Chapter 10
As Ren Yi mentioned, traffic had built up on the road, and they began inching forward at a snail’s pace.rLHJklIoEWHLDaPnmcFsAZjZLCHXIT
olvrEIGbMGQNRODAfter finishing his meal, Ren Yi had nothing to do. The car was so quiet that he could hear the other person’s breathing, making the atmosphere unbearably awkward—or at least, that’s what Ren Yi thought.gBQTJxxIIqkCMVPSDYXtzcAvCgENQH
RJFaWIdzrQKLXYSHe wasn’t the type to handle awkward silences well. Clearing his throat, he said, “How about we listen to some music?”PKVdSKkMFUsbddKGoYonXjCiwmPHSa
BUCjSoDZtmZvsaBGong Yingxian pressed the play button.msVAoLBcZXPRKZFnNaPkrOwDgMLTgT
QvSbYgSymwscesuHeavy, deep classical music began to fill the car.BerqsgORsPaRjvuwERfFNcGcGoaiqF
lUkXqbdVBtyyWMA“…How about we just turn it off?” Ren Yi suggested.aQSnxRKedaxdqVzoDbbjljBkElfpFz
esGFQEvcVupzTTeGong Yingxian shot him a sideways glance, as if saying, *”You’re full of shit.”* He reached out and turned it off.JVNfVKRDDhoTOQvdvfICXXaMdroSMd
xuEttGZMqBExxWLAfter a moment of silence, Ren Yi asked, “Have you gathered the testimonies from the other suspects? Didn’t the bar owner say someone was trying to get revenge on him?”sDDfCLWcjmhBLnVUfVKIdDDxwFOsSH
MPRfDQEphTWfGaw“Yeah, it was his former boss. Now they’re competitors. But the guy has an alibi. He was working at his own bar when the fire started, with plenty of witnesses.”jrrcMqMtyrdEfZCAzAgtLXGSdcFPgf
dVPgqJmVArGconS“Why was the emergency exit at the bar locked?”XIgqoekIUCGlAUQNUUTiogoMLlWPRP
faoEEkPASkrHErA“To prevent people from sneaking in without paying. According to the staff, it’s been locked for over a year.”SXGKRnTZGhvulQBpFLaSCGMJRDNSqe
MOMOMDhNeRDkpWo“With the current evidence, it doesn’t seem like arson.”sdPzcqclJhXlJSakKVytRTtNsFIJNo
dAwbIWuRiEGcnitGong Yingxian nodded. “But we can’t rule it out yet. The suspect did publicly make threats about burning down the bar, so it’s possible he hired someone to do it.”KSXhKQjLXMWLNKzAVyrkpDqFKDCllF
HKbpaPovyIzoeHhRen Yi thought for a moment. “That Cai Wan seems more suspicious.”rSnflfDuBfJlRhDEUMQsBxGTapdCaZ
GCXRVlCJPsFkksj“We’ll wait for her urine test results. Over the next few days, I’ll interview all the staff and customers I can find and review a lot of surveillance footage.” Gong Yingxian rubbed his temples instinctively—clearly, the workload was heavy.oMznEeslqxcVtdaIWrHMfCLXVhlfnB
FXPTpqcwfJTPZUJ“Why did you become a cop?” Ren Yi blurted out. He regretted it immediately. He’d been curious for a long time, but it really wasn’t any of his business. It was all because Gong Yingxian was so strange, so mysterious. People are naturally curious, right?pLiOQkLhTboSsfaNGPkBIGpBmlHHpb
toHEcnxcsnIZAHxSure enough, Gong Yingxian fell silent, and Ren Yi wanted to punch himself in frustration.VOUlGsHhLysXlyGYVMXiIhmgeJSBVw
TXOCZwXHBoVVUckJust then, Gong Yingxian’s phone rang, saving Ren Yi from the awkward moment.CIsbLiQwdClyRCXdVrrQZOqHnoniwx
wwrUSVcPxkpDwEq“Hello.” Gong Yingxian answered. “I won’t be home for dinner tonight. No, don’t bother. Yes, I know. Okay, okay.”EJebWlCDRWGsxVWBvwYmSTKkEfWGXh
URdhEdzdZoCazJMRen Yi stole a glance at Gong Yingxian. His tone was warmer than the usual coldness he showed towards Ren Yi. This was how he spoke with family.vJjVbCBtNclMdDOEPTMSTZAEYQAFdT
