’s demanding—helps me stay awake.” She glanced at the cigarette in her hand. “It’s ironic. For all its harm, people still can’t quit. Neither can the country, with all that tax revenue.”xEBgayZbVqOHkAxtQvtPnPNehqYXhz

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“True.”dSvfpYhfrZLirHwbjnOFhPMDVnesSM

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“It’s a lot like fire, isn’t it?” Qiu Yan’s side profile, beautifully sculpted, carried a quiet sadness. “It has great benefits, but also great destruction.”KAZBKeqjoOoEIZcFxqPkEVDWdeityV

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“Yeah, fire is the origin of human civilization, but also one of its greatest killers.”SKFocmukcaqrjdvzGmBZGhHXwzgzKo

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“Yingxian used to study fire—historically, religiously, scientifically, from every angle.” Qiu Yan gave a bitter smile. “He said he did it to treat his fear of fire, but I think he was obsessed. He couldn’t let it go. He was searching for some truth in the flames. After what he went through, who could blame him?”YgifNpqaPqrgithusYgDjtkstuHHsk

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Ren Yi took a deep drag of his cigarette. The thought of everything Gong Yingxian had endured from such a young age weighed heavily on him.ZUmmCQtDsFnBEznYNRiHxeUIIzWbMQ

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“You know, don’t you?” Qiu Yan asked quietly. “About his family.”sdSSADhlqLIsUoFHPzgzyjmikMbJCo

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“I know a bit, but only from the edges. I never asked him directly. I didn’t dare.”faqPHnRhMVOQBnfFZJsGtVPrWpskgY

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“No one dares mention it in front of him.” Qiu Yan glanced back at the hospital building, its rigid, rectangular shape looming oppressively, with only a few windows glowing faintly in the night. The sight was eerie, sending a chill down Ren Yi’s spine. “Do you know why he hates hospitals?”ktIIRDgiWnPzjfvsxlnBGcUmgVgDWU

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“His parents…”XwxtbgSWKeGyteLXwSFbOgebPcHDqs

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Qiu Yan shook her head. “His parents never made it out of that house alive. It was his sister who was sent to the hospital.”BRFrAHpyTeCRvzFxyEdAKpMsrNeCPc

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Ren Yi froze.hTcqUoKrKTjdTUYOLOJCOlxrgfjtTw

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“She was my best friend.” Qiu Yan’s voice was soft, the cigarette trembling between her fingers. “We were in the same class from kindergarten all the way through middle school. Inseparable.”kgcIbrxPhrIsYSzqmNoovILNQaefVL

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Ren Yi clenched his fist. He knew he was about to hear a heartbreaking story.iMFqDtsQzhCLJsPbWsLCThTXzcYBZA

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“She was… the most beautiful girl I’d ever seen. Smart, kind, played piano like an angel—perfect in every way. But the fire burned her beyond recognition…” Qiu Yan’s breath hitched, her voice choked with emotion. “All ten of her fingers melted together.”qimlufUXtXJaZTnryachKTSRzcKuif

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Ren Yi gasped, his eyes reddening. He had seen bodies consumed by flames before, far too many.OSYoXoOCNmspYlYbnvScBeAKxYezqw

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“She lay in the ICU for six days…” Qiu Yan’s tears fell silently.wVVBWawPdbdnSNIardEOuBNYoOORoI

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Ren Yi’s hand, holding the cigarette, trembled uncontrollably.nWEQjlYaazwOCxDkIPvremGodXmTOG

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Qiu Yan discreetly wiped away her tears. “Captain Ren, Yingxian has shut himself off for eighteen years. You’re the only friend he’s made. We’re all grateful to you, and we hope you can continue helping him.”uDVLXFlTIxnQiwdFIQbPSrylKpsZcG

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“I will,” Ren Yi said, taking a deep breath, his chest swelling with a sense of helpless anger. He couldn’t hold back his frustration. “Why did his father do such a thing…?”AiINSuHlVPOeyXemCLfzvvSrhfQvCV

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Qiu Yan was silent for a moment. “Whatever you’ve heard, that’s not the truth.”wBKGCmVbNnigGeTjDFQigbYYXxDwTI

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Ren Yi looked at her in shock.oZbsCEjeBqDPPqfKLNWuMlvwUPBJMp

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“They were murdered.”QRePhbNPnRWcfednypczJmwojUpZKz

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