Blazing Armor

Gong Yingxian’s deep gaze and resolute expression were something Ren Yi had never seen before. The relentless approach of his figure exuded an overwhelming sense of pressure, causing Ren Yi to instinctively retreat. The man before him felt unfamiliar, even repulsive.IqbBOvNWhqaAYNKJBNLlPsEQfEkUnD

Just as Ren Yi’s lower back hit the desk, leaving him with nowhere to retreat, his phone suddenly rang. The sharp tone shattered the oppressive atmosphere that seemed to drag the two of them into a swamp-like standoff.dGRYqhhvFFBoTisaQMUxRqLgXkoYRa

Ren Yi swiftly swiped to answer the call, and Qiu Yan’s voice came through from the other end: “Captain Ren, you can come now.”ZZKPcWwWwMeGZOSumKdFhKMEpQUbJs

Ren Yi glared at Gong Yingxian.OQjTzctFhIyElXQyuAFlFoydgdsTuY

Gong Yingxian turned his face away, adjusted his emotions, and said in a low voice, “Let’s go.”FysUJaaUisIeIJzaPqrHeGvAfOqZcS

The two left the office and headed to the interrogation room.LOxdZIEOOsnYMXoAwILybJIXsHirur

Qiu Yan was waiting at the door. The moment she saw them, she immediately addressed Ren Yi: “Captain Ren, the kid inside is incredibly sharp and cunning. Listen carefully to what I say and follow my instructions, okay?”sDWUqTpTRycqyQfgcYEMnosXZwprji

Ren Yi nodded.YGkglTBcxHDNCmdSUOzMDXKHBrnSww

“First, no matter what he says or how he behaves, you must not get angry or let him steer the conversation. Stay completely calm. You need to let him know that you’re in control, but without being aggressive. Second, never answer his questions directly. Keep him hanging and use questions to exchange for answers. This balance is tricky, but we’ll guide you.” She handed Ren Yi an earpiece.JhFgZvymOeIuZzZUJoyRQzJNzsSZgg

Ren Yi placed the small device in his ear.iVZXCWaWvRhSwiWpquOvJwCWcMJLDv

“Third, start by asking him questions related to the Phoenix Squad or yourself—like why he’s interested in you. Once the conversation gains momentum, transition to the Wenhui Mall case. By then, he’ll be more likely to open up.”FtBVyUEfwFCnsrIpJjzuAOSyCHFfES

“Got it.”hoQLFkcMUuDEngWIrJJcEHKimGnfhY

Gong Yingxian added in a deep voice, “There will only be the two of you in the room. We’ll be monitoring from the control room. Don’t be nervous. Remember, you must lead the conversation, not let him take control. If you feel yourself being influenced, we’ll signal you, or you can use excuses like drinking water, smoking, or going to the restroom to disrupt the rhythm.”NxYjGaorEetazDZoddVyOArpmVYWof

“Understood.” Thinking about how the person inside was just a 17-year-old kid, Ren Yi didn’t take it too seriously. Everyone has been 17 before. Most 17-year-olds are impulsive and naive; no matter how smart they might be, the lack of experience and maturity always shows. When faced with an adult, especially a strong, well-built man, they’re bound to falter.QxUBumRlxsZNqbidDCWYeDahyFZwcj

Ren Yi pushed open the door. The boy inside lifted his head, his eyes widening in surprise when he saw Ren Yi. Then, the surprise turned into delight. “Captain Ren?”topLSqhluLyuwbxuUabAMeDQSFetlh

Ren Yi nodded at him, taking a seat across from him. He gave the boy a brief once-over. The boy, even more handsome and clean-cut than in his photos, was almost impossible to associate with the word “crime.” Ren Yi glanced at the file in front of him and said, “Hello, your name is… Fang Zhixu.”kidakmAfOyUlenfHitHhMBYTLRdVsr

“You’re Ren Yi, the ‘Yi’ with four fire radicals.” Fang Zhixu’s gaze sparkled as he stared at Ren Yi. “Did you come here just for me?”IujQuQlqzWvZXsUSGADSCQZgvKjgEJ

