Chapter 104
That stuff looked just like mercury—a silver-white, viscous liquid metal. Ren Yi had no idea why someone would pour mercury onto a gas pipeline, but it was certainly malicious and ominous in intent. Grabbing a rag from the counter, he yelled, “Check if all the gas valves are shut off, extinguish any open flames, and call 119, now!”fRANLCkuguKxDTonDOapcCWhsNnGFu
bAnReGbNGFJdDtCThey could already smell a faint whiff of gas in the air. Whether it was always like this in the back kitchen or there was a leak, no one knew for sure, but everyone’s nerves were on edge. Even with the valves closed, gas lingering in the pipes posed an explosion risk if exposed to an open flame.rfLTuvFmNGIhsLHjsfhfxvZbUIyMdf
yGBBdNtVszrRfAeThe chefs scattered, each taking action.QBGxAeOjhnlesmwVuilUNuDHURuEag
qGJryFaZxZlxiHgYan Jue slipped on his chef’s gloves, carefully wiping away a patch of mercury. Noticing that a section of the pipe’s color was distinctly different from the surrounding area and showed cracks, he said gravely, “It looks corroded. Lucky we caught this early.”kvAVQlnkLinAPpJRalDofpjRVqDrwT
TCaHxlzEUbnbiyQThe two of them felt chills down their spines, an immense terror gripping their hearts as if by an invisible hand. If Gong Yingxian hadn’t come, if they hadn’t noticed that suspicious man, if there had indeed been a gas leak, with open flames constantly burning in the kitchen… if…OKuczOFjNluadtqbbCnnalqaZIljAg
joOPhjmwTEbTQnHIf not for these “ifs,” even the thought of the consequences sent shivers down their spines.jQQLBTDnAOLXZbfRhrDXSgbfgPlLKA
WOYzfSWwBExoudPWiping the cold sweat from his brow, Ren Yi gritted his teeth, “There must be more than just these spots. Check everything.”tzYIJLzQQuXWJRQqNgbeMWFhjlZTJx
zxjuyRdMWjkDUGgA few squad leaders rushed into the kitchen. Ren Yi briefly explained the situation, directing them to inspect every inch of the gas lines.eZygqzFcSLzOakNcegsfathSSgVlRg
aQYwtwoCgfqCewnIn the end, they found four spots doused in mercury, with a couple more places where mercury had been hastily splashed on the floor. Two sections of the pipeline had started to crack. Yan Jue didn’t even dare touch them directly, wrapping the pipes layer by layer with a cloth. When they ran out of rags, they wound dampened tissue paper around several times.paZFpDRAFYRhymMKpIFVHiezMbrgZL
NAxWDtTvAGLRLLnThe squad leaders meticulously checked every corner of the kitchen.VizUwzrgYDHdPNZhpGXtIUKLmimcWw
sKlBgqTCqCSzfJjSoon, the sounds of sirens and ambulances echoed from outside.fnBUslIGKTlIlwkqUoiDOtnEQSFQhF
iPPHFihdIFKlXCUConfirming that the kitchen was temporarily safe, Ren Yi and Yan Jue exchanged a glance, still shaken.SHbOVdPqwTmRUVnwrGHkKlIoBFXQnl
QsJlvGwtfieXyfZYan Jue wiped the sweat from his brow, keeping a tense expression. “Could this be… the work of that X cult you mentioned?”aTdErKQTVEZgLunaOCAMEWpLEGVVMP
zqHhnMfhdFNqPxh“Judging by the method and the target, it’s very likely.”UBbzaiAZXDfIgLeXpXleUnjVNcXPdG
pOLxDEYqhWYalXJYan Jue spat out, “If it really had blown up just now… shit, that would’ve been so damn…”NRzeEOSjUeBkkMYLJDEkPWahiSPfHd
