Chapter 109
On the road, Gong Yingxian couldn’t resist asking, “What did the doctor just say to you?”PLxXvlWLTgKgQVKluEoVLKrAJYPTRG
RQMhTcdSfCxMzRVRen Yi teased, “He said you were adorable as a kid.”BAJYYzRczIhxQresaUChXXeZCczuqr
AKqfVsYQQKehUjLGong Yingxian feigned anger, “Be serious.”xAjcRmjztYBfdNQStYbhfSgBLDohSz
MmVviabdhHYgzqF“What’s the matter? Is there something you don’t want me to know?”DRjDPyHEdvmtbTkhXpMnZgyhuLVFhQ
TFuuYDikwEZCiRx“…No.”nPaacQuWnFIAJLmJhKXRempgvdHzoK
PJNFeGBdnojYshd“Relax, it wasn’t anything important. The doctor just said I’m helpful to your recovery.” Ren Yi, though filled with anxiety and helplessness, didn’t let it show on his face. He could understand the protective instincts of Qiu Yan and Dr. Pompeii toward Gong Yingxian. After all, they were the ones who had witnessed his worst moments and stood by him through it all.pUqYwFqAYXIPVNRcNDekPASvHpGBVh
SmkYFErncpPJAqKThis only weighed more heavily on Ren Yi’s mind. He constantly doubted himself, wondering if he had made too many mistakes, even in daring to fall for Gong Yingxian. Perhaps that, too, was a mistake. Not to mention their current relationship, knowing it was wrong but still unable to resist the lure of desire, couldn’t help but stir worry for the future.WPiJnGlVHVjuLPqrWFeSSVPVCGzAMT
yBcVYspIdDmsmsTGong Yingxian was silent for a moment, then said, “There’s something I need you to help me with.”jwDFAIaqglqWxNhPujCEpJSOYHwfIW
MCAhYrbfHlimoHD“What is it?”tGenQAODoBcKdRornRTfPBCPQBYoDO
uNzvfgbVHKAokNL“Deep hypnosis.”bqCWvFbOsipRbyjLpiiHfIMafFMgFu
QZZHOORjwPIiOpRRen Yi turned to look at Gong Yingxian. “The doctor already refused.”AALZxGoMcVFOvaNGCclMfStmheXAiE
dEaJnCsqAEtZuxZ“But I haven’t given up.” Gong Yingxian’s gaze remained steady, unwavering as he looked ahead. “Deep hypnosis can truly bring back a lot of memories one thought were lost. This time, I have more clues. I’m certain I can uncover more from my memories.”wvafmEOBtVTnpzygeUpRkHQQykoGzm
tFRCUWqYsdSHGJzRen Yi spoke in a low voice, “But the doctor said it’s dangerous, and I can’t help you. He’s already refused.”hLjVXvSsYXcktCEuHzFUYCpCLKoWmY
HcVpXqQvSttKmsI“The danger of deep hypnosis lies in the memories—the things I fear most and the people closest to me. It’s easy for me to get trapped and not come back. But I’m not as afraid of fire as I once was, and during hypnosis…” Gong Yingxian glanced at Ren Yi, “with you by my side, I’d feel much safer.”GYTfbXYiCzcBypfQWVFCliVcNQyRRs
DwneiFGzkdxAxbURen Yi stared at Gong Yingxian for a long time, his emotions complicated. “I… unless the doctor is confident he can protect you, I can’t just watch you take that risk.”YyCIMDCBBmMqqPZGjdNyfWnxTzQCei
hjgeQcappakupgj“I’ll convince him. All you need to do is be there with me when the time comes.”OiRsqrNvieQgSUFOQkwedsXowTChzp
kANqlROSUBILmosRen Yi sighed softly. “Yingxian, I’ve tried to tell you many times—don’t push yourself so hard.”XvJoFdGzvtcjMGYGynYZmESVbqxLcH
