Man A was going home after work. While walking through a mall to get to the carpark, he saw Man B asking something from Man C in front of him. Man B was dressed in simply a gray short-sleeves T-shirt with a little hole here and there seen on the shirt, a three quater pants with pockets that stuck out and a pair of worn-out slippers. 

"Sir, can you spare me two bucks? I lost my wallet and I don't have any cash on me, I just need a little money to board the bus home. I promise, I'll pay you back." Man B asked politely.

Man C seems irritated and he shrugged off Man B's hand with a frustrated face plastered on him. "Why don't you spare me two bucks? Pay me back? Who are you kidding? You look poor enough. I am in a hurry, leave me alone." Without another word, he walked off.

Man A shook his head at the scene in front of him. He recognised Man C as the CEO of his rival company who is currently on spar with his company to sign on a project. There can only be one company between the two. Which company failed to sign the contract, will go bankrupt. Man A hadn't known that Man C was the impatient guy. Man C was rich, now. Two bucks won't hurt him at all, right?

Man A walked up to Man B and tapped him on the shoulder. Man B turned around and Man A handed over two bucks. "Keep it. You need a ride home, right?" Man A smiled at Man B.

Beaming happily, Man B thanked and bowed gratefully to Man A. "Thank you! I'll pay you back! I promise!"

Man A chuckled and patted Man B's back. "I'll wait for that day!" Seeing that it was time to get home to his family, Man A bidded farewell to Man B.

***

-D-Day of signing of the contracts-

Both Man A and Man C sat opposite each other across the table, waiting for the very important role to enter the room and announce the winning company that has the project signed over. Right on the dot, a man wearing a very expensive office suit swayed into the room, his presence oozing with charms. Both Man A and Man C widened their eyes at the very familiar man; Man B.

Never had Man C expected Man B to be a man of wealth, a man of more wealth than he has. Whereas, Man A was surprised simply at Man B's presence. He had never expected to meet Man B again, although he was hoping that they could have coffee over a break sometimes.

"The company I choose is, A interprise holdings." Man B announced while giving a smile over to Man A.

Obviously surprised, Man A stood from his seat and thanked Man B. "You don't know how grateful I am for your decision!"

"It's nothing. I told you I'll pay you back, remember?" Man B chuckled at Man A.

"Mr. B! I-I-I didn't know it was you! I w-would have lent you the money if you had told me who you were!" Man C cut in and pretended to be sorry yet friendly at the same time.

"Forget it, Mr. C. It was a test and you failed it. If you would only choose to do a kind deed after knowing of the other party's status, that does not make it a good deed. I was expecting more from you after hearing what my father said about you. I guess he saw wrong in you." Man B shook his head and long later, the contract between Man A and Man B's company was signed. Man C held gaze onto the contract with regrets and envy. Man A and B shook hands before they stood and left the room for a cup of coffee, as friends.

"So, Mr. B, I heard just now that it was a test, why?" Man A asked curiously.

"You know how big this project is. It holds onto many employees' jobs and I am investing a big amount of money into it. I want to work with one that I can trust and be comfortable with. Long before my company got this big, I used to beg on the streets as a kid for food and money. I still hold onto that very feeling of being despised and disgusted by people up till now. I needed a person of great principles and manners for this project. I had no other way but to do a test this way. Only a person who does not see the difference in status in his eyes is someone worthy to work and trust with. That's why I chose your company." Man B explained. "Besides, two bucks may be very little for us, but to a man of nothing, it means thousands to them. Tell me, if someone lent ten bucks to you when you're almost dying, and when you have loads of money, will you return that guy whom you borrowed from who needs at least a thousand now with just ten bucks, or more?"

"More."

"That's right. Why? At that very moment, ten bucks given to you when you need it is like a thousand. Without that ten bucks, you may have died. Which is why, when you can afford it, repay it." Man B smiled. "I have a connection with you. I like you already. Maybe we can be friends instead of business partners!"

"I have a question. What if none of us had given you money the other day?"

"Simple. I wouldn't have chosen any of you. I am not lacking of anything."

***

Moral of story: Do not judge a person by their appearance. And do not despise people, you will never know when you'll need help from them one day. 

Just thought I'll mention this because a woman asked some money from me today. Suddenly, this just came into my mind. I remember my mom telling something similar to this to me long ago. And when my family was poor during a period of time, a relative actually gave me and my brother some money to spend on food. We were really touched, my brother and I told ourselves to provide for her too when we grow up and starts working.