Blazing Armor

Ren Yi returned to the mall, noticing everyone was looking for Gao Ge. He asked, “Are you sure there’s no one in the equipment room?”WtzNVvBuxxPRwHMwWoPeHEDKSWkyhu

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“No one, we’ve all checked.”rLsthZClsSDNOlMUISXivnJRyumvoC

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“Who was the last to see him?”QJkrUiyKQXeUvVJoOHIViYoRryUrka

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Everyone looked at each other in confusion.FqmiRIxhdRUePlYmPKqzBijrAwVyKa

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Sun Dingyi said anxiously, “Maybe… it was us.”xkrBZocLZehASTOtKWcwCViLxjPluq

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“What about his alarm? Did it go off?”KTpeXpAnINQeABNfdirFncvuPTEgKS

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Each firefighter carries an alarm that detects if the wearer has fallen. If they remain down for more than 20 seconds, it emits a loud alarm. Although the scene was noisy, that sound would have been impossible to miss.YHaeEjjPXUnBDmKXGQwDJoKEdjDbWG

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“No one heard it.”uFHmveLYQvninzIhVdWruVofngbRsz

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Ren Yi was momentarily stunned. How could a living person just vanish into thin air?! He took a deep breath and said, “Let’s go over it again. You, me, and Gao Ge were originally spraying, then the next shift took over. Who was next?”xirIXaUYpzZtVrtJguSRjezJmLglmM

AOcSxteIllLGjtu

“It was us,” Liu Hui said, pointing to himself and two others. “The three of us.”iUtHAYmrlvAahDzoUXHXQbRWhoYSKF

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“When we came out, Gao Ge was behind us. Did anyone see where he went?”esvXxuqrhVFvQtMCifuUYJwOEHqQPG

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Liu Hui and his team exchanged puzzled glances. “It seems… no one saw him.”sHceWKgvnWQGSFVxmKmfOmoBgIpzun

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“How could no one have seen him?” Sun Dingyi shouted. “It’s such a small space with only one door. He’s not inside, and no one saw him leave. Where could he have gone? Fallen into a rat hole?”tGRzNEXNAMKPGqyRmOUImvMRFgKAgg

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“Ah!” A middle-aged man nearby suddenly cried out.MoASoxZlWZgRqezCptNRJGXwsKuUCt

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The soldiers all turned to look at him.xwAHjkubaiXzSDrBtSQlZjUMnnOVxC

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“There really is a hole in the equipment room!” the man said urgently. “It’s for checking the underground water and electrical systems, usually covered by an iron plate. The plate must’ve melted from the heat.”lIlMHusEcbBOsuaSznrGdmGfELxQPn

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Ren Yi asked quickly, “Where is it? How deep?”UFjVXWJhTpzuhVxJdGUkzNgSvRAeGQ

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The man described the approximate location, and the group rushed in. To prevent anyone else from falling, they tied themselves with ropes and crouched as they searched. The equipment room was filled with mist, making visibility extremely low. The light from Ren Yi’s helmet cast a shadow on the ground, and when he tugged the rope and moved closer, he indeed found a hole. He shouted, “Gao Ge! Gao Ge!”zLTKVfPQnwwbvPpWWatFBAAFPomBbf

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There was no response, but they could see a blurry figure below.kdXQQDeuNBGWXQfaaiGNAMklvFbgkq

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Ren Yi climbed down the ladder.YowZMvlShMgbhImyErDbNLyUkikLac

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Since smoke is lighter than air, it tends to rise, so the smoke wasn’t as thick underground. Ren Yi saw that Gao Ge’s air bottle had gotten caught on the ladder, and he was slumped in a half-crouch, unconscious. It looked like he had hit his head on the ladder when he fell.VDBHwshudjYbkbRBdkcjeQoJbenwmD

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Ren Yi checked Gao Ge’s pulse and breathed a sigh of relief. He glanced at the air gauge on Gao Ge’s breathing apparatus; a red light was flashing, indicating that the air supply was critically low.phoIWaYnYVmkRKhuqKZpjWizZAPfyw

fXXXCVMWzvIiDOk

Ren Yi attached the rope’s carabiner to Gao Ge’s belt and tugged the rope. The people above pulled Gao Ge up.NFFDGMMCRiJjmHxvZxZQFFfLoWhiiJ