tLfFEwqeCTdHutbGong Yingxian didn’t respond. He’d been too young back then, powerless to protect his family. It was the nightmare of his life. Now, he was strong enough and would never allow anyone to harm Ren Yi. He would do whatever it took to capture the purple flame.dvUnPtAJvhneJuFqsLAByPEUhgLYpM
DRpJqguMkpEYPHlWhatever it took.FSvPdeCxQXdVPkRqKTQSOyeUZUOKyf
GsXomSTopIlqjjxThe car came to a steady stop at the unit’s entrance. Ren Yi unclasped his seatbelt. “Take care on your way, don’t stay up all night. If it gets too late, sleep at the station.”npWVcICVZGyfYEAYKABRGmfYmbBeBZ
hpuytXOpLRUnrAiGong Yingxian nodded.ZOXWcWfRvLwxByFhLOPwjUqXGtjwbQ
SLfMyTKYEhKAyamRen Yi still felt a tightness in his chest, but said nothing more and prepared to get out. Suddenly, Gong Yingxian placed a hand on his shoulder.jlGHVRLsvsazizESzLGtuYWdrYxmSL
UmRhTsNaciYzNITRen Yi turned around, and Gong Yingxian leaned in, capturing his lips in a kiss.FQqYuSZUxduelegmsGwQJwDADSUYKs
BhQjaTtstpKtyhQRen Yi’s eyes widened, clearly surprised.rdJgpgpOYZeBfCcIwcacplVHqUSyXf
CHHlfEHHhZIAHQKGong Yingxian rarely took the initiative. Most of the time, he was awkward and reserved, holding back his words even when his desire was written in his eyes. Ren Yi found that endearing in him.cEleEJeJaWFFxNKkNUWgqLmaqMSMMV
HqTUbEuKLAfLItoThe kiss was brief. Gong Yingxian pulled away and said softly, “Go back.”YyGaAUrtrJQLMNaLTgQPySDUInYvSC
uKjYClNuSsMjgtURen Yi smiled faintly. “Why so forward today?”DWMVdNHOWGasehaCejZjCGvkHKLohJ
tEUUSiebFiiCnmXGong Yingxian’s lashes trembled slightly as he looked directly into Ren Yi’s eyes. “Can’t I?”KDbeUhVjdEISGhjZEEgZwZuHpeOAAF
LpQhBRKirxruRhq“Of course you can.”oplBFyGncxYcngeJxxduDAtfgYHJzu
qjYyWKuvthSbpGAGong Yingxian’s gaze traced over Ren Yi’s features, taking in every detail of his face, knowing that all of it belonged to him. A thought stirred in his heart, and he asked, “Am I the only one?”caqjTyBDmNrzhELaRqInPALBLZXQXj
iFelVjTRPduaYOnRen Yi froze.tHDLJIQXPCXeBVoIRZiGFnUscRaGLX
yMeoWgXBKkwSyJCWith a firm tone, Gong Yingxian pressed, “I’m the only one, right?”OsZxxTGTHljlesIqtLWIDlYOhTqBwX
fFgyFxxaJswSFTaRen Yi was momentarily lost, unsure of what Gong Yingxian meant by those words.yRkcEmTKAPfukCAGlAMZKiSFDUPhpV
gaVijAGdYonvcGxSeeing Ren Yi’s silence, a heavy feeling settled in Gong Yingxian’s heart, his breath unsteady. “I’m the only one who can do those things with you.”SbXTQrAlWcASTnWmuagWrbOeBjrFNH
mSbppLOSbegkYfORen Yi realized that certain questions, if continuously avoided, would eventually spill over. He took a deep breath. “Yingxian, do you know what our relationship is right now?”ApjlOlOaFSZTRsVRjzIvcTPEStQbrY
SypEHnAMAdWXFxOGong Yingxian said nothing.NJeAxxUDzTkWtojlUXrqPYmbPGxuIu
KhOYhzZMeFaulobRen Yi struggled to explain. “Between adults, there’s a type of relationship that usually implies…”jXbYdyELzspneWLbzQAfjlXYWOoOXx
vWoAtAuSdKUAGwM“A booty call. You don’t need to treat me like a caveman—I know what it means,” Gong Yingxian interrupted, anger flaring within him. “Are you saying that because of that kind of relationship, I can’t make that request?”oFmUPieAXfYbKIDNODbzpDsfrtmIXn
