Blazing Armor

They watched a documentary about marine life together, and Ren Yi, who had taken some fever medicine, fell asleep halfway on the sofa. Gong Yingxian quietly pulled him close, letting Ren Yi’s head rest on his shoulder.kgkvdKPhSKGmwAIYjJkOdtBrxidDtz

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The comforting weight made Gong Yingxian feel warm inside.DjhJIsyNJoGhIYmAQmUmCgshfHCVmz

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Ren Yi didn’t wake up even after the documentary ended, so Gong Yingxian carefully lifted him and carried him back to the bedroom.xWBBAxQwwuWjfeRuuCZEpZRFNpWcci

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Ren Yi woke up then, watching as Gong Yingxian tucked him in. He yawned, dazed, and murmured, “When did I fall asleep?”LIepGieXkCVwKDejnCYcGRdvVDmTpi

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“The medicine you took had a sleep-inducing component.”jPNrmJRhaurNPFBHhZpOialIDiToji

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“Did that little shark die in the end?”RfWDVleVvpOxjiRhCMolHsQHFnJGVD

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“No, it grew into a big shark.”GYWnrpTPZFnpFcfHizrIWSwtsLZGEB

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Ren Yi chuckled. “Why didn’t you wake me?”iTdUVKxKEDwlbxMhVvzHlGpVDfEETX

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“You should get some proper rest,” Gong Yingxian said, looking at him, with a hesitant expression.EOTcHuzuyYIaMqTQfBSYMcIscWmnBX

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“What’s wrong?”HrfTwShcPHRceEbArzpOorhzAdkywK

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“I have to go back to the precinct,” Gong Yingxian replied, a bit conflicted. “There’s too much work waiting for me, but I’ll come back later tonight, or by morning.” He’d been distracted by the constant stream of messages in the group chat while watching the documentary, clearly restless. He wanted to stay with Ren Yi, but he couldn’t leave the case unresolved.tSrxcbGnbyHGBDvMJUXaAaWvGzLzTL

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“I figured you wouldn’t be able to let it go.” Ren Yi looked at Gong Yingxian tenderly. “Go on, don’t worry about me. I’ll feel better after some sleep.”mPxjuZnBPEKLdtynitWjlifoiaqDEp

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“Okay.”TAQhMknzDWbrTynyzJcakniSWxxZTv

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Suddenly, Ren Yi grabbed Gong Yingxian’s collar, catching him off guard as he leaned down and received a forceful kiss from Ren Yi.GROzYjNLkzCObmeztTzLQQcaYIdwyB

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Ren Yi grinned. “Don’t worry. Go on.”uEBABReAEGRhasahDlwlvFWrGaOlNA

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Gong Yingxian gazed into Ren Yi’s laughing, slightly dazed eyes, his heart stirred. He loved the old Ren Yi and the Ren Yi now, every little thing about this person drew him in deeply, irresistibly.ZtcvYhqmyyuobtgUrpgiAkvhqNEKhB

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But he wasn’t Ren Yi’s type. Even so, it didn’t stop them from having this kind of relationship. This must be what Ren Yi meant by “the adult world.”HmVdOxduwlncmYMaxHGJnQSXCquqlM

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With a hint of reluctance, Gong Yingxian looked at Ren Yi one last time and said, “Rest well.” Then he turned and left.yfJhVanSvAlNkGJebZFBFxDVmPoHCz

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Ren Yi gently touched his lips, feeling a lingering warmth there. He reminded himself that one has to be content with what they have. Getting everything one desires is a fantasy; it’s enough to have a part of it and be grateful.rrKSzYrJKyFWtYyRiAYEXKfVbUMWCK

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Gong Yingxian worked through the night, and by dawn, when he thought about going back to check on Ren Yi, he discovered that Ren Yi had sent him a WeChat message saying his fever had broken, and he’d returned to his unit.obYFfVNnkKicJeOGyVkTIenmexeQSE

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Gong Yingxian was disappointed but understood there was nothing he could do. How could he see Ren Yi again soon?vbCfOnkWWXZfGkXhNXrSeCKBYiXqRd

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Back at the unit, Ren Yi still felt unwell, so he planned not to go out on duty that day.sSkTIlCwaFYxzTxqWSispZNWfQLayS

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Qu Yangbo saw him and immediately wore a mischievous smile, winking at him.dmbnqiGwTXNUBqHAhEwuaFoPNkqZXU

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Ren Yi acted calm. What was between him and Gong Yingxian absolutely couldn’t be known to others. Partly to protect Gong Yingxian, but mostly because he couldn’t bring himself to admit it. He said, “He went back to the precinct ages ago; he called his family doctor to look after me.”tyEDwbjLpoLJoOIDTustoplfSLVjFs

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“Oh, is that all?”BliznqbkfZQRJJbRYmPquhaNuofcoM

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“What else do you expect?”xwuyivrGtMKdZCjuaDxZCLoKzvPWCv

