Blazing Armor

Ren Yi spent the night at the nursing home with his father.OYUynNecycWrBszrjvuKdcFjBXIPFX

cPuMsBVWKRzgoLa

The next morning, both of them woke up around the same time.irTKRgnkUrqLjPqSVzwJQOEYfQsjqD

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Ren Yi opened his eyes and saw Ren Xiangrong sitting on the bed, staring at him intently: “When did you come?”huimbpFDDNciKpAOwRzQXWKVAMGKrZ

ZWUeaFEzQcRMIRE

“Last night, you fell asleep early, so I didn’t wake you.” Ren Yi yawned and smiled at his father, feeling relieved that his father was back to normal. He didn’t know when it had started, but seeing his father felt like gambling; sometimes he was the normal dad, and sometimes he was just a patient.HwiHfNaGoTKoXzOZvwkHsoBCGApBGF

OHUPllMXpHaBaxO

But Ren Xiangrong didn’t have the usual joy on his face. He said flatly, “Then you should go back. It’s uncomfortable to sleep here; the bed is so small.”xSBkzsKFwbdFfbTpqRXuNNJJNwIAFq

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“It’s fine, I just wanted to experience the resting environment here.”hLUJTAGlnwlppiLNfwoHUBahfcoMOx

ncdUpteyagKKSIs

“Environment? Of course, it can’t compare to a private hospital.”gpXGOIPXaqqGqPNwaiyUuZVwKKdzua

YDJYycESJriPvbb

Ren Yi was taken aback: “…That’s true.”atGhPursqTGsfHpRiFAUUNtqufVlpv

UuiFwfoZnnjsEuw

“There are always people playing music in the garden during the day, and it’s quite terrible. There’s an old man upstairs with schizophrenia who sometimes screams in the middle of the night, it’s creepy. One caregiver looks after several elderly people, and the water for baths is never hot enough. The food is too bland, and after a long time, it gets tiresome.” Ren Xiangrong finished in one breath, “Other than that, it’s pretty good.”kiQrcwslNXKsWpbFdyJPYKPlvTURcG

JYLKGiqXeuIvvSm

Ren Yi was momentarily at a loss. His father had never complained about this place before; in fact, he rarely complained about anything. He always prioritized not causing trouble for his children. It wasn’t that he couldn’t accept his father being picky; it was just that the tone hinted at something more.cvHGweKmXvAptUDuLKeYGEZvCXbOZC

OiuWdWudwBHwAMY

Ren Xiangrong looked at Ren Yi, his gaze filled with reproach: “Of course, this place can’t compare to a private hospital, but it’s not bad. I feel at ease here. We’re not from a wealthy background; we don’t have so many delicate issues. Are you going to let me stay in a special care ward that costs over a thousand a day and take imported medicine that costs tens of thousands? Aren’t you afraid I can’t afford it?”RfjhxybyvTSytEaIrbXIYwrUHNWozq

jjumDqHTmxcoDlZ

Ren Yi’s face turned pale instantly.QNgCvjiSTAXJfoHOChdXGPPcMCvuya

nJuUstInBRQvKZh

He had always been afraid of his father finding out about the private hospital and the negative impact it would have on him because his father would surely be very angry.GmNiPDhTQHdROHiQxHXGoVrGhvUoWs

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In the end, he still couldn’t keep it a secret.sSKNBdXIGTehaTYMwzrmLIopXeBUiI

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“Dad, let me explain.”YIKmXYEXpSjsiTWLoKQIEKQFeEcujA

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“What do you want to explain? You told me it was covered by insurance, that I wouldn’t have to spend much out of pocket, but most of the costs aren’t covered by insurance at all. Can you afford this?”iHounXgqLCCYImNgjpbzwJaTIOXnTK

dwbbuFsYwDpSUbb

Ren Yi said awkwardly, “They have public medical slots for veterans.”yLXZdgIJxZibKpmJWLdwyGgNNxvVEI

PUhXEjQcpKAfpMz

“Isn’t that because of Gong Yingxian? Otherwise, how could I just pick up that slot on the street?”yjKfIqPgwwBaDLvzovypsdTagdRJJq

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“…Dad, how do you know?”IrjqwIGcirjaOVcptBXONywYQtTXaU

HfrFpSHezomBdko

“There are people here talking secretly, and I overheard.” Ren Xiangrong said angrily, “How long were you planning to hide this from me? Such a big issue, it almost turns into bribery, and you didn’t even tell me? Not even when you got disciplined?!”pNbHSzshqKvKiSAUOGAxxBeOfdIoSg

CQzoWoEmDUIhoin

Ren Yi spoke softly, “I didn’t want you to worry, and besides, it’s all in the past now.”JkRoqncgMZwscbXIOwtZoWMYAocgvw

