Chapter 122
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.TBdunQKHBIupmelBeAFetlEmhRZkgn
vPFjKidEaKabeztDespite the cold weather, the man wore a seemingly thin denim jacket, as though his robust physique was a natural shield against the chill.ZmRjusJFMFRfhyPApCsbeiczRLodTd
aupMmoayzCPsTDuGong Yingxian narrowed his eyes, feeling a wave of displeasure. The man was none other than Yan Jue.ILLzRdxwcUkDnfMlTgeihncRCSoqVc
PzvWukMkpqVQSVgYan 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.XeJJmhUahKRSJCvVGpjQVXjuHCRPYB
PbunnnSnUiIDZQdWatching 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.MkYVndrWNpbdhxKQFoPdmafPuPkafR
CHwptqmiXMznmlvWalking into the building, several familiar soldiers greeted him.
“Dr. Gong, what brings you here?”NNcFIOuKRoVRYQRDvMAckYISIdJyuG
“Just something I need to take care of. Where’s your captain?”BUYIveczZEateHanscWSzPXRaVxSPF
BQyBhWjaaDBhfik“In the guest room.”GLfXrZqMCMFFmgIqpcmJLEEwqvafrb
vEjIBZrnpkKihrcStriding toward the guest room, Gong Yingxian knocked three times, each rap precise and firm.RZuwEcygcVlvBKFacdevmuBXALJxej
UTGLZuxqxaNSyWq“Come in.”BvoGNNNleNOuwNZPdcTdKzVhLhICPf
CCBieVibTXwzpVvPushing the door open, he was relieved to find that Ren Yi and Yan Jue weren’t alone—Qu Yangbo was also there.ITgdpDvFgJSMVHFoGlJlVKRWjCBBEA
vMeSFUjFMxsboAIRen Yi looked surprised. “Why didn’t you go back to the branch office?”haVveeMzFnCeQIraSRuBabGAphIYcb
XcluvXHwKApmJWm“I remembered something on the way and came back,” Gong Yingxian replied, his face emotionless as he shot Yan Jue a glance.BoncCQVDnupgDjiEXGVndLsVcVosni
zfpsbPtrSUFecGNYan 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.tULIHbUnaQauyfizOfFpXoUeCAKvEE
qiUnoxhCTIQfGktQu Yangbo greeted Gong Yingxian with a smile.
“What’s going on?”oUpoowulwNZtfzuRJwuEwodjBQWNTu
“I’ll talk to you privately,” Gong Yingxian said, still scrambling for a plausible excuse.zyLxuTkbGftZTcYQAYFlfdLwtNtEIj
pVGZBKcKXPSHHhs“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.”NglQkcqgPgpSoXQxTFvTsVoSuLYvzA
NffpqdtwiwpOwol“About 30 kilometers. Doesn’t seem too far,” Gong Yingxian remarked, shooting Yan Jue a sidelong glance before taking a seat on the sofa.ThkBgHLiKhgWubwyOdUQTtfxpEtrtd
sQgBQcNGyMtZjucYan Jue smiled at Ren Yi. “Not far at all. Traffic’s light on the Fifth Ring, so it was a quick drive.”MPCzYsEKttJdEQVZoVgpOVUytscjzr
kdXhhNShFjfRAbf“You really didn’t have to go out of your way. I’m out of the hospital now; everything’s fine.”lTaFfvjcfTAhvRHhTSXaRJpRrWAaPv
FvWIqVnmrzCRKgu“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?”WzgEVfsTDCvEvYaylgeYruKDswStdd
vtAPSYdpsLSPqZp“After the New Year, for sure. Once this busy period is over, I’ll take a vacation too.”JDdbPJmovddmdwblYLZJgNTsUrgVBc
JfOXepOLWUBqChpGong Yingxian cleared his throat. He thought to himself, What nonsense is Ren Yi spouting? He promised to spend his vacation with me.GuCjluYuvmgdEoIdfTeocUMOivojJY
IynIRhfDPpzMynJ“Seeing you all in good spirits today puts my mind at ease,” Yan Jue said.AFLOEZfbMjUIlBGDSuhfevZqGvPBxk
