Blazing Armor

Gong Yingxian had been sitting motionless for a long time. The cup of coffee in front of him had gone from gently steaming to completely cold, the fragrant liquid forming a perfect unbroken circle on the inner wall of the white mug. It hadn’t been touched at all.vIVhtuVeVmTaQyunCwsHAyVDBxAuVw

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Ren Yi sat nearby, patiently waiting for him to process things on his own.lvoIZTQUmJWVdetdQOnRjbBLXJjYDc

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At a time like this, words were useless. Anything said would be inappropriate. Being present was all he could do.PHSjOsJznKaYqgEfkKAZKesSigwjBE

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After a very long time, Gong Yingxian suddenly turned to face him and asked softly, “Are you hungry?”kSpAHBpsScSrLVLZVIXETLdkbxfuHR

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Ren Yi nodded. “What about you?”HWlcuhlTQinHVSukRKvodGRJUnTkZl

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“I’ll take you to eat.”yMAHZLoeMWgtXJDZJtvCYFaUoSjRlg

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“There’s no rush,” Ren Yi said, looking at him with concern.mNqDiVOmNBzmxZmAKPvKWXgsWhRrqD

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“I’m feeling better,” Gong Yingxian said. Though his complexion was poor, his eyes were bright. “Like I said, I’ve been mentally preparing myself for a long time. Everything I heard today, I’ve rehearsed countless times in my mind. It’s been nineteen years. I can accept any outcome, really, including no outcome at all. I’ve imagined every possibility over and over.”SXrQAzxsvFJXXjZwwtDNFQUmOZkVrX

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The more he spoke this way, the more Ren Yi’s heart ached for him, ached so much he didn’t know how to comfort him.TCzyMXOBKPZDGfZYBBgAqTkWLpCEVL

xMutjYDnocYlFaC

“So you don’t need to try to console me. I know it’s hard to find the right words,” Gong Yingxian said, taking Ren Yi’s hand. “You don’t need to say anything. Just being by my side is the greatest comfort.”yAYTSKvJlpKOXgOXHMUGflOnmKUMjG

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Ren Yi gave a small smile.MRJxCuaATqgmYmMGaVBouZbaMawvMU

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“Let’s go. We can go to any restaurant you like. I brought utensils.”zXGkVwKghPRbPGGQEfGWktEqoLKEHc

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“Why don’t we go home instead? I’d like to cook for you myself.”VeNLmQrIaTyagJFeYyEhJoYIkOvoOd

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Gong Yingxian smiled. “Alright.”AYTqlcvDdjKKeRQTPgjOGcgxRdOQLc

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Ren Yi seemed to think of something, but hesitated to speak.oiIJyrFQziNEmPjGrnJbCGTsJSXLwP

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“We can leave the rest to Sister Yan,” Gong Yingxian said calmly. “Captain Zhao has already called me, hoping I’ll recuse myself. He’s considering both the case and my wellbeing. He didn’t want me to see… her in person today. I’ll stay involved with the case until the end, but I probably won’t see her again.”IzHAVFxYPReHOhYwsYmogZMtuOlsKM

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“That’s for the best,” Ren Yi said, pushing Gong Yingxian’s wheelchair towards the exit.aJbXHeANVcGCjgEfxxEVCZSwyKvDqg

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“Who do you think is lying? What’s your intuition tell you?” Gong Yingxian suddenly asked.HayledDWDUihgGEviGcHFxdhctlpcl

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Ren Yi paused. “Probably both of them, since they’re mother and son.” Thinking of their faces made him shudder.DchzwpPFbMTZQWMujbHyWymRrxxmwo

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“Mm, that’s what I think too. At least Feilan doesn’t take after her.”spWFPBiwehRGGEZybWFthdxbUXEfBm

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Ren Yi couldn’t bring himself to ask what would happen to Feilan now.HTAVDDUgCWYnbeXSKdSVdfPOybaWhH

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Even the roughest, muddiest roads must ultimately be walked alone. That’s life.xoFtQMIkZOBAbDOdbrGvJvPhCmHeLV

