I Helped a Struggling Classmate. 15 Years Later, I Met Someone Who Changed Everything

Moving to Texas and Growing Up

However, about a year into this routine, Katie had to move. Her parents divorced, and she decided to move with her mom to her maternal grandparents’ place in Texas.

Before moving, she and her mom came over to say goodbye.

“I can’t thank you enough for all that you’ve done for Katie. We’ll never forget your kindness.” saying so, her mother bowed to my mom.

“Oh, please, it’s okay. Please raise your head.” my mom responded.

“We help each other out during tough times. Don’t give it another thought.” she said.

My mom was a person of strong principles and kindness; I have tremendous respect for her. I can’t recall the conversation I had with Katie that day.

I haven’t seen her since. We exchanged Christmas cards every year, but that also ceased after five to six years.,

Then I graduated college and started working at a precision machinery manufacturer. I was assigned to sales, and it’s been three years now.

Taking over clients from seniors and establishing new ones, I now handle numerous major accounts.

A Crisis at the Office

“Good morning, Jason.” my colleague Mike from the next desk greeted me.

“Good morning.”

“Tomorrow we’ve got a meeting with AB Electronics. It’s a big deal that’s vital for the company. Are you pumped and prepared?”

“Yes, I’ll have it ready for review later.”

As we talked, a secretary called out to Mike.

“Mike, there’s a call for you from AB Electronics.”

Picking up the phone, Mike’s face turned pale rapidly.

“What? How could this? Yes, I see. I’m terribly sorry. Right away, please. Can you give us one more chance? What? Wait, hold on!”,

After hanging up, he just stared blankly, still holding the phone.

“What happened?”

Turning to me, he said, “Jason, you gave the wrong time to AB Electronics for our meeting, didn’t you? They thought the meeting was yesterday. They’re furious that we stood them up. This deal is toast. It’s your fault!”

“What? But wasn’t it you who communicated the schedule to them?”

“What? You trying to pin this on me?”

I wanted to throw his words right back at him. To begin with, I hadn’t communicated the schedule to the client at all.

Mike had arranged the schedule and then informed me about it later, and yet, trying to blame it on me, he reported the matter to his boss and supervisor.

An Impossible Ultimatum

Johnson went to apologize on his behalf; however, they wouldn’t listen and in the end, the deal with AB Electronics fell through. When Johnson returned, he said to me:,

“Jason, what have you done? Because of you, the crucial deal we staked our company’s future on has been ruined. How are you going to make this right?”

“But sir, it wasn’t me who informed them about the schedule. It was Mike.”

“Enough! No excuses. You’ve caused harm to the company. Maybe you should consider resigning.” that’s something Johnson always says when he’s angry.

“Wait, I really don’t want to quit.”

“Then bring in a contract worth the same amount as the machine we were going to sell to AB Electronics within three days, or you are fired!”

How could I possibly secure such a deal in just three days? I was at a loss for words after hearing Johnson’s ultimatum.

But then I remembered something. There’s a client who’s currently considering purchasing the same machine we were planning to sell to AB Electronics.

They always try to haggle the price down, constantly negotiating for discounts. I’d almost given up thinking they had no intention of buying, but now I had to somehow close the deal with them.,

I quickly revised the quotation and set an appointment with that client. Upon arriving at their company, a man named Kevin assisted me.

“I’ve brought a new quotation today.”

I handed him the quote and Kevin scrutinized it.

“Can’t you go a little lower?”

“I really can’t go any lower. We’ve adjusted the price several times already.”

I pleaded with Kevin, putting on a distressed look.

“Please, Kevin. I’m sure our equipment will be very beneficial to your company. We’ll even include regular maintenance.”

Kevin pondered, crossing his arms.

“I get what you’re saying, but at this price, my superiors might not approve. I personally want to purchase it.”

“But how about I explain the benefits directly to your boss? Maybe over a meal or something?”

“That might be difficult. My boss is pretty busy.”

A Difficult Supervisor and a Sudden Rescue

“I’m begging you, Kevin. Please just give me a chance to discuss it over dinner.” I pleaded desperately.

The machine sells for tens of thousands of dollars. For our company, the cost of a dinner would be insignificant compared to the sale.

“All right, alas. But my boss is out right now, so I’ll get back to you another day.”

*”That’s fine. Thank you so much.”

Kevin saw me out of the conference room. Just then, the elevator opened and an older man entered the office.

“Supervisor! I wanted to see you. Do you have a moment?” seeing him, Kevin immediately approached.

So this is Kevin’s superior. Kevin explained the situation to the supervisor, but to my surprise, the supervisor began to shout angrily.

“Trying to win us over with a dinner? We’ve told you countless times, if we can’t afford it, we can’t buy it! If you can’t offer a better price, then just leave and don’t come back!”,

Did I do something so wrong to be yelled at like this? While I was still in shock, Kevin whispered to me as he nudged me towards the exit.

“I’m sorry. He is just in a bad mood today. He always lashes out like this when he’s upset.”

It seems the supervisor is quite a difficult character, but without his approval, we won’t be able to finalize the deal. If I don’t land this contract, I’m going to lose my job.

What should I do? As I was racking my brain, I heard the sound of heels clicking down the hallway.

“Wait, Supervisor!” I turned around to the sound of a young woman’s voice.

And there stood a beautiful woman in a business suit.

“Watson, what’s up?” she quickly approached the puzzled looking supervisor.

“I’ve reviewed the documents too, and I believe that equipment from that company would be valuable for us. Please consider purchasing it.”,

She looked straight into the supervisor’s eyes as she spoke.

“Well, if you say so, Watson. Kevin, move forward with the contract process right away.”