srIiztSbrfZRMPoQu 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.”ziXJkYIThwrdTsSSNKnAyCplcLZjQV
XGLgouEfCLilmJcYan Jue nodded solemnly, saying with great respect, “Squad Leader Sun was a true hero, a real badass.”SFzbsezSEArJyOaLrxBcLXTrxTNiCK
MoQMRQkcWuUujGcRen Yi gave a bitter smile, saying nothing.zmEKzkFaFrCdjPTDxUaHqREIbjGVve
DzFuWVtFkaiunnwYan 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.”uUZEBJdmFhclODeLulGlNJGmQDuXqw
ppHMATXCBJffwvn“I know. Everyone has been comforting me with the same words.”QMbNKDkLRknFSmyTsSniDkbVZzHVCk
LMfNjkPEnSyGiJa“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.”FhtfzEMiuqEynWMdBIdUfNiVKqOaeP
YCUGIetcUNNpIQbInwardly, Gong Yingxian cursed, This idiot. Stop bringing it up—at least let Ren Yi breathe a little.unzIYiRknufYdzWCjIOarjEGqaPaiV
FHBKfYQXVRjAVdw“Don’t worry. No matter what, I’ll adjust myself,” Ren Yi reassured.RYqEauXqBRJTuunpzwVcqcBWXpiLMV
JeVJDlVzloXHDIX“Ah, it’s almost mealtime,” Qu Yangbo teased. “Captain Yan, you timed your visit perfectly, didn’t you?”zDMsVxyhoPxqBsQGxlmUhLOdUbiRGs
doxbfVWSxJYpOmvYan Jue raised an eyebrow and smiled. “Of course. I came to inspect your squadron’s food.”zoAjOHRHpbVBzlHeXRacnfogOGVAsH
THIQKRyBuophTio“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?”cPBBbKHLiFeBGLZFnAvSeqEfHUNhbG
XWoWjFRrdsOlHaeRen Yi quickly interjected, “He can’t—”zzzsJgYKjtHgcgBhImCgOikZhqFucb
VOagxmEEaLjyLVm“Yes,” Gong Yingxian agreed without hesitation.vfLOxVCjmboUYknPKCeyRkWdozUkek
MupLdPmCkPtysKoRen Yi stared at him in surprise.YyoTzgQlczjJgmhtqqzWDwyQFuyjIJ
VFEoLLBSRkhncZg“Captain Yan, let me give you a tour of our squadron first,” Qu Yangbo said. “We’ll finish at the cafeteria.”QHdJKmHPytuOdpeTjLxaexjVywOMiV
jVJPkGizxkcrUUnYan Jue hesitated, glancing at Ren Yi, but ultimately allowed Qu Yangbo to pull him away with enthusiasm.psFxWotFXYRnicdFYDHKGCkXwQdzvX
liAXpHuyHUMGWRiOnce 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.”zPlrJDSNiRWwMQXtRhnpSVbrbbRthl
supoOIFqVCYrfdR“I’ll use your tableware,” Gong Yingxian replied calmly.jUIhHPgbCrYHrnWxOwHSpEInIeyFUo
BvmbjjpkvAJzdXORen Yi felt a flicker of happiness but was unsettled by Gong Yingxian’s unusual behavior. “So, why did you come back to find me?”pgVQTcFJMJrddmKNCCVTqAGGQrAuHF
ItugMyVfngZIdfP“…I wanted to see Miao Miao.”FJuoLCenHuxOaBXsFmpkqZzUabXPAH
sEwdoFLHLtRUlHfRen Yi’s face filled with disbelief. “You came all the way back just to see Miao Miao?”qRLgzRuwitXsmalBKsxwMcHtmpsRVc
HVVNoDKfxrKSUwe“Is that a problem?” Gong Yingxian said matter-of-factly. “Isn’t it my cat?”OfnruBlHRrqxSiUhDSUQmBWJPViHPo
wUxDKVqCyoHXQZs“Yes, it is,” Ren Yi admitted, still skeptical. “Are you really here just to see Miao Miao?”vCuKjvAwbfqoTTeWVgaqblOfOjCeeU
teIxRDKgwIOlKuJ“Of course. It’s my cat, but I barely get to see it.”bJBjtgrelribftdSgDIrmoSTpGLBlq
RJrdSDGYUrHfIQf“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.”wlqCoaRRkRjyIoKrwRszyzyRWYQeZH
WjEpqqINQiBLjqV“Sachiel. Maybe they’d enjoy playing together.”UAxsuHePUdbsdHNVsBrpyhPMVlCIAd
sRqgRCpeGrXBefA“I don’t think that’s likely…”uxoyhhhXJEWdKDTxqHDLuQZeZRyrxN
