Blazing Armor

Ren Yi had been in the hospital for so long that he felt a bit embarrassed, especially when faced with the doctors and nurses’ scoldings. He didn’t dare to retort and obediently cooperated with the examinations and treatments.bTDKMNpfwptBAEfKbpPCYjVxwZeXPF

After returning to the hospital, Ren Yi knew that his troubles had been resolved; the police officers guarding him had withdrawn. He could only imagine the stormy turmoil happening at the Hongwu branch right now. He could picture how Captain Zhao and the newly appointed Zheng Peihui would be at odds with each other. Wasn’t he just a pawn in their game?LfIJikTaEGKtayCzAtHKeQELZnHwQk

In the past couple of days, he had come to understand many things. It turned out that, unbeknownst to him, he had been playing a part in their drama. Huang Yan had already been captured, and Gong Yingxian had taken advantage of the fact that members of the X cult rarely met each other, sending colleagues undercover. The act had begun at the hotel, using Bai Yan as bait to lure out the elusive Purple Flame, while deliberately exposing their own flaws to attract those who had been secretly obstructing their case to strike amidst the chaos. This also allowed Gong Yingxian and Qiu Yan to operate without the constraints of police regulations, achieving three objectives with one move.LkRifFjsEFAaTRDcjLNyqhiwkmHlFu

When the truth finally came to light, it would all be seen as a necessary measure for the case. The results would be fruitful; it was said that even some illegal members of the Seraphim had been captured within China. Even if there were some irregularities during the investigation, how much could the higher-ups really pursue?KEkvBbccBaOXehXovXUkJbUgYBIiGu

Gong Yingxian had calculated everything, but perhaps the only thing he hadn’t accounted for was Ren Yi’s persistence. It was Ren Yi who insisted on following Yue Xingu to the hotel, and it was he who insisted on trailing Gong Yingxian to the warehouse, thus Gong Yingxian played along with his plan.pYFIBVpkhjOfMiUORVxjNpBYLeNbFj

Gong Yingxian seemed to have done nothing wrong. As a police officer, confidentiality was part of his duty, so could it just be considered bad luck for Ren Yi? He had been drawn into the incident and had no choice but to help Gong Yingxian, whether for Gong Yingxian, for Gong Feilan, for his brothers, or for justice; he had become a valuable asset.ZvzKOZakyvtJzPNhFzRtshXBFunrbf

Ren Yi found himself utterly ridiculous. Every time he wanted to trust Gong Yingxian wholeheartedly, he realized he had never received Gong Yingxian’s trust. As long as there was a sufficiently valid reason, in Gong Yingxian’s eyes, his feelings were insignificant, at least expendable.BhbiFHzbYutTLSgbfSRWXmCoDYMMtZ

He didn’t know if Gong Yingxian could imagine what it felt like to bear the betrayal of the one he loved most while also losing his friends. Gong Yingxian didn’t care about pushing him into such darkness, only to pull him out later as if nothing had happened, telling him, “I was just kidding.”bfxZVsSBrXnhjcxWcsghjaEcyFggvy

There were many things Ren Yi couldn’t comprehend, and he didn’t want to think about them anymore. He used to feel that this case was closely related to him because he liked Gong Yingxian and because it was a case his father had participated in rescuing years ago. He gradually felt that Gong Yingxian’s mission had become his own mission; he had to help Gong Yingxian catch the murderer and uncover the truth. But upon waking up, he realized he had truly been brainwashed. What did this case have to do with him? Gong Yingxian was using him to investigate while keeping him in the dark, using him up and then discarding him. Even Gong Yingxian knew that this case had nothing to do with him.ikoONDWYSvxumoDHIhTsCBzwzRLWRA

So he didn’t want to waste any more brainpower on those doubts. He needed to recover quickly; he wanted to return to the squad.dMJDTbyZjvtnPgLHimGvWqjRpNPfHB

