Blazing Armor

Today was destined to be a busy and exhausting day. Even without a concert that would go on until late into the night, big holidays were always peak times for the fire department to respond to calls.wNEFYLEkavtqZLYwHgmhJVPFnFSAWM

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So Ren Yi canceled today’s training, letting everyone sleep in and rest up.spoMlXrtNlTYFywoMMuPhvgWUAQNEF

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Around lunchtime, a call came in about a kitchen fire, and Gao Ge led the team to handle it.UzCwlwgPzsdCPkySXMayPwSFfORfpR

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In the afternoon, Ren Yi called a meeting with the second and third teams to assign tasks and clarify roles. Then they set out for Honglin Stadium.rhFkDKLrvtxLhmCBvcqflWkzhlSGuk

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The concert was set to officially start at 8 PM, with people starting to enter around 6. Aside from the main entrance, two extra gates were opened to relieve the crowd pressure. VIPs entered directly from the underground parking lot.HwSDuAqBVPelZxtYWpeYJVxczqUKbi

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The brigade had sent Wang Meng’s Luoxiangkou squad to join them. Luoxiangkou was the nearest squad to theirs, and they often worked together on assignments.ysnGuNRtASUVdoRaDpZJwKwVcllHbZ

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Ren Yi and Wang Meng stood outside the stadium, watching the staff busying themselves back and forth. It was only 2 PM, but a line had already formed outside, mostly young girls.OxfwcSLaLDUoSPytxKODgQJSOZLaQW

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Wang Meng pulled out a cigarette and offered it to Ren Yi, who waved it off.KuzMNrEvPDQkrMdBiQwWllctHgYgMY

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“I heard the front row tickets have been resold for over 200,000 yuan?” Wang Meng took a puff. “That’s insane.”BDvmHRQpMrPqwlXfgmjryLfRZmcAJx

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“Yeah, it’s nuts.”aytMwSjCLJFuIbjgZnJfbKSIXYZhuQ

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“I don’t care about these things. Ever since I became a firefighter, I feel uncomfortable when there are too many people,” Wang Meng shook his head. “If I had the energy, I’d rather be at home listening to music.”RjjGzEwLaXFOhVuFbRmzMvwGZCttuT

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Ren Yi chuckled. “Think about it: tickets are that expensive, but we get great seats for free. We really scored big.”DFcIFusOCerSQQoAfLCmkgGpUscVhF

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“Haha, true.” Wang Meng glanced at Ren Yi, then suddenly said, “Huh?”PmjiXdOgtyfITpROAVaoAmupUfUxUj

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“What?”DrpJwEnIzefwIIKgXovTPadrjRnSRW

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“Did you put gel in your hair?”AxHwCjUxBwJIUDcQKDpueHXvEMCeLC

srFcNjVojGmMWEx

Ren Yi denied it, “No, I didn’t.”cVzlMFsAQknjafBRkkHgTyIsIJzoac

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“Let me feel.” Wang Meng reached out to touch it.cMXiOspiKMwypzbeBeeTaPyLxHLDgv

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Ren Yi tried to dodge but couldn’t escape and got caught.LfMDjBzsodOJfKgDhXuUhbyxkjgrVa

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Wang Meng teased, “This down jacket and those boots are new too, right? I even caught a faint whiff of cologne earlier—I thought it was my imagination. What’s the deal, Ren the handsome? Are you getting married today or something?”DWpApylVJOxCtGshkBHAlLVtjekDAI

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Ren Yi clicked his tongue. “Aren’t you bored?”kCXCNuHvegKBMZHOycSWxKTLnkgAps

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“Nowhere near as busy as you,” Wang Meng teased, “Got a date tonight, or are you just trying to show off in front of all the pretty girls?”AspVyESKrFldsatsQRTYweAyLZqLHm

MspnOlwdgVbmpEf

“Come on, man, you’re married. Can’t you understand a single guy’s life?” Ren Yi said, half-embarrassed. “Go on, go do your work.”TsoOTALOcooGyGgkOzrsDZMdofTiAQ

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Wang Meng laughed heartily and walked off.SqOpeAwYrKtRfIbApnQXKEugLjJvjE

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Ren Yi took a few steps back, moved to the fire truck’s side mirror, and fixed his hair in the reflection. Then, he flashed a confident smile.VabzXYTPvrXFwWWDirYgVHkNalsfFo

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Who cares about getting married? This was his first date with Gong Yingxian.yaXnYPgglExddvHFHTDwLxIlaHnwtE

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Around 6 PM, most of the guests had arrived and were gathered in the dressing rooms for makeup.IzisSzLGPHxTYvjFFjSgamNtHhKztr

