Davin rode his worn-out motorcycle, covered in scratches, heading towards a luxurious shopping center.
The night air felt fresh, but his mind was already set on one goal: finding the perfect birthday gift for his wife Vania's grandmother.
He finally stopped in front of a highly exclusive store, its windows clean and shiny, displaying luxurious items that seemed to say "stay away if you can't afford it."
From the moment he parked his "beat-up" motorcycle by the curb, two pairs of eyes were already watching him. The security guard standing imposingly at the entrance and a shop assistant behind the display case both saw his arrival.
They exchanged a brief glance, a look full of prejudice. "Maybe he's going to the store next door," muttered the security guard.
They then ignored him, assuming the man would leave soon.
However, their assumption was wrong. Davin walked steadily towards the magnificent sliding glass door. The security guard, with a face still forced into friendliness, opened the door for him. "Good morning, Sir. How can I help you? Are you delivering an order for one of our employees?" he asked, his tone condescending though veiled in politeness.
Davin shook his head, his eyes still focused on the items inside the store. "No. I'm here to buy something," he answered calmly.
Hearing that, the security guard's expression changed. His fake smile disappeared, replaced by a disdainful attitude he barely concealed. He was absolutely sure this simply dressed man wouldn't be able to afford anything here.
That short conversation was also heard by Yusi, a shop assistant who was tidying up a display. Instead of approaching to serve him, she turned her face away and pretended to be busy, focusing on a newly arrived couple.
The couple looked very different from Davin. They wore expensive, neat clothes, immediately attracting the attention of all the store staff.
Davin, now standing alone near a display case containing jade jewelry, was completely ignored.
The wife from the couple loudly praised her husband to the assistants now swarming around them. "My husband was just promoted to General Manager at PT Karya Timur Sejahtera! We want to buy something to celebrate!" The store employees welcomed them with flattery and sweet smiles, a stark contrast to the cold treatment they gave Davin.
Davin looked at his wristwatch. Time was running out; he could be late for Vania's grandmother's birthday party.
His patience ran out. Rather than continue being ignored, he decided to act. "Excuse me! Is this store still serving customers? I'd like to see this jade bracelet!" he shouted, his loud voice breaking the silence of the cool-aired store.
His shout successfully drew attention, but not in the way he had hoped. The couple felt disturbed and looked at him with disgust. "Quiet, you should know your place! Look at how you're dressed, do you think this is a night market?" snapped the wife.
A shop assistant added in a mocking tone, "Enough, Sir. Don't make a scene. You won't be able to afford a single item in this store. It's useless."
The commotion finally summoned Hadi, the store manager. Davin was initially relieved. "Finally, someone in charge," he thought. Calmly, he