However, while telling himself not to think about the case, Ren Yi couldn’t help but think about the various things between him and Gong Yingxian. Those sweet memories were etched deep in his soul, likely impossible to erase for a lifetime. Similarly, the events of the past few days were also unforgettable. These conflicting thoughts twisted and turned in his chest; he felt he had never been this sad before, as if his passion had been plunged into icy water, and he couldn’t warm up no matter what.QyAZJNsmkQvQbtKQtLtIKdTdLpshNx

In the past few days, Ren Yi had refused all visitors, whether it was Gong Yingxian, Qu Yangbo, or anyone else. He didn’t want to see anyone; he needed to give himself some time to carve out a mask to face others.XzWuXctzSiZOMwmxjnctsFFTBCPYkT

—eRVkHCarsnGMWnGKLxajGyTAORvKAe

A few days later, the doctor finally approved Ren Yi’s discharge, and Qu Yangbo came to pick him up.oAeJiAAdUtXkeBYYQZOSiVeVXICmXn

Upon seeing each other, both felt a bit awkward, then found the other’s awkwardness amusing, and finally couldn’t help but laugh together.jUSZIoyKGVOQvKcRqiCGwMcxxgFjjU

With that laugh, they instantly regained the familiar feeling between them, both secretly relieved.TvCCAeAYYlHLaZbOZOaIDFCavRoqJa

Qu Yangbo teased, “Have you become a regular at Hongwu Hospital?”RUEovrtiDrIkLlYaBMiUgJeRpAinFN

“Yeah, the supreme diamond VIP, ten days stay, get two days free.”scrqTquXDMDrNyexdsdLGmFHLVUAfh

Qu Yangbo laughed and scolded, “Get lost, you reckless fool.”rBNNfjOyijOeRwaMXMSJhpnKmDDEMe

“How am I reckless? I’m very careful about my life.” Ren Yi threw an arm around Qu Yangbo’s shoulder. “If I don’t see you marry and have kids, I won’t die in peace.”XGyeZZMtdcZJCSIsjkXNpAsBAYMjWi

Qu Yangbo pretended to punch Ren Yi’s chin. “You just wait; I won’t hit you now because I see you’re not in a good state. But don’t worry, this punch will be remembered, and we’ll settle it later.”rsYKftBlmsOtvnkITWAIAFOCJwNgVA

Qu Yangbo helped Ren Yi carry his luggage out of the ward. The discharge procedures were all completed, and the two headed straight for the parking lot. However, before they could exit the hospital gate, they spotted a tall figure waiting at the entrance. In the bustling hospital, amidst the hurried crowd, that person, with a god-like appearance, exuded a calmness and composure that seemed entirely out of place in this space, waiting for them.whlGFKeULHLnyzhtHMyhFfLNmnKFiJ

Just seeing Gong Yingxian made Ren Yi’s heart ache, and he had a strange thought: this was Gong Yingxian, forever clean, noble, and untouched by the mundane world. The bloodied, disheveled, dirty person was not Gong Yingxian. It was truly not easy for Gong Yingxian to go to such lengths for the act.jAqNfRkXjZxZinJoFWTVGPVyQHRceJ

When Gong Yingxian saw Ren Yi, he took off his mask and walked towards them.RyKgditybejQhZONeOVhUWVbEuADlv

Qu Yangbo sighed, somewhat tired of the entangled feelings between the two. He said, “How about I wait for you in the car?”HYNsUObXTDHWnLOYyHsHvLcyQDsOff

“No need.” Ren Yi replied, “Let’s go, I want to return to the squad as soon as possible.”miXxUiBDFHhtZnqevirXBKauFjmgjP

Gong Yingxian’s expression was slightly awkward. He said softly, “Ren Yi, let me take you back.”zvqmRsoLXyJXzLfUnvbWFzvnatVpCZ

“No need.” Ren Yi was very calm, neither angry nor resentful, as if nothing had happened before. He spoke to Gong Yingxian with the attitude of treating an acquaintance, “Someone is picking me up.”FfvrYwyWQmrYrAXSsqreXegepyAfvy

“I want to talk to you; I have a lot to explain.” Gong Yingxian’s eyes were deep as the sea, sparkling like stars, filled with Ren Yi.FdlveLCGqcoSvkTQMFbuijxZHSkPbf

