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.

was given that these

took a gander at the place.

the only two guests at the restaurant.

candlelight dinner. The

all too surreal.

up. She wanted to forget about Lionel, Ivy, and everything else. She was too

her melancholic eyes. His brows furrowed and looked

company is investing in a new construction project in the vicinity. You might

had been worried about one particular design lately

Cassandra could assent, Rufus had already started the car and sped forward. The strong V12 engine of the Rolls-Royce made her stick

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

in front of a huge amusement park entrance. Cassandra rolled down her window and stuck her head out for

park was still packed with tourists. Neon lights reflected on every surface and the crowd

he was wearing a business suit amongst the crowd who had a

Seeing Rufus all serious, she offered, "Why don't you take off

was startled by Cassandra's concern. But he

look so much younger with just the shirt

for a more examining look at Rufus. He was so handsome, like a prince who came straight out of a

burst into laughter, not a care about how

they passed by the pirate ship ride, Cassandra's eyes seemed to

minutes later, it was their turn to get on. Cassandra sat down next to Rufus and buckled up. She also held the handrail tightly, nervous and thrilled at the same time.

always hold my

went down her spine. She looked at Rufus and smiled. It always made her

the air. The pendulum motions brought a weightless feeling and made Cassandra dizzy. She screamed as the boat went higher and higher.

turned to Rufus to see how he 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

at this. He had been trained to withstand those kinds of situations. The ride was a breeze for him. Even if he rode the

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

rounds in the gun, and it's free.

was a 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 topshelf, and saw a stuffed bear which was as big as a person. She realized that she needed to shoot number 10 to

want the huge

atmosphere in the amusement park raised Cassandra's spirits. It was a rare sight to see her behave

and aimed at her target. She tried four times to no avail, the circle was just too small. It didn't even look like anybody could ever win that

was silently watching Cassandra's poor attempts, stepped forward and took the gun. He held the gun in an expert grip, aimed and pulled the trigger in

well as the vendor's.

number 10! With the last bullet

the circle that was as small as a