Blazing Armor

Descending from the beam, Ren Yi noticed Gong Yingxian standing outside in the corridor by the maintenance hatch. Upon seeing him, Gong Yingxian’s face hardened as he ordered, “Go to the ambulance and get checked out.”JsoAstfRrOFMKeCzWeUraIrvZHYQLL

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Ren Yi wondered, Was he waiting for me?gyawJYHVQDbJzlRlWIUcpQlIzDJYPC

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Even in this bleak situation, Ren Yi was sadly moved by the slightest bit of concern from Gong Yingxian. He quickly replied, “You should get checked too.”iddhHSwmpXZDikjhYyQxmTsObzoFUo

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“Let’s go.” Gong Yingxian started walking out at a relaxed pace.xZFwYmoQDEWJrXqMZIgCuSfGtRpfzj

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Ren Yi followed Gong Yingxian, desperately wanting to confirm if they were reconciled or still in a cold war. Did Gong Yingxian want to restore their friendship, or did he just want to cut all ties? But he didn’t dare ask.QHBEbdwQxssXBuMNSoQojJrfociaUS

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When they reached the ambulance, the paramedics listened to their vitals. “You should go to the hospital for a thorough examination.”NfzUhuXaWrAmGvNDOBxDEGwsHwNIyc

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“No need.” Gong Yingxian responded coldly.YiiEgPvoAcswjcoMqKuGuDwWhtWDKD

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“Yes, you do.” Qiu Yan walked over, crossing his arms as he stared at him. “Are you more qualified than the paramedics? If they’re telling you to go to the hospital, then get in the damn car.”PYPfXIsiJQbASCeUqYaEdxrasrVCpZ

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Gong Yingxian initially looked like he wanted to argue, but when he spotted Song Juhan and He Gu walking towards them from a distance, he promptly turned and boarded the ambulance, even slamming the door shut. He couldn’t stand watching those two in harmony—it only highlighted the growing distance between him and Ren Yi.vyGNhcpwzEKjkJybViLhozebkhFEGA

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“Captain Ren,” He Gu approached Ren Yi, tilting his head towards the ambulance. “Is Officer Gong injured? I wanted to thank him in person.”drrcDdtplRDBVdwxFLEHAtJiMiCkxR

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“It’s nothing serious.” Ren Yi offered a helpless smile. “He’s not great at socializing; don’t mind him.”pNwAOLXKKbpGVDRnoAQtJTfhoiGtvW

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Song Juhan shrugged. “If it wasn’t for tonight’s incident, I still wouldn’t believe he’s a cop.”pkvFImyXpYQWTAonseZelPrCZuXlhA

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“Captain Qiu, Captain Ren, thank you.” Ren Yi extended his hand, shaking theirs sincerely. “Also, thanks to all the officers and firefighters tonight—you saved everyone.”KbEtITfkmcWoLArFHtYQWBLJTGSufx

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Qiu Yan smiled and replied, “Engineer He, we’re the ones who should be thanking you. Without your professional help, there’s no way we could have located all the bombs so quickly.”MewymQKJheAaNqtMdoTdGsDSrXutpL

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“Exactly, Engineer He, it’s really all thanks to you. You were amazing.” Ren Yi enthusiastically shook He Gu’s hand. “And also, thanks to Teacher Song for your great cooperation. That last song was truly clever; it helped the bomb squad locate the explosives without causing panic in the crowd.”gkvqySqWSUHxBdaDaFtCmnWFSpoCdn

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Song Juhan looked at He Gu, and the two shared a knowing smile. “Captain Ren, I’ve never been through something so thrilling. Luckily, you were all here, allowing us and so many audience members to go home safely. Thank you.”FuctyhWBXGiWjaspWNzqEGZoctUdAt

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Ren Yi smiled and nodded.pWuKrxNGHTnBCULLeJlKFTwgGJLerE

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“Ge!” a shout rang out from a distance.aINoyLJjEaCHFwCeMooJOjNElAouWG

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The voice made Ren Yi instantly tense. He turned his head and, sure enough, saw Qi Xiao waving frantically at him from afar.ejCvFgeqjRGYWHxYaBdlqPzQuVPRwR

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Song Juhan’s fans were being held back behind barriers, with security and even firefighters helping maintain order due to the crowd.noljxHqPNgmuozbydtEkQRCjHkkKrf

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Ren Yi tried to pretend he didn’t see him, but Qi Xiao spotted Liu Hui standing nearby and called out, “Brother Liu Hui, let me through!”cFzvRtezEolKnuQmIMjVDhiKNajavx

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Unaware of the complicated background between them, Liu Hui let Qi Xiao pass.zNASPqpwwZWAstUDmOFYZIvdiEHxng

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“Ge, what happened? Why are there so many police cars and fire trucks here?” Qi Xiao ran up to Ren Yi, nervously excited as he glanced at Song Juhan. He greeted him respectfully, “Brother Han, President He.”NtHNSDzcbzqQwYQGswHsglkVOErqhZ

