Chapter 113
After stepping out of the bathroom, Ren Yi’s legs felt weak, and he deeply regretted digging his own grave with this behavior.bPgEXeKCpGIMhRInLlJgMHreUFIeLH
BzccOrGtqYxDKJqHe finally learned his lesson and realized that Gong Yingxian was not someone to tease casually. Gong’s “normal mode” was already intimidating enough; when teased, it became utterly lethal.LEXBkPYOdAojSQzmCWdkwtNikoYmjh
quyfLlcBOySoDLrBut Ren Yi couldn’t help himself. He loved provoking and teasing Gong Yingxian. Seeing Gong either blushing or caught up in emotions filled Ren Yi with unparalleled satisfaction—of course, he had to deal with the consequences himself.JgGCnjtfgsaeqgDvaNkFdIqnGmAzzr
ZxHbXwDVRKKYgZdNoticing something odd about Ren Yi’s walking posture, Gong Yingxian reached out to support him.PSpsPNdTOXNwlEqSHPRkeThKmRpRXN
zkdTSyaxwYGrVecRen Yi immediately avoided him—he still had his pride to maintain.xbukbLuhBzyQFTLIUoKqoTXLznmKCo
EXuEoIdWOYYnoqVGong Yingxian asked softly, “Do you need to rest for a bit?”REuwNYGMkjqXXePDMEIpZOexMYMJUb
cEPrRCDJuUflZyG“No need.” Ren Yi sneaked a glance at Gong Yingxian, mischief brewing in his eyes again. “I’ll go sit on the sofa for a while.”EzyVHlIkTJohlvbPMRoYkCrQGqfRHW
JbGDpZmroYNuzCd“Alright.”KKvKtZxgzwznVSygnpdkBsFbAyWOCZ
altlnkCnogCpqbAAs soon as they sat on the sofa, Ren Yi pounced on Gong Yingxian, finding a comfortable position to lie down.bXEUeMbbDNSLcBAufBjXwhhBYuMUtz
CbpWhwBLtiTHoVMGong Yingxian smiled faintly, placing a hand on Ren Yi’s back and patting him gently.BleerRTTmPtYXzZTxzgMxbyWysAqXv
fQAmKWAeNpznxouRen Yi’s ear was pressed against Gong Yingxian’s chest, and even through the fabric, he could feel the faint tremors of his heartbeat. That pulsating rhythm, so full of vitality, came from the person he loved. It stirred an inexplicable emotion in Ren Yi.egeCzoRAAdjOIVrwnOQmGZqQasricx
vHuGeVhEiQbsHbZGong Yingxian rested his chin lightly on the top of Ren Yi’s head. The soft, fluffy hair carried the fresh scent of soap, and the solid weight in his arms evoked a deep sense of responsibility.CjgEnRxxpxGZWRkvhVhMlgaCMXckUe
LOpthhhqQELOkZcNeither of them spoke for a long time, wishing for time to freeze at this moment.IZuUhDEFFFxrkOrUHFJYrmkVxjWPtE
UXNEfeynZFcfgvSHalf-closing his eyes in a lazy haze, Ren Yi murmured sleepily, “It’d be nice if we didn’t have to go to work.”JnrtzXlzSVXLbwwhrRxLuWaBvGdmwV
spqipyXrlpQTWMd“I still have plenty of unused vacation days,” Gong Yingxian replied near Ren Yi’s ear.RpUPHRkvyxNlNLGbAvkUYnCGDhnCCR
ManJlOnfkIgSmCz“Me too. I haven’t really used my vacation this year,” Ren Yi said with a faint smile. “Once everything settles, let’s travel somewhere warm, with a beach.”EcpxDfIkluGzwkEmmBIsSaDPnHmlKe
SuOgXYudHwqikIc“Alright.”kWRzLfGmDMslQZWBKolrBcqSOjHLXs
shQqYkxwGorkYYL“I haven’t traveled since graduating from university,” Ren Yi said wistfully. “Back then, my mom had already passed away, and I’d just joined the squad. It was endless training and studying every day. Then my dad fell ill, and I couldn’t leave even if I wanted to.”bEJsTCMXNoAQyXftZFyMGQlvODXwlb
xpeOmJafYAImYCa“I rarely travel either,” Gong Yingxian admitted. It wasn’t that he disliked traveling, but being alone meant there was no one to share the experience with. Studying or working alone was more enjoyable by comparison.kDYDvfSnYniyCiXWimeOQKrWmfBnNO
uJwLIJEoPvmOKAq“Then let’s go together from now on.”tCxIVJtwrixfjczPqTJBvzdnCbcbQz
qFhBVeEcejFOMYj“Together,” Gong Yingxian said earnestly.rACCLjRTzduVRTJzmZVbVIwzONZLHV
