Kingdom of Corrosion

Shana took a roundabout way, and Lin Wu, who preferred directness, finally grasped her meaning. In Shana and Maya’s view, Peanut had capable abilities, but they weren’t exceptional. His death was indeed regrettable, but for Shadow, the loss wasn’t that significant.

Shana expressed her gratitude for Lin Wu’s concern and stated that she would take responsibility and strive to do better. She also asked Lin Wu not to dwell on Peanut’s death.

Lin Wu, somewhat bewildered, contacted Old Man Stone. Stone, after listening, said, "I used to have a legal expert under me, rather famous in the field. He once had his lawyer’s license revoked by the court due to overconfidence and trusting the wrong client. Normally, he would have continued in the industry under a different role. But he was too proud to be someone else’s subordinate and instead went to the business department. Within a year, he cracked open the A-area market and was appointed by me as the regional manager there. After that, he founded his own company and ended up merging my company’s A-area business. In just a few years, he went from a celebrated lawyer to a minor finance magnate."

Stone continued, "Why should you worry about someone else’s future? I know you don’t like to see your comrades upset, and you don’t like the oppressive atmosphere that it creates. But Lin Wu, this is not your obligation or responsibility, and you don’t have the power to change a friend’s life trajectory."

Stone said, "I never go out of my way to help any friend because I’m not sure if they need help. But I believe that if they need my help, they will surely ask for it. If someone chooses to go down a self-destructive path without asking for my help, it means they don’t consider me a friend, and therefore, I don’t need to help them."

Stone asked, "Do you understand what I mean?"

Lin Wu replied, "I get it; it means I’m just looking for trouble."

"Exactly. But everyone has their flaws; you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself."