Chapter 133
Ren Yi widened his eyes and raised his voice: “Me? Afraid of you?” He stood up at the same time.OsOZUeHkAjrDFWIJqHQIglicKlXkrl
XqWpcvrNrmlXlmaYan 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.”iXgPJGZFvgNtbJaEZIFZeAHkhMtMiZ
FlyRGdhEBEJaAkI“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.RWiwLhKcYvXnKbvYBEWqOoftgAkhTZ
RBALsNYhBTFOgGOYan 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.”wGWVcJFCbMXkmHELadKZbphIKDLxKR
IGXqhikRHGALrBrRen Yi, hands in his pockets, tilted his chin upward and looked at Yan Jue. “Would you? Do you?”BYiPtLklrCXwjMjTcgRnKfwUNTWOHb
hSoAoImUAKpopjqYan Jue tilted his head slightly. “Which one would you like me to answer first?”wlXstiQYPSabnXdVJXLnqVgxKPbmJH
iqcigUQIcBezfNy“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.”gJNkcbjvbbFTvbZrPbaYjXvBFIxiRQ
iWFDfWWvmfHJNHo“That’s self-deception. Boring.” Yan Jue stared deeply at Ren Yi, his gaze unabashedly intense. “Do you have a boyfriend?”slCWoiEQTdlmWoEgEyAEghsoWRDZCB
nfMEclfdpLKVHds“…”eIPknMlyWqnPWsKrlhfYEGFmfyIRZq
PkPmeLWptEXnrYv“If you’re hesitating over that, then you don’t.” Yan Jue grinned slyly.LJCngRazzRQywuVFYHyegzrtbuoofS
pyJtFKLmyNGdmMxRen Yi responded, “I already have someone I like.”GvhUmbQcHnrGClfJlPxbCwsOjQWwey
VmxMvArUmdoQgjV“Gong Yingxian, right?”ljkKteWObYtYoRHDqKthdyrQSarbKM
HYeAWuleniVNsfKRen Yi sighed inwardly. As expected, if someone pays even a little attention, how could they not notice?ciVwTzdiwQptdowmjcOyAYBYOfxtLm
GkGutyTqmFmCltsYan 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?”owMgMrTAxOoKrvIcsYaPBhnqGhRGXO
pWWEEIpGUeaSRqkRen Yi’s tone grew cold. “You don’t understand what’s between us, so don’t comment so casually.”CCMpfYbJacLJAkNsZlllhORexrgBlE
vVgacgMEwfchMUpYan 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?”hrwFywZEbsNCUOVeIhMkGSZMrvWNJq
THcdsSXBKNMyjha“What you’re saying only proves that we’re suited to be friends.”KssxeMYQemPkwmEavgROuJwAnBAhYU
aKfhSretmqIGEJY“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.”gtmiPkLAfFIeMfFUHfwyKlhilQBJeE
JJZDZFeaAkdhLSGRen 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.KgFEIRIxObMzUzyIIKGaeirUJSzOBW
txHWWJcrANSgeYaYan Jue’s grin froze, then faded away. He looked at Ren Yi with a puzzled expression. “Why put yourself through this?”gFRFodBMWFstCMWsVrExmmUFMtZJbH
rQfcqHIGphatuCgRen 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.hrmLsgECJEFJnApMTlUCCCqzMcCpCx
PDOPXSiwrvDvduBYet 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?”mJCnkwEFqBNbCFqVrzDCQYueIOJbri
tGBBySYMxXsEOjeRen Yi frowned. “Yan Jue, you’re putting me in a tough spot.”lxiOcicrOcczirrnjiyDftDQeaviqZ
DzVrmyxCXarLruW“You’re single, which means I still have a chance, right?” Yan Jue smiled. “I think everyone should give themselves more options.”SfeEqgLRmzOFMxeTllTePMRGiiCijb
uKGIiEwwpbsaWOXRen Yi dodged the question. “Just go eat.”VfNttDkOtQDPxBdEKbTjOpvorXIfFx
