Lala had never expected her ordinary Tuesday to turn into one of the most memorable days of her life. It was a day that started like any other—she woke up early, brewed her usual cup of coffee, and prepared herself for a long day at work. Lala worked as a marketing assistant in a mid-sized tech company in the bustling heart of the city. She loved her job, especially because it gave her the chance to learn and grow, but she never imagined that it would bring her an extraordinary surprise.
Her office was busy as usual. Emails flooded in, meetings were scheduled back to back, and deadlines loomed like dark clouds on the horizon. Despite the hectic pace, Lala always tried to maintain her cheerful attitude. Her colleagues often said that her smile was contagious, and even on the toughest days, she managed to uplift those around her.
This particular Tuesday, Lala was tasked with organizing a presentation for an upcoming project. She worked late into the afternoon, carefully preparing the slides, making sure every detail was perfect. Around 5 PM, as she was about to pack up, her manager called her into the conference room.
“Lala, the CEO wants to see you,” her manager said with a smile. “He has something for you.”
Lala’s heart skipped a beat. CEO Kien was known for being a busy, no-nonsense leader. He rarely had time to meet with junior employees. She wondered what this could be about. Had she done something wrong? Or was it something good?
Walking into the CEO’s office, Lala felt a mixture of nervousness and curiosity. CEO Kien was seated behind his large wooden desk, his calm and confident demeanor filling the room. He looked up and smiled warmly as she entered.
“Lala, thank you for coming,” he said kindly. “I’ve been following your work on the recent campaign, and I must say, I’m impressed.”
Lala blinked, surprised. She had never expected the CEO to personally notice her efforts.
“You’ve shown great dedication and creativity,” he continued. “Our company values employees like you who go above and beyond. As a token of appreciation, I’d like to give you something.”
With that, CEO Kien reached into a drawer and pulled out a small, beautifully wrapped box. Lala took it carefully, feeling the smooth paper and the elegant ribbon. She hesitated before opening it, unsure of what to expect.
Inside was a sleek, silver pen engraved with her name. The pen was exquisite, a symbol of professionalism and achievement. Alongside it was a handwritten note.
“Dear Lala,
Thank you for your hard work and commitment. This pen is a small token to remind you that your words and ideas have the power to shape our company’s future. Keep shining.
—Kien”
Lala felt a warmth spread through her chest. The gesture was simple, but it meant so much to her. She looked up at CEO Kien, her eyes shining with gratitude.
“Thank you so much, sir,” she said softly. “I’ll treasure this.”
The CEO nodded. “Keep up the great work, Lala. I believe you have a bright future ahead.”
As she left the office, Lala couldn’t help but smile broadly. The gift wasn’t just a pen; it was a symbol of recognition, encouragement, and belief in her potential. It was a moment she knew she would remember forever.
Back at her desk, Lala carefully placed the pen in her bag. Throughout the evening, she found herself glancing at it, feeling inspired. The small gift had lifted her spirits in a way no bonus or promotion ever could.
That night, as she walked home under the city lights, Lala’s mind buzzed with new ideas and renewed motivation. She thought about all the challenges she had faced, the long hours, and the times she doubted herself. Now, she felt ready to embrace every opportunity, knowing someone believed in her.
The next day at work, Lala shared the story with her colleagues. Their congratulations and smiles made her even happier. The gift from CEO Kien had become a symbol not only of personal achievement but of hope and encouragement for everyone around her.
Weeks passed, and Lala continued to excel. She took on new projects, volunteered for leadership roles, and inspired her team with her passion. The pen was always by her side, a constant reminder of that special day.
One afternoon, the company hosted an event to celebrate innovation and teamwork. CEO Kien gave a speech highlighting the contributions of employees from all departments. When he mentioned Lala’s name and her outstanding work, the entire room erupted in applause.
Lala’s heart swelled with pride. She stood up, waved shyly, and felt a deep sense of belonging. The gift had started a journey of self-belief and growth, one that would shape her career for years to come.
Later that evening, as the event ended and people began to leave, CEO Kien approached her once more. He handed her another small envelope.
“This is for you,” he said quietly.
Lala opened it carefully. Inside was an invitation to a leadership development program within the company—a rare opportunity reserved for those with exceptional potential.
Tears welled in her eyes. The gift from CEO Kien had been more than just a pen; it was a doorway to her dreams.
From that day forward, Lala worked harder than ever, knowing that with dedication, kindness, and the right support, anything was possible.
And it all began with a simple gift that surprised her, made her happy, and changed her life forever.
