Blazing Armor

Gong Yingxian sat in the car for a while, ready to leave, when he noticed a car pulling up in front of him. The door opened, and out stepped a tall, handsome man carrying a few gift bags.bMIlGpAUWwmJGSmZvYuntsXRXghnUo

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Despite the cold weather, the man wore a seemingly thin denim jacket, as though his robust physique was a natural shield against the chill.gQjWtalZloXxBAmarwAOCLgOSGTinI

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Gong Yingxian narrowed his eyes, feeling a wave of displeasure. The man was none other than Yan Jue.ercEacvMJgmVJtinrVpmOXTAADxSDR

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Yan Jue, who was always calling Ren Yi his brother, fighting fires shoulder-to-shoulder with him. Even when Ren Yi was injured and had to retreat from the battlefield, the first person to embrace him wasn’t Gong Yingxian—it was Yan Jue.gVhXcPCOXHSjLdPmjStjVejTGjweRF

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Watching Yan Jue enter the squadron building, Gong Yingxian checked his watch, glaring at the hands as if they had wronged him. He kept his eyes locked on them as they ticked past one full minute, then another, until five minutes had passed. Finally, he unfastened his seatbelt, grabbed his coat, and was about to get out when he reconsidered and tossed the cashmere coat onto the seat.ZnhkzLSPISEtMEYUAEeSxYynzZhPyz

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Walking into the building, several familiar soldiers greeted him.
“Dr. Gong, what brings you here?”cWttwfUdFxvAmLJrLctpGgIVOaXYzi

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“Just something I need to take care of. Where’s your captain?”EcfzKzsTDpDToPWlHazWlQcxIOjsTr

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“In the guest room.”zXWJgXDZCaZKpeXXAOxweMVfWofgOk

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Striding toward the guest room, Gong Yingxian knocked three times, each rap precise and firm.JfhYtFZPgQWXgfhPDgLQarbROisaEd

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“Come in.”gsftCSusmvwGDHwmxqsMFbGSbpbFmL

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Pushing the door open, he was relieved to find that Ren Yi and Yan Jue weren’t alone—Qu Yangbo was also there.IucBIpEPHsyhWqwNTnSvjzebVJEATv

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Ren Yi looked surprised. “Why didn’t you go back to the branch office?”mGOBXwgfphvyxPwVjZYOSeGEpuytqM

mZMkUTiDFiEUIwt

“I remembered something on the way and came back,” Gong Yingxian replied, his face emotionless as he shot Yan Jue a glance.xzKLnxGDJPZMgLRdOIqEAelWCKZrkQ

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Yan Jue’s expression was awkward, the corner of his mouth tugging into a faint smirk tinged with mockery. Clearly, he wasn’t thrilled about Gong Yingxian’s sudden appearance.DhmwLySEzwDdEOgTsbmVObklCiDjpt

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Qu Yangbo greeted Gong Yingxian with a smile.
“What’s going on?”HWcfUjNyDaGbNRVWKXEgqDICEidCVn

BRmhIiXkCCXxueD

“I’ll talk to you privately,” Gong Yingxian said, still scrambling for a plausible excuse.dPriboCZERgRrukyawfXnqmrtLxgmZ

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“Oh, if it’s not urgent, why not sit with us for a while?” Ren Yi offered. “Yan Jue came all the way from the western suburbs—it’s a bit of a trek.”NlalYOiwUPDGBHMlpChjWNhwzQiVVu

CtVnldMaAbHAHiI

“About 30 kilometers. Doesn’t seem too far,” Gong Yingxian remarked, shooting Yan Jue a sidelong glance before taking a seat on the sofa.SVQYpBffHyWNPTxSRPRIosSEbYzWGG

bcbxUBAwnpJMyLE

Yan Jue smiled at Ren Yi. “Not far at all. Traffic’s light on the Fifth Ring, so it was a quick drive.”deQOLYWXHhhrXfcPgJkAKPAakfXZRo

SxdBJnftWFZSJLQ

“You really didn’t have to go out of your way. I’m out of the hospital now; everything’s fine.”bpzEXePOkzDxnDOsRFwgaoQgnRIHcI

