Blazing Armor

Gong Yingxian stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, gazing at the budding plants outside. Year after year, winter fades into spring, decay gives way to rebirth. They say people are like grass and trees, but in truth, we may not even measure up. If life could begin anew again and again, there would be no tragedies in this world.yeNOJftEKaCOnKGIyKycbNDKQKVBQo

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But then, there would be no joy either.DaSohynOYSPzidsRfrtHTFheLknnJN

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Gong Yingxian’s eyes gradually lost focus as his thoughts flitted back and forth between wild imaginings and Ren Yi. His mind was in chaos.LNAiHVHFEQcJmZuOAtYEquPMOdBluE

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Steady footsteps sounded behind him, snapping Gong Yingxian back to reality. He turned around and saw Ren Yi standing just behind him.NaycDhLtNZYqVtfVtTzcMBFvBZIkBe

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The room was filled with warmth from the heater. Ren Yi wore only a gray wool sweater, the soft and snug fabric accentuating his lean, muscular frame. His short hair, clean-cut face, and the prominent lines of his collarbones exuded a crisp and refreshing charm, an appeal so striking it was hard to look away.WrnwaSoESKINfBFREgPQAdxEAUbyUq

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Ren Yi tilted his chin slightly, signaling for Gong Yingxian to follow him.FnstXhLxthLbNPsYzPiIyxWgVyQKjd

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Gong Yingxian took a deep breath and walked over, a trace of nervousness evident.xFcuWIPPszDpppbBGETYVMdMLvXbzh

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At the doorway, Ren Yi said, “I’ve already spoken to my dad. He’s calm about it. Let’s sit down and talk together.”oCqogZGwbmafaEOlfZIGoxLWAiECVZ

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“Okay,” Gong Yingxian replied.ypztagSZIBzcbncextKLVBIiMlWoVs

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Ren Yi turned to open the door, but Gong Yingxian suddenly grabbed his hand. Ren Yi froze, looking back at him.WDhKrjsFKchgQEpZDdyQRLMVgrWAbN

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Gong Yingxian stared into Ren Yi’s eyes. “Honestly, in my heart, I believe the old captain is innocent.”UHrPdKIARmeWdznqmjUHkQkCYHwcet

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Ren Yi remained silent.VylSUmpMCoVTiAjkGDZLluIRXQUepf

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“Just by looking at you, I can imagine what kind of people your parents must be,” Gong Yingxian said, his gaze dimming. “I’m just… I’m just anxious. I can’t afford to overlook any possible clues.” What kind of extraordinary parents must they be to raise someone like Ren Yi?eHWNejbpIAfoWpAEzjnEqQxtPNZHXn

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Ren Yi’s heart softened. He gently squeezed Gong Yingxian’s fingers. “Say that to my dad as well.”XnhZJkigKvVfAgbkEwVjtujvFCPOeR

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They walked into the bedroom, where Ren Xiangrong sat facing them, his expression calm and composed.RkoEEMBDJKrZXJvMWLLpXKBSquogUi

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Gong Yingxian had seen Ren Xiangrong in photos many times before, but this was the first time meeting him in person. Strictly speaking, it wasn’t even the first time—they had met nineteen years ago, but Gong Yingxian had no memory of it.UzXqQFwTJEgjEttIFSbCEshHPqMZYr

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Ren Xiangrong observed Gong Yingxian in turn, his gaze steady and unflinching.JpAJocbcLqyHzQcxvocSHrRFIvZWtQ

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Ren Yi cleared his throat lightly. “Dad, this is…”pntknjTMdrbRpVSeoLfwpSMTLsweuO

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Ren Xiangrong nodded. “Have a seat.”uKRBpdcCXCVonwVgnOWWIdLzlggvIR

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Gong Yingxian sat down, about to speak, when Ren Xiangrong cut him off, looking at him with a tinge of nostalgia. “Ah, the little boy from back then has grown taller than my son now.”fpVBLhyYLmRzJZykWNerPHOSnKEztB

