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

To see the master he admired, Daniel had cycled through more than a dozen outfits, trying to find the perfect balance between casual and presentable.

"Right, the master himself is about to show up, no time to waste!" In a fit of desperation, Daniel tousled his hair into a chaotic mess, aiming to look a bit unkempt, not wanting to outshine the star of the show.

Daniel then turned to Mamie, "Listen, Mamie, Phoenix is a real deal! You've got to seize the moment when he arrives! I'm telling you these tech wizards usually don't get out much, not around someone like you. With your looks, I bet you could make his heart skip a beat!"

"Bro, you're overthinking it," Mamie replied. "For all we know, he might already have a girlfriend. Plus, tech nerds usually don't have the best hairlines. What if Phoenix is bald?"

Given the tech wizards were staying up all night coding and losing hair, Mamie thought her concern was not entirely unfounded.

Scratching his head, Daniel lamented, "I should've shaved my head! What if Phoenix feels inferior seeing my lush hair?"

Mamie felt Daniel was worrying too much.

"Daniel, someone like Phoenix must be pretty old, right? What if he's like sixty?"

Daniel stroked his chin and pondered for a while, then he said, "Good point. I should've dyed my hair gray! What if he gets upset seeing me younger and more handsome?"

Mamie rolled her eyes at his baseless concerns.

Suddenly, a knocking sound cut through the silence.

Sherman, who had been meditating with his eyes closed, opened them, revealing his deep and inscrutable eyes.

"I'll get the door," Mamie volunteered, heading toward the sound.

"Wait!" Daniel held her back.

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Daniel, trying to contain his excitement, said, "Let me do it! I'll open the door for the master!"

With trembling hands, he walked over and opened the door.

There stood a slender figure in a simple white button-down shirt, one side casually tucked into a pair of jeans, exuding an effortless charisma. The person was tall, with an air of aloofness and an indefinable allure.

But the figure was a woman.

Daniel was taken aback, looking up at her face. And when he did, he was struck dumb. Disappointment washed over his face as he recognized her.

Anthea? Why was Anthea here?

Could she have known that Sherman was here and pursued him? Was this a bit too shameless?

"It's you?" Daniel was less than cordial.

Anthea, equally surprised to see Daniel, nodded slightly, "Yes, it's me."

"What are you doing here?" Daniel pressed. "You're not here for my Sherman, are you? Just so you know, Sherman's already engaged..."

Anthea took a step back.

No mistake. This was booth L9.

She was in the right place.

"I'm Phoenix·YC," Anthea said. "And are you Mr. Christensen?"

WHAT?! Daniel thought he was hallucinating.

Anthea was Phoenix·YC? Impossible!

Phoenix·YC, whoever they were, could not be Anthea! After all, Anthea was known in Cloudcrest as a total washout!

At that moment, a tall figure emerged from the shadows of the room, his features obscured, extending a hand. "Pleased to meet you, I'm Sherman Christensen," he greeted.

"Anthea Yeager," she replied without pretense, shaking his hand.

Her hand was soft and smooth, not rough like a man's. It was delicate, almost like jade.

To Sherman, it was reminiscent of a piece of mutton-fat jade he had once acquired at an auction. He realized for the first time just how distinct the touch between men and women could be.

Daniel, standing nearby, was completely flabbergasted. No, he couldn't stand by and watch Sherman be deceived.

"How could she be Phoenix·YC? Sherman, don't be fooled by her!"

Sherman gave Daniel a chilling look that sent shivers down his spine.

Daniel couldn't believe how naive Sherman was being. Anyone with half a brain could see Anthea wasn't a tech deity!

Sherman then turned to Anthea, explaining in a gentle voice, "He's not quite right in the head. Please don't mind him."

Anthea nodded, indicating she wouldn't stoop to argue with someone of unsound mind.

Sherman gestured politely, "Please, come in."

Anthea followed him inside.

The room was filled with a faint fragrance, and the soft chiming of the beaded curtains contributed to an elegant atmosphere.

Mamie had not expected Phoenix·YC to look like this.

Not a man! Not old! And definitely not bald!