Blazing Armor

After the meeting, a large group headed over to the night market street next door, straight to a barbecue restaurant. Since it was close to headquarters, this street often had firefighters around, and any firefighter who came to eat would get a discount.EpMqCJtCcMsVHztJOKJzIvdYtvtHjD

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They pulled together two big tables, seating more than a dozen squad leaders, and the sheer amount of food they ordered stunned the server.qtCfVGNMZUOSFKNFtiDkMoHQpWmOVt

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Ren Yi chuckled, “Too much?”IxhwNygjnNebXxYfkSXqEzOklWdKgk

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The server nodded, “Way too much.”QqoMuVdbCVQYQmcUaQwnvBwJtNHchk

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“We can eat a lot. Bring it on.”oxiqhvltKrDHmIosgmxnHLwrfJgIqg

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The group ate, drank, and chatted, filling the entire barbecue restaurant with hearty laughter and a lively atmosphere.EMUBKFOtGIGhiqJakOHMoYQJHYlNyg

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Ren Yi, holding a drink, sat down beside Yan Jue. “Captain Yan, a toast to you.”evypxAELyUlCqDzLahSbXdeOiJRJEN

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Yan Jue clinked bottles with him, smiling. “Looks like you’ve eaten quite a bit today; you must be feeling better.”yUUwnRsAqswOadWUFwIECrZLXtCWTq

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“Don’t bring it up. For those few days, I was surviving on porridge. I lost weight mainly because I wasn’t eating well, hahaha.”zXHsgUjiAcfhhbRxzUwVLjIOLyZcnB

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“So, what exactly happened that day? How did they find the body in such a hidden place?”NfzoiYkxHeECtNXQprTzPPPMkbRawH

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“The police had caught a few suspects earlier and got a lead.”eulUbusnFcBFKBDdGojskjsPWdlNJP

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“This is related to that series of arson cases in Hongwu District, right? We’ve all heard about it; there’s said to be some kind of pyromaniac organization.”LVbZHQEPpVCCnNbMrLixwIvFASMEer

NRoMSNkqVCSeGdV

Ren Yi nodded, “I can’t reveal much, but it’s a bunch of violent psychos, and they’ve got people skilled in arson and bomb-making. You should be careful on your calls—they have a tendency to target firefighters. The police are going over cases from previous years, and who knows, some incidents we thought were accidents might be linked to them.”cRFExWdZtMNFoZRIFnlBkhfTJFPrpq

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Yan Jue frowned, “That’s audacious. I’ve encountered arsonists before, but never an organized group like this. Worldwide, it’s rare, right? I haven’t read any related cases.”mqJCDYZiELgcDSjCRtAAPKaslsAgPb

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Ren Yi shook his head, “It’s definitely unusual, but they’re more like a cult. Makes more sense when you think about it that way.”BEOTatQuixioefRmYOXzcdxMsnBWwz

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Yan Jue looked as if he understood, “Fire has always had a close connection to religion throughout history.”CqJtWWQvyFiWRnCoJWTNHZskqEiQFF

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“We’re doing everything we can to help the police, hoping to capture their leader soon.”hwWqixfkrouAFnstvCdPENTviDVAZP

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“Aren’t you in danger too? I heard nearly every one of those cases involved you.”tVQMtoXcGYQpvSJOBdrJttnMAtXYzf

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Ren Yi gave a bitter smile, “Almost all of them are tied to me somehow, so now I’m banned from acting alone.”KKrThlCgOBmOFgOYWJxmhbMRZiGZrG

DmtZXMxYBcQfHfN

Yan Jue patted Ren Yi on the shoulder, “All we’ve got are water hoses, no real guns—stay safe out there.”ghYwuGlvxjkFABeXUayPvpktVqkPyO

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“Don’t worry.” Ren Yi clinked his beer bottle with Yan’s and changed the subject, “Your station’s closer to the industrial area, so you guys don’t get called out as often, right?”qZasSsBPpcINEzTiOOuUGxaCqHLkfk

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Yan Jue nodded, “Yeah, not many residential areas around, mostly factories and warehouses. Fewer calls, but each one tends to be challenging.”VFMXKxbGgUgOxWaRBFkUMtwKDOHYAz

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“Yeah, it’s a headache in densely populated areas. People call us for every little thing—unlocking doors, unclogging toilets, climbing through windows. We end up doing a lot of tasks you’d find on classified sites, and all for free.”MgSuyViemwQuypmbKoEvbQjfUWvQXq

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The two shared similar backgrounds and jobs, so they had plenty to talk about. A few beers in, they felt like old friends.rdQOWlKJQDkiFsQSwvawmVywioetAh