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Gong Yingxian met Ren Xiangrong’s eyes and said earnestly, “Captain Ren, I want to apologize. I’m sorry.”GkcMmmYhpdizjhVxzSQpQIcoFghgug

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Ren Xiangrong waved it off. “No need. I understand. In my life, I’ve seen too many victims and survivors. Most of them can’t live a good life afterward. The fact that you didn’t stray off course, but instead became a police officer, channeling your grief and anger into a force for saving, protecting, and helping innocent people—it’s rare. It’s commendable.”mjkkFZQDcEPLsyalrMlAlOTrhnWefj

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Gong Yingxian stared at Ren Xiangrong, his heart trembling. This was Ren Yi’s father. Even in a wheelchair, aged and frail, he exuded such magnanimity and strength. This was Ren Yi’s father. They were so alike.GYfMbJnfqnPDnSdSQzleuKmChTtqpm

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Ren Yi smiled faintly, a deep sense of relief filling his heart. He should have known—his father possessed a vast magnanimity and unpretentious wisdom, both rooted in a courage that never faltered in the face of adversity. Because of this, he realized the matter might not be as grave in his father’s eyes as he had feared.lTjLVsxrmoWZGjhXZFFwuOlJWaaUXO

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Meanwhile, Gong Yingxian was filled with guilt. He lowered his voice and said, “Captain Ren, thank you.”agYYbcXHGhbJjidjdSOSkFeBdlVlTK

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“It’s nothing. Right now, the most important thing is catching the perpetrator. I’ll help in whatever way I can.”jZdxDtUJXKlRLJsaECzeFeHRktLSzw

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“No, I mean—thank you for saving me back then,” Gong Yingxian said with a trembling voice. “I’ve always wanted to tell you that in person, but I—I didn’t dare. Not just because of my… doubts about you.”jwPiPjBrVmNJlNJRDTpyqLmRNqgTjZ

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“I understand,” Ren Xiangrong said gently. “No one wants to relive painful memories. You’re caught between not wanting to remember and being forced to. You’re strong.”tUIQkVGDZFxLvgWzcmZippBsZwkvZj

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A sharp sting surged in Gong Yingxian’s nose, and he lowered his head.UztzBrTgPnGgJFPYYbollSWfrodFGa

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“I truly want to help you. I know Ren Yi is assisting you, but my mind doesn’t cooperate the way it used to anymore,” Ren Xiangrong said regretfully. “You can ask me anything, no matter what—treat me like a suspect if you must. If I can help even a little, it’s worth it.”qpNvsiZymoKLciXBlnUBqnxgqsGJZo

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“Old Ren, you’ve already done more than enough,” Ren Yi said as he patted his father’s back. “Don’t let it weigh on you.”tbGffeVpQqvtvwBGAbAovEkcfReFOB

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Ren Xiangrong glanced at his son, then said firmly, “Evil will never triumph over justice. You’ll win.”sPxfRHhghGyXquvvdWJPlEclgcsQAq

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Gong Yingxian adjusted his breathing, pulled a notebook and recorder from his briefcase, and said, “Captain Ren, on behalf of the entire police force and myself, I want to thank you again.”ntCenTaxLOWFSQNYOCBCtABLsrdlSc

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Ren Xiangrong nodded. “Let’s begin.”udTniyBspXZTkyADTrZaVoLknMqfhW

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—zNfCjFHpDagkwJBKPyosUmqjIMGnrz

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They spoke for three hours, only stopping when Ren Xiangrong was visibly fatigued and needed to rest.KTshCgNlsORreyRtyYDVMEzdYvekoQ

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Closing his notebook, Gong Yingxian expressed his gratitude again and hesitated before asking, “Captain Ren, I have one final question.”QRkOjJfJerEwRFyrriurJZjdqXtPDg