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Ren Yi drove Gong Yingxian to the supermarket. They bought a bunch of fresh ingredients, then headed home.WaERAKBLRKPUutbMcWfDaDFUUcdUGa

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While waiting at a red light, Ren Yi casually checked his phone. Qu Yangbo had sent him a link. He clicked on it, somewhat surprised.KoQOldUawirntCSZipMsrjZYEuDsqS

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It was a feature article about his father on a social media platform, posted by the official Emergency Management Department account. It had already been shared over 160,000 times.SyACXGAviERUejfNGJUicruuwLvgyE

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He looked at the share history and saw several familiar celebrity names – Song Juhan, Qi Xiao, Zhou Xiang, Yan Mingxiu – as well as official fire department accounts from all over the country.GsrseLcRsIOKcwDtMjtfRPvMbunCmd

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He then looked at the comments. Although the publicity department had followed his request not to mention their father-son relationship, it wasn’t hard to guess. Many comments were refuting the rumors about him from before. While skeptical voices hadn’t disappeared entirely, when an issue can provoke rational thought, it’s already a positive change.aDcwTUPHhsZFFChBDAqxBCbFRjVIqf

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Gong Yingxian noticed Ren Yi’s pensive expression. “What are you looking at?”VQgWBmhRDQYBEYHvPBftKXfvAaTxxT

lsrqWbPEhEYfwCV

Ren Yi handed his phone to Gong Yingxian with a smile. “My old man Ren doesn’t actually like being in the spotlight, but he loves being praised by others. He must be very happy right now.”DbppJOMcHkDZABPAhWLybbgOqDyMha

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Gong Yingxian smiled too. “This is an honor the old captain deserves.”KjQqAGmVKErQvAUZOvHlvxEEVcOQSm

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Ren Yi sighed lightly. “Public opinion really is a double-edged sword.”vVoBZtoHIxfLITjZPfuxprQNjrhlxt

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“Mm, and everyone wields that sword without realizing it.”INRgDAOVkjRuFdYVBqaYxwjNqQLNjX

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Ren Yi casually tapped on Qi Xiao’s name. “Wow, he has over 6 million followers now. Looks like he’s really made it big.”HOYgAxNdwGmUgfSJZVhOudysQamfde

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Gong Yingxian glanced at Ren Yi. “Are you two still in touch?”pSAVcrGnXwRnRcMiSXUBoMHQCJxWqs

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“Yeah, he messaged me a while back to check in.”woactaMMNgShUsqMVstcnUcdcpDPRU

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Gong Yingxian made a noncommittal “Oh.”tdLiyaJUpwrkXpCXrRMilfvkFGWkzq

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“He also said he thinks about me day and night and can’t wait to come see me.”lSacXZetdgGORbpNTMcnMWciIONvbz

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Gong Yingxian whipped his head around to glare at Ren Yi, only to be met with a pair of mischievous eyes.BdFubvJpFIXzIadfsnSWjpXPgIRexG

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Ren Yi burst out laughing. “You little jealous pot,” he said, his tone full of affection.LazfxgCiCMLDyobxoAxdotfWNNUPqz

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Gong Yingxian huffed. “I’m angry.”SOyWTXsaUdhfIBtHPBSeaCmzlRdfJu

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“You’re angry already? I was just joking.”WfZVZEhFmvDasqulZIdpFTOFBtZBnI

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“That kind of joke isn’t okay either.”TTzUEYXDhOvmcHmwwSJHlMBSSosQmD

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“Alright, I was wrong. How can I make it up to you?” Ren Yi teased, scratching under Gong Yingxian’s chin like he was petting a spoiled cat.pktvLhRLsSTmvhwZIsikWGzKEdZieI

bilTLoGStNTzERl

“I suppose I could forgive you,” Gong Yingxian said. Remembering Ren Yi’s waistline he’d glimpsed that morning, he resisted the urge to reach out and touch it right then. He cleared his throat and said, “I want…”BIBprErEodPWEVtajQzcrcHKlwtgYK

