Blazing Armor

After a lengthy conversation, neither could sleep. It was that darkest hour before dawn, leaving them in quiet anticipation of daylight.dBFZahdRIdDfOfrmasIAWllhWCXPLt

Gong Yingxian began recounting to Ren Yi the meticulous process that led them to track down Bai Chicheng. It wasn’t a tale of heart-stopping drama—just countless officers piecing together sparse clues, diligently searching, peeling back layer after layer with relentless analysis.ziIqVrOOrvUthCDXUUHCHKvNuaeuHP

But Ren Yi was deeply moved. In his mind’s eye, he pictured Gong Yingxian, exhausted with dark circles and bloodshot eyes, along with his fellow officers who must have worked around the clock, inching closer to breakthroughs day by day, until they finally identified the suspect amidst the sea of people.NjzQAjYqCqDFNGefDOivWEkBIMJAsA

In the midst of their chat, Gong Yingxian unexpectedly glanced out the window.aqeZtkyRprDaisxBwfPsHIQhFiXxLM

Ren Yi turned to look, and there, delicate white tufts floated down from the sky, glowing faintly against the darkness like ethereal sprites. He murmured, “It’s snowing.”RWZcWLvmjfEmHlmAeFglCjWepjglpz

It was the city’s first snow of the year. Winter was almost over, and it had come a bit late, but it was still a delightful surprise.cJFEuoOyhMZjeeFLoQRjhKcMFJqcWX

Ren Yi grinned and asked Gong Yingxian, “Want to go see the snow?”hTWtObszaGjjcKAiDrxbqQywLASWnO

“You just recovered; maybe it’s best to stay in.”ttftRqqjRnnyeskKUPGlpEcGQnUiaT

“Our coats are especially warm.” Ren Yi fetched two coats from the closet, handing one to Gong Yingxian. “It’s the season’s first snow—we can just watch from the balcony.”VtJdkApXAqkRnWpMWiGbaVfeZrULVH

Bundled in down jackets, Ren Yi opened the balcony door, and a gust of cold wind surged in, making them both shiver.wCDLvNiPmzMpIundssDcMdzqwOauKw

“Damn, it’s really cold.” Ren Yi pulled his coat tighter, his eyes bright as he gazed at the silver dust drifting down from the heavens.whnEFhyTYCSjugEUqvxScQNwKzQxHD

“It doesn’t snow much in California.” Gong Yingxian extended his hand, watching a tiny snowflake land on his palm, only to melt instantly. “In the years I’ve been back, I haven’t seen heavy snow.”mjLfItzSEbEgoSGaedGbUMGXfXMRxr

“The snow here is pretty mild. For a real snowstorm, you’d have to go farther north.” Ren Yi laughed, “I went to Changbai Mountain with friends once. Now that was some serious snow.”kmqAZWJAfhWlLnRktELfZZcGpOHgik

Gong Yingxian turned to look at Ren Yi, “Do you like snow?”XwvpbgkquZwHnqJkHYNSGjalfziCez

“Yeah, I like it.”VAhginVEIJohFAWJUnKuOjhEZBaFBa

“…I do too,” Gong Yingxian replied. “Snow looks so pure.”IkpgYbgpcxqykRHJbztGmuXvNiywkB

“Haha, it’s rare we actually like the same thing.”eCBgWgcHuyBtrOjekKcRejibryRjbl

Ren Yi said it offhandedly, but Gong Yingxian felt a tightness in his chest. They had finally found something they both enjoyed—snow. Their backgrounds, experiences, personalities, and beliefs couldn’t be more opposite. Perhaps Ren Yi’s fondness for snow was no different than his general love for nature, like flowers or clouds, while for Gong Yingxian, it was one of the few precious connections they shared.IPqMXXPOMYBOKczSXQRhlQJSfhMxzd

He often wondered, if not for the cases that intertwined their lives, would they even have any topics to talk about? Any reason to stay in touch? After all, he couldn’t even join Ren Yi for a casual barbecue.nNgYQJuvZGhrbBmYCoMObCtKfREcwz