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Song Juhan barely looked at Qi Xiao, giving only a slight nod.eBesNNnjnyryBHXSHKHvQPwkeWiKFC

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“Ge, do you know Brother Han?” Qi Xiao looked at Ren Yi with bright eyes.tPnMMeOJwQYRFCiAfsPpNMbdRwzFnj

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“Uh, I got Teacher Song’s autograph once.”DdcDCtjqMHaxcPMkXxFpObeliHDNwO

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Eagerly, Qi Xiao said, “Brother Han, I’m a new actor. I’m currently negotiating a contract with Sister Coco. If it goes through, I’ll be your junior under the same management.”xluyITdGlhRLdmBBHAFlzcjysjvCCE

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Song Juhan raised an eyebrow. “Oh, really?” He glanced at Qi Xiao, then at Ren Yi. “Is he your brother?”GDugFqjOmWSCDuKBrkJuZJxoRNzDvN

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Ren Yi shifted uncomfortably, nodding. “He’s a friend.”MVfXFEvplVaifbKnbxFnKtxCRMzPLa

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Qi Xiao, with a warm familiarity, wrapped an arm around Ren Yi’s shoulder. “I’ve known my ge for many years. He really looks out for me.”nzHZzYoydxVObQsyqqRqEPsruSirnl

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Qiu Yan glanced at Qi Xiao, his expression subtly shifting as he noticed something unusual in Qi Xiao’s tone and demeanor.HJOCENBFslLtmtfYQtADAiFdnvaRdJ

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Inside the ambulance, Gong Yingxian watched through the window, seeing Qi Xiao leaning closely against Ren Yi, practically draping himself over his shoulder. Cold anger flared in Gong Yingxian’s eyes. He banged on the partition to the driver’s cabin and growled, “Drive.”NZhxkQwNCMForSAemkYYgkTNOIbWCm

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The paramedic hesitated. “Dr. Gong, let’s wait for Captain Ren. There’s no other vehicle left.”pzYxfybQaMcIezajBCBtnTUiTUziqv

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Lowering his head, Gong Yingxian’s eyes were bloodshot, overwhelmed with a sorrow that defied description.rSBqxumDIicFWtwLBRejrChhnTdYbr

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All his life, he’d lacked nothing material, leaving him with few real desires. Now, for once, he had someone he desperately wanted to have, to claim entirely as his own, only to find that person already belonged to someone else.JOqKwzkkPyFdIhEOxGkTlKQYGFmTqJ

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His morality, his self-respect, his pride—all restrained him from doing something disgraceful, though his mind was filled with obsessive, crazed, all-consuming thoughts.yVRTTRmHpiwDMEcmraShqIACLqcFEr

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Not wanting to embarrass Qi Xiao in front of Song Juhan, Ren Yi subtly stepped forward to evade Qi Xiao’s grip and replied with a light smile, “Qi Xiao’s a promising actor. If there’s a chance for collaboration, I hope Teacher Song can look out for him a bit.”tREsoVUTBZScxozipCTEToauycTmlW

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Song Juhan nodded. “No problem. Consider it repaying a favor to Captain Ren.”aElPtitDmnGaFJeIUBLAZwTVeQidlE

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Excited, Qi Xiao’s face lit up, handsome features glowing with joy. “Thank you, Brother Han. Thank you so much!”KhqGMmWBDICLSMTaChTjDnNONoJcHT

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After a few more words, Song Juhan and He Gu took their leave, walking off side by side as Ren Yi watched their retreating figures, filled with envy.XudhUIBTyWiExfDobKdKaHaokPAdmR

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Qiu Yan advised him to get a thorough check-up before going off to handle the aftermath as well.gIGNBVqiiKUgPTFEOrnofQMfBrAPnB

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Left alone with Ren Yi, Qi Xiao looked a bit awkward and murmured, “Ge, thank you. I’m really planning to sign with Song Media. Just a word from Song Juhan could change everything for me.”dkowrwiwKKSQwItqdpVVLNAowgZzxr

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“I understand. Best of luck.”VtIPPoqphohnPgSCULZqSiEtfbCiEY

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Qi Xiao sighed. “Honestly, I should’ve guessed about you and Officer Gong’s relationship. I… crossed a line. I’m sorry.”GKDMivoERXpbslfpqEjnpnPODFLSsF

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Ren Yi cast a discreet glance at the ambulance, the windows too high to see inside from here. He hoped Gong Yingxian hadn’t seen that moment earlier. “Qi Xiao, I’m not in that kind of relationship with Officer Gong. He’s straight. It’s just my one-sided feelings for him. But from now on, let’s not meet again.”KtuhBhTKhMNTIjDGxbzGKUAOdaBajr

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“Straight?” Qi Xiao was incredulous. “No way. With that reaction just now, he looked nothing like a straight guy. He was clearly jealous.”xYGqdVRiZbBnGQwTDfvzXjTkktubeb

