In the heart of the bustling city, a luxury sports car showroom gleamed with polished metal and pride. The place was usually filled with wealthy clients and confident salesmen who believed they could judge a person’s worth at a single glance. One quiet afternoon, an elderly man walked through the glass doors. His clothes were simple, his shoes worn, and his steps unhurried.
“Sir, I’d like to buy this car,” he said politely, pointing toward a sleek new sports model.
The manager, leaning lazily against a counter, let out a mocking laugh. “This car? You don’t even look like you can afford the gas for it,” he sneered. A few staff members chuckled under their breath, sharing smug glances.
The old man smiled softly, not offended. “But I really would like to buy it,” he repeated gently.
“Get out before we call security,” the manager snapped, his tone filled with disdain.
Before anyone could react, a young intern, sitting quietly behind a desk, stood up. Her heart raced, but her voice remained steady. “Sir, it’s okay. Let me help you,” she said kindly. She fetched him a glass of water and cleaned a chair so he could sit. “If you’re interested, I can explain the model’s features to you.”
The manager glared at her. “Are you crazy? He’s a bum! If you keep wasting your time with him, don’t bother coming to work tomorrow.”
The old man stayed silent. Instead, he took out his phone and made a call. “Yes, son. Please come to the West Branch of Valora Motors right now. I want you to see something.”
Within ten minutes, three black luxury cars arrived outside the showroom. A young man in an elegant suit stepped out, followed by several executives. The entire showroom fell silent. The manager, suddenly pale, forced a smile. “Sir, we were just trying to assist a customer,” he stammered.
The young man’s expression was cold. “Do you have any idea who the man you just disrespected is?” he asked sharply. “He is the founder of this company — and I’m the CEO who runs it for him.”
Gasps filled the room. The arrogant laughter from earlier vanished in an instant. The staff members stood frozen in disbelief, their faces drained of color.
The elderly man turned toward the intern, who stood trembling in the corner, unsure of what would happen next. “She was the only one who treated me like a human being,” he said softly.
The CEO’s stern expression melted into a smile. “Starting tomorrow, your internship is over. Report to corporate headquarters — there’s a new position waiting for you,” he said warmly.
Then his tone turned sharp again as he looked at the others. “As for all of you — don’t bother coming back tomorrow.”
The lesson was clear: respect costs nothing, but arrogance can cost everything. Never judge someone by their appearance — because you never know who might be standing before you.