Blazing Armor

Ren Yi widened his eyes and raised his voice: “Me? Afraid of you?” He stood up at the same time.bBsqfowxWYGLYfcdRbfLzERNtCAvoS

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Yan Jue looked at Ren Yi and said, “Ever since last time, I’ve actually wanted to find an opportunity to talk to you, but you’ve been avoiding me. Honestly, it really seems like you’re scared of me.”zNHaoHuHIjDSErTpthqReaXJoqmWxe

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“Why would I avoid you? We’re all adults here; no need to put it so bluntly, right?” Ren Yi’s tone towards Yan Jue lacked the warmth and patience he had when speaking to Qi Xiao. Firstly, because their relationship wasn’t deep, and secondly, because Yan Jue seemed much tougher than Qi Xiao. There was simply no room for pity in his heart.jMfsIVrnfEbofkSsIJbzGpQJExOFZn

JVsSRRaQlPrCgKF

Yan Jue chuckled lightly. “I think being blunt works better. Otherwise, I won’t know if you’re worried I’ll expose your orientation or if you’re worried I have feelings for you.”RTNniRGBIQaoaoMnBWYdBASjwPCfXJ

COgpedkXXPVUPkZ

Ren Yi, hands in his pockets, tilted his chin upward and looked at Yan Jue. “Would you? Do you?”SYJnzdicbKwowCSLBeieMqGxZlMBcZ

WhBWYpihZsQaalS

Yan Jue tilted his head slightly. “Which one would you like me to answer first?”VxUviwXGDRmSZLlcWADiWWACbDxfrK

CCVhoCZjUiVtdsb

“I’d prefer if you didn’t answer at all,” Ren Yi said softly. “Yan Jue, I hope we can both forget this ever happened and go back to being just colleagues.”cuwyouwhSRuCQHAHTXkkXOzLhaqJRq

ldpxuZPLnbssjcV

“That’s self-deception. Boring.” Yan Jue stared deeply at Ren Yi, his gaze unabashedly intense. “Do you have a boyfriend?”TWxkhfxRCnITMBReVBwxctEGHPfUuM

vZNesQyQNHrhHPS

“…”HBFSCoKCtfCpcPPdQEesiGKVzSuRkp

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“If you’re hesitating over that, then you don’t.” Yan Jue grinned slyly.mDLgRCeFdZfnvlJVWrIZryTngQevzZ

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Ren Yi responded, “I already have someone I like.”zziwLuaKnNrsfnRFvzSVnSfewMCzwY

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“Gong Yingxian, right?”MaRFeVrWNphpvpAjWyYUNJIOiItSHp

SlpxzIcJtiKhIOC

Ren Yi sighed inwardly. As expected, if someone pays even a little attention, how could they not notice?KUHZtpQXjxVatJPnRrvgrQQOZYfQkS

hHeICDwcMcTlClm

Yan Jue wasn’t surprised. “I figured. But that guy, aside from being weird, shows possessiveness towards you, yet you two aren’t even a couple. That’s a classic straight guy tactic—to keep you on the hook. You’re not so naive at your age, are you?”HofSbSeDawtEUtEiWjzqaosvyQRlnp

JlUwgziepqYsytU

Ren Yi’s tone grew cold. “You don’t understand what’s between us, so don’t comment so casually.”rjPzdukGqJjnlMDZxevDJbFxLOLuxA

AUwgrsPnzOsJhkm

Yan Jue shrugged awkwardly. “I’m just trying to create an opportunity for myself. Look, we click so well. We have so much in common, so many shared topics. I’d even be pretty romantic in a relationship. No need to reject me so hastily, right?”kubszlDlAMQioNyGnUAqhJoViWXWhm

rckgYmUlBEapQgX

“What you’re saying only proves that we’re suited to be friends.”uKywxPTzkUVYsNYgdSCOcjcwUqbpGn

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“Isn’t being suited as friends a great foundation?” Yan Jue stepped closer to Ren Yi, flashing a mischievous grin. “If you’re worried we might not click in that way, we could always try it out first. I’m pretty confident about that.”OGpJONOOALLkOglOJeFJiELfdpkkMz

nNBUVXzTuctHabR

Ren Yi shook his head and replied seriously, “Yan Jue, when I say ‘like,’ I mean the serious kind of ‘like.’ I already have someone I like.” In the past, he might have entertained the idea of giving it a shot with Yan Jue. He’d always liked being a bit reckless, and he was never one to be overly reserved. But not anymore. Even though Gong Yingxian had disappointed him completely, even though he was keeping his distance, his eyes couldn’t take anyone else in.OcFJGvIejkwsChyjIEnuiIaiOlDXRS