FUnqPHRhkJsCseaAfter hanging up, Gong Yingxian said, “We’re almost at your team base.”PclPtPAIfYDvLtiCMBWTvqHdIrjgAM
MLlVNhIrAaSGOwZ“Oh.”WrEfbLpetcejwIRsLvFeuDosyJBWBM
wZMgoGyOhAnhpCYGong Yingxian parked the car by the roadside.HVdmpYwgnpAETnyUmBDoyipahwyGbO
oIDEJhEZdaktlQxRen Yi said, “I’ll let you know if I hear anything from the fire investigation lab. Keep me posted if you find anything too.”IXzyuhSckIellUVEMsHzDinjiQvOxu
cXITxlmDgMhwvJGGong Yingxian nodded.WkUniMPxdXSUPwnLxJolDDjzCDTjow
AEYNgnaQjnOLuBORen Yi got out of the car. He wanted to say goodbye but didn’t want to seem too friendly. After all, Gong Yingxian had always been cold to him. He pursed his lips and walked away without looking back.JBfQZwKWOVZpyPLchjqmEcfcHiheTq
eCiNThDiWRyuvLF—rrXMDRQMxNxjJawYenRfyEjcvuVNBq
cdxhABgyAMvjbjxWhen Ren Yi returned to the station, he arrived just as two teams were returning from calls.SDvgigyyOEMSjTTDhwshcPPFtiMQoB
tFEtTEkzCsFfRpZRen Yi asked, “How did it go? What were the calls?”fJTgLNTgJttPRHjssvbHhrXxJHfGap
rXyAbjWZvcMdwmwGao Ge replied, “A kid got his head stuck in an anti-theft window. By the time we got there, he was singing for us. Hilarious.”FYiIpnKDETFowZlobavFVcpfnrkaIP
LIBDoYslyovxBwVLiu Hui laughed, “Yeah, his parents were so grateful they sent us home with a big jar of pickled radishes. They wouldn’t let us leave without it.” He hugged the large glass jar. “Guess we’ll have pickles tonight.”tunGXvwwcFUwTgWOWfVegujOZotgye
qxMZzALgfSTiACb“Great, a change of pace.” Ren Yi then asked Sun Dingyi, “What about you guys?”xlPDgzAugDibfLOJNCohsQAYLoHMMZ
qlgOqQMlPfxlDxrSun Dingyi let out a cold laugh, “Trash can fire.”CScaluJZTZQOlcBgsGloyRfQOrLgHB
YeZTUsESwsEDSfE“Then what happened?”bzVvlhKcpUafOLlGlYXKjUzkjuDYZx
PxCIiICiJfWgVin“Luckily, we got there quickly. If we had been any slower, the fire would’ve already been out.”KhBPentFsbjhAVGZeOxXjbyrDBoVFy
mxWIQmUVOwuGXZp“Hahaha—”ZPmRGFoZmUGVXfIXJOGiASHjzcTcEI
RpbCIdkSFuabhvSFrom upstairs, Qu Yangbo shouted, “Is everyone back? Come upstairs for a meeting.”vgYSriwTlnUuBsfKrxtZadFxjLeRNg
ZZsXWelDYvkxjcROnce everyone had settled in the meeting room, Qu Yangbo announced, “There’s something important to share today: we’re about to welcome three new comrades.”NQaBwsCHaMebHWfCdZGTfnBIEvMKVo
nKNGuisnaILzbnFSome people banged on the table, others clapped, and Liu Hui excitedly said, “I heard one of them is a woman. Is that true?”JTcUrPNDvwHpvBcCDHZlQvCsRKtnff
bakCaQtSRePJCkU“For real?! A woman?!” The room buzzed with excitement.TvitwVjwUkHsMZCzkBMhtMARzVFvAG
TIYcKBsETSKnFTARen Yi gave a heavy cough.WZhRgkwTQxMHyjKykmwxgZKLUDLxkn
qibdYoGckGRUERUQu Yangbo continued, “That’s right. We’re about to have the first female firefighter in Phoenix Special Operations Unit.”ULPseNoqPQxUFXjmyfzkbiqesjdQIK
zMyELNnbHnShtFFThe room erupted in cheers.uCHxkTESDScyvVrosGTASmsUXjdMlP
mqrUzclPrRUOTmA“What are you all so excited about?” Ren Yi’s voice was stern. “We’re in a meeting. Maintain discipline.”tFtFJnDGmJPfyTfLliEzJrXJZffdbh
aniYxUmFaYsDFFJRen Yi was usually easygoing, treating everyone like brothers, but when he got serious, no one dared to mess around. Everyone knew he didn’t tolerate any sloppiness when it came to important matters.adYYhCfSRSdDYpgvlPLUlkNnGfRsev
eoUVPyxstgkFCmDQu Yangbo glanced at Ren Yi and continued, “This female firefighter has previous experience serving in a fire department before she left the military, went to college, and graduated from the Fire Command program at the Armed Police University. She’s actually a junior to your Captain Ren. In short, she’s a professional firefighter.”pjrnqEEUVfFkzQDVXZABaWvonkWhLX
VSnRSBpKzNMjnIdRen Yi took over, “Female firefighters are rare across the country. Her arrival will definitely have some impact on our team. The purpose of this meeting is to remind you all of a few things. First, I will not tolerate any disrespectful or inappropriate behavior or remarks toward our new female colleague. If I find out, I will deal with it harshly.”BDJUkgjXiKNIHgUmUEEBMHZvwYJSNX
tdtEePJbDXWqTrXEveryone listened in silence.QcumgLRiYgvEvGmWeLOAxzLueLiOqc
xBapNEyxQbxjiFX“Second, while we strive for equality in work and life, gender differences are a reality. We must provide her with the necessary accommodations and understanding. We’re not here to coddle anyone, but as men, we should act with chivalry.”eiFaOnZxYZcbojNgyncLOkNhZrsunc
XpEXwMzvEUHtBVK“Third, once she joins our unit, she’s part of the family. Help her adapt and integrate quickly. Do you all understand?”KAwrsXTEYuFwibEauXfEMjEuSKukjX
PgAYAOsTosUHTvhEveryone responded in unison, “Understood!”FottbJkPqbeQGfbHMfzCHCAiYYEERH
mvzAgNenzGGfPDv“Any questions?”JCPIlwvbLDtJYfvCPhgjIaIZUpcdBS
CNZeAqGLWQvcuBmSun Dingyi raised his hand.JBVbpHPctOzGLjCeTZUbaNjvVrrqcC
iSZxlWkgmjdqYPO“Speak.”XSUUthSWSBGNkNnYWTtKyiSpnkcphd
wvsyhQWfYYrqEXj“Captain Ren, you’re not seriously going to have her…” Sun Dingyi chuckled, “go to the front lines, are you?”FVAxuzLsCWlXHifhieaDMVfBfycjst
xeGsnBkeqrTIVvD“Yeah, Captain Ren,” Cui Yisheng added. “We’re happy to welcome her, but there are some jobs that should be left to the men.”XORrurszNsbPzzWlSYsRWuJnVhRflr
XgNxusZhashovRARen Yi replied, “That’s not for you to worry about. Just focus on doing your job.”uzLZtdGXvEZznpKeJYTdLHCbuJIbbQ
xdvjYmzCzHLutnT“Yes, sir.”ONXvyVZDXHtKCBJobKxaAeztkcnkyu
oInmakPcxcHmjxj—qQZNMYRgxoXEZIfyfVKmEwDeEkkGCX
wDlvgbdWYIuhILOThe next morning, three full-time firefighters arrived to report for duty.dyhxwnngthTDWKkBgPQogRZPCslRsb
bKZuwCEGXxdJFYmQu Yangbo held a small welcome ceremony for them in the study room. A group of young firefighters stole glances at the new female firefighter—Li Sa.YHnbhQqKliSDhJHJmWbNMDZimxvBpi
SIlccuIPZKCPWSdShe was tall and slender, with a straight posture, short hair that was clean and sharp, and her features were well-defined and full of spirit. Even without makeup, dressed in a uniform that hid any trace of femininity, she was clearly a beautiful woman.DoJoNgZxUUTZUvuebPYNejAFfIArtO
yvhtXwSzYRnQpzlRen Yi introduced the newcomers to the unit: “Our Phoenix Unit has a long 32-year history, designated as Unit 37, and we belong to the Hongwu District Fire Brigade. We were among the first to earn the title of Special Operations. The unit’s history and major events are all recorded in the team’s museum—you should familiarize yourselves with it as soon as possible.”vukxcGRZKhuXWerxKgTGUUrKhpfHkx
nHBSZQCQHYUwmIdAll three responded in unison, “Yes, sir.”odWLefhPiDeadJnHmIEjiPqyABHeQv