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“Go ahead.”oXJfzUiRJMApFGyZxcssPLydXNlYcg

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Summoning his courage, Gong Yingxian asked, “Putting aside all facts and evidence, based solely on your years of experience, what was your feeling when you entered my house back then? Do you think my father… could have committed arson?”TIcEjSusDKoChVNbiryMRMRJrtCNTY

JSigpIKJgKdcVOo

Ren Xiangrong shook his head. “When I found you all on the second floor, your father…” He paused, a trace of sorrow in his voice. “He used his own body to shield you. That’s a pain no one can endure, yet he didn’t flinch for a moment. I don’t believe someone like that would harm his own family.”VsDwpermIwqDckODiJoFWvjeoAQHay

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Gong Yingxian froze, then turned his face away and stood up. In a low voice, he said, “Then I’ll take my leave. Thank you.” He quickly exited the room.gMRJNXAhpPxrspdPNpQKkEaDmCPUuB

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Ren Yi glanced at Gong Yingxian’s retreating figure, then back at his father. “Old Ren…”nKbgkoGRuhclhkQjaLJHkxDdUBcWRC

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“Go to him,” Ren Xiangrong said as he rolled his shoulders. “I could use a nap.”aXLpvkDTLmqkbgrdJDjtOyqKfHygxN

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“Let me help you to bed,” Ren Yi said, assisting Ren Xiangrong to the bed. He removed his shoes, tucked him in, and asked, “Tired?”HVcjHXoAwMKUGaQTyWkZDtvpHLPvda

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“A little, but I’m fine. You go about your work.”mevtkrSdzdNkkDoVWpdCXdyyfgZxtp

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Ren Yi sighed. “Have you still been ‘dreaming’ of your old comrades?”rKdLjzfwjbotuvKKtcxwwGSYkBvohR

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Ren Xiangrong’s eyes filled with reminiscence. “Not as much as before. Maybe the effects of the hypnosis are wearing off.”wkhwwJLUykfSKceqzxfqIGFuOXRcZN

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“If you feel unwell in any way, we’ll go to the hospital. Don’t hide it from me.”NcrlBhPYNRSBoRYveINihqkyKpKthx

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“Don’t worry. I’m fine.” Ren Xiangrong added, “That young man has endured so much. Even adults would collapse under such blows. Helping him is the right thing to do. If the people we help can grow to be as capable as he is, it’s like we’re indirectly helping even more people.”AlcAJfgMlnZVuodZKoSJKMKWnfOKhf

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Ren Yi felt a wave of unspeakable emotion and nodded firmly. “You’re right.”zOSMpqxtfSdoGxmxNqmzLeDrKhhTie

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“Go on now,” Ren Xiangrong said, then added with a smile, “Oh, next time bring me some sugar-oil pancakes and soy milk from Nan’er Hutong. I’ve been craving those flavors.”HbCEiyNsujrkAMPFYhFWWTiFfcZYGW

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Ren Yi chuckled. “Got it. I’ll grab some stir-fried liver from Jiqing Street too.”egLkJuAVGxPbwGuVXoWBErFxAToOop

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Ren Xiangrong smiled back.dQzKXmpToiWGrlntzlmvRWOYqiayXf

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After leaving the room, Ren Yi searched for a while before finally finding Gong Yingxian on a terrace.nrSHImCeittcVpHCDXwDAJPmAducOI

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From behind, Gong Yingxian’s silhouette seemed to radiate a profound loneliness. Ren Yi instinctively softened his footsteps.pYsUZYtSMaRwOxEuAOcYSnGiXjPCOm

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Hearing the sound of approaching steps, Gong Yingxian turned his head.IWgvYCbnpsXkrXFuWANFwqiDkRmNOM

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His eyes and nose were red—it was unclear if it was from the cold or from crying.AXLoTwKHRrPtTewvHVgmpweThFJVkS

