From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent (Anthea )

Out of the blue, Baldie brought up Sarah's education.

Anthea furrowed her brow slightly. "What are you trying to ask?" Content bel0ngs to Nôvel(D)r/a/ma.Org.

"Don't get me wrong. I've got nothing against Sarah," Baldie hurried to clarify. "I just think we should prioritize learning at this time. After all, knowledge can change your destiny. For someone with just a junior high diploma like Sarah, you'd do well to keep your distance."

Baldie had a soft spot for Anthea and hoped she'd strive for excellence. He didn’t need her to outshine everyone, but at least to keep pace with him.

"What's wrong with a junior high diploma? A higher education only means you've got more knowledge than the average Joe, but it doesn't define your character. True character comes from within. What's that got to do with a diploma? Some folks think they're high and mighty with their fancy degrees, oblivious that they're just big fish in a small pond!"

Anthea's words were measured and deliberate. "Are you using your education to gossip behind people's backs?"

Baldie was dumbstruck, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. Anthea had implied that all the wise quotes he had read over the years were for naught.

His scholarly pride was no match for a middle schooler.

He was only talking about Sarah, but why was Anthea getting so worked up?

Baldie squinted, and it suddenly dawned on him that Anthea was also a middle school graduate.

Anthea's lofty speech was a defense triggered by his slight to Sarah and her pride.

She feared being looked down upon.

Realizing this, Baldie felt a bit better. "Anthea, don't be upset. I didn't mean it like that. I was speaking off the cuff. That’s all."

Anthea shot Baldie a look. "Sarah is my friend. She's kind and good-hearted. Your 'off-the-cuff' remarks have already hurt her."

Baldie quickly apologized, "I'm sorry."

"Watch your tongue next time." Anthea's voice was cold as she finished speaking and walked away.

For some reason, when Anthea warned him to watch his tongue, Baldie felt a strange sensation. It was as if a teacher was reprimanding a student who had erred.

Otherwise, why would he have instinctively apologized?

Was it all just a misunderstanding?

Mrs. Christensen rounded the corner.

She watched Anthea's retreating figure and nodded in approval.

“Very good, very good!” she praised.

She liked this young lady more and more.

She wasn’t like some, who was one way to your face and another behind your back.

...

At the casino, Anthea hadn't stepped foot inside for three days.

Sherman leaned on the railing of the second floor, his tone indifferent. "It's been three days. You've lost."

Daniel frowned deeply. "She'll come! Trust me, Sherman. It's not over yet!"

Daniel prided himself on understanding women!

How could he be wrong?

Anthea was sure to come tonight.

But as time passed, Anthea was nowhere to be seen.

Was she playing hard to get?

"Start planning your live stream," Sherman glanced over at Daniel.

Despite his polished appearance, the crude suggestion didn't seem out of place.

Live stream to eat that thing?

He would have forgotten about that bet if Sherman hadn't mentioned it.

Sherman began to walk away. "After you get home, don't forget to send me the link to your stream."

"Sherman, come on..." Daniel reached out to grab Sherman's sleeve.

"People have to answer for what they say and do." Sherman looked back, "But eating that would be... indecent."

Relief washed over Daniel.

He knew Sherman wouldn't make him do something like that.

Who could eat that?

But then, Sherman continued, "Let's substitute with canned herring instead. I'll have someone send you two cans of it when we head back."

What?

Canned herring?

Was he expected to eat canned herring on a live stream?

It would be unbearable. That was worse than the original bet!

As if reading Daniel's mind, Sherman suggested, "Or you could stick to the original plan."

Daniel was at a loss for words.

Damn!

Sherman was so ruthless!

Daniel immediately caved. "It was my fault, Sherman! I'll eat it, okay?"

"Let's go." Sherman turned away, his gaze sweeping over the casino floor below.

Daniel hurried after him, trying one last plea. "Sherman, can we rethink the canned herring thing? Look, Anthea is playing hard to get. Maybe she wants to drag it out a few more days. She didn't show up today, but she would come tomorrow! I swear. I guarantee it!"