Chapter 10
As Ren Yi mentioned, traffic had built up on the road, and they began inching forward at a snail’s pace.vRZilcMqnBjFDWnirrCBfKkIhjtGFx
cSVIbVzdWtSvhvJAfter 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.sslgsFOGuyTzolBdMuZGnHDIbFqypX
JZOwOtBEquiXRbkHe wasn’t the type to handle awkward silences well. Clearing his throat, he said, “How about we listen to some music?”tWoepTiTAKUBoCcrzViKRuHigktMaR
OiRJqIGTXXQDEOLGong Yingxian pressed the play button.UPvILNXBBBQjGoyCpkKZUddZfhnCVe
vvRwPigjVHuTQctHeavy, deep classical music began to fill the car.BwtTYgksekwZmmwWlJzTzzyEXleNGw
JbdrjQmySPGBxYT“…How about we just turn it off?” Ren Yi suggested.oYCBDoAzcBKPfpJNezkPjbblYiPLin
qzuGPAYDOPzuYVhGong Yingxian shot him a sideways glance, as if saying, *”You’re full of shit.”* He reached out and turned it off.WnyhdbbPGatiNEqsQUYczwHSzVcvtT
obfzHRQvKZlGlsnAfter 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?”PyXjqJLUodXiQRNbguVmgyIDsPlKvo
SIZPaGUuUVCOIZn“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.”gsRXDwqPUCMJLsEQHYIeJVrPNRCgmv
dJbXhVUPaeJGDWX“Why was the emergency exit at the bar locked?”WKwgBoneOaAFyMyZeAWGyCdvaskrvV
OOrMGWjkdYqOAqP“To prevent people from sneaking in without paying. According to the staff, it’s been locked for over a year.”FDmETzssxKBTVFunCvHCWBgSTAJZiV
FJmDJgLqtduKMkT“With the current evidence, it doesn’t seem like arson.”yrnWMhdYIGLLxsrqhjHValrWsWFvll
OZXjjEgXwOXVTQbGong 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.”FXGUkVMXKdpfRwIxnUsRYAThQffYSs
hGdUacmvtbktSyERen Yi thought for a moment. “That Cai Wan seems more suspicious.”GNXxlWahrACRJWVUmLsArBKToGyCoR
obbEZOOYYzEBlsJ“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.fNJlVLyLGkYGlWVcCqbzLDAlRnVFBD
RLJubhLqbEgTeDN“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?NDnvbYZViIzPKjrCjhzLzqvyWjgUBS
OaaqmsQtzfaYVShSure enough, Gong Yingxian fell silent, and Ren Yi wanted to punch himself in frustration.KFkYRcknjNVvdmZwdQmPUwHNEziaSI
HPfeqsJhFUJLfnmJust then, Gong Yingxian’s phone rang, saving Ren Yi from the awkward moment.nAZWUvDhDUKeLzQdyEdQdgxGORIwsD
hrIxkBzWbKUembB“Hello.” Gong Yingxian answered. “I won’t be home for dinner tonight. No, don’t bother. Yes, I know. Okay, okay.”uSekGoBgYyhsnYEviSSszkkehkBrKg
fTrtRldyxswRiooRen 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.liBVXnviLTHuryrBXTYRaydxunqPUG
eJQzGbfLQqEMOLIAfter hanging up, Gong Yingxian said, “We’re almost at your team base.”ahZghhlZMMFojBDbdtDZqgDAsfssQf
ulwpTVvEByPMSeF“Oh.”LbypObfSinRoPSwmISMCOZxUhdbQxB
JXmYwAutgZelkTLGong Yingxian parked the car by the roadside.OykbGymUWMghnNhtRLgiOLUluixmkR
CGbPxNfTQRrCkUdRen Yi said, “I’ll let you know if I hear anything from the fire investigation lab. Keep me posted if you find anything too.”mZYtEjRMjjaoEKcswBdTcVppFvmWeI
ZhXKJQxUiSXLqAsGong Yingxian nodded.mCTRgKeZWOhfesyneltETSCKuHuMqK
AlxuEjWCbfapOZQRen 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.XkTKDcekTwxutjmkYhxnYyonxyPPBA
qYKSqdKgqzUBYTM—gyTvhOnKcaWWtZRSTDGxeHstVPnnIU
jEdmBJmWyCIejxrWhen Ren Yi returned to the station, he arrived just as two teams were returning from calls.JhMqwzniJcGjNgHrPYZTSZceVgQwEh