LhkSseRBZXyDPcFRen Yi looked down, at a loss for words. The truth was, Gong Yingxian didn’t need to make any request; Ren Yi had no intention of being close to anyone else. Secretly, he’d been pretending they were in a real relationship, unwilling to face the truth and have the illusion shattered.jzhnrtkmlZGRdPOSyWiEdbbLqhWRaj
auwMxbaqvzXNCqvRen Yi’s silence seemed like a confirmation to Gong Yingxian, who clenched his teeth. “You know I have a need for exclusivity, so…”vzKKxbSobTNgeqyrMZIiATQNKZjsAV
VjZVsoELiAIxjDE“I know.” Ren Yi replied quickly. “Just as you want.” He opened the car door, ready to leave.nQjfWnqXNLbYDqFmSoHXMCfetmAMCQ
vnkLrFFYLftPbLpGong Yingxian reached out to grab him, but uncharacteristically, Ren Yi shook off his hand.UAbQFNQMcPlapPChosDuMBkNXUTBYS
FetodiNyHGtHCSYThe movement left them both frozen in place.oOoGckyiquPgdDhHWYNLWNNkaascNH
oNIJLYoBeuHWkdLRen Yi had always been gentle and understanding toward Gong Yingxian. Except for that one time when Gong Yingxian ignored orders and handled chemical containers, he’d never gotten angry with him.cOhCCJQUKJOjiVUJFDKuKZzJUtpyDq
hbUbbPaEzKRBIjQA wave of discomfort and even a hint of hurt washed over Gong Yingxian as he looked at Ren Yi in disbelief. “Are you mad at me?”cYGRnUiazpnBGehpVptiIEhWKwhgRy
uVssIKFjolbldxdRen Yi turned back reluctantly, trying to explain, “No, I’m just…” He looked at Gong Yingxian’s face but had no idea what to say.QXIyQYmZMSwWLDCulcnwpycHBPrHbo
wwxvsStvWrfauDL“Is it that hard for you?” Gong Yingxian’s voice held a barely perceptible tremor. “Is it impossible to be with only me?”lhacRGlVtiHjEdfGxrzpXQMmFLQnWT
KCxEyzTilbJnbGjRen Yi gave a bitter smile. “What kind of person do you think I am? Someone who casts a wide net, flirting around?”xiGJNFHUfdaiGvcPbDTFvDidGjShVs
xMCFZrNtYlEjilFGong Yingxian couldn’t respond. He had always been bothered by Ren Yi’s past with Qi Xiao.hNMZPCGOKhpRhnwYEgpDcPoPOwLhSJ
yKugfLnNwrFbpzj“Even if you don’t say it, I won’t be looking for anyone else. You can rest assured.” Ren Yi forced a smile. “I’m leaving.”yrDtnteVoAGvrymhuuXaNwBnrdHNoA
GIaaOhpYufTTjBrBut Gong Yingxian still held onto his arm, clearly unwilling to let go.dNSCjcfuqhHAXKYsoSSgSecpEZcTZa
WBMdwMMlvQYyanQRen Yi emphasized, “Good night.”hUVwZFEBsZXnyZwcTQqrQymCDMxRLf
MvYbqDYMIZGOoELSuddenly, Gong Yingxian wrapped his arms around Ren Yi from behind, encircling him with an iron grip, holding him tightly, leaving no room to escape.LnrFwpRnITEuVqVzUzcqvmBacuAyvd
IoSwFAlxfcKKkEHRen Yi didn’t move at all.aWPwJxyRkRopHzMltBrzXNArGxmQUw
yHOigUqMnkcbjfvIn a low voice by his ear, Gong Yingxian murmured, “Don’t be mad at me.”KrKxVOnQZvlJsKhDQajgrERXhETAHh
rawrrCFmCUZwrGdRen Yi sighed, helpless. “Alright.” When Gong Yingxian clung to him like this, childlike in his dependence, it was all too easy for Ren Yi to soften.UbitCfgWfNhAJaROqQUtlLZHwGoNMv
UhbctllcOjOyBhM“Promise me.”xhIciNxYRslVgaTsQoxMkIiAxfVRzR
iwLKRZLPjEEAUzT“I promise.”XSXUNpLdtSElWasVCmGnSXFIzhosoY