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Yan Jue’s grin froze, then faded away. He looked at Ren Yi with a puzzled expression. “Why put yourself through this?”oQhtXtPNzQhCRpMGONlRNUubEVAztE

MSSrYEAytDsurAm

Ren Yi glanced at his watch. “Stop worrying about things that don’t concern you. Weren’t you saying you were going to eat? The cafeteria’s about to open.” He calculated the time. With Hongwu Substation being so close, Gong Yingxian would probably arrive any minute. If the two of them ran into each other, who knew what kind of clash might occur. But at the same time, he couldn’t exactly just kick Yan Jue out.EideHHmeePSIIrQMdRrzRFwxKOEpZY

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Yet Yan Jue didn’t move, still staring at Ren Yi with an intensity that made him uncomfortable. “What if I told you I was serious too?”pZEvXgYYZzAddcEhUrgsLqSmyzGfHF

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Ren Yi frowned. “Yan Jue, you’re putting me in a tough spot.”cTThWNVywheCQmwWKvwMlqYxRjLqjM

sQkQibfqXCiiLzJ

“You’re single, which means I still have a chance, right?” Yan Jue smiled. “I think everyone should give themselves more options.”ieOjKBgGDmwrOlgKWFlvgnvxdjFfkk

xNfrMVgNPUJWiXl

Ren Yi dodged the question. “Just go eat.”giLfOfVDhRNZkDSHmdOupXbnVKdNVp

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“Come with me.”UjYvmEYmfejilNronumiNwDEmmyRbC

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“I have something to take care of; I’ll go later.”NOMKJtKaCYzfsibSrDTQTgSBoNUtzv

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Yan Jue laughed softly. “Don’t tell me you’re even afraid of eating a meal with me.”ttDegfTxeeqcoqDfWbkywSYSCgLzPz

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Ren Yi snapped, “It’s not about being afraid. I really have things to do. You go first, and I’ll come by later.”SjgJcpHZFXPmzpHlRecMjNFYmNHXxm

lcCZTmCzKtQQAQy

“Fine.” Yan Jue glanced back. “Where’s the cafeteria again? At least point me in the right direction.”jhobFTKioOCIznepaWQMwosXuzpyms

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“Just outside, down the stairs. The cafeteria’s on the second floor. This place is so small—what’s there to point out?”XFLMKFilTVKtrRsuvgUzhvstiYvZlA

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But Yan Jue made no move to leave, standing his ground.yTvtcTUyQNbVSPIjBLYTwmCdKmRZTq

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Ren Yi took a deep breath. “Fine, I’ll take you there.”iaRdsluFsTQxQwrPvWGtthddOycWhi

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The two of them had barely stepped out of the meeting room when they saw Gong Yingxian walking through the main entrance, carrying a gift bag in his hand.oQUxPDAWnNpslHxRRovoMWXizdFNvj

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Their eyes met, and Gong Yingxian froze, while Ren Yi instantly felt awkward.QdQtOTdqvwTSouRTaYKRIqtVoFHUdX

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A storm brewed in Gong Yingxian’s eyes as he remembered Ren Yi and Yan Jue’s infamous interview, along with everything else he’d seen and heard about Yan Jue. The disgust welled up within him, and his eyes seemed to catch fire as he asked bluntly, “What’s he doing here?”JETqQDxdycIjBsKoyeoeIORamBAixW

IMAQQEHyYElcLnH

“Why do I need to explain why I’m here?” Yan Jue sneered. “I’m a law-abiding citizen. I don’t need to be interrogated by you, do I?”RcvmRbPvKEekfkFgDWPolewRDybnAK

iApTzXIWhSAcWjL

“If I wanted to interrogate you, I’d show you my badge. At any time, anyone must cooperate unconditionally,” Gong Yingxian replied coldly. “Forget it. You’re not worth the effort of explaining the law to.”CTgvVOZyzMYdJowPuCQoeMhjYYXDIA

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Yan Jue clenched his fists tightly.XNSpJMXlQTBZwSfDiqIRVOWPPkPTkx

