A Graduation Gift

The desk shuddered as a phone's ringtone for an incoming text message rang out. Cassandra, who was buried in her work, stared at the phone for a split-second, sighed, and then picked it up in a fluid motion. It was Stella.

She unlocked it with her fingerprint and read the message, "Hi, honey. It's a bright and lovely day. I've got a date with yoga!"

The text drew a faint smile from Cassandra. Stella was such an optimistic and not to mention, energetic person. Cassandra felt drawn to her, like she was this huge magnet. She just couldn't control herself with Stella, and wanted to approach her and befriend her.

Having such a cheery friend was like bathing under the sun on warm winter afternoon. It was comfortable as hell.

Cassandra glanced at the desk clock and saw that it was time to get off work, but she was still double checking the design layouts meticulously. She wanted to make sure all her outputs were topnotch quality when she turned them over to the clients.

After a couple of hours, she was done. She felt relief wash over her as she yawned and stretched her tired bones.

When she was about to leave, her phone rang. Cassandra's eyes lit up. She answered the call and heard a familiar baritone from the other end of the line.

"I know you haven't eaten yet since you're probably on overtime. Meet me at the parking lot. I'll treat you to dinner."

It was Rufus, as Cassandra had expected. He was the only senior executive who would work overtime in the Tang Group.

"It's really late. I just want to go home and get some rest."

She was excited, but she thought it was better to politely refuse.

Rufus seemed to ignore this. He only sounded more determined.

"I will see you in a couple of minutes."

Bossy as always, this was Rufus. He just went on ahead and hung up before Cassandra could say anything.

The continuous beep from the other end of the line startled Cassandra. She put down the phone, caught in a dilemma whether to meet Rufus or not. Then her stomach grumbled like a dog about to bite.

'Calm down, Cassandra. It's just two people eating food.' Cassandra repeated to herself, biting her lip.

A few minutes later, in the Tang Group parking complex, Cassandra saw Rufus beckoning to her. He was sitting comfortable in the driver's seat of a matte black Rolls-Royce.

"Well, where are we going to get some food?"

She slid into the car as she asked Rufus, her cheeks flushed.

Rufus just smiled at her and started the engine. The car roared to life.

"You'll know when we get there," he replied in a mysterious tone.

If it had the approval of Rufus, the restaurant had to be grand and beautiful, and the dishes had to be world-class quality. Neither of these two elements were dispensable when it came to dining for Rufus.

that these

Cassandra took a gander at the place. It

two guests at the restaurant. Rufus booked the whole joint! Mellow piano music echoed through the high ceiling. It did

luxurious dinner made Cassandra feel like she was in a vivid dream. Rufus and her were having a candlelight dinner. The

was all too

to well up. She wanted to forget about Lionel, Ivy, and everything else. She was too exhausted from the

could tell from her melancholic eyes. His brows

company is

she beamed at Rufus. She had been worried about one particular design lately and some much-needed insipiration would be welcome.

could assent, Rufus had already started the car and sped forward. The strong

Sometimes, Cassandra and Rufus seemed to understand each other so perfectly well that sometimes they didn't even

in front of a huge amusement park entrance. Cassandra rolled

with tourists. Neon lights reflected on every surface

he was wearing a

and disappointment disappeared. Seeing Rufus all serious, she offered, "Why don't

But he listened anyway and took off his

you go! You look so much younger with just the

was so handsome, like a prince who came straight out of a fairy tale. No longer stood out though, he

finished speaking, the two of them burst into laughter,

seemed to light up. Rufus noticed

their turn to get on. Cassandra sat down next to

hold my hand if you feel

her spine. She looked at Rufus and smiled. It

brought a weightless feeling and made Cassandra dizzy. She screamed as the boat went higher and higher. They were all clearly enjoying

was doing. To her surprise, he was completely fine, as if he didn't ride the ship at all. She was impressed by how tough he was. But she teased, "Stop pretending to be cool. You can throw up if you want to,

of situations. The ride was a breeze for

They talked about the design and construction dynamics of the other rides. When they passed by the various game stalls, an enthusiastic vendor

young lady! Try your luck! Five rounds in the gun,

classic game in every amusement park. Hit a corresponding circle with a number and you got the prize. The smaller the circle you hit, the better

a stuffed bear which was as big as a person. She realized that she needed to shoot number

want the

Cassandra's spirits. It was a rare sight to see her behave

avail, the circle was just too small. It didn't even look like anybody could ever win

poor attempts, stepped forward and took the gun. He held the gun in an expert grip, aimed and

as well as

10! With the last bullet

that was as small as