Blazing Armor

After stepping out of the bathroom, Ren Yi’s legs felt weak, and he deeply regretted digging his own grave with this behavior.dwtWACoOCqTDVyJYSgbNXIIowmMAtm

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He 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.bIfmarrcZMvANlaOPEzkrzWIDUjtKy

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But 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.lsbSsuQfMySVjybgtfjIPZHboEhmbp

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Noticing something odd about Ren Yi’s walking posture, Gong Yingxian reached out to support him.JgbqWmLlyXvOjBAsMJXuvDSVIYjjOT

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Ren Yi immediately avoided him—he still had his pride to maintain.zUYazQISIKxHMdmgGyXlTOScsiNDag

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Gong Yingxian asked softly, “Do you need to rest for a bit?”EWvqOzLHpdNZvclDqnWZTRLSRlJeBl

NTgnrMYPxDEuBDF

“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.”OgPhkafBZmceziqzNxXqZRSVIXInkk

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“Alright.”RMiwfaWOkxcYPYNyNaWIbOSGfKYlur

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As soon as they sat on the sofa, Ren Yi pounced on Gong Yingxian, finding a comfortable position to lie down.bzadPKZmbeWyAlrSMORpNLdfoTJRqi

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Gong Yingxian smiled faintly, placing a hand on Ren Yi’s back and patting him gently.qwysYiCjtBfUGqBflGbFrOFMawJuzu

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Ren 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.lHEZLxCxnvxfcOSpbXlWenBkYfaXnD

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Gong 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.UcCoiMDvefNXLZTaVyHNQVisTawrSe

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Neither of them spoke for a long time, wishing for time to freeze at this moment.EozVGMEhhdjGVLXGVfkeYLCccrWgjU

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Half-closing his eyes in a lazy haze, Ren Yi murmured sleepily, “It’d be nice if we didn’t have to go to work.”uGZbQfSSjgMiQEmdmQLxeXUZNaOZJf

ILqpSgYiioqRqLZ

“I still have plenty of unused vacation days,” Gong Yingxian replied near Ren Yi’s ear.dbTGHiDSQihqLYGuwEPVFGYWensEbj

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“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.”ZqmzFmeeczsAVYrnIjvVzcZKxxEvGf

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“Alright.”ojMCFitgsNnrNcwiGeHmRzCaVRcEFw

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“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.”AbGQFgcnrgPuzfUALrOvmkqRdijZuT

pkvdQwbuVULrdWO

“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.HXSWEwKVOhbsdzoZLlWmQZdTvZgWjE

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“Then let’s go together from now on.”LVHQjKbLPFDFfhOQmtkKpKtuoFRfZs

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“Together,” Gong Yingxian said earnestly.WalURcsQmlUefzndvxicKrIIcQBRVV

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Ren 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.yDtvoxXRGUiiPkyvDJKXRBHlRpknsO

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They 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.”tRadgaueoTGubzLviUmEecIniGUgxm

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Gong Yingxian couldn’t hide his disappointment. “Alright.”IPAWSVeQWWqzcvhOvqrhkeYsqWiJzg

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Ren Yi kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll miss you too.”NlrSbsJXHWsdIacLPeFOnMjHJsirSr

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Gong Yingxian touched his cheek, a satisfied smile forming at the corner of his lips. “Let’s go. I’ll drive you back.”ttVlUrOTROHRcSdVrsTlbSbJJhtcHf

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On 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.ViZNBsatSgNCimbRGzOOhlsKLXANLY

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When they arrived at the squad, the two lingered in the car, sharing kisses for a long time.qkqRbOvxICteCEzEimqPOPjINBOiOn

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Breathless, Ren Yi asked, “Do you think anyone outside might see us? Like, the officers assigned to protect me?”zmvTqvjRHxUgTVCcCtQaEgyYRJaEYQ

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“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.”oIOWcUbhSojKtMBLXFmcNaxmxUvUnR

ikRpfwDgjKNynlo

Ren Yi chuckled. “Modified? What did you do to it? Turn the trunk into Doraemon’s treasure chest? Is it bulletproof?”MBGllEAgUlLaqCpyMDPmSuTXjJAvyP

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“Yes.”FIWQIDUzXdjOgqBrFJsijsnrhBYfJi

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“…Yes?”NnAKqMXkDCnHdrjAUJcdvGiSWCAetF

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“Bulletproof.”jlaSnddIkdwjYvRVPQpQEOGYPbTqOT

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Ren Yi stared, wide-eyed. “Are you serious?”DuFlARLXbkrAkUOsqYDIeHYTpjQhta

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“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.”hpCIMCCVWEDVUXwiwirOjLueTzGmsu

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“You rich people really know how to play.”smnTubdQRwBhaKvbeaThrGQsgcmGvR

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“If you like it, I could modify your car too—”sUFQsElVkQHVTwXNDclQJfiXupCGFZ

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“No, no, my car’s just fine.” Ren Yi cut him off and gave him a heavy kiss. “I’m leaving now.”htsxjfSNCQEsUDcqaoXNxpkBbGEemq

PoGcQhNoqbcidjP

Gong 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.nDxGkUugseDSzbHnvFfPIiDknIIbUl

zIwMAwgBLuKUNSp

Ren 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.KopUumzUSkArYrNGlFkaNUvvnzDBlw

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Sun Dingyi pointed at Ren Yi and laughed. “Captain Ren, this one’s specially for you.”myiCCjVsMGGQZsYwWZpEqZOtqIhgxc

