Ning Zhuo licked his lips, his breathing quickened slightly, and he looked up at Zhu Xuanji, his eyes revealing a hint of stubbornness: "Master Zhu, you are from the royal family of Nandou, and I am a branch of the Ning family."

"My mother died when I was very young. My father passed away even earlier and I never met him."

"Even though I have an uncle, I'm not close to him and I don't get much care from him."

“I have had a hard life since I was a child.”

"You claim to be a detective, but you are just a bystander. You have never experienced it yourself, so you don't know that many times, I am not thinking about the right path or the wrong path, but where I can get my next meal."

“People at the bottom can only take care of the present.”

"Many times, it's not a matter of their choice, but rather that they have no choice at all!"

"The right path, the wrong path? Haha, in their eyes, there may only be one path from beginning to end. That is the way to survive!"

Ning Zhuo did not respond directly, but it was equivalent to answering Zhu Xuanji's words.

He lacked key information, so it was impossible for him to ask back how Zhu Xuanji suspected him.

This is tantamount to confessing one's own guilt!

He did not test or remain silent, because this might cause Zhu Xuanji's disgust and anger.

Ning Zhuo chose to passively defend and counter the opponent's moves.

He deliberately talked about his own sufferings in order to take advantage of Zhu Xuanji's temperament.

At the Fire Persimmon Festival, the appearance of Zhu Xuanji caught Ning Zhuo off guard, forcing him to join the game and take a risk, resulting in Yuan Dasheng's death.

Afterwards, Ning Zhuo reflected on himself and realized that he had made a big mistake - he had too little information about Zhu Xuanji.

From then on, he devoted all his efforts to collecting relevant intelligence.

Every failure makes you wiser.

He would not make the same mistake again, because doing so could mean the difference between life and death.

There is a saying that is very good - the one who knows you best is often your enemy! Zhu Xuanji had a blank expression on his face, but he sighed deeply in his heart.

He was touched! There were only wrong names, not wrong titles.

He is known for his ability to investigate hidden dangers and protect the people, because he has compassion for the lower classes and the weak in his bones.

Ning Zhuo's words hit the softest spot in his heart.

Of course, he could tell that in addition to Ning Zhuo's suffering and being forced to do so, he was also trying to excuse himself, test Zhu Xuanji, and seek understanding.

Zhu Xuanji felt somewhat relieved.

At least Ning Zhuo has been telling the truth and trying to seek Zhu Xuanji's understanding, instead of simply denying or refuting.

How to say it?

Talking to smart people saves time and effort! Ning Zhuo's understanding of the times made Zhu Xuanji believe that the young man in front of him could still be saved and could be won over.

Zhu Xuanji sighed softly: "The road is made by people walking!"

"Some roads are easy, but they are wrong. Some roads are hard, but they are the right road."

"Like Li Leifeng, he lived a hard and austere life for the rest of his life, but it was precisely because of this that he was so respected."

"In fact, everyone has a scale, always measuring others and things. Those who carry heavy loads and keep others warm are the ones who radiate light."

"You have also been illuminated by this light! Li Leifeng has already pointed out the way for you."

It is better to be clumsy and silent.

The strategy of showing weakness and empathy works.

He did not hear any disgust or hatred in Zhu Xuanji's tone, expression and words.

But the problem still exists.

Ning Zhuo didn't know what clues Zhu Xuanji had that made him suspect him so much and try to win him over.

This point is crucial. Without knowing this, Ning Zhuo could only passively defend in this game.

Unable to take the initiative!

"This is definitely not a solution."

"Eventually, he'll force me into a corner with no room to maneuver."

"Instead of that, why not take some risks now?"

Ning Zhuo had already seen the result of his defeat, so he gritted his teeth and decided to take a risk.

He said: "Li Leifeng is a role model of the righteous path. Whenever I think of him, I feel warm."

"He made me feel that this world is worth living."

"However, how many Li Leifengs are there in this world?"

“How many people can be illuminated by his light?”

"Yes, I have been taken care of. I am lucky, but also unlucky."

“It is because we feel the warmth that we understand the pain of the cold.”

After a pause, Ning Zhuo looked at Zhu Xuanji with bright eyes.

"Master Zhu, people are different."

"In my opinion, Li Leifeng is just like you, both of them are high and mighty, and are people on the stage. Whether it is true or false, it is all glamorous and beautiful."

“And I am always off the stage.”

"Do you know what it feels like to steal the leftover pastries from the guests?"

"You have to bite the bullet and endure the contempt and hateful looks. You have to reach out and pick through the mess of cups and plates."

"You will feel ashamed. This feeling is told to you by others, but also caused by your inner succumbing to the desire for food."

"I am at the bottom of society, and I have been since I was a child."

"Although my last name is Ning, I never feel that I am noble."

"I am mean."

"I'm a thief!"

"I am a person who eats from the garbage."

"I am from the lower class. Haha, maybe it's a bit hypocritical to say this."