YcWCahHtYiWkdUbGong Yingxian held him in silence for a while longer before finally letting go. Ren Yi got out of the car, waved back at him, and then turned to leave.vfHoiOunGXFZBMkdBRpgEwIgvlRODc
CqWZVHkuDzdjMPMGong Yingxian watched Ren Yi’s back until he disappeared up the stairs before driving away.crFvIObXTTKlvKvzjWYeKueqkwKUen
nACLnnkbCxkcImERen Yi, on the other hand, lay restless and sleepless that entire night.AYdYkjAWYvAqVdBgRJJTXRkChPYBTG
TJNyeAkxGdTvIxiFalling for Gong Yingxian had been his choice. Agreeing to Gong Yingxian’s demands was also his choice. Feeling wronged now would only seem petty; he was simply sad.gbBNtYzMovSOCWjQgZFHtbGyWKgTLv
IveUWFNSdFfGhmZSad that what he felt for Gong Yingxian wasn’t fully returned—and he had known this all along, yet continued as he was. Yes, just sad, that’s all—IXCGxZEcbNDTTOjUPmmHwdtcibAZcO
ssAneUZsvYFczeRTwo days later, Ren Yi received a notice from the headquarters, summoning him for training. Every year there were various trainings and meetings he usually tried to find excuses to avoid. But having recently been reprimanded, he decided to play it safe this time and went to report as instructed.ICbWkgQpPOAtFRmeBXXursxmewAgrz
BfxhZBTIFVBCyZfThe training content was roughly divided into two categories: ideological and practical. Ren Yi despised the party lectures, where he would inevitably nod off. But sessions like special case analysis, squadron management and training, familiarization with advanced domestic and international technology and equipment—those were genuinely informative, and he didn’t mind listening.WBOnLUjJtoZSCuAZfONErOXLnBuMAm
tJgrgpeMmdekYpGThis time, it was the latter.IBHSSIJKVHqTOHWTnslleAyQJKXlZk
FBcVjmpqtVKxPVrAmong the selected captains was Yan Jue, who, after their previous encounters, had become friends with Ren Yi. Naturally, they sat together.EcSlJJlktcaVdDorycuZtKoeLwEbzh
xszSOZCpeZKOnBQYan Jue glanced at him. “Didn’t sleep well, huh? Those dark circles are huge.”kLbjbiKbXajRTrWiIDhgxuyLoksOmE
QRlyMfZLBMmhFDC“Oh, it’s been a quiet week with no emergencies, so I’ve just been up all night on my phone,” Ren Yi replied, casually brushing off his real worries—both the maniac still at large who wanted him dead and his tangled feelings. How could he sleep well with all that on his mind?nuypUejYHbIolfDiYWWBEpHAbDjNXx
sQfPaNfxcNQMRDPYan Jue chuckled. “You game too? Let’s play a round during the break.”NzjaMcFVRXznGjFtNHzEZuHojTPxDj
UAWRxDRqGhStKVkRen Yi laughed, “Sure, but how’s your skill level? If you’re bad, just give me a heads-up so I won’t roast you too hard.”gMGTsuXwSDlzmBKBuflTsKSMkXCcCV
sQECRlIOiLMdZLL“Ha! We’ll see who’s roasting who.”IwgyTqOVQSrNbbcoubKRxOsOVvLiTi
GyyaoeABuEhWIJQClass began shortly after.mfynmmJhtkgObWnBVvnKbPocrxNRCK
xtjXfUBkfEdfEgPThis training was a three-day course, covering firefighting-related theoretical knowledge and introducing advanced technology and equipment. Two topics particularly interested Ren Yi: the classic case study on cold storage fire management and a preview of new equipment set to arrive from Germany next year. Ren Yi planned to take good notes, hoping to secure a few extra pieces when the new gear arrived.VVBNSalgGYzcKwGXAewxJtGzREuGJs
