The Charismatic Charlie Wade

Jasmine had never envisioned that his camping adventure in the mountains of the southern province would lead him to two young souls trapped in the terrible clutches of cancer. What’s more, he was surprised to find that both were longing to be part of a clinical trial at Oracle Pharmaceutical in Aurous Hill, only to have their hopes shattered with rejection.

But what astonished him the most was an unexpected connection between Hector, one of the young cancer patients, and James Smith. The very James Smith who had once wielded immense power over the entire FDA, resigning voluntarily to embark on philanthropic endeavors in Aurous Hill. Such a thing was hard for anyone to believe.

Jasmine feigned curiosity and looked at Hector, asking, “Hector, how well do you know this James Smith?”

Hector’s honesty rang in his reply, “I can’t say we’re close. After all, before his resignation, he was a towering figure in the U.S., mingling with the world’s top biomedicals and entrepreneurs. James Smith’s name held weight even among the elite, a world far removed from common, poor folks like me.”

He paused, then continued, “I did meet him at Oracle Pharmaceutical’s registration site, though. He was signing up his child, appearing quite ordinary, unrecognized by those around. But I recognized him. I studied biological sciences in the U.S., you see. There aren’t many in the fields of biological sciences, genetic technology, and chemical pharmaceuticals who wouldn’t know the great James Smith.”

Jasmine’s surprise was evident as he asked, “What’s the main thrust of your biological studies? Is it the creation of biomedicine?”

“Yes,” Hector affirmed, nodding. “My primary focus was biochemistry, and I planned to join a pharmaceutical company after graduation. I wanted to help develop a new generation of chemotherapy drugs, never thinking I’d become a terminal cancer patient before the drug came to be.”

With a smile tinged with sorrow, Hector mused, “It’s like dying before birth. Like a hero, weeping with anticipation of the battlefield, only to perish before even donning the uniform.”

Shiann, sitting nearby, smiled and added, “We all have our destinies. Since we’re here for a visit, we must live happily before returning home. That’s what matters most.”

Hector softly agreed, embracing Shiann gently and smiling, “Fate has been kind, allowing me to find love before I die. Life hasn’t been in vain.”

playfully, “Oh, you’re

sparkled in his eyes. “With little time left for grace and reserve, I must be as unbound as

bright and his voice earnest,

boy their age exclaimed, laughing, “Damn, Hector, are you

smiling, Hector replied, “Yes, though I admit I didn’t prepare

at Shiann, sincerity in his eyes, “Shiann, will

expression as she responded, “Marriage is complex. There are parents to meet, dresses to pick, hotels to book. Instead of wasting precious time, why not stay together, just as we are, so

“Before I die, I want to live all I can. If possible, I’d love

worsen, and travel may not be feasible. Preparing for a wedding might

pact. If we survive this year and are still here next year, you can meet my

above a whisper, “In four months’ time, even if I’m alive, I might not

courts hold sessions online these days. If

I’ll find a priest when I

their conversation weighed on

Omas,

Jasmine affirmed,

Shiann, her voice trailing off, “Then can

“Yes, but not