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Just as they were getting into it, Ren Yi’s phone rang. Seeing it was Gong Yingxian, he instantly sobered up a bit, grabbed his phone, and stepped aside. “Hello?”btIFlqdONFFBPbSzEgkHxYlVScgmZm

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“Still coughing?” Gong asked bluntly.skuIBTRlUXOFpKDKIKUdRVFacrouBI

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“My throat’s a little scratchy, but I’m almost recovered.” Knowing Gong had called specifically to check on him made Ren Yi feel a warm thrill.itVcxPOlXELbKVymiqLzmqjTlBKAyg

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Hearing the noisy background and the slight roughness in Ren Yi’s voice, Gong frowned, “You’re not at the station? Have you been drinking?”MWDQFBhkARmQQQDCazuymwcVRiHeqH

ZiDbOgmVGNvCDel

“I came to headquarters for a meeting with the other squad leaders. Lots of familiar faces.” Ren Yi chuckled, “Didn’t drink much, I’m not drunk.”KllgJAfyZGayCOGsDQngAtlHFduHgD

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“Who’s taking you home?”bHugfFwmfkpyFDfTAGiaJlyfFgjiRf

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“Uh…” He remembered that a soldier from the driver team had driven him in a patrol car, and usually, he’d just grab a taxi to head back. But he recalled Gong’s rule about not going out alone, and the alcohol dulled his reactions a bit, leaving him momentarily at a loss for how to answer.MGbRbqtRhMmQxVFHekIkYyhrGutPBZ

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That slight hesitation was all Gong needed to understand. “Headquarters is on Wanshou Road, right? I’m handling some business just a few kilometers away. Wait there; I’ll drive you back.”bmqYaWUMDgRwUOxbBbhFXRRHERJuLD

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“No need, really, I—”DSXOgcHFbBiShMpYPqjXtsigLOzlrN

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“Send me the address.” Gong’s tone was unyielding.rljTXgXuXrQkjZeCWQWrwyveobGfac

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“…Alright.”xZqHWRmeTWwVHbAAZeFalOGgwUZdCY

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Ren Yi returned to his seat, and Yan Jue handed him another beer, but he waved it off. “No more for me. I’ve had enough; a friend’s coming to pick me up.”ZjpfLRfNlnNXRkPMmsCILaKhZfFvyS

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“I’m about to call a taxi anyway. I can drop you off on the way, seeing as I have to pass through your district to get back to my station.”aHbVeBzfPPoachhVadxiHmdlApZeHx

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“No need to trouble yourself; you’d have to go out of your way.”pYCFNgHtWzEBFfAaHDwqjhqgUQKPuw

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Yan Jue chuckled, “It’s not that far. No need to be so formal.”aMFYuQKPoRoTuHNqiBTEritHXJOcjz

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“Thanks, but my friend will be here soon.”vRHpkKEBgPqnsbgoZZovVBzxjJAeUG

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“Alright then. Next time, you come to my station, and I’ll take you out for some amazing lamb hot pot.”BfBZYTeYyTIwIMLvrAXVdNTnYQUwvl

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They continued eating, drinking, and chatting until about half an hour later, when Gong Yingxian entered the barbecue restaurant.AiebnxOqGCxLqFJKQOUXWBquaSDpJG

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He looked completely out of place in his sharp suit, polished shoes, and spotless appearance—his entire demeanor clashed with the casual, smoky, street-side setting. He didn’t look like someone who belonged here at all.ntHEVvqetDIHWTjwisBMZlxkrQbPjw

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With his striking looks, everyone’s eyes naturally turned toward him.KMTSNQnbitwpzNeAUOcrULKCBFJnVh

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Yan Jue raised an eyebrow, a bit amused, “So that’s the friend you mentioned? Dressed like he’s going to a wedding.”hIrRHulYaMMmDONeoBQMyBffWZKEYX

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People around snickered.hFBBGFMVYJEtnrOJnZrjIFzmaLVeaU

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Ren Yi went over, “Yingxian, this place isn’t the cleanest; there’s a lot of smoke and grease. Why don’t you wait in the car? I’ll pay the bill, and we’ll head out.”VgXykvlqxPoLSozEaODrjpigxVLMhY

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Gong Yingxian glanced around at the two pushed-together tables, crowded with squad leaders in their flame-blue uniforms. The table and floor were littered with leftovers, cigarette butts, and beer bottles. He looked back at Ren Yi, his face flushed and his expression cheerful, clearly tipsy but in high spirits.SJLgXgBwDlQSepPZjJmsOTWsXBGsBq