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Ren Yi had the freedom to walk around the venue wherever he wanted. As he watched the singers, surrounded by their entourage, wearing their dazzling stage outfits and preparing for their big moment in the spotlight, he suddenly understood Qi Xiao’s fierce desire for fame.GcCKIeWTxqTaglvTgAkeNbbMFMuHES

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Ren Yi’s phone buzzed. It was a message from Gong Feilan, asking if Song Juhan had arrived yet.wceASothzLGDhXYJdvhfRqYHcbarDs

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Ever since he told Gong Feilan that he was in charge of fire safety for the concert and could get Song Juhan’s autograph for her, the little girl had been excited for days.QfjUWHNZetqsxSYoBsXbfLtvIZaIRk

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Ren Yi replied: “Not yet. I’ll let you know when he arrives.”JvJQQRFaYPzimZuWXiwRolKXnBgiTr

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Just then, Gong Yingxian called.HmDjYRWIvDivLtcwqTczHNbkXZUxQS

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“Hey, Yingxian, are you here?”uxQuCPVmuCsrXhOBfgiLIsbWqnszbx

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“Yeah, I’m at Gate 6, where you said.”xBoZrQOgahbBrlQYEPVhTJTilTJhxZ

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“Alright, wait there for me. I’ll come get you right now.”PrpjjAmNRXalKkpNRDYLspDkhaQufw

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When Ren Yi arrived at Gate 6, he saw Gong Yingxian surrounded by a group of girls. He stood out like a crane in a flock of chickens, towering a full head above them.GuKXWLoqOXrESWkqOkMbiqobuNWenj

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“Yingxian?” Ren Yi jogged over, unsure of what was going on.okwWOjpiUqzYqoGvwqLOmwfvTxcazk

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“You’ve got to be an artist, right? Tell us your name!”UZyWBOAytKTrBXOSLvnoUbvDcuSCIu

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“Oppa, are you a new talent with Song Media? Do you sing or act? We’ll support you either way!”pmztdLFotYyltFrEscldasPtwhGTCy

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“I’m not,” Gong Yingxian’s brows furrowed, and he kept backing away. When he spotted Ren Yi approaching, his eyes lit up with relief, and he quickly gave Ren Yi a pleading look.EoMwrHywaArAEMVesgYWiwOFpINqRd

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Holding back a laugh, Ren Yi stepped in to rescue him. “Hey, hey, ladies, he’s not a celebrity. Don’t crowd him.”NWvsrrdRpsFuzfZlavOhIApWwnPtBJ

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“If he’s not a celebrity, why’s he wearing a mask? And he’s so handsome, with such a great body!”PEcfQUQNWezhAdecCftMuLYeIfGzxg

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“He really isn’t. He’s my colleague,” Ren Yi said, pointing to his own uniform.auejFZjpyqZpopLtXMcejJRsVZNYHm

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The group of girls paused for a moment, then erupted in excited squeals.PzGdFeYnYnnRaczDWwilSAHtjzwnwn

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“Are all firefighters this handsome? I’m a fan of firefighters now!”JAPNLYVzgzgNxKyEuSgtuJBJYJiEyF

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“Which fire station? I’m going to visit!”GUJqPiydCbMkVLatVhjKgSpbNswmnJ

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Taking advantage of the moment, Ren Yi grabbed Gong Yingxian’s hand and pulled him out of the crowd. “Alright, alright, you guys better get in line. If you wait too long, the line’s going to get even worse.” He pulled Gong Yingxian along as they dashed away.bKAZnDbHlXpRFtHiNpHXDupoDQnDhq

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They ran all the way into the venue before slowing down, catching their breath.XJeWjRtFrtGySuuvrvWKyVqsMeSFve

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Ren Yi turned his head and saw Gong Yingxian dressed in a beige short puffer jacket, jeans, and pristine white sneakers. His hair wasn’t styled with gel but casually fell over his forehead. Even though the mask covered most of his face, his handsomeness still shone through.ARtDSQmhryScxTCWqFCXgElyVPfMHt

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Ren Yi was momentarily stunned. He had never seen Gong Yingxian dressed so youthfully, like a college student. No wonder those girls couldn’t tear themselves away from him.SNXTyqJUDLOCFtCVaaRzYPppgxCMmE

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Gong Yingxian pulled down his mask, feeling a bit self-conscious as he glanced at his outfit under Ren Yi’s gaze. “What? Does it look weird?”SpAoVhVmtGwaqBkTGkdZzRderpHxNy

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“…”oTzTpLXsuEkrPVrzqtuKPtTwxmEXOF

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Gong Yingxian huffed softly. “You were the one who told me to wear ‘casual’ clothes. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have come to a noisy, messy place full of people like this.”sKVVGKyTPhcJVaRYFuwJqtCDsZdRVv

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Ren Yi gave a goofy smile. “You look amazing today.”bYAwFXPWemRVHxnUmpgtQEatifHTtk

