From Sneers to Cheers: Anthea’s Ascent

Chapter 125

Yummy, Anthea sald, stuffing a tiny burger into Tanya’s hand.

Tanya looked down at the burger in her hand, realizing that her new deskmate didn’t share the usual disdain she was used to.

Mentally thanking her, Tanya took a big bite and chewed alongside Anthea.

First up was math class.

The teacher droned on like a lullaby, and Anthea’s eyelids grew heavy. Soon enough, she was snoozing away.

“The student who’s sleeping, come up here and solve this problem,” the math teacher said, and every gaze in the room swiveled to Anthea.

Tanya nudged Anthea and whispered, “Ann, the teacher is calling you to the front.”

“Me?” Anthea lifted her head, eyes misty with sleep.

“Yep,” Tanya nodded.

Anthea stood up and walked to the front of the class.

The math teacher, looking exasperated, said, “You’re seniors! What’s with this slacking off? If you want to sleep, go home!”

Anthea picked up the chalk and started to write a solution, then paused.

in class. If you can solve this, you can sleep however you like in my classes from now on!”

of a

for the rest of

retorted,

was speechless. This kid’s talk was as whimsical

olympiad problem – the sort even the geniuses in the top–tier class would

so tough these days.

all the patience he could muster, “Senior year is a turning point in your life. I hope you all put in the effort and fight for a bright future. Once you’re in college, you can have all the fun you want. Don’t be like this unambitious

1/2

10:55

Anthen started to solve the problem. The

this the same Anthea who struggled with

teacher thought his words had sparked some drive in these kids

beyond redemption after all.

“Done, Anthea announced.

That quickly? The teacher was sure she had just scribbled

a surprise. Her solution was perfect, and her handwriting was even more

seeing things?

found the same

bit advanced, so I used

this?” the

I sit down