Ren Yi traced a line on the thin layer of snow on the railing with his finger. “Such a pity; the snow’s so light that it’ll all melt once the sun’s up.”cdXNZKOMCcfWfKkGIMuRPnRqTJtoDG

“Next time, let’s go somewhere with snow that won’t melt so easily.”LkxTAJTlibNZrrxmMWOMsMgPrDAVZv

Ren Yi paused, surprised. “You mean, the two of us?”sHTthRlIhrMxRicbkufMuySyuRhbHe

Gong Yingxian gave a small nod, stealing a quick glance at Ren Yi to gauge his reaction.hZEMFkrUgYTFAYBcnHhPotQdASEBzS

Ren Yi felt a flutter in his heart, the cold instantly forgotten. No matter how Gong Yingxian saw him—whether out of convenience or seeking some physical comfort—Ren Yi was determined to go forward without regrets or looking back.oYdTdMZwrnfQaDIQdPSUtLBfrGvwVj

Gong Yingxian couldn’t quite interpret the smile on Ren Yi’s face, so he cleared his throat. “Any place in mind?”hCkITHftzUWIbeDxKSQoKxgKhaAiQO

Ren Yi grinned, “Anywhere’s fine.” Anywhere with him would do.jyPGtkunLcnGWfJwtGytFFJuntcMTq

“Then…let’s wait until I catch Purple Flame.”nIUdclVOgDXTZLmdvnFkRawuAfYtNh

“Deal!”GBgDRLFMNdklkAAzhukkpjYcYuhnnz

Before dawn, Ren Yi saw Gong Yingxian off, strictly instructing the guards not to mention his overnight stay. If anyone found out Gong Yingxian had spent the night, it’d be tough to come up with an excuse.yYEwcRxsyhqgfcPYwYUUjYFQxIGMae

The next day, Qu Yangbo informed Ren Yi that he’d been disciplined for leaving his post while on duty.QjtZOaZCLsujFHzlwnBKNRsqdeZaqT

Of course, the true reason wasn’t as trivial as that. Grabbing dinner after a meeting was common practice, and any team captain allowed out would have everything sorted with their squad. But his lapse in judgment in the face of personal safety, organizing a gathering without the proper precautions, had nearly led to disaster.XgheWpKFXPPvyIzmnpUJkKAaLBdqUO

He received a formal warning, a reprimand across the entire bureau, and was ordered to write a self-reflection report.pAYkygTOWWJVxDEqGhyLjpwnyWFbnu

Ren Yi grimaced and said, “Serves me right.”gZydyWuKgCzbCHpHwDjUwYeHrkChQz

Qu Yangbo sighed, “It was a close call this time, luckily nothing major happened. Otherwise…this punishment would be considered light. Still, it’ll affect your future prospects. But on the bright side, you’ve made some solid contributions lately.”WBYybNTudiMKyjNojsgdMBblhvVXoV

Ren Yi didn’t care much about climbing the ranks, certainly not with the ambition or drive of someone like Qu Yangbo. Being a squad leader suited him just fine. Climbing higher would mean more time behind a desk, which was the last thing he wanted. Sure, working in the field was risky, but it was saving and helping people that set his blood on fire, giving him a sense of purpose and value.kIyJImtMdlOdIEGOsmwgGziFhTXaOo

Not that he’d tell Qu Yangbo that—he’d only get an earful about his lack of ambition. Qu Yangbo had visions of the two of them rising through the ranks side by side.nKxKjXXHRfIqPPQjOVfaAJxQYpgfzV

Feeling frustrated, Ren Yi shut himself in his dorm and spent an entire afternoon writing the self-reflection report, nearly dying from the ordeal of drafting ten thousand words.UOIZYfrWGPBluDGGUqWpGImoVLxFJX