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“Want what?”BvPIlrZlAbUcpuoLLZkWkvMblbLkfH

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Gong Yingxian had clearly thought of something, as his ears turned red. He leaned in close. “I want to do it in the wheelchair.”PduDoDSXMJxTPJZYFKyRLIubgdcffi

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Ren Yi held back a laugh, feigning innocence. “Huh? But you’re already in the wheelchair.”NruCHhMDYcPhxznkBmCJLVIQpwyFvr

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Gong Yingxian was furious. He knew Ren Yi was doing it on purpose, but he was too embarrassed to explain. He was a man of action, and quite thin-skinned. Unlike Ren Yi who liked to tease him verbally, he preferred to get straight to the point.EKSTiVvkqFQhRBBueEYVXvEUOwKTmh

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So he actually started to sulk, thinking why did he even say anything, he should have just done it.KfPVznuZFdBAxcIhHIXkdJUCbaITHE

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After enjoying Gong Yingxian’s pouty expression for a while, Ren Yi leaned in and licked the shell of his ear, smiling. “Whatever you say, Officer. I’ll do whatever the police uncle wants.”WBvAPaMZHVFNwJMXbfFABCYynNWrqJ

rZtfJEpsDoMVyzS

Gong Yingxian’s heart fluttered. He grabbed Ren Yi’s chin and kissed him hard, then turned away to hide his smile, putting on a stern face. “Just drive properly.”NrEeCtTEnXsIYCPYkdmorlwOewGeCi

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When they got home, Ren Yi prepared ingredients and cooked while Gong Yingxian sat just outside the kitchen chatting with him. Watching the stove fire flickering, steam rising from the sizzling wok, and Ren Yi’s graceful, captivating figure as he busied himself for Gong Yingxian’s sake, Gong Yingxian thought to himself: why had he ever feared this kind of domestic bliss before? Now he loved it more than anything. He hoped that every day, every single day, he could watch his beloved doing these ordinary yet heartwarming little things.TVGxbIzOnqzoNqYjIMbNRrUUWruZHw

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This warmth of happiness permeating every cell made him never want to wake from this dream.DZFxUfgXMvhrDeWtizSdrkEJRkNIRb

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—IcGSFXdiQkwiaKFkINxaoYMLpplERk

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The members of the X cult who had committed a series of malicious arson crimes had almost all been arrested. This also led to the reopening of two old cases from nineteen years ago – the Baosheng Chemical Plant explosion and the Gong family arson case. With just months left before the statute of limitations expired, they were finally being reinvestigated. As the truth gradually came to light, the suspects from back then, those who were still alive, confessed and surrendered one after another as the case progressed. Conspiracies and injustices buried for years were finally brought to light.CAmzzHoNedQFDoLscZpifbrFfAQsWr

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Just gathering evidence for this series of cases took nearly three years, but in the end it brought justice for every innocent person and punishment for every guilty one.zvekvohGCTrAxpPPSsVqCjsjeCqpNs

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At the same time, through coordination and cooperation with international police, the main members of Seraphim, that infamous gathering place for pyromaniacs, were arrested in four different countries. It was a beautifully executed multinational joint law enforcement case, with many related crimes to be further investigated by local police.KccfcukdYiOvgocHIVZZGmwRXebonv

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But those are stories for another time. They still required the persistent efforts of Gong Yingxian and countless colleagues to achieve.KHqjvTtDuwHfcsmymZWyTcwCxKQquw

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—-HVLQcnpwqvCkzJNHbFcdqvzOLUDisM

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Ren Yi and Gong Yingxian’s lives had finally returned to peace.EHAojmqcmfLxDaQNQDhuVNQIfWxLTK

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It had been two months since Ren Yi went back to university for further studies. The most interesting part was experiencing campus life again. As someone who could make friends anywhere, Ren Yi was especially enjoying himself.oOqXCFFhKxVefLtstBljTXGGiitXRM

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Ren Yi stayed in the school dorms during the day and came home at night. Gong Yingxian now spent most of his time at Ren Yi’s place too. His personal items increased visibly day by day, eventually filling every corner of the home, as if there had always been two owners here.zOXruBZmqMClhpFLeyzpGPEpHDnhpX

