Chapter 2249 - 2152: Comprehension
"This pendant is very nice. Your master uncle has a knack for picking gifts. But with something this valuable, you shouldn’t lose it again. Losing out on a few hundred thousand is minor, but this pendant has worn long enough to harmonize with your bloodline’s fortune. You should be able to feel it—wearing it has made your body much clearer."
Su Anning nodded repeatedly, "Yes, I used to catch a cold once a month, but since I’ve been wearing this pendant, it’s happening less and less. I rarely get sick now!"
However, upon hearing Huo Sining mention Liu Pengcheng, the young girl was still a bit worried, "I saw some people filming with their phones, I guess the earlier standoff with those two frauds was captured. If it gets posted online, could it affect my grandfather?"
Huo Sining couldn’t help but laugh:
"If I hadn’t stepped in, that assumption might be possible. But Director Guo put me out in front, and even publicized my name widely. Now the focus of those bystanders is probably all on me, nobody will pay attention to you."
"Just wait and see, there will definitely be news about me on Weibo tonight."
Su Anning was taken aback and couldn’t help but let out an ’ah,’ glancing at Huo Sining a bit sheepishly, "Will it cause any trouble for you, Ningning?"
Su Anning was not stupid; she knew Huo Sining came forward to help her. If this incident puts Huo Sining in the spotlight, then her guilt would be significant.
Huo Sining simply smiled, winked playfully at Su Anning, and said:
"No worries, more lice don’t make you itch. I’ve weathered all sorts of storms. During last year’s earthquake, a bunch of influencers came at me saying all sorts of nasty things, almost wanting me gone from humanity. Didn’t I make it through? It’s just another hot search on Weibo, it’s no big deal. Besides, I’m doing a good thing, so they can’t say anything nasty. Don’t worry."
Hearing this, Su Anning finally felt relieved.
Yet despite Huo Sining’s intervention to resolve the issue, Su Anning still felt a bit down after processing it all.
Thinking of that beautiful woman, she felt frustrated, "I was only suspicious of that man earlier, never expected the woman to be a fraud too. Being so pretty, how can she be a cheat? Really disappointing!"
Huo Sining couldn’t help but chuckle, "Don’t judge a book by its cover. Haven’t you heard the saying? The more beautiful something is, the more toxic it can be. People like this are deceitful. See, not just you, all those bystanders didn’t expect that beautiful woman to be a fraud either!"
Su Anning nodded in agreement, but Huo Sining’s remarks didn’t completely dispel her inner gloom.
Especially when Huo Sining mentioned those bystanders, Su Anning’s expression turned even darker, obviously still brooding over the accusations from them earlier.
"Sister Ning Ning, why do those bystanders who understand nothing come in only to insult people?"
"If it weren’t for you showing up suddenly this time, I would’ve really been conned. Had it come to that, all those bystanders would be executioners! Don’t they feel guilty?"
Su Anning murmured with her head down.
Huo Sining paused upon hearing this, Su Anning’s question involuntarily reminded Huo Sining of the times she was vilified by everyone on Weibo.
The keyboard warriors on Weibo often speak blindly without knowing anything, and online violence is rampant because some folks are manipulating things behind the scenes.
After considering her wording, Huo Sining spoke softly:
"It’s not because the bystanders are inherently bad, but because those frauds are too cunning."
"These frauds excel at psychological tactics; they know well how to manipulate human nature."
"Mostly, this world has more well-meaning individuals. Yet when they hear only part of the story, they fall into confusion; most are mere spectators unaware of the truth, hence are easily fooled by unscrupulous frauds."
"This time, when the bystanders realize they’ve been used by frauds, next time encountering the same scenario, most will struggle to maintain their righteous indignation as they did today."
"But if next time someone genuinely gets their wallet stolen, then won’t the person who got robbed be utterly isolated and deservedly get conned out of money?"
"Frauds exploit public compassion, leaving those truly in need to foot the bill. But who among these bystanders can definitively say they won’t encounter such situations themselves?"
"No one can guarantee that this misfortune won’t befall them someday. When it does, yet no one stands up for justice, how tragic would that be?"
Su Anning said nothing, but seeing her expression, it was clear she was convinced by Huo Sining’s words and it triggered some contemplative thoughts.
Huo Sining continued:
"Nowadays, many see elderly people fall on the street but don’t dare lend a hand. Why? Because there were cases where people helping were extorted and even faced lawsuits because of it."
"Many people, when things go awry, don’t look for the cause within themselves but rather find someone else to blame. Drown while swimming in a pond? Blame the pond owner. Get mauled by a tiger after recklessly disembarking in a zoo? Find fault with the zoo for keeping tigers. There’s always someone else taking the fall for responsibility."
"No wonder the society is declining; everyone is minding their own business and fears helping when things happen, only daring to watch from the sidelines."
"It’s not that people don’t want to assist others, but they’re spooked by the schemes of countless fraudsters."
"The overwhelming majority harbor goodwill, and most are willing to help those in need within their ability. But frauds are too shrewd, not every average citizen can withstand being exploited and extorted."
"Self-preservation is a human instinct. When people realize that their momentary act of kindness can lead to extortion, risking financial ruin, then few are willing to practice benevolence."
"Extortion costs so little, whereas being kind costs too much; it’s a gamble no one can afford."
Huo Sining’s speech left Su Anning deeply affected. She kept pondering and contemplating, occasionally struck by fleeting thoughts.
Seeing the young girl somewhat enlightened, Huo Sining didn’t interrupt, instead smiling and gazing out the window, remaining silent throughout the journey.