Blazing Armor

Today was destined to be a busy and exhausting day. Even without a concert that would go on until late into the night, big holidays were always peak times for the fire department to respond to calls.MpfkuywOQMEhKNHalrLLNUmLfnnPHo

HgiTVRdmmTRoNzD

So Ren Yi canceled today’s training, letting everyone sleep in and rest up.teZtIOOcQBIxQPBssOaFKXadUSuEJn

EqRaUtLjbYSfRDL

Around lunchtime, a call came in about a kitchen fire, and Gao Ge led the team to handle it.RxqgVhSCVmqitZtnfEuycGuYGvuNNT

mZFDuYDmzPnAUDB

In the afternoon, Ren Yi called a meeting with the second and third teams to assign tasks and clarify roles. Then they set out for Honglin Stadium.TmYXNmNEKefQVaXFPZSQmHqMuTUKBR

taOEgqVNUdshgLe

The concert was set to officially start at 8 PM, with people starting to enter around 6. Aside from the main entrance, two extra gates were opened to relieve the crowd pressure. VIPs entered directly from the underground parking lot.GRXEBCCgrvkPQqqrAtwYITbxYVHEzY

wDwiVOukZiNZvFm

The brigade had sent Wang Meng’s Luoxiangkou squad to join them. Luoxiangkou was the nearest squad to theirs, and they often worked together on assignments.JToDhNWDZWfVUOCKFUeRWlaJWTqxdC

FIqtMXzggPVXPjE

Ren Yi and Wang Meng stood outside the stadium, watching the staff busying themselves back and forth. It was only 2 PM, but a line had already formed outside, mostly young girls.OCWeKVaKgEZjfFCdpLgbnQxhHwwNFI

JaKfQNesbxreSQZ

Wang Meng pulled out a cigarette and offered it to Ren Yi, who waved it off.mrjMOyAMgjrzIjLYnjmDZlWiDyDaaf

UimHvAUiSDVxcHY

“I heard the front row tickets have been resold for over 200,000 yuan?” Wang Meng took a puff. “That’s insane.”MCcEdRZYYRDmhBQfNkKfPTrPqkCgoY

oxHStHSPrbSWcsB

“Yeah, it’s nuts.”jqgKnZCnYkjkQgfayVSSmhwrOPyPEq

yAgUNSgEzqDDpiV

“I don’t care about these things. Ever since I became a firefighter, I feel uncomfortable when there are too many people,” Wang Meng shook his head. “If I had the energy, I’d rather be at home listening to music.”IfOeDwOVaONkQfLpYjiswwJHWnrCbs

kmaIqlinnyZHXQX

Ren Yi chuckled. “Think about it: tickets are that expensive, but we get great seats for free. We really scored big.”bnRwcEbwdPchtgbcODhYslJlFHgLCy

sdRZVwCsFQPtnTU

“Haha, true.” Wang Meng glanced at Ren Yi, then suddenly said, “Huh?”YxwEqFdCUnBdZogPVwTxFEhIASRTqa

dzqNMSREXIruKQk

“What?”zUViNLuOHhCVdMCSWNnwzqrSiFsOhu

jjAeRngStLoninu

“Did you put gel in your hair?”bgyWRbshTDyOctZBuwAMhlHvqJlFOS

DnUrORqskpBQzxd

Ren Yi denied it, “No, I didn’t.”lNUPQFjrPdYMcySgTpRUPsOzyDcKqy

hwOcGpBFhAAhCCK

“Let me feel.” Wang Meng reached out to touch it.fXNhtuoTqsIfhTbQWEZLMJSaXsfjEe

HCDooWvIycBYPYA

Ren Yi tried to dodge but couldn’t escape and got caught.lOtXBjkSzkAQaFNHNuJGNooGtxJxcf

KtwiWrDShAnGeUJ

Wang Meng teased, “This down jacket and those boots are new too, right? I even caught a faint whiff of cologne earlier—I thought it was my imagination. What’s the deal, Ren the handsome? Are you getting married today or something?”lMVTARLpoJoUgHroeKRcGJSOEfUWxE

zmaOToncNhEzXmG

Ren Yi clicked his tongue. “Aren’t you bored?”AnjNpkLgEyuMZllwiINEwDmXGSEZjq

RhnssSOWVOEZUIc

“Nowhere near as busy as you,” Wang Meng teased, “Got a date tonight, or are you just trying to show off in front of all the pretty girls?”rzbVSRQbStdJmtYTaRszHzRsfozhku

