A Graduation Gift

Cassandra had always convinced herself that as long as she indulged herself in working hard, things would become better.

For her not to be a person who couldn't earn her living and be dependent on others, she went to Rome to study architecture and design.

While some of her classmates were shopping, dating and partying, Cassandra stayed in the library, studying piles of thick books about architecture.

Cassandra, as one of the few Asians in college, consistently scored higher than her classmates and won the full scholarship. She was studying at one of the prestigious schools in Rome without spending a penny.

In one instance, she had beaten some famous designers and won a prize in a design competition when she was still a college student.

When she was employed by the Tang Group, no one really trusted and respected her. She was so young and inexperienced. Everyone wondered how she could be the manager of the design department of the Tang Group. Cassandra ignored all those criticisms. She had just kept her mouth shut while busy signing contracts one after another.

There was a two-hour lunch break in Tang Group. During the break, everyone in the office would gather together and get out to grab some food. Cassandra, however, would always take a snap, order something to takeout and then get back to work right after lunch.

She was never late or got off work early for no reasons. Instead, she always worked late, determined to give her clients a perfect design.

She worked very hard these past years, thinking that her life was getting better and better gradually. However, now she felt exhausted. She didn't know whether she could carry on with her way of life.

"Cassandra, some senior executives of your father's company came to our house today. They asked me about my plans. They said if the business volume couldn't recover, they might resign,"

Edith called Cassandra during the lunch break. She sounded so nervous on the other end of the phone that Cassandra could even imagine her anxiety without seeing her.

"I see, mother. I will go to dad's company tomorrow and talk to them. Please don't worry."

When she hung up the phone, Cassandra bent over the desk and sighed, helpless.

She felt stressed and drained.

Cassandra thought the prize she won in the competition could support herself for a while. However, Horace gave all her cases to the other designers and she couldn't even fight for that. Otherwise, people would think her as a self-centered and arrogant manager who would take all the credits and didn't give opportunities to others.

She was so annoyed.

Suddenly, the door opened. Victor walked into her office, with a food container in his hand.

"Good afternoon, Manager Qin. Mr. Luo asked me to bring you this."

Victor walked towards her desk and put down the food container and left. Victor's timing was just perfect. Cassandra was hungry and she was glad that someone sent her some food.

She opened the container, the meat dishes and vegetables all looked tasty and smelled better than the takeout she used to order.

Fried potatoes with green pepper, stewed pork trotters...everything looked mouthwatering.

Cassandra could see that Rufus had put a lot of effort into preparing them.

and enjoy the sumptuous meal. Clearing off her desk, she took the dishes and carefully placed the

she was about to eat the dish, Cassandra noticed a card stuck at the

she couldn't help but be amazed at how thoughtful

note said, "Enjoy your meal and

wave of warmth rushed over Cassandra making her excited

competition, helped her find Joel who framed her up. And now, he was worried about her health since she always ordered takeouts all the time and prepared meals for her.

note. It reminded her of what Rufus said to

wait for me. I will leave the Tang Group one day. By then, we can stay with together forever, ' Cassandra thought to herself.

office, Rufus just finished his work and turned off his computer.

you throw it

a gloomy

"Throw… away?"

very confused. He thought Rufus

gave the food container to

but he was an efficient one. Rufus could sense that something went wrong since

words, Victor felt electrified, as if there was something buzzing inside his

he walked into Rufus's office, Angie handed him the food container and said, "President asked

sweet smile before going back to her desk.

still warm. Opening it to see what was inside, he was surprised to

assumed Rufus asked him to give

it appeared that… he misunderstood Rufus! It was not supposed for Cassandra. Victor didn't know how to

container… I…I…I…gave

was the first time that he made such a stupid

head and peeked at Rufus. Judging from the look of his face, Victor knew that something was preoccupying him

Qin doing in her

to work during her lunch break. But since she didn't get too much work lately, he wondered

talking with her mother on the phone. It

get mad at him because of his mistake. Usually Rufus was very serious about work and very strict when they made

you

sigh of relief and was about to leave when Rufus called him again, "Oh, Victor, one more thing. Wait in

his head and left the office. Rufus stood up and continued to

information about Vernon's company before. He thought there was no chance for him to use that information. But it

her own, she might not be able to solve the problem. At this time, he needed

Cassandra's office, Victor took the food container from her. With it in his hand, he walked

felt relieved. 'Mission accomplished!' he thought. Turning around, he was approached by a wide, friendly smile. It scared him, making him step

Victor! What did you just

very nice baked rice for lunch in a nearby restaurant and was in a very