Blazing Armor

There was no response from the other end of the phone.XBQJIPEmLwygghnOHmjwrprIUqDDgU

DElmofCuToDgWvG

Ren Yi also stayed silent, patiently waiting for Gong Yingxian.pUtrtogpGFRtHoxLmgxdSZLOkXTkXN

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After a long pause, Gong Yingxian asked in a very low voice, as if afraid of disturbing someone, “Go on.”cYKrCVUuKTWZtxqFEHSBJCdvbEsioE

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“Do you remember the protective suit you wore when you helped me deal with that chemical tanker incident?”sAihrLJNvnwOLwkJFErlWcViQhSOrE

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“I remember.”OBuOHpAawLlVsjooZrYMcuRHSiFWto

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“The gas mask we wore back then—it had a single, wide lens over the eyes, like ski or diving goggles. The exhalation port was short and cylindrical, with large filter boxes on each side.”OuddSUmxAGCiIPGfmToyZSIkjdgCFb

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A hint of realization flickered in Gong Yingxian’s mind.uBtrKJnFTsghWaFlvvFvQAsNGtzcTI

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“That’s the new-style gas mask. Well, not exactly new—it was already like that when I was at the Armed Police University. But the old-style gas mask didn’t look like that.” Ren Yi took a deep breath and continued, “The older model, from my father’s time, had two large round lenses for the eyes, no filter boxes on the cheeks. The filter and exhalation port were combined into a single filter tip, thinner than the current ones but longer.”cZrljjNMrDKVzWrIlcQXovlhNZQEhg

rKjpHArWbMJlSIw

“You mean… the bird mask I saw was actually an old-style gas mask?” Gong Yingxian’s voice trembled slightly.ENRzUQfquskPNRMADFOgDyLevVbmWl

AANMCvCJeVDgvCy

“I think it’s possible,” Ren Yi replied. “For one, I told you before that I suspect the killer might be wearing protective gear. And second, you were very young at the time, and it was late at night.”rRwbYzYicAhnnHiQKpAgZPSWMPcFKV

cHvVdKjxGPIyayQ

“I was young back then, but even a six-year-old should know the difference between a bird and something else, right?” As soon as Gong Yingxian said it, his own confidence started to waver. He was sure he had seen a bird mask… but what exactly did it look like? In his memory, the image was just a hazy impression, despite his certainty it was a bird mask.irHDAacwwVmagpsmjoInwcxyCSkJVJ

KxBkqhVDvBuXbgo

“Six years old—you’d have already started school by then. You’d definitely remember things at that age,” Ren Yi said, frowning. “But this is just my guess. Today, in class, I saw a foreign backup mask model that vaguely reminded me of the mask that ‘Purple Flame’ wears, which got me thinking… Anyway, take it as a reference.”rmfiyFTJgwHBszGFeEhRzHfkcUjCRP

XBlbxaMsFJFTlWx

“I… I don’t know.” Gong Yingxian rarely doubted his instincts when handling a case, always decisive and swift. Even at that high-pressure concert with only minutes to act, where a single mistake could lead to irreversible consequences, he hadn’t second-guessed a single decision—and all of them had been right.EgGVYojEGhktUzrTMHnVafdOtgSbsZ

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But now, he was genuinely confused. Because memory can be deceiving.GKUOjdMRTDuzQHSglePgVfXWqGthVk

yWcJXFRmBvSRpfE

“I’ll send you a few pictures of old-style masks,” Ren Yi said softly. “Yingxian, don’t worry. The truth will come to light eventually, and on that day, every trick they’ve used will be exposed.”TNjKQHxTPwgjkedUVVXZyhgEIQTzMN

QVuUzGlSwAEeEST

“Alright,” Gong Yingxian replied. “This could be a crucial lead. If it’s confirmed, it would greatly help the investigation.”CpnXrfDZuoMOkTEmkWCXHxvaoYuIaK

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“Yes. Back then, shopping options were limited, especially for something as specialized as this. Maybe we’ll be able to trace something.”HHQkOIqSCEgSipGFjggspZfEehGxKB

KJpfUObKNbuTqBF

“Ren Yi, have you ever considered…” Gong Yingxian hesitated, “…that person could be… someone involved in firefighting… or a similar field.” He couldn’t bring himself to fully say “firefighter.”dbTeJxGBeJDvVcZcXQXCevQEFomOli

