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

he noticed

my own money, just in the name of the Tang Group,"

calmly, after casting a

Where did you get

didn't understand how Rufus had come to possess that huge amount

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 have this

donated could change people's attitude towards Cassandra and help rebuild her image, it would be worth it.

him gain some credibility and make people

thought it was the perfect opportunity to acknowledge Cassandra in

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

in an accusatory

Tang Group earned this year, being the vice president? Look, I made profits from my personal funds, and I can do whatever I want

Rufus's eyes. He never took him seriously and didn't

fool. He had inherited nothing of

on pestering him further, Rufus and Cassandra walked away together, holding

standing still and watched them

them together publicly. On top of that, they ignored Lionel like he

way to get back

of people at the

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

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

hall turned out and soon the chitter-chatter of people and the clinking of glasses died out too. Slowly,

what was the climactic

as excited as all the others. He stared at the stage with pursed lips, annoyed, foreseeing what was going to

too, was unsettled. Her heart sank as soon as she saw the

out again. The whole room was pitch black

collectively, thinking there

barely able to make out the figure of the beautiful woman who sat in front of the piano.

fit her body so elegantly and she looked like an

gently on the keys with her eyes shut.

immersed in the beautiful sound of the music.

a bright star on a moonless, dark

which was a beautiful and fantasy-like piece. It instilled a vision of moon rays reflecting off the surface of

present felt as if they were on a beach, enjoying the gentle breeze blowing in

sunk. She couldn't see Rufus's face in the darkness.