HOfvKkkrtwIxlTX

“In the past? Look at your current state; does it look like the past? I called Chen Xiaofei yesterday; you’ve been suspended. When were you planning to tell me?” Ren Xiangrong grew angrier, slapping Ren Yi’s head hard, which was his usual way of disciplining Ren Yi when he misbehaved.fnrSYUYpuvVrXJQVuxXYaIHLPqmpoE

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With that slap, the dry powder hidden in Ren Yi’s hair scattered into the air, illuminated by the morning sunlight, turning into glowing dust, falling onto his heart, becoming the grit that ground down his self-esteem.AGAFlDKyEhzyOVnNSasbmxmpzBPkhy

XgeDElkHOAhXOKm

Ren Yi took a deep breath: “You called Captain Chen? What did you call him for? To plead for me? There are already plenty of people gossiping about me being so young and a captain. We agreed to avoid suspicion; I don’t need you to plead for me!”MtNCgGHFnbsupAEGoYBuGyaLKZIXKH

WoERbMkRAMKNtmo

“You’re upright and not afraid of others gossiping behind your back. You did something foolish, so I called to ask what happened.”YahybxNBSScBgzYUJMgyfAoIWpyGzb

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“I’m upright! I just wanted you to receive good care; I was afraid you wouldn’t adapt to the nursing home.”IJQGrPexHgYSDKDZGZNvNOvrxCbRNZ

MegHeWIViButecQ

Ren Xiangrong pointed at him angrily: “What can’t I adapt to? I can adapt to a fire scene of several hundred degrees; I can adapt to being buried underground for seven days and nights. What in my life can’t I adapt to? Do you need to do such foolish things for me?!”zdzAPYGiMCMFZlBWXoKkcmHpRFvMZO

aNtcpkNuclVAbot

Ren Yi was already very upset but still forced himself to hold back: “Anyway, it’s all in the past now. As long as I go study and come back, they won’t pursue it. Can you please stop bringing it up?”vCfPRBgjhsBekETqnrFWXeqnZFzjDw

ZpuqlimglTvCnyd

“What, can’t I educate you anymore? You think being a captain is something great? You have no sense of proportion, no brains. If you get expelled for this, I… I…”qcYUhZkwVZclQipxbLipMfkSmnpxEA

lTpkrAKPrkIudMv

“I’m not expelled!” Ren Yi’s voice rose, “Gong Yingxian is grateful for you saving him back then. I agreed to this for your sake. I made a mistake, and I’ve been punished. Can you just say less?”TtIbTpBztXnGVDWfOyLWPWoFVwdkwG

gpLfokwPiyJxsQc

“Am I wrong to say you’re wrong? Huh?”pkCdpEfzPqmScsMPouApLgAGeMTJnL

wkShcsXZgRCuTQT

“You’re right, you’re absolutely right.” Ren Yi suddenly stood up, so forcefully that the chair toppled over. He grabbed his coat, “I don’t want to argue with you; I’m leaving.” With that, he turned and walked away.tyDyMLkejHpkEmaZZzWGFOPQcJHpUY

pvaFUKuXOMUnaTV

“Ren Yi, stop right there!”VYKFAPndPxROocApAlDaUBbVhlWqwp

PkqBWBbrOXENVwp

Ren Yi reached the door, paused for a moment, and ultimately left without looking back.nICGiVOkdgFcdWsZERMTNGNoXKAGZT

WjDgdABtMIsAyoN

—MlwrKTXRscVaybHnHIJthAMKxGOsFM

ljxVzvSOaOwrNSV

Ren Yi’s mood plummeted to the lowest point. He thought that knowing Gong Yingxian this year would be a splendid year in his life, but unexpectedly, it turned out to be a year filled with thorns and pitfalls.vojHCkTQrdFrthIyaXyuQduaQeLQfi

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If you ask him if he regrets it? He doesn’t know.ircJTaDvsuuqwpVOQKNNYcexdnnbwQ

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Back at the team, he looked dejected, huddled in the dormitory playing games, not wanting to eat, and when tired, he just collapsed into bed.itUVGYBWfVdgZmTjNrnIbUgsiYWTDD

dsBSljqbZUufTvU

Since he went to bed too early, he woke up even earlier than his usual biological clock the next day. He got up, took a shower, and while waiting for the morning exercise, he opened the file bag on his desk.nqFsvPjJwWmnIzFlyltgEGqWlKORrx

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Inside were some materials related to the study he was about to undertake.dHvVPITKefoHpXxSLqnAUINbyXsXGc

