Chapter 340 You Are Dying
The next morning, James got a text from Olivia. It said:
[Everything's fine, don't worry.]
Even with the reassuring message, James couldn't shake off his unease.
Especially when he tried calling back and found Olivia's phone was off. Determined to get to the bottom of things, he decided to head to Glowing Oasis.
After giving Daniel and the others some instructions, James took the train to Glowing Oasis with Francis Peterson.
Nathaniel and Mia had already arrived at Glowing Oasis a few days earlier with their team.
They had to clean up the mess left by the Mystic Alliance and deal with the Lee family.
On the way, James received a series of updates from Sebastian:
At 9:00 AM, Mary left Peach Blossom No.1 all dressed up.
At 9:30 AM, Mary showed up at the Rosewood City courthouse with Kaitlyn and the Christophers.
At 9:35 AM, several photographers arrived to document the remarriage.
At 9:45 AM, a florist delivered a truckload of roses, probably 999 of them.
At 9:55 AM, Mary walked into the courthouse lobby.
Seeing Sebastian's live updates and photos of Mary's stunning appearance, James felt a deep sense of melancholy.
He didn't need Sebastian to continue the live feed; he could already imagine how heartbroken Mary would be when she didn't see him at 10:00 AM.
'Mary, I'm so sorry.'
James's face was filled with guilt, and his heart felt like it had been pierced by a thorn.
As James was lost in his self-reproach, his phone vibrated slightly. His hand trembled, fearing it might be a call from Mary.
But deep down, he also hoped Mary would call to scold him, so he finally took out his phone.
The number wasn't Mary's; it was an unfamiliar number from Glowing Oasis. James put on his Bluetooth headset and answered.
A familiar yet distant voice boomed in his ear, "James? This Bruce. Why didn't you tell me you were coming to Glowing Oasis? If your parents hadn't told me, I wouldn't have known you were here."
James was taken aback but then smiled and replied, "Bruce, hey, how are you?"
"You rascal, I don't care why you're here, but you have to come have lunch with me today."
Bruce's tone was firm. "I haven't seen you in years; I barely remember what you look like."
"When your mom got sick earlier this year, you didn't say a word. If I hadn't heard from others, I wouldn't have known you were struggling so much."
"Your parents are so stubborn. They refuse to come to Glowing Oasis to enjoy life with me, and they even return the money I send them."
"Other than the gift for your college tuition, you haven't taken a penny more."
Bruce's tone carried a hint of reproach. "Are you treating me like an outsider?"
"Bruce, I'm sorry, that was our mistake."
James initially wanted to decline the lunch invitation, but hearing Bruce's words, he had to change the subject.
"Alright, no more talking. I'll come over at noon and make it up to you with three drinks."
James had a good impression of Bruce. "I should arrive at the Glowing Oasis train station around 11:00 AM. Give me your address, and I'll take a cab."
"No need for a cab." Bruce interrupted James directly. "I'll send a driver to pick you up at 11:30."
"Marigold and Coralie will be there too."
"We haven't seen each other in years. We need to have a good drink and catch up on your parents' situation."
"That's settled. I have some business to discuss with a few Mystic Alliance members."
Bruce added, "See you later, and don't you dare cancel."
James could only smile and reply, "Alright, Bruce, see you later."
After hanging up, James realized that Bruce's call had lifted his spirits a bit. He got up and headed to the dining car to buy a bottle of water.
He asked for directions and walked to car number five.
As he reached the dining car door and pushed it open, a stern voice called out, "Stop!"
James was taken aback.
A girl with a braid, a delicate face, and an arrogant demeanor stood before him.
James frowned. "What's the matter?"
"The dining car is occupied. No one is allowed to enter and disturb the diners." The girl spoke impatiently, "Come back in an hour."
She looked like a wealthy heiress, and her tone was haughty and condescending.
James's gaze turned cold. "The dining car is a public space. Who are you to block my way?"
"I told you to leave. Can't you understand human language?" The girl was furious and pushed James with her palm.
Seeing her arrogance, James's eyes turned icy, ready to push her away.
"Kaida, that's enough!" A weathered yet authoritative voice came from the dining car, "Occupying the dining car is already wrong. Attacking someone is too much."
Kaida immediately lost her arrogance and became extremely respectful. "Yes, Mr. Rivera."
Reluctantly, she stepped aside.
James withdrew his hand and walked in.
He saw six waiters and two chefs, but they were only serving one table.
Five middle-aged men and women, all looking distinguished and well-dressed, stood around the table.
Only one middle-aged man was seated, with an array of exquisite dishes and a small bottle of wine before him.
James's gaze fell on the middle-aged man's face. This must be that Mr. Rivera.
The man looked over with a calm smile.
His eyes showed the wear of time but were serene.
Without any introduction, James knew this was a significant figure. His gaze was not something an ordinary person could possess.
Gerald smiled warmly, "Young man, I apologize. Kaida blocked your way. Please forgive her."
James nodded calmly.
Kaida's eyes were cold, clearly displeased with James's attitude.
Dressed plainly, with no standout features, yet insisting on equality—she thought such a person would never amount to anything.
If Mr. Rivera hadn't stopped her, she would have slapped James away.
Mr. Rivera didn't mind and turned to Kaida and the others,
"I'm done eating. Let's return to the business class and not block other passengers."
Kaida replied softly, "Yes, Mr. Rivera."
Mr. Rivera then looked at James and smiled, "Young man, my apologies. You can eat anything you want, my treat, consider it compensation."
James didn't respond but squinted at Mr. Rivera's face.
Compared to the vitality in his eyes, Mr. Rivera's face was much more withered, his skin dark and inky, almost like it was stained with black ink.
Kaida couldn't hold back and snapped, "Mr. Rivera is talking to you. Are you deaf?"
James stared at Gerald and spoke, "Are you dying?"
The room fell silent.
Mr. Rivera's pupils contracted instantly.
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