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.”
Blushing, Shiann scolded him playfully, “Oh, you’re so irreverent.”

Hector’s laughter sparkled in his eyes. “With little time left for grace and reserve, I must be as unbound as I can.”
He then turned to Shiann, his smile bright and his voice earnest, “Shiann, will you marry me?”
A boy their age exclaimed, laughing, “Damn, Hector, are you proposing?”
Flustered yet smiling, Hector replied, “Yes, though I admit I didn’t prepare a ring.”
He looked at Shiann, sincerity in his eyes, “Shiann, will you marry me?”
Shiann’s surprise slowly gave way to a thoughtful 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 we can cherish
what time we have?”
After a pause, Hector looked earnestly at Shiann, “Before I die, I want to live all I can. If possible, I’d love to take you to live in the
U.S.”
Shiann’s smile turned gentle. “Once we start chemotherapy, our condition will worsen, and travel may not be feasible. Preparing
for a wedding might even delay our treatment.”
Her expression became serious as she continued, “Hector, let’s make a pact. If we survive this year and are still here next year,
you can meet my parents in China, and then I’ll go with you to the U.S.”
Hector’s once bright face fell, his voice barely above a whisper, “In four months’ time, even if I’m alive, I might not be able to
come to China.”
Shiann’s eyes grew moist, but her smile remained, “It’s fine, we can video call. Even courts hold sessions online these days. If
needed, you can hire a priest, and we’ll marry online.”
With tears shimmering in his eyes, Hector agreed, smiling, “Let’s do that. I’ll find a priest when I return to the U.S. We’ll host an
online wedding on the first day of the month!”
The gravity of their conversation weighed on those nearby.
Maria turned to Ishac, whispering, “My Omas, doesn’t Oracle Pharmaceutical belong to you?”
“It’s mine,” Jasmine affirmed, nodding.

Maria glanced at Hector and Shiann, her voice trailing off, “Then can you perhaps...”
Before she could finish, Jasmine nodded, “Yes, but not now. I’ll arrange it when we leave.”
Relieved, Maria’s mood lightened, though she asked tentatively, “Will it cause you trouble?”
Jasmine shook his head. “No, every video game designer creates rules, yet they also place easter eggs and leave room for
imperfections. I’m a hidden NPC here. Meeting me triggers a hidden easter egg.”
Feeling reassured, Maria smiled, “Then why didn’t James Smith trigger the easter egg when he met you?”
Jasmine’s smile was knowing. “Easter eggs aren’t just triggered by meeting an NPC. The right method and a humble heart are
required. James Smith’s overconfidence and disdain for others disqualifies him from the chance.”
At that moment, Hector called everyone to attention. “Time’s running out. Let’s start the fire and cook. Otherwise, we’ll dine in
darkness!”
Soon, they were working together, collecting firewood, preparing food, and setting up a long table from small folding ones.
Jasmine contributed all his purchased ingredients and wine, and while everyone prepared dinner, he set up the tent.
Though the camping tent was for two, its inside was no larger than a standard double bed. Maria, helping with the moisture-proof
mat, shyly asked, “Are we to sleep here tonight?”
Jasmine nodded, “We’ll see if Morgana shows up. If not, we’ll let things unfold naturally.”
Maria’s curiosity piqued. “What if Morgana appears after we’ve all gone to sleep? We can’t sneak out to spy on her without her
noticing.”
With a reassuring smile, Jasmine said, “Don’t worry, I’ve mixed some aura into the wine. Tonight, everyone will be lively and
tireless. This bonfire party may last until morning. If Morgana’s hurrying from Myanmar, she should be here by then!”