Blazing Armor

Ren Yi hurriedly left home and rushed toward the team headquarters. Though it was only a street away, for the first time, he felt the distance was too far, as it was delaying him from seeing Gong Yingxian faster.yxSZflIUbfnVFRMlyzncvQJbLFecMC

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Across the road, he spotted Gong Yingxian’s car parked at the entrance. He quickly ran over.lnNsSnpmmJIprgQlMFPWDegCsrQcgb

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The car window slowly rolled down. The blackness of the night, the car’s exterior, and the interior seemed to form a suffocating net. The only light in this darkness was the jade-like porcelain face of Gong Yingxian, a sharp beam that pierced through the thick blackness and brightened the entire space.vfnECHgiCtrnvdJdeDkZdgeazKVuPX

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An impulse surged in Ren Yi’s heart—a strong desire to embrace Gong Yingxian. He wished he could become Gong Yingxian’s light too, dispelling the gloom that had shrouded him for the past eighteen years.paYOyJglDqFYEcQJobTivZvxLirCfF

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Gong Yingxian got out of the car and scolded, “Where’s your coat? Why did you run out dressed like this?”qhawAoNITYkIEUvPQKiRFVjGRCvqTl

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Ren Yi snapped out of his thoughts, realizing he hadn’t even grabbed a jacket. No wonder his dad had been yelling at him when he left. But he didn’t feel cold at all; a fire burned inside him, and seeing Gong Yingxian only made it blaze hotter.OwRacggTkOvHXJzKCulwKXUGQEQokq

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Gong Yingxian opened the trunk and pulled out a blanket. He shook it open and draped it over Ren Yi’s shoulders, deliberately pulling it tight. “Not even wearing proper clothes. What were you thinking?”WTNTEiCaPtaJWGHrNVYllNabLEhIJA

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Ren Yi wrapped himself in the blanket and smiled. “Your trunk has everything, huh.”XMXsiHElofuUDAPpegFKlsNQZZDcdv

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Gong Yingxian grumbled, “I should lock you in the trunk, then it’d really have everything.”UiKqdWvMtLNxeOLJlZYnlpMrfWKlVz

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“I could live in your trunk,” Ren Yi blurted out.PDTJmovkDFDVwdFAxHvDoeCfeyVqzQ

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Gong Yingxian paused for a moment.BcnQXhxMExmTpJOAQKsCkYvCFlgMyp

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Ren Yi’s gaze flickered. He laughed, “As long as there’s food, a place to stay, and Wi-Fi, you can keep me as a pet.”ITIbTurxevfxahqspnVYfBHGQYrjUq

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Gong Yingxian stared at him for a moment, his focused expression making it seem like he was seriously considering the idea.gyPzlIPysHPoHUwHmjoouDxCTUWJBf

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Ren Yi teased him, “You really want to keep me? I’m low-maintenance, don’t eat much, and can even find my own place to use the bathroom.”aPINJVzyvubYEJHYFJGbTXzXePPLEz

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Gong Yingxian lifted the corner of the blanket and slapped it onto Ren Yi’s face. “You don’t eat much?”CGQKzfJOmAXhpFoHtFNoDvkwdUXZwp

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Ren Yi pulled the blanket down and grinned, “You’re disgusted by me, huh? If you’re so disgusted, why’d you say you wanted to see me?” The words “I wanted to see you” echoed in his mind, something he kept savoring and couldn’t shake off.vuCZTeqNHkeZioTQFgbWxWKLlrBKlb

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Gong Yingxian’s expression turned a bit awkward, and he deliberately changed the subject. “Why are you coming back from that direction? You went home?”cdiDbUnplVdyKaOYDffzAjBIzuxhAJ

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“Yeah, went home for a bit.” Ren Yi was planning to go through the old records at headquarters to see if there was any evidence casting doubt on the fire’s origin. If he could find something, he’d tell Gong Yingxian, knowing how much he longed for new leads. He was even more afraid of giving him false hope.WxgzgWInTUutCwkDcrjhRWICPCXxde

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“Did you eat at home?” Gong Yingxian lowered his head and kicked a small stone with his shiny handcrafted leather shoe. “Was it good?”syjFNhZOxjnCeVainnwgvhilNuDAWM