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Ren Yi threw his bag to the ground. “Let’s move!”vjvaSOuniDBHbwrQWOcodbIuciihut

XrmVXtFqgmyEApS

They quickly began suiting up as a dispatcher ran over. “Captain Ren, there’s a fire at Wenhui Mall.”eVEZUvTuzTWtLMHUiirGDwnpMqoFTS

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“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.NyiGJLuWNvMwkxoqCJkAledewbJRcb

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“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.”NyJrGYhbSFlotkkfjOTZnoFVNyRYnK

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Eight squads… That’s a massive fire.zndFlbcVyTMgpAKpnAWlkrWxpNFglf

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They geared up at top speed, boarded the vehicles, and departed.rYQhpzTKVyRWuSgYoeekhDRJlBhKzv

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On the way, Ren Yi began coordinating with the main station to gather details.NtdEStNOKKahBSCTISrTfekcKbMkUh

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Wenhui 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.RHajTkaVRwtlLfGTFLjuuUVLqbRzEc

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In 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.zdmRRIRGLFnoUQDMCQeIZXaldlmJFN

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His 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?yrYQIOmCVbimPChhNYbvNmlDrGBBBn

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Ren Yi dialed Gong Yingxian’s number. “Are you driving behind me?”NkcVAljaSDNjjIQZxLkZRkEaOAcetl

UuaFbIjVDTpwOvy

“I was just about to leave when I heard your alarm. What happened?” Gong asked.XzJQgqCFATMwoGHRZlCeVXNQfqYSEo

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“A large mall on Dayu Road caught fire. We’ve been called in to assist.”EHfMYIRDBNTfScOZncswbDFqImmsrD

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“Is it serious?”wPsjIqpYCcYyWhlJdCKewztLkBzTIP

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“They’ve already deployed eight squads, so it seems pretty serious,” Ren Yi replied. “Wait… are you following me?”WnZiQhlQhXslrNUFZzXWKPdMCXSJdf

AfyQVjcHkdntdNd

“I’m heading back to the precinct, which happens to be in the same direction.” Gong paused. “Do you need me on-site?”geVzUojyaSfJSkhCvlBPkDbSjksyir

pRSdwKTFpDHPNFO

Ren Yi chuckled. “Of course not. This is our job. You focus on yours.”ljghfWZQJMRzThCIPLPxyPOLjQiprC

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“At this time and in Hongwu District… I’m a bit worried. Could it be related to the purple flame?”IiwnYSaDXImKGzlNrAuglukcYSsPzn

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“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.”ZCXYRnFEaxiQXArSgfTJqsscEYNUIM

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Gong 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.”TSaGASMtBCLqsLRUUthoSGpjWZUbND

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“Alright, but be careful.”BBOIjcbGOBEkUlvrIhTBxZLVFhvYsJ

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“You too.”FSHZiFSjsJjMUOmUBFOndqFiTyHiWZ

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—FQPltiquUGdmlHalUDUGkvDHqpTsWs

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When Ren Yi’s fire truck arrived, the site was already teeming with over forty fire trucks, and more personnel were still arriving.GANQIRDpGatZhGkaAWrbLvPWtEwDul

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He 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.QZPzRkQRgNZGBYgYGtrHOfrbhSamLN

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Leading Gao Ge, Ren Yi headed to the temporary command center, where Chen Xiaofei and Xu Jin were meeting with several squad leaders.FpJLSsYBFanaDWbUEZQePwMJoAoWyE

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Ren Yi saluted. “Captain Chen, Chief of Staff.”jhKeUqsxzlYjPLTfxEEoZhxpQAmIyc

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“Come over here,” Chen Xiaofei beckoned.mmDEahBvBiIyJZPCEIRNClyrRZLeAv

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Ren Yi approached. “Are there any trapped individuals in Building A?”thfjdEMwcaJLRyTGNfMcABOxFCWcFA

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“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.”IrmOJtrKnyAuivfAxXzXkbcKvBrpVg

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Xu 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.”QEAqwwmHCGDDzUyGxhAAuFEJjLwfto

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“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.QDCKYjpunjIwZnwRNJDdfynySqWAMD

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Xu 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.”ueYvgFWrdEBunxvazMysEAYqfKPAfd

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Chen Xiaofei pointed to the blueprint. “This is the strategy we’ve just finalized. We’ll deploy in four teams:ZJtDvtEUvqrFEasAVtXJOpeWUdTqat

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1. Team One: Enter Building B to rescue trapped civilians.fMNutTgJkWHHJnUGoEQKLOzVNlJtmb

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2. Team Two: Attack the fire from the lower seven floors to push it back toward the skybridge.lvwQNvMfOEVVHYnHOWmYkcWLFpAZbS

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3. 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.NiEykVRkaSvwpLZYbptowehpBCvXUE

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4. Team Four: Enter the under-construction Building C to remove large amounts of flammable materials and prevent the fire from spreading further.VCuSRPaFmkAfBYpKfOmkqJAqbWrtbH

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Understood?”dDBbodChBPlmengAmhAtSoLQSEsbfQ

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“Yes, sir!” the squad leaders replied in unison.CkljWKgPSBTtTWKEuuHnmaNomctLxP

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Chen 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.”ToyURGtXjYWpayRdMfORDhnzZhBIEL

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“Yes, sir!”eSAbmQoNoCdgXzBvQVBCaSgHzeOlXl

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“Now, let’s assign the tasks.”xzKtAqXCQcrTtPJMpBfUNGDwcmZVhn

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