Chapter 129: 129, Subvert Chen Wudi

While everyone else rested, Ren Xiaosu found a hillside to gaze upon the surroundings, attempting to see if he could spot any traces of the wolf pack.

Yet when he climbed the slope, he froze—Ren Xiaosu had actually discovered the wolf pack nearby.

There, the silver wolf king stood atop the wilderness, its gaze fixed upon him, as if even the wind itself had stilled in reverence.

But to his surprise, this time he detected no hostile intent from the wolf king; the creature merely glanced at him before turning and fleeing into the wilderness.

The wolf king was colossal beyond measure. Estimating its size against nearby shrubs, Ren Xiaosu realized, if his calculations were correct, it was larger than a bull.

Why? What purpose did this wolf pack serve in trailing them?

Earlier, Ren Xiaosu had sensed something amiss—the pack dared not cross the gorge, yet when he returned from behind it, they had been waiting there all along.

He had wondered if they harbored resentment from last year, when he had escaped their jaws, but now it seemed the situation was more intricate.

Regardless, Ren Xiaosu thought, as long as the wolves did not attack, it was a blessing. He had no intention of probing further.

Perhaps in a day’s time, he would bid farewell to this wilderness, entering the long-dreamed-of wall, living without constant vigilance.

Life was improving day by day, and Ren Xiaosu had promised Yan Liuyuan he would ensure he lived well.

Returning to the vehicle, everyone stepped out to stretch, for though the car was not overly cramped, being confined inside was uncomfortable.

At that moment, Wang Fugui approached Ren Xiaosu, speaking with solemnity: “Thank you, Xiaosu, thank you for bringing my son and me into the wall.”

“+1 for Wang Fugui’s heartfelt gratitude!”

Ren Xiaosu replied, “No need for such formalities between us—not only will we enter the wall, but we’ll reopen your general store as well.”

To his surprise, Wang Fugui shook his head: “It’s not my store—it’s yours. Listen, Xiaosu, that shop was bought with your life. I’ll serve as its manager; I ask for nothing else, but remember to pay me well.”

Ren Xiaosu was taken aback; he hadn’t expected Wang Fugui to decline such a lucrative offer.

As Wang Fugui pondered how to persuade Ren Xiaosu, the latter suddenly said, moved: “Fine, I’ll listen to you.”

Wang Fugui: “…”

Indeed, it was still the same shameless, money-loving youth he knew…

But then Ren Xiaosu added, “The shop will grant you a 30% share, and the money from selling your antibiotics will be yours.”

This share was not freely given—Ren Xiaosu lacked business acumen, while Old Wang had managed shops his entire life. He believed professional matters should be handled by professionals, freeing himself to pursue other endeavors.

In truth, what Ren Xiaosu most desired now was not wealth, but to attend school.

…

Meanwhile, Luo Lan, seizing the moment while Ren Xiaosu was away, had been eyeing Chen Wudi intently.

He was quite familiar with Chen Wudi—his routines, preferences, even his habits had been documented for him.

Once, Luo Lan had envied his younger brother, who had a transcendent being as a bodyguard. How exhilarating that must be!

Yet alas, a transcendent being had appeared in General Qing’s camp, but Luo Lan had not been so fortunate.

Now, upon witnessing Chen Wudi single-handedly subdue three experimental subjects, Luo Lan’s ambitions stirred.

After all, Chen Wudi was a fool—how could the mighty scion of the Qing family fail to control a fool?

Ren Xiaosu had never displayed his transcendent abilities before Luo Lan, so in his eyes, Ren was merely a slightly more skilled and daring wanderer. Why should he have such a powerful transcendent follower in Chen Wudi, bound by a master-disciple bond?

Luo Lan, wealthier than Ren Xiaosu, more handsome, and a scion of the Qing family wielding unimaginable power, was the one who deserved a follower like Chen Wudi!

Thinking this, Luo Lan sidled up to Chen Wudi, grinning: “Hey… Wudi, your master’s so poor. Why not follow me instead?”

Chen Wudi glanced at him and replied, “I don’t wish to speak with a beggar.”

Luo Lan: “???”

What the hell—calling him a beggar? This was a grudge that couldn’t be let go!

What was wrong with a lunatic’s logic? Could he act normal for once?!

At that moment, Ren Xiaosu returned, spotting Luo Lan beside Chen Wudi, and laughed: “What, you want to journey to the Western Paradise too? If you’re willing, we still lack a white dragon horse… no, you don’t look like one.”

As he spoke, Ren Xiaosu scanned the area, then brightened at the sight of Wang Dalong: “We still need a shoulder pole and two baskets—why don’t you be the bamboo basket?”

Luo Lan, enraged, turned and left, suddenly feeling out of place among them due to his lack of nerve…

At dawn, the convoy prepared to set off again, this time heading directly for Wall 109!

Earlier, when Luo Lan’s vehicle had broken down, they had siphoned fuel from the damaged cars into the functional ones, so the tanks were more than sufficient for the journey.

Ren Xiaosu fantasized about life within the wall, then asked Jiang Wu and her student: “What’s it like inside the wall?”

Jiang Wu pondered and recalled, “Students can attend classes in peace. During breaks, they’ll clutch basketballs and sweat on the playground. Girls will cheer for boys they fancy, and teachers, though aware of their budding feelings, sometimes choose to look the other way. Of course, most teachers summon their parents.”

“Summon parents?” Ren Xiaosu blinked. “Why?”

“To punish the students, naturally,” Jiang Wu chuckled.

“Oh,” Ren Xiaosu nodded. “Good thing I have no parents…”

The words left Jiang Wu momentarily speechless, unsure how to respond. Yet, for reasons unknown, her heart ached—for this youth, who had lived upon the wasteland’s desolate soil, was so utterly alone.

“All aboard,” Ren Xiaosu called. “Let’s go!”

Then he saw Luo Lan facing the direction they had come, bowing three times in tribute to the fallen soldiers of his wartime battalion.

Along the way, Luo Lan had shown no overt grief, maintaining an almost optimistic demeanor.

But witnessing this scene, Ren Xiaosu suddenly understood—Luo Lan’s lack of visible sorrow stemmed only from his unwillingness to appear weak.