ETLztQMcHOsEQLU

Once outside, Gao Ge was laid down and his mask was removed. His skin was an abnormal flush of red, his body drenched as if he’d just been pulled out of water, soaked in sweat, and his breathing was short and labored.DqbmavvMKyrvzGyGJVzofUaoRoSvjW

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“Get his clothes off first. Has the ambulance arrived?” Ren Yi asked.ZfnzBSCZMXtYwgfBNCWsGVKEDRipqQ

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“It should be here any minute.”WiyhAOkNUJROPsEiNfwpTZnLLdjxpa

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They quickly stripped off Gao Ge’s heavy firefighting gear, propping his neck up to help him breathe more easily. His skin was burning hot to the touch, so they used water to cool him down.sFPKazcRjDQHcOJCuchYoLxMbyCqJA

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Before the ambulance arrived, Gao Ge regained a bit of consciousness, his voice hoarse as he asked for water.gKVQrhlqoddzuZcgkTcjQFftLxuWRH

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Ren Yi sat beside Gao Ge, giving him some water, his heart still pounding from the scare. “Brother, you almost gave me a heart attack,” he said, the fear still lingering in his voice. If they had found him any later, the consequences could have been disastrous. The thought of what could have happened left him shaken.hIrKloVxYgDEjkRdrDWmucSyOmXFPV

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Fire scenes are full of unexpected dangers. No matter how cautious they are, some accidents are simply unavoidable, leaving them feeling powerless.FCSACnqbpImyAcEFShTYmUNQJfuNfg

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“The ambulance is here.”YaSLKQlbCdDMttRYuquqgzWNRXiRDp

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They loaded Gao Ge into the ambulance, and the soldiers rushed back to continue fighting the fire.DwltImgjaFthkkzQaiXlqByuWYaXPt

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From noon until evening, a full seven hours, they worked non-stop until the fire was finally extinguished. During that time, they took turns going in to spray water, then came out to eat boxed meals by the roadside, each person changing their air bottle at least three times.EcDGZCznneoAFAfKwScgbNMNsMipsU

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When the fire was finally put out, the soldiers were so exhausted they could barely stand. Even in the chilly autumn night, with temperatures under ten degrees, they lay on the ground without feeling cold. The high-temperature steam from the equipment room seemed to have seeped into every pore, lingering in their bodies.DtayfPqIvzplxIisuuzNWcAsSGVBSL

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On the way back to the station, Ren Yi had the fire truck take a detour to drop him and Sun Dingyi off at Hongwu Hospital.imujIwUeHBDumVqOYcQNDTcpiEUIRX

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Gao Ge had just finished his examination and was resting in the ward. He had already woken up, diagnosed with a moderate concussion and varying degrees of burns, none of them serious, but he would need to stay in the hospital for observation for a few days.pUIINTbaMKlLQJjUuJrJDTDnGAgiAg

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When they entered the room, Gao Ge was video chatting with his wife and daughter. Seeing them come in, he turned the phone toward them. “Sweetie, this is Uncle Ren and Uncle Sun. Say hi.”qodNkEElwjnmFkhwutJRCVNPtjynTR

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“Hello, uncles,” the little girl greeted politely.HjApRsBbqgEYjHqdZcKdOEqgrIjpgE

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Ren Yi and Sun Dingyi both knew Gao Ge’s wife. Though she and their daughter didn’t live in Beijing, they had visited the station twice for New Year’s.vAYdURADOFdRjBmcUNXijlKtquDYXM

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After a few more words with his family, Gao Ge ended the call. “Is the fire out?”ALzkQuZAtjGstZJhCXeOMZlvupuviW

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“If it wasn’t, do you think we’d be here?” Sun Dingyi wiped his dirt-covered face. “How’s it feel, lounging around in an air-conditioned room?”ROCIYqCQEFxRbNtviHwfkgNFKlvzun