sDUYytFqlzJprcj“Our unit currently has 42 members. With you three, that makes 45. You’ve already met me and Instructor Qu. This is Vice-Captain Gao Ge, Platoon Leader Sun Dingyi. We have five squads in total. This is the Specialized Squad Leader Wang Xuan, Driver Squad Leader Mao Xiaoli, Combat Squad One Leader Liu Hui, Combat Squad Two Leader Cui Yisheng, and Combat Squad Three Leader Ding Qing. Get to know your comrades quickly and integrate into the team.”KuaqQUuctzylSYLQYnXABVFZyJxkfM
EQtdvZLjNbuVPbg“Yes, sir.”DATfemUhJKfxrRBdVRrXhzguFkgexh
vLhPDhWBsjTvDoGRen Yi assigned the two male newcomers to Combat Squad One and Combat Squad Two, then turned to Li Sa.LKkcuPvRrCFppdKYqJpNYzChWfHpqD
sjQZgYQcdhkBNoSLi Sa stood with her back straight, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes.bycclyyozFBpJzbDHPCdMWUPfQGLkY
QqEgyUQPFsAHdlU“Li Sa, starting today, you’ll be assigned to the Specialized Squad.”MwaJUMFGpIoUEEFvIBvUTXoHtjxjwp
MwnrEYKtFIHxsylLi Sa paused, a clear look of disappointment on her face.nvVVMULnHrHxVAFwDueVojPBqGYcoi
PBhhdQalSbMGbGm“Sun Dingyi, show the new recruits around, familiarize them with the rules. Dismissed.”HXhxFWbEaCvLjEnTztbQNzagenDbfr
OLdyAIHhBlTjnoPRen Yi returned to his office and began working on the recent fire reports, particularly the one for the fire at Fourth Perspective. Each unit had a designated clerk responsible for documenting every emergency response in detail, but the reports still required Ren Yi’s review and signature. Additionally, he had to write a report from the commander’s perspective. The more complicated the incident, the more complex the report. Ren Yi hated writing reports, much like students hate doing homework, but it was something he couldn’t avoid.mEpkUZwtJWerugqkrsQEdRRXsjWBqX
VpqqLRkhSsZandtWhile writing, a knock came from outside.XPONjiGmUhnqVbuyWVaJuVkNYygCgr
doDcZatZnajQKyz“Come in.”lnkymJTparmkdYiKDfqzNGtGXKIzkV
oSLUWWlHVhvvbYqRen Yi looked up and saw the person who entered was their new female warrior, Li Sa.ieLARybuZpdggTfsRBnhHdNRRZNpTR
VZTPecaANuPenyI“Captain.” Li Sa saluted.xXntfIGXuicStbKIvIpunUPGIjABji
bwzicpTmqpoiZZR“Sit.”nDeyrSIPQsDgQQFfBQXNItzOkDdqLc
EAVikyjykSGEDoiLi Sa sat down in the chair.hXgTGklcxlBMBlWXHQaRpxCoJNXRzu
wXBAOnxlbtYDnFl“Is there something you need?”WuePBeLhaDaidiINRqyXGejjpLzZsR
DOCGOaFalQhndsk“Yes.” Li Sa pressed her lips together. “I want to ask, Captain Ren, why was I assigned only to the special duty team?”lyxFtDNAmfmgOXpJooYPYMPHmsRHYf
aacwoQsyHDmUajaRen Yi blinked and quietly stared at Li Sa.KLisGWwozrzeStKnhcvOLqeIQtFfKE
RoExMyFVHvLZnon“Is it because I’m a woman?” Li Sa looked Ren Yi directly in the eyes, neither humble nor overbearing, and asked, “So I can only do logistics work?”swEzQrWkwtGktocyxPiSPNzbxmfNWd
MDfMmsZVooQdMXc“Do you know why you were able to join my squad?” Ren Yi asked.GRnGaqPXjGDLKEtIxCEzryuhuHvurO
XOcfejcfENqdraM“…I was hired.”NlQwbaoQVfDlwNmdbCmhFtgTosfSjf
jIEBKJHtQPZwaDH“You were hired, and your resume meets the hiring requirements. But, like many squads across the country, I didn’t want to hire female soldiers.” Ren Yi stated candidly. “You were hired because the political officer made the decision based on political considerations.”baqJHaSILWJfkDaPWYQtRnOfBRkdZs
XPIbNEFpaNQxCPMLi Sa swallowed, but her expression didn’t change.QsdZnFKrKdAmFBYRQtZSctvdQdqApN
