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.

you get for sleeping in class. If you can solve this, you can sleep however you like

asked, a hint of a smile in her

you can’t, you’re standing for the rest of

grin, Anthea retorted,

This kid’s talk was as

math olympiad problem – the sort even the

so tough these days.

turned back to the class and said with 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

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10:55

was when Anthen started to solve

the same Anthea who struggled with

had sparked some drive in these kids and nodded, satisfied.

they weren’t beyond redemption after all.

“Done, Anthea announced.

teacher was sure she had just scribbled

around to a surprise. Her solution was perfect,

he seeing

eyes, the teacher still found the same sight before him.

added, “This problem was a bit advanced, so I used a method

did this?” the teacher asked, incredulous.

I sit down now?”