Chapter 32 Professor Manning’s Challenge

Shaun gave a small nod, looking pleased.

“Today, we’re not doing regular class. We’re doing something different. I’m sure most of you already know–since I’ve been teaching at Orica University for so many years, I have a tradition. If someone can beat this challenge, you’ll never need to come to my class again. At the end of the semester, I’ll just give you a perfect score.”

The room exploded with shocked gasps.

Of course, everyone had heard about it. Shaun had written a special program himself. If a student could fix all the bugs in it within the time limit, they were free from all his classes.

It was pretty much like skipping straight to graduation. But in all Shaun’s years of teaching, only one student had ever done it.

That was Wade, now a senior in the School of Computer Science and one of the most famous students at Orica University.

“Looks like you all know the rules, so I don’t need to explain much. Every year, during sophomore year, I give this challenge. You only get one shot. So who’s brave enough to try?”

…

Una leaned close and whispered to Tilda, “Oh, my God! Can you believe he just said that? Tilda, are you thinking of trying?”

“Yes.”

Tilda answered right away, no hesitation. If she didn’t have to attend Shaun’s strict classes anymore, she could sleep in. She’d also get more time to hang out or do part–time work.

“If you’re in, then I’m in too!” Una grinned. “I’ll probably fail in five minutes, but who cares–it’s the fun that counts!”

When it came to Tilda’s skills, Una had total faith. “Wade was the first one who ever passed this. Took him 54 minutes. Tilda, you have to beat him! Crush him!”

“Una, this has nothing to do with Wade. I just don’t want to wear myself out.”

With that, Tilda stood up and raised her hand. “Professor Manning, I’d like to take the challenge.”

“Me too!” Una chimed in quickly.

The whole class stared at Tilda in shock. It wasn’t just because of the challenge. It was because she was glowing with the aura of the Jensons’ real, long–lost daughter, and the only student who had ever beaten the challenge before was her seventh brother, Wade.

This was going to be a show.

“Tilda…”

Shaun adjusted his glasses, narrowing his eyes as he studied her.

Back in freshman year, Tilda had scored the very highest in the whole department. Even Shaun had been amazed by her talent, expecting big things from her. But once sophomore year started, something had changed. She kept asking for leave, and her grades dropped fast. She was barely passing. Shaun had even called her in for a private talk, but no matter what he asked, she wouldn’t explain. He worried a lot. After all, he didn’t want to see a genius like Tilda waste away, but there was nothing he could do.

Later, he saw the news blowing up in campus group chats. That was when he learned Tilda had found her real family–the powerful Jensons of Slosa. They had taken her back. That was why she had been distracted, skipping class and failing grades. But Shaun could clearly feel that ever since the Jensons showed up, Tilda seemed sensitive and insecure. She wasn’t happy.

Then, after the scandal broke out, she disappeared again for two days. This time, Shaun didn’t press her. He just texted her one line.

“I look forward to the strong Tilda coming back.”

And she replied simply, “I will.”

And now, Shaun looked at her standing tall, full of confidence, glowing like a spotlight was on her, pulling every eye in the room. He nodded, satisfied.

She wasn’t just back. She was stronger than before.

In the end, only Una and Tilda signed up. Shaun’s challenge had a terrifyingly low pass rate. Most students didn’t even want to embarrass themselves by trying.

So, everyone’s attention landed on Tilda. After all, Wade had been the first to succeed, and now his little sister was stepping up. They wondered if she could do it too.

The news spread through group chats in minutes.

Wade was sitting in the library, reading. That was when Clive came running at full speed.

“Wade, what the hell are you still reading for? Something huge just happened!”

He was so loud that half the library turned to look.

Wade frowned, annoyed. “Clive, what’s wrong with you? If you want to act stupid, don’t drag me into it. Don’t you have class?”

“Forget class, man! I’ve got enough credits, so I’m basically waiting for graduation anyway. But this–this is way bigger! Look!”

Clive shoved his phone in Wade’s face.

It was the post about Tilda taking on Shaun’s challenge.

Wade froze.

Tilda is gonna attempt Professor Manning’s challenge?

He knew exactly how tough it was because he himself had once been Shaun’s student.