Chapter 160 Starting Point
“At the time, I just laughed. How could someone so innocent and hopelessly naive end up on the dark web? With those kinds of restrictions, how could you ever find a job?”
But even so, Andy still ended up meeting Tilda.
And now, they’re best friends.
Andy used to be a careful, self-centered person. He could never understand what was on Tilda’s mind.
He even thought Tilda was a bit crazy. She acted like a show-off on the dark web, doing all that just for attention.
But in the end, it was Tilda’s incredible skills that made Andy approach her and ask to work together.
That’s just how the world works.
Nobody cares about who you are inside, at least not at first.
Who would’ve guessed Andy and Tilda would become close friends?
Back then, Andy kept things simple–school, her looks, and skills.
As long as you’re strong, you’ll shine like a star, and people will gather around you.
But if you’re weak and powerless, who cares how you feel or what you’ve been through?
At best, people ignore you. More often, they just want to crush you.
“Things are really tense right now. The research group you helped before is playing it safe. Still, with your skills and history with them, you’ll be fine if you reach out,” Andy said.
“Think it through, Tilda. It’s hard work, and there’s not much reward–it just takes up your time.”
“I’ve thought about it, Andy. I want to find the real Tilda again–the one who shone so bright. That’s who I really am. That’s what my mentor wanted for me. He taught me everything so I could stay true to myself.”
She thought of her mentor’s serious face and the strict training that sometimes had a little kindness mixed in.
Sorry, Mentor. If you could see the Tilda I’ve become, you’d probably be really upset with me. I was lost, trapped in anger, and almost forgot what you taught me. But I’ve found my way back now. I promise, as long as I’m alive, I’ll never lose my way again or let you down!
“Okay, since you’re set on this, I’ll reach out for you… But Tilda, I’ve got some interesting info. Want to hear it?”
“Go ahead.”
“There’s a private forum, just for people from Cetherland. They’re all your fans. I looked it up–there are four members. Each one is ranked on the dark web hacker leaderboard, though not very high. These four are always fighting off hackers who try to attack Cetherland’s firewalls and cause problems. Honestly, they seem pretty patriotic. If you ever showed up there, they’d probably freak out.”
That got Tilda’s attention.
“Andy, please send me their info. I’ll check it out myself and decide.”
“Sure. I’ll text it to you.”
The call ended.
Tilda stretched and let out a lazy yawn.
She suddenly felt a strange sense of strength in her body.
Is this what it feels like to find your purpose again?
She’d almost forgotten her purpose.
Luckily, Jude’s words today woke her up and helped her get back on track.
Just then, Tilda sensed someone’s eyes on her from behind.
She stopped walking.
“Come out. Hiding is getting old, don’t you think?”
Tilda knew the person lurking had heard her.
Would they come out or run?
The person following her hesitated for a moment.
Eventually, he stepped out.
He didn’t run away.
Wade knew Tilda had noticed him.
If he ran, it’d just make her look down on him even more.
As her big brother, Wade already felt like he could never hold his head up around Tilda.
He didn’t want her to think even less of him.
“What are you following me for?”
Tilda narrowed her eyes, giving off a dangerous vibe when she saw it was Wade.
“Did you hear from your mother about how I embarrassed her today? Are you here for revenge?”
Wade panicked and quickly tried to explain.
“No, it’s not like that, Tilda. I–I just came looking for Clive. I happened to see you. Since you’re walking alone at night, I get worried. I thought I’d walk with you–just to keep you safe.”
“Worried?”
Tilda looked at Wade like some kind of monster.
Wade claimed he was worried about her, which was about as believable as a pig flying.
What’s with the Jensons and their weird games?
Playing the sympathy card?
Acting all caring and protective?
How ridiculous!
Tilda’s look made Wade feel terrible, but he couldn’t argue back.
It made sense for Tilda to doubt he had a hidden agenda.
He had already lost the right to be her brother–to protect her.
“I mean it, Tilda. I’m not lying.”
Wade repeated himself, hoping she’d believe it.
But Tilda just shook her head. “Save your fake concern, Wade. I’m in a good mood today, and I don’t want to get tangled up in any more of the Jensons’ drama.”