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“When you were burning up and barely conscious, I suggested taking you to the hospital, but he insisted on bringing you home. The way he looked—tsk, tsk.” Qu Yangbo shook his head. “Nobody would believe nothing’s going on between you two.”bGQYEsUEahXouoBnDYaHzbzhiZpjKk

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Ren Yi didn’t know how to respond. There was definitely “something” between them, but it always felt somewhat improper. If it were anyone else, like Qi Xiao, he wouldn’t feel this need to hide or lie, especially not from his best friend. But Gong Yingxian was different. Everything was different.KwwGWaNUmRjooQWGpbJadgQKrcdtTB

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Qu Yangbo dropped his playful tone and spoke seriously: “Sihuo, sometimes, you need to look beyond the surface. Many people’s true thoughts are hidden behind their words.”ucJEiTpnJaVbROdtxEFtZPRBukkHEl

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Ren Yi said, puzzled, “What do you mean?”DBCXCUcYQsfFUkOBqPfmjwJirUHmWc

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“I mean, Dr. Gong values you far more than you realize.”WrmoKflCTbObbTQgfeeZITPOSdgiGO

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Ren Yi was silent for a moment. “I know he values me, it’s just…never mind.”DmYoVGLPBRkRWjrbLIRkAWkMZaeNbD

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Qu Yangbo wanted to give him more advice, but matters of the heart were delicate. He wanted to help Ren Yi but worried about making things worse, so he decided to wait for a better, more mature moment. He patted Ren Yi on the shoulder and said, “Go rest.”iTOtppRCOycGQNspuPngujCPvbRcQP

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Ren Yi spent the first half of his day back at the team eating, taking medicine, and sleeping. When he woke up in the afternoon, his fever had fully subsided, leaving him feeling completely refreshed. Curious about what everyone was up to, he wandered over and discovered a group of people gathered around the garage, laughing and chatting about something.pKMPuFRmXyCFXjpbdOBVYDiBejUjxS

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“What are you all up to?” Ren Yi asked as he entered the garage.OGWXefnbHVsAysnBsURAJzGeNmBZPg

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“Captain Ren, we got a dog! We got a dog!” Sun Dingyi exclaimed excitedly, leading over a robust German Shepherd. “It was just sent over from the training base.”KiqcRqqFjYmwNzSBbdsDDUDGyhZbpT

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The German Shepherd was well-built and sturdy, with a handsome appearance and a calm demeanor. Despite being surrounded and teased by so many people, it remained composed.uPRmpoWLiwHJTBSqyTrbAMdHOdissu

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Some firefighting squads are equipped with search and rescue dogs, while others aren’t, borrowing them only when needed. This time, out of extra precaution, Qu Yangbo specifically requested one from the base.kglVMAMScuReUSlEfnjVPXtxuiFMZl

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“Captain Ren, can you guess its name?” Li Sa asked, petting its thick fur with adoration.IcDygXfwyCwmxuEqWGEjnVtJZOTDOR

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“What’s its name?”ShXopSyWJvtwvfUDiUhUYwvppghbIp

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Qu Yangbo chuckled, “When I went to the base, I asked them to pick one for me. When they found out I was from the Phoenix Squad, they insisted I take this one. Its name is ‘Phoenix.’”faOkHPnfPPohksqTHnQFosyDOlgezH

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Gao Ge clapped his hands, “It’s as if it was born for us.”wZpQFBuDEstibGdcfEEeRmFHioRHHf

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Ren Yi also smiled, “Isn’t this fate? Come here, Phoenix.”xVUtfAaZaHyCtFZDMjPFLCqWsOKsbJ

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Obediently, Phoenix trotted over. Ren Yi crouched down, gently rubbing its plump cheeks and looking into its bright, alert eyes. Smiling, he said, “From today on, you’re a part of the Phoenix Squad.”IESORVNxyezKiSTvXXZeCHWZrbHtYa

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Phoenix barked in response.qArZOdIRjKaaCnGNRLthQXpiNTcxve

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Sun Dingyi added, “Captain Ren, while you were away, we let Miao Miao sleep in the instructor’s room. Should we bring Miao Miao out to play with Phoenix?”jivONWReTjwSGosQfoZSGPNXyZqBwH

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“Sure, but don’t let them meet directly; they might get into a fight. Let them get used to each other first. If they don’t get along, that’s fine too.”iLYFXVVUTrZbVTpHjZzssKzBHvRfzB

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“No way, our Phoenix is way too handsome,” Sun Dingyi said, grinning as he went to fetch Miao Miao.mQaKMHbdDOCansEAkwyLvwPTcbfEaD

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Qu Yangbo pulled Ren Yi aside, “The year-end meeting date has just been set for the 21st. All squad captains are to attend a special New Year’s security meeting on the 20th.”AmabSZwfWSXmXWRbAsARbyYafmDPiE

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“Alright, has the vacation list come out for this year?”ratEPECTtoPQsLrAzdBPFbiMcbAqQX

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“This year…” Qu Yangbo glanced at the playful team members. “These kids are all quite thoughtful. Apart from the full-time firefighters who get fixed time off, no one’s taking vacation this year. They’re worried the squad might be short-staffed and don’t want anything to happen.”NwGDWMINQtXprULdCYSloHvAqfEwfQ