MtGNJrcwBCDzGlFFor the sake of secrecy, Ren Yi couldn’t tell Yan Jue about the concert incident. Having gone through that experience, he wasn’t shocked by the crazed actions of these people anymore—he was simply afraid. What scared him even more was that these people had the capability, the intent, and a clear target to carry out even more horrifying deeds.GlSjFDpDFzMNWOInqcGeCVApoajgfA
oshlXxiuCUkDmBPAs long as they remained free, no one could truly rest easy.fRdiFLrgwuSgGrsexXNAujbfocAjfN
pnwsxoRkOjreXTv“I think I understand now why you can’t act alone,” Yan Jue said gravely. “This is far more serious than I imagined.”YWutuZUYDokqrNkAqaAghBiEhnDeOb
oFMTiQiEzvesvqC“I shouldn’t have come to this gathering—I almost got everyone involved.” Ren Yi wiped his face, looking ashen and weary, his eyes dim.iQBWHjcJDmgGDOhkwzZnrepGmRMvwp
tQswqZErwAPygQbIn the past, he was aware he might be a target for Purple Flame , but it was only a conjecture based on their threats. Though they took preventive measures, his life hadn’t changed much. But this was the first time—truly the first time—that threat became a reality; he was indeed Purple Flame’s target.foSWlpEPuZaZeDpGDPkJGLhLLKzHHp
RaSlbRbuoybKzOHThe realization that “someone wants to kill me and has already taken action” is a huge mental blow to anyone, and the psychological pressure is overwhelming. For Ren Yi, whose work was already high-risk, it only provided criminals with more opportunities.ZtkmjNTYtaHmpRbvUrzVzLFTSqfRGZ
udpweSeEsicOsBfYan Jue said seriously, “You’re not allowed to think like that. This is the criminals’ fault, not yours. If it weren’t for your continuous assistance to the police, they might not have targeted you. You’re simply doing what a firefighter should do.”ycLaHXJmTAwQLzouCOwfWRCBAnksEw
TuzhlIFWAPWckmWRen Yi forced a smile. “Let’s trust the police—they’ll catch them sooner or later, and I won’t be scared off by this.”sWkQLaeAsMArIfPWbdvuKXVuPHSnNB
XsUZzZHtmdzuntdYan Jue patted Ren Yi’s shoulder. “I wonder if that cop caught anyone yet. Let’s go check it out.”NBCWEBeLaZbVcXvGxdKzdSbcNEnNIw
ChdClmBiXJxViib“They definitely did.”TlhVkwndWScviEgTMplfMmMXulnYnZ
gSDKdGmcBzmRLgz“You’re so confident in him,” Yan Jue raised an eyebrow, “so, was he here specifically to protect you?”tVvqwPNaEOQdpaJLdFfMHjzVnRBEEG
ZbJjYKsLzVBKOPr“In a way, yes. The initial incident related to the case was the one I responded to, and he came to investigate. We’ve collaborated many times since then, and I’ve done everything I can to help them crack the case.”yhmCvuikAzwnvuDPnAKeCBdCtCBvzX
QplVqySpEncWvERThe entire street was drawn to the unusual activity at the barbecue restaurant, with police cars and ambulances outside, and passersby were asking each other what was going on, though no one had answers.OYmvVgGEQZUovFgIZsuSApUrgtEbxb
RDWuIawIaTpyrxwThe two of them walked onto the street, seeing private cars clogging up the road while police and ambulance lights flashed an intense red glow in the night, heightening everyone’s anxiety. Ren Yi grew worried and ran in the direction of the police car.mQeOYvCConKwwzSxfUYtMYkntdymut