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Gong Yingxian froze for a moment, feeling a burst of joy, but outwardly, he tried to seem indifferent. “Really?”satNxmRrJyYUFGDOatIrDPaxVZHcFu

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“Seriously, you look amazing.” Ren Yi chuckled. “Of course, you look great in a suit too, or even in pajamas. Each look has its own charm.”QCGdRAnWcCvYAzvQQudXpgEPoCwInA

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Gong Yingxian couldn’t help but smile. He wanted to compliment Ren Yi in return but felt too embarrassed to say it. Besides, the word “handsome” seemed far too shallow to describe how Ren Yi’s appearance made him feel—just seeing him filled him with uncontainable joy.HaosKsLkXdltbeAtYqugNTcxINPGss

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“Alright, let’s head in.”nomaGBYXmXqXDcXsRibokKbojNuZMi

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Suddenly, Ren Yi realized that he was still holding Gong Yingxian’s hand. Even though Gong Yingxian was wearing gloves, he could still feel the warmth of his palm. Awkwardly, he let go, and led Gong Yingxian towards the backstage area.aLTcvdqhdbVPYJihpReKuAOxdtKMNu

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The major artists had their own private dressing rooms, with the doors closed, so they couldn’t see inside. The rest of the performers were gathered in a large, open dressing room.JFLsSBjmgHKsYKuBUQUzksHHUQveTY

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The two of them stood in a quiet corner, watching the buzz around them. “Look, those guys over there are from the band ‘Scarecrow.’ They’re an old band, their music’s really good.”hdUXYOAsOpCxeFGzlhXEnOogCJpqVg

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“Oh.”yJWlMIOeCUdmsSJWNvTPfbRerfDqLr

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“And that looks like a group from some talent show or something—I don’t know them either. Wow, these girls are so skinny. What do they even eat?”VlhOckfuJZbQZAEPBQhQhwkOJGdDas

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Gong Yingxian scanned the room. “Where’s Song Juhan?”YlJmLxqCpceFJXyBFvWjHINCPrZcDt

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“A guy like him won’t show up this early, and he’ll have his own private room when he does,” Ren Yi said, unzipping his coat to reveal a signed album in the inner pocket. “But I talked to the organizers. We can go in and get his autograph for Feilan later.”QNIwVGNfbuULHDExIRVKYFHqIBvHGg

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Gong Yingxian didn’t seem too pleased. “You don’t need to spoil her like that.”ulSbiQfkGMjhvbcvKZtiyZFZBUWzdJ

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“She’s already pretty pitiful for not being able to come.”urTKoivDWGZMLKKioZEjPAxiwexqOU

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“She doesn’t study well, and exams are coming up. Of course, I can’t let her attend something like this.”ahDyJuEzdLzyfzOHiwjkoliifMHbba

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“That’s why getting her an autograph can encourage her a bit. Don’t be too hard on her.”JusbOmfhBsImJKQyDiOwkWfeYHpjXD

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“Her parents are always at odds with each other and often away on business trips. If I don’t take care of her, who will?”oWcZZlVTolqipZzPHrXFNKgqNcNdry

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Ren Yi suddenly felt a pang of sympathy for Gong Feilan.BcSiTkTBXNhQduOCoRqKBhoNlnXokl

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Gong Yingxian shifted the conversation. “So, what exactly are you guys here to do?”neEcJofxinBuSZtbQukHqzqRqBjlmq

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“The main job is to review the fire safety plan ahead of time. If it doesn’t meet the standards, they have to make changes according to our requirements. After the review, we check to make sure everything’s been fixed. Today, we’re here to ensure they’ve followed through and to be prepared in case anything unexpected happens,” Ren Yi explained. “Honestly, there’s not much going on, which is why I invited you to come and have fun.”jhkhAEYImfnBtkvieDJSNQYrsKMrjF

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“You’ve inspected the entire venue?”WQFriIhReHJtCwZcHcgIZnIAneVvSM

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“Checked it multiple times,” Ren Yi said. “There’s security at every entrance, plus police patrolling the area.”BYCpCvfktxkRKNtdCpCltDfWaMrkyI

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Gong Yingxian nodded. “A lot of stuff has been happening lately. I guess I’m just a bit on edge.”mRgWUnAWJrZhuaGHsHjEDatjhdYbtR

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“I get it. Same here. That’s why the higher-ups doubled the security measures this time,” Ren Yi said with a grin. “We’re taking precautions, but no need to stress. Come on, the concert’s about to start. I scouted out a great spot.”xloyiApkzmNRznqgXrlBtmLSfTbKIR

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Ren Yi led Gong Yingxian to the side of the main stage, an area reserved for security and staff. The view was excellent, and there were hardly any people around.xLWfkGRjtLYxnywzDnDvLgsMlruMLe