YiRNfOAquxhnZzA

“Come on, man, you’re married. Can’t you understand a single guy’s life?” Ren Yi said, half-embarrassed. “Go on, go do your work.”XMmEDgoPjTOMEcFTlWrCaHgCTgdXFF

xsfeBqQJTmtlfXu

Wang Meng laughed heartily and walked off.BJZezpuoZmGLMQtQUgTXsJDNKoEgIq

ejZLevgPUWjpFEz

Ren Yi took a few steps back, moved to the fire truck’s side mirror, and fixed his hair in the reflection. Then, he flashed a confident smile.HdwnsbIHQbcSqbGtBYmcmHZfnEfyhl

bMFEawEHobztZPr

Who cares about getting married? This was his first date with Gong Yingxian.HeuyyDdCpeguxjLEjhBMuYrGqkEeME

mKfLEfgGpMLLnNj

Around 6 PM, most of the guests had arrived and were gathered in the dressing rooms for makeup.tkxeajBJQkNsubzyPffAnVQTbAEVfd

CPGzpusPNCupSnQ

Ren Yi had the freedom to walk around the venue wherever he wanted. As he watched the singers, surrounded by their entourage, wearing their dazzling stage outfits and preparing for their big moment in the spotlight, he suddenly understood Qi Xiao’s fierce desire for fame.QrsiyXsktRpGvadiyIDooacpBBESgk

EdQfdaMxGautHop

Ren Yi’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Gong Feilan, asking if Song Juhan had arrived yet.ASIuachkeDGVllnHTrDMUzYrRtZjhv

OXfOpofSCjHXdSG

Ever since he told Gong Feilan that he was in charge of fire safety for the concert and could get Song Juhan’s autograph for her, the little girl had been excited for days.tOAMQwiCtJESnRXkVDisNUYKFZxgCA

GihymRDoGMXZlUz

Ren Yi replied: “Not yet. I’ll let you know when he arrives.”bWaxsldzeWGugjMYdZaCgUnGKXuLbz

aVNRFniwiMbobip

Just then, Gong Yingxian called.ioISOwcLGnsrJuGyfNEIERKWsftiOx

aVOrrSFCktyHIqj

“Hey, Yingxian, are you here?”KZjlmUqWWGDxhWdXovhqREUqPLBaNd

zKyAdDzQpEhcOmR

“Yeah, I’m at Gate 6, where you said.”LqohIBZMiFfODmwhHIVhiOxUTHBRVW

TWcjwyJEXcUXWEl

“Alright, wait there for me. I’ll come get you right now.”JJuRfVqZWlYhcyvtgrcGPPYiBddusj

iMrcLiXUfuIszKc

When Ren Yi arrived at Gate 6, he saw Gong Yingxian surrounded by a group of girls. He stood out like a crane in a flock of chickens, towering a full head above them.WLsQmuTtMrvaSBnXjhhMttCSCpyNsu

FyjMIqMVRiAvfLR

“Yingxian?” Ren Yi jogged over, unsure of what was going on.udktxQOosnTpooRCsQRqFyuYamTQKC

IsNYnpRLMTtPhwY

“You’ve got to be an artist, right? Tell us your name!”PquorsFQcZSBmcBxzzZZLrmCbzQsCX

zLcNJVAXswGksbY

“Oppa, are you a new talent with Song Media? Do you sing or act? We’ll support you either way!”bgLbITwdotFSYGKWyVHXaGYtRZFwGl

tBMuHjIHyrrbKZo

“I’m not,” Gong Yingxian’s brows furrowed, and he kept backing away. When he spotted Ren Yi approaching, his eyes lit up with relief, and he quickly gave Ren Yi a pleading look.EyipzLPttAteDBxHkmgehESYquspdH

qsTusFREWjeECCa

Holding back a laugh, Ren Yi stepped in to rescue him. “Hey, hey, ladies, he’s not a celebrity. Don’t crowd him.”zExCOZbKOjhhDmxrgTiCXWMTGdiKPJ

cginXnGMPeTbhMU

“If he’s not a celebrity, why’s he wearing a mask? And he’s so handsome, with such a great body!”cjISQDqPRwoyxgCvfTtpzmRxQuQpSt

ibIWTsrslptrYce

“He really isn’t. He’s my colleague,” Ren Yi said, pointing to his own uniform.UQXbHkZUDVXZBpfLvzicBnEKUzqCIC

GzMRBYJfRzUGdxv

The group of girls paused for a moment, then erupted in excited squeals.RerjWZDSEabuXirZHGCmcUqLwJHbpR

