The escorts opened the bags in front of Mike, Carla, and the manager.
Inside were bundles of one-thousand-peso bills.
Mike’s jaw dropped. His face turned pale. The manager’s eyes nearly popped out.
“Child,” Lolo Tasyo said to Carla, “count it. That’s my payment for the ten pickup trucks.”
“T-Ten vehicles?!” Carla asked in shock.
“Yes,” Lolo replied. “They’re for my farm supervisors. A gift for their hard work. I don’t want them walking or biking like me.”
THE REGRET
The atmosphere suddenly changed. Mike ran toward Lolo Tasyo like a desperate dog.
“Sir! Sir Tasyo!” Mike said flatteringly. “I’ll personally assist you! I’m the senior salesman! I process transactions faster than Carla! Let’s go to my office—there’s coffee!”
Lolo Tasyo looked at Mike with an authoritative stare.
“You?” Lolo said. “Weren’t you the one who said I couldn’t even afford one tire?”
“I was just joking, Sir!” Mike laughed nervously.
“I don’t need your service,” Lolo said firmly. “What I need is respect. And only Carla gave me that.”
Lolo then turned to the manager.
“Manager, I’ll buy the ten cars in cash—on one condition.”
“What is it, Don Tasyo?” the manager asked, bowing deeply.
“Give the entire commission to Carla. And this man…” pointing at Mike, “…I don’t want to see his face while I’m here. Otherwise, I’ll buy from another company.”
“Yes, Sir!” the manager replied. He turned to Mike. “Mike, get out! You’re suspended for one month! Go clean the bathrooms in the back!”
ENDING
Mike left in shame while the other employees laughed.
Carla was left crying tears of joy. The commission from ten vehicles was enough to change her life and her family’s future.
Lolo Tasyo got into his new lead vehicle, while the other nine were driven by his workers. He left his old bicycle in the showroom as a reminder.
Before leaving, he whispered to Carla:
“Child, true wealth isn’t in shiny cars or fine clothes. It’s in humility. Stay kind.”
And the convoy of ten brand-new vehicles drove away, leaving behind a lesson the arrogant salesman would never forget.