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Despite the concert being hastily arranged, the stage effects were nothing short of spectacular. The dazzling lights and powerful music, especially at this close range, made their blood race.KAUCdEVlpsQOnimMREpohwPraaiAbX

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Ren Yi, caught up in the energy, started moving to the beat.jQNazplAaSsjRwtSCtsOzIxPmSSuIb

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At first, Gong Yingxian felt overwhelmed by the loud, chaotic environment, but soon enough, he was swept up by the music and the energy of the person beside him. He sneaked a glance at Ren Yi, whose eyes sparkled and whose face beamed with joy, and he couldn’t help but smile.hjWKmjBBioRJIXAdhnlgGSqHiLTvUm

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“Wow, this spot is great, but it would definitely be more exciting to be in the crowd.” Ren Yi grabbed Gong Yingxian’s hand and raised it above their heads, swaying along to the music as he sang along.jQRtxeYBHmMYUXWkvVqcDAtOOnMuTN

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Gong Yingxian nodded. “Yeah, it’s kind of fun.”NBGXdNNkNazHXfnLplLJWsRoQWbLWU

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Ren Yi turned to look at him, and as the lights shifted across Gong Yingxian’s strikingly handsome face, it added a touch of mystery and allure, making Ren Yi’s heart race uncontrollably.mpLqREWbPQstHomTGhuMMDGSlEBCPt

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Before Gong Yingxian could notice, Ren Yi quickly looked away, overwhelmed by a flood of sweet emotions. He couldn’t help but say, “It feels like we’re on a date right now.”AlfWtheGbiIzWFnCLBgNoFwjEiGPmR

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“What did you say?” The music was too loud, and Gong Yingxian hadn’t heard him clearly.UmGPmFIDsKeuuLSWaPRokGecjkFEWD

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Ren Yi didn’t answer, just laughed heartily.jTuAYgqSshBJucUbUvICpsXlbXetoz

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As Gong Yingxian looked out at the packed stadium, filled with a sea of heads and countless waving glow sticks, he felt that despite being in such a vast space surrounded by so many people, it was only the person beside him who made him feel grounded. Ren Yi was the only reason he was here.xwHlrMCwfRcxBtvltrzqZEuWkyMZgy

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Suddenly, a thought crossed his mind: were all the people screaming in the crowd feeling the same way about the one person on stage that he was feeling about the one beside him?jZFBTWNDphvWUwmOzipIvINEbXbzYx

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If that were the case, the definition of these feelings seemed to be right at the surface, just waiting to be acknowledged.BytwEtDpnGLxOTZVqdTraykREScmbD

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Gong Yingxian fell into deep thought, but Ren Yi’s radio suddenly buzzed, interrupting his contemplation.toxBgvSrFDxitWraoZRyagjxokoDXu

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Ren Yi pressed the talk button. “Go ahead.”XROvfLDuZUxoIhHEkcOeZNUdwlCYYB

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“Captain Ren, Song Juhan has arrived. Didn’t you want his autograph?”uSLYlLLFxkFmWGCtsJZNsdLyptNcQn

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“OK, I’ll be there right away.” Ren Yi, without thinking, grabbed Gong Yingxian’s hand. “Let’s go, backstage.”EhomdOkefZqLMCCGuQycKAECfxBRHG

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The two made their way to the backstage area, where the event organizer was already waiting for them. He greeted Ren Yi and gave him a heads-up. “Captain Ren, just a little warning—these big stars can be a bit temperamental sometimes. If anything feels off, don’t take it personally, alright? Thanks for all your hard work.”HYmzYiXcigJDDYJZYhhWcSSFBOwNKI

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Ren Yi smiled. “No worries. Thanks for the heads-up.”SYzXwoiYWSONruRETzdaHviHxfLVzI

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The organizer knocked on the door, and a voice from inside responded, “Come in.”zHbbJujzkkDeBmEJFrJFBWMFwDGwhz

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Opening the door, the organizer respectfully said, “Brother Han, Captain Ren is here, just like I mentioned.”etVzhqlTRVaKfTiSCgsqUfOSzFpqUF

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Ren Yi and Gong Yingxian glanced into the room.YDxpGaPMzztSuKSmTdKrGxSdapShNm

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On one side of the dressing room, a few staff members were busy organizing clothing and styling tools. On the other side, a large, luxurious red sofa—completely out of place in this setting—dominated the space. Two men were lounging on it. One was wearing headphones, engrossed in a book, while the other lay with his head resting on the first man’s lap, casually playing on his phone, his long legs draped over the armrest.WwIvBQFvbkUNChZxIusLYvGBoeBmXA

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The man on the phone barely looked up, just responding with a nonchalant “Mm.”liRuOVBGIyOSPwSzbKxTvpKvfvRTIt

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