Chapter 64

After everything that had happened back at school, nobody stayed there for long. They all headed to the hotel where the party was being held.

When they arrived at the hotel, they noticed Marcus wasn't with them.

Nobody really cared.

In their minds, Marcus had been so humiliated earlier that he must have gone home with his tail between his legs, too embarrassed to show his face at the party.

"Mr. Loomis is here!"

Someone called out, and the noisy banquet hall instantly fell silent.

Everyone's eyes turned toward the entrance as an old man walked in through the doorway.

The Delbert before them was nothing like the spirited figure who had once stood at the podium.

Time had carved deep lines into his face. His hair was completely white and sparse against his scalp.

His cheeks were deeply sunken, his cheekbones prominent, and his face had a waxy, unhealthy color. His frame was so thin it seemed like a gust of wind could knock him over.

He leaned on an elegant cane. Each step was clearly labored, his body obviously worn down by illness.

"Mr. Loomis, you're here..." Allison quickly stepped forward to support Delbert.

Delbert was breathing a little hard, his face showing a kind but somewhat tired smile. His eyes swept gently over the young, vibrant faces before him. "You're all here, that's wonderful. Seeing how successful you've all become makes me so happy."

Hearing this, quite a few people's eyes began to well up.

Delbert was famous at their school for being a genuinely good person. He always patiently answered every student's questions, and even helped out financially when students' families were struggling.

He was the kind of teacher who truly cared about his students, so everyone's respect for him came from the heart.

"Mr. Loomis, please sit down and rest." Jack also stepped forward, helping guide Delbert to the sofa at the head table.

Delbert looked up, and his cloudy eyes paused slightly when they met Jack's, then showed a flash of pleasant surprise. "You're... Jack?"

Jack nodded slightly and responded softly, "It's me."

Delbert reached out his withered hand and gently patted the back of Jack's hand, his tone carrying a hint of emotion. "When you suddenly dropped out and then disappeared without a trace, I thought something had happened to you. Seeing you back safe and sound puts my mind at ease."

Jack remained calm as Delbert held his hand, explaining evenly, "I left in a hurry back then and didn't have time to say goodbye to you. I'm sorry for worrying you."

Delbert let out a soft sigh. "So that's what happened... no wonder. But it's good that you're back, really good. Looking at you now, you seem much more mature. I imagine you've been through quite a lot out there."

"It's all in the past." Jack ended the topic without showing any emotion.

After all, his current identity was somewhat sensitive.

Jack looked at Delbert and asked, "Mr. Loomis, your health..."

Hearing this, Delbert smiled helplessly, though his tone was calm. "Late-stage lung cancer. The doctor said I only have three months left."

Jack frowned slightly. In his heart, Delbert was a good person, and it felt wrong that someone like him should die young.

"Is there really no way?" Jack asked.

Delbert shook his head with a bitter smile.

"Mr. Loomis."

At that moment, Allison suddenly spoke up. "A while ago, I saw an article in a medical journal."

"A doctor named Anthony developed a new combination immunotherapy that works really well for late-stage lung cancer. It has even given many patients a real chance to live much longer!"

"Why don't you try to see him?"

Delbert listened to Allison's hopeful words, a flash of gratitude in his eyes, but more than that, helplessness and acceptance.

He said to Allison, "Anthony, I know about him, too."

"But Anthony isn't a doctor at an ordinary hospital."

"He's a military doctor who only treats military officers and government officials. Regular people can't even get an appointment with him."

"Besides, at my age, there's no need to put myself through all that."

"Those cutting-edge treatments aren't just expensive, they're also extremely painful. Rather than spending my last days surrounded by cold machines and medications, I'd rather spend these final three months peacefully."

"But..." Allison's eyes immediately reddened, tears welling up.

The surrounding classmates also started trying to comfort him, some saying medical technology was advancing every day, others saying they couldn't give up even if there was just a sliver of hope. The atmosphere in the entire banquet hall grew heavy because of Delbert's condition.

Seeing this, Delbert immediately stood up and said to everyone, "Alright, enough with those faces. Today is a happy day for our reunion. How can I let my illness ruin everyone's mood?"

With that, Delbert waved his cane with forced lightness, his face showing a kind and somewhat playful smile. "Come on, everyone, raise your glasses. Let's not talk about heavy topics. Let's toast to our rare reunion!"

With Delbert doing his best to lighten the mood, the heavy, oppressive atmosphere in the banquet hall gradually eased.

Though the students still felt a pang in their hearts, they didn't want to disappoint the old man. They all forced smiles and picked up their glasses again. As drinks were passed around, people began chatting about their old school days, and laughter once again filled the hall.

Jack watched Delbert, forcing a smile and felt a tightness in his chest.

He didn't join in the students' conversations, instead finding a corner to sit down by himself.

After all, he'd only attended high school for one year. There were people here whose names he couldn't even remember.

There was no need to force himself to fit in with them.

"Hey."

"Why are you sitting here alone?"

Jack turned his head slightly to see Allison standing beside him with a glass of champagne. The warm yellow light fell on her, making her look even more radiant.

"Was what you said earlier true?"

Jack looked at Allison and asked.

Allison paused, then realized what he meant. "You mean about Anthony?"

Jack nodded.

"It's true."

Allison sat down next to Jack and said softly, "His new treatment really has cured many people."

"But..."

"You heard what Delbert said just now. Anthony is a military doctor."

"Military hospitals are very restricted places. Regular people, no matter how rich they are, can't just walk in..." Allison sighed helplessly as she spoke.

Jack didn't respond, his slender fingers tapping lightly on his knee.

Allison looked at his silent profile and couldn't help asking, "Why are you suddenly asking about this? Could it be... Do you have some way?"

Jack looked at Allison, the corner of his mouth lifting slightly in a faint smile. "If I said I did, would you believe me?"