“How do you know me?”LHkwdgSxLkmbPMhbaIiEMRkJbbPdhv

“You’re kind of famous online. It started a few years ago with that fire safety PSA you filmed. That was played on mainstream media across the country for half a year. Then there were a few missions where you got caught on camera, and those went viral. Plus, the Beijing Fire Department loves using you for promotional materials.” Fang Zhixu rattled off with excitement. “The first time I saw you was in that 8-second fire safety ad. I was still in middle school back then.”YqMFsCCrFrRRfRZKELgxQhlqhKUtdA

Ren Yi looked at him. “You like firefighters? Want to become one?”JmpxUTmcMePSwgqqpfXwpoXVqsLwqw

“I do like them,” Fang Zhixu said with a smile, nodding. “But I don’t want to be one. It’s too dangerous. I’m not as brave as you.”UUXmPXfoahDIWnGKfcfQrmvmuBxlVH

“You seem very interested in fire-related topics and keep a close eye on what we’re doing.”HjXmMKlqtBkcBMPtQeFEyYXsbESTvh

“Yeah, I think you’re all super cool—especially you, Captain Ren.” Fang Zhixu leaned forward slightly, his eyes twinkling as he blinked at Ren Yi. “Actually, I visited your station a couple of years ago. We even played basketball together. At the time, I’d just come back from a vacation in Tahiti, so I was really tan and a lot shorter than I am now. That’s probably why you don’t remember me.”uSGMFiUYNJLfPePiiNkdDSGTTveFGK

“We get a lot of visitors at the station. We’re always open to the public, so it’s hard to remember everyone.”tgdJAZdGcjmJaWiPnYGyCkNasyYTac

“This time, you won’t forget me,” Fang Zhixu said with a brilliant smile. “You know, I had a feeling you’d come, but I didn’t expect it to be so soon. I guess you really came just for me today.”UMMrRIKBWdlZNYJahdcDcLscEuseOs

“I frequently assist with various cases here at the station,” Ren Yi replied calmly. “Today, Captain Qiu mentioned that you’ve shared quite a bit about me and my station on social media, so she asked me to come in and have a chat with you.”zbyjcpoWPiITdalfBHsAnyIUPEgQFT

Fang Zhixu smiled without responding.qRrlGqfDhcldqpvgiZDAbstlLBJzHn

In Ren Yi’s earpiece, Gong Yingxian’s voice came through: “Ask him about his connection to fire.”XoPqttMVwRMYywHOPfGwIfVSKNDYqJ

Ren Yi asked, “Why are you so interested in firefighters? It can’t just be because you think they’re cool, right? Police officers are cool, soldiers are cool too. What is it about firefighters that draws you in?”mZpwaAQRxXMZLwJXFTtUlIUjfhYgcr

Fang Zhixu chuckled. “You must be wondering if I’m a pyromaniac.”QeFaMhTtwWpWLqMZzkgFyqAvFCksDK

Ren Yi calmly countered, “Are you?”YKmwFMHxnoVTUrQcYcTQNjyjlqiNYO

Fang Zhixu didn’t answer directly. Instead, he said, “I think the term ‘pyromania’ is inherently problematic. Worshiping fire, relying on fire, and using fire—these are things humans have done since the dawn of time. In exploring fire, humanity has gone through a process of turning the unknown into the known, from misuse to proper use. Who decided there’s only one correct way to use fire?”XUIrZrRwJLZyVeGceMMGPaTWVOWjMo

“The law decided,” Ren Yi said, staring at him intently. “While the law doesn’t dictate how you must use fire, it does dictate how you cannot use it.”rmiVdUAgktLWYLiTjbPYPnYcLBKSht

Fang Zhixu responded earnestly, “But if we don’t explore, how can we discover more uses for fire? For example, Captain Ren, do you know—” His voice suddenly dropped to a conspiratorial whisper. “Fire can not only warm the body, but also the soul.”sODawXXwWaLhuHnjNxWloXOvzbDlfT