GqzoiTQxdpZIwvo“Come with me.”rzAUAtaXzDeYINCNxohpksbxxHmPEf
zSappZXyRQVgwHd“I have something to take care of; I’ll go later.”WFuqjPsRFQFOsuVwcVzgycZdgBrccP
jnqzzKdErRhNwCZYan Jue laughed softly. “Don’t tell me you’re even afraid of eating a meal with me.”SpOroukozspbkmCMUXeVbZuHdcfrHk
xxuiaBkLLhRTezTRen Yi snapped, “It’s not about being afraid. I really have things to do. You go first, and I’ll come by later.”bBjkJmebJEevekxwgpLujCioEqOMga
ETAGzBkFtVIXSBl“Fine.” Yan Jue glanced back. “Where’s the cafeteria again? At least point me in the right direction.”XkWVRQhIvSLQQfFDcVfUktzsLBOudT
rcjGmEBmpCpsnFb“Just outside, down the stairs. The cafeteria’s on the second floor. This place is so small—what’s there to point out?”dXRDgZYglHAoUpWrJnSZIzjovHhgSY
hxCRUPDDXUrMAVWBut Yan Jue made no move to leave, standing his ground.RuMcEhnGtLvzHhcjpkvmChUwMIUwEH
TySHtzTNjGSKquIRen Yi took a deep breath. “Fine, I’ll take you there.”QglGsxcXrIHHAzWRFGNQNMOsRJENlS
TZGywiPOyHFLWiMThe 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.sKRyqOkacXegaRVJBKSoXCaItstJpS
mystGGTeqjGteHpTheir eyes met, and Gong Yingxian froze, while Ren Yi instantly felt awkward.NzmfYGrMrSjTIOrmtEfFgxuyThTpcb
mbazeRjJXCPfvByA 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?”uYQJISypqoKXegnOYFFsNRZjwTKQyO
fUdtAmCAeAIbikD“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?”EniulIySpNtiaujaXRAdxJuUAWvHKN
TBGNGWmHrqvxnNu“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.”npXccFXwIPvcKfjOfKitGxsddeaJcc
FybPVLtTjdZzrHrYan Jue clenched his fists tightly.mWDhbsxrvwoolShKaZaZGcVHGVgkOG
NFcFZQRiqOstEdFRen 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?luGICVUsIqHolAbFKyrkDuAwLPfKRt
smXTgKwTBzJHoPhInstead of leaving, Yan Jue stepped closer to Ren Yi. He leaned down slightly, whispering in his ear, “What’s his deal?”BUcEaQoOHpsILKXriNWAPwEOsMkHqW
unexhcPbSORoQXFThis 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.”fJBEkrqjZDXlMJPCRxxuQnQsWVolsE
EQmjyUgpVlQspMgYan Jue was thoroughly enraged. “What the fuck did you just say?”jtEQTfjGEQpyaZzplUQHpRZejZNqkr
yTFZUAzkSluKTRSGong Yingxian sneered. “Hearing problem?”LegyUPXWzIhAfgobDzIxEMiauttVYb
mVvVWkIokPySXuLEver 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!”BXKwRknhKgSaUBoKiXVZlFSZBlaNoI
idaayjwNMgvInrUYan Jue’s face was dark with anger. “You’re seriously messed up.”vPyPoqUXYcREcDfFjVpgJeKEEdgmrs
RqAAhHmArfXWiXx“Then why don’t you get lost already?” Gong Yingxian snapped, dragging Ren Yi with him, ready to leave.CDKDUENFSzsLsBSydOQxSfuYRbUZut
feKEzjazUGVdMrcJust as Ren Yi was about to lash out, Yan Jue stepped in front of them, his expression on the verge of exploding.lYkHdyRNyzrFzZXODYZMaILgTuSkZk
DKmlmdymYxVFPRqFirefighters worked with flames year-round, so their tempers weren’t exactly mild. Provoked like this, Yan Jue reached out to grab Ren Yi.jnjboWPpJjfNJJljYgiHriqMYjXCcQ
hDmZyVQKjxAxjKZGong 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.”ELitocbTYMjYhRdDLLddPqHWxurWGK