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“Couldn’t be better,” Gao Ge replied with a playful smirk. “Bet you’re jealous.”IAAapemvPNpZhNAoYCkhFgJIEjuFGY

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Ren Yi laughed and scolded, “Cut the nonsense. How are you feeling now?”JSHBAYmGirRzWaHkSYDlbCBcLUZfkm

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“Sore and a bit dizzy, but nothing serious,” Gao Ge said, confused. “I still don’t understand what happened, though.”eGGvGLMSCchgvQMMrSrfbgSOpOFxql

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Sun Dingyi explained, “Turns out the equipment room had a maintenance hatch with a ladder leading to the lower level. There used to be an iron plate covering it, but it got melted by the heat.”hjHccqBVdLvtLfyRHKbyJgGLhpgtVo

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“Shit…” Gao Ge sighed, “You really couldn’t see a damn thing in there.”raSKuGzQVoVFlzBdlMbDeswDLfyOqM

gaxaCQQZkwAfHcS

“Yeah, we searched for you for ages. You seemed to have just vanished into thin air. If it weren’t for that electrician who remembered…” Ren Yi said gravely, “Your air was about to run out. That was dangerously close.”HfEiRiSWoZueVvSZjReCbHjPCBrflH

GFffYhpZXergeQs

Gao Ge let out a loud, exaggerated laugh to lighten the mood, trying to reassure them, “Guess I’m destined for some good luck after surviving this.”hOHlUWdggKrXznNmHUpKebEhpqVCDI

VEelWrjOYqupNqx

“We just came to check on you. Since you’re okay, we’ll head back now. Rest up for a few days, maybe bring your wife and kid over and spend some time together.”wpkxZwPyiuPsMcvwvgxsPjWMYYdKgt

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Gao Ge nodded, “My wife already bought a ticket for tomorrow.”kfoTRmHEdDFCoAezGZJKQyEMHYYjnl

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As the two left the hospital room, Ren Yi suddenly felt a sharp, burning pain on his neck, making him hiss in discomfort.tWvXbszUfOKkbjyhkCLcUGjntbNGNx

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“What’s wrong?” Sun Dingyi asked.OAeeHDYfaOMaRNSmxyldmuKjoUpxXg

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“Take a look at my neck.”huSCfEasnDzZkKsmlhUClUbuJLDKVO

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Sun Dingyi lifted Ren Yi’s collar and frowned, “You’ve got some blisters. Did you not fasten your collar properly?”rXPdTCofRXuKDouAdFcgSneGftMqfN

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Ren Yi recalled that earlier, he had opened his collar to cool off while outside, and when he heard about Gao Ge’s disappearance, he rushed back without bothering to fix it.cMhFDUlTbrwuavWEcbdYUgEhFwVeqJ

azxoHPqCveTDukt

The collar is one of the weaker areas of their protective gear. Despite all the safeguards in place, it’s still the part that connects to exposed skin. The neck and above rely on the hood for protection, but it can never be completely airtight. As a result, it’s the area that bears the brunt of heat radiation.OVlNyPNnySHDRtpALfvloPzMHbhpkw

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Since Ren Yi hadn’t fastened his collar, the high-temperature steam had scalded his neck.gTarHnwMntDMrokIJsBPfPAhYOMXjT

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“Let’s get it treated,” Sun Dingyi suggested.pWuyetSvnMurHtqcgcgrqWJdAQlvWk

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“I’ll take care of it myself. You should go back to the station and get some rest,” Ren Yi replied.fAvsCEqGgbcnnSsIWRhRtTjuwGyCXJ

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“It’s only going to take a few minutes. Let’s go.”RDIErDJJbZpfKNzGxmUyvmNFASUunX

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They found a nurse, and when Ren Yi took off his shirt, they saw several bright red blisters on his neck, each about the size of a quail egg, with one already rubbed raw by his collar.lkfURXnnvKhlVuncEExCPeInMpuovU

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“You didn’t feel that?” the nurse scolded. “It’s already rubbed open—it could easily get infected.”lmNGwtlDvfMcKdCOVWuThMwVJTzYmB