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They woke up at the same time in the morning. For their morning exercise, they had two options – either go for a run, or simply complete it in bed. Then they’d prepare breakfast together, eat together, and leave together.ewDDMHOtMPTWLxkTSvypYmknuxowZK

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Starting the day by recharging from each other like this left them energized and in high spirits all day long.GgUCiyhkpeoOyFttCdpuCpFimjXaXL

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Ren Yi also frequently returned to his fire brigade. Although he was furthering his studies now, there was still work to be done – writing reports, training, assessments. Seeing that Gao Ge could now handle things independently, he recommended to the leadership that if a captain position opened up somewhere, Gao Ge would likely be ready for a promotion.GkvDmDUBuISwaMewDKkGJUoGVjRdac

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Besides that, Ren Yi visited Chen Xiaofei at Hongwu Hospital once a week. He felt very guilty about his previous suspicions towards Chen Xiaofei, and sympathetic that Chen had been innocently caught up in everything and even chosen as a scapegoat by Purple Flame. Fortunately those beasts’ attempt to frame him had failed, and Chen Xiaofei had survived against the odds.gWJiLvXNMjYdHHEcgJHMxTCKMhYfim

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Chen Xiaofei had left intensive care and was now recovering in a regular ward. After several surgeries, he was doing quite well, though the rehabilitation process ahead was long. But as a former firefighter, he wasn’t easily defeated. He had no plans to resign or retire early, just focused on actively cooperating with treatment and recovery, eager to return to work as soon as possible.MxhXYdCqsjNSRsBnRfDqwSBtFMSOrU

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Qu Yangbo occasionally accompanied Ren Yi on these visits. With Ren Yi pursuing further studies, Qu Yangbo’s workload had increased dramatically. But even so, he made time to see Qiu Yan. Just like Ren Yi before, the two of them regularly met and dated on the road, at the police station, at accident scenes, their passion undiminished.bCAbYYtyJzCeSibdgzDlWxIBUySDLE

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Gong Feilan sent occasional updates. She had taken a year off school, and her aunt was accompanying her traveling around the world to help her heal. The young girl had matured far too quickly, but she was stronger and more sensible than they had imagined, which reassured both Gong Yingxian and Ren Yi.pHQBoTyJiFyOxfElQShoDrUzYxsuxD

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Having gone through that year of bloodshed and constant fear, everyone especially cherished this current stable life.VZtfMFOncMLVgxxkmUtaBHVoWwaEvp

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Ren Yi actually missed life at the fire brigade quite a lot. After all, he had spent the past ten years there, and the habits were deeply ingrained. But being a student had its perks too – students got vacations.etdterZnMafhsMpCgbbMiTQhDenxhR

JnaWJqsnrOkUTxZ

On weekend breaks, Ren Yi could finally go on dates with Gong Yingxian like a normal couple. They would occasionally drive to nearby places for short trips, and even started planning longer vacations. The time was already set, but the destination was still up for discussion.RmlWQIUHDFErxouojBOKCQtTaVaxLd

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Of course, two people with such different personalities living together wouldn’t always be smooth sailing. There would be occasional friction.ICdahZgoexCSMSMmVPzqkmXcQysnsG

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For instance, today they had an argument. The root cause was that Gong Yingxian was too prone to jealousy.imbhaUpAAONaFmMQnuQWkVWCanZnNe

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It started last night. On Friday evening, Ren Yi’s graduate school classmates, who were good friends with Yan Jue, happened to invite Yan Jue over from the western suburbs while he was on leave. A group of them went out for karaoke, drinks and late night snacks – a perfectly normal get-together.HeeqFpUsvMcmBwZcYkYstGRROCsrzj

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Ren Yi was always considerate in relationships, letting Gong Yingxian know wherever he went. He had openly told him about meeting up with Yan Jue. Though Gong Yingxian was reluctant in his heart, he knew he was past the age where he could throw a tantrum over his reluctance, so he had to pretend not to mind.ubyumSZvXplKubXKrJPucMjmLEibqC

