"People near Zhu Zhechi are black" means that people will be influenced and infected by the environment. Ailian's essay praises the lotus flower for being muddy but not dirty, clear but not demon, but praises the noble quality of not being disturbed by the harsh and dirty environment from another angle. "Those who are close to Mexico are black" are followers, and the latter have their own unique world outlook, outlook on life and principles of treating people. He is far superior to the former! So the two are not contradictory!