buFUImGjsiHptDTAt lunch break, after grabbing a meal, Ren Yi and Yan Jue returned to the dorms and started a game.HTMTVjfkPZnaAqRwEiGfxLtWQVydwA
FVYKZrOOVbTeaHSAs soon as the screen loaded, Yan Jue burst into laughter. “What’s your username? What the hell?”eMGoJySVVoQumWNPMgEJrBdUvdaRBj
ceelOBwOgYJFExo“Just call me ‘Goddess,’” Ren Yi smirked, eyeing Yan Jue. “Oh, a King level player, huh?”lKvCftrNaaBMJXZmcKvYgsAQMBBzpm
JlzYfEcVomyicsG“Did you pick this name to balance out your real one?”AolszzFajxhulmqkVMVfBWmQoaTLmm
iWuNbRNIzZKLgUI“Yeah. It wouldn’t feel right for a firefighter to have a name like ‘Four Fires.’ I have no clue what my dad was thinking when he picked it.”FfTAGeFDYztcVaFDYNNtbuhRjBfpiS
CMAVBFiQlNaTSAx“Your old captain is a legend. He probably had his reasons.”aZKXfkXYECylsQCbbfEpXvpdPKZJqL
xnXyXwYENyddbqHRen Yi sighed, “It’s some superstitious nonsense about the five elements or something. I just don’t get it. Hasn’t he seen enough fire in this lifetime?”ACbCajlbnbZlUsUGptEqNADQbUNcne
MqghZAfXymklfdt“Fight fire with fire,” Ren Yi quipped.awEIRJcxxVBSpMzKQzrxtfYyspMmYd
klnIAhhKCvAJMPwThe game began, and Sun Dingyi called out, “Captain Ren, how’s the training going?”DbfUEvSSDaeMgFFdukDWxsAexTzHhq
CKVOuVNaMrjghGh“It’s great—three days without having to see you little brats. Peace and quiet.”AnRYXgrSEzFbuRhcridRURAxiYxbaY
GSxbxVWQlsxspMl“Yet here you are, desperate to hear our voices and see our slick moves.”ozGTXThtqqTHbzHzawZzGXvJmoLiXO
HjVIfLBNsNiXYfY“Cut the crap and get to mid-lane,” Ren Yi said, still focused on the game. “Oh, by the way, this is Captain Yan from the Special Ops team in the western suburbs. Yan Jue, meet my squad members.”eAWXhTQYBVlsaLNXPQnfDLFWSiFlcl
TWJGpcsOwELCKnt“Hey, good to meet you,” Yan Jue chuckled. “Does your captain usually game with you guys?”nyLRDoVpiBVvrlxoQRgoMvyXYkogmW
CUcvUxJDXWNlOOK“Yeah, don’t you? It’d be boring without games at the squad.”KkIRBqZtLpQELwoThMSpMzlVBbIqSS
WlGuaPymQZeOeJJ“I don’t play with my men,” Yan Jue said, muting his mic momentarily to speak to Ren Yi. “I have a different leadership style. I’m strict with my squad.”ucCwhLyLSRQOuBIwEZxgwFgimmojhe
wzdKquKbJQcGcHmRen Yi shot him a teasing glance. “Really?”ZpsXRvMkUJmrCufenfCiKTNiOfJgCX
PohVkyLpYeUYDaN“Absolutely. They’re all scared of me,” Yan Jue smirked, lips quirking slightly. “It’s only with you that I’m this friendly. Touched?”yDUskOQbczmiEiQmIJVFRzWRYxnSZA
DUVBqNGVgAnhKaU“Not even close,” Ren Yi laughed, calling out, “I’m stunned! Someone come save me!”QDaCkqvWRmQlERpVJwTiznpjvzXfiG
hhnPoAuMHABPiuYJust as the battle hit its peak, Gong Yingxian’s call suddenly came through. Ren Yi’s hand slipped, and he hung up immediately. His heart raced—knowing Gong Yingxian’s possessiveness, he was sure the guy would overthink it. But abandoning the game at this point would let his squad down, and with Yan Jue beside him, he reluctantly decided to push through.nqbKEJaXFZHXMwsnmyRkvUKhzDvLgw
