People always like to demand others from the heights of morality, without ever considering the difficulty that the other party might face.
That’s why it’s incredibly rare in this world to truly empathize with someone, let alone to find a kindred spirit—the chances are extremely low.
Faced with Zhang Xiaoshan’s questioning, Xu Jing was stunned.
For a moment, she did not know how to answer Zhang Xiaoshan’s piercing inquiry.
Would she, for the sake of unrelated people, offend her own fellow villagers and make it so that her own parents could not rest in peace after death?
Soon enough, she found the answer in her heart, but she herself was not willing to admit it.
"But, but does that mean we do nothing at all, or maybe, we could report it anonymously to the police, that way, the villagers won’t know it was us, and those poor women could be rescued."
Zhang Xiaoshan once again shattered Xu Jing’s beautiful illusions.
He spoke bluntly. Orıginal content can be found at 𝓷𝓸𝓿𝓮𝓵•𝓯𝓲𝓻𝓮•𝓷𝓮𝓽
"If it had been before today’s incident, an anonymous tip to the police might indeed have left everyone guessing. But now, it’s as obvious as a louse on a bald head, this is nothing but fooling oneself. Even if someone else were to report it, everyone’s first thought would be you."
"Furthermore, you’ve seen the geographical location of White Dragon Village. By the time the police get here, the duck will have gone cold; they would have hidden the women in the mountains long before. Besides, this has been going on for over a hundred years here, and not just in our White Dragon Village, the neighboring villages also have such issues. Do you think the local law enforcement really doesn’t know anything?"
"Most of the time they turn a blind eye, as long as it doesn’t get too out of hand. If you try to force their hand, you’re just signing your own death warrant."
"At that point, the villagers will drag you to the back mountain to feed the wolves, not even leaving an intact corpse behind. If you don’t believe me, you’re welcome to try it."
Upon hearing this, Xu Jing fell apart.
Having come from the system, she certainly knew some of the unspoken rules inside.
She understood that, although Zhang Xiaoshan’s words were harsh, they reflected the most real side of things.
She was suddenly overwhelmed by a feeling of powerlessness.
In her heart, a sense of steadfast justice was at war with the crushing reality.
To give up, or to persist?
Xu Jing was truly at a loss.
Seeing Xu Jing in this state, Zhang Xiaoshan knew that her worldview had been somewhat shaken and would definitely need some time to adjust.
Zhang Xiaoshan patted Xu Jing’s shoulder and said,
"I understand your good intentions, and I really appreciate your character. But in this world, things aren’t always black and white. Reporting won’t solve any problems. You have to find the root of the problem. I can give you a suggestion: focus on teaching at the school. Just like you did today, tell the children that such behavior is wrong. Change the next generation, and the practice of buying wives will eventually stop."
"Think it over carefully. Before you’ve thought it through, don’t do anything, otherwise, I won’t be able to save you."
"It’s fine to want to be a good person, but you have to ensure you stay alive first."
With that, Zhang Xiaoshan turned and left.
Xu Jing crouched on the ground, holding her head in her hands, visibly struggling and distressed.
Zhang Xiaoshan had only walked a few steps when he saw Yu Xiuxiu standing not far away.
He had been so engrossed in the serious conversation with Xu Jing that he had not noticed Yu Xiuxiu’s arrival.
"Is this new teacher your friend?"
Yu Xiuxiu’s eyes were on the not-so-distant Xu Jing, her tone carrying a hint of jealousy.
Women are prone to jealousy.
Especially after having indescribable incidents with a man.
Zhang Xiaoshan keenly sensed the shift in Yu Xiuxiu’s mood, and immediately found himself with a splitting headache.