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.

drew the remaining audience out of

deliver his speech. The mayor stood by, smiling decadently, yet stealing a glance at the winner with a glint of resignation

blackmailed me, 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 there, ' the

had found evidence that the mayor had been abusing the public funds. If found guilty, the mayor would have to pay back the funds, be publicly humiliated and even loose his position. His family and friends would

as a devil. At the thought of Arthur, he felt a chill down his spine. His face showed no expression as his

waved at Amanda, motioning her onto the stage.

walked slowly towards the stage and finally stood

a loss for words unable to respond, throwing an appealing look

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

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

the stage to snap up photos for tomorrow's headlines. At the same time, the music resumed, and the party continued as the shock of the event muffled in the excitement which engulfed

silhouette standing on the stage

a great advantage for Rufus, ' Cassandra thought. Nevertheless, she was quite relieved that she didn't have to see Rufus and Amanda, standing together on the stage. She was vulnerable

contradicting emotions and thoughts. Cassandra knew she needed to get a grasp on it.

destroy her. Ivy was intent of getting even with Cassandra. She blamed her for her miscarriage and seethed with bitterness towards her. Ivy who was closing on the little woman, had the assignment

cried suddenly.

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

she needed. A large crowed

were inquisitive to see the extent of the damage, whispering to each other as many of them knew who

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

at Cassandra with a pathetic look.

Qin! How can you be so vicious, you

accused Cassandra, keep the attention on them. She used a harsh tone to express

Ivy, you trying to frame me. Why are you doing this? Are you looking for

lengths, what was more, with such a large audience and government officials standing around them.

to do with the Tangs, but how can you do this to

as she was trying to talk.

forward and began

the Qin Group. How could she be so

quite a decent girl and having all

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

so cute. Well, is true, we cannot judge a person by