From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 51

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

Anthea furrowed her brow slightly. “What are you trying to ask?”

“Don’t get me wrong. I’ve got nothing against Sarah,” Baldle 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.

tongue, Baldie felt a strangel sensation. It was as if a

would he have instinctively apologized?

just a misunderstanding?

1.3

11:14

Chapter 51

rounded the

retreating figure and

good, very good!” she

lady more and more.

was one way to your face and another behind

hadn’t stepped foot inside for

leaned on the railing of the second floor, his

frowned deeply. “She’ll come! Trust me,

on understanding

he be

was sure to

as time passed, Anthea was

hard

live stream,” Sherman glanced over at

appearance, the crude suggestion didn’t seem out of place.

to eat

would have forgotten about that bet if Sherman

began to walk away. “After you get home, don’t forget to send me the link to

stream.“.

Daniel reached out to grab Sherman’s

and do.” Sherman looked back, “But eating that

over