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But when Ren Yi got home at 3 AM and was about to go to bed after showering, Gong Yingxian, who he thought was asleep, suddenly “came back to life” and kept him busy until dawn.KEdwrAEHaasEqyFQxjJPqMhakFoSwf

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Luckily the next day was Saturday, so they slept in until noon.vmkjTwbujrVaZWDpntPweUwPLtwcQb

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Gong Yingxian was thoroughly satisfied, his mood much improved. After lunch, he went on a sweet date with Ren Yi.KrTMiHkEMcHsDLjQJffwwZXtihbuxS

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But then something went wrong during the date. After dinner, they decided to see a movie. They didn’t choose carefully, just picked whatever was showing at a convenient time when they got to the theater. Who would have guessed it would turn out to be a crime drama with Qi Xiao in a supporting role?NypewhFoGVQRHnauNLKqpLmTyjOQIu

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When Qi Xiao first appeared on screen, Ren Yi was pleasantly surprised. “Oh, it’s Qi Xiao? He looks pretty good in a police uniform.”WpjHDHsvWLRnTpPnjSVCMoIpoeFvZM

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Gong Yingxian’s face darkened immediately, but in the dark theater, Ren Yi couldn’t see just how black his expression had become. Otherwise he might have suggested leaving early.WKSrepWXwbscDsMvDREcVHiOklNjpb

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Ren Yi thought the drama was quite good. Halfway through, Qi Xiao’s police character died in the line of duty. The scene was quite moving, but Ren Yi was too familiar with Qi Xiao’s face to fully immerse himself. He discussed the plot with Gong Yingxian: “The fight choreography is really good. With Qi Xiao’s small build, it’s impressive he can make the punches look so impactful. He must have suffered a lot training for this.”YGdiZDqUdvCnpXzmaySRMQDHimCYZP

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Gong Yingxian glanced at him. “Feeling sorry for him?”lBioPPwFtgdNwNTqwtANxAoIxNyqcN

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Ren Yi was confused. “Huh?”mwcstDrEKNxqTpyJuDmtZtFseyQwkj

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“You think he died from being beaten?” Gong Yingxian snorted coldly. “He died from stupidity.”wXvoEexOxYmegkWDgoQcbSXFhBWMFx

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“…”KymWarHopMjADBCJVuZYsTcsBWmxaW

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So Gong Yingxian, disregarding etiquette, began criticizing the plot of the film. This part was illogical, that part was nonsense, if police were as incompetent as in the movie they shouldn’t be given guns but Gundams instead. His voice wasn’t particularly loud, but it was enough to disturb others. Ren Yi felt the glares directed at them and squirmed uncomfortably, finally pulling Gong Yingxian out of the theater.lbmuNWxdxuELaimBjvnoYzQBQtLOcu

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Ren Yi felt somewhat embarrassed. “What was that about? I thought the movie was pretty good.” As they walked out, they passed a huge promotional poster. “Look, it’s got a 7.1 rating on Douban. That’s not bad.”dcMrwjWHLKBmiFzgzgGaVlMuMohdwB

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Gong Yingxian yanked his hand away and strode off quickly.HnrQHmXqEJRrQcKXdShzfIWmlyIOtA

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Ren Yi realized Gong Yingxian was truly angry. It wasn’t news to him that Gong Yingxian could be petty, but he found it both exasperating and amusing.gptzsGyKmzFpSmmQnFIRXxASCMosuK

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He coaxed Gong Yingxian the whole way home, and had nearly smoothed things over by the time they arrived. But waiting at home was another ticking time bomb – he had received a local express delivery from Qi Xiao.ZUHryyJlrblOCHltzQWfNtPSQffTSs

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Inside were two items: an autographed photo of a tough guy actor Ren Yi liked, and two movie tickets inviting Ren Yi and Gong Yingxian to see Qi Xiao’s newly released crime film. Qi Xiao had mentioned before that he’d been filming idol dramas, which he knew Ren Yi wouldn’t watch. Now that he finally had something Ren Yi might enjoy, he naturally wanted to share it, since Ren Yi had been a big help in getting him where he was today.oNQSVRBnJYlFUKjXOHNhQxkshzGXBE