PSzekUYcbwDKqJs

Ren Yi bit his lip. “…I’ve thought about it. Emotionally, I don’t want to consider this angle, but logically… it’s a possibility.”umOXDITGSgIthSJQLNyBKCEYUyOCzs

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This case was so complex, yet the resolution had come so quickly and easily. Perhaps there was more than one insider.lfWVDfcZYEQMSzMQWRhxiyrLLLwHyS

rLwlijruBHfzlAA

“Emotionally, I also don’t want to believe there was a problem within the police back then. But rationally, there are definite issues.” Gong Yingxian said, sounding troubled. “I’ll keep investigating. You… are your classes over?”poAmIOdFCjdjaMFmEUImbjEAJDFyRV

jYnkJuejjuzKUiR

Ren Yi sensed that Gong Yingxian had swallowed what he truly wanted to say, abruptly shifting the conversation, making this last question seem somewhat out of place. Knowing they had no evidence yet and that pressing would be pointless, he simply replied, “The class ends this afternoon. I still have one more lecture.”LlzXTDrVkMoZccErMVRiEjFRAFMrAM

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“I haven’t had a chance to see you these past few days. What time does it end this afternoon? I’ll pick you up.”SvtUNoeItBspfRqCrLRpfHLvjgzakz

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“Focus on your work; there’s a car to take us back to the station in the afternoon.”NFTfrREtnaieYkfMjFUICyMwFjTyqU

fRgrahEBkHsBurH

“I want to pick you up.” Since the incident at the barbecue restaurant after their last meeting, Gong Yingxian had felt uneasy.pCAVesUgPdFgLlrtkeVuqpKdmCAhAs

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Ren Yi smiled faintly, “Alright, I’ll see you at 5:30.”bMXhaaYDLoYXrWFjNPKCycrTJzWFiL

qpiLARLiTYcfyXW

Returning after the call, he found the classroom empty—everyone had left for lunch, except for Yan Jue, who still sat in his seat.IbDHkqzOeQtqSBOFcTPlXVtwknhRrG

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“Why aren’t you going to lunch?”ApStMeBJWmAWSnFLhZzZEiaIgpBLhZ

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“I was waiting for you.”vkJXuRzEaQTLUDjCOKvzkdwYuwVHMB

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Ren Yi chuckled. “Waiting for me? Why?”ytfSowptBTLhnNqOEZsnNjPMcXeidM

AgotaePptTIhcRE

“You seemed distracted the entire class, and you didn’t look well,” Yan Jue said, watching him intently. “Right now, you’re a priority protection target. Isn’t it reasonable for me to show a little concern?”yLPBDQJQOOPUAasKcmNRsbOvwJgLDm

YlLvlygmyzHxcWK

“It’s nothing.” Ren Yi gathered his things. “Let’s go grab lunch.”mhkQZMxftKOtMRtwMtiRSKsHXCVjKW

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The two walked side by side out of the classroom, with Yan Jue occasionally glancing over at Ren Yi.UIJuKsyxSjyoJBDjvvftOUyEEcpGKi

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Ren Yi sighed, “Really, it’s nothing. That call just now was actually helpful for the case.”LpNKQpBQdsoKERQsDMORLLfJjvToqg

gWBOrClgEpEoypa

“Was it to Officer Gong?”BzilYPSwNTUIillsOKUHpaitFcfmel

qyDPxMLXNfVOZyQ

“Yeah.”TVTRwAwYhlcCuOxbksJozVtGJIUKla

WSxnNlJJjCIgTYn

Yan Jue fell silent for a moment before saying, a bit downcast, “Is there really nothing I can help you with?”GjHNDPVogbiWXuBVvIZptWuoiIYCqZ

TNrsQUaYVwDSpQj

“What are you talking about? Back at the barbecue place, you were the one who helped me patch up that pipe.”fdhaRBIvcKSTJogJDLZbqHHsxbhWac

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“I can help you with other things too; just say the word.”ZtsXlGFHVSxuLKEraocliKrgExFkuH

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Ren Yi chuckled, “Noted.”lEQrCQwNRKbWteWsnXaLthPSwWhiEQ

UwCbbMxGenTtpJH

As they ate, a colleague from the publicity department walked around with a camera, snapping photos.QnhEqcVokaQkOWcnRgMLXaYmtiQidC

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Someone joked, “What’s there to photograph during lunch?”CdViflANAqzNXvPyqCvsAWPYfYiwBE

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“Just capturing our glorious meals,” the photographer replied.rNoLXDggsmKSffmTUHBYRZPSejBPNZ