QPjajFlwisJCNYQ

“Well, you wouldn’t let us visit you while you were hospitalized, and we barely spoke at the funeral yesterday. I’ve been worried about you,” Yan Jue said. “Besides, it’s been ages since I’ve taken a break. I’ve been saying I’d come check out your squadron forever, and now I finally made it. When are you coming to my squadron?”ZfgmUwhkajUAKvyaxXuOqXqESpxVIr

KcQLzsEskDxXkrv

“After the New Year, for sure. Once this busy period is over, I’ll take a vacation too.”dGEjYlcgnsXMFbzjIGyBatvXGBYIqt

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Gong Yingxian cleared his throat. He thought to himself, What nonsense is Ren Yi spouting? He promised to spend his vacation with me.uZQyddNWsPoMwOBJuRMYqZfFcoYFjQ

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“Seeing you all in good spirits today puts my mind at ease,” Yan Jue said.GBmCHlzPYMkdtQpENfvGWxFqkkUQnV

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Qu Yangbo sighed. “Sun Dingyi’s death was a heavy blow to the whole squadron. We’ll honor him and remember him forever, but we also know we can’t dwell in grief. As leaders, our emotions directly affect the troops, which in turn impacts their safety.”yvbSMhPkEcDWxOmjcxHsOkBZeiunFO

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Yan Jue nodded solemnly, saying with great respect, “Squad Leader Sun was a true hero, a real badass.”slrtOnwqLicWrfnvmoqsrdksEQGTtA

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Ren Yi gave a bitter smile, saying nothing.LSVVaAavFObqRzMfgThBIUIxyqbZPT

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Yan Jue continued, “Ren Yi, your command at the Wenhui Mall was outstanding. To complete the mission and rescue trapped civilians under such circumstances is something most people wouldn’t have been able to achieve. No commander could guarantee that outcome. You shouldn’t be too hard on yourself over Squad Leader Sun’s sacrifice.”wbtMtIedETJXGoadYzrRdEvqNecOJx

qDnELXIfLHbimsQ

“I know. Everyone has been comforting me with the same words.”RLUDmLKGWsMkaMPGvQzncGAiwyDpLK

EXfHChHFqrcLqYI

“Because that’s what we all truly believe.” Yan Jue looked deeply into Ren Yi’s eyes and said softly, “We don’t want you to be too harsh on yourself.”SnDUYbPYPrlTLqAyaTsKuqsyhMnmdo

XQhyjKZcVljtADB

Inwardly, Gong Yingxian cursed, This idiot. Stop bringing it up—at least let Ren Yi breathe a little.WwyYtmRnvltUPUWDgZnHhlwXcCnAhC

PQoIPdNvxgbpSER

“Don’t worry. No matter what, I’ll adjust myself,” Ren Yi reassured.oogXbLjssgShBphUuYyVfCQQoHDGFm

xXRosCcbsvICLKT

“Ah, it’s almost mealtime,” Qu Yangbo teased. “Captain Yan, you timed your visit perfectly, didn’t you?”wMyxXGcYSRJVoWhwsSPyDCwVoGjJSN

phVZDAnARcpxdHV

Yan Jue raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Of course. I came to inspect your squadron’s food.”tkDqpWsTsXpdRUVvMxezSJujtlJRZx

ciAxkmkXUkrVudX

“Come on then. Our cooks—one from Sichuan, the other from Guangdong—make excellent dishes,” Qu Yangbo said, then turned to Gong Yingxian. “Dr. Gong, join us for a meal?”ZIejJEpDQlAbRWAZYccKEOKeCHlumY

jeVGVzxxNhWGBAN

Ren Yi quickly interjected, “He can’t—”GRUoMsoLXDfqqTkMGxFdKVgFTrauFM

wNJbGAKdDttoqcR

“Yes,” Gong Yingxian agreed without hesitation.MNVcnIcumRtFYTPyvqyZfnUDpSOBJP

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Ren Yi stared at him in surprise.PWwLLHmJLfhUDbAEkAuOJYntkNgGxX

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“Captain Yan, let me give you a tour of our squadron first,” Qu Yangbo said. “We’ll finish at the cafeteria.”RwrPPTvrBbZBMYgWgUXjRhjWejzXBk

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Yan Jue hesitated, glancing at Ren Yi, but ultimately allowed Qu Yangbo to pull him away with enthusiasm.PsjXlnFAiopiGftOQTXoCWdXhuERcK

