Blazing Armor

In order to save time, Qu Yangbo took the last flight out and returned on the last flight the next day, arriving at the station just as dawn was breaking.ORVztnbxkUfACheUUUAfyRZUNmcNPG

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After daybreak, the Hongwu Fire Brigade released an official investigation report regarding the Phoenix Squad’s response to the fire at the Anjia Community, listing multiple pieces of evidence indicating that the Phoenix Squad’s response time was within regulations, and that the delayed arrival was due to traffic congestion, an act of force majeure. The commander’s on-site command was in accordance with procedures, and there were no instances of violence or threats. As for the various rumors surrounding the squad leader, he had been suspended and was under separate investigation.UpZHhzsdQPzlvCqBSBxAbnDmpGebNG

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At this time, with the emergence of complete videos and various revelations, public opinion had begun to polarize, with more people adopting a wait-and-see attitude, which was a good sign. However, Ren Yi knew that his crisis was far from over.KSnCNXaLIkglQHolbWmDcQgrhFVfTu

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After being officially suspended, Ren Yi experienced what it meant to live day by day like a year. Every time the alarm rang, he would reflexively jump up from his chair or bed, only to immediately remember that he could not respond to calls and might not be able to for a long time, which made him feel extremely distressed.WXajQMFyoeTllMoWgwxqfXuupnfpzE

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Ren Yi received many comforting messages from friends, and the soldiers would come to play with him whenever they had free time. Qu Yangbo would immediately inform him of any good news. To prevent everyone from feeling down because of him, he forced himself to smile every day, maintaining a calm demeanor as if he had everything under control.YUMaSZKcCBhNmFfDRVjgrNOmNjEOeF

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He also visited the nursing home to see his father. Fortunately, his father usually just watched the news and didn’t go online, so he was unaware of the uproar his son had recently caused on the internet. Ren Yi was very afraid his father would find out; not to mention the private hospital incident, which would surely anger him.bVSpsJrHAbLvKCVWEIUnsIVhYNTFJw

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Days passed in a haze while he pretended to be calm, and Saturday finally arrived. In the afternoon, Ren Yi bought two bottles of good wine, waiting for Gong Yingxian to pick him up after work.YcSnEUMbvFJEQDoPXuLLFJfYVClzNp

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They had agreed to go to Gong Yingxian’s house for dinner, and he heard that Gong Feilan would also be there. Since starting high school, this girl had been very busy, having to complete three years’ worth of courses in one year, and hadn’t come to the squad to bother him for a long time.gyDVmjEDPxupLBiAzfZUEyWZQhemxz

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As the sun set, Gong Yingxian arrived at the squad. Ren Yi got into the car and asked with some anticipation, “I wonder what Uncle Sheng has prepared for dinner today.”uRXCxqQJftqQRGDHphDWWPDAxvaOtp

hfRmJoWTXHCELPm

“He should have prepared a lot of your favorites,” Gong Yingxian said absentmindedly while scrolling through his phone, then looked up, “Has the investigation into the Anjia Community fire been completed?”CmcxRUKoNBvhsCfKomvgXUVDdnQrkL

netWaDYUHXukTIL

“I don’t know, I haven’t been following it. Why?”VOHzjzZiiDVxTWIyjWfnOFFIJzQmcp

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“Today the sub-bureau received an anonymous tip, and we haven’t had time to verify it yet.”zYmlitUPfCslhEKcjbEARgELdhMXcV

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“What’s the tip?”ZjPCzOUSAyxRWyLXMHxqaIOQpejpXh

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“Last year, the husband took out a large life insurance policy for his wife, with their daughter as the beneficiary.”KIiJaisswKCNGJhIMjbYDlKkaZeoaq

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Ren Yi unconsciously straightened his back.VzGKsQvZesvkXfVHxLfcBeIosvlKYq

MtZtdiUnglVdDHh

Gong Yingxian nodded, “We want to investigate, but your fire investigation department hasn’t filed a report yet, and it’s been over a week. Doesn’t that suggest they’ve ruled out arson?”OIXNHxiVPJbdNVogPjTklIxMZkJxMx

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“Based on the timeline, yes. Generally, there should be results within a week. If there were any suspicions, it would have been handed over to the police. Moreover, for an ordinary residence under a hundred square meters, the assessment would be quick. I can ask.”WnQWGPCtTLPFvzeMVxhvKfnyRKouoT