“No need.” Ren Yi still didn’t look directly at Gong Yingxian, just hurriedly glanced at him. “I understand you; handling cases isn’t easy. I hope you can catch Purple Flame soon.” He nudged Qu Yangbo, “Let’s go.”MBQSrGDffOgutmastifyyPdjmzyASH

Gong Yingxian grabbed Ren Yi’s arm. He had imagined countless scenarios of how Ren Yi would react to him—perhaps in anger, perhaps cold, just like last time—but not like this, not with such indifference as if everything they had experienced together—both good and bad—had never happened. This made him feel even more anxious.rHvfTVPApCZeReoQlumkDmETuScKlP

Ren Yi glanced at Gong Yingxian’s hand and said softly, “I just got discharged from the hospital; I’m still not feeling well. I want to return to the squad quickly. If there’s anything, let’s talk next time.”DCYpUNWmznBctulvzskGGIvUCRlTMM

Gong Yingxian felt a lump in his throat and slowly, slowly released his grip.NjDifsAJeoClqqiewabdIjvVhjTXCx

Ren Yi pulled Qu Yangbo along and walked towards the parking lot.aKUFlwvDSsaYwLYsSLOEDqwhOBrPKQ

Once in the car, Qu Yangbo stole a glance at Ren Yi.KuIvAalDKmTzxqTjCMkbMXtuxwxiHu

Ren Yi smiled, “What are you looking at? Drive.”MVUbutWsgCnQVbbRlNztDkeslbQlmy

Qu Yangbo started the car. “Ren Yi, has anyone ever told you that you’re not very good at hiding your emotions?”kWGTWvHEsapeuHtDUTbbQopuxmhXcd

“Yes.” Ren Yi nodded, “Coincidentally, someone just told me a few days ago that I’m not good at lying; most of what I think is written on my face.” So everything had to be kept from him, for fear he would leak secrets. He was quite puzzled; was there really no better way than this?zvtiDhtYtWEStANctGyRwKGfIJXSbi

“Then I’ll be straightforward.” Qu Yangbo said helplessly, “You look very sad, you’ve lost a lot of weight, and your complexion is poor. Even if you pretend that nothing is wrong, we can see at a glance that you’re not doing well.”qWuTejCENLjvYybTfWsdUbuvHByETr

Ren Yi scoffed, “I’m a patient; can’t you be a little gentler?”leNctZIaoDrAInkquHkUcJnZUInPPz

“I’m saying this just to let you know that you really don’t need to pretend in front of me. You’ve been through so much during this time; anyone would break down, feel depressed, or be sad. It’s not shameful; as long as you can stand up again, that’s what matters.”MbBdEuCHfeVeyjPsDdcycURvZhwlyl

“I know.”jMwnsftevQsMyrNpLeHOrGtCXtLPbw

“That ‘I know’ is really too perfunctory.” Qu Yangbo shook his head. “I don’t know exactly what happened between you and Gong Yingxian, but I can guess. I don’t want to advise you because right now, the most important thing for you is to recover your health and perform well. Captain Chen is currently active and wants you to study for half a year, and when you return, your suspension will end, and you can go back to your post. That’s what matters. As for Gong Yingxian, if you feel it’s too hard, just… let it go. Trust me, there will be better ones next.”VuqcPCNnATXoRsbdLoqblAcrdAoCbr

Ren Yi fell silent for a moment and then said softly, “It is very hard. Both of us are from completely different worlds; our personalities are too different.”BmKAbZQcUZOPCqXXLiCeLgOGqzMQOl

“Did you just realize that now?”wfTSMLgVMLiXAOVaRAqFXOhknqGXtz

“I used to think that as long as we liked each other, there would be no problem we couldn’t solve. Now I don’t dare to think that way anymore. Some things, I really…” Ren Yi looked out the window and sighed, “I don’t even know how to say it.”BqstljWMZvHSLBVQGCPapUddIYDvmE