PJuiRHMRgUPotgV

“Are all firefighters this handsome? I’m a fan of firefighters now!”eetYDdOuikfWBGVkGYLHktYlTKbnJw

hxqhAPWSBYeBsMB

“Which fire station? I’m going to visit!”WfoBCJsRWUPDkoHgrbmTKhwbncboru

OIHEByoWFrNlXvY

Taking advantage of the moment, Ren Yi grabbed Gong Yingxian’s hand and pulled him out of the crowd. “Alright, alright, you guys better get in line. If you wait too long, the line’s going to get even worse.” He pulled Gong Yingxian along as they dashed away.NjaUJDuoosnSXRnBXBEtxKYbvvIRNJ

xIzWhGspTxhgcKh

They ran all the way into the venue before slowing down, catching their breath.lYQOnnujOMWtifpXUFUAHrymHccAoS

fIPXPUbvJGuhdUR

Ren Yi turned his head and saw Gong Yingxian dressed in a beige short puffer jacket, jeans, and pristine white sneakers. His hair wasn’t styled with gel but casually fell over his forehead. Even though the mask covered most of his face, his handsomeness still shone through.CzQGZqoBmJRzlaYAahOjbzIBxTBPPj

CoHEolSewTLdRll

Ren Yi was momentarily stunned. He had never seen Gong Yingxian dressed so youthfully, like a college student. No wonder those girls couldn’t tear themselves away from him.FhdKBdVKTKhiVpatRBTQTaUIZaseTW

hhzkbrSHHgSSKHu

Gong Yingxian pulled down his mask, feeling a bit self-conscious as he glanced at his outfit under Ren Yi’s gaze. “What? Does it look weird?”yfDJYoppOeqGvLdpHGyDDeihtiCFfs

vrjolFfSBdlzOiv

“…”CgbnuJQjJYCOTmZGuZXvnAxMvKsvpm

ehlaksIVICpFtQo

Gong Yingxian huffed softly. “You were the one who told me to wear ‘casual’ clothes. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have come to a noisy, messy place full of people like this.”BbGTnHUqGahvpvBgtvwYghDUityAeU

LsNGGFxIGvFYIqc

Ren Yi gave a goofy smile. “You look amazing today.”wpSvVyHeYFTWPkfnPDSUXjZNESVXoi

pJyCLMCebHcSaXN

Gong Yingxian froze for a moment, feeling a burst of joy, but outwardly, he tried to seem indifferent. “Really?”emlaATQnJFyhbcmhqguJZqdPWrdDNr

JBuulNsfBlyIfMC

“Seriously, you look amazing.” Ren Yi chuckled. “Of course, you look great in a suit too, or even in pajamas. Each look has its own charm.”KhxRvAMnoIPutlGhCnLbUpMLSUKgxK

AdBfJuRXEmQYVci

Gong Yingxian couldn’t help but smile. He wanted to compliment Ren Yi in return but felt too embarrassed to say it. Besides, the word “handsome” seemed far too shallow to describe how Ren Yi’s appearance made him feel—just seeing him filled him with uncontainable joy.bEcvuQeOxmJhhYGZALmTLNyKhBcVrg

oRFpvoDokDnwZAr

“Alright, let’s head in.”KivvipdTZHvygFHqTRkCXSaOTzJbPd

TBCKoTIbRoYZzgR

Suddenly, Ren Yi realized that he was still holding Gong Yingxian’s hand. Even though Gong Yingxian was wearing gloves, he could still feel the warmth of his palm. Awkwardly, he let go, and led Gong Yingxian towards the backstage area.lyEfZOQdkwvwZPAATwlMorsXzoDZgU

gzBbFUzjOKSSrFr

The major artists had their own private dressing rooms, with the doors closed, so they couldn’t see inside. The rest of the performers were gathered in a large, open dressing room.BxRInJttOoGjdosiolKIcjAHHmcNgC

wJovadfONUzesNQ

The two of them stood in a quiet corner, watching the buzz around them. “Look, those guys over there are from the band ‘Scarecrow.’ They’re an old band, their music’s really good.”sIfHGyVqqwtVnLXonjdKARrHXACmqT

LCSKGcDLRntuLRq

“Oh.”endTISskVaBTyTWftMSBVwMYIdaQgy

DpGuGkuFRumTIfy

“And that looks like a group from some talent show or something—I don’t know them either. Wow, these girls are so skinny. What do they even eat?”YXRfuVLZoxidrPReuGdQdXrpfVdMot