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“Go ahead and ask.”cRWHXgDfwjUxWURonnlaQMtbfTrHYB

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Ren Yi sent a WeChat message to his colleagues in the fire investigation department, asking them to send over the complete investigation report for the Anjia Community. After putting down his phone, he recalled the male family member’s agitated demeanor at the scene and said, “He looked very sad at the time.”zPYuLmPNePLpkIPFdpLiOpuuZpiRFh

vmcjnhvHgQebnxF

“Sadness and anger can both be feigned. Don’t focus on these surface emotions; look at the evidence.”BpuJDTJKRIKhAHCqjtlYLIrErcttkP

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“Hmm…”hmirjGpWeuIpXzvFAOyhZRbqyQjCDm

WLgyXGAzAwoRhig

Gong Yingxian started the car, “Don’t think about that anymore; let’s think about dinner.”MLPJeNMphRmqXsERArcrWqBXjIbjbX

AMmBzKdlhClSJsW

Ren Yi laughed, “You mentioned Feilan would be coming too? How has she been lately?”SJFhGmSHiLwKJzNckpKqJvSGfSIfpD

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“She’s in high school now, and the academic pressure is huge. She was pestering me to see you a while ago, but I didn’t allow her to go. Today, I just happened to bring her along for dinner.”rhKWtnTztSdPsJGrlEjBduuwcdBrNK

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“What about that matter you mentioned last time? How’s the investigation going?” Ren Yi was referring to Feilan’s father’s situation.MUbtGIFCbbeAzYeNxJwVkFGJIxUJIV

EjpmXNaYGJChKjE

“We’re still investigating discreetly.”bWgOWKInodnBRfcdMhajrNunEjzjnC

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Ren Yi hesitated, “If he really has issues, what do you plan to do?”cmzwuAZXRRQdMTFRwKlyvSXNrnzPdw

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Gong Yingxian stared ahead, his expression cold: “I don’t want to hurt Feilan, but I will not let any suspect go.”RJPnxDYowUGOBkQlzrVUlNwgvquFNg

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Ren Yi sighed softly.BExnVEzpzxbxRFXfRIdUrgucMgCXsQ

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When they arrived at Gong Yingxian’s house, Ren Yi was warmly welcomed by Uncle Sheng, who was aware of the recent turmoil and repeatedly comforted Ren Yi, making him feel a bit embarrassed.uzvrUSsQXdyisqFvNzajDbwiVDURey

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“When will Feilan arrive?” Gong Yingxian glanced at his watch.AMRkjbTlkqFPNvXDodTohGTklpxilJ

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“Miss Feilan’s school organized an off-campus visit, and I heard it ends at six. She should be here soon,” Uncle Sheng said. “That place isn’t far from here.”ZmNvQUVaSYNQRcPXOMMYstsoAKZHfB

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“What are they visiting?” Ren Yi casually asked.ORCTXYpHCmBCCDMDBeeploumWQqzIJ

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“It seems to be a dairy processing plant; I heard it’s a new factory built for over a billion,” Uncle Sheng welcomed Ren Yi into the living room. “You two chat for a bit; we’ll start eating when Miss Feilan arrives.”iuAsABGjwIoiHnVcfcKrVVnKEcngXl

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Ren Yi looked at Gong Yingxian, “Want to check on your pets?”GIYzXESKmPKRRdmPeAAdMIXgNbjFko

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The two went to the expensive temperature-controlled room.IfidKvlDZsvPQowkfVhbrDKkfrnNDh

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Compared to the tension and curiosity he felt during his previous visits, Ren Yi was much more relaxed this time, as they really seemed unable to get out.BqXMlWgBcAngaIeInvjKoMQChcnStX

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But the next moment, Gong Yingxian opened a temperature-controlled box.TKiBWfyvPDHWSuoZueQPArDlAehXlw

CpmzagFbTWUOmvo

“Hey…” Ren Yi didn’t have time to stop him before he saw Gong Yingxian pull out a snake as thick as an arm, entirely water blue.eMwqjrfdemInSEwXYljmuLbyrUSXmv

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This was the first pet Gong Yingxian had raised, Sachiel, a blue-blooded snake.BARcqWCyTKvFKMOhCMbdXmPQesNfAR

CDklZIMzmsKfRnF

Its skin pattern was incredibly vibrant and luxurious, the shimmering azure reminiscent of the sparkling waters of Interlaken, while its golden snake eyes glimmered like a sea monster, exuding a mysterious and dangerous beauty.exjVNDUEFXjGsPgjcGcwfjuseSmtjx