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The camera gradually panned toward Ren Yi’s table. Yan Jue, acting casually, put an arm around Ren Yi’s shoulders and grinned at the lens, “Ren Yi, look at the camera!”PLKHzOxKoeXBCunfsWqSDFBScIWzjb

JsHFAwwFsPBgSJn

“Wait, let me finish this bite first!” Ren Yi, a bit flustered, stuffed the food in his mouth, his cheeks puffing out like a squirrel’s. Suddenly, he choked and began coughing, covering his mouth as he tried to catch his breath.ZeKQkCezicSBkHOdQEzKkzgLjcvEZP

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Yan Jue laughed while patting his back, “Take it easy, take it easy—what’s the rush?”kOlZQFYqWfMCncTXLjAlNbhWgbfwlY

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Everyone around them laughed.SKsVbNLOPZByXDlxxMGnqoFVnkVfoJ

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Finally, Ren Yi caught his breath. “It’s your fault for suddenly wanting a picture. And these guys won’t hesitate to post the ugliest shots of me.”AdTUHvaqWKzoNWsafRWYdJRKxYBVFj

feEsPQHLZTTHaAT

The photographer snickered, “It’s real! I even recorded this bit—pure gold footage.”YHijxnFZGZlGmCxiEdWGTddDUEZaqF

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“Damn it, cut that part out!”SEzIPgaUYFYcYRNgNoUMaAOdXDWEQU

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“Captain Ren, you worried about your image? Don’t worry, for the reputation of our brave firefighters, I’ll edit out that little slip.”jxLPwuTPGwMKSljxLerdRbPFUyUviy

LIOMzCYQsDAHSip

Yan Jue took a napkin, wiped the corner of Ren Yi’s mouth, then held his chin and examined him carefully. “Alright, all set. Go ahead and take the shot.”gCYyJtZkeYaKZUpsGBZjmjcyeDllCv

rbVSRyNJtqwQern

The two smiled at the camera as it clicked, capturing the moment.gXYysyLyIPagJRSiDmZlDbCVfDgJNB

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That afternoon, after finishing the last class, the three-day training came to an end.aWFysmGjijkfUzQRscfynrhtPFtule

QpRUsdPtQsHAGRU

Ren Yi went back to his room, packed his things, and waited for Gong Yingxian to pick him up. Just then, there was a knock on the door.ReCQzybgyJBIELIXkDGWVHeHnXhqIt

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He opened it to find Yan Jue standing there, carrying his luggage.NTeqbgWbDqCBLsUAxzTfEULfVqIqsw

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“Come in and sit for a bit.”EcaEBETgJhLEElPhdrIOlLhxFGilgf

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Yan Jue shook his head, lifting his bag, “What’s the point? Let’s go; the bus is downstairs.”pFlzlfmktqhmGmdaebOqUCcdyrGCQd

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“Oh, I already told the team leader I won’t be taking the bus. Someone’s coming to pick me up.”NOXjBBJZmUduvNEQoUxSwSCDlinDKz

WYlvBxpDMNCdHBy

Yan Jue paused, “That Officer Gong again?”gEnChyKOGHisCDhCPTgBczGUEuMYOU

lMNATLiXjSQvqze

“Yep.”WqgVbPemKroowApdEJQPOhyydescYv

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Yan Jue’s thick eyebrows furrowed. “He seems really worried about you.”kiUHsDvJlwvMxHmMCUVZIbJbxkZDRM

VPphRQCrgTrGgHV

“Well, he’s dealt with those lunatics firsthand. Now I’ve got plainclothes cops following me everywhere I go,” Ren Yi raised an eyebrow, “Pretty high-profile, don’t you think?”SZmCvHCuDwfUBoWDyAREEWfqxtEmQW

WfrnANrlSIUlYCf

“You two have a really close relationship.” Yan Jue looked intently at Ren Yi. “You already have police protection, yet he still insists on picking you up himself.”tijSZiMAvbgXdDFyPGLkCcXDQzsfSo

APkrQulPVLEKXOl

Ren Yi didn’t quite know how to respond, so he chuckled, brushing it off. “We still need to discuss the case.”nRXgkvpXvVkWHClpHvDZNbjzruYoQN

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“Alright, I’ll head out then,” Yan Jue said, his expression a bit stiff. “If you’re free tonight, let’s game. Just let me know anytime.”lmEmKcImJIXQfqJUqbtMlEACXHqlxX

