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

"No problem." replied Sherman. After a moment of thought, Sherman typed out another message, "What's your number? It would make it easier to get in touch."

The reply came quickly, along with a string of digits, "What's yours?"

Sherman pulled out his phone and meticulously saved the number, triple-checking it before sending his own in return.

The reply was swift, "See you Saturday."

Daniel stared at the screen before saying, "Sherman, what do you reckon Phoenix is like? Got a girlfriend? If he's single, I'm setting him up with my sister! She's been wanting to visit Cloudcrest anyway!"

In his mind, Phoenix could potentially become his brother-in-law. The more Daniel thought about it, the more excited he became, as if Phoenix was already part of the family.

Sherman twirled his pen, "So sure Phoenix is a guy?"

"Has to be a dude! No way a chick's that awesome! Not to sound sexist, but when did you ever see a girl at the top of our class? Or a woman winning the top prize in any contest?"

Some women scream at the sight of a caterpillar or a cockroach! Too timid!

Would a guy be scared of those?

In Daniel's mind, women could never measure up to men. He saw women as the delicate types, who couldn't stand on their own without a man.

Phoenix was too incredible to be a woman.

Sherman, playing with the tassel of his pen, said, "You're stereotyping. In the current world, equality is key. Your thinking is outdated."

Sherman had no plans for marriage himself, but he never looked down on women.

All humans were equal.

Daniel paused, "Wait, so you're saying Phoenix could be a woman?"

Sherman nodded slightly.

Daniel laughed out loud, "No way! Let's bet on it. If Phoenix is a guy, you have to get back with Ms. Morris!"

Daniel wanted the best for Sherman and couldn't bear to see him miss out on a catch like Rebecca.

"Sherman, you game?"

Sherman squinted his eyes, "Fine! If you lose, you stop disrespecting women."

"Deal!" Daniel said, eager to shake on it.

“Sherman, you’re bound to lose!” he thought.

Daniel was thrilled at the thought of Sherman rekindling things with the kind and vegetarian Rebecca, his perfect match.

Sherman picked up his wristwatch from the table, fastening it with deliberate care. "Let's get ready. We're heading to Capital City."

Tuesday today, four days till the meet-up.

Four days were enough to wrap things up at headquarters.

"Got it!" Daniel nodded.

That evening, they boarded a private jet to Capital City.

At a courier company.

"Nanson, let's break up," a pretty young woman said after hesitating for a while. Exclusive content from NôvelDrama.Org.

"Ileana, you kidding? You haven't eaten yet, right? Let's grab some food!" Nanson had just finished his deliveries, not even having had a sip of water.

He and his girlfriend Ileana had met in an online game. After three years of virtual friendship and one year in real life, their relationship was strong.

Just as they were getting serious, Ileana dropped the breakup bomb out of the blue.

So, when he heard the news, Nanson thought she must be joking.

Ileana glanced at Nanson, "This isn't the place to talk, let's find somewhere quiet."

"Alright," Nanson agreed.

They walked into a nearby smoothie shop.

Nanson, out of habit, ordered Ileana's favorite beverage.

"Just drink it yourself," Ileana said, refusing the drink Nanson offered.

Nanson chuckled, "Since when do you not like this beverage?"

"People change," Ileana said, looking him in the eye, "Nanson, let's break up."