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Gong Yingxian coiled Sachiel around his arm, “Want to touch it?”SefUvMYkStkGVwGZdLkQkXeoTClAZR

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Ren Yi first shook his head with a smile, but then felt a bit tempted.BWwvbqQuFRjeIVjskKzrClSmrixhkJ

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“Go ahead, it’s actually a mutated species of green tree python, non-venomous and doesn’t bite.”nbbWkRWYrKSHfnisWTzkoRgikDuHph

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Ren Yi walked over, blinking: “I’ll state this first; I’m not afraid. I’ve caught snakes before. I just don’t particularly like them.”owqqSjECKBJTJEinrHjMsEOznkpMFO

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Gong Yingxian gently stroked its body with his finger: “It’s cool, very smooth, and quite comfortable.”SQupBFNCnNsjGjFMswthcqZuOuZNxC

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Ren Yi did some mental preparation and slightly extended his hand: “It really doesn’t bite?”SDnMcTQFPxrfuRbKGajjYlEBQpCxyK

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“It doesn’t bite,” Gong Yingxian added, “and even if it did, it wouldn’t be fatal.”pSYigndOFxRqUHCdMmAoJGuEiNyAHP

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Ren Yi shot him a sidelong glance, took a deep breath, and gently touched the blue snake skin. It was indeed as Gong Yingxian said—cool, smooth, and the texture was quite fascinating.ddFCoLDUPFECaJXZifgTaOgwFYgcLT

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“How is it?” Gong Yingxian looked at Ren Yi with some anticipation, his eyes sparkling like a child earnestly sharing a toy with a friend.jewJehVNibKdcJpMNwarSJQbtPJixP

IJwyzGgYoSvLKni

Ren Yi smiled, “It’s a bit interesting.”dwzpVsAtYiSTacIIxgIAJtuhddLWbz

BWPxQebMDBJXRrq

“Sachiel is gentle yet indifferent. It won’t form an emotional bond with you like domesticated animals such as cats and dogs, but it does recognize you,” Gong Yingxian said, seemingly lost in thought, “I used to think this kind of interaction was the best in the world. If people could be this restrained with each other, it would save a lot of trouble.”LlbAmnwDtnqWlsrvlVNkLxdAlwrHjE

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Ren Yi laughed, “If everyone were like that, the world would be boring. Humans are emotional creatures; without emotions, even creativity would be lost.”DxwNYnVIXeGdYCiHpeGcxeEvjBpWya

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Gong Yingxian nodded, “You’re right.”NlMImStayoUPjYDjygEkwdAqZKINuU

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Ren Yi’s heart began to race as he moved Sachiel onto his own arm, feeling a bit thrilled, “Come on, take a picture of me.”cVCyCFFjZmFZaABpiwtCxVkWsMjXbh

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Gong Yingxian took out his phone and snapped a photo of Ren Yi.snvkWSCPeHhJfvLZHEqRThprcKwIcy

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Then, they both said in unison, “Let’s take a picture together…”EEwoYgMXhEbYXFWJaOJToCZqInOLOH

lyWiCUaIIjVsZJL

They exchanged smiles, and Gong Yingxian placed the phone on a tool rack, set it to delay mode, and captured their first selfie together.QnmdlKIwSEKZfUhcLKCRdDGMYopYSI

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Ren Yi looked at the photo, feeling sweet inside: “Hey, let’s take a few more.”FsnwhKJrBFOHpAGiXSbJzELSJtbFsz

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He had long wanted to take pictures with Gong Yingxian, and now he finally found a very natural opportunity.JVWLvEilIhqeMrlSbvXXLSNoxNfwtX

GgFEmSIYOGZuWhd

The two took several photos, played with the snake for a while, looked around, and finally, Ren Yi stood in front of the workbench and asked, “What about that lizard specimen?”iJKULuXZLEUhOwUqIxHSnSimQVthQA

xBExkkpxqqhjzKm

“I’ve already repaired it; it’s not here. After dinner, I’ll take you to see it,” Gong Yingxian said, his face inexplicably flushing.GxWsbTFgUfdkyhdFeRDtpkBLqPXoHj

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Ren Yi didn’t notice and teased, “So mysterious; now I’m even more looking forward to it.”IkGcuyJGnhTTwYlLHnSiQDOcSkGUJW

