Chapter 829

"Don't beat others down too hard?" Xander chuckled as if he had heard a great joke.

Malcolm asked, "Xander, why are you laughing?"

Xander was laughing at Malcolm's naivety, and at his own ruthlessness. He did not tell Malcolm that his innocence and silly charm were what had always attracted him. If Malcolm were to lose that innocence and become worldly, he would not be the same Malcolm. Xander did not usually talk business with Malcolm, hoping he could stay innocent for them both. But now, Malcolm was 28, just a few months younger than him. It was time he understood the harshness of the world.

Xander said, "Business is like a war, but even tougher. Now, you're asking me to go easy on the Guzman family. But if we let them catch their breath and their company gets back on its feet, they'll come after me first. I'm not a charity or a fool."

Malcolm still had a sliver of hope. "Max has always been my best friend. I could talk to Max and make him promise not to fight with you if his com