If you'd told me this in an interview, I'd have hired you on the spot. The biggest issue with cheating, IMO, is that it can indicate laziness, but in your case

If you'd told me this in an interview, I'd have hired you on the spot. The biggest issue with cheating, IMO, is that it can indicate laziness, but in your case it definitely doesn't - the story is great and says you're a highly creative person who gets things done and doesn't have to follow norms.