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Gong Yingxian checked the time: “Feilan should be here soon; let’s head back.”dliXdtUXGYHIifllqlUuchBOhvfkGv

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Ren Yi suddenly leaned close to Gong Yingxian, whispering in his ear with a low laugh, “Hey, I want to try it here next time.”sWRHaTCezssGXPcMVchQUNqKHaAqNc

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Gong Yingxian wrapped his arms around Ren Yi’s waist and whispered, “You can do it now.”FEzkSBwMcyvSPKlrDKEebyUljNcOZV

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Ren Yi clicked his tongue, “I’ve noticed your boundaries are getting wider; it’s not as fun to tease you anymore.”uKeOGcrmsQsBYeNHqRUERVzOmdSoWO

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“Teasing me?” Gong Yingxian raised an eyebrow at him, “So what you said is true or false?”FdZmYavvuRNMLVWhWrdKEqaUucNMzL

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“True, really,” Ren Yi laughed, “but now we need to go eat.”GySxuiukspodqdElyfwvYsGqjMhFTe

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Gong Yingxian switched to holding his hand: “Let’s go.”lXVkTlXnvRUZTIfkSgjbDIzwBhSUCV

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The two held hands all the way back to the living room before letting go, where Uncle Sheng was directing people to set the table.YCVEUAbDyuPkYVDdWkoPQGKvgqrUwQ

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“Is Feilan still not here?”OalUzHrBDrxPsIMXSqZEnaGzkCLtgD

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“Not yet. I just called; Xiao Wang said their visit was delayed a bit and hasn’t finished yet.”VDSXxVGSPRaLjrxKfNPnHAsBjtMJcI

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Gong Yingxian said, “Then let’s not wait for her. Save a portion of her favorite food; let’s eat first.”fYRoqZOZQcCSkrvYehhMLNfTPUWVWC

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“Okay.”IxHQJqwfFNaaALuhtusFNpjXdcjJfz

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The two had just sat down and taken a few bites when Gong Yingxian’s phone suddenly rang. He picked it up to see it was the driver calling. He frowned; usually, the driver wouldn’t call him directly.wmECQGtQPLgJceSEbMInCrhwzEZjIb

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“Sir, there’s been an incident!” the driver shouted anxiously on the phone, “The Pinxian Second Factory is on fire!”BdWkCjwoNkjghrnsiadXmPVEtgFcSw

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The voice was loud enough for Ren Yi and Uncle Sheng to hear.WaOjuvynwoGJFHfvwYJhUubjMVuBMI

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Ren Yi’s hair stood on end: “Pinxian? Pinxian Dairy?”KacJKXxnUjQGDTzxFjDCxdEEWrPfwt

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Gong Yingxian exclaimed, “What happened? Where’s Feilan?”duDXNIRxDBawDCjUSpEXhfgqOfENzj

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“They haven’t come out yet; the situation at the scene is chaotic, and we can’t get in or contact Miss Feilan.”TDThMNvxEVyBCGvRClUVOdpHpEYzgT

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Gong Yingxian hung up the phone and rushed toward the door.XKBwWKgMkNyfNlXQpvpECyseOMmBVU

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Ren Yi followed, pulling out his phone to call a friend who was the squad leader in that district.bIUhNuKxZZIsEUwNVSuYIRcRHdbeOd

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The two got into the car, and Gong Yingxian kept calling Gong Feilan while starting the engine.lvNSvsLizUurqOnSCTzMGBUUyBMlTc

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“Hey, Wei Ge,” Ren Yi said quickly, “Did something happen at the Pinxian Second Factory?”HgDnpwjhMykPzwmuooYuZBrDxMYKcE

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After receiving a confirmation, Ren Yi’s voice trembled, “What’s going on? My sister is inside visiting with a bunch of students!”ZjrOrXZJsrAiZprgVIdYORCCjLBOKO

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Ren Yi frowned and listened for a while: “Let me know as soon as there’s any progress, please, Wei Ge.”XdLfvYFEYvuHJXCTzhEKzimZdWevgi

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After hanging up, Ren Yi wiped his face: “They don’t know what’s happening either; they just received the alarm. Let’s not panic; stay calm. Feilan will be fine.”GPHqapUBxhvDYonmhQYNDyTCrZwmQI

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Gong Yingxian’s eyes were red, his hands gripping the steering wheel tightly as he pressed the gas pedal, speeding toward the factory.qajPlVKYtUcNHIdktjSZJZVKGneYwr

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