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Ren Yi stepped up to him and said softly, “If you have more questions in the future, you can ask my dad directly. Be straightforward. But keep in mind, aside from sleeping, he’s only clear-headed about half the time now. You’ll need some luck.”ANBkdyFnIPEdtkpzqRXNRMFrFMcZdr

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In a hoarse voice, Gong Yingxian replied, “Send Captain Ren back to my hospital.”iAJBPrCtaasmlwhBfNjicOYyrmNlHb

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Ren Yi shook his head. “I shouldn’t have accepted such a favor in the first place. And now, even if I agreed, my dad wouldn’t. He already understands what’s going on.”LYiTIDuoJYNegJDFgbEFLuZFffxLXs

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Gong Yingxian’s face was filled with undisguised guilt.tajOAxKMKChYIqGfxFBhbiiMKqRIJz

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“Did you get any useful information?”HnNjnWqcljbFuTJsoRrpVZOVXXLifp

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“I’ll carefully review the recording when I get back. Maybe he mentioned details we overlooked, or even he himself missed.”eAsxXZzQrkmTzBwRURZEsawTwgYthi

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“Alright.” Ren Yi glanced at his watch. “Let’s head back.”WrSsjEMEEnzojvqitjyWDUwZkFKAjq

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Gong Yingxian seemed a little lost. “Back where?”NuYqxtKJlQZOpkbSBYmoQGlvnByVhR

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Ren Yi paused, looking into Gong Yingxian’s vacant eyes, and felt an inexplicable pang in his chest.oAFWBUgopaGPUgkHwBOCYMYGKvTXCn

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In a low voice, Gong Yingxian said, “My dad shielded us. My mom shielded me and my sister. Then my sister shielded me. When the fire came, I hid in the corner, completely unscathed.”UCgYnTerNlcCRQOpetNQEtDGcmRRcf

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Ren Yi opened his mouth, wanting to comfort him, but found himself at a loss for words.zBHeZWIWkbmnPeKFjNeZxeIsXuTVmb

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“All these years, I’ve often wondered—why arson? My mom was never involved in the company. My sister and I were just kids. If the goal was to silence my dad, why didn’t they spare us? Why take such a big risk and go to such lengths?” Gong Yingxian’s face showed a hint of numbness. “Even now, I don’t know. Maybe only catching the perpetrator will give me answers. But whether it was their own decision or someone else’s orders, I can’t comprehend that kind of evil.aujCZeddAuydLQQcnCbzVePQbEhWNL

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“When I grew up, I finally understood—some evil doesn’t need a reason. Instead of trying to understand them, it’s more important to stop and punish them. That’s why I became a cop.”TICnTLTgeOdjIWqFcUmAfmZcmCtIkq

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Ren Yi said softly, “You have more drive than anyone to be a great cop, and you’ve achieved that.”LkoxmSzQMTRmEqrvcfxNxHOKBfIVkH

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Gong Yingxian turned his gaze to Ren Yi, his voice heavy with sorrow. “I’m not good enough. I used the wrong methods and hurt you and your father, yet you’ve both been helping me all along… I’m sorry.”OFOgknKvThyJJwegJIjlXMxrkQNWHL

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Ren Yi looked him in the eyes and replied calmly, “My father doesn’t blame you, and I accept your apology.”giItheGtEabtsedKOZLisVOPjknnkk

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Gong Yingxian’s eyes reddened, and he couldn’t hold back any longer. He pulled Ren Yi into an embrace, holding him tightly, as though he were clinging to everything he had.LIGtHdnGTxloWnzQsLTQzkcYOSQZXr

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Ren Yi gently patted Gong Yingxian’s back, his heart aching with compassion. “You’ve had it tough all these years. I have a feeling it’s all about to end. Just like my dad said, we’re going to win.”iWRNnsnLGVNowFWmQrtFOSJQjLRgyH

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Gong Yingxian closed his eyes, and tears silently streamed down his face.tAfKATDMtgDbmjBfTOxlQfeTdzTKSe

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