Jack Cooper’s eyes curiously took in the mountain scenery, constantly whispering his observations into Henry Clark’s ear—one moment saying that mountain looked like a horse, the next that tree resembled a big umbrella, and then lamenting that Henry Clark hadn’t managed to catch the golden pheasant.

Both of them were in good spirits. Henry Clark himself was a carefree person; his early experiences had already given him an adult’s acceptance of whatever came his way. Jack Cooper seemed to be in a state of excitement all along; in his view, being able to escape his former life and relive his brief existence was the greatest reward heaven could give him.

Henry Clark paid no attention to Jack Cooper, his mind preoccupied with the vanished wall. Indeed, ever since he broke through that wall and arrived in this world, there had been no wall behind him—not even a trace left.

It’s not wise to think while walking; on such a rugged, rocky path, he quickly learned his lesson. His foot slipped, and the sharp edge of a stone cut a long gash in his calf, blood gushing out like a spring.

He found a clearing and set Jack Cooper down. Blood had already soaked his pant leg. Jack Cooper was about to speak, but Henry Clark stopped him. His eyes darted around until he was sure there was no danger nearby, then he rolled up his pant leg to check the wound.

Fortunately, it was only a superficial wound—large, but not deep. He picked two dandelions, chewed them into a paste, spread it on a big leaf, and applied it to the wound. Then he tore out the lining from his own clothes and firmly bound up his leg.

“Teacher, you shouldn’t tie the wound so tightly,” Jack Cooper mumbled after a while.

“You’re right, Jack, but if I don’t tie it tight, the smell of blood will spread and attract wild beasts. At a time like this, we can’t worry about such details. We’ll deal with it properly once we find a safe place.”

As Henry Clark washed the bloodstains from his pant leg with clean water, he smiled and spoke to Jack Cooper.

The two set off again. Henry Clark noticed that there was an unusual abundance of wild animals here: monkeys leaping in groups through the trees, wild boars snorting as they wandered the ravines. He even spotted a fiery red fox, carrying a kit in its mouth, darting into the bushes—apparently moving house.

The tree where the monkeys stayed was laden with fruit, a kind of unknown pear. Still, if monkeys could eat it, people surely could too. As he approached, the monkeys on the tree began to make a racket, shaking the branches furiously. One particularly burly monkey king even jumped down with a thud, baring its teeth at Henry Clark. Fearing for Jack Cooper on his back, Henry Clark had no choice but to slowly retreat.

Once Henry Clark had left, the monkey king lazily yawned, quickly climbed back up the tree, and let out a few triumphant calls to the other monkeys, showing off its strength.

It would be great to eat some pears—replenishing a bit of sugar was important for two people struggling in the wild.

“Teacher, put me down and go get some pears.”

“You little rascal, didn’t you see that monkey king is bigger than you? You want your teacher to risk his life while you watch from behind—is that fun for you? Or was this your plan all along?”

“Grace Carter said that among all the teachers, you’re actually not bad. At least you don’t threaten us with calling our parents. It’s just that you’re a bit ugly—not as handsome as the teachers in comics. So, to punish your ugliness, she got everyone to play tricks on you.”

“Nonsense! Your teacher may not be tall and dashing, but I’m still in the handsome category, you know. My girlfriend is very pretty.”

“That woman with the buck teeth? The whole class thinks you’ve lost your mind—groveling in front of such an ugly woman just to get a wife, it’s so pathetic. That’s why Grace Carter hacked your phone and sent a text message for you.”

“And then?” Henry Clark’s eyes nearly popped out. No wonder Little Scott never contacted him again. Knowing those kids, that message must have been vicious.

“And then? That’s it. The woman got really mad and came looking for you. Brian Cooper threatened his sister into pretending to be your new girlfriend. When that woman saw Brian Cooper’s sister, she left.”

Henry Clark gave a wry smile. Brian Cooper’s sister was an extremely beautiful girl. If only he really had such a pretty girlfriend! Little Scott might have been plain, but she was very proud. Seeing Brian Cooper’s sister, of course she would leave.

What should have been a very infuriating matter now didn’t seem worth getting angry about. But even though Grace Carter and Brian Cooper weren’t here, Jack Cooper was still around. The little rascal couldn’t get away with mischief without being punished.

Henry Clark, carrying Jack Cooper, went back under the tall fruit tree, picked up a stone, and threw it at the monkeys. The monkeys were furious. Henry Clark brandished his bamboo spear a few times, and the monkey king immediately climbed to the highest branch.

So Henry Clark picked up another stone and kept throwing it at the monkeys. The monkeys grew even angrier, their cries echoing through the whole valley. Jack Cooper watched in terror as his teacher picked up yet another stone and threw it, shouting, “You’re so petty! This is not how you get revenge!”

Henry Clark chuckled, immediately crouched down with his head covered, and in the next instant, a rain of fruit poured down, burying the two of them...