A Graduation Gift

Cassandra hadn't expected Rufus to mention her name in front of everyone. She was surprised to hear him talk about her, not knowing how to react.

Everyone around turned toward her, staring at her face, smiling. All of a sudden, she was the centre of attraction.

She looked up at Rufus, who gently smiled at her, encouraging her.

"Cassandra is an excellent architectural designer. She has a great structural understanding of old, condemned buildings, which the rescue team benefited from immensely. It was because of her that they were able to locate the injured in such little time. I believe many of you have heard her story. We should be proud to have such a talented and conscientious designer in this industry!"

Rufus said and clapped, nodding his head. Everyone followed him and soon, the entire space reverberated with a loud applause.

People who were merely curious about who Cassandra was, now all stood admiring her.

Suddenly, Cassandra realized why Rufus had mentioned her. One, he was trying to raise funds for the revitalization of A City. Two, he wanted to seize this opportunity to make people more aware of Cassandra and what kind of person she really was, driving away all their misconceptions.

Rufus and Cassandra were the only two people from the Union who had gone to the earthquake-struck areas and taken part in the rescue work. Naturally, they were the only ones qualified to make a speech at the banquet.

Cassandra gazed at Rufus gratefully. The applause was so overwhelming. It made her blush.

"I really hope everyone here would donate money generously to contribute to the post-earthquake reconstruction of A City. I vouch for Tang Group. We will donate a hundred million and also propose to build a new, earthquake-proof library for the citizens of A City,"

Rufus declared firmly. The very way with which he talked conveyed what an excellent leader he was. Everyone in the room respected him not just because he was their superior but also because he was extremely humble and intelligent.

Lionel was amazed! 100 million! Did Tang Group even have that much money? Plus, Lionel hadn't heard about the board's approval regarding this donation.

Rufus beamed at the cheering people and got off the stage, as the curtains opened slowly behind him. One by one, the performers and singers emerged, transforming the vibe of the place completely into a kind of grand celebration.

Rufus walked to make his way to Cassandra through the crowd. Every few steps, someone would stop him to shake his hand or give him a pat on the back. Yet, his eyes remained fixed on Cassandra, with a constantly smiling mouth.

"How did you like the surprise?"

Rufus asked, brushing her forearm slightly.

"Thank you, Rufus."

She grabbed his hand and wrote on his palm with her finger.

Cassandra didn't utter a single word, instead kept staring at him lovingly. It was one of those moments when the silence spoke for itself.

Interrupting their dreamy exchange, Lionel emerged from behind Rufus, grabbing his shoulder.

"Rufus! How could you make a declaration like that! 100 million! Have you lost your mind?"

his teeth and

exponentially when he noticed Cassandra's hand in Rufus's.

in the

said slowly and calmly, after casting a

million! Where did you get so much

understand how Rufus had come to possess that

I give my money and Tang Group's reputation improves. It's a win-win situation for both of us. You don't have to care about how or why I

for Rufus, if the money he donated could change people's attitude towards Cassandra and help

gain some credibility and make people

perfect opportunity to acknowledge Cassandra

I have to know how you have this kind of money! Did you line your pocket from the construction projects

an accusatory tone.

Group earned this year, being the vice president? Look, I made profits from my personal funds, and I can do whatever I want with this money. What did you do for

a clown in Rufus's eyes. He never took him seriously and didn't even bother

inherited nothing of

further, Rufus and Cassandra walked

still and

blood boiled to see them together publicly. On top of that, they ignored Lionel like he was a street dog.

with a way to get back at them.

all kinds of people at the

sipped their drinks. And Rufus, calm as always, floated around the hall making hearty conversations, smiling and

about to end. When it was time for the last performance, the

of people and the clinking of glasses died out too.

wondering what was the climactic performance

He stared at the stage

unsettled. Her heart sank as soon as she saw the piano.

The

uproar, murmuring collectively, thinking there was a power

moment later, the lights were back. They were so bright that people were blinded, barely able to make out the figure of the beautiful woman who sat in front

glittering white gown. The fabric fit her body so

encompassed the air as she moved her fingers gently on the keys

in the beautiful sound

was like a bright star on a moonless, dark night, shining

1, which was a beautiful and fantasy-like piece. It instilled

on a beach, enjoying

Rufus's face in the darkness. She felt a fist close around her