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Ren Yi lowered his voice and said, “Yan Jue, the cafeteria is upstairs. Go up first.” He glanced around cautiously. Thankfully, at this time of day, most of the foodies had already gathered in the cafeteria waiting to be fed. If anyone happened to stumble upon this obvious clash, how would he explain it?TFFxaAcvoVgWdIrmIFmAKTmToBZOMq

YNAbbOBEVpEsIWQ

Instead of leaving, Yan Jue stepped closer to Ren Yi. He leaned down slightly, whispering in his ear, “What’s his deal?”ksGjmzUbPKNpPOKqRRCASqaxddpvWp

wfoVlOqrssHGpnU

This ambiguous move completely set Gong Yingxian off. He strode over, grabbed Ren Yi’s hand, and yanked him toward himself. With a proud air, he said, “Stay away from something so filthy.”nogOLtyzNtYsbAJUfcthgvbbVIGWNT

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Yan Jue was thoroughly enraged. “What the fuck did you just say?”OGyUQPWrblzSsnXqlbEBmKcBqTiNUJ

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Gong Yingxian sneered. “Hearing problem?”XoQpUvyykTOleLwlxWTbeXaXKODUPM

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Ever since their relationship had grown closer, Ren Yi had almost forgotten how sharp and cutting Gong Yingxian’s words could be. He’d been driven to the edge of violence countless times back then. Anyone else in Yan Jue’s position would’ve snapped, too. He growled low, “Gong Yingxian, enough! Both of you, enough!”RMLBtzMHblwPiQacQHjDnBleTZlqnW

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Yan Jue’s face was dark with anger. “You’re seriously messed up.”zyHSlpDXvtnaQuQZkZxnDoDqwTHzpb

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“Then why don’t you get lost already?” Gong Yingxian snapped, dragging Ren Yi with him, ready to leave.hOIqmufBxUkKalgNjjkotjQTgrUnEh

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Just as Ren Yi was about to lash out, Yan Jue stepped in front of them, his expression on the verge of exploding.gePeElQTJwxWqjoENOobqLScJJiQrw

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Firefighters worked with flames year-round, so their tempers weren’t exactly mild. Provoked like this, Yan Jue reached out to grab Ren Yi.xdZrxsPnDCyYvwepHrLJkimVvSURiL

TejZDkXXffJXYeG

Gong Yingxian slapped Yan Jue’s hand away with force, sending the paper bag in his hand to the floor. In a flash, his other hand went to his back and pulled out a pair of handcuffs, the motion fluid and swift as lightning. The metallic clang of the cuffs colliding pierced the air, sharp and jarring. Gong Yingxian glared at Yan Jue with icy malice. “Listen carefully. The only reason you’re still standing is because I’m a cop. If you dare to make a move, I’ll cuff you to the stair railing like a dog and charge you with assaulting an officer.”jQOESXEtpOkQlonJLREzMTKJLKYdHQ

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Yan Jue’s eyes burned red, and he raised a fist to strike. Anticipating this, Ren Yi quickly grabbed Yan Jue’s arm, pushing him back as he roared, “Are you two fucking crazy?!”MdxrafSoHWvQbVKVyHMzuBQcBSQofv

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That shout finally summoned everyone from the cafeteria.uAAwrEUrktowYlLrlslaUPdEUtLznA

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Yan Jue was about to charge forward, but Gong Yingxian stood his ground, eyes full of hostility as he stared him down. Though he didn’t move a muscle, the tension was palpable—his arms, wrapped in his tailored suit, visibly flexed, and his stance was rooted, ready to strike at any moment.nYYVkTarJWSYzRWTKMgrsOZWoHYlNh