Once finished, he finally checked his phone, noticing a message from Gong Yingxian: “My primary physician has arrived in Beijing. He’d like to meet with you. When are you available?”hnYEASPlvIcUtSyeyQXqliDAgyMfXr

Ren Yi replied: “Saturday.”TJJsdJcWDGcicntdtXtfLDVNXCNAMj

With Lunar New Year approaching, this was the busiest season for various public service departments. Crime rates were skyrocketing, and there were frequent accidents and disasters. Naturally, police and firefighters were swamped, leaving little time for Gong Yingxian and Ren Yi to meet.KmmwYfumQwQsqdwNIFnljHyltlfRcm

After organizing the squad’s shift schedules, Ren Yi saw he had some extra time before his planned meeting with Gong Yingxian. He called over Li Sa for a quick chat, commending her for volunteering to stay on duty. After all, professional firefighters had the right to take holidays off.DXmmuiaPWgfIheuLyBheMPiaWvIEHw

Li Sa laughed heartily, “No need to be so formal, Captain Ren. My family lives nearby, and since families can join us here for the holiday, I’ll just invite my parents over to spend the New Year with me at the squad.”EirjTGkYEkkMGMRItzCWpSyPEGyejF

“Good, we’ll celebrate together this year,” Ren Yi smiled warmly at her. “You’re one of the soldiers I’ve kept a close eye on. Your growth over the past six months has really impressed me. You’ve proven your skills, like in the recent rescue from the collapsed well and the hospital explosion incident. Your assessment scores are consistently strong, so next mission, I’ll have you formally join the frontline.”pNsEwjUsMQUPrVGOaZjGeJzjBjmYou

Li Sa’s eyes lit up. “Thank you, Captain Ren. Thank you so much!”MOeQuBxUtLCoryVCixFDuoViHgedid

“No need to thank me—you earned this. You know, when you first arrived, everyone was a bit skeptical of you. You got special treatment, sure, but there was doubt about your capabilities. It was through your hard work on the job, your performance in every mission, and your steady training and assessment results that you earned their trust. If you want to thank anyone, thank the version of yourself who kept pushing forward.”mFlqyJMjEedYDBALukbxACUMAdEuDe

Li Sa smiled, both bashful and excited.HLWMCqQyhuYSYtbSfmYGCrgPJhMZEP

“After you’ve been on missions for a while, I’ll observe you for six months. If you continue to perform well, when you complete a year here, I’ll transfer you from the support unit to the combat squad.”vuNcudXgLwXdVwofMrbBuXMuCqlgpy

Li Sa’s gaze was firm. “I definitely won’t let you down, Captain Ren.”OThYepoQPIJtsujgpmXTkrPMsUYqcX

After wrapping up the conversation with Li Sa, Ren Yi tidied up a bit and headed downstairs, where a driver and bodyguard, sent by Gong Yingxian, were waiting to pick him up.HtAuaXYqjmAPBEGQBRGVHMcZFJFZQX

One of Gong Yingxian’s drivers was someone Ren Yi had met before, but the bodyguard was new. He wasn’t the towering, muscular figure Ren Yi expected from a movie-like bodyguard. Instead, he was of average build. Yet, from the man’s close-cropped hair and solid trapezius muscles, Ren Yi could tell he’d served in the military.vVLncuNSbPKUlyYmMMHZVvyqNaGCqZ

The bodyguard greeted Ren Yi politely but then fell silent, which only added to Ren Yi’s impression that he was someone you wouldn’t want to mess with.rAiarTLnIALAHQqxrzjnupFuDghbEz

The car headed straight to Gong Yingxian’s home—a clear indication of the close relationship between Dr. Pompeii and the Gong family.gmCWZwfPUmRHnOiIPKuqhCvRivaXsy

Ren Yi had heard bits about this primary doctor from Sheng Bo. The man was a Sino-American¹ renowned in psychology. At one point, Gong Yingxian’s mental state had been in terrible shape, leading his grandfather to send him abroad, partly for his safety and partly in hopes that a change of environment might help. Dr. Pompeii had taken on his treatment overseas, spending years guiding Gong from a severely traumatized PTSD patient, almost devoid of speech and emotion, to someone who could at least function in society.afhEzzAQctdqaBocosTnNpGCsqVSNd

Upon arriving, alongside familiar faces like Sheng Bo, stood a refined and elegant middle-aged man who was unmistakably Dr. Pompeii.JNUyMjGCSTlGmdXZWhwBwrEHOuUOYp

Dr. Pompeii extended his hand to Ren Yi. “Captain Ren, it’s a pleasure to finally meet you.”usinTcOheYnBjWLIgNxazBEBnyHJiI

Ren Yi quickly reached out to shake his hand. “Doctor, the pleasure’s all mine.”GuRItjlkfKNVuGZBMANLirLavqgPKB

With a warm smile, Dr. Pompeii said, “I heard that someone in Yingxian’s life could get close to him and even influence him, and I was quite curious about you. Last year, however, I was caught up in a research project and couldn’t make the trip back; otherwise, I would’ve come much sooner.”iINDdsvwClGDSSXJJvtTSSmcmKLulU

Gong Yingxian coughed lightly, looking a bit embarrassed.qvSxvqQZuZUmuchziXfMJFakbGoQWM

After a few more pleasantries, they were ushered inside by Sheng Bo, whose face beamed with joy. “It’s been so long since we’ve had this much life in the house!”IWtuAGeoTEqnjDorxZLVQHprDqEfLt

After a bountiful dinner, Gong Yingxian led them to that room—the one filled with everything related to the Gong family’s case.RWJCHVxntGaMKwQtJOVFwlZzqhjdTs

Dr. Pompeii picked up a family photo. “You can face it now.”CwWusQagONkAnnZVPZwtxldqRGMKEj

Gong Yingxian nodded. “After all these years of desensitization therapy, I can even get close to fire now,” he added in a quiet voice, “small flames.”wjqpBGvrzgdAaEssNVGmPSPhrmpYhY

Ren Yi gazed at Gong Yingxian intently. “You faced a big fire for me. That car was engulfed in flames, but you still came to save me.”IwpxaCEhEtYwBHOetfRortDGEjQLtf

Gong Yingxian huffed, “Like you should talk. I told you to retreat, but you wouldn’t listen.”iRFLeJqswfpyblBhbvCnMCBZGhddMf

Dr. Pompeii chuckled, “I heard about that. Yingxian told me later. Actually, in earlier treatments, I had thought about pushing him hard, but every intense pressure test failed, nearly undoing the fragile sense of security we’d rebuilt. So, the fact that he approached the flames to save you marked a pivotal turning point in his recovery. Since then, he’s genuinely improved. The significance lies in that he chose to confront his fear. There’s nothing more powerful than facing your fears head-on.”yADytoAMUpAZUNuGWWpzautZmGeXcY

Ren Yi smiled, feeling a deep satisfaction. Whether it was Gong risking everything to save him or him inadvertently helping Gong overcome his trauma, it warmed his heart.ANxkoNdMpGRzmkVwXRNZTStIgmxISz

Gong Yingxian admitted, “I haven’t entirely conquered my fear of fire, but I’m doing much better than before. Maybe one day I’ll overcome it completely.”vbUIlwEtjzWmfdqWvjkPuSdguFFbac

“That day will come,” Dr. Pompeii smiled, pointing to Ren Yi, “and your friend here will play a big part in it.”mFdIDKHBRQOmvxhfxigxXAZbMcJsNH

The two exchanged a quick, almost shy glance before looking away, smiling slightly.SYtKqHLaDdZsvlubkItWReHLOuoOmC

Dr. Pompeii raised an eyebrow, a knowing smile spreading across his face, though he didn’t call them out on it. “Now then, let’s talk about the mask.”chMNERauOyeUsQhExsvJpvvbLrcrKq