Phillip pats me on the back after I answer the fourth question, his hand landing firmly between my shoulder blades as if he is trying to steady both of us. His expression carries a mixture of pride and disbelief. He knew I was good, but even he did not expect this kind of performance. Across the stage, however, I notice something very different.
A black-haired Asian girl on the opposing team is glaring at me. Her straight dark hair frames a face that is calm on the surface, yet her eyes are sharp and analytical. She is not reacting like the rest of the audience. She is not impressed, and she is certainly not intimidated. She is evaluating me. I recognize her immediately as the one who answered the very first question of the competition with remarkable speed and accuracy.