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“Yan Jue, calm the fuck down!” Ren Yi struggled to hold him back and shouted toward the stairs, “Get your ass down here now!”YJCowUfXVJpaEYJvkHIXcITGdApJgM

sncJTDgtAMFvUKT

From the second floor, Gao Ge vaulted over the railing and landed smoothly on the ground. Though their team trained in these acrobatic maneuvers often, Ren Yi usually forbade such dangerous actions. But in this moment, there was no time for rules. He shot Gao Ge an approving glance, and Gao Ge understood immediately, grabbing Yan Jue and dragging him backward.ZtyrXSTcxllqjIEHYdFRsJZxwraNfP

bzUsKKLoBCZNIHe

Qu Yangbo, standing upstairs, took in the situation with a quick glance, immediately grasping what was going on. Unlike the other officers who rushed down to break up the fight, he descended with deliberate, almost theatrical grace—slower than a Disney princess twirling down a spiral staircase. With a broad smile, he chimed in cheerfully, “What’s going on here? Why’s everyone so hot-headed in this freezing weather?”wrpFTVtWChpXJnzuVbmPQxURqUafsO

pFHuxmzMUfGzJjB

“Come here, you pretty-faced bastard, if you’ve got the guts!” Yan Jue shouted angrily.LrsREiKEOggCbraajcghPUHpPhwxZN

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“Yan Jue, are you out of your goddamn mind?!” Ren Yi roared. “You really planning to assault a cop?!”TrEPTXpZhrySSLVOCnrPBDQnZNaVgN

tbPlHAaRYaxBnjA

“Captain Yan, don’t act rashly, stay calm,” Gao Ge coaxed patiently. “I don’t know what happened between you two, but Dr. Gong… well, his personality just isn’t exactly… easy to get along with. He’s like this with everyone, not just you. Don’t take it personally.”KaJwDzIpUplaKqYOnfwrfvRMsCllDA

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Hearing this, Gong Yingxian’s brows furrowed, and his lips tightened into a hard line.HkixpfdMwocdsuUIJAmCOwRcwQkuYA

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With everyone crowding around Yan Jue, pulling him back and trying to calm him down, he finally took a deep breath and relented. “Fine. Let go of me.”JYYlwmAGfvpqlJsRVnitkpEglCkamE

clQXHlFxGvrZMBG

They released him cautiously but stayed close, ready to intervene if he lost control again. Ren Yi lowered his voice. “Go eat.”IpmZdYlsVSJmhembRGWtTRJtMSipgW

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“Lost my appetite.” Yan Jue straightened his clothes, throwing a glare as sharp as a knife at Gong Yingxian, who glowered back just as coldly.GJyaxeYXHKEQwFoldeABEfOuCHfMMs

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Yan Jue stormed toward the door. As he passed Gong Yingxian, he noticed the paper bag that had fallen during their scuffle. With a vindictive swing of his leg, he kicked the bag across the floor.GpgLIgHxoTFJGKRIfCwBwxAWEjBqNK

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Gong Yingxian’s expression darkened. He hurried to pick up the bag, his rage flaring as he glanced inside. He turned, ready to confront Yan Jue again, but the man was already striding out the door. Gong Yingxian lowered his gaze, inspecting the contents of the bag.ZhQdeFbazwqtWYWqqMzTOYmCKFcBeE

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Ren Yi waved at the crowd. “Go eat.”rjaPrTsJPpUvobyCdnTPSQmYQkmfny

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Qu Yangbo blinked innocently, his face brimming with curiosity and a blatant desire to see how things would play out. Ren Yi shot him a glare, effectively chasing him off.wXegddvfEkkSTRRcpvDyPWXUjFkgPJ

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Once the group dispersed, Ren Yi ran a hand through his hair, feeling more exhausted than after a full day of intense training. He gritted his teeth. “Are you out of your mind? Did you show even a shred of maturity back there? Yan Jue’s never truly wronged you. Was all that necessary?”wyaXMlBYzxNaNXYZMjbxpDXFCgUYbJ

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Gong Yingxian, who had been staring down at the floor with his head bowed, slowly lifted his face. His eyes were rimmed red.DzmyHUzppmmglVlnuiyADrCawLWSSO

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Ren Yi froze, caught off guard.YgZpPlcXuRAgRcwZoPCjIjBfEQziNW

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Softly, Gong Yingxian muttered, “It’s ruined.”ZNxWnsRcHRwMOGfuJFjaXrpvEvOkcF

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“…What?”zRVyJdMIndSlJFlWssPLkqvOpWvdwA

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Clutching the crumpled paper bag, Gong Yingxian’s voice trembled, a mix of sadness and helplessness. “The gift I was going to give you.”TgsUNOlxccjhtpjdZlFzaBCccWcJTs

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Ren Yi’s chest tightened. For a moment, he forgot how much Gong Yingxian had pissed him off.jCQyiDviTTLRsgwDBxxcluInBlWQba

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