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In fact, Chen Xiaofei and Qu Yangbo had long advised him to pursue a master’s degree, even while working, as it would benefit his future development. Qu Yangbo was even pursuing a doctorate; every line on his resume could dazzle people’s eyes. But he wasn’t fond of studying, always using being busy as an excuse to procrastinate. Now, it was just the right time.XCRgalVQTgGlSqjYhaijFYkUIUsAvr

auALLoxwozEbTaW

He wanted to read the materials, but his mind was restless. His eyes were glued to the black and white text, but it always felt jumbled. He helplessly put down the materials, grabbed his phone, and sighed, sending a message to his dad: “Great Comrade Old Ren, dear Dad, I was wrong, please don’t be angry.”jUzGYoOfHpxFPooYWyncrdPKNvLEIk

ETZuTEIOGqSRivf

What was he even sulking about with his dad? Not to mention that this matter was indeed his fault; even if he wasn’t at fault, he shouldn’t be angry. In a couple of days, he would buy some of Old Ren’s favorite food, sneak in a bit of alcohol, and make amends.LqYSNIfyCPOoUjKxtYABukSMPZtYAO

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After his dad figured this out, he began to think about Gong Yingxian, his thoughts a chaotic mess, unable to sort through anything.dyLRldJeuqXWibycLoBOAjmbVDgjqf

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He felt the need for some psychological counseling, or perhaps… to visit a temple and pray for a fortune?GGAjKFPCcOgElremrYJYbqTfgBqcao

hUSYiLdjSyRnuOI

Many things had become unclear and incomprehensible to him. He wished for some transcendent power to guide him on the right path, to spare him the twists and turns, to clear away the clouds and fog, and directly tell him the answer.HkmUXGjyZncgDUFoNxwwOiiZGxvvwx

kbqAPqGEOsfOLuF

The more one lives, the more one believes in the divine.aRIIxVVemslJeGTkVslAZeoYjxqhMV

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—-ZFBWILiEgfNvKLHIasNlBKngTZOnbc

ZJlRLQEQbSmlMOv

In the afternoon, Ren Yi received a call from Chen Xiaofei, asking him to come to the brigade, his tone unfriendly.UiYqjtnWTcCsVYhQRdAmgKJblKBPAt

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Ren Yi had a vague premonition.JwwBFIcNwwOJVqEqwaUYCyLVIyijvq

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He hurried to the brigade, entered Chen Xiaofei’s office, and as soon as the door closed, Chen Xiaofei pointed at Ren Yi and said, “What did you tell the police?” He was clearly so angry that his face had turned pale.awPoTXXUQKGCEaSfcBWUEyTQhLRghX

iyLrNZTBnMMiYnt

Ren Yi calmly replied, “Captain Chen, which matter are you referring to?”mCuTkKEfAYGfGJYeeUaECjQouPAjbo

PDowBjejTvSGWKO

“Which matter? How many matters are there?” Chen Xiaofei shouted angrily, “Why did the police come to ask me about the details of the Gong family arson case from nineteen years ago? The questions they asked clearly indicate they consider me a suspect.”oYwOuXVVEKnIgKADCDMnAfbvhNkmXZ

MLmbNYIWkLznkdd

Ren Yi said seriously, “Based on the reports from the team members at that time, combined with the evidence, I made an analysis that differs from the original fire investigation report. I believe you’ve heard that this case is very likely arson, not suicide. However, during my cooperation with the police, I never suspected you.”vpRpgudwxjmrohdBhNNXuQeklnWXyL

BbDXWTmNihWdLHw

“Then why did the police come to question me?”IfsLzGDUxRfPaprCZYGiIifYQdHQFh

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“Because a member of the X cult provided clues that we didn’t have, and these clues… point to you as one of the suspects.”FRAXPQHLyAnDHBOOhGpJhIVXxFOTEG

LVkuawONtciuGzh

“I’m the one who extinguished the fire and saved people; how could I…” Chen Xiaofei narrowed his eyes, “When did you find out?”mJJRZquHpnrvJYGeuaLTokNRXIhzZH

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“Last month.”yYnvAIPPkmNqgQepSNbrtvxYSEbFlh

DpjuowiAgMWMlsm

“Then what have you been thinking about me during this time?” Chen Xiaofei looked at Ren Yi, unable to hide his disappointment, “Did you suspect me too?”ixPXUdDBbQIaEsHMfVXYtgnGpRLiDC

feNWDlfoltjmPZL

Ren Yi felt bad inside: “Captain, I trust your character, but the police must investigate every possibility. Please cooperate with the investigation, and you’ll clear your name soon.”hYSymRrqnfMMQfFRCnJxbDQOBhzlaP

KxUkLAtSOgEJtkV

“Didn’t you think to give me a heads-up so I could prepare mentally? How do you expect others to think when a bunch of police come running to my office?”YVMLFXHVoHalHSxZSuugodDZljReqc

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“Sorry, Captain, I really couldn’t bring myself to tell you.” Ren Yi felt his head throbbing.cImNqCVQVlXsJveUgFLUYjowcBgBsH