HSOpLQAsZChsLpKFrom a distance, he spotted Gong Yingxian standing conspicuously among the crowd, unharmed, which allowed him to finally relax.SeAUgExKqOHxXVrOOXbJQVdGcstfrb
yuQhecauiHXeADYGong Yingxian noticed Ren Yi as well, quickly approaching and looking him over. “Are you alright?”NcekpugFBCDwoJODHIGrxHhgxRmDLX
CszbxDlMpVkpCWt“I’m fine.” Ren Yi asked, “Did you catch them?”MUiPbPWpixIhPTyvDDCWzmVFwHzYVf
oeAhPtnVgrUxYOdGong Yingxian’s eyes were bloodshot as he gritted his teeth, “He ran into the street and got hit by a car. Died on the spot.”shOXJBpPWulHBGvoHpHOqKHrjCcCLQ
QJxZxSgGKHlmxZgRen Yi gasped.ofXPhEXuFXZiuvHbROmtvyfMQcazdk
FkehLLLYjgozNwA“Was there anything suspicious in the barbecue shop? More explosives?”HKUrRRLzcThcYtzyaFLhwHEEZuhUoV
CMktQsMViTSMBNXRen Yi replied, “Come take a look.”vUqvrHrRZSldWQrnvJeTjiteCCUwdj
RMsANEyYHAixLeeGong Yingxian led a few officers back inside to collect evidence, heading with Ren Yi and Yan Jue to the kitchen.YiIgMJzhirwqofkIGrcdIWWWCIaKgO
bYKHPdkHinVHUvgSeeing the marks on the gas pipes and the metallic liquid on the rag, Gong Yingxian’s expression grew darker.HDnIuaqeyCyMdfmbLOwwsIUMLIsrkV
IgzNkjYIuUeIqTG“Can mercury corrode metal?”ReaPSclxHNnUIVfBYSVyUcuoeVCcJY
pZUMsqBWbRkRCES“This isn’t mercury,” Gong Yingxian explained. “Mercury can corrode metals like aluminum, copper, and gold—soft metals. But it doesn’t do much to steel. This is liquid gallium, which looks very similar to mercury.”ipCTdzfpPKNlPKJbZeSiNdWddULqpA
VWlVOFpAeouSBLG“Gallium…”LuSZaSYsIYRvSOQSvaeALpZogYCPuT
zfiDSYtTqOWBTgW“Gallium can alloy with metals.” Gong Yingxian pressed a finger against the corroded section of the pipe, and the supposedly sturdy steel crumbled like tofu under his touch!pWNwytRdKepwWEHfQwDCeFfEodpukj
KMPQcoCRcoKWXceEveryone looked on in horror.fYwCwPBKwlruSSblPvXJLONSGSqmFu
jHxvRHObvZMalIyGong Yingxian turned to Ren Yi, a hint of fear in his eyes. “Was today’s gathering a last-minute decision?”qouFpjxFLdsoKoPHyOTDtQpetEcXsI
aryKeQopMMYllEZ“Yes.”niQPnhjxZBqNGCDsegRffWTnljlJGq
mVMISvThsLiYzBE“That means someone’s been following you. How long were you eating?”cekXYslCrPGkdVBixJApUMfUxNpnBz
sxTitYZVRuLuVCCYan Jue checked his watch. “Almost three hours.”WHhVvGTgCVLZCwODYlVNPmJFeFUwjB
cXgFAsGWDYMLhTj“That wasn’t enough time for them to prepare thoroughly, so they were likely rushed. The person sent may have been inexperienced at this kind of thing—they gave themselves away too easily. This doesn’t align with how Purple Flame and White Flame usually operate. For the concert, they were meticulous, even studying the venue design in detail. It shows they’re careful, calculated, and patient criminals. But this attempt was rough and careless. Barging into the kitchen alone was suspicious, they couldn’t scout the place in advance, and even if they managed to pour gallium on the gas pipes by blending in, their shady behavior could have easily raised suspicion. All of this proves they’re desperate.”zzexegHdFTgOBuAGUJHcWDAaQDsrEP
DieBrXTPTLPoNcf“Because you uncovered the amusement park and White Flame’s identity?”kJMyIxbWsZpnyBzFdOmusVQAtggcEn