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Suddenly, Gong felt a strong sense of alienation—not just a distaste for the greasy food and messy setting, but a deeper feeling that Ren Yi’s world was shutting him out.XiOSzHDfkDJsSkQCzXdctRitQkBBph

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This was Ren Yi’s life: going out with colleagues, eating, drinking, chatting. It was a normal life, one that most people shared. The abnormal one was himself. He couldn’t join Ren Yi in a simple, enjoyable meal, nor share a drink. He just didn’t fit into Ren Yi’s life. His own life…was something no one else could ever live with.RuYeWCGEyoZBSxtNksHLfTCkYAfpfA

FpgNxRmtJSvXjxp

No wonder Ren Yi didn’t like him. In truth, no one would. Even those initially attracted by his appearance would quickly be scared away. All these years, Ren Yi was the only one willing to be his friend.gikJJxYUOBoazYPRePkzNZCYJycrYS

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“Yingxian?” Ren Yi rubbed his slightly hazy eyes. “What’s wrong?”eZxXGKHvPEOzdAaTExyaCrdEfISELe

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Gong shook his head, “I’ll wait here for you.”cUEolWkagzEJnAePagxQzMcqdrKnen

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“Are you sure? This place is a bit…”GJENzbPNiSJFoPrpKYSMAnxYhPSCzx

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“I’ll wait here,” Gong repeated firmly.VPxBdhJjAuYvXKpZQvCjAJckxQBmLH

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“…Alright then.” Ren Yi returned to the table, “Alright, brothers, keep drinking—I’m heading out. Take care getting home.”WBWVUzPrpayNQtoMNvPsiQvsARDjXm

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“Don’t worry.”pBXyKQUagTwUGUXcVdWhUqmBzoCAtU

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Ren Yi patted Yan Jue on the shoulder and smiled, “I’ll definitely come by next time, so you’ll have the chance to treat me to a meal.”jLdaFoPGbLmXqMDohDBcUJPjIbwzmP

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Yan Jue extended his hand for a handshake, “Stay in touch.”DmfwpBZgUzTsaKjzycDfrMWQNeBGeR

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From a distance, Gong watched the two with a look of mutual respect, and he let out a faint, cold scoff.iNwgQqaMZxRfSSMoPKKeVngcmVqylW

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Ren Yi went to the counter to pay, but several squad leaders immediately surrounded him. “Hey, what are you doing? Coming over to our district and trying to pick up the tab?”yWNpUihBfzcraZceXQmTdxAqoxiPSu

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Ren Yi laughed, “It was agreed I’d cover it tonight. Don’t fight me on this.”ByjgnmBoVcdTEJuFSurYlByZFStqer

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“No way. Next time, when we’re at your Hongwu District, we’ll make sure you pay.”UMbwKQcThQIQDQcWxIOaWVjPsiGrzJ

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They all started playfully pushing each other over the bill.xyShEFjLgnTBgCEziEJySCeYXijHRK

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Just then, a man wearing a baseball cap emerged from the back room. A server bringing out dishes called out, “Sir, the restroom is over there; the kitchen is off-limits.”uxqsXoAcjovANTxMtXONcRhWdQFHnO

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The man mumbled something and hurried out.zxWzLTnYmOtnWEtDDpjRHDIdEhgAui

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The barbecue joint was bustling with chatter, so hardly anyone noticed this exchange. But Gong Yingxian, who was standing at the entrance, had caught sight of the man. His instincts as a cop made him sense that something was off.ZauzJpeKLwdIksktFglARGhfHKVijq

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First, the man was moving quickly. The barbecue restaurant’s floor was greasy from years of oil and smoke, making it slippery, so most people walked carefully. Second, though the man kept his cap pulled low, his pursed lips, tense jaw, and hunched shoulders all betrayed a sense of urgency and unease.CcTrAMwodaClUGpsdHeljTCayKvzgn

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It was as if he wasn’t just leaving a barbecue place but escaping a lion’s den.gWrqXQVLApNrJOKSEpCBfRAUXUpWsO

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Gong blocked the man’s path with one step and flashed his badge, saying, “Police. Show me your ID.”dWqCGwWuurhFxoXfGvkZOCiCuwbVak

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The man froze for a second before suddenly slamming into Gong and sprinting away.gqacBSelqWXIeTJigQmYrkeTyRpmtJ

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Initially, Gong had only found him suspicious. In such a mixed crowd at the night market, petty crimes were common. Most people, even the more hardened types, would cooperate when faced with a police officer, knowing that as long as they weren’t caught in the act, they wouldn’t be in serious trouble. Resisting, however, was a different story—it meant there was something to hide.jFCnYHcnHHVDCZKuQKXXVLpxFQzPuP