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Chen Xiaofei was silent for a moment, then suddenly sighed, “When did we start to drift apart?”fNSMbITngJNJeWeXZawgiuZGQPHxfy

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“…”XkSdOnpnftDAAFlBajwnbdgmLEoFEz

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“It was fine when you first joined the team; I wasn’t even the brigade leader then. But ever since I became the brigade leader, you started avoiding me. Once you became the captain, we completely stopped communicating. Are you so afraid that others will think your promotion as captain is improper? Do you have so little confidence in yourself? So little confidence in the organization?”WMOcaHCPoHIvGBXfhmQqbqpUbNfPYs

TMqanCxNEdnTjdT

Ren Yi awkwardly said, “That’s not it.”wjTeFxDgZmRxrNQtBGsfHTgVRagxcA

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Chen Xiaofei said sadly, “I watched you grow up. I don’t have a son, and I think of you as my son. Yet you seem to want to avoid me.”ZliTgKSFIJqHESzNybkvKrgfgWRLxu

uIUxdNJnlttvTSv

Ren Yi said softly, “Uncle Chen, I’m sorry. But I’m not just thinking of myself; I’m also worried about you being affected. You know I don’t have much ambition, but you’re different.”lGpHcOmKeJLQyYXRyoQToyZufwaAjU

wELNuMAkgfLExVg

“Being upright means not fearing shadows. If I’m not worried, what are you worried about?” Chen Xiaofei suddenly smiled bitterly, “Forget it, I’ve been with your dad for so many years; I’m used to it. If he were a bit more flexible, this position would be his. You’re just like your dad, stubborn as a mule.”ASyCMZjaLsUhVdpnLlFVqGHfnwyqbr

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Ren Yi forced a laugh.aLavpPKzuxxHbzpetnULXfcRuTOpoC

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“That day your dad called me, we talked a lot, reminiscing about the past, and I suddenly realized I shouldn’t have said anything about you. I haven’t visited my old captain in a long time either.” Chen Xiaofei looked at the calendar, “When are you going to see your dad? I’ll bring your aunt, and we can go together.”TVqkncgnFxKnNXhyszxyUWvbccrnRT

kvgXuClenbQVbSG

“Sure, any day in the next few days works for me, just let me know your schedule.”gAwcrusheBtakdXXkZbfbeCypmkEUK

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“Then let’s go on Sunday.”RhSCDnwPxqAoFxlZhpnfzPFHWJAYfg

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Ren Yi nodded.pOUdrpZBhrHiFZTFKeeqtjtzMkkZJp

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“Why is it that my report on the Gong family case is the only one that’s incomplete?” Chen Xiaofei frowned, “After so many years, I can’t possibly remember the details.”CXipjisBFjudlNgcGuSywsldyLTuMH

liTyuBjIsdeKgmp

“Not just yours; the completeness of the reports is less than 70%. Many are missing due to several relocations and various reasons, but yours is particularly important. We suspect that the missing parts of your report were taken by that Zhang Wen; they said so themselves.”ftLzHxLMtAqtFGVBlwSuHjHEEguTwy

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“Zhang Wen.” Chen Xiaofei said fiercely, “That bastard has really put me in a bind.”bsXAuPKIXEilTzLXqXIJPrhEsWSknM

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“…Did you get disciplined?”wdymYjESzAduuLWPJYqqQNLORwGGGt

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“Yeah.” Chen Xiaofei’s face was filled with anger, “Who would have thought someone would impersonate me? Did they catch him?”eOIHgrkVHPczVeSfWHKEHGmbwJiimo

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“I heard there are leads.”inUgpztUswWUwXDHgvuARBXrakQHUH

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Chen Xiaofei rubbed his forehead: “Alright, you can go back. The police don’t have evidence, so they wouldn’t dare to be rude to me, but this matter still bothers me. I hope they solve the case quickly and don’t create more trouble.”IjhCDzOEPPvHdSNQPsUWieQcoWnMot

zznfvLIAIxfvJyZ

“Understood, I’ll take my leave.”TkydRFdoEGNGixmsYkLtMQkWoRaExn

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“By the way, have you looked at the materials for your further studies?”MaoHpwecsckQilsKWneuvgZQdiThyA

hivXBiuXDFdMgnp

“I have.”jycfXVEusknNWfCaArrhuoujZOvvMX

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“I don’t care whether you want to or not; I’m training you as my successor. This isn’t just my personal wish; it’s the organization’s recognition and expectation of you. Study hard, and don’t let anything go wrong again in the future.”pYAsSxyWRsCQcvXAnuGDfnEYqwQzjy

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“Yes.”KVDFPbIhPONbNktJziteyfdUXgWPrf

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