muHNzWqPaAzifkv“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.”wxpSsTtuqjouLImvjrGGigmbIyzIJT
mqHvbmRlNPrHMAnRen 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?”rzAxxlLrcVEALXhTBgywTBkcGIWmbq
IpHtkLZBjEfxMKM“…Maybe a bit of that too,” Gong Yingxian admitted, looking away. “Take me to see Miao Miao.”BynVtKyFGELHWTNbPzVvzjUDYatGGm
uPrMIixAZeSRhbr“At this hour, who knows where it’s wandering. How about we eat first? Afterward, I’ll look for it.”NBPKavzfIqaWaBsSMsjUUYpMVQAaJe
caKhgzvRxyBRSryThe two of them headed toward the cafeteria.EnzZngWJEvpvCwwHDwjtJAJCvDImiD
lVYEsxrXByGTIOhGong Yingxian couldn’t help but ask, “Why did Yan Jue come to see you?”DNOCIClnSiBGaolhQRhuMFQuLhkHwE
UdGiRLKvHWKgJon“To check on me, of course.”MLcyfYBhkoxHuYXiZGJfsRdGjxBjat
bONCxIOgtiHutjm“Is he married?”SLxVtIgycoRgxSvRxPrtOXgrCVrSpF
DiaJSURwfmFadytRen 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.OoNxUcFsoIzlXMkUepvcaDjGjalJoT
QudvRYNaRQpwjMOGong Yingxian pushed his hand away. “Just asking.”aHwpdKvzpypAsdxnHwRhMtvcKzSgyr
LieHIcpEymOrjhV“I don’t know, never asked.”KMdJQRyFdDysfoCAtEJBXgXGGzhvEQ
eyhRBOEBZeeRXXtWhen 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.ijcJbFAssASnugTqajlzNbjeSODeEQ
TaVvXWWzTNHkKweThe soldiers started trickling in for their meals. Qu Yangbo and Yan Jue, having finished the tour, joined them at the same table.duXuMMNYZNuoRxCqBEQsdVRPWzvpCs
IXyBlXJGfZzrqmNYan Jue noticed the separate plate in front of Gong Yingxian and frowned slightly.XsNjKUUvgYgBGGKepmmDTQckVppTsB
OJAMwMFAaMuezzvRen Yi explained, “Dr. Gong’s a bit of a germaphobe. We’re all used to it—don’t take it personally.”DMNbrUzuqbnhTmwCkuruSkjZLHTfdM
zaZjqgGRGGLwFyPYan Jue smiled faintly. “A germaphobe coming to eat a communal meal? That’s impressive.”NQoDtZklbycyCqRYUMBXbomWRqFihS
kjndOvhNfvHqDhLGong Yingxian shot back, “Driving all the way from the western suburbs just for a meal? That’s impressive.”vgiIpxwKIotMGsBMfbtmcsQfJgIdEa
dHZtzadMeeotVcyRen 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.viSsDjRYQUrENmTTsvumEfqywAdqvJ
HIUDeBBomIiUCdPQu Yangbo’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he watched the exchange, clearly enjoying the show.eOAEBnMALUesrIskbEnOrONwvAmuXG
peLREYhiEhYdZfq“Just eat,” Ren Yi urged Gong Yingxian.ESqSEybtSgYjniEQbmZbHotGJQdwus
RnfmpxmXqxXbeccExpressionless, Gong Yingxian picked up some food and took a bite.rtdLxpocGovcQeGfXzrioRLuJSwDtC
XKkDdhLqrUGusyhYan 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.ZDnNKcqAIXpEgcgECYKjwJcXLXaxxJ
qQFgNLsnXwamgCoTrying to ease the tension, Ren Yi asked Yan Jue, “Hey, how many days off do you have? Got any plans?”jKTAOpAMkcTEfWZyvZCoHFoiTZORSZ
gXtDuQHsWRknTdi“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.lUAboXrPnXZZmIyKUIxSNJGGURRWGm
RhlcIjQHapCznmHGong Yingxian slowly raised his head, glaring at Yan Jue.MYgpehnhULKlFEMSFwhfzDgkczTzqz
yLObRPiJMxbBzSG“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.”TWEuMnKHFPqeVJlZozAqathMDKcvjN
CqovrUsbxBdtKWUYan Jue raised an eyebrow. “Should I go hard on them or take it easy?”arNIBhETvXfWgNfeAVEPXKMGwWgxeC