"You see, even when I grew up, I was still involved in the black market business. I picked up things to eat from places that the righteous people looked down upon."

"I'm not afraid of getting dirty, I'm only afraid of not having enough to eat."

Ning Zhuo let out a breath and smiled sadly.

"I know there are people like Li Leifeng in the world. I admire him and am grateful to him."

"And you, Master Zhu."

"I admire you."

“This is the truth!”

"You are a royal family and a master detective, but you have your own principles and you always stick to them."

"You are a gentleman, and you deserve your reputation."

"However, I know deeply that people are different from each other, starting from their birth. People's paths are also different from each other."

6◇9◇Book◇Bar

"No one can really help me. People are lonely and cannot fully understand others."

“Most of the time, I can only rely on myself.”

"The path I take is my own choice!"

Zhu Xuanji fell silent.

He felt blocked in the heart.

Ning Zhuo's words caused ripples in his heart.

He knew a lot about Ning Zhuo, so he understood him. Although Ning Zhuo had the status of a Ning family, he did not benefit much from it during his childhood.

Zhu Xuanji felt sorry for him! He was like seeing a drowning person, shouting and reaching out to save him.

But the drowning man would rather sink.

Therefore, Zhu Xuanji felt powerless, sad, indignant, and hated him for not fighting! A young man like you, with such talent and gifts, should not be so willing to fall!

Zhu Xuanji's eyes turned cold and he took the initiative to change the subject: "Ning Zhuo, have you seen the play "Fang Qing Xi Yuan"? "

Ning Zhuo: “I’ve seen it many times.”

Zhu Xuanji: "You are right. The empathy between people is often just watching the fire from the other side of the river."

"Often at this time, we need to take action ourselves and feel it as much as possible."

"Li Leifeng has performed "Fang Qingshi Yuan" for you many times. You always stand in the audience and watch. You always think that you are still the little thief who used to steal food in the audience."

“No!”

"Today, you are different."

"You are the one standing on the stage. Do you know that Li Leifeng is also looking forward to you standing on the stage?"

"He used to think that you would start to shine at the age of six and gradually make your way onto the stage."

Ning Zhuo's heart was slightly moved.

Zhu Xuanji continued, "Li Leifeng has passed away. He didn't see you rise to prominence during his lifetime. This is a regret for him."

"You go and make up for this regret."

"Go and perform a play called 'Fang Qing Xi Yuan Yu'."

"Try to perform a puppet show from Li Leifeng's perspective and experience his situation and feelings."

Ning Zhuo hesitated: "This..."

Zhu Xuanji's eyes were deep: "Don't tell me that you are not good at controlling puppets."

Ning Zhuo shook his head: "Of course not..."

Zhu Xuanji showed his strength and interrupted, "You may not understand that he has given you many chances."

"Now I am also giving you a chance."

"You should give yourself a chance."

"Go on stage."

"Although Li Leifeng has passed away, I believe that he still leaves his light for you, to guide you on the right path!"

At this point, Ning Zhuo had already guessed that the flaw most likely came from Li Leifeng.

But his confrontation with Zhu Xuanji had reached such an extent that he was already surrounded by enemies and had no way to refuse, so he could only obey the order.

After receiving Zhu Xuanji's message, Zhu Hou immediately made arrangements.

The elder who presided over the event came on stage and informed everyone that although the donations were over, a young genius was willing to come on stage and perform a puppet show to entertain everyone.

Ning Zhuo just walked onto the stage like this.

He saluted the monks in the audience and the building: "Dear seniors, please allow me to express my gratitude."

"When I was young, my family was poor and my life was difficult. I was once cared for by Master Li Leifeng and he took care of me many times."

"He never asks for anything in return, but only wants to help others. His generosity and character are truly impressive."

"I have watched the old man's puppet shows countless times, and they are extremely wonderful. Now, I am also fortunate to learn his skills. Today, I will present this puppet show to express my remembrance of Master Li Leifeng and to celebrate Master Zhu's succession."

There was a chorus of applause and cheers.

The monks were surprised and delighted, and the atmosphere in the building was warm.

Before the Jindan melee, Ning Zhuo's fame was only spread in a small range among the four major forces. The Ning family knew him well, after all, he brought down Ning Xiaoren.

After the Jindan melee, Ning Zhuo became widely known due to rumors and other factors.

This time, Zhu Xuanji brought him to attend the ceremony, which made a deep impression on everyone. Almost everyone speculated that Ning Zhuo had caught Zhu Xuanji's eye and had become his ally.

Because of Zhu Xuanji, Ning Zhuo was given more attention.

Now, this rising star of righteousness took to the stage himself to perform a puppet show, which attracted great interest from the crowd.

Regardless of the performance, many people have already thought about making additional donations after the show. After all, supporting Ning Zhuo is supporting Zhu Xuanji!

People of the right path are quite aware of the current situation.

(End of this chapter)