Liu Hai, after hearing Zhang Nu’s words, nodded slightly. Though he still found the situation cruel, he realized that appealing to someone with emotional detachment like Lin Xiao was futile. People like Lin Xiao couldn’t comprehend the moral weight of their actions the way others might.
“If those villagers had treated him kindly and with care, he likely wouldn’t have stood idly by,” Zhang Nu continued. “But because they were indifferent and cold to him, he’s simply returning the same treatment. This is not entirely his fault.”
“Liu Hai, you think this is unfair because it hasn’t happened to you,” Zhang Nu added. “If you grew up orphaned, bullied, and ignored, with everyone turning a blind eye to your suffering, you might feel the same way Lin Xiao does now.”
Liu Hai paused, stunned by Zhang Nu’s words. For the first time, he began to consider how Lin Xiao’s circumstances had shaped him. If Liu Hai had grown up in the same environment, would he have acted differently? Perhaps not. Ultimately, the villagers were reaping what they had sown.
“You’re right, Zhang Nu,” Liu Hai admitted with a sigh. “As cruel as this is, it’s true that the villagers brought this on themselves. I just… I can’t help but feel angry about this.”
“I need to step outside and cool down. You can continue the conversation with him.”
With that, Liu Hai turned and walked out of the room. He had already done everything he could to suppress his emotions, but he simply couldn’t stay calm while in Lin Xiao’s presence.
Lin Xiao, who had silently watched the exchange, looked at Zhang Nu with a glimmer of curiosity in his eyes.
“You really understand me?” Lin Xiao asked, his tone unexpectedly innocent. “Why would you take my side and argue with your friend?”
Hearing this, Zhang Nu felt a surge of sadness. It was clear that Lin Xiao had been wronged so many times in his life that he was genuinely surprised someone would defend him.
“It’s nothing,” Zhang Nu replied softly. “I’m just being honest. If someone treated me the way they treated you, I wouldn’t lift a finger to help them either. In fact, I might even hasten their demise.”
A strange smile appeared on Lin Xiao’s face, one that carried an eerie sense of relief. It was as if he had finally found a kindred spirit who understood his worldview.
“So you’re just like me,” Lin Xiao said with a faint chuckle. “I thought I’d never meet anyone who thought the same way I do. What a twist of fate.”
Zhang Nu, noting Lin Xiao’s sense of camaraderie, felt a twinge of discomfort. While he could understand Lin Xiao’s perspective, he didn’t condone his actions or share his detachment.
“I didn’t come here to discuss these things,” Zhang Nu said, changing the subject. “You saw what happened to those children, didn’t you? Can you tell me what you know? I need to find out who’s responsible.”
Lin Xiao’s expression shifted to one of mild confusion. “Why would you want to avenge those children? They have nothing to do with you. Why do you care?”
Zhang Nu sighed. Lin Xiao’s inability to comprehend altruism or duty was painfully evident. Explaining his motivations would be a challenge, but Zhang Nu wasn’t about to give up.
“Because the people in this village have been kind to me,” Zhang Nu said. “I owe them a debt, and I want to repay it. If I saved your life, wouldn’t you protect me if someone tried to take mine?”
Lin Xiao considered Zhang Nu’s words for a moment before shaking his head.