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Once the guest room was down to just the two of them, Ren Yi said, “You’re really staying for a meal? But we don’t have spare tableware, and our kitchen is just… basic.”OeQxfvFCwVellZoSRQaZdDOhbEtYhP

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“I’ll use your tableware,” Gong Yingxian replied calmly.McXsAvuQpdOwiWgFeQMbCpjmNevQYE

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Ren Yi felt a flicker of happiness but was unsettled by Gong Yingxian’s unusual behavior. “So, why did you come back to find me?”RDLESPBuSWisbqmUwhXzcsekEXwbwH

AaeDEDXptMawfwZ

“…I wanted to see Miao Miao.”PTxEuvwxJdypcjRdzskOoafmBGNhlT

FDneSBfdlMkAUaz

Ren Yi’s face filled with disbelief. “You came all the way back just to see Miao Miao?”yTzcUioosvtBjJbpyYQUSmYGMDtIdc

oJRiAzUqOuBhywi

“Is that a problem?” Gong Yingxian said matter-of-factly. “Isn’t it my cat?”qAvUQXDmRLhtdwiXBwzNggeGHTutsh

yoMFfEaMVAGcBJh

“Yes, it is,” Ren Yi admitted, still skeptical. “Are you really here just to see Miao Miao?”KyiPnjNekbAJMrbgHbUcQslHXJdWpi

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“Of course. It’s my cat, but I barely get to see it.”zjDsZFPujlLSpbiUHjXrjGOnqrCqGk

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“If you want to see it, I can send it to your place for a few days. Just don’t let it play with that blue snake of yours.”ezHVKzrQLJJxXpJOcmiNXqUNMwzlAi

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“Sachiel. Maybe they’d enjoy playing together.”meboHJqqLrZHVWuHLVPMKWEZCsitFI

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“I don’t think that’s likely…”dVIkrhcNPlYPMJBrtROJDAQTKOKTat

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“Why not?” Gong Yingxian stared at Ren Yi. “Is there some rule that only similar creatures with shared traits can play together? Can’t those that are very different play too? Who made that rule? It’s nonsense.”UXMRNkOIwHOGTFnFQdnSHgdtwAbNDW

IWrwFaCDTFewevu

Ren Yi found himself puzzled by the logic, and Gong Yingxian’s demeanor only seemed stranger. After a moment, he asked, “Did you come back because you’re worried about me?”OSVibfSbqcZaBAWwfMUYBxbTjWbyvD

mSsCjhKgKxAUztL

“…Maybe a bit of that too,” Gong Yingxian admitted, looking away. “Take me to see Miao Miao.”aBvBIYwrmMGZlxXKRaENywfrWSMWuh

jhtDOSAxdCmGgsH

“At this hour, who knows where it’s wandering. How about we eat first? Afterward, I’ll look for it.”tJKPXpTcNXIVqdrksowzQXpjmkzDdv

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The two of them headed toward the cafeteria.OUMQYthoyIUUhtIussszdcwTGudcsZ

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Gong Yingxian couldn’t help but ask, “Why did Yan Jue come to see you?”lGMUXhipMYpTczzXlyBVhZPLebPWqi

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“To check on me, of course.”qDGiTrlLwuLGLkQhKcucWjjrcpgiRd

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“Is he married?”xUkjhUGMbHrDNPqZmpgwXKqmPGUuSt

hhtLStbJdBCdxqi

Ren Yi glanced at him skeptically, disbelief written all over his face. “You, caring about whether someone else is married? What’s wrong with you today? Are you running a fever?” He reached out as if to touch Gong Yingxian’s forehead.exzBtCmMfmzFKiQhnBhlDHGlgoWxEy

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Gong Yingxian pushed his hand away. “Just asking.”MYXbtQIfsGwJWEcaqprQfAiQCrXzuE

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“I don’t know, never asked.”jVLfpqZCxKDwvPUNgohlGdaItAUXRR

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When they reached the cafeteria, Ren Yi arranged for Gong Yingxian to sit first. He went to the kitchen, prepared a separate plate for him, and handed over his own set of personal tableware to Gong Yingxian.axJvjvXsmRUOMsBtNdluibkWNHFEQy

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The soldiers started trickling in for their meals. Qu Yangbo and Yan Jue, having finished the tour, joined them at the same table.pEqlqrhUPGsWDZLgOtDfIohcsNgwsL

