From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Anthea glanced at Sherman with a touch of surprise flickering in her eyes.

Why was Sherman acting like some old–timer? He didn’t get the joke.

“Mr. Christensen, don’t you watch live streams?” Anthen asked, a hint of disdain in her gaze.

Sherman coughed lightly, trying to steer away from the awkwardness. “If I were you, Ms. Yeager, what would have been my Just now?”

y next move

“Obviously, like this!” Anthea declared, confidently grabbing a chess piece and setting it aside. “They say to sacrifice the pawn to save the rook, but that’s not always the case. Sometimes, a little pawn can change the whole game, break the opponent’s strategy! Just like in life, we should never underestimate anyone.”

The chessboard, seemingly settled moments before, was now alive with new possibilities!

Sherman’s eyes lit up. He picked up his own p

piece and placed it near Anthea’s hand. “My next move would be this. If your rook comes over, my cannon will capture it!”

“Do you think that’s enough to win, Mr. Christensen? Anthea raised an eyebrow teasingly.

“Is there another way?” Sherman’s eyes were glued to the board.

Could Anthea really have another trick up her sleeve?

With a sly smile, Anthea picked up a piece, her voice calm and collected, “If you take my rook, my knight will check your king! Do you know what that move is called?”

Sherman was taken aback, he hadn’t expected Anthea to have a contingency plan. It was unbelievable!

Anthea’s fingertips twirled a chess piece and she said, “This strategy is called ‘bait and switch“,”

“Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant!” Sherman didn’t hold back his praise. “A perfect bait and switch!”

Anthea modestly replied, “Oh, it’s nothing special. You’re just an easy mark.”

The usually unflappable Mr. Christensen was for the first time called a fool to his face!

And by a young girl, no less.

Yet, far from being angry, he simply said, “It seems I’ve been short–sighted, not seeing that stratagem within a stratagem.”

“You’re actually quite good at this,” continued Anthea. “It’s rare for someone to make me exert real effort. You’re the first… no, actually This belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

the second.”

The first was that online gamer, LeisureHermit.

“Who was the first?” Sherman asked, trying to hide a frown.

Anthea was brief, “An online acquaintance I met during a stream.”

An online acquaintance? Who could that be?

Male or female? How old? Have they met in person?

Even Sherman might not have realized he had all these questions swirling in his head, his brow furrowed with curiosity.

Anthea said, “It’s getting late, Mr. Christensen, I should head back to the hotel.”

Sherman, who had been keen for another game, rose immediately. “Let me drive you.”

“That would be kind. Mr. Christensen.” Anthea stood, slipping on her coat and hat.

Sherman also donned his blazer that was hanging nearby. “It’s my pleasure.”

In about ten minutes, the car pulled up in front of the hotel.

As Anthea got out, she bid Sherman farewell and reminded him to drive safely.

Sherman nodded slightly, “I will.”

Anthea turned and walked towards the hotel.

Just inside, Sarah was all curiosity, “How was it? Did you enjoy Mr. Christensen’s company?”

Anthea nodded slightly, “It was fine?

Sarah eyed Anthea up and down,sensing a potential romance brewing.

He was a real looker and she was a stunner, both crazy talented to boot. They seemed like they were made for each other! Anthea added, “Sarah, we’re heading back tomorrow. Have you packed everything?”

10:34

Sarah nodded, “All set, don’t worry”

The next moming, they arrived at the airport.

Fin the plane, Sarah confided with a touch of melancholy, “Christmas is around the comer and I’m still jobless. Ann, what kind of work. do you think I should hunt for after the holidays?”

Sarah had been working in a factory.

It was a monotonous life, the same routine day in, day out. She yearned for a change, but she felt unskilled.

A suitable job seemed out of reach.

Anthea looked at her friend with empathy, “Sarah, you’re only twenty. If I were you, I wouldn’t rush into another job. I’d pick up the books.

again, take a gap year, study for the SATs, aim for a college of my choice, majoring in something I’m passionate about, and afterwards, pursue a career that truly fulfills me ”