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“I didn’t eat dinner. I spent the whole afternoon with the boss and didn’t have an appetite.”sEtrMnmpbEmLquiEnKcCYmXrVleZAe

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Gong Yingxian lifted his head, his eyes sparkling. “I didn’t eat either.”fFhKmMcCwumTpEdVzGoJBjsKeYxEEK

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Ren Yi’s heart skipped a beat. “Did you come specifically to have dinner with me?”fnyJcYStMPBxcpIxgYvyQdGWfCSjnT

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“Got off work and had dinner with a friend. Pretty… normal, right?” Gong Yingxian tilted his chin up and said with a fierce look, “What, not allowed?”QEExEsBrVtUFmTUarNxsrncgJHizji

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Ren Yi’s heart leaped with joy. “Of course it’s fine! Let’s go, let’s go! Where do you want to eat? Today, I’m treating.”nzGHTLusVhdUyLYjoqfHSMtPttbEvA

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Gong Yingxian pulled a lunchbox out of the trunk.FXzdjsppSraVvZzjbZrWnfWUrhpZxm

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Ren Yi rolled his eyes. “You’re still going to eat a boxed meal? I actually make a decent salary; you don’t have to save me a meal.”iZXxtfwEkBBVYiSjMjGNDRUytxTMRq

lYqfmQORREkWGrM

Gong Yingxian shoved the lunchbox into Ren Yi’s arms. “I’m eating this. I don’t eat food made by others. Who knows if it’s clean?” With that, he started walking straight toward the headquarters.YxIOixIlkGsIsFtnxSsVFTmPTXtKbg

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“Then, besides your family chef and me, you don’t eat food made by anyone else?” Ren Yi followed behind, grinning.eugmRdUYboAFCeRwARoXUbCGkHynZY

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Gong Yingxian responded with a soft “Mm.”MGJJutbFYRTdZOtwrhjEsUrCoccZAp

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Ren Yi couldn’t hide his delight. To Gong Yingxian, he wasn’t “other people”; he was someone special.xqGiKBApCkHZxYcNKLuxCRUKOoWnOp

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The two of them returned to Ren Yi’s dormitory. On the way, they passed a few soldiers, all of whom seemed used to seeing Gong Yingxian around.oIvkZUuMIJHJrHIUHOiqKIWvHLutMv

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As soon as Ren Yi opened the door, Miao Miao tried to slip out through the crack. Lately, Ren Yi kept Miao Miao in his room most of the time, and someone would watch her when she went out to play. But recently, the little thing had been growing more wild, always trying to run outside.mwDSVPWLRlrKmkMuZcIMueeSKdaEoa

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Gong Yingxian bent down, grabbed Miao Miao with one hand, and gently stroked the burn scars on her back with his gloved fingers. “She’s gained a little weight. It’s more obvious in person than in the pictures.”bzjIqQegcMJRaivaDmzdzSRJPaVZtk

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“I feed her well, don’t I?” Ren Yi set the lunchbox on the table, arranged the chairs, and gestured elegantly. “Please, let’s eat.”DtvbsjtoZWbRzosBiSkqdlvyKkZIHf

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Gong Yingxian took off his long coat and casually draped it over Ren Yi’s arm. Then, with practiced grace, he unbuttoned his suit jacket before sitting down in the chair.rMloEzPOOvBCyPbrCCHXAEfFMDErWE

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Ren Yi stared at the coat hanging off his arm, torn between laughter and helplessness. Resigned, he hung it up on the coat rack while muttering to himself, “Little princess.”kxyuNYRXKNYYgchvqlSABgJkezDHoS

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Gong Yingxian removed his gloves, picked up the chopsticks, and looked down at the food. He took a deep breath. “I spent the whole afternoon arguing with Peng Fei. Didn’t really have much of an appetite, but now I’m actually hungry.”LQYICWUxlervWzetvWuAKKJCQgSRHy

