What is our price?

Many years ago, I was introduced to a businessman from another country which I would leave unmentioned. His office was fancy; his products were of the top kind and quality. My initial order quantity as a test order surprised and impressed him.

That night, I accepted his invitation to have dinner with him. He came wearing his very expensive Italian suit; I, on the other hand, was wearing my shirt and denims. When he had me fetched by a German-engineered luxury car, I began to see just how wealthy this person is. At the same time, I wondered if this businessman was putting on a show to impress me more than he already had.

He treated me to a very expensive restaurant. I knew it was expensive because I couldn’t understand what was written on the menu. He ordered wine, and I ordered soda. He looked over the menu and spoke in almost flawless Italian. When he asked me what I was having, I responded with the safest response anybody could give: “The same thing you are ordering.”

Over dinner, this businessman pulled out a small package and gave it to me. I looked at him without opening the package and asked, “Oh, what is this?” He said, “It’s an expensive vintage watch, Francis. I collect watches, and I would like you to have it.” “But we have not done business yet…” I started. He cut me off and said, “Francis, we are doing business, and do not worry. I do collect watches and I would like you to have it.”

Asian culture tells me that if I stand steadfast and refuse the gift, it would be taken as an offense, especially with this businessman many years older than me.

It must’ve been during his third or fourth glass of wine when he began to be talkative. He told me stories about his business deals with many other countries. He then said something that really caught my attention. He said, “Francis, I also do business with many of your private and government companies, and I am telling you, it is so easy to do business with your people.”

I thought he was going to say how friendly we are and how hospitable we can be. Instead, he said, “It’s so easy to do business, Francis. It’s just a matter of price. Everyone has a price. It’s just a matter of figuring out how much their price is.”

I wasn’t drinking wine, but I’m sure my cheeks flushed red at that instance. I calmly said, “Mr. Businessman, did you bring my orders?” He answered, “Why, yes, Francis. As a matter of fact, they are in my briefcase. Would you like to review them? Maybe add more to the orders?” Then he gave out a loud belly laugh. I smiled and said, “May I have them please?”

He took out the orders. I smiled at him and, to his horror, tore up the papers and said, “With all due respect, sir, this is one person in our country whose price you cannot afford. Thank you for the gift, but I don’t think I really need it.” I then excused myself, walked out of the restaurant, asked for a cab and went back to my hotel. My heart was beating like crazy wondering how I could’ve mustered the nerve to do what I did. But strangely, I was happy. 

You and I are expensive. We should never be bought by something as cheap as money.

A good name is more desirable than great riches; to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Since we can’t be as rich as the billionaires or even the millionaires, the one thing we might as well hold on to, which is the only way we can be at par with or even surpass them, is a good name – wealth in terms of character, relationship with family and personal relationship with God. This way, we may eat simply, but we sleep soundly!

(Francis Kong will do his highly acclaimed whole-day seminar “Culture of Personal Excellence” on October 17, 2013 at CCF Makati, A-Venue Mall, Makati Avenue. For further inquiries, please contact Inspire at 09158055910, or call 632-6310912 for details.)