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“No, he was once harassed by another man, and he simply can’t accept it. I’ve been hiding this from him, so…”JDZAPpDMqUljqlsjhftDqZhZGXSPDt

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Qi Xiao frowned, doubtful yet trying to believe. “Alright, but… I still feel he really cares about you.”YSDcaibfNulUAtvFclUZffiRytgBbk

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Ren Yi’s heart ached. “He sees me as a friend.”DqaikavPUwhwuIpSznRmxYjNGwuqjs

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Qi Xiao gave a bitter smile. “Why do you have to fall for a straight guy, Ren Yi? Why put yourself through this? Honestly, I…” He lowered his head in disappointment. “Forget it, I’m fine with it. Ge, you’re an amazing person. I hope you can find peace with this too.”vNFYeHGUDpuEOxzalSVTcQkfCWnaHH

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Ren Yi forced a faint smile. “Alright.”rHGHqhBpyFCVgmOaGFaTiCUBGOXYwL

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“I’ll go now.” Qi Xiao looked at Ren Yi with a hint of reluctance.hGrIEyjqbGIWAdaAroFOiXrvpaPdUZ

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“Goodbye.”eIyfIAaMTczOeBDFjpZXIYCZDlKRPA

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Qi Xiao took a few steps back, smiling. “Maybe one day, you’ll see me everywhere, so much that you won’t be able to avoid it.”RcQIDXznaFOxBkxmSHVkREoUOrQzik

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Ren Yi chuckled. “I hope that day comes.”XGAxgGIznJibGqSMhiKHleSvRdlETK

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Qi Xiao waved, holding back his emotions, then turned and walked away.uBUSTBNoPwneICLwXgoNdFdbVWnCVH

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Ren Yi opened the ambulance door and got inside.KeDvaiNLcVyGUnAMIVxUqilpnAjnlu

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Gong Yingxian sat there, giving him a sidelong, icy stare.tWiZunyHGCkzUgcTlVuMsEQzLKRIhS

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Ren Yi sat across from him, tapping the partition. “Let’s go.”uiKAViRmpBrlTZMBxdJJYSevaDWfFn

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As the vehicle started moving, Gong Yingxian, his expression unreadable, asked, “He’s not coming with you to the hospital?”RHtUWSVYVbAXcgEHwoyfxKnaefBSEk

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Ren Yi thought, So he did see it. Avoiding a direct response, he instead asked, “How are you feeling?”YkyFPEVGjyaZMUmCkZQBOZEGwddSts

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“If I hadn’t seen it today, how long would you have kept this from me?”NzInHjcWBCRXvyROblkKyCRwYdjJKm

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Ren Yi sighed, his voice thick with difficulty. “Yingxian, I didn’t deliberately keep it from you. My orientation is a part of who I am, and I’m not ashamed of it. But I know society’s tolerance still has its limits. To avoid trouble, I don’t broadcast it. I know you can’t accept it, but this isn’t something I can change. I’ve never meant to make light of you, and I hope… I hope you can understand. I’m still the person you knew; nothing has changed.”kKckKtWBZXygiykTkxrEsdbTWgGIiS

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“Everything has changed,” Gong Yingxian replied in a low voice.QtYJywLqnwNCxoacPeCQBvBagTvXgP

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Ren Yi’s shoulders slumped.DHsCPhKAXqwmmmyWiyEjYyAZHvtczl

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Gong Yingxian stared straight at him. “Like you said, let’s just… pretend nothing happened.”JBJtLmuEjsPcmUZXLHvukkWbkvKhPG

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“…Fine.” Yet Ren Yi didn’t feel any relief. As Gong Yingxian had said, “everything has changed.” They could never return to how they were. Where once he’d been fueled by hope, constantly wanting more from their ever-growing closeness, now, even the hope of returning to a simple friendship seemed impossible.RgePeAnepWhOjwBZZkDCezvIApzQtQ

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What he feared most had arrived mercilessly, without him ever having to ruin things with a confession.pNUxNegSNlmEanKJkaUjhkDqPeUJWy

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In Gong Yingxian’s mind, Qi Xiao’s name echoed. He’d imagined countless ways to push Qi Xiao away from Ren Yi. But was he really willing to become that despicable? Besides, Ren Yi had told him, clearly, there were no other feelings there. If he exhausted every effort, what would he even gain?TCGCtVxeFKtqDSQnCFWFdSqZnZRnCf

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The two sat in silence, each trapped by their own thoughts, bound to each other yet unable to understand each other, left with nothing but silence.GirmHeHqXuODUBSvXmULwhaclCWium

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Inside the cramped ambulance, their distance felt close enough to touch, yet as if a deep chasm lay between them, neither daring to take that step.dtwfojFxdNPWnhzppHFgfuEEoTcdfK

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Falling into the abyss isn’t what’s terrifying; it’s the abyss without you that is.uaFLQliPOLPXvthGExYgZcPJzTrTbz

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