Long ago, two young men set out on a journey to pursue their ideals. Unfortunately, they were ambushed by bandits, losing all their belongings and losing their way during the escape. In the vast wilderness, they wandered for two days and two nights without finding any sign of civilization, left starving and on the brink of death.
Just then, a compassionate elder placed a fishing rod and a basket of fresh fish before them, offering a choice. The two youths were overjoyed, knowing that possessing either would ensure their survival. After careful consideration, one chose the fishing rod, thinking: "With a rod, I can catch more fish and never have to worry about my future again." The other chose the fish, reasoning: "Hunger is overwhelming right now; my priority is to save my life, and I can worry about other things later."
The two subsequently went their separate ways. The young man with the fish built a fire, roasted the fish on a stick, enjoyed a hearty meal, and had a restful sleep. However, the joy was short-lived. Once the fish was consumed, the path ahead remained endless and desolate. The fleeting pleasure turned into endless suffering, and the young man ultimately failed to escape the predicament, starving to death by the fish basket. Before dying, he deeply regretted not choosing the fishing rod, thinking that he would have had a sustainable way to provide for himself. With profound regret, he closed his eyes.
Meanwhile, The young man with the fishing rod held onto his faith, enduring waves of hunger as he traveled day and night. He believed that as long as he found a stream, he would regain everything he had lost. However, luck was not on his side; by the time he finally reached the ocean, he was too exhausted to even cast a line, and he died of starvation on the beach. Before passing, he lamented: "If only I had chosen the fish, I might not have ended up like this." With deep regret, he slowly closed his eyes.