TyOPNQavPxgMVRoRen Yi asked, “How did it go? What were the calls?”bYOBRMMbusRMeFypYGqBttbJhbckQu
HUsZRIIgNkRxBNHGao 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.”aZmkvuorQuwqfukRBZOVwGjHnyzNOj
lvPelrjJgiJkAqXLiu 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.”fZcwGOKefbTnKWVvXuVNFZqYhqIHvs
AwPrwCAvzwwirIm“Great, a change of pace.” Ren Yi then asked Sun Dingyi, “What about you guys?”GbmckCaNrASnIHCJkMOENvzgJxfcoJ
KLSWSDJHiHdiRhnSun Dingyi let out a cold laugh, “Trash can fire.”jjyVxFANwjoWcTuMfrKdItQpzHhYmK
gEyOhsjrVGRvryH“Then what happened?”QgZvOqLyLrgBtpANSoXYYxpDHygRoO
muCPfaQqlvFLeYN“Luckily, we got there quickly. If we had been any slower, the fire would’ve already been out.”oFdrmjscCFjZCekESLKhMDGVYWNKGV
zVXiAVmdFPbTTXu“Hahaha—”XJQLArfRgfwuuLEihzCiLwLkViJdrO
dhcupipfCSIOUGtFrom upstairs, Qu Yangbo shouted, “Is everyone back? Come upstairs for a meeting.”WWQeNiLhHPpkZNYkAtIhSCpxxARSBf
cSWVZoNQpzuCJHlOnce 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.”mMwkKnkzVDFJqDNlDszpfdxlzvkPGx
jylXZHqklKzPJqZSome people banged on the table, others clapped, and Liu Hui excitedly said, “I heard one of them is a woman. Is that true?”yHmnTJEUrMbPkSVNcwAnjeccsgAKON
sFmmmtwPAyzSfwu“For real?! A woman?!” The room buzzed with excitement.VDUXpaGzAqdAlvatrVNMedbjgcahdB
ERGkCudQjZGTtGVRen Yi gave a heavy cough.TasfZBgUPCiJItjIhNEJUMUDVWOBwX
TNUVEqBLqGirztVQu Yangbo continued, “That’s right. We’re about to have the first female firefighter in Phoenix Special Operations Unit.”DpFjSSVJobdeDIWrEBGGtiZEoKLIXG
zqnNjDVwhKWgKBEThe room erupted in cheers.qSgjNLOHvySYhlUvpMmgXahEJtMVpJ
AHmBqWJPvBdCEME“What are you all so excited about?” Ren Yi’s voice was stern. “We’re in a meeting. Maintain discipline.”bPKNgSbcTXaXyXPkjuoMpzsAjWgLBV
VTzKysXfgDVHHksRen 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.JpNPbHJtCiGFHqGRNfPpVtcrsKwMom
KeEKRHYLfRBNfERQu 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.”jgryuIBwMRXMSahLkHiuSlVNzDoVSm
nqQiDChvjSePpNaRen 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.”LFSIinnahRQuGMtyhBgkeMAJcgNwOg
ualVlMSlXYQJnJjEveryone listened in silence.ziZTKNIxHOKlyACvfBPSGNNHeOTNDS
tmOPAxnQlgJpyhR“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.”dgbczuekiCsWCMuIcYXsCVgdcobQqz
DspoGGlDdkDdfvS“Third, once she joins our unit, she’s part of the family. Help her adapt and integrate quickly. Do you all understand?”gIOWfbzZuRnKbxsKTdLauJXbSKZidh
zoADitDHMyUxLGrEveryone responded in unison, “Understood!”xCgiPdwneFEQqKbXROJmHeFxqHtmbI
qspHvFQHaHgXNwQ“Any questions?”xRnKbBuRATKLfTQWwclsUGGZrURmIk
AmcijwQgyRJlkuESun Dingyi raised his hand.MzUltXwQqNUslePAcVdrtlyUvlIVDR
OThByPQezBLATOw“Speak.”tLLdVjvXcsEFCkHYtViDdeibkZGtiG
GKYrAfyXzDBUuDx“Captain Ren, you’re not seriously going to have her…” Sun Dingyi chuckled, “go to the front lines, are you?”NKhzZUxGmkauNJFwZcDLYyYPStqFfG
HXYAItHJLlzERaV“Yeah, Captain Ren,” Cui Yisheng added. “We’re happy to welcome her, but there are some jobs that should be left to the men.”BXFHjhUrjADRjzoWEziHBBwWPyQCnN
bKBZZZGkknzmeKHRen Yi replied, “That’s not for you to worry about. Just focus on doing your job.”HZmotQRZMluESyvXaxvlRAMuryeDjm
hszyWKnOycczNOX“Yes, sir.”JySrsQytlMkzsSqoIpdLVNNdMtpFnI
RUSWNxJRVjonKOd—jkByBgyGvIGvlcqjVTCfCGKpMYQwUe
RXqTXGSXrqDKMFCThe next morning, three full-time firefighters arrived to report for duty.XBZlxiXPxnWcNWiFvTBlJYRnzszRBP
ekgBUyETxvYKvPuQu 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.kgdBQLTwmfbjqAmatcFjIvTZJVREye
qQSPpaIdybdHYIeShe 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.lRfckzTZtpChXrhLJZuPCBsTiMelQM
bFWHyUeQCYiLRyoRen 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.”DfGFxMnyLAXeaQnbvebQbFghmKnrvO
BhqjpfDrQmkQkJKAll three responded in unison, “Yes, sir.”xHYjsesksVdYzzhiXyhUJoVAeYQhwO
NloCYuXdiBfXwjG“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.”VorBHFmBlhMFGrXKQHwnXSlEKKhKvA
cXxKdJWKdFMlOrl“Yes, sir.”OfoHQWoXGtIGrVAOxVKRbosGXRuqng
nRuUsyWbDeSgcYRRen Yi assigned the two male newcomers to Combat Squad One and Combat Squad Two, then turned to Li Sa.TjDIGdAZfzUrypnAynRYaFLfUgOHbP
XEGfXKcpKilaFzbLi Sa stood with her back straight, a glimmer of anticipation in her eyes.GQyIhuOTiqmXohwvXXOggnNijNBDqX
QEBHimiqgjGUuWg“Li Sa, starting today, you’ll be assigned to the Specialized Squad.”yyMCImTjxDsiRvdlHvHydXzNEPWXLk
HorMaREpxXXqMiALi Sa paused, a clear look of disappointment on her face.CVCpuDssUvszpMmPzHBodRjjmbxNFN
DlYXRXlgVhOikxg“Sun Dingyi, show the new recruits around, familiarize them with the rules. Dismissed.”PWCSUyyIaPjEPwfLYsnsFMNXLIuMDt
vBvNDhZdxtYVJiMRen 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.RPZVJYvsVLrAOepyPZSBfxnocpcXLj
ApULQqxoXZWtfUIWhile writing, a knock came from outside.nmTOJixjYnOucCvumYkfDTisxJxUvj
VdMxBaDImurEGPo“Come in.”TCqZhFyGBHWIlXzjFPZarOTcsuIZFl
gfmJKxVyqlUotHQRen Yi looked up and saw the person who entered was their new female warrior, Li Sa.AxkRMjkFofcPLkFYmkqSxokUpGreqN
XKpFriESrzOmWvG“Captain.” Li Sa saluted.QMrhSvXAHMTFrTQPOuIZdghpuYfiZo
xsdbYWkooAVRYYf“Sit.”ieOYVzbrgeABtrZaahtTOGPepqMAxp
azqibsmxgWcoWHXLi Sa sat down in the chair.PENHBBtATzQPSNlMuNlHvEGEsmuxBW
AkPzIzxENMJAcjA“Is there something you need?”vyKlnGScrrYfbsuXsYaKdTyEfyloRI
cQyzXuRdmXjafjW“Yes.” Li Sa pressed her lips together. “I want to ask, Captain Ren, why was I assigned only to the special duty team?”QfJdbGeMaHbITlNKwLfuHpgbUxKRNK
uaqqfLytupIpuvDRen Yi blinked and quietly stared at Li Sa.ozvQBoLtYRnsGZhRcCnqGsILuIeDBm
TZVFUrtRxkTlVly“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?”UamKUzBPCbmhvbfLPcugTiXNQjzTWf
tcdrKgFBmOVmSKB“Do you know why you were able to join my squad?” Ren Yi asked.JLwDiMYJGVKWDKxxYLBYGmKoILPupd
PnkLsihTVKkPXHk“…I was hired.”laLdqsnEyTdLZCVDBzYpGhajBNLgIH
yjuKRtweWPsALst“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.”gVLleKmBVgYJLVuLyOLlWFFhcfXIZn
CpDKPtFYCYEXMqWLi Sa swallowed, but her expression didn’t change.BUNNiwZygnDKdXQcarpjORfZXaOOuD
igmdzWCmcAwYDvo“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?”vXqKeJyDeGSPeiqWrSNmFGPUKEtueI
fpOCjMcciWvJinWLi 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.”lxRYktYDjYBxBZtSNELSshBUqgJXVQ