MJaANhbioaPpPDJ“More than that. Before I came over, we froze White Flame’s assets, issued a warrant for his arrest, found his residence, and spotted him on surveillance in several places around the city. He’s here, and with our current traffic lockdown, escaping is almost impossible. His capture is only a matter of time.”NfLRCxaLUsAzQFLlZWAwmQRZcKpDbw
GjtMrtgaYRupaVo“That’s great!” Yan Jue said.CLGLCrkMmqdTxJinJUVnlMzVquKEay
VttFzSuORTvuespGong Yingxian, however, looked worried. “I’m concerned that White Flame, realizing he can’t escape, might resort to more extreme retaliation. This incident is just an example. He’s incredibly dangerous.” He looked at Ren Yi. “I’m going to apply for a personal protection order for you.”uxpZgOxZiRqropXaDghyzFOWSHihGv
ARsXAnKKALioLxZ“This…” Ren Yi hesitated, “Alright.”GuEfMORtOOogSIyUjvDXYMyssSeUNF
MmtWrikhmIcUTjsGong Yingxian gave a few instructions to his colleagues. “Let’s go. I’ll take you home.”TryTcBMggHLzBTYQZhtiGjAqsKzGVQ
HrjWlYxfSDgsvgi“I need to inform the fire department.”QYbrKPJDnFntuIOwnuyIYflcoBmxQP
pZeFoqziOtAyDrfYan Jue chimed in, “Go on, I’ll handle it.”PrnWRdKIcPcMAxJpRdxQIOjUMqYLND
wfeBNvwDwOGLmGyWithout sparing Yan Jue a glance, Gong Yingxian took Ren Yi by the arm, “Let’s go.”IxhmMLOIphsPwfPHDvQdztELSyCSVY
jNYRHGohKSoUCUzRen Yi waved his hand, “Thank you for your hard work.”josCaiSEgQcyqEvgiTtJTHQHKxcuXL
itsAtJTTFLohZiNGong Yingxian quickly pulled Ren Yi away.LtgxTklkWyIgMOfrUzYlgRNgIvMCLD
uIWdQZVkmGUNNvJBack in the car, the two sat in silence for a long time.rJpIVKgIJtFuoiqXgHylLUFXBdRCIe
pOlZdMKuRjOeWdiGong Yingxian leaned forward on the steering wheel, exhausted, his jaw tight, and his long fingers gripping the wheel firmly.pZhPJGlExJgbvhWVldYprEOiJVwGMI
uLYXafTSDqCYgprRen Yi gently patted Gong Yingxian’s head, speaking softly, “I know you’re not willing to accept this, but tonight, you’ve already saved many lives.”luhZCeHezzrTFSpuizOXrMBpGOKDMg
mfMWMfnPOSXQHCy“He deliberately ran into the crowd,” Gong Yingxian’s voice was hoarse. “What kind of brainwashing power can make someone do something like that?”zSPLKWGyTXHXQRxKAViUcInKXmmTXa
JGcbfvuWhDUQywy“When you catch Purple Flame, you’ll understand.”GBCEFOlgoOgLSbWuoHnIPbCcOJKqZz
pchvECSJcGAsnGpGong Yingxian turned his head, staring at Ren Yi in the dim light, his voice trembling, “They want to kill you. If I hadn’t been here today, they might have succeeded.”dezhwomLvAbXACWRJVzixugjsxXvHM
ItvxqCdsEuMnXDyRen Yi felt a similar panic within, but he forced himself to calm Gong Yingxian, “That’s why fate brought you here. We both made it through safely. Whether it was the concert or this, it all proves that evil can’t defeat good.”GKEkYBkUaJBDPUnjPfucKbyHTwmYZi
XFwTotefesyZKfC“I don’t believe in that sort of thing.”OVEIBYsYNRwwPOHvfUWYWeWopusSNG
LkGrUqXPYFVGPIv“Then believe in yourself,” Ren Yi said solemnly. “I’ve always believed in you. I know you’ll bring them to justice before they can cause more harm. You’ll save everyone, including yourself.”rGPuKFuyqSRsJCrhciujNnWGueOoWc
