A Graduation Gift

Amanda was astonished at the manner in which the mayor spoke; he seemed a completely different man. She knew the mayor as a family friend. They had discussed about the candidate for the spokesman, and it was sort of agreed on that Rufus would be the one representing the Industrial Tourism District with Amanda. But, why was the mayor acting so strangely today?

"Excuse me a moment, Miss Ke, I am going to announce the results!" Mayor said.

With a formal and polite smile, the mayor stepped onto the stage.

Being the most important part of the ball, all the people hushed, waiting intently for the announcement to be read out.

It would be a great honour for whoever became the spokesperson of G City. Being an integral part of the government, G City could advertise abroad, making it appealing to the tourists trade. In addition, it was to promote and advance one's career, and a great mission to be working with Miss Amanda Ke.

Rumour had it that the favourite to win by a mile would be Rufus.

As the Director of the Union of Real Estate, the Tang Group was naturally a powerful candidate. Amanda having a close relationship with the Tang Group was by no means a surprise if the government chose Rufus.

All eyes were on the centre podium. The mayor, facing the microphone, pulled out the page with a name. Nervously clearing his throat, he began.

"Spokesperson of the G City Industrial Tourism District, is conferred to our local entrepreneur..."

He paused, sort of teasing the audience playfully, and his eyes swept a glance at the audience.

Waiting in silence, Rufus still wore a expressionless mask on his face.

Amanda became a little anxious, stealing a quick glance at Rufus. Fearing Rufus would say a tactless remark as he did last time at her concert. This could embarrass the mayor on today's important occasion.

A very confident man stood beaming in the audience, pushing his already protruding chest out further than before.

"The president of Dawn Star Group, Mr. Arthur Zhuang! Congratulations!"

The mayor resumed in his loud and clear voice, followed by an uncomfortable silence.

'Arthur Zhuang? How could this be? Wasn't it supposed to be Rufus?'

Amanda was astonished. She had been given a reassuring promise from the local government. Rufus would be the spokesperson. How come it turned out to be Arthur instead?

Rufus never changed his detached look, disguising his true emotions which grew more intensive and showed in his eyes.

faint applause broke the silence, which drew the remaining audience out of

tie, wearing his confident smile, and strolled onto the stage to deliver his speech. The mayor stood by, smiling decadently, yet stealing a glance at the winner with a glint of resignation in his eyes.

you would never have had a chance, ' the mayor cursed within him. Resentfully the mayor watched Arthur having his moment of glory. 'The wheel turns my friend, I'll be watching you. When you slip up one way or another I will be

found guilty, the mayor would have to pay back the funds, be publicly humiliated and even loose his position. His family and friends would abandon him. After a lot of deliberation, he

the mayor, the man who was delivering his amiable speech, was as vicious as a devil. At the thought of Arthur, he felt a chill down his spine.

at Amanda, motioning her onto the

walked slowly towards the stage and finally stood next to

sudden and strange. Amanda was at a loss for

result happened to go as he wished, Rufus however remained nonchalant. He had no interest in taking

behind this result. A mixture of gut and curiosity, would spur him on to disclose the truth behind the scenes.

snap up photos for tomorrow's headlines. At the same time, the music resumed, and

spotted the silhouette standing on the stage

didn't have to see Rufus and Amanda, standing together on the stage. She was vulnerable

by their contradicting emotions and thoughts. Cassandra knew

even with Cassandra. She blamed her for her miscarriage and seethed with bitterness towards her.

cried suddenly.

pulled Cassandra down from her dream cloud. Ivy had slumped down on the floor for some reason. Cassandra couldn't figure out what was happening. Ivy had her knees already on the ground, her hands supporting her body,

succeeded in drawing the attention she needed. A large crowed

see the extent of the damage, whispering to each other as many of

woman again, what was she up to now..." There was some little buzz of conversation went among the crowd. "Gee, Mr. Horace Tang's

up, staring at Cassandra

Qin! How can you be so vicious, you tripped

She used a harsh tone to

me. Why are you doing

would go to these lengths, what was more, with such a large audience and government officials standing around them. It was so embarrassing.

You have nothing to do with the Tangs, but how can you do this to me? I'm sorry Lionel has left you, but you don't need to be

as she was trying to

forward and began to whisper.

lady is Cassandra, the present manager of the Qin Group. How could she be so mean and play such a low

unbelievable. It's not Ivy's fault they broke up. She's quite a decent girl and having all these people as witness. Such a

family troubles. How embarrassing for the Tang family. Cassandra has been known to be the difficult type. It's been said that when she was the manager of the Architecture and Design Department in the Tang Group, she would grab all the projects herself

that true?" "But she looks so cute. Well, is true, we cannot judge