FhsAbWQqySOBqCP

Gong Yingxian scanned the room. “Where’s Song Juhan?”MaPlLqrdRIRCLswVtJGVzvlzQNZnng

BKwCNbIVFiffJjo

“A guy like him won’t show up this early, and he’ll have his own private room when he does,” Ren Yi said, unzipping his coat to reveal a signed album in the inner pocket. “But I talked to the organizers. We can go in and get his autograph for Feilan later.”MMSQEKjiprrCGboeCksQTRMsBSqpGK

nWsMRLCzxYaMjve

Gong Yingxian didn’t seem too pleased. “You don’t need to spoil her like that.”bAxNJfpbMtDvADnymrVkFrkySiAbuq

UyNdjtkYJlrXsPs

“She’s already pretty pitiful for not being able to come.”mHePeVznayQZHpcsvoteHFupCJSjgc

QrwjfVTvOLrFClP

“She doesn’t study well, and exams are coming up. Of course, I can’t let her attend something like this.”WLpILyGBrDvenrVetPXsARGkJCCWHS

RJtqzkjjOSsvIoT

“That’s why getting her an autograph can encourage her a bit. Don’t be too hard on her.”XHmwRGRmlLbKeRvChEBuMhqsDVCUOh

cvYEUzVSBvKTSpn

“Her parents are always at odds with each other and often away on business trips. If I don’t take care of her, who will?”nrAyEnaclIVDqMYTaArJCtIBzGLJud

fFsKaYXAYwGtjhQ

Ren Yi suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Gong Feilan.pUVKSTGRKkqGikwOOlzzSiNuVONPVv

jlugmwXGhOYnlqy

Gong Yingxian shifted the conversation. “So, what exactly are you guys here to do?”EWudrLSliieNMLMNtnmRDVnOnMOZzS

MNnVAhmvpbTiqYB

“The main job is to review the fire safety plan ahead of time. If it doesn’t meet the standards, they have to make changes according to our requirements. After the review, we check to make sure everything’s been fixed. Today, we’re here to ensure they’ve followed through and to be prepared in case anything unexpected happens,” Ren Yi explained. “Honestly, there’s not much going on, which is why I invited you to come and have fun.”mojYOBNtDidfmZgnViaywjJMiKinqU

hQuRXLJiPgHvGWD

“You’ve inspected the entire venue?”TEYluMddUJPhdSjJJFQiGrVmBdJgJv

PectiQbUvtdoGhW

“Checked it multiple times,” Ren Yi said. “There’s security at every entrance, plus police patrolling the area.”JRTSpFnrflRgNjWhHYnKdNVMEWEpli

OtcszPorVqrLduN

Gong Yingxian nodded. “A lot of stuff has been happening lately. I guess I’m just a bit on edge.”lVQFtYbKqxMHYWazstYRhcOOKUdvSc

DWVAAEuaBCieMBy

“I get it. Same here. That’s why the higher-ups doubled the security measures this time,” Ren Yi said with a grin. “We’re taking precautions, but no need to stress. Come on, the concert’s about to start. I scouted out a great spot.”hvGnbOOZTvTxseWZjsPEoHbCfaVLqL

haFOUgNeFLGFVDL

Ren Yi led Gong Yingxian to the side of the main stage, an area reserved for security and staff. The view was excellent, and there were hardly any people around.iFvneIwedxCYDbRnISuzYjBEeEZwCO

EruvURLThFSFQnf

Despite the concert being hastily arranged, the stage effects were nothing short of spectacular. The dazzling lights and powerful music, especially at this close range, made their blood race.jcyDhyJCXHoPSiRaCuKMVtjAIvDZkY

EIhVgsAQkaJiyTa

Ren Yi, caught up in the energy, started moving to the beat.TQjJIaKOjVGKsbWaePcjBEgqwHiDXg

zrsdTlLETGRfdYX

At first, Gong Yingxian felt overwhelmed by the loud, chaotic environment, but soon enough, he was swept up by the music and the energy of the person beside him. He sneaked a glance at Ren Yi, whose eyes sparkled and whose face beamed with joy, and he couldn’t help but smile.bvgXRIzspXBRdgZxFIqgwaxfCtMZcF

