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.”

intently, “No need

guilt filled Anderson. For while these kind souls saw him as a new friend, he needed them for cover, a fact that

and outgoing, embraced Anne and Maria

drew Anne’s curiosity. “Hector, are you still in school or have you

US.

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

responded, playfully exaggerated, “High school sweethearts we were, too busy with romance and not with books. So,

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

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

he’d anticipated, the group steered clear of

“Ultimately, the university’s name doesn’t define us. It’s about living a

post-graduation. Just as I secured a spot

“You

as it is, fate had

align. Diagnosed with advanced small cell lung cancer

a soft determination in her voice, her words brimming with empathy. “Advanced small cell lung cancer doesn’t spell

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 Smith, the ex-director of the US

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