KuCtTJwFAbaVxwSGong Yingxian was taken aback.EhKDycVuXRGANgyqCVEFSooPBMzgIN
YLQnXEhTnalDhGwRen Yi spoke slowly, emphasizing each word, “You will walk out of that fire.”NPePXBfmaUdxcbmvYSDFLRVtdRMivB
NykwSBnCRmTCzDFSuddenly, Gong Yingxian leaned over and hugged Ren Yi tightly, his tall frame trembling like a child.TIVGNBqtYLpQNFWChEUjKMMcLRNThD
TXjdwexOAUMnPrvRen Yi felt a pang of emotion, his nose tingling, and he hugged Gong Yingxian back just as firmly, gently stroking his back.JfuLKwoiDgYAtamOSZsnteRkWmHOWz
FbaoOtiJVaJcdbCIt was an embrace filled with boundless warmth, where they exchanged care and comfort through their tightly pressed hearts.jXNUDjlyXABEMshOwemKStatsamNbA
QoCvJmsoJClYJqjAfter a long while, Gong Yingxian finally calmed down, awkwardly releasing Ren Yi. “You must have been scared too today,” he murmured.DNdpsgqbgosgCFuYYUvxPCDPklsjgi
ZJvKbdyOWprDOeRRen Yi rubbed his nose, “In hindsight, yes. If it were just me, it’d be one thing, but with so many captains in that store…if it had exploded, it’d be international news.”AxlHrgkGImZqsMuEYOrFBHQOsQCkRD
XkeVeXmVbuxKJwx“The same if Honglin Stadium had been bombed.”qtIHtxayhYjpyNXrlBiFbWlgeoGDUe
nUsfWjydMYOvzWyRen Yi gave a bitter smile, “True.”XkzURnPRZRisSjfRYzSdmEAUxlqAiT
InlNbAKapigXisY“From now on, there’ll be police protecting you 24/7, patrolling around your unit. For now, don’t leave the team; I’ll do everything I can to catch Bai Yan as soon as possible.”jrCxNVgtTLLmzstXvRCHVVQZtSjuVA
qzGsrUoHDTIzdKj“But I still have to respond to calls.”nkXpGhyNerdGnJwyXdRNpMBxTnJtEC
CGXleJYcAjlvEGGGong Yingxian scolded, “At a time like this, how can you think of going on duty?”nwMzgbLIzeNrEKXJDXctZrtPEOCoOZ
ttBEfOLZNPaHRgw“And aren’t you on duty too?”JkwWkDuqIBVeMSqdiNEGcYxBVlVSfW
AZuGkThUYMuZYgjGong Yingxian was left speechless.KLMYJIHMtrJqXhtSGvfsABPjWXPLzQ
rfpIwDetoBgkgTY“I’m worried about you too,” Ren Yi continued. “Bai Yan probably hates you the most now, but you’re too alert, armed – not easy to take down.” Ren Yi looked at Gong Yingxian. “I’d love to see you stay safe in that multi-layered fortress of yours, never leaving. But I know you won’t. And it’s the same for me – I can’t just hide away while my brothers face danger.”PNKtQwgdZTEGVfCRvYvnWwVgdoOuIU
DgfbgZxwlextlZXGong Yingxian glared at Ren Yi, “Can’t you just listen for once?”LWGLuevCEHEnoWCZglopqMNfKJxxEU
njImzOabTGiosdxRen Yi chuckled, “I can listen on other things, but not this. This is my duty.”DupEvDjaJJwUmKUrdXTyaPmftTkqWR
BoOSleRJzxTGJpzGong Yingxian’s chest rose and fell, clearly frustrated.KOmmuwLCLMjLHiHuKpIYeQSuGtkJdt
NuYjgVoNbFJspGK“Come on, take me back to the unit.”DGFeFXpvvMtqOObVGlhZHJypmFsAiz
CKqLrVbxKllLriRGong Yingxian didn’t move, obviously fuming.dFwzftcUbIBAwaDWKnQaQYKFvFEJHx
naEFlMVaGZPPrjPSuddenly, Ren Yi slumped down onto Gong Yingxian’s shoulder, whining, “With the handsome and mighty Officer Gong protecting me, I feel so safe.”jZAoZnGripxWhdILLPHNYIGrznpWcV
yWUQhSMwYIfuOAZGong Yingxian couldn’t hold back and let out a laugh.InRwZFYdfgCcCljrnTCkVtCixKhgBc
dNyCMVytKSyUeRGnRuzgYAoEOEysUYctIJEzOxeskrCQg