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

The customers dining at the local diner were thrilled when they heard the news and crowded around to congratulate Carole. Some even asked to take selfies with her, basking in the glow of being the "Valedictorian's Mom." Many shared the moment on social media, feeling lucky to be in the presence of the city's top scholar.

Nanson, much like Carole, was bombarded with calls from prestigious universities competing for Anthea. After hanging up the last call, he was in a daze! He quickly summoned his secretary, Helena. "President Yeager, what can I do for you?" Helena asked.

Trying to keep his tone steady, Nanson instructed, "Order a tea for everyone in the company right now, and tell them they can leave half an hour early today. I'm treating them to a hotpot dinner!" Helena gasped in surprise, "What's the occasion, President Yeager? What happened?"

Nanson could no longer contain his excitement. "My niece! Anthea! Annie, the one you met last time! She topped the city in the exams! Number one in the whole city! 749 points! She's the first in years to score 749 without any extra points!"

"Congratulations, President Yeager!"

Ever since Helena had seen Anthea's capabilities, she knew the girl was no ordinary teenager. That she would top the exams wasn't a surprise at all! Who else could secure a contract with TOAEON so easily?

...

Meanwhile, in Capital City, Darleen scored 743 points, the third highest in the city. Naturally, Edna took Darleen to visit the Lindsay family. Upon their arrival, Gerard was chatting with Janet.

Janet was delighted to see Darleen. "Look who's here! Come here, Darleen! Grandma hasn't seen you in days."

Darleen immediately went over to give Janet a shoulder rub. As Edna served Janet some nourishing soup, she cautioned, "Careful, Janet, it's hot."

While massaging, Darleen mentioned, "Janet, the exam results are out. You promised me a surprise if I did well. Do you remember?"

Janet sat up straight, excitement in her voice. "The results are out? How did you do, Darleen?"

Edna pretended to be stern. "This girl! Only the third highest in the whole city! Darleen, with such poor results, you still dare to ask Janet for a surprise?" Darleen pouted unhappily.

Janet was surprised. "Third in the city is not good? If Gerry could score that, I'd wake up laughing from my dreams!"

Alas, Gerard didn't have such scores.

Edna said, "Janet, Darleen tends to be careless with her work. If she had been more careful, maybe she could have been second! Gerry's grades have always been good; he must have done well too! Right, Gerry, what did you score?"

Gerard's tone was nonchalant. "I haven't checked yet."

Not checked? Probably too ashamed to admit his score, right?

Edna's eyes twinkled with sarcasm, then she added, "Gerry, it's okay if you didn't do well this time. A prestigious university is a university, after all. There's no shame in attending a less known one. Don't put too much pressure on yourself!"

Janet sighed, feeling somewhat embarrassed. After all, Darleen had secured the third spot in the city. And her favorite grandson...

Darleen, as if suddenly remembering something, smiled. "Gerry, there are so many people who retake the exams. You could do that too! I'll help you study! I guarantee you'll be second in the whole country next year!"

Edna's eyes gleamed with pride. Her daughter was truly her pride and joy.

Janet's eyes lit up, looking at Gerard. "Gerry, I think what Darleen says makes a lot of sense. Why don't you retake the year? Let Darleen tutor you personally."

Gerard remained silent. Just as Janet was about to say something more, the butler rushed in, breathless. "Madam! Madam!"

"What's the matter? Why the rush?"

The butler continued, "There are people from the TV station outside, looking to interview the young master! Should I let them in?"

Janet frowned. "Why would the TV station want to interview Gerry?"

Out of the blue... Did Gerard get into some trouble?

The butler added, "Haven't you heard? The young master is this year's Humanities Valedictorian of Capital City!"

At that, Janet's soup bowl crashed to the floor. "You, what did you say?"