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!”

guilt filled Anderson. For while these kind souls saw him as a new friend,

embraced Anne and Maria with open

leader of the group, drew Anne’s curiosity. “Hector, are you still in school

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

from Tsinghua University, and others from renowned institutions across the UK and

and not with

a look that was a mix of faux resentment and amusement. Inside her mind, she couldn’t help but think, “Oh, the stories

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

the group steered clear

the university’s

life, my parents groomed me for Tsinghua, with dreams of Harvard post-graduation. Just as I secured a spot at Harvard, life threw a curveball. I

“You have

calmly, “Rare as it is, fate had it

advanced small cell lung cancer despite leading a clean life. With no viable treatments,

small cell lung cancer doesn’t spell the end. With radiotherapy and chemotherapy,

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 simple as it sounds. Even James

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

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