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But these two items only fueled Gong Yingxian’s anger further, on top of last night’s late night snacks with Yan Jue until 3 AM, and today’s intentional or unintentional viewing of Qi Xiao’s movie and complimenting how he looked in uniform.qdJKoCvahOiHbxhMUdIGZeXnVKVnGu

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Gong Yingxian was truly furious now.nubBeowkAcxJqsOMvLDepvTrGsVhcE

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Ren Yi was getting annoyed too. He had been placating Gong Yingxian the whole way home, and he hadn’t actually done anything wrong. While he could tolerate Gong Yingxian’s princess-like temper to an extent, there were limits. He tried to reason with him: “Look, Qi Xiao even sent two movie tickets and invited you to come too. Can’t you be a little less petty?”pyuLJwmHMWBYPrLPJmrQlGmtGHlTFM

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That was like pouring oil on the fire.xiYuOUuEOGqJereDehLzbKMSnNHkYl

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Gong Yingxian glared fiercely at Ren Yi, grabbed his keys and stormed out, slamming the door.LeyZCuTczpMmtWWKoKbiATlVJlgQSz

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Ren Yi flinched at the loud noise, then stared blankly at the closed door.LzJQqVpEGdFLEQCnRtZObZdjxjpEnx

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This was their first fight since moving in together, and over such a childish reason.gulcDiMFUzGyjFsnuUfBfdfyByQpAL

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Ren Yi didn’t know whether to laugh or cry.yPhLnbscpUwteaKCvZkUvFNLgQbCUR

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Should he go after him? It was a bit hard to swallow his pride, and besides, this wasn’t really his fault… was it?LoCRWFBgkcKomBKEjllvnTtmSKQWqH

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Ren Yi sank into deep thought.TYKSrdOIwAvzsqkuoGgrFpYojKDrFb

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But soon, as Ren Yi was still hesitating, the door was roughly pushed open from outside. Gong Yingxian had returned.JmjHnpBWabCVPuBxkVbUIqpdZTphAU

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Ren Yi’s face immediately lit up. This was practically Gong Yingxian admitting he was wrong, which was extremely rare. He went to embrace him: “Baby, let’s…”gSyCiWYyCLSRVvJOfxxakhTNuoWFHX

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He hugged empty air.aQthgolcthgxoWoceKHZbuPbHDxGvm

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Gong Yingxian glared at him fiercely, then swept into the bedroom like a gust of wind, emerging just as quickly clutching – a pillow.nhgJFZvylgoSaKSdSlroqLLPmoUpcC

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One of Gong Yingxian’s precious pillows, of which only 31 remained in the world, of which he only had 31 left in his lifetime, which seemed to be imbued with Gong Yingxian’s very essence.zVTfIONsAayiHvqaClclsdjXlMpAMm

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“…”lmfKwQvMQzVcAFLLyHQzBHKpTxuLRr

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Gong Yingxian stormed out hugging the pillow, slamming the door even harder than before.OoPTLjpkyShGklLFifQIZVncYerWoB

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“…”ckSsizJjApUdKEKoolSQBwKyjnaWwB

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Ren Yi sighed. Taking the pillow meant things were serious. He tilted his head, stretched his muscles, and decided to go after him. He didn’t know how other couples made up after fights, but he knew he’d likely have to expend some “physical effort.”ulikZPkGWWzrKVqKpQdHHDUGiPbLZW

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He caught up to Gong Yingxian in the parking lot, finding him by his car.tCBKiAeoRUzYQYWSJtkSBpaEMOrvZB

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The tall, nearly 190cm man with iron arms that could snap bones stood there clutching a soft, fluffy pillow like a pitiful creature kicked out of home, his face a mix of grievance and indignation.fjOOkhoHhjxTvxjagBLNizJUyConiS

