Chapter 143: 143, Deformity (Third update, requesting monthly votes)

The entire barrier was abuzz with heated discussions about the refugees, for some matters, when first spread, were not so grave, yet as they passed from mouth to mouth, they grew ever more chilling.

For instance, when the refugees entered the barrier, some worried, "Could they bring germs in? After all, the barrier had always claimed refugees were contaminated."

Then it reached the second person as, "It's over! The refugees have brought germs into the barrier!"

Then to the third, "Dozens have already died from the germs the refugees carry!"

Finally, "The refugees aim to kill all barrier dwellers with germs!"

Cao Yuqi put some distance between them, but as classmates, where could one go by merely stepping back?

Facing Cao's questioning, Ren remained silent, neither answering nor lying, for he never considered his refugee status a wrongdoing.

It was not a choice he could make, nor was it shameful.

Ren would bathe and don fresh clothes to blend in, yet he would not deny his identity, which would negate his past seventeen years.

Thus, Cao, seeing Ren's silence, knew her guess was right.

A refugee! Cao's heart was a tangle; her new desk mate was truly one!

Honestly, Cao now wished to switch seats, but at that moment, an old man hunched over entered, placing his lesson plans on the podium and slowly said, "The final exams are near; today we review trigonometric functions."

Ren was stunned, "Functions? What are those..."

Earlier, Tang Zhou had asked Ren if he wanted to join the senior curriculum.

Then, full of confidence, Ren claimed he had studied well in the settlement; learning was no challenge. Yet now, he realized Zhang Jinglin's teachings differed from the barrier's ways...

It wasn't Zhang's fault; he wasn't a proper teacher, and most students, like Yan Liyuan and Wang Dalong, were young, so advanced topics weren't needed.

Most students his age helped at home, but Ren's thirst for knowledge was relentless...

Thus, he now couldn't even follow the lessons!

The class was a haze; before, he had been eager, desperate to absorb every word.

This time, though, he couldn't grasp the functions, his strength failing him.

When enrolling, the education office gave him a senior textbook; he'd have to catch up from freshman year.

During break, his desk mate rushed off; students gathered in corners, whispering, gasping, or frowning.

Without thinking, Ren knew they discussed his refugee status and its dangers...

The barrier's hostility toward refugees was his reality; he sometimes felt freer in the settlement.

Yet now, with experimental subjects and wolf packs, the settlement was unsafe.

Perhaps the refugees beyond Barrier 109 hadn't realized the wilderness's threats.

Thus, Ren urged Yan to endure; he hadn't found a haven to replace the barrier.

After a break, it seemed all knew; their attitudes turned cold.

Students who once wanted to befriend him now felt conflicted.

Crucially, the consortium promoted the "contaminated" narrative to entrench class hierarchy, keeping refugees out without moral backlash.

"I want refugees in, but they're contaminated; letting them in is irresponsible."

Such talk made barrier dwellers accustomed.

Ren felt little; though he wished friends, he wouldn't force it.

After all, he and Yan had survived together; others' attitudes mattered less.

After school, Ren left alone, not rushing home but fearing Yang Xiaojin's disappearance from sight!

That night on Jing Mountain, Ren recalled Yang's terrifying sniper rifle; if she reached a vantage first, he'd be dead!

To Ren, Yang might kill to silence him.

For if he told Luo Lan about Yang's enrollment, her plans would fail, and the one who processed her papers would be in trouble.

Ren believed the Qing consortium had hidden power; discovering Yang, Qing and Luo wouldn't miss a chance to eliminate threats.

As he left, Yang emerged from the next classroom, her lips curling under the cap, heading not out but to the top floor.

There was a rooftop, quiet after school.

Ren frowned, unsure of her intent.

Students surged out like water; at five, many stayed for basketball or soccer.

Seeing this, Ren thought how refugees, starving, would lament the barrier's leisure.

The wall blocked not just dangers but the refugees' view of the barrier's ease.

Yet Ren found it twisted, a post-disaster craving for revelry.

Like an oppressed poor man squandering after sudden wealth—a warped desire.

……

Sorry for the delay today.