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.

these

Cassandra took a gander at the place. It was grand

place wasn't what surprised her the most, it was the fact that they were the only two guests at the restaurant. Rufus booked the whole joint! Mellow piano music echoed

her were having a candlelight dinner. The

was all too

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

tell from her melancholic eyes.

a nice place nearby. Would you like to go check it out? Our company is investing in a new construction project in the vicinity. You might catch some inspiration

had been worried about one particular design lately and some much-needed

could assent, Rufus had already started the car and sped forward. The strong V12

understand each other so perfectly well

parked his car in front of a huge amusement park entrance. Cassandra rolled down her window

the night, the park was still packed with tourists. Neon lights reflected on every surface and the crowd was bustling with commerce and leisure. Children and teenagers were screaming onboard the thrill rides.

hand and they went in. He stood out since he was wearing a business suit amongst the crowd who had

the park, all of Cassandra's sadness and disappointment disappeared. Seeing

was startled by Cassandra's concern. But he listened anyway and took off his jacket.

much younger with

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

into laughter, not a care about how

seemed to light up. Rufus noticed

sat down next to Rufus and buckled up. She also held the handrail tightly, nervous and thrilled at the same

worry. You can always hold my hand

a chill went down her spine. She looked at Rufus

ride started and the large boat started swinging through the air. The pendulum motions brought a weightless feeling and made Cassandra dizzy. She screamed as the boat went higher and higher. They were all clearly enjoying the

was completely fine, as if he didn't ride the

had been trained to withstand those kinds of situations. The ride was a breeze for him. Even if he rode the most thrilling ride in the park, he

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 handed

Try your luck! Five rounds in the gun, and it's free. Let's see what

and you got the prize. The smaller the

which was as big as a person. She realized that

want the

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

at her target. She tried four times to no avail, the circle was just too small. It didn't even look

He held the gun in an expert grip, aimed

well as the vendor's.

it. He shot number 10!

was as small as a fingernail.