ekmesJEVHMNYBVv“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.”qwEQLghWtFkKWaMfZYICafRIWeocDb
LnStnvOSKmsutnA“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.”WPMgPciXeEsoMipNgWERhzaxNHCPFa
GLwwRwFvQwaMGWWGong Yingxian slammed his chopsticks down and looked at Ren Yi. “I’m done eating. Take me to see Miao Miao.”NxHYHyWpYFWLACDQLseSZivRADSkjC
XgdoPTVJNxePFax“You’re only eating this much?”yQGMRRsPKbpEMjCaVZwFTFPjGfJfSX
NHAVsswsPqKhCkyYan Jue frowned. “You’re done, but Ren Yi isn’t.”miYSbFLradPlkIxYqRXmhQgifBinuA
DruUUxpLIBEQrnIGong Yingxian shot a cold look at Yan Jue. “What’s it got to do with you?”BhXPRPVyNsgkvscaeDtyoHPzebjSvw
JtsrtyrjIoeJnHD“You—”hZfdqTAzqTpppaFscJqaiRxxumPWmH
vWSlzWXBDOaisjI“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.JyCZfYDQtErTjlSvvggwBhBkMlxqBs
XJxqOCHrwnoiGdVQu Yangbo shrugged lightly.JsRFUElMKTKLiIGOpYVPKENpdJRfUI
tCUZOwgypjhrSxSThe 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.”BufYXCVKEIMyHSARIrGgoOqDXDWjAi
hLoeKksrLQrxTrq“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?”gmNcyoaBGCWtmDJQzlihjxkcCEaPqB
pWSCFYbCaHOdnri“I’m not blaming you. I’m just saying… it’s unnecessary.”wFjrrrNdoTOQEPhrmTkQEpGXMvZDtO
rOHTlBNLrbHfDkC“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?”szOXYvvkfTtLaFhlKsfZksCfmoLkJf
mILzswKDOUNBGYaRen 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?”GveKluivZRDTsuEwLAMYbqHXmLpccz
PcNgxrgzUacWjWYGong Yingxian kept a stony expression, saying nothing.AhmZpizdamryTqvCmPSjoeEiaCwiyU
RBpmCSNNtXipJXa“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?”jHRxCplBOtjKLvcyRUfHLLxKKMqeAk
EENEfqCmPQVSwtI“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.rvaPuKTsfkIUbYtWEcmDYIwVFpIwgs
FnkFUglXohoYVbd“Well, I’m telling you now, we’re just friends. Nothing more. Is that OK with you?”WLYtVOgWPowAOupelfvUdNFacNbXCG
nlDSFBLfNJeQShbGong Yingxian stared at Ren Yi, his brows still furrowed tightly.lfWdIjdNyDeEMxMeFlMyWPEhPBJspv
emEEphSbsiwGGEx“Come on, let’s go see Miao Miao.”kWnQYqWkLIFPmxFtOqzuASQXSyefdx
yDkhgZevucpGaFX“No, I’m heading back to the station,” Gong Yingxian muttered.wqlIqPFVageZmCRNfQQenzdkZQuKem
BSrzCNKCNLCooYl“…Are you upset?”OogWfOcRiihnywBrUdYpvZOlPfMMbd
QCUUNGesUYRoTAI“No.”NrDtdKjiYPvKtKxMbqQsarBrHifDHI
JYLgKWBuqvVDLhmRen 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.”ltuVjzvyFbeNtYNbogQsaDtBfDiuBw
CCwdcGHcmRMovAL“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.”imZAQiXApfKHiVCtFNpcJJvvMStmMi
evdtgnrPaHyEzBW“Alright. So… are you heading back?”fGPmwNanoXJCNRvXJYnVvjyUHXiMHe
JlBJbydtEJgFfDl“Yeah.”DCuvvkQrLoVZfpaXyYTCQvGKtYPtCi
ydKESaGAoIdZDcM“I’ll walk you out,” Ren Yi said. “Where’s your coat? Did you leave it in the lounge?”hTGmOTwrhlYsowzCoSwTstsByPkMlk
EzxklpIaIFceCqf“No, I didn’t wear one.”QGcVCpUVNTxOCUxWQhEyyOxQHCXdPp
fnEOToWKsRYwVCE“It’s freezing out—why aren’t you wearing a coat?”HNnnJmGwnTQvErwnYxRSHBEuokhknf
FRkpjhDMMkocUQv“I’m not afraid of the cold.”hyUzxPrIWyWYwflRJTNnkItFTigjcp
AaveGawYdYpmTJnvjgHBvmFjqzTMuCnSspTfSJRgFOJus