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Ren Yi approached, holding back a smile as he looked at him.jRRRoBYNxcVAyDsmGQnTaUtRoXQpUx

llEETwWvRCGkfGe

Gong Yingxian glanced at him sideways. “You’re only coming now? It’s been four minutes.”pRWVXeyfIhYqhGefvAxCjkNvhwUAXy

UwiAMxXmNQmesbQ

“I was waiting for the elevator.”mlhFIYwAPnFfIngeTULyKYJYlKGLju

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Gong Yingxian pressed his lips together.oPBhePmUufqRtbFiDQEcdnMpHJZkme

TPVTOPxhYguoGXH

Ren Yi tugged at his pillow. “I’ve grown fond of this pillow too. Don’t take it away.”XDLGeGFLbIunfhzcQCJnVbzMjUXyQL

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“So did you come for me or for the pillow?”sHDVpeXPhKyPASznhIkzzjqkxqfUNF

GRUMvVDJqiqWogl

“For you, of course.” Ren Yi leaned in to coax him. “How can you hug me if you’re hugging the pillow?”cpysDVIuIvdymgwdMieMcYSuaIceXX

yDwJgBjFFufUUQs

Gong Yingxian wrapped one arm around the pillow and one around Ren Yi. “Who says I can’t do both?”jZPEJPFahPlgiePELTvzeRrJBooWyW

dMuIALMTZAmoVRW

Ren Yi put his arms around Gong Yingxian’s waist. “Let’s go home. There are so many mosquitoes out here.” He whispered in Gong Yingxian’s ear, “Do you prefer my bites or mosquito bites?”yNqkeGyYcbZlMJphtNrIaJvYpCsURi

pKKmSpINbihIuvO

Gong Yingxian’s gaze changed, but he still put up a token resistance as they made their way back home, clinging to each other. With their build, walking so closely together they could block an entire elevator doorway. It would have been quite a sight if anyone had seen them.TocMDmAzyDSaGtwvkDwoYPGPpanjQp

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Fortunately, they didn’t encounter anyone on the way.udNDnpoVAmgJtkGKhYvrWkJQMMQuGZ

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Back home, Gong Yingxian was still sulking. He complained, “How could you say someone else looks good in a police uniform? It makes your compliments to me less special.”uhafHpuAGqXKHNDwWKvZURLVrQGROT

PjRkOKrNnCyacpX

“I just casually said he had a bit of a cop vibe. He’s nowhere near you. You’re the best-looking person in a police uniform in the whole world.”BaPWglfesuniyftfTCnGRQWAJvLZQa

ghfVJNdTWKEtGpe

“…Really?”VPGHFzzfxUubfdJDMZCfEaMZTQiiou

dSTJBfKoBPXuNjm

“Really.”OWCwpNzcpaRihNyVqWRbjskEZiKphz

rLBDfslfORyqVYd

“Well then, I also don’t like you eating late night snacks with Yan Jue until 3 AM.”kOmhmidBwdYwBNixqfYKWkiPcACGhp

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“Then I’ll make sure to get home early, definitely before two o’clock.”SSkmUlQzmeTHitrQYSiZrhaEjipbqs

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“… One thirty.”axtzRjIjJKwArINvFHzdcYVqyXsysk

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“One thirty is a bit… Alright, alright, one thirty it is.”ctPhTEoWZwHmBvGNdGZCmlAjdOHpBM

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Only then did Gong Yingxian put down the pillow, filling his entire embrace with Ren Yi, letting him sit on his lap, and suddenly said a bit uneasily, “I can’t eat with your brothers and friends, and I get jealous. Do you think I… I…”ulovMuGvpttbURvGldFwWERLLaYvqx

IRcKRUhCcqCEtAo

“I think you’re absolutely adorable.” Ren Yi cupped Gong Yingxian’s face and kissed him several times, his eyes sparkling with joy.iZdlSczJhxXCZCuxvJVhSBnkFiqJdD

UESlwEQWkezMSye

“Really?”HVMmvSJCkcoHYpHNfXyBtXHBUkXbaz

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“Really.” Ren Yi was filled with enthusiasm and affection, sweetness overflowing that he couldn’t stop smiling, “Yingxian, I hope we can always be this good.”tftTphQKUhBxAJEVburGaNGoDbIetH