UbnAiJNvzuDnikm

“Wow, this spot is great, but it would definitely be more exciting to be in the crowd.” Ren Yi grabbed Gong Yingxian’s hand and raised it above their heads, swaying along to the music as he sang along.nIRsgRvEhYSwhWylSLiuaoXdIMVrZW

qGjijzDIZbLyWlo

Gong Yingxian nodded. “Yeah, it’s kind of fun.”KoJnrkkiHtDXHmDQaEMeirzvdkqdQk

cJWsMixgOCwzdOc

Ren Yi turned to look at him, and as the lights shifted across Gong Yingxian’s strikingly handsome face, it added a touch of mystery and allure, making Ren Yi’s heart race uncontrollably.xpEqmlnSBdiAhPvblewgxAGoTAmdlw

hdDNOKfrhUQDqVV

Before Gong Yingxian could notice, Ren Yi quickly looked away, overwhelmed by a flood of sweet emotions. He couldn’t help but say, “It feels like we’re on a date right now.”SpGPVpfUYGcvaRDyPWYUrSUesaREOB

YbtYtAdETIkqMDv

“What did you say?” The music was too loud, and Gong Yingxian hadn’t heard him clearly.BNyJtCnMgiirdQnGszxtjvTXKPTWVX

vlKEcmgbUtDMOzd

Ren Yi didn’t answer, just laughed heartily.qTufdwvHHtYejfmpLNLLPreducxKqw

IIcvQsulKveIUvl

As Gong Yingxian looked out at the packed stadium, filled with a sea of heads and countless waving glow sticks, he felt that despite being in such a vast space surrounded by so many people, it was only the person beside him who made him feel grounded. Ren Yi was the only reason he was here.cCdFhcNzZhcusBJmXosNhQMSIVHhAv

mOnhGtWOpulQUms

Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind: were all the people screaming in the crowd feeling the same way about the one person on stage that he was feeling about the one beside him?hvuVHluoSBkoQVQJEYfpNPbitOvmPi

OUJNWdadAnxolpk

If that were the case, the definition of these feelings seemed to be right at the surface, just waiting to be acknowledged.jHHgJKhTzQzDRHMtvfLlxEZpaBjCPK

RpJxEqbCQEZYMNe

Gong Yingxian fell into deep thought, but Ren Yi’s radio suddenly buzzed, interrupting his contemplation.rDPwtFXEsJXIgilfBSvPgWSKodgDKu

mbcfXfaBObkNRjA

Ren Yi pressed the talk button. “Go ahead.”yyUmyESxaMvQfcdIJllcEzwJjwhQeW

wpmkPmYwMJdgEXz

“Captain Ren, Song Juhan has arrived. Didn’t you want his autograph?”WFPyNVhpxXctxXoWaEjgCNpkWuWszb

gYLmEZCWexNGWEn

“OK, I’ll be there right away.” Ren Yi, without thinking, grabbed Gong Yingxian’s hand. “Let’s go, backstage.”yCPiMOIyzLPyPUxNUCaaNOJjzqbvmk

DKRHYhjZIgcMHSY

The two made their way to the backstage area, where the event organizer was already waiting for them. He greeted Ren Yi and gave him a heads-up. “Captain Ren, just a little warning—these big stars can be a bit temperamental sometimes. If anything feels off, don’t take it personally, alright? Thanks for all your hard work.”gnjsWMEUjrQNdpKEbqNUamJneDJyvF

hxPuIqjRQICncbN

Ren Yi smiled. “No worries. Thanks for the heads-up.”buALFXUfdgxZeBtrxCQZNNQsfcsZin

zCpHkodMmzrAHSF

The organizer knocked on the door, and a voice from inside responded, “Come in.”YvauVPWobDlnkbWFOfMLPpijBBnjjP

bQeUnBGvTOBWccp

Opening the door, the organizer respectfully said, “Brother Han, Captain Ren is here, just like I mentioned.”AxtkdjxmJHXQIcqkuhnZIQOvsDiRuG

lRPPtsgAYVTfMXz

Ren Yi and Gong Yingxian glanced into the room.oKDQQzWJPxacfLGpmClWQdwdqoMOac

cxqIwuvDkdHHyjb

On one side of the dressing room, a few staff members were busy organizing clothing and styling tools. On the other side, a large, luxurious red sofa—completely out of place in this setting—dominated the space. Two men were lounging on it. One was wearing headphones, engrossed in a book, while the other lay with his head resting on the first man’s lap, casually playing on his phone, his long legs draped over the armrest.IgoDDzLrVJbtuakoXpFmjSyIkAspxS

DJsLvxghUuQstSS

The man on the phone barely looked up, just responding with a nonchalant “Mm.”vGbMgpXFBNxKXxQpxPZYLvJCvaTKdj

MvqScMKpoZBHBTM