Kingdom of Corrosion
Chapter 540 - 269: Fortress Merchant_2

Chapter 540: Chapter 269: Fortress Merchant_2

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."

Lin Wu said indignantly, "Old Man."

Stone didn’t retort but continued, "Do not impose what you believe is right on others. For someone in need of help, it’s always better to take than to be given." Taking is when the other party actively seeks it, surely because it’s something they want. Giving is when you offer it to the other party, something you believe they want, but it may not necessarily be what they desire.

Was Stone right or wrong? Lin Wu didn’t know, but he reflected on the past year. Throughout the year, he had practiced the philosophy of giving, and it was undeniable that it had bolstered the strength of many in Shadow. On the other hand, he considered that waiting for others to ask might not hinder the increase of strength.

He thought of Fire Dance; during their relationship, she also started with good intentions, bringing him various items, rules, and advantages, never considering whether he wanted them. From a rational standpoint, of course, he should have accepted them for his future benefit. But people are complex creatures, not ruled by reason alone.

In contrast, when he needed help and sought out Fire Dance, he would not resent her giving nature but instead appreciate her assistance.

Alright then, let it be.

...

Getting up early to wash clothes, he changed out of the muddy outfit and placed it in a bucket, connecting it to a faucet near the stairs on the second floor. He could see the water turning yellow before his eyes. Lin Wu was incredibly impressed with himself for wearing such filthy clothes without a second thought.

After rinsing several times, he finally cleaned off the mud. Sitting down, he placed the washboard, laid out the clothes, sprinkled laundry powder, and began scrubbing vigorously until the job was done.

"Either leave it for me to wash, or I’ll teach you how to do it properly." Maya, who was also preparing to wash clothes, had watched Lin Wu for half a minute. Seeing that he was about to finish, she couldn’t help but speak up.

Lin Wu fumbled in his pocket and pulled out a stack of cash: "Take it." This was his ready-to-light fire starter.

Maya, ignoring him, pushed him aside, laid down her own clothes, and began washing. Lin Wu stood by to learn, watching and asking, "The guards must have washing machines too, right?"

Maya replied, "We only spend four months of the year at the camp; the rest of the time is spent on training or missions outside. Because machine operation is simple and technology completely outweighs us, the core focus of our training is the soldier’s will. This includes concentration, endurance, thinking, and creativity, among other things."

Lin Wu asked, "What does this have to do with washing machines?"

Maya explained, "We need to simulate many scenarios in training, such as lack of energy, or global power outages. We use machines, but we are also learning to operate without machines. The guards’ duty is not only to protect Dawn; their primary mandate is to protect humanity. If Dawn ever violates the fundamental rules, it’s our duty to eliminate it."

Lin Wu said, "So you need to simulate how to eliminate Dawn without using any electronic devices."

Maya confirmed, "Exactly."

Lin Wu asked, "Have you ever considered surrendering?"

Maya, taken aback, looked at Lin Wu seriously and asked, "Why would you think that?"

Lin Wu responded, "If Dawn falls, the guards eliminate Dawn, and then the people will eliminate the guards. Doesn’t that lead to a tragic end for you?"

Maya inquired, "Do you have complete trust in Dawn?"

Lin Wu replied, "No, Dawn always teaches us to be skeptical of everything. If I didn’t trust Dawn, I wouldn’t be skeptical. If I did trust Dawn, I would doubt your motives for wanting to eliminate Dawn. Besides, if Dawn wanted to fall, the entire Blue Star’s humanity combined wouldn’t be enough."

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