sVVWEeSDxvlbcEIRen Yi felt a warm glow in his chest, as if his entire heart was wrapped in sunlight. He felt weightless, buoyed by an indescribable lightness and joy.KUNqcENZfiYMVGYppBMqdHNMUldlQW
kOuAWKlleBYESAmThey embraced each other for a long time. Ren Yi struggled internally, reluctant to leave, but duty called. He reluctantly got up from Gong Yingxian’s arms and said helplessly, “I really have to go now.”DYDuxGiuehAEwjnxViWTwybdjozCUQ
jQzcBKOYHwryrwdGong Yingxian couldn’t hide his disappointment. “Alright.”HREtzOgyAwbMukdmxQFpyMhnVTYHSM
pxRbpCRIjObBDTARen Yi kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll miss you too.”DnPaPZAraBanctNrrdEDAXelaHzpqo
RGNCYzxaaBTSGLPGong Yingxian touched his cheek, a satisfied smile forming at the corner of his lips. “Let’s go. I’ll drive you back.”vuuqpIMaoHZfQSGTEKFhEcsljKrsti
IJYVUoOUbsfrKdROn the way, Gong Yingxian drove deliberately slowly. It was rush hour, and the traffic was heavy, so the not-so-far distance took a long time.BBJqNImBVxLXtPrcZdGsBTfhqJycqQ
YWNldEuuPZvtzuQWhen they arrived at the squad, the two lingered in the car, sharing kisses for a long time.GFwEveEKziMSbBwTfZnaQmntaNNHhq
baXNWcmHwNBCAmHBreathless, Ren Yi asked, “Do you think anyone outside might see us? Like, the officers assigned to protect me?”IlpbZltTgzxYpIZLXKOMFSbKrekaxu
mlACCaddbvqICqZ“They won’t.” Gong Yingxian lightly brushed his lips against Ren Yi’s. “The car’s modified. Unless someone presses right up against it, they can’t see in.”ydRcrlsFrplUBkZmGAXLtsLfKHRLjm
mxXUXzykIkvGWvvRen Yi chuckled. “Modified? What did you do to it? Turn the trunk into Doraemon’s treasure chest? Is it bulletproof?”osPWNOQCDlKjrDBAwOXvpLjmBSTCGN
xQKwcwBwCHEteLY“Yes.”aYUirddQVJEBbSINkmaojkfFjKOZkA
PhVYqBxdcjJAMlU“…Yes?”XINVXOvicCriivsThfAXDyvhfgEyzF
FPFhJzTWURVVSmC“Bulletproof.”DpkkUfMOYuqlFIJwKzkqwfENSwcqnL
CelMBWxeItkrhjkRen Yi stared, wide-eyed. “Are you serious?”zrIEbLSmwjheosLMnfbKwWwdwoGCEx
hcDLiFcOYgcpmHm“Of course.” Gong Yingxian replied calmly. “Other than how it looks, almost everything in this car has been modified. But it’s designed to appear normal.”QTzhgZZjNqzXfgecbABuQjBBOREaSp
UxMTXBiAwDfnpND“You rich people really know how to play.”iTzkCJjtjbkWODZDXTOdWnhQhptPyC
VKsyMZhRpYyVxCk“If you like it, I could modify your car too—”LSkWJwCEQvTCSqoaxDsMRVTvQBmtYT
EKuJolhRsrjayJK“No, no, my car’s just fine.” Ren Yi cut him off and gave him a heavy kiss. “I’m leaving now.”sqCTCGuLpLInwtuYQHVesvKmQmXICq
uNKZMLhhkpZxWczGong Yingxian nodded, watching as Ren Yi stepped out of the car and walked toward the squad building. Leaning back against the seat, he let out a relaxed breath, his tongue brushing lightly over his lips, which still carried the lingering warmth of Ren Yi’s kiss. His gaze was filled with indescribable tenderness.OvloLENstsjVaEjryFvJCVXFUwHkWC
dfdoUyyWoOYvvfIRen Yi headed straight into the garage, spotting a group of people maintaining the equipment. Just as he was about to speak, the alarm suddenly blared.TxQVxQMSqWKnQdlJXSxlxxzleGGnnL
KXiipBfWmjWBkazSun Dingyi pointed at Ren Yi and laughed. “Captain Ren, this one’s specially for you.”jApptTmfKQvSyWeHDylFyjNKrddxxa
QRsCsMYDLuRWmqdRen Yi threw his bag to the ground. “Let’s move!”XYlPzchKvvjgEWwPwERGVZDEierXdm
yjcDOVytfifMlHiThey quickly began suiting up as a dispatcher ran over. “Captain Ren, there’s a fire at Wenhui Mall.”YMbLlpmAoIWsXxFrNFjkrTzXQVIAoN
gHwWhYbAkdfZpZk“Wenhui? The one on Dayu Road?” Dayu Road wasn’t part of his district, but it was still within Hongwu District. Even if he wasn’t as familiar with other teams’ malls, he had a working knowledge of key fire-risk sites in the area.TBgUjHkgefVtqgGdRxkyzLQZhgZysr
XYoQrOwTUsRebJS“Yes, it’s a small goods wholesale market. The main station initially sent four squads, but the fire’s out of control, so they’ve called in another four.”UDuCsCWygbpkNpzfRKchWuiqClOsRy
YcAHXkIrDqvVXDiEight squads… That’s a massive fire.JtiXvbqdsOoIHhebJqKCVMyaxzstTz
pfSmLTNFdgbbQNFThey geared up at top speed, boarded the vehicles, and departed.BtRoTjqVDkhigBqbLxxbxPGJntuAjD
FkQpEUQSnxcXEUlOn the way, Ren Yi began coordinating with the main station to gather details.HAYVlktZjLGZtrNVamVWyOXIahpnFm
AEXSlNsMjPATgsNWenhui Mall was a large, multi-purpose complex. Building A was a seven-story clothing wholesale market. Building B housed shopping, entertainment, dining, hotels, and offices in a 30-story high-rise. Building C was still under construction. Currently, there was a seven-story skybridge connecting Buildings A and B, and the fire had already spread to Building B through the skybridge. Building C had also caught fire, and the wholesale market to the north of Wenhui Mall was now within the fire’s potential range—a very precarious situation.MgFskmoHxKHzZBSdAcxXbjieErrasc
gjLcjpYqHHENAhkIn places like this, with high concentrations of flammable materials, if the fire isn’t controlled early, it spreads rapidly. Even before arriving on-site, Ren Yi could already picture the devastating scene.CUDzpTDTRKoMVplaVEnXtzXGJyAbnw
LahdPuzJvOwNlbmHis eyes kept darting toward the road ahead, willing the vehicle to move faster, but the traffic made it impossible. Suddenly, out of the corner of his eye, he spotted a familiar car in the rearview mirror. Leaning forward, he took a closer look—was that really Gong Yingxian’s car?WzuYUfRfAXLEHzdecwrKnFzjTahJbh
yqHUqLgIrcCMUqURen Yi dialed Gong Yingxian’s number. “Are you driving behind me?”RHWBvMQMFFNWqvzeCymuZMBLIEUThJ
bpYGDiilqDbJErl“I was just about to leave when I heard your alarm. What happened?” Gong asked.aUmrplLREtRYaozKPEmsFbJAfPNJSD
uPagDToEZZAIEDr“A large mall on Dayu Road caught fire. We’ve been called in to assist.”tYzTHVMYcqcEdoJJeyYFdCwpJKgelW
DBpKtXbpvZKpdpm“Is it serious?”xrFclPNYQWtRIQRANGWYebKChdazQG
sqdAeNqmTIIQsUx“They’ve already deployed eight squads, so it seems pretty serious,” Ren Yi replied. “Wait… are you following me?”WinQtLGlTfIQdaZKSCcBXoUuihcmTt
tjdgtZNIQGYeDhj“I’m heading back to the precinct, which happens to be in the same direction.” Gong paused. “Do you need me on-site?”zEzKHZrrJtociQWFrRrjyiuGgayOMD
ffTZgJycimvWBOCRen Yi chuckled. “Of course not. This is our job. You focus on yours.”izWrAeSXsXbBYJGZEhtkbWbpwqPjTB
VWWNzsckYcphsZc“At this time and in Hongwu District… I’m a bit worried. Could it be related to the purple flame?”QLzBOtvbgOfqylsNqYIYwmRcvkqAYQ
ilDwjmUWSUgXYvb“I’m suspicious too, but speculation doesn’t help now. Whether it’s connected to them or not, we’ll be extremely cautious. For now, it’s not about investigating the cause—whether it’s an accident or arson, our job is to put out the fire first.”cXvBKrUrhCJeSkuzjIiHoGHlLPqBVi
YhMdNhksgvrwBGCGong was silent for a moment. “…I’ll still go to the scene. If it’s arson, there’s a high chance the arsonist is still there.”vNeuCNiRrpnGVluWMhWHLtWNbvwCBL
EKTnSrpYWCWUhhm“Alright, but be careful.”hIIzsQUOlUNsigiUjrkUYugGbewGld
pheZzpTqpXXRzDa“You too.”iGbFuyfXlqYMHDZRlmqfkCwQCWjxxY
PPRZRlfWCpcRZKh—yIAseGnbPhPZwGOiQYSGhfidkNSSlN
VfTTMnMCZYhWxglWhen Ren Yi’s fire truck arrived, the site was already teeming with over forty fire trucks, and more personnel were still arriving.mFSgmDdNIzLsPfzgxaJqhZyHoLsxYY