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Ren Yi gave a wry smile. “I was so hot earlier, everything hurt. I didn’t notice.”PrNsifAvvVpKvhmSiCyMjOIvoQxYwC

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The nurse began treating his burns.CzbocUEwTPdLGmvvpSyVhaBXPKNgww

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Sun Dingyi stood nearby, watching as the nurse pricked the blisters, allowing a large amount of fluid to drain out. Ren Yi grimaced but stayed silent. Seeing this, Sun Dingyi couldn’t take it anymore. “I’ll go get you some medicine,” he said, turning away.xHQfJGWqQzAsdXEtRhplyBECmAAfpc

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“Okay,” Ren Yi replied.KhJNgEnFLICjroOzrArWdBMWdysnNO

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After a while, Sun Dingyi came back with the medicine. “Ren, I just saw Dr. Gong.”PJzyxOGeNxzcWpBXCYVpPeshlOADVT

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Ren Yi’s head shot up. “Where?”elwWyfWNdYbdiYnzoKBpzIiKAvVQYz

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The sudden movement caused the nurse’s needle to prick his back, making him yelp in pain. The nurse pressed down on him, “Stay still, will you?”fdzzjXbiMJYwrropYPmKSOfieQLotC

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Ren Yi looked at Sun Dingyi anxiously. “Where? Are you sure it’s him?”cvcovSMwDZwNVVxbJoIHSzBHzLCqNf

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“That ethereal face of his? How could I mistake it? He’s right outside, seems like he’s escorting a prisoner.” Sun Dingyi said. “I’ll go get him.”IDnKErnHIbiNyFOvEwecwzTfAgYzqi

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“Wait, no—” Ren Yi tried to stop him, but Sun Dingyi had already gone.iRFaVGiYdSoDyFUhsjBrBxxABqXqDF

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Ren Yi wanted to see Gong Yingxian, but in his current state—dirty, sweaty, and covered in soot—it was hardly the best time for a reunion.uVJJcAxjYSwoeLKuPTmCakaXhmifsD

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In no time, Gong Yingxian entered with Sun Dingyi. When he saw Ren Yi, he froze. Ren Yi was sitting there in a soaked blue shirt, the straps of his protective pants still hanging from his shoulders. His face and body were smeared with black soot, and there was a red burn on his neck. The stark contrast between his disheveled appearance and the pristine white clinic made his exhaustion and survival struggle all the more evident.pFcetSDvXocLWKZSZzqqxxMFJAIclr

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Gong Yingxian’s heart clenched as he quickly walked over. “You’re hurt? What happened to your neck?”inyeVgzWeFoXlygORnnrRxPZwJyUah

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Ren Yi waved it off nonchalantly. “Just came back from an emergency. It’s nothing, just a minor burn.”QZbDNXOJnsMfqUaLOwyNfZsDpnLSST

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Gong Yingxian’s eyes lingered on the blisters on Ren Yi’s neck, his brow furrowed in concern. After a long pause, he finally asked, “It must hurt, doesn’t it?”QbORvHqBGnsaUjvBRZZfoCygJwfxHj

reaDsnKaReqHdCS

“I’m fine. The nurse is really gentle,” Ren Yi teased, blinking at him. “It’s just a few blisters; they’ll be gone in a couple of days.”wxIjnTCxbtEcBxOYsERQInWvbinoNN

RwLSqRBVoczrBvf

The nurse finished applying the medication and advised, “Captain Ren, the one that’s already burst is tricky, but try to protect the others. Keep them from rubbing or getting wet, that way the scars will fade quicker.”thrtzibexJbjkfhMrqyBTImYnUuBRB

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“Got it, thanks.” Ren Yi stood up and asked, “What brings you to the hospital? Zhou Chuan?”xkvsSQJjXgZwyaJzkYRsuXRdhuIpNh

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Gong Yingxian nodded, still eyeing Ren Yi’s burns. “Zhou Chuan is being discharged today.”ysPxBWTomweEIIJFXgkNPtyetqoIJk

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“That’s great! Finally, we can lock that bastard up,” Ren Yi said. “How’s the interrogation going with the others?”nwpfNAuTJouiXMhcsuwHpwlxqYTJxL

