CHAPTER 584: CHAPTER 206 DEAN, I WANT TO ASK YOU FOR SOMETHING (6K)_4

Zhou Qing sighed and looked at those people again, with a hint of fatigue and confusion.

"At first, I just thought they were living a hard life and needed help, so every time I sold fish and made money, I thought about buying them some food, giving them some supplies. I thought this would make their days a little easier."

Zhou Qing paused and smiled self-deprecatingly, "But now it seems, maybe I was too naive."

Elder Weng didn’t speak, but instead poured Zhou Qing a cup of tea.

"Take today’s incident for example, the money was stolen, but I pretended not to know, because I also wanted to let nature take its course and change those thieves’ fate."

"Perhaps, with this money, they might wash their hands of the dishonest deeds, start a small business, and begin a new life. Of course, this is just another possible fate trajectory."

At this point, Zhou Qing noticed the woman directing two children, pathetically kneeling before a few passing cultivators, reaching out to beg for alms, and felt a strong sense of powerlessness in his heart.

"Long-term material help doesn’t seem to change their inner hearts."

"They still live muddle-headedly, without goals, without hope, gradually losing even the most basic kindness and courage."

"And they take it for granted that I should give them food, as if I owe them."

After listening, Elder Weng nodded slightly, his gaze showing a hint of approval.

"The fact that you can see this means you’ve started to think. The suffering in this world cannot be eliminated overnight, and the weaknesses of human nature are not easily changed."

"But you must know, every effort you make is not meaningless."

Zhou Qing raised his head, a trace of confusion flashing in his eyes, "Elder Weng, you mean..."

"Look, although these people didn’t stand up to remind you today, doesn’t their heart feel any guilt at all?"

Elder Weng’s gaze was deep as he looked outside the door.

"When facing your kindness, their hearts are also struggling. Perhaps today’s incident will become a thorn in their hearts, making them one day suddenly remember that there was once a person who treated them sincerely, while they chose silence."

Zhou Qing nodded thoughtfully, "Elder Weng, are you saying change takes time?"

"Exactly," Elder Weng confirmed, "Everything you do is like a seed that has already been planted in their hearts. Maybe it hasn’t sprouted yet, but as long as there’s the right soil and rain, someday, it will break through the ground."

Zhou Qing’s eyes gradually brightened, filled with gratitude, "Uncle Weng, thank you. Hearing you say that, I seem to understand a bit."

Elder Weng nodded and smiled, "Moreover, even if they don’t succeed, don’t forget there’s still this old man here."

Zhou Qing froze for a moment, then responded with a shy smile.

Elder Weng said, "Honestly, according to my original fate, I might have ended up dying alone one day, and not be discovered until many days later when the smell becomes noticeable."

"But now, the old man has met you, and there’s fish and meat every day. Living is more flavorful and longer. Look, isn’t my fate changed by you?"

Zhou Qing listened quietly, feeling ripples in his heart.

Elder Weng continued earnestly, "Child, all changes are accumulated bit by bit, and we must not rush."

After listening, Zhou Qing respectfully made a gesture, out of heartfelt respect and gratitude.

"I understand, then what kind of fish would you like to eat tomorrow?" Zhou Qing looked up and asked with a smile.

Elder Weng smiled, "Let nature take its course, everything depends on fate!"

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