HrTASeRlqJJkzzmHe glanced at Building A, the initial source of the fire. It had become a full-blown inferno, completely unsalvageable. The current strategy was undoubtedly focused on protecting Buildings B and C and preventing the fire from spreading to nearby markets. As for Building A, they could only let it burn to the ground.uAWLLJQWMnySHpKrWHNCRBIasKFWex
xoSPRRyXJzvEAEsLeading Gao Ge, Ren Yi headed to the temporary command center, where Chen Xiaofei and Xu Jin were meeting with several squad leaders.AuFJzuYozChksNQCtWyWjaqfLATekt
HyVojPZHGulnmauRen Yi saluted. “Captain Chen, Chief of Staff.”PIokHkIHMZbKskRRZcvYVfgGMjMctp
sfbQfRpyQytvWQP“Come over here,” Chen Xiaofei beckoned.mbpTCXLMNnuEUQqkjUUkhuwstzpcbF
ttfSysdMZtIldLURen Yi approached. “Are there any trapped individuals in Building A?”PJqEEJjSSNjpRtgVKgRMYDFjHJNNol
FCNuyRYEoaGIEiw“When the fire started, there were only a few security guards. Once they realized it was out of control, they evacuated. However, there are still many civilians trapped in the mall and hotel in Building B. Wang Meng is leading the evacuation effort.”LykjhrWFsjAIObBpVFexdOewXQoMhb
cGjXkUWrtogWuveXu Jin frowned. “Those security guards didn’t report the fire immediately because they were afraid of fines and tried to put it out themselves. They missed the critical window for containment. Now Building A is a total loss, with over two thousand stalls burned. The financial damage is massive.”FzdOtLnUVzdetspUfOajOeqMXIXcHa
IjlJgCTLKVOVTns“Building B is a high-rise hotel? Our district only has one ultra-high aerial platform,” Ren Yi noted. Building B exceeded 100 meters in height, while the platform truck in Ren Yi’s squad could only reach a little over 20 stories.GCPGWxCQkZJuQjLbdSDQxEuSkgDSqs
houAkwUvelvwopCXu Jin nodded. “We’ve already called in all the city’s ultra-high aerial platforms. Two are currently on-site. But given the scale of the fire, it’s still not enough. The main station has sent reinforcements from three additional squads.”rnAEJmJiCXYlhSyxkfAFfyLmpNmqPU
NqbajjFXYoikXPyChen Xiaofei pointed to the blueprint. “This is the strategy we’ve just finalized. We’ll deploy in four teams:tSMlxZWTxtjWMcljhbhhZApSLsHbQt
BdSPnGPsPkADJGi1. Team One: Enter Building B to rescue trapped civilians.YpbPbGkpVWWNjQWrAsCihqVFpcQXXb
lAPqUJAFCcGowVe2. Team Two: Attack the fire from the lower seven floors to push it back toward the skybridge.iNMRnJGJiOuuemqgzEBJRoFmkuUSsL
qMnhKasufBUDHkH3. Team Three: Use high-powered water cannons from the north to block the fire and protect the adjacent Mudan Mall. If necessary, enter Mudan Mall for close-range firefighting.TmqGUUagERlAjepzzQgVCjcnbYZIBx
fTcugomhfWAiNcF4. Team Four: Enter the under-construction Building C to remove large amounts of flammable materials and prevent the fire from spreading further.eBrAXStBVlbigdxtfueeVyrrfthMkJ
qsfoVRlmeciQmPUUnderstood?”bzggNNpClViLKlvbyLPOsjiSTCFeci
VjAaGoqxHKPUEcv“Yes, sir!” the squad leaders replied in unison.eCwAKdIenOvlaFdfGzBEdhVnTwRYsq
tRHdgRkrcQfwqqTChen Xiaofei scanned their faces with a serious expression. “This is not only the biggest fire in Hongwu District but also the largest in Beijing in the past five years. The situation is dire, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. This is the moment the people need us. This is the moment we prove ourselves. I demand that each of you do your utmost to fight this battle, but as squad leaders, I also demand you protect yourselves and your teams. I want to see every one of you return safely.”rWtOxJGyhHVkhgiXVLvyZzdnvvTSDR
CGSuQxRhIWjjpIt“Yes, sir!”qxtIfccYkFUWIaKNxfbimJmWLPiKzR
iDwCOFXVLhufFzu“Now, let’s assign the tasks.”DHQqdMiKdQUloIhwLQJOgiIrczVYhI
YwKGHrXQZTdNxWTOVZWPdGVMHgRjOQsHxddlUIhrdkpOq