mzwqrGhGUVZeINj“There are many women in the fire system, but the vast majority are in administrative or logistics roles. We don’t avoid using women out of discrimination or bias, but because this job involves physical strength, endurance, and mental resilience. Have you thought this through?”uUCZsEPtbLfRwWhrUpLYgJwFKrzNur
xTLJmoSfsBvawUALi Sa responded without hesitation, “I have. I’ve served as a soldier, worked in a fire brigade, and even studied fire command. No one knows better than me what it takes. I am determined to become a firefighter. I don’t believe physical strength is the only criterion to judge whether I can do the job. I have extensive professional knowledge, strong adaptability, and great mental resilience. Sure, I’m not as physically strong as the men, but I have advantages they don’t—like fitting into tight spaces or being lighter when suspension is needed. And I can comfort those in distress better. I believe through teamwork, we can complement each other’s strengths.”YohNQPJCysaRsCLOQrxMMrTMdjuhDD
AAbctrGjoGQKFYYRen Yi raised an eyebrow. This girl had a bright, impressive spirit. If she weren’t his subordinate, he’d appreciate her. But this job concerns real-life safety, and he couldn’t casually entrust his back to someone he couldn’t trust. He said, “Li Sa, why do you want to be a firefighter?”FEFazpVksyneCxHfLNneZusiUkBxMi
ZlgjgWDSyOpKwMyLi Sa paused, “I have my reasons.”MBUICuOyRbVmhjXDXVyPwAaGccZJzD
lJbxExOpnAZtuoD“You’re not wrong. You do have your advantages, and this job does require teamwork. But neither I nor the other soldiers have ever worked with a woman before. This concern isn’t just mine alone. If I suddenly throw an uncertain factor into the combat team, it will have a negative impact on others. I can’t allow there to be someone in the frontline team that the others don’t trust. So, whether you accept it or not, for now, you’ll stay in the special duty team.” Ren Yi’s gaze was sharp as he looked at Li Sa. “If you’re truly a qualified firefighter, prove it.”VnhRpCBYKyjogwEPsvLeXoNJUkjFQE
iqPOteYeAVniUkCLi Sa took a deep breath, “I will prove myself. Thank you, Captain.”pGNEwldjEIuIOxPxUbxPNzXhsbXrFJ
EuOdUiyCSyOPnBU“Get to work then.”ODqcQzezzMwBgpNhvBtyysnRkbMAfz
QWUyJNwFtmZrPAQAfter Li Sa left, Ren Yi sighed heavily, draping his long legs over the desk and fiddling with his phone.sqfKjQiSkatsCagAHZSeIJlUiTVNik
kbiDYMVxpGzwzdJHe hadn’t had the time or energy to follow the Fourth Perspective news in the past couple of days. Maybe, deep down, he was avoiding revisiting what happened that night in any way.xyssoVsUWVBXHrwtQKftEVNXvBfoIF
ZXIpTEcTJvfrkeINow that he had finally calmed down a bit, he started looking through some popular news articles and self-media commentaries.zfXnbxOxpkoVyEGDoELXJCCwlrfBjz
jVTWzcdKctvKmnyMost of the discussion focused on the cause of the fire and who was responsible, while a small portion criticized their firefighting efforts, like spraying water in the wrong direction or not entering to rescue people in time. The comments were filled with heated arguments.HBfkglGdCaGczRjgaNFbiQpZYnFUyX
KLYqbYEhAbvqvwUThey had grown accustomed to the media’s misleading narratives or the public’s lack of understanding. This time wasn’t the worst, but every time he saw those words, it still hurt and angered him.RaPKeNcNFBORHjBLYwRcZglFfOwFuq