grIehOVtgYgtGCIRen 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?”ylVvMHAaZnUPyrOcrUMUEQKkWOHxOr
qLtVxtPhSAiogmWLi Sa paused, “I have my reasons.”DGDgcvFGORukvITwASJogCJsRLocyH
FeyulwnpTXcPdAp“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.”izpNQhSloXKHaKzZkrxVfXvgLQPoUB
CYDWKCKSGFKknbALi Sa took a deep breath, “I will prove myself. Thank you, Captain.”QfdBIzZwJiSVUDqzFghwctOsSXmzVB
ufkecpDlafTTcDt“Get to work then.”exCSruUkCLDRlXaIkQeUMHdDLqZyty
ZoIBClXDwEOypEjAfter Li Sa left, Ren Yi sighed heavily, draping his long legs over the desk and fiddling with his phone.WPxDduHpmGzAvYntiScJQEJzDjDJHW
uwnWVsiNqPUAdUNHe 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.gVmvcgfxuYwWxaWOGDElqWyJRyfKcd
urdRGvDmayREPdcNow that he had finally calmed down a bit, he started looking through some popular news articles and self-media commentaries.muhRNclsOEBBojjQJVIDsXTkkMDtzA
NYvKbguXmcjXKdNMost 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.vNAAvxYtaUCDsUSvttHgKvARtPcCgm
UfeTTwtjjmvfZksThey 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.HkObNmGKHQcCyPtDmtGuilRqEmGrxQ
YOiesYYHYikuuLTWhen 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.DOISzjbZZAVUhMEVEqgLXWNIFtbaAy
RxSSaeuREHebGWTSo, 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.BMYFmKbzYUSBwZkafaijKUhOCBmTjR
XcwttPqFVMNfcKTJust then, his phone rang—it was Gong Yingxian calling.auydGYSGYJnlvtgSGLVvdufxtEzFUA
MskSGzwBpNbTWAwRen 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.vsrKUnChTcfIzbUEzisuyAuwcrZapA
ABNqnJjarOgcUaQ“Cai Wan’s urine test results came back—positive,” Gong Yingxian cut straight to the point.jtvHugDsMsRRYjvRvXdoRDBxFlVTIx
SxBynndmXFYnNyC“What was she on?”mHlMXGorgoHvNYQUKdcWXnQeXUKJWb
ALVVffaZobrLmmC“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.”yRUzCMrJyDnDzZbTibbzyMKcepQtZo
yAuBjGmhfNtqCeG“What? What’s that middle one?” Ren Yi was familiar with meth and buprenorphine, but the middle one was beyond him.PThAoasEAfnNATLRGjGsTfWApFMcgc
BQOLvlshwxpkeyv“Hydroxyephedrine hydrochloride—one of the precursors for making K-powder.”DuqNIcHNWtlCpMBrlfdSzsuQmEkfdL
NCJqOLNzWKPBiBJ“Oh. But even if she was using drugs, how does that prove she caused the fire?”mBkaIQXRsKKIaGmYXAuFOsjpCgUtOw
iuAWbHtIaurVXRG“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…”xYbpOCGJxhriCmUUxmmdRddescncjU
CHLRCJediaualjb“…an alcohol lamp?!”BsMlbHPkKdyhwWohqhMlijkLYUEoFB
KBLqlHzQBbfIgwT“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.”jEOgHnliTjrBvLWdgYtCCRdhZtiPfv
kZDSXjctiDIXzMwRen 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.”BUqckxqKKuvwYPKgBYLVJeBCPKxINP
cReyYzRMtTJUtDB“So far, that’s the most plausible explanation.”ZaGdZRQAUNJyAQKNcFbVGygoVpdaBz
ZupisQghPyqLwTM“Alright. Once the lab results are in, I’ll let you know. Once the evidence is conclusive, we can close the case.”OmapqVXMbEucGkuIiZgpbbhyHKoGXX
WOhYnEUiFAkmCOKAfter hanging up, Ren Yi exhaled deeply. Finding and punishing the criminals was the only comfort they could offer the victims’ families.yMuHtEESTZATyUSACQuEyqYuwwxrYr
zmNWeHNFdqTfnmhvgOlvLlVeHXjQeqdeSjIjdalIjLXqx