18/12/2025
The universe works in strange and surprising ways.
I have a 90+ year-old client, A, who in November 2023 wanted to give me a gold-plated dog table stand to thank me for the comparative market analysis I had done for him. I replied, “Thank me after I’ve successfully concluded a deal with you,” and declined the gift. I felt that sharing research is simply part of my work, and no significant work had been completed yet. I didn’t want to 不劳而获 (reap without sowing (much)).
Soon after, he messaged me in Mandarin: “The dog’s owner didn’t want it, and it’s barking every day.”
😄
Loved his humor.
Earlier this year, I had the opportunity to almost conclude an $8+ million transaction with client A. But due to low interest rates and low returns, he felt it wasn’t worthwhile to park cash in the bank and withdrew from the sale. He apologized for the effort I had made, but I told him he didn’t need to. By then, he had undergone surgery and his health was much weaker.
Last Thursday, I met another client, B, a good friend also in his nineties.
Surprisingly, client B gave me a gift (likely in appreciation for past help and a lunch treat) that turned out to be a dog table stand.
It reminded me of client A, so I messaged his son. Unfortunately, I learned that he had recently passed away.
I was saddened by the news. But days later, I realized what a coincidence it was that client B gave me the similiar gift client A had once intended to, but never managed to.
P.S.: I knew these clients through different activities, and there’s little chance they knew each other.
I am immensely grateful and touched by the gestures of these beautiful souls, and heartened by the conversations we shared. 🙏🏼💝
Thank you, Gentlemen.