SuoozrmUzBIgRea

Ren Yi had already sensed from their earlier phone call that Gong Yingxian was feeling down, clearly related to the case. Softening his tone, Ren Yi said, “If you’re hungry, then eat well. There’s nothing more important than eating.” He picked up a prawn and put it into his mouth. “This shrimp is really fresh, try it.”yVwMDDDMAiLATaEUmxiEvjvGHSvytL

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Gong Yingxian took a bite as well. “Actually, about Peng Fei…”NNcuZMcCxiiUfYtHGntNKqLfQkByYD

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“Eat first,” Ren Yi interrupted him. “After dinner, I’ll talk with you. But for now, don’t mention him, don’t think about him.” He pointed to himself, “Just focus on my handsome and charming face—think of me.”IAntQoMYKvHCKoYHLDlhVRzTqChxMX

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Gong Yingxian’s lips curved into a smile. As he looked at Ren Yi, his heart gradually settled.rCLMzRpvYVinJiMiAAbpMhOQEYQvOQ

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The two stopped talking about work and switched to chatting about fitness, even making plans to spar with each other next time.SpoaiYsQsGEZRVIavWNJDTfsYHcHjx

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After the meal, Ren Yi finally asked about the case’s progress.BSgGkVqYMFjqyHpLnZyvQPmxWIFDTr

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Gong Yingxian let out a soft sigh. “Peng Fei confessed.”AypTuxEqyxfEsAnSmIYsRGpjOOYCUU

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“Isn’t that good news?” Ren Yi asked in surprise, thinking Gong Yingxian’s earlier gloomy demeanor meant he had hit another obstacle.cXvjWkfZDmYGEyxTzgcufDovWwvNHX

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“When we laid out all the evidence we’ve gathered over the past two months, he had no way to deny it anymore. But this case just makes me feel… disgusted.” Gong Yingxian’s facial muscles twitched, as if he couldn’t find the words to describe it.opPDuiubjdNyjQZDDwgKLzDSSbfeMT

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Ren Yi listened quietly.JdIQtzFjpZikDRCAJYwrxImeOgViNG

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“Peng Fei said he had never heard of the Seraphim. He just posted a rant six months ago on a sports enthusiast forum, complaining about his unbearable neighbor—right after he had a dispute with the owner of unit 2209, which led to police mediation.”iWWgeDQIHueSzzZQxPinucOLygUBFR

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“So was it Hongyan who sought him out?”NZCFLmuGpAzKzTfXMmTKtPqeiTtDrQ

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Gong Yingxian gave a slight nod. “Someone claiming to share the same grievances responded to his post. They chatted for a while, and that person offered to help Peng Fei ‘teach a lesson’ to the owner of 2209. But in return, Peng Fei had to help him deal with someone he despised. That way, no one could trace who did what.”vxhXGbzwfNThdYgTTnhxeJtaFIGKeQ

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“That’s just trading arson.”oeczZYvgKpcOZFqBMSLZVZKDVjrvUB

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“But Peng Fei says he didn’t know it would involve arson at first. He showed us their chat logs, and there wasn’t a single mention of setting fires. The other guy just egged him on, saying Peng Fei should retaliate by dumping trash at 2209’s door and leave the rest to him—he promised to give 2209 a punishment they’d never forget.”RwEhobSygkyoJLBzoQNMoveRPEpHIy

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“And Peng Fei believed him?”pKpPLWWKhHNzOCsDexFVwEWGbquCKr

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“At first, Peng Fei was skeptical. He was cautious, thinking that if he got more neighbors involved, there’d be safety in numbers. So, he convinced others to join him in throwing trash at 2209’s door. He says he never expected a fire to happen, let alone deaths. When the disaster occurred, he was terrified and didn’t dare admit his involvement. Then, he gathered all the neighbors from the west side and threatened them—if anyone said a word, they’d all be accomplices.”AKFgiBZxYPkylNHWYNyXMLCulqlMbl

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Ren Yi took a sharp breath, feeling a chill surge through his body. “You mean… every single household in the west knew who the killer was from the very beginning?”RGJUGqzFOWGKkQvtWTFLBaRTbTrRKq

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Gong Yingxian nodded heavily.bEKzqLbZrnTRWewkGdUcaAaabdhbGR