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“Sounds good. See you later.”yJlMtIdsYQPQIZYSZDjVxsolOUAtWP

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At that moment, Ren Yi’s phone rang. He glanced down to see it was Gong Yingxian, probably arriving early. “Hey, you’re here? Alright, I’m coming down now.”olFbvRwfEsnuUkFCAdJlQjVRSAOmWw

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Ending the call, Ren Yi grabbed his bag. “Let’s go. We can head down together.”jkJLESdbXjqIiOcPcLdEwQawgMJczR

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Downstairs, the minibus waiting to take the team was parked right at the entrance, with squad leaders gradually boarding. Just behind it sat a familiar black Jeep Wrangler.znhbXSWatqSNawsuMRnbTYSgmKNPfi

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The Wrangler’s window slowly rolled down. On such a cold day, there was no need to open it, especially since Ren Yi was very familiar with that vehicle.TDkvLkkUdGLtcyiYrJXXoKesuoKtmi

TXSYMYROiDuvDAS

Gong Yingxian lowered the window, not to greet him but to get a clear view of who was by Ren Yi’s side. Since they were all in matching uniforms and at a distance, it was hard to see. But as Ren Yi walked closer, chatting and laughing with his companion, Gong Yingxian realized it was Yan Jue.HlFgykDKNaeMfFcEJACrjpvgTJptYF

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Gong Yingxian let out a displeased hum under his breath.FfFeZWHwGrhaMPuekeFvBnSGVoScTG

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Ren Yi waved toward Gong Yingxian, calling out, “Just a minute!”dhwXoYpTJGCIMiUpdjlvYxoSygvygC

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He shook hands with each squad leader, exchanging the usual goodbyes and promises like, “Next time, drinks on me.” Then he watched them board the minibus.EaUQGRxAvHIUjkqamZIBpDdTHODriE

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When it was Yan Jue’s turn, Ren Yi extended his hand and joked, “See you in the Arena.”IarczrJEtzvPtPXCJQajXvRhCEaRUQ

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Yan Jue grinned, and as he clasped Ren Yi’s hand, he unexpectedly pulled him into a hug, clapping him firmly on the back twice. “Take care.” At the same time, he turned his head toward the Wrangler, locking eyes with Gong Yingxian. Though Yan Jue’s gaze appeared calm, there was an unmistakable, hard-to-read intensity in his expression.AkwhmCSzzSznPidbzJotnvLQniMupZ

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Gong Yingxian narrowed his eyes, a flicker of irritation sparking within him—it felt as if Yan Jue was openly challenging him.bHXnYQXRAAPFDeqtDFewhHBJaxtWdn

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Ren Yi was a bit surprised but didn’t think much of it. He returned the gesture, patting Yan Jue on the back. “Alright, take care.”IlyMLeDLPGWftGCYGQXtCseiLdsiZG

gLJhFzUbJtRQHet

After they parted, Yan Jue boarded the minibus, and Ren Yi climbed into Gong Yingxian’s car. He tossed his light luggage onto the back seat and rubbed his hands together. “Just a short walk from the hotel to here, and my hands are already frozen. This weather is seriously cold.”ZWdypswKyAlpMwGnjNBWRDkZQgcNNH

hTtbdcpflCpLDjp

Gong Yingxian pressed his lips together, still brooding over the way Yan Jue had looked at him. The more he thought about it, the more it bothered him. But then, he wondered if he was just being overly sensitive—after all, it’s normal for male friends to be close and share a hug.PMyExXcVCCUmKFtblHGoPuJPRExlug

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“Aren’t you going to close the window?” Ren Yi asked, giving him a puzzled look.GBuJDyUZXYESZTQWBhpJtHKEocEYeO

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Snapping out of his thoughts, Gong Yingxian raised the window. “Did you eat?”tgyHYnvIpXYvpSYQBZZnwLPcwPwnSg

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“Nope, the food in the cafeteria here is awful.”kaWiADfQTYXdyAtVEdUtgbUVCnrnYM

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“I’ll take you to get something to eat.”BBeiNJIMPsNwBmMcswCWiXyvAfBeEE

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“Your place? No way, I have to get back to the station.”hEByMyzzmQGoepSxcINkODKDRfvMXW

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“No… to a restaurant.”dXYrDwnnRYTzYrVNeXWyZYrDvgascF

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Ren Yi looked at him, completely surprised.CanXzAPuaoQvjTdQXHJjtFrfjmbgwv

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