YNQLFsbamFvFgKr

“There’s been significant progress,” Gong Yingxian replied. “I’ll drive you both back to the station, and we can talk more once you’re better.”PtkePIhTMohgetPQKrCELGjJOoMtRM

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“It’s just a burn, it’s not like it’s stopping me from doing anything.”diWNiztPLRvXFKVsTwHgPIVXXIIQth

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“Let’s go,” Gong Yingxian insisted.EapWmCCYCrqemqqTSXaDxekWdUYNNm

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Ren Yi hesitated, “We’re both filthy. How can we sit in your car like this?”odVNkuwDClsSuPonjDKxqpNmBTHgPF

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“I didn’t drive. I came in a police car.”DhXDasMXpsPlcDWtByEAUfWkiWcBUp

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Sun Dingyi rubbed his hands together excitedly, “Wow, I’ve never ridden in a police car before.”OBOQZZsMGRnLhEbEGJMWrJunIgSWze

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Ren Yi smirked, teasing, “Want the full experience? He’s got handcuffs.”dxpyUZvBQtalmVDXvLUIDGNbmuwExk

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“I’ll pass on that.”tgQAvQvZUbWhExApbGbfUdldqYVueu

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They got into the car, and Ren Yi and Gong Yingxian sat in the back seat. Ren Yi shifted to the side, trying not to dirty Gong Yingxian. Gong Yingxian gave him a sidelong glance. “Stop squirming. What, are you going to ride on the roof?”pvVvuauTQtxifkGvAEKQivGYuyFuQC

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Ren Yi chuckled, “I’m just afraid you’ll have one of your episodes.”HOdJolThNQgjVJWthQYZXTbgXDzSJw

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“You… I can tolerate, barely,” Gong Yingxian said softly.ywcqAlQrTpTIHNIGgyGnwkRqjuxuWM

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Ren Yi smiled knowingly.KdGQIlUKFAVqdhlpYwdUsCqhSlPKdP

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The police car dropped them off at the station, and Ren Yi, a bit hopeful, asked, “Want to come in for a bit? If you’re not in a rush to get back to the bureau…”GFKPdILDwBcWzzlZxBVhmiDywcxVYm

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“Sure,” Gong Yingxian agreed.wouRAdNpumNdLIONwKsUTDpGzKjngb

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Inside the station, the soldiers immediately asked about Gao Ge’s condition. Upon hearing that he was fine, they turned their attention to Ren Yi’s injury. After a round of explanations, Ren Yi led Gong Yingxian to his dorm.UTJSzSvpHJQWHIBSWhSCrVTrRLrMck

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At their station, only the captain and the political instructor had single dorm rooms. Though simply decorated, Ren Yi’s room had a bedroom, a bathroom, and an office.McpnUWboZuGOVYmAkJBMPftFpmTJQY

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Gong Yingxian stood inside, taking in the surroundings. Though he had visited Phoenix Squad before, it was his first time in Ren Yi’s room. Compared to Ren Yi’s house, which he hadn’t lived in for years, this place felt more lived-in, more like… Ren Yi.JYOhPVuEyWrxgDpofRszSiSrrDOsXE

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“Want some water?” Ren Yi suddenly felt a little nervous, like a boy inviting a girl to his dorm for the first time, worrying it wasn’t clean enough.cSilBZujrhnNAPeOydjLGIwwQCjVEh

hrmYIOWjRVyAarJ

“No, thanks.”IuyhqydFzDvmmjPsYCJLJDTMxElOPu

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“Okay, just sit for a bit. I’m going to grab a shower.” Ren Yi then remembered the burn on his neck. The nurse had just reminded him not to get it wet, but he couldn’t even see it himself. He clicked his tongue in frustration, muttering, “How am I supposed to shower like this?”GhOEhnHSFuZEgCaBqLNAbLmicFfOUk

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“I’ll help you,” Gong Yingxian offered.NxkKJKBBlGaxUAGXOathNmEICUFQhe

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Ren Yi froze, his eyes widening in surprise, not daring to turn his head.UqYqdZPOhwzdXuzQlNZEfjrdzwsxCD

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