“If you want to say it, then say it. If you don’t want to, then don’t. My point is,” Qu Yangbo stared unblinkingly at Ren Yi, “the squad needs you, your brothers need you, I need you. You have to come back.”TWonVwHKwlaHyIxWxVZHtMSuMOMRZg

Ren Yi felt a warmth in his eyes. To cover it up, he lowered his head and smiled, “I knew you guys couldn’t do without me. Of course, I want to go back. I’ll find a way to return. If they fire me, I’ll apply to be a chef in the squad.”oDLMNyHvWdWrwzNEoYTUqaiYFLbmiS

Qu Yangbo chuckled, “Who would dare to eat the food you make?”ltnpbanXXCsVpNdggpyuwHMFMBYsgk

“What’s wrong with that? I’m quite good at cooking.”ZfvGWzXDkFcukpASzwNNVTBdlBvtot

The two joked around for a bit before returning to the squad.YQiNqrlQohuWDuIUUwSEToMezKWvSz

Before getting out of the car, Ren Yi received a message. He opened it; it was from Gong Yingxian, a few very restrained words: Ren Yi, face me.HgGUZcMIabKxwnPLGIFLtklYVhjNja

Ren Yi’s heart tightened. He put away his phone and looked up at the squad’s entrance.PhyEcEwAGHHwBiLlNnAccJucaRXIuR

It had been a month since he last returned. He had never taken such a long leave—of course, it was forced. Since joining the squad, he had never been away for more than ten days. Now, after being away for so long, he felt a bit shy about returning home.vpdETSEsswKrjwJNgGoAdYcfKatBNy

He knew how much turmoil he had brought to the squad and felt somewhat guilty towards them.tQNqWdjSWvzJFbXwhknRiZapwChEzJ

Qu Yangbo patted him on the back, both urging and encouraging, “Let’s go.”jYhxXDYldwmZWSDdkxXMbbHpMfoDhc

The two got out of the car, and the playground was empty. At this time, weren’t they usually doing morning exercises?UBCdzSlFimCOfcHLotBAhnYsLTahuv

Ren Yi sensed something and followed Qu Yangbo into the dormitory building.qBnaAsQbtyrzAsZUKSaoYrdCIwYuui

A cheer erupted. On both sides of the entrance hall of the dormitory building, there were two doors—one leading to the reception room and the other to the garage. All the soldiers from the squad rushed out from these two doors, holding flowers, colorful flags, and balloons, surrounding Ren Yi and calling out “Captain!”suHJYrJjHUuTYxFuYsDbYZuCnalryf

Ren Yi smiled, “Why are you all doing this useless stuff again?”jQIghepRglztjRztCQSwWcgDNBjUiI

“I see you’re quite happy, so stop pretending.” Ding Qing laughed.UzpoGtzAWknKUCQlkcLdIqtjTyXUEK

“Yeah, your smile is all crooked.”aSFjyyXJDOHqyezaSNohjbSqCVuktL

“This is because my face is injured.” Ren Yi said gloomily.kSlFHDZZHvaBmbyjMdISNMbGDiKiTT

Suddenly, the surroundings fell silent, extremely awkward.CxIRYowElXJvzzNrGYIxUVskoxaXdQ

Ren Yi burst into laughter, “Just kidding, I’m not injured anywhere on my face. Heaven wouldn’t let me lose my face, hahahaha.”tzjvBDtMMuocKjxpwyWypYCeARYiqY

The crowd erupted into laughter again.RlFwjCmJbjoviRkHoqMnvUrPtlCpZM

Gao Ge shouted, “Captain Ren is back!”JCLEQPtQLmxpSSqasfuLYgSPUjDDfJ

“Captain Ren is back—”HXfVXWxtDJGqLzxQgaUOrIaxDFmYIB

The soldiers shouted loudly, unabashedly expressing their genuine joy. Ren Yi felt deeply moved. He secretly glanced at Qu Yangbo, who returned him a reassuring look.IvFMUbPAsksvCLRrvkNGKnqZzyXpnQ

He was back; this was his home, his family. No matter what price he had to pay for his mistakes or what punishments he had to accept, he would never leave again.tBboznGXgvNcVJloHaTasrZuVPKSqe