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So the man’s sudden dash confirmed Gong’s suspicions. Considering the recent incidents, Gong quickly connected the dots. He shouted to Ren Yi, “Evacuate everyone first!” and took off after the man.SwPbbCKmxcgYMqSVYmAcpuGzEQVZLu

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The whole restaurant was stunned.XvfJuddFBKxmcghfFaZOibWUCwuBgZ

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It took Ren Yi a few seconds to process. He shook his head vigorously, thankful he hadn’t had any alcohol for the past half hour, opting instead for sobering drinks, not wanting to annoy Gong. Now, he was much more alert. “Everyone, get out! Now!”mpZcSTsxnoQUqPcxSkQMPqBXUXsBgi

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Yan Jue ran over, tense. “What’s going on?”WZTZjtwdCjEFLBGcVmYNDtJETACGbl

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Wang Meng also called out, “Ren Yi, what happened?” Attempting to stand, he almost tripped over a beer bottle on the floor, having had a bit too much to drink.KQrOqLmhRaYRBGgpfgPcAYEbxcofqP

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“Don’t ask questions! If you can move, help those who are drunk and get them outside—now!” Ren Yi had no idea what was happening. He guessed Gong wasn’t sure either, as everything had happened so suddenly.IXdFQIaJBefyurcUsLdjcSyAVhqMpa

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The restaurant staff and patrons, confused but not wanting to ignore the firefighters’ orders, quickly got to their feet and began leaving. The place was soon in disarray.lphgREDoAjiRbejBsdeTWkfgynwjul

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Ren Yi quickly replayed the recent events in his mind. He hadn’t seen much, only a glimpse of Gong stopping someone, the man running, and Gong chasing after him.CylqePqiSqFnguNxTvTUSCExLPrGdD

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The key, then, was that man.jXwTLNkJlpTtFIweibCvvEJBhOUytY

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Ren Yi called out, “Who was that guy in the black baseball cap? Which table was he with?”ZIHmmUBQKmwVfnETjdWceXGyeBhriT

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One of the servers spoke up hesitantly, “I don’t know; I just saw him for the first time. He came out of the kitchen, probably looking for the restroom.”LwzmbpxpYOVmcGtkCrMAtXFMlMfynD

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The kitchen!QTcIggzgyhYpJCRuXFEyDkReEXwGmb

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Ren Yi and Yan Jue exchanged a look.WvVBoOdhCCizAnCLMBxXvoNLRpStfD

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Yan Jue shouted, “Evacuate immediately, call 119, and get everyone out from the surrounding shops—now!”SEzhDZCMtzmrIMnOJdroNaeJshOYqU

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Ren Yi dashed toward the kitchen.SzGFqtyUGuhnKCjrGQhaZhgUMKXMoB

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The kitchen staff, unaware of the commotion in the front, continued their work as usual. Ren Yi shouted, “Stop everything! Turn off all the stoves! Everyone, stop!”ZGhiBQRSzsDZQoRMllLakVKFFASPBb

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Everyone froze, bewildered.HSYvmgwidtZNIwfWdkmKbmSXPWNmVo

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Ren Yi scanned the room, knowing that the most dangerous thing in the kitchen was the gas piping. Household gas systems were usually straightforward and hidden behind walls. But in restaurant kitchens, especially ones with high turnover and constant remodeling, the piping could be complex, often left exposed due to frequent changes—one day it’s a sushi place, the next a Sichuan spot. This patchwork of modifications often led to improperly secured, exposed pipes.HrGZWTrPQpEqNtTqaDVzKyKhoVyjpI

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Ren Yi rushed over, inspecting the tangled mess of pipes, checking each valve.ZDBowUGMLjBuSIPaUEWxbfAYnfsCbz

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Yan Jue dashed into the kitchen as well. “How’s it look?”MhpNRamvHeSxUFJgDAUBMIUySWggmE

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“No leaks in the valves.” Everything seemed fine, but to be safe, Ren Yi shut off the valves anyway.wnEZyVDoqwniFbahZskgcJMwFfqIAg

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“Ren Yi!” Yan Jue called, his voice trembling with urgency.cWOrkiyJqFESpYLEgHOpNSzxMWLOFt

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“What is it?” Ren Yi ran over to him, and what he saw sent a chill down his spine.PrXsVTyWNMfPXfkxrvlhqYkUrsczco

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Several sections of the metal pipes were corroding, being eaten away by an unknown chemical substance!TviGREYrGsVhBqvXfKJdBjTJbPQOwI

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