There was an unsettling chill in his seemingly youthful and pure eyes, and Ren Yi felt a shiver run down his spine.FkEjcflyfGfdKHKdAacFeCNlMgVbxE

At that moment, Ren Yi could no longer see Fang Zhixu as just an ordinary teenager. When he was seventeen or eighteen, he might have been arrogant, but if he’d been taken to a police station for questioning, he would have been scared out of his wits. Yet the person before him was far too composed, his mind clear, his speech eloquent—far beyond that of most adults. Ren Yi straightened up, his demeanor now cautious. “So, you like starting fires?”sHyPsvFovUTUNBxxBIODGJOpTgeuWl

Fang Zhixu burst into laughter. “Of course not. I was just sharing my thoughts. I’m terrified of dying; I wouldn’t dare start a fire.”tphHphZZkvWQcQRINfQmsFbBuBdiwE

“I didn’t ask if you dared. I asked if you liked it.”efoRQtKBXlSBCKGKkjXUrQOsJeFgYv

Fang Zhixu smiled silently.FvRxWuJGkJYaFXGFVfHebBiVArMawF

Ren Yi stared at him coldly.pABTgJqFPeyvaOBScFyshYYNVxaCss

“Well,” Fang Zhixu said after a moment, “I am indeed curious.”FdzIznQMXqLjSBqpPSHajiVpVMJICL

“You’re curious about starting fires and interested in firefighters. Don’t you think that’s contradictory?”mJkSKeyIxdEmKuwMIeKUgGQHkEBBCO

“Not contradictory at all,” Fang Zhixu propped his chin on his hand, gazing at Ren Yi. “I think fire is invincible—one of the most powerful forces in the world. It can never truly be extinguished. Even the smallest spark can bring it back to life. But you… you’re the ones who fight against fire. You use the fragile strength of humanity to combat the immense power of nature. You’ve never truly won against fire, only minimized the losses. Yet, despite that, you never give up. You’re like a group of tragic heroes—so brave, so noble.”GbeGMLvwTwEXrNJOMEnLaLMbYDPfZt

Ren Yi’s fists clenched tightly under the table. Fang Zhixu’s words sounded like praise, but the more Ren Yi listened, the more infuriated he became. In Fang Zhixu’s tone, he could sense admiration laced with mockery. To Fang Zhixu, they were like ants struggling futilely against an unstoppable force.vZaDwHWSPkfkrDjKqCJyTZhGEHcFgp

“That’s why liking fire and liking firefighters isn’t contradictory at all,” Fang Zhixu continued earnestly. “I think all firefighters are heroes. And heroes deserve heroic endings. Like Captain Sun—what a glorious way to go out…”qddvervFklCdGgwcpJOCzrpYKRzOCC

Ren Yi slammed the table hard, his gaze instantly turning sharp and piercing.OthKpqxkgUSMMkUddaYDIWnKaWxBXy

Fang Zhixu flinched, shrinking his neck slightly, and looked at Ren Yi with feigned innocence.aSUAtMfnZXjfKzltkMqfnZLARGRBEM

In his earpiece, Gong Yingxian’s voice immediately sounded: “Stay calm. Don’t let him provoke you. That’s what he’s good at.”qPFtBhlycrUWyolMwRNPefEJFFXmim

Ren Yi took a deep breath, realizing with alarm that his emotions had indeed been manipulated by this teenager.rhFHVxfMnOtHgWoBULBeDqgAFRWewB

Fang Zhixu lowered his head and started fiddling with his jacket zipper.FxYJQWnMDGjlJGWygbwEoPIdBltOOd

Ren Yi regained his composure and said, “You don’t seem scared at all.”hiDXzEaTwFlrPVwFtHqtcPdyZrwttH

Fang Zhixu tilted his head in confusion. “Why should I be scared?”GpYqWMMKhSvbQQyTFrmyIcUjLaUOxd

“You’re in a police station, being questioned. You’re not afraid?”BxCbkvYJqlbRVQyRNlTuHEQiweHJYe

