Inside were tightly packed bundles of cash. Thousands upon thousands. They smelled of earth and age—but they were real money. The life savings of a farmer who had worked the land for forty years, saving for his family’s dream.
Greg froze. The pen slipped from his hand. The laughter of the other agents turned into shock.
“M-money…” Greg stammered. He rushed over, slightly pushing Paolo aside.
“Sir! Sir! I’m the Senior Sales Manager. I’ll personally assist you for faster service. VIP treatment!”
As Greg reached for the bag, Tatay Berting tapped his hand away.
“Don’t touch it,” Tatay Berting said firmly. His voice carried an authority that made Greg bow his head.
“Earlier, you chased me away. You said I was ruining the ambiance. Now that you’ve seen what’s inside my bag, I’m suddenly a VIP?”
Greg’s face turned red. The showroom manager came out because of the commotion.
“What’s going on here?” the manager asked.
“I’m buying a car, sir,” Tatay Berting said.
“But I don’t want this man to get the commission,” pointing at Greg.
“I want it all to go to this young man. He was the only one who saw me as a person, not as trash.”
Greg had no choice but to bow in shame as the other staff applauded Paolo and Tatay Berting.
When the new car was brought out, Tatay Berting got in. Before leaving, he rolled down the window and looked at Greg.
“Son, respect isn’t like a car that you can buy with money. It’s given freely—even to someone wearing only a sleeveless shirt.”
Tatay Berting drove away, leaving Greg stunned, while Paolo tearfully thanked him for the blessing born of kindness.