From beginning to end, no matter the place, whether in a past life or this one.
Being ridiculed by those who think themselves superior—whether it's about competing for interests or for the favor of someone you like—happens every single moment.
But afterwards, if your strength surpasses theirs and you come out on top in the struggle, earning cheers and flattery from others, then no one would even call it ridicule anymore.
People would say, "If you have what it takes, why not brag a little?"
If you aren't strong enough, though, you get slapped in the face, your dignity goes up in smoke, and you become the punchline for everyone's gossip over tea and dinner.
With that kind of strength, you still have the nerve to mock someone else?
Whether you end up with a good or bad reputation comes down to whether you're strong enough, in the end.
And right now—
Xu Baorui, Tang Huai, and Ding Wanshan are in this very situation.
