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

Sherman glanced up at her as the dawn painted the sky in shades of pink and orange, making her features seem almost ethereal.

"What do you need a lighter for?"

With a smile, Anthea responded, "I brought a grill from the house. We're going to have a beach BBQ."

Sherman fished a lighter out of his pocket and handed it to her.

Taking the lighter, Anthea pulled the grill out of the car and started preparing the fish for the BBQ.

While the fish was grilling, Anthea also started a bonfire with some dry wood.

The evening by the beach was slightly chilly.

She sat in front of the bonfire, supporting her head with one hand and holding a grilled fish in the other. The firelight made her complexion even more radiant. Soon, the air was filled with the mouth-watering aroma of grilled fish.

Sherman was lounging on a beach chair, one hand behind his head, simply watching her.

Suddenly, he was reminded of a poem:

In the north, there's a beauty, supreme and solitary.

A glance from her, the city falls; another glance, the nation falls.

Such beauty is rare and hard to find.

Just then, Anthea turned slightly and offered him a plate, "I know you're vegetarian, so I grilled some veggies for you. I used olive oil, give it a try?" "Thank you," Sherman sat up and took the plate.

It contained grilled slices of zucchini, baby carrots, green beans, scallions, and mushrooms. Not only did it look appetizing, but it also smelled amazing.

Anthea took a big bite of her fish, finding it delicious and satisfying. She looked at Sherman, "How is it? I wasn't sure if you liked spicy food, so I only added a touch of chili." After tasting a slice of grilled potato, Sherman didn't hold back his praise.

"It's excellent."

Anthea replied with a hint of pride, "Of course, you wouldn't expect anything less from me!"

Sherman started on the grilled bread, "This is indeed a fortunate experience for me."

As the night deepened, it became pitch dark.

After finishing their meal, they strolled along the beach.

Although Sherman had seen through the illusions of the world, his thoughts were not confined to ascetic practices.

Anthea found that whether it was about future technologies or casual conversations, he could keep up and even offered unique insights. By the end of their talk, they felt as if they had known each other for ages.

Elsewhere.

Cloudcrest.

Ever since Nanson had invited Violet for dinner last time, they had been seeing each other more frequently.

Nanson said with a smile, "I insisted it's my turn to treat you to dinner. You can't sneak away to pay the bill this time." "Don't worry, I won't," Violet stirred her coffee, which sat in front of her.

Nanson ordered.

Violet, as usual, opted for a garden salad.

After dinner, Nanson suggested going to the movies.

Violet replied, "I'm sorry, I have two dance classes this afternoon. Maybe some other time?"

A shadow of disappointment crossed Nanson's eyes, "Alright then."

Did he do something wrong that might have upset Violet?

Nanson then offered, "Which school are you attending? I can drive you there."

Violet nodded, "That would be great, thank you."

Seeing Violet nod, Nanson breathed a sigh of relief. Her agreement meant she wasn't upset.

"It's no trouble at all. It's my honor to drive you to work."

The drive was quick.

Soon, they arrived at an office building.

"This is it," said Violet.

Nanson opened the car door for her, "Let me walk you up."

Violet smiled, "No need. I can make it from here. You go on with your day."

set

Just then, Nanson received an urgent call from his secretary, socie got back into the car, "Then I'll head

back to the office. Let's plan for that

movie some other time."

Violet watched him go, "Take care on the road."

As the car disappeared into the traffic, a woman in a blue dress emerged from the office building, "So, how far have things progressed between you two?"

Violet turned to her, the gentle demeanor on her face gone, "Ileana, I think Nanson might confess to me at any moment."