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In that instant, Ren Yi understood why Gong Yingxian had felt “disgusted.”GKXTbDLBIusQUCaQvamKlIkIRThjCc

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It had been two months since the crime was committed. They had countless opportunities to come clean, but instead, they chose silence or lies. Outwardly, they appeared as victims, but in reality, not one of them was innocent. To protect themselves, they continued to hide the truth, even if it meant letting their own mothers, neighbors, or firefighters die in vain, obstructing the police investigation. Looking back now, the slow progress of the investigation was largely due to the false or misleading testimonies.eqwkRmuffIsqyqWToiUpIoROvSbFpa

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“And the car-burning case…?”otezqGUbkbFUnCRXPvUkAOLXxAjpNS

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“After the incident, Peng Fei was blackmailed by that person to fulfill his promise. He heard that all he had to do was burn a car, so he agreed. But he was cautious and paid his cousin to do it, giving himself an alibi.”rZJYvrdwaazurHtsntXfQygQdUyEzw

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“So, your initial judgment was correct. When he saw Zhou Chuan’s lack of reaction, it wasn’t an act. He really hadn’t met Zhou Chuan before.”iLeqrWOkRJJjykYYoepqcuUrKTFonR

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“Yes,” Gong Yingxian replied quietly. “The case is solved, but no one feels happy. First, Red Flame still hasn’t been caught, and second, the whole thing is absurd. Just because of a neighbor dispute, so many innocent lives were lost…”EdQEGllMmuvvVbhohJQLIwJUKJdFEf

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Ren Yi’s chest tightened with unease.fOuIoSOknYkHIzmnhqcuuxOjgpewyE

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People always make choices in moments of anger, and those choices are almost always wrong.BeuowmvnhXnHLRdoWGtPHuxKzvyDLO

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Who could have imagined that simple, everyday conflicts could lead to such an irreversible tragedy? In this story of neighborly discord, it seemed there were no true good guys or bad guys. Everyone contributed a small piece of evil, and that evil piled up like grains of sand into a tower.LdTClYOilazYjHaUgsHTQqNZyOkGgV

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It was chilling.nckyBtigBGlcULaEGpNfxIBcuFVgat

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“At least the case is solved now,” Ren Yi sighed, “and it might bring some comfort to the victims and their families.”RljKetkKEHkhDxdEzHUIRQdmVlmsnR

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Gong Yingxian clenched his teeth, his eyes flashing with cold determination. “It’s not enough. Red Flame hasn’t been caught. The one who started all this hasn’t been caught. I will catch him. I will make sure he’s sent to the execution ground.”JLuGdUEPFXMpuvXbfBHoUmCFmLJGcd

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“You will catch him.” Ren Yi’s gaze was unwavering. “Not just Red Flame—the rumored ‘organization,’ and the murderer from eighteen years ago that you want to catch the most. You will take them all down.”zQzhwbVhoUdfYfTUOzsFUVVetwkqPr

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Gong Yingxian stared at Ren Yi. “You have that much faith in me?”ZJfkhOhUBnNJjWRoQHinIgOpWtpnRb

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Ren Yi nodded. “You’re the most capable, intelligent, and determined person I’ve ever met. I don’t think there’s anything you can’t do.”MxDQQiFmoRsOiQJoYbCwDgWgvSiLQq

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Gong Yingxian was stunned for a moment, then slowly revealed a breathtaking smile, one so beautiful that it seemed to dim the sun and moon. “You… you’re amazing too.”MTAzzYIloLGwmZROichVixmEpHlpMk

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Ren Yi felt a surge of emotion. With every glance at Gong Yingxian, with every word exchanged, his desire deepened. How long could he suppress these feelings? He was truly afraid that one day, these imprisoned emotions would erupt uncontrollably.OAuRvwAwoLoatuipokLNmCmdqUEoUu

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Their eyes met, and an inexplicable spark passed between them, making them both feel slightly uneasy.lHZjRwNuWchNBcSUbCvEFUkqnJTEQW