HBKCitnhemamqjrWhen he was younger, hot-blooded and impulsive, he would argue with strangers who insulted them, clash with unruly reporters, and had even almost fought with police officers once. He had been reprimanded and learned his lessons. After becoming squad captain, he realized that his words and actions affected the entire squad, so he never acted on impulse again.MlccicweNZSrWHPPLsBHiEFuIigUsr
NDggQDYCopbqMvrSo, when Ren Yi saw those comments, he just chuckled sarcastically. He shifted into a more comfortable position, ready to relieve some stress by playing a game.BJlIAiTBoWMBYpxvqGRAuGunElCvNF
AwrQADQXoTwGITGJust then, his phone rang—it was Gong Yingxian calling.ccODGvlKbrtpJCGdNqaQVSpolIfyPs
uqZZXUHMqBJHMQWRen Yi immediately answered, and then instantly regretted picking up so quickly. He tried to play it cool, lazily drawing out a “Yeah?” in a casual tone.ypdGVgXpESfxaomWyYzrWWSYRPJHkR
SKmzdEihZjrYpYf“Cai Wan’s urine test results came back—positive,” Gong Yingxian cut straight to the point.ZuFpyHWGJNBJufCVWEnBhhCFuokGpw
bulPHEEaGmCjNHy“What was she on?”WbBmRcFWNMFPtVztUvtBfXptZPnoOx
RxHkrcgWSaCfdpx“Methamphetamine, hydroxyephedrine hydrochloride, and buprenorphine. I asked some colleagues in the narcotics unit, and recently there’s a new drug on the market called ‘Fairy Water,’ which is a mix of those three substances.”lHvlTjiJgEtytSvQdfukQmlNUPNHTi
XPHhhnNSdIMESba“What? What’s that middle one?” Ren Yi was familiar with meth and buprenorphine, but the middle one was beyond him.TyspJfqxvdQvfvNnupRkWdqRTpVlBz
NmDhlcIpuhsQsxB“Hydroxyephedrine hydrochloride—one of the precursors for making K-powder.”bKlTvlhPtBfAFrGbDMUqmSJdXCooLR
mAMtXcmZRzGFPzB“Oh. But even if she was using drugs, how does that prove she caused the fire?”YmowpeaAAgOavDbCBgwQDdKPPakhWO
JlHenBDGbEdHqmo“This ‘Fairy Water’ requires a specific method for use, namely heating. First, to vaporize it for easier inhalation, and second, at 210°C, a chemical reaction occurs that intensifies its effects. So, the tool for heating needs to provide a stable heat source, be easy to acquire and carry. That’s why they like to use…”heNqzEKDkzdqPgkEDnIJvEsZMAOhlT
XUStioWZgsDvbVx“…an alcohol lamp?!”vqFApJBjylQdKQzaPGMexmkXRSgOAn
VIFUgLjFmswfJMi“Exactly,” Gong Yingxian confirmed. “Has the fire investigation lab finished their analysis yet? My guess is that piece of glass belongs to an alcohol lamp.”hKgJtZHCgqFEQemVJQGuFNrBBkgLkz
uNdEislRKVxOvAFRen Yi’s voice deepened, “So, they got high, knocked over the alcohol lamp, and set the sofa on fire? With alcohol being so volatile, no wonder there were no traces of an accelerant. But there would still be residue on the alcohol lamp bottle.”WoTfQDhxBFmjQbnxnvsvRQiTeYcTjD
kuOSfHHwqvNlHmy“So far, that’s the most plausible explanation.”HaVtryxCJTojEuHcBSPIEPjUQwzaJD
HitwkRZNweKwHYE“Alright. Once the lab results are in, I’ll let you know. Once the evidence is conclusive, we can close the case.”OpiCAmsXJyoGvbTButZMmNtSXaPSyV
YJwrAlWPNNHJmzDAfter hanging up, Ren Yi exhaled deeply. Finding and punishing the criminals was the only comfort they could offer the victims’ families.qCElUfXnhFrXvRAAKGXTmAZAOViAFh
QsCDqoDwsVTJBUcYBegXaGMZJaHYbrYYBMdaappDsmaGg