QZIMEVNeEvKdKYgYan 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?!”YlOohnUNeKBSgxvzMgSMEGVXwMLiul
WjLwhAthdokNUdKThat shout finally summoned everyone from the cafeteria.qOfEVNfWBAomrWATuuyemtMNgMqICP
vvwKBadYygyZQdyYan 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.wMTcUsivdaIBgryTfJxoPgvXSlvUlV
yTbxbNbKvNispYT“Yan Jue, calm the fuck down!” Ren Yi struggled to hold him back and shouted toward the stairs, “Get your ass down here now!”schhfIzbHJYdWVgmsQNGUrgzvTzBjs
oAGJknuQLDXWCXfFrom 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.VqrHOuorPoggcoZhrJJwOixvTgrVIR
eKrXpBocWwXVpSuQu 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?”WJTaHCSYCckXCdlwqAaPOpJKIfkFDG
RPkviaEjibiJYUz“Come here, you pretty-faced bastard, if you’ve got the guts!” Yan Jue shouted angrily.YVcwrWlhtbuAPsvGCQXhhNLnYxjpRR
xHkeFwWLKmiBana“Yan Jue, are you out of your goddamn mind?!” Ren Yi roared. “You really planning to assault a cop?!”wbDyRmjdoRSYZjFAkCKWfsIJTuEuYk
TppoQcYSVAMXjIQ“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.”pvDXrIrdeWhbvvmsZcTgFwwHaosCmX
ipvNNuDsNooWxKVHearing this, Gong Yingxian’s brows furrowed, and his lips tightened into a hard line.kdGNAFtiQoeZCovBAZREVLOhYKMQhC
wPTnxhQjLhmrYHFWith 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.”eZfnEMfDAyzpVmvvLkYEocjtqpqEZQ
qQWFfeIhHxfKiRTThey released him cautiously but stayed close, ready to intervene if he lost control again. Ren Yi lowered his voice. “Go eat.”KmgpRAVesjgQUTFGBIUCZBOxIHwwdx
OBggSKQfxNXSZlX“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.dVjVcOzLUKQSaChiKQhlomZgKhODkf
JGblfHClitbfYQzYan 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.LoisQNNwKiHTBSPlmFBvSvVMpXwQMY
ydJXlrMYNnkBxCbGong 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.AKcjXDjtxmgByivKWnMqfWRxZOQsDI
qEcJeXDNoqGLcpNRen Yi waved at the crowd. “Go eat.”gbBjMfPPQQrePyVopegcTubyXvcMMa
tWobZXsctmKzAKhQu 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.cTrOrwHcxjgGmxcZyNCwgrwdYagsuO
CcUdtIYBFsreEcEOnce 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?”QGFpXHJDcREsauzmjPevGYxNibQfZg
LYQpytdstigiUcKGong Yingxian, who had been staring down at the floor with his head bowed, slowly lifted his face. His eyes were rimmed red.kypzBuZQCFgbpgCEqquwrNbiKDwzMF
HWoURWvoxXxrYsdRen Yi froze, caught off guard.NGiHeNpUVjxVpGZaPujKWTapMVkMbz
tEwIcRIQMksWKnvSoftly, Gong Yingxian muttered, “It’s ruined.”qJtdGnttwTkxvdVnWGAamDYzPFbnhN
ZvxERRjRzQFTIgt“…What?”DuQFvWqExcHTOwcsGlubyIOEqZsBaT
aNWufcwICTWtpyEClutching the crumpled paper bag, Gong Yingxian’s voice trembled, a mix of sadness and helplessness. “The gift I was going to give you.”qLlePcxtrdtdVXrGBenQwLOVoNUvNe
fMJuRmyIaVjRFMwRen Yi’s chest tightened. For a moment, he forgot how much Gong Yingxian had pissed him off.HFPMVmEksJEuBsFivFFFlfNVflVvTW
qfRcmBLOYjcbVssJXqWHmEOlxDGvWxbSJJwIdzdOHqmhf
Poor Ren Yi dealing with these kids.