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Gong Yingxian glanced at his watch, trying to cover up his actions, realizing it was getting late. Yet, he didn’t want to leave. He couldn’t pinpoint when it had started, but he had grown to like and even enjoy Ren Yi’s company. Ren Yi was the unexpected element in his otherwise structured and rigid life, like a drop of colored ink on a black-and-white painting—accidental, yet strikingly essential.fsYadfCfFivtUQolyAbNcfYDpjIinA

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As long as Ren Yi was around, Gong Yingxian felt comfortable, relaxed, and at ease. But now, he couldn’t think of a good excuse to stay.ZCogeqnrcsZHIlJPYCCGTiZrVPuhUj

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Just then, Ren Yi’s phone rang. It was placed right in the middle of the table, and both men glanced at the screen. The name displayed was: Xiao.uzlhweAKXYRfIEDBrFYMZNjVvSBNyY

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Gong Yingxian immediately straightened his posture, and the smile vanished from his face.yVXrljNfHFsPIIFDacuhrdYPexARmX

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Ren Yi grabbed the phone. Not answering it in front of Gong Yingxian would seem far too suspicious, so he stood up, trying to act casual, and walked over to the window. “Hello?”lqbyZMGwlSxULeAZGYnIScbmUhpIyC

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“Bro…”kmisuPruUVzQLqApOsYvfMqCDLCCkO

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Just that one word, and Ren Yi could already hear the mix of drunkenness and sadness. Surprised, he asked, “What’s wrong?”wqgElvFVnOuDPOIZVYpFFJrtwWGjUG

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“I… I want to see you.” Qi Xiao’s voice sounded choked with tears. “Can you have a drink with me?”rlCpLxPErpLkMnacSHzxjgJfSqTZbY

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“What happened? I’m on duty at the squad right now. I can’t leave, and I definitely can’t drink.” Ren Yi didn’t dare turn around, but he could feel the scorching gaze behind him.XymMWOUyYCCkWrmWwBaDcmOrWiTvMx

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“But I’m… I’m downstairs at your squad.” Qi Xiao’s sobbing continued. “I really want to see you.”XNNPJvJuChuNSkRBcBjPGrnHmxcrhJ

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“You’re downstairs?” Ren Yi’s scalp tingled.UouzpudWcEZMvRmzqRDOzkImyPDvGk

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Gong Yingxian’s eyes widened, and a clear anger began to surface on his face.WbPSfEWnlfzAdRuTWzRdgfMyzFfAuB

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“I’m downstairs. I just want to see you. It doesn’t matter if we don’t drink.” Qi Xiao’s voice sounded pitiful.KUtFVVwGVXUYTtbWBFbhZUYiZCkyze

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Ren Yi felt caught between a rock and a hard place. He didn’t want Gong Yingxian and Qi Xiao to have any contact, afraid that his secret might be exposed. But now that Qi Xiao was downstairs, Ren Yi couldn’t just leave him there, especially considering their history. Even if Qi Xiao were a stranger, as a firefighter, he could never turn away someone in need.sVEGxAcLcaalwytdsFILoVMwlcWVpE

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At that moment, he overheard Liu Hui’s voice in the background of the call: “Hey, man, are you alright? Do you need help?”oJKRJQZCXfCyWUdjTXDxephLGqripe

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Ren Yi quickly responded, “Wait for me. I’ll come down and get you.” He was terrified Qi Xiao might start talking nonsense from being too drunk.wYlLBAnjJVGYezSZlGXusWIHOJdpiF

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As Ren Yi prepared to leave, Gong Yingxian stood up from his chair. Whether intentionally or not, he moved just enough to block the doorway. With his towering frame, he effectively sealed Ren Yi’s exit.UIOUGpokCajAMOScidzjvEvMbBPYSc

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Ren Yi felt a pang of guilt as he looked at Gong Yingxian and explained, “A friend of mine, he drank too much. I need to go check on him.”mYMbOpqYDHnQcJmZkkxLLiJGhaWptM

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Gong Yingxian narrowed his eyes, his tone icy. “That actor, Qi Xiao.”IfztVwoHUHIKyjpikncnMcVnnQOEvs

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“…Yes.”dqhXQhHesneNoylAByZrEwIGSMQpXU

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“Fine, I’ll go with you.”JGoNIztLBFPVAEGysrojcrXBxfEeKb

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