Chapter 1075

Adrian did not object to Gloria’s words and turned around to walk toward the bridge. Reuben made his way to Gloria after Adrian left and turned his head to glance at her. Gloria was breathtakingly beautiful. She had an attractive face and a captivating figure, exuding a mature, graceful, and beautiful presence. It was rare for anyone to encounter such a beautiful woman in this world, let alone on a cargo ship. Reuben turned his head and said to her, “Ms. Gloria, you’re really pretty. I’ve never met a woman as beautiful as you.” Gloria was a little stunned. She turned her head and smiled at him. “Thank you,” she said. Reuben smiled, then said, “Don’t mention it. By the way, what illness do you have? Is it serious? I can see that you’re so weak that a breeze could blow you away.” Gloria pouted. She said to Reuben, “It’s a rather rare condition that I can’t explain. If I can’t find a cure for it, it’ll be fatal.” “You’ll surely be cured, Ms. Gloria. My mother said that blessed be those who are kind and courageous. You’re blessed and will recover soon enough,” said Reuben suddenly. Gloria was not expecting the boy to be so glib. She smiled. “I shall thank you in advance then. I hope that I can recover from my illness soon too. Oh, another thing. I noticed you’re pretty young, so why did you choose to work on a ship?” she asked Reuben casually. Reuben said, “My mother has passed away and my father is a drunk deadbeat. I dropped out of school and my uncle brought me onto the ship. He told me to work here for two years to pick up some life skills and make some money. He says he’ll find me a wife to marry when we get home.” Reuben gazed into the distance as he said this. Gloria turned her head and asked in puzzlement, “How did your mother pass away?” “She was sick, just like you. My father gambled away the money that was meant to use for her treatment,” answered Reuben. “Your father is a gambler huh?” Reuben nodded heavily. “He’d spend most of his time with a bunch of unreliable friends and is drunk on most days. Before Mother passed away, she told me to work hard for my future—to build a family with my girlfriend and stay far away from my father. She told me never to be like him.” Gloria felt a tinge of pity for Reuben upon hearing his story. She bit her lip and said, “Your mother was a great mother. By the way, how old are you now?” Reuben answered, “I just celebrated my nineteenth birthday. I came to work on the boat last year, the same year Internal Affairs was in a conflict with Wyvern Peak. My uncle treats me very well and takes good care of me. He told me that he’d set me up with a wife when we get home if I work hard for two years so I can live a good life.” Gloria smiled and said, “Casey’s your uncle, right? He looks like a good, sincere man. Make sure you work hard and never be like your father.” Reuben nodded. He turned to Gloria and asked, “Miss, do you fear death?” Gloria thought about it and replied, “Yes, of course. Everyone fears death. I don’t want to die yet because I have so many people who love me. I’m going to put all my efforts into staying alive. Living is hope. You must stay strong and keep going regardless, and you’ll find happiness one day.” Reuben said, “My mother was scared before she died. She grabbed my hand and told me that she could not bear to leave me. She told me to be good and that she’d watch over me from Heaven.”