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Yan Jue noticed the separate plate in front of Gong Yingxian and frowned slightly.OFYAlWUhsPcDmZuwZMVndYIdpeCXfJ

QyYbGzDsPLdBkaj

Ren Yi explained, “Dr. Gong’s a bit of a germaphobe. We’re all used to it—don’t take it personally.”iSQGRGvhdOfRrIBgMwwOXxRUWSCLyF

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Yan Jue smiled faintly. “A germaphobe coming to eat a communal meal? That’s impressive.”tCEFbUeYxwjoObrwYyGAvgHssFHzxk

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Gong Yingxian shot back, “Driving all the way from the western suburbs just for a meal? That’s impressive.”YjrQXgycTQyEOLsqQlXKPVTTPRYWVE

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Ren Yi rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on. Ever since Gong Yingxian had thrown out Yan Jue’s cigarettes, the two hadn’t seen eye to eye.mkIVSQuupppujALuOXjKiLhVMTpxSJ

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Qu Yangbo’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he watched the exchange, clearly enjoying the show.gMmTVKdNXprdcmTjJPJmIDftAoNLCx

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“Just eat,” Ren Yi urged Gong Yingxian.fygbMWMpcpFEhCJsogCSNbTrLOjefq

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Expressionless, Gong Yingxian picked up some food and took a bite.UCKtNmrlQHltBZcbXNQOhMPmYRoHki

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Yan Jue noticed that Gong Yingxian’s tableware was different from everyone else’s. It was obviously Ren Yi’s personal set. The fact that a germaphobe like Gong Yingxian could use someone else’s tableware said a lot about the closeness of their relationship. Yan Jue’s expression darkened as he lowered his head to focus on his meal.ZmEgDiTvdyvMBtaaFNOFSgkjUnBhDn

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Trying to ease the tension, Ren Yi asked Yan Jue, “Hey, how many days off do you have? Got any plans?”kBttJOCVIeMlmRxGnYMOWNlmhjNBtm

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“Just two days. Honestly, I came mainly to see you. I’m planning to stay at your squadron for two days. How about that?” Yan Jue smirked.nEwxKhnMTciWgFEoXkXSgzDoSCSbuC

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Gong Yingxian slowly raised his head, glaring at Yan Jue.GNsMZHNvRMmnJuhOlPqUOQImHtXzRu

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“Of course, you’re welcome,” Ren Yi said with a smile. “Perfect timing. Didn’t you always brag about your training methods? You can coach tomorrow’s morning drill and show us what you’ve got.”qCXtNloVgLSicSARsxvUnPebUXCtwn

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Yan Jue raised an eyebrow. “Should I go hard on them or take it easy?”xewVVonzJxZttFsfEFXLGEpIGWYvNj

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“Use your squadron’s regular routine,” Ren Yi replied. “If it’s more intense than ours, my team will finally appreciate how kind I usually am to them. But if it’s not as tough as ours…” Ren Yi chuckled. “Let’s see if you still dare to brag after that.”YuCyUFnMOzctMkQaLtIaWcxgfLNalV

vwzCnLAijDQPjWa

“No problem, I’ll let you all experience it properly.” Yan Jue had already noticed Gong Yingxian’s hostile gaze, but he paid it no mind. “If you’re going on a mission, I can join you. There aren’t many residential areas or commercial districts in my jurisdiction, so I don’t often encounter such cases. I’ll treat it as training.”ZHhDLfiIoTtNSOWBYFhezPGsVEtMFt

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Gong Yingxian slammed his chopsticks down and looked at Ren Yi. “I’m done eating. Take me to see Miao Miao.”EtxxzfCxVJnmWkIMfFCysVkTOeimhQ

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“You’re only eating this much?”ljFxdGblEAVvuDJLynFtvwbxcvqgGr

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Yan Jue frowned. “You’re done, but Ren Yi isn’t.”mHIgNPtllubtfkHHlcNVyNIZtpfUZQ

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Gong Yingxian shot a cold look at Yan Jue. “What’s it got to do with you?”WdsubFDAGPqFeOBXYlDktKlTVftzQK

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“You—”JKvaPvnjdHtKAsZvkXsiIAxnzcjsbm

