Lala had just finished her morning routine at the small office where she worked when an unexpected knock came at the door. She opened it to see the company’s delivery assistant holding a neatly wrapped package, topped with a golden ribbon.
“For you, Lala,” he said with a grin.
She blinked in surprise. “For me? Are you sure?”
When she checked the label, her heart skipped. The sender’s name was printed clearly—CEO Kien. The CEO was a busy and respected leader, rarely involved in personal matters with staff. Lala had never imagined she would receive anything directly from him.
Curiosity sparked as she carefully untied the ribbon. Inside was a delicate crystal ornament shaped like a lotus flower. Its petals shimmered with tiny flecks of gold that caught the sunlight streaming through the window. Beneath the ornament lay a handwritten note:
“Dear Lala, thank you for your dedication and kindness. Your work does not go unnoticed. May this bring you joy and inspiration every day.” – Kien
Her eyes softened, and a warm smile spread across her face. She remembered the past few months of staying late to help colleagues meet deadlines, volunteering for projects outside her role, and always greeting everyone with kindness. She hadn’t expected recognition—she had simply wanted to do her best.
Word quickly spread through the office about Lala’s gift. Her friends gathered around, admiring the beautiful lotus and teasing her good-naturedly.
“Looks like someone’s the favorite now,” joked Minh from accounting.
Lala laughed but shook her head. “It’s not about being a favorite. I think he just wanted to encourage all of us to keep working with heart.”
Still, as she placed the crystal lotus on her desk, she felt a renewed sense of motivation. The gift wasn’t just a symbol of appreciation—it was a reminder that even small acts of effort and kindness could be seen and valued.
That day, Lala worked with an extra spark in her eyes. She had always believed in giving her best, but now she knew that sometimes, the universe—or even the CEO—gave something beautiful back in return.