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“It’s not that serious. Let them take regular time off; it’s been a whole year. Who doesn’t want to go home?”XnhOPGjBtEqGVuQoDHFmuOuSbvwoSf

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“I understand. Li Sa volunteered for duty, and I made sure those who missed leave last year got it this year.”yLgAmcNrJJRGojIyRenpvPLVGtthFx

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Li Sa’s situation is a bit different. She’s a full-time firefighter, meaning she has a typical work schedule with weekends and holidays, so technically she doesn’t need to be on duty during the New Year. Ren Yi glanced at her, “Isn’t that a bit much?”YllrxDbkKrVWVdZNiGePgfVEduYqLN

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“She’s worried there won’t be enough people on New Year’s, so she offered to swap her schedule. Besides, she’s local, so going home is convenient. She’s really something special.”aBdOtHFsbJbSmLsxhXBYDQYXgWanGY

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Ren Yi nodded.iXhFCNPEsNtccoSOctUkGhRVOKngeL

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“You too—take a few days off during New Year’s and spend time with your father.”lXXedFbodbzTFUrWfyyDpOsyeRJiAr

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“I’ll take a break after the fourth day.”FhQQEalxEBwOyOxlrFjDgTEWkbRRNY

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New Year’s has always been a sore spot for Ren Yi; his mother passed away during the holiday. While New Year’s is meant to be a time for family reunions, his family was shattered at the start of one.djPLvVmMAfbeoRNgZXEGKIDYlfnkoC

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Later in the day, Gong Yingxian called to check on Ren Yi’s recovery. Ren Yi reassured him, “I’m fully recovered, just a slight cough left. Don’t worry.”lJUjVaXXoPZEdDUktMNuCFpcQvmEry

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“That’s good.” Gong paused, “But you shouldn’t have returned to the squad alone today. Don’t you remember I asked you not to go off on your own?”SGbwKrqExuzgrnZnIxBqtRNRlfzEXP

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“It was just a few kilometers. Don’t be so tense. Any progress on your end?”vOQExDsPDkOsqwBtShWXLNXSIZvUPD

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“Apart from what we discussed about the victim and her daughter’s identities, there’s been no major progress. I’ll let you know if there is.”LKMJuLonVbBKteuPRJMLFIomIjOXFQ

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“Alright.” Ren Yi racked his brain, trying to find a reasonable excuse to see Gong Yingxian. “Anyway, if there’s anything I can help with, just say the word.”FwcYhaogYxTwDekQGxAAudBrUQiCJq

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“…Alright.” Gong was also thinking the same thing but couldn’t come up with anything immediately.DQtXPWPbHWnWOWCPVJkscBVRlWRMxq

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After the call, Ren Yi felt a bit frustrated. Did he really need a reason to see him? When would he be able to meet Gong Yingxian just because he wanted to, without needing a reason?iZwyDYJWLVsGjqvIiZHtxCGMRgEZAA

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Two days later, Ren Yi headed to the headquarters to attend the squad captain’s meeting. Beijing has a total of 126 fire squads, with a ratio of about one specialized squad for every ten. These meetings are held once or twice a year, especially toward year-end, as incidents and disasters are more common, so there’s much to address.JtshegWelwzkbNjkqvEIugcQfIfhpo

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The captains gradually took their seats in the auditorium. Ren Yi sat with Wang Meng and other captains from Hongwu District, discussing where to grab barbecue after the meeting, only to find that more than half of them would be on duty.EQZZQdWBIgWlsIujUSBtdjUMhJPMEZ

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Then, Ren Yi heard someone calling him. He turned and saw Yan Jue, the captain of the West Suburb Squad, whom he’d recently collaborated with.CvItlfjiZpLZvTaZjVOOIgVeObIsch

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“Captain Yan.” Ren Yi stood up, walked over, and shook his hand. “Thanks again for last time.”GCseDKTsXTYtQTDJLYTmcsNJISfpJA

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Yan Jue grinned, showing a row of white teeth, “No need to thank me. That was my territory—it was my job.”yRtNYyWyAWySCjkdpCjvkylkoMTzFK

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Ren Yi chuckled, “Taking a jab at me, huh? I owe you an apology.”FmWAJXqMlmaOHuOZvXYnrheNJGOGAM

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“Forget it. I didn’t hold it against you. But remember, you promised me a meal…”SPDMSMjzufxbkVKKihiYiQgRlKNLZv

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“How about today? There’s a barbecue place near headquarters. After the meeting, let’s go, along with the guys from our district. Bring your team too.”VOlhcImIGEEiswRMMESMfpuDZUhIWY

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“No problem.” Yan Jue smiled at Ren Yi, “You seem to have lost some weight from that fever.”YiPuPjvlUpISNHlwNDnMTshULcLwcl

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“Well, I’ll make up for it today by eating extra.”sqhxPBqupCJjcghtVsNWtnzKsszRon

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