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“It’s fine, I’m not hungry,” Ren Yi quickly interjected. “You all keep eating.” He gave Qu Yangbo a look, signaling him to handle Yan Jue.ezTGrQzdnmrkxAHbjpKyFAWrvAEyQn

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Qu Yangbo shrugged lightly.WkOmekShSVMHOcUZheXulFjFrdjXLA

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The two left the cafeteria and stopped at a secluded spot. In a low voice, Ren Yi said, “Yingxian, what’s going on with you? Even if you don’t like Yan Jue, there’s no need to be so rude. We’re all adults here.”SbNuvweeqtDrDEuxCUdTkQpqXYzuAT

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“He started it,” Gong Yingxian retorted angrily. “Last time at Wenhui Mall, he tried to chase me away. And today, he’s the one who mocked me first. You’re blaming me?”VbiRMAmDcwSOqTfFMqUdSmkLUqlDqv

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“I’m not blaming you. I’m just saying… it’s unnecessary.”gPKZGxoeZvlfcXaFJxgQWunxxVgLLS

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“What do you mean by necessary or unnecessary? Is it necessary for him to visit you? Is it necessary for him to stay here for two days? Is it necessary for you to be friends with him?”ApheiXMzWjZHCIJOHkMCktADESkdxK

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Ren Yi looked at Gong Yingxian’s angry expression, feeling a bit exhausted. He liked Gong Yingxian, even his occasional irrationality and childishness. But this wasn’t the time for it—this was a moment where emotions were hard to manage. Helplessly, he said, “Yingxian, are you misunderstanding something?”kmlAJEJVTzGnSidxRKJsEgmsPQTaRs

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Gong Yingxian kept a stony expression, saying nothing.BnlbcnBSAfDecFEMHRDnYImLpZGiPN

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“I’m gay. He’s a good-looking guy. So just because we’re friends, there has to be something between us?” Ren Yi forced a smile. “Yangbo’s pretty handsome too. Our team has plenty of guys with big chests and long legs. Are you going to look at all my interactions through tinted glasses just because of my orientation?”MMnTQovIgCiILejHXXoitzxvyuyRbo

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“I didn’t mean it like that. But Yan Jue is… different.” Gong Yingxian had always trusted his intuition, and Yan Jue was definitely different.eIwYjfVgAeSbOUkgaEkJuwRKqpwMLs

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“Well, I’m telling you now, we’re just friends. Nothing more. Is that OK with you?”wXMOAXzWnSGAiUbTBNNAUrsxvSOqZZ

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Gong Yingxian stared at Ren Yi, his brows still furrowed tightly.oVQRZNcfEbPIxYHhXklgxfoPavbpOZ

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“Come on, let’s go see Miao Miao.”QQlJgifDfgxkcVwegaUqRlplNtNPtg

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“No, I’m heading back to the station,” Gong Yingxian muttered.yXVbeIVFnUDmZtuZunOcfLnqUCZvWU

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“…Are you upset?”WVqeLImVwsLlsfHpQcOpBgRzLKaOxE

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“No.”GKgGoUGMPJViXUTbvezhRVYVPLsQRL

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Ren Yi sighed. “Yingxian, could you please not throw a tantrum with me right now? I don’t think I have the energy to placate you.”MvOXHdglmYNUPbjxDjwaPFSKkRLOxZ

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“I said I’m not,” Gong Yingxian said, looking at Ren Yi’s slightly gaunt face with a pang of heartache. Ren Yi was going through the hardest time of his life right now. Was he really acting like a petulant child? He softened his tone, speaking quietly, “I’m not. Really.”AzEirnkLQXbwrjQuFnFJskjxRsjJtL

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“Alright. So… are you heading back?”eVYgXgMKbUCAobOTfAdQKfpbVabncW

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“Yeah.”VvhrStBZdnnFNDNwrIDymdijDTUMie

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“I’ll walk you out,” Ren Yi said. “Where’s your coat? Did you leave it in the lounge?”CqCORPllsKrjSgjUmBDWgSBSVyfNZj

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“No, I didn’t wear one.”YOoaDovtkoWSyRMkxuoTkDgbYoIHlz

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“It’s freezing out—why aren’t you wearing a coat?”HYHFAvkoiIdfgBUItFUsncZFaZpjkA

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“I’m not afraid of the cold.”UwvDNkAclgbDVrwyvubfNViFKGywRa

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