Confronted by the warm invitation of the young man known as “Hector”, Anne responded with enthusiasm, grinning, “Well, in that case, we won’t stand on ceremony with you!”

Hector chuckled, “No need for formalities! We’re all kindred spirits from across the land. Looking out for one another is just part of our tight-knit bond.”

Curiosity sparking, he inquired, “So, my friend, what might your name be?”

As Anne began to answer, Maria interjected with a teasing smile, “My dear here is named Clark, Robert Clark to be precise. You can call him Bobby for short.” Keeping a low profile was essential, and using her real name, Maria, would certainly ring bells.

But Anne was taken aback by her choice of pseudonym. He mused, “Bobby? Makes me sound like a local barber.”

Maria, eager to introduce herself, spoke up, “I go by Kathrine Boneng, or just Kate for close friends.”

Acknowledging the introduction, Hector beamed, “Bobby, Kate, welcome to our little troupe of ‘Southern Yunnan Wanderers’. We began our journey as strangers, bonding over our shared love for hiking, and now, here we stand as one.”

Taking a deep breath, he continued, “For formalities, my real name is Blythe. It translates to ‘happy’, but it does sound a tad effeminate. So, most just call me Hector.” He then affectionately wrapped an arm around a young woman beside him, “This radiant lady here is my girlfriend, Shiann. A brilliant mind from Tsinghua University. Our paths crossed during a hike, and the rest, as they say, is history.”

Once introductions had been exchanged, Hector generously offered, “Bobby, you seem new to this hiking and camping deal. Need a hand setting up your tent?”

Anne waved him off politely, “Appreciate the offer, but I’ll manage. Thank you.”

Hector looked at him intently, “No need to be shy, we’re here to help!”

as a new friend, he needed them for

embraced Anne and Maria with open arms, quickly breaking

curiosity. “Hector, are you still in

in the US. Since it’s summer break, I felt the pull of China’s

added, “Most of us here are students. Some from the US, a few from Tsinghua University, and others from renowned institutions across the UK and Canada. How about the two of

romance and not with

her mind, she couldn’t help but think, “Oh, the

simple. By downplaying their educational background, they would divert any prolonged university

anticipated, the group steered clear of academic queries, showing understanding

Hector said, “Ultimately, the university’s

of Harvard post-graduation. Just as I secured a spot at Harvard, life threw a curveball. I was diagnosed with a glioma,

“You have a

is, fate had it in store

advanced small cell lung

doesn’t spell the end. With radiotherapy and chemotherapy, Coupled with targeted drugs,

hope? Far from it! I’ve come all the way from the United States to China, driven by the potential promise of the Oracle Healing Salve Pill. It’s reputed to work wonders on nearly every kind of cancer. My doctors encouraged me to take part in Oracle Pharmaceutical’s clinical trial. Though, to be honest,” he added with a wry twist to his smile, “it’s not as

“It’s not about fame or fortune, you know. Oracle Pharmaceutical’s quota allocation focuses on who needs the treatment most urgently. Every candidate for the clinical trials is a cancer patient, with at least 30% given less than six months to live. Just consider the hundreds of advanced pancreatic cancer patients, including children.

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

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