FUokyuQWlYbidskThe match dragged on for a good ten minutes.tAtZQkULQGEygKECNqdUkNRrjYCWpY
VPpfAHfHXrPTHTyAs soon as it ended, Ren Yi headed to the hallway and returned the call to Gong Yingxian.QMemyztrXBdmAqEvEzUdUXqDyCOTYH
ODiBREkUKPLIqkQWhen the call connected, Gong Yingxian didn’t say anything. Even through the silence, Ren Yi could sense his shifting mood and quickly tried to soothe him. “I’m here at headquarters for training. There were leaders around just now, so it wasn’t convenient to answer.”JRyuPQhXYSnUWEbwmRwHhWhHFiGfHQ
QbbziXNgWHKctUKHearing this, Gong Yingxian sighed in relief. “Oh.”oODdDLPpjgirZwcnSblafBUdbdhDfG
nmGPpBlEIglomlH“Did you need something?”sgXcmnZwGJEtTmCUEwHGhSbWmaCOPm
ROhxSkBqoXWsvhY“Can’t I call without a reason?”VdQJlLHYUiHDnnMMZMLguaMMDbhYnF
qNiLfKsEoqXjwkz“Of course you can.”sPmzdcWreHPNvlXVPpwIkORmcnCIFw
WQXOBYvvMzJdDCV“Why don’t you ever call me?”TFWHJpplPtrSSPPBWEgECwEtXLYkgc
AmAXEarLkrtlcIk“I just… didn’t really have anything to say.”wmULoKpFGqXyxZHRYeqiOrnHfHtLXS
eCrOJZOGBAEkBRqAt that moment, Yan Jue popped his head out of the room. “Ren Yi, should we start another round?”gaZBkUqnZyiRnoiBraycOUWZfFOlIx
DYjgSrGcnZQArxDRen Yi quickly nodded and waved at him.FdbBxezbwpQrjyVpGQZGbdDWHWtBbj
kdFlbYQZPduZIcEThere was a pause on the other end of the line. “Who was that? The voice sounded familiar.”IJqZzotXJQvemYnhDGmzdSkzkFxaLD
IlMHgvbdKWLdmRt“Another squad leader.”aLgIgZfGPBacOnhektpzGIyvSKfnjX
kQWmCFIgVVDwqQI“…Was it Yan Jue?” Gong Yingxian seemed to recall the voice.hUZKCthQBufDzgaypmYrtiGsMHVeis
RiooWoYitLAQIhi“Yeah, he’s here too.”dZgzPokOTZjkyHQkwfaudvBaTseyUT
eAvNmwocQkkuiHSGong Yingxian let out a faint, unimpressed sound. “Alright, then carry on.”yQFvPLnVvdmfHXTgRqWOKzFfPUaYCC
wmCtNBYKGPpuefR“You can come visit,” Ren Yi offered. “I’m staying at the headquarters lodge. It’s safe here, so you don’t have to worry.”BtsRRIKAcYhdqZjiNXjoSuRIUgpAuC
iliwCRpSGhagaeG“I’ll come.”KSpQTfomxkzIVXhYxfjrFojKGnxJvP
DdhqkRyCIjkpdldBack in the room, Yan Jue had already started another game and, without looking up, remarked, “It was that officer Gong again, wasn’t it?”KzATmUyBnSbFCSHBHnVdXLPJiChuhq
TfxgwAjWQsuRwwI“How did you know?”KWyEFQkUogSsVbHVNzyEgdeNQBvBcY
mKkrFxQWLJVbPiIYan Jue paused, a small smile tugging at his lips. “Your expression changes when it’s him.”xzhCDgofSqNIkzznGefMaZhQryMeyG
ZZnLEoSSzIcWHtORen Yi’s heart skipped a beat as he instinctively touched his face.ZOSfGWkOXkaNvxAwItdFOabHXXBOzC
UtcNNkqpXvCAaTbWas it really that obvious?oSvNmOzcKTbIlKFJWCzvSWVTqBmPaQ
SzaTGkxElqEQABJThey gamed through the entire lunch break, and by afternoon, neither felt like attending class. Even with Ren Yi’s easygoing nature, he found himself particularly in sync with Yan Jue. It looked like the training over the next few days wouldn’t be so dull after all.uQiDUtsnWghdPDHlVobqZdUpdYTipj
FqVvyclIdwZoQwJjSOZdMjvCZzFRgHzcHHQSGonWWiwuJ