A Graduation Gift

The moment Rufus and Cassandra drove away, Cloris's heart eased out. Rufus's suspecting attitude made her nervous. He
always acted as if she was after hurting Cassandra.
But according to her, he did not know what was right and what was wrong. In reality, she was the one who always got hurt.
If she told everyone what Cassandra did to her, it would ruin her reputation. She had to keep quiet for her own sake. But for how
long? One day, she would reveal who Cassandra was under the disguise.
Not after long, Cassandra and Rufus arrived at the prison where Vernon was. He was shocked to see Rufus standing by her
daughter in the visiting room, but it didn't take long for him to read the situation.
While Cassandra caught up with her father, Rufus stood beside them silently with a gentle smile.
She knew she should introduce Rufus to her father first, but the way Edith had behaved early in the day made her heart twist in
knots. She was afraid her father would give a similar reaction. She was simply wasting time dragging in irrelevant matters
instead of talking about Rufus.
But Rufus wasn't worried. He watched Cassandra talk to Vernon and stood there without any insecurity, as if he was invisible.
"So...what are you planning to do next?" Vernon asked, worried about her future.
Cassandra had told him how Lyndsy had decided to quit the entertainment industry. Vernon was worried about her, as she had
lost her job again.
Cassandra's eyes lit up. Her father's questions gave her an opportunity to change the topic.
"Rufus and I have talked about this. We're planning to run a studio together. I have decided to pursue painting and public
services," she explained.
She then looked up at Rufus, signaling him to say something.
Rufus understood her intention and turned to her father.
"Hello, Uncle Vernon. So this is our plan. Cassandra has a special talent for painting, even though she didn't major in fine arts in
college. She is very good at applying emotion into her art. I thought it was a good idea for her to pursue arts and suggested that
she establish her own studio, because it will make her very happy. She also makes earnest efforts to promote public good. It

would be perfect if she could combine the two ideas together. For example, she can invite kids from welfare houses to her studio
and teach them how to paint," Rufus explained, taking his time.
Vernon nodded in response, giving his approval.
"If it concerns public good, you can expand to all social groups, instead of limiting to the kids alone. You can include specially-
abled people, kids from the schools for deaf-mutes, and so on. You can even invite some well-known painters to hold large-scale
events. It will make the best of both worlds, not only improving the reputation of your studio but also to help the people in need!"
he added, sounding content with the idea.
Even though Vernon was behind the bars, his thoughts were as quick and kind as before. Soon, he put forward several good
ideas for Cassandra.
"Painting is also a method of treating diseases in developed countries. You can keep learning and try more things. It's a way of
healing people with depression. I remember you yourself didn't talk a lot when you were little, and that you kept a distance from
people, even from me and your mother! But you spent a lot of time painting. It is definitely worth trying and it will bring joy to your
life. Organize a lot of activities for the kids. It will be a great contribution to the society!"
Vernon poured the flood of ideas, and his face lit up with excitement.
"Yes, yes! I like all these ideas. They sound superb. Father, I should hire you as my planning manager!"
Cassandra flattered her father, which led him to clap his hands in excitement!
"Of course! I am qualified enough to be a planning manager. I used to be a company's chairman before!"
Vernon laughed loudly, almost forgetting the anguished prison life for a moment.
Seeing Cassandra every time she came made him happy. But these visits were so short.
"Okay, Cassandra, time's up. I need to go back to my cell," Vernon said, standing up.
Before bidding goodbye and turning away, he looked into Rufus's eyes with a pleasant smile, and then patted him on his
shoulders.
He didn't say a word to him, but the warmth in his eyes was enough to express his contentment.

On the other hand, Rufus felt like he had gotten Vernon's approval, and nodded at him with a determined face.
Finally, Vernon let out a big laugh and walked away, waving goodbye.
"What did I miss? What was this secret communication between you and my father?" Cassandra asked curiously.
She raised her eyebrows at Rufus, smiling sheepishly, "Well, like you said, it's a secret; you won't understand."
Rufus tried to make it sound like a mystery, reluctant to reveal that her father had accepted him.
'Cassandra...maybe you will understand this feeling when you have kids of your own in the future. The deep love that a father
gives her daughter isn't to keep her around for any selfish reasons, because he will grow old day by day and die in front of her
eventually. It's in the hope that the love will forever protect his daughter...' Rufus thought to himself.
'The purest form of love a father can give her daughter is by giving her hand to another man with his sincere blessings, trusting
the man to take care of his daughter for him in the future.
That was what your father meant to tell me when he patted my shoulder.
He was asking me to love you for him.'