“I haven’t broken the law.” Fang Zhixu shrugged.UbcnpJxRLwTRUvbrwcjdXsVWOOhoJs

“At the very least, you know why you’re here, don’t you?”bWYzMIiAWUSwUqTSCdFianlYarEfOv

“Of course. Because I went to Wenhui Mall. I was just curious, seeking a little adventure. Sure, I shouldn’t have entered a police-sealed area, but that’s not exactly a crime, is it? At most, a minor public order offense?” Fang Zhixu thought for a moment. “But I’m underage, so the worst they could do is give me a little slap on the wrist, right?”meQfzaiWfEambASdFcwrbAoSlyLyMU

Ren Yi inhaled deeply. “I need to use the restroom.”XBiSxQBoBqRNPdnLNgzuhTYBvOTmvE

Fang Zhixu nodded obediently. “Captain Ren, when you come back, could you tell me some stories about your missions? I’ve collected a lot of news about you, but it’s definitely not as thrilling as hearing it straight from you.”xyDHyguLhwLciFsGrwXrcGsqrFmqhV

Ren Yi turned and walked out without a word.JSbtBgTJHIEmaqXEJSOfaCqIqfGcUE

Outside the interrogation room, Gong Yingxian and Qiu Yan immediately approached him.ZgGXaNTiKTGUmsRpcThpCeMjqJuqFK

Ren Yi swung a fist into the air in frustration and cursed, “That little bastard is definitely connected to the organization.”VvXlXnBqTvaAXQSFiAErbxSxPmzDtB

Qiu Yan sighed helplessly. “We suspect that too, but there’s no evidence. Plus, his family has powerful connections. We can’t take any actions without his guardian’s consent.”HrMmzhDWuroEgNqdPfhbHUklmKLDBK

“He was at Wenhui Mall!”hiJWwRcuRIbVRcZKfkAsqOaapXvyeF

“Yes, but that doesn’t prove anything,” Qiu Yan replied. “Remember Zhou Chuan? You caught him red-handed at Fourth Perspective Bar, had photos and recordings, and in the end, it only resulted in administrative punishment—48 hours of detention. He was underage, so we couldn’t even keep him locked up.”zpiMidCqruikRlWpgQYMYbansaqflZ

“He’s full of twisted logic!” Ren Yi said darkly. “It’s just like the rhetoric of the Purple Flame group. He’s definitely been brainwashed.”TCsEAYbAmYVTnwUfsoJjhKYnmYBEqd

“I don’t think he’s brainwashed,” Gong Yingxian interjected. “Before you talked to him, our psychological expert ran a quick test. He’s likely a sociopath.”cAPpynifFAnxepXjpGReBvljstieTK

“Isn’t pyromania often linked to antisocial personality disorder?” Ren Yi asked.DIGXrXmaZoGkcakZZyzbuGsoBupYIA

“It’s different,” Gong Yingxian explained. “Most pyromaniacs develop antisocial tendencies because of discrimination or abuse, harboring malice toward people and society. But he seems…born this way.” Gong Yingxian frowned. “Still, so far, he doesn’t have any criminal record—not even a violation of school rules.”eUBiNPIJdmebmnOCEelObWIVxwQTBb

“Let Xiao Tan hack his social media accounts and computer, see what we can dig up—”UdfcyNzbzWYbcmnMXTwmnPHTCRxFOO

“No,” Qiu Yan cut him off with a shake of her head. “The higher-ups won’t approve. If we break protocol, not only will we face disciplinary action, but any evidence we find will be inadmissible.”YgxrTyqvKWeghukDYTATRHFUyITyRB

“Then what other options do we have?”XoGKDZPLHQVkFGeXegYchSjSTvOOWL

“For now, we’re relying on you to break down his psychological defenses and get him to reveal something useful. If you can’t get anything, we’ll have no choice but to let him go for now. But I’ll assign someone to keep him under surveillance.”pmSjAzdgGlLlGFCUzKbeulDeAZunCl

Ren Yi exhaled sharply and patted his face. “Alright, I’ll give it another shot.”XermNYyVzVSQUVLSkBqGASbCRUgdbr