“Oracle Pharmaceutical?” James Smith echoed, a hint of disbelief in his voice. “Why on earth would you be heading there?”

Hector’s face lit up, a spark of hope evident. “An old friend has pulled some strings for Shiann and me concerning the Oracle medicine. He has ties with the top brass of Oracle Pharmaceutical. He’s arranged a spot for Jimmy too. We’re on our way there to meet him, and you should bring Jimmy. Let’s get moving!”

James’s eyebrows furrowed. “Didn’t they blacklist both of you? Jimmy doesn’t meet their criteria. Who is this mysterious friend of yours? How can he wield so much influence?”

“I’m not certain about his background,” Hector confessed. “He claims he’s close with Liam Weaver from Oracle Pharmaceutical. I’ve no evidence of his claims, but he doesn’t strike me as one to jest about something this serious.”

James looked stern, “Hector, Oracle Pharmaceutical has deeper secrets than you might think. Liam is just a face for the real power behind the scenes. Trust me, he wouldn’t dare to bend the rules for anyone.”

“But,” Hector insisted, “he seems genuine. You’re already in Aurous Hill and so are we. Just bring Jimmy. Even if things don’t pan out, what do we have to lose?”

James hesitated, then inquired, “Hector, what’s your friend’s name? How did you two meet?”

“His name’s Robert Clark. Met him during a hiking trip.”

“Robert Clark?” James’s surprise was palpable. “If it were Charlie, I might be more optimistic. But Robert Clark? Never heard of him. How old is he?”

“In his early 20s, by the looks of him.”

James sighed with a touch of disappointment. “That can’t be Charlie then. He’s pushing thirty. But tell me, how’s Jimmy holding up?”

“It’s grim,” James admitted with a heaviness in his voice. “The doctors here say the cancer has invaded most of his organs. Chemotherapy isn’t as effective anymore. If there’s no improvement after this round, they’re suggesting palliative care. It’s… it’s basically the end for him.”

Hector’s voice was tinged with urgency. “Where is he? Is he with you in the church?”

“No,” James replied. “He’s getting his chemotherapy at the Aurous Hill People’s Hospital. His mother’s with him.”

Hector raised an eyebrow. “Your wife’s here?”

the U.S., sold our home, and then brought our daughter here. She’s handling the kids, while

bringing Jimmy? We’ll wait for you

mind, James said, “In China, we say it’s better to trust and be disappointed than to doubt and regret. I’ll get

And remember, Mr. Smith, this

“Understood,” James affirmed.

hanging up, James addressed his fellow church members, many of whom were fellow expatriates.

of them, sensing the urgency, voiced his concern. “Anything wrong, James? Do you need

“I’m fetching Jimmy. Then we’re trying our luck at

“If you

it,” James Smith replied, swiftly exiting the church before hailing a taxi

Initially, they

days to philanthropic pursuits throughout Aurous Hill. Abiding by the hospital’s guidelines, Jenny ensured their child received chemotherapy and

so, they couldn’t eliminate the cancer. Their goal was now to slow the spread of the cancer cells as

to discover localized carcinoma, curable through surgical excision.

genetic makeup played a part. Some individuals, through genetic fortune, possessed the necessary targets for targeted drugs, which could yield

viable targets, leaving them unable to avail of

conventional chemotherapy

Yet James Smith was acutely aware that this last line of defense was faltering,

observed rows of beds, each occupied by

these patients, little Jimmy was

here. Some time ago, the child had gained approval from Oracle Pharmaceutical, earning a spot in their clinical trials and being transferred to Oracle’s internal

Oracle Pharmaceutical’s

bed, his frame wasted, his hair absent. Fragility seemed to emanate from him as his eyes rested in a

Smith’s wife, sat wearily

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

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