A Graduation Gift

All eyes turned to the lone figure who spoke. Lionel stood up with a smile and an air of confidence.

He started for the stage as soon as the words left his lips and stopped right beside Amanda.

Amanda was disappointed at Rufus's reaction and expected that he wouldn't do anything more today. She thought she was going to be stuck in this awkward situation. Surprisingly, Lionel was the one who rescued her. She felt grateful.

She didn't let this opportunity pass and immediately took advantage when Lionel made the offer. They signed the contract on the spot. The thunderous applause sounded soon after.

Horace, who was on the edge of his seat, secretly sighed in relief. Fortunately, Lionel came forward with a solution with to tricky problem. Otherwise, he could already see the headlines for tomorrow's paper—Tang Group, too arrogant?

"What's wrong with you, Rufus? It's an honor to be invited by Miss Ke. Why didn't you take the chance?"

He asked Rufus with an unpleasant tone. His eyebrows were furrowed.

This was the perfect chance for Tang Group to make its mark in history. What on earth was Rufus thinking by not making a move?

Rufus just stayed silent and observed the jubilant Amanda and Lionel shaking hands onstage.

He didn't like this form of coercion. Amanda attempted to force him into making some kind of response. He hated being forced most of all.

After signing the contract, Lionel went back to his seat. Amanda bowed deeply and ended the concert right there. She proceeded backstage amidst the deafening applause.

Rufus had planned to leave wordlessly, but Horace stopped him by placing his hand on his shoulder.

"Where are you going in such a hurry, Rufus?"

Horace asked suspiciously. He was visibly angry at Rufus.

Rufus did not fear him. He merely turned around and asked in return, "Father, don't you think the contract signing was a hasty move?"

He frankly spoke his mind.

Lionel, who was standing beside them, frowned at what he said. Rufus was clearly implying that his decision was too hasty.

"What? I don't see it like that. What I saw is that you refused to make the right decision at such a critical time. You disappoint me!"

Horace was quite livid whenever he remembered the crucial moment. He had always believed Rufus to be a reliable man who would always make the right decision; but today, he decided to close his eyes to the situation when it came to Amanda.

"Even if you didn't want the contract signed, you could have said something. How could you leave her hanging onstage like a fool?"

Rufus while Lionel jibed with his

invited us in her kindness. You could have at least said something. She is the official spokesperson for the Department of

pass up on the rare opportunity to teach Rufus a lesson. He kept the ball rolling while Horace was

sneered then turned to face

school been reported to the government? Is the government even aware of it?

asked aggressively with an icy

she announced it so openly, she must have informed

Rufus's questions. His eyes kept on

Spring Festival. She stayed here for three days before leaving. After the festival, she came here a week in advance to prepare for the concert. She must have been quite busy with the rehearsals and all that. Do you possibly

his sentiments

and started

the government to establish a school was a critically important thing. It took a really long time to conduct feasibility tests. Amanda and the government were connected for only a month. Even if she had already submitted the application before the concert, one month was too short to get the

probably gave her the green

Rufus raised valid points. Regardless, he would never admit

Amanda did not apply for a permit, the contract would be a joke. Lionel had signed his name on a sheet of paper for something that might

"Lionel, stop it!"

a lot of things in the field of business. He delved deeper and figured out that Amanda might only sign the contract for the hype. She definitely thought of this in the heat of the moment. Otherwise, the Tang Group would not

of Tang Group were present

no idea, let alone

signed on the spot? The answer

immediately after his father's command. His

to injury, "Think carefully before you act next time. If you stayed still for a few seconds more, I would have said something to solve

with poison. It

schedule a more

Don't do anything reckless

Lionel. The latter wanted to say more in his defense, but he knew it would be wasted. He instead

Sure it wasn't his

Victor had driven his land rover over, waiting for him. He also brought Rufus his phone.

There were several missed calls, and a text message from

will you

heart tightened the moment he pictured the poor

almost midnight. He wondered whether he could make it or not.

"Is it prepared?"

asked Victor anxiously.