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“Of course, we will definitely always be this good.”PLOYNKEtwoamsDKRRRVpAIjnkZjCbk

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Ren Yi sweetly kissed Gong Yingxian’s cheek, happiness almost spilling over.gettlOksZJwAjMNEqKzkZjlSXsYofd

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Suddenly, Gong Yingxian picked up Ren Yi in a horizontal embrace.neEOpftEBanyOQekmOxvBTFiVCrDEK

NbhMhoExQcQVcTj

“Eh?” Ren Yi was taken aback, “In such a tender moment, can we…”jKKtwTwNngXiIPNtUtHEKXnZpFlWgD

tZfkomrvZqiHIZt

“Sure.”PdfyzumHnKhfmsaevyoceBhEydMAYp

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“Sure what?”KVMhiUvUxtuRToEyYmOkrtRVavjlBr

icduINgrwLuYjdJ

“Do something even more tender.”WsfodQAzzswVNkHBcXgPCByhRsaohB

xupzGLJReGQNLba

Ren Yi shouted, “How is this ‘tender’?” His waist was still sore.qXebaUeLBIDMDfkaepMWbFOmxZEhaL

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“It doesn’t have to be tender; I just want to do this.”HctVFKkotFVhVdnqdprNTCVnLtaHEe

OQgthsBgePnKnLx

Ren Yi was stunned for a moment, then yelled, “Gong Yingxian! I liked the shy you from before!”DzVmEbtKzTdYelaaSJMlBASPWvzEDQ

AThQgINCpYKOZLe

“Well, I’m more devoted; I like you no matter what you’re like.”jtOmHjrshsoGyhPoplwMEshULugGGB

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Ren Yi couldn’t help but chuckle.StBssyflPfUmBdWDhMAlyNLxwFKjuM

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The bedroom door was kicked shut, sealing in the laughter and sweet words, but it couldn’t contain the love, happiness, and warmth that flowed everywhere in this room, belonging to each other.iqfTPLTEAJiEHonDUVSdAfRJLHdvrO

RazcofEscgDFgPp

Outside, they were firefighters and police officers rushing to the front lines of rescue and justice; back here, they were an ordinary couple in love. Their missions were the same, their beliefs intertwined; they were each other’s fire, driving away all darkness in life. They were each other’s armor, protecting the souls and bodies of their loved ones, their deep affection already etched into each other’s bones and blood.BhlvjHujakmbThtyYeyOHmiPlINCKk

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Through life and death, unwavering.aOglHKjhOWhyTshdfxZtLHKaLHaxdu

RFARaHZVIiYKbaI

—- The End —-HNiNAeXIGAUlTPMSmvVyhwaKnSYhUY

tFFOpJHgoPyxdWD

=====jXxlPZJslWOYBlmqnABqoHmjLuIGth

WHIsFcWywWescPR

I’m done, I’m done, I’m done!!!ItWoMsOlyaqfiCSkPWHWwpsXnoXiuO

aRKaudGCNFlIzug

Hahahahahaha, I’m so happy I could fly!!GqIJeXUcDYaYdEjpevYxcVzwpGTOnW

vzoTyqoRCKcNjmJ

This book was really hard for me to write, and finishing it feels like completing a huge project. Overall, I’m really so happy!oaqFITFZiMGOklFVGnRshgnDQyvgmZ

nNzkKmnsJdBqeiA

Although it’s a bit regrettable that I can’t go out and play, I can be a lazy fish for a while!ueCvJkiCzEeogxantSRdQlzqnOlyCh

rByUgeajIeSVTBl

Thank you all for loving this story, and for accompanying me to this point.pFtgxhtWsVBmFKIaPrnlnyyIRjELCW

bZvSpxbYNCiHnEt

Wishing everyone a Happy New Year, may all your wishes come true, may you be healthy, and safe.szmxSAHMSTgAcuWBEXCNWIKwRAArgJ

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