“Morning, boss! Morning, boss!” Every morning in the office, these words are spoken one after another, deafening, like a king’s arrival, with the citizens giving their respects.
“I’m sorry! I’m sorry! Big boss!” “Yes, boss, you are wise. You said it well. I never thought about this smart method you said. Okay! I will follow your instructions immediately. With my best efforts!” Even if it is the boss is obviously speaking nonsense, confusing right and wrong, the subordinate will keep nodding, repeating compliments, and apologies. Then they will submissively exit the office, not daring to contradict the boss at all.
“Dad, I asked a friend to buy it back from Cuba. Drink more.” “Husband, I’m so happy tonight. We should drink more. Don’t stop.” Partners from two marriages and their children, all trying every possible means to win over him and get his favor, all for the shares of his company.
But all this is in the past.
As a third-generation rich man, his business is almost a monopoly. His company is still running, but since the big boss suffered from liver cirrhosis, emphysema, and severe pulmonary and abdominal edema, he no longer has the strength to walk into the office. Most of the time he could only stay in the hospital, unable to return home.
One morning, a couple’s quarrel in the next hospital bed woke up the big boss. “You still smoke? Do you want to die? Do you still drink? I won’t let you go back home!” “No, wife! If I lose you and the house, I won’t have anything left.”
The boss opened the curtain and saw the woman hugging her husband while yelling at him. The boss staggered to the bathroom. He met a child outside the door who was scolded by his mother: “You’re still playing video games! Hurry up and put it away. You can’t play until tomorrow.” The child lost control of his emotions and kicked his mother, but accidentally hit the boss. The boss fell on the spot and burst into tears. The mother and son were frightened, fearing that they would have to pay a huge amount of settlement. The boss patted the child on the shoulder, and the mother shouted: “Don’t hit him! We are so sorry!” Unexpectedly, the boss said to the child: “All my life I only listen to people saying sorry. No one has ever said no to me, so I became this pathetic. Boy, I envy you so much. Be good, don’t play game consoles too much.”
There is no need to have “absolute power” like this boss. Many people “get bigger” as they get older, with no one around them taking the risk to give sincere advise and correct mistakes. Good advice can be harsh on your ears. If someone at work or home still gives “unwanted advice” to you, the other person might be a bit nagging or phrase it poorly, but overall, it is a rare blessing to have these words in your ears.
(Details of the story have been modified to protect patient privacy)
Written by: Dr. William Chui
Translated by: Cheuk Long Chan
