A Graduation Gift

When Amanda finished, the audience roared with a thunderous applause.

She stood up, bowed to show her appreciation; and then her eyes scanned the crowd for Rufus. Finally, they settled on him and happiness reeked through her body.

Rufus noticed the way she looked at him. When he met her gaze, he promptly moved his eyes away.

But Amanda wasn't upset. Just one look which had lasted only for a few seconds filled her with contentment.

Nothing could spoil her mood today. The admiration she felt for him explained the extra piece which was not listed on the program. It was exclusively for Rufus.

When she gave Lionel the admission ticket, she also saved one for Rufus. Instead of giving it to him by herself, she handed it over to his assistant. In spite of this, she highly doubted he would show up. She vividly remembered what happened the last time—she had given him two tickets for the concert but instead of Rufus, an unknown man and woman showed up.

'But today he came!' her heart wanted to scream again and again. When she first spotted Rufus on a VIP seat, her mouth was agape with surprise.

Once the information finally sank in, she looked around and spotted Lionel. He was sitting with an old man who wore a stern look.

Out of excitement, she decided to continue with another piece soon after her half-time break.

Secretly, she hoped the piece would strike a chord in Rufus's heart. Her intention was to revive his memories. She wanted him to recollect their past and feel nostalgic.

A sly smile crept on her face when she realized this was their little secret. Nobody else in the audience had any idea about her intention. They presumed Amanda had played an extra piece as a bonus. Artists often rewarded their fans with an extra piece so nobody found this to be unusual.

Amanda continued to communicate with the audience using her music. It left everyone intoxicated.

No one could have guessed what would happen next.

When the second half ended, everyone stood up to applaud. Amanda once again bowed and showed her gratitude.

For the hundredth time, her eyes drifted and landed on Rufus. But this time, she didn't look away. In an emotional tone, she began speaking, "There was a time when I thought my music was only recognized overseas. Due to this, I pushed myself to make a mark there. But gradually I have come to learn that music has no boundary. Due to my Chinese ancestry, I find myself getting more and more drawn towards the music industry of China. After giving it a lot of thought, my studio and I have come up with a solution. We have decided to shift the focus from overseas to home. Yes guys, you heard me right! My new studio is going to be located here in G City!"

It took a few seconds for the audience to realize their ears weren't playing tricks on them. To confirm their doubts, they started whispering to one another. There was a part of them that still couldn't believe what they heard. They didn't understand why Amanda would choose G City for her future development.

Seeing their confusion, Amanda added, "I understand why you all look so surprised. You must be wondering why I picked G city out of all the places. You might want to know why I didn't choose Beijing which is the capital of culture. Also there is Shanghai which is the capital of prosperity. I completely get your concern and won't hesitate before coming clean to you people. To be honest, I admire the vitality of G City, but that's not the sole reason for shifting here. The truth is the person I care about is living in this city."

In her gentle voice, she went about and filled the audience with truth. There was something very vulnerable in her eyes.

hence I wish to be closer to him. Every time I feel the pulse of G City, it is as if I'm feeling his heartbeat.

stranger, I've decided to settle in G City. I am not sure if my decision will have any impact on him but I definitely think it is worth a

her statement. They couldn't believe she was pouring her true feelings before them. They sat there in

G City. Hence I've decided to build one which will be called 'Amanda Piano School'. The aim of this institute is to provide education for the ones who are

planned to announce it today. But when she found out Rufus was

expressed her feelings

arounded and fixed her gaze on Rufus's direction. While she did this, pure emotions were depicted in her eyes.

Ke seems to be

suspicion in his tone. He wanted to confirm his doubts

kept on fixating her gaze in their direction. He

and Amanda

up overseas. There might be some connection between

mentioned the person she cares about is living here. Were they lovers before?' his sharp mind started

She didn't say anything yet, so

a sour mood and thinking about Rufus spoiled it further. The knowledge of Rufus's secretive relationship with Cassandra was eating him alive.

picked up a site for my music school and I've also selected the construction company. Now I would like to welcome the president of that company on stage in

Manners to hand her the contract.

their excitement. This news was completely unexpected and they started talking and whispering

No one would have expected to hear such a good news. And the fact it

things even better, the signing of the contract would take place in front of them.

hall and once again fixated her gaze on Rufus.

School to the best construction company of

explosive news and people roared with applause. In truth, Amanda had decided the construction company even before she announced her decision. Like all her other

the president of Tang Group. In fact, he was more than just a president, he was the one who was in charge of Tang Group now. So they were well aware he would have to sign the

were a little disturbed by the fact that he remained in his seat. His eyebrows were pulled together and doubts were etched in his

to make her future

Hence this news came to him all of a sudden and caught him completely off guard. He realized If he didn't go up to the stage, she would be

him from doing it. 'Would she misunderstand things if I sign the contract? Will she think I want to start things all over again?' he

The audience stopped whispering and all eyes were on Rufus. The dreadful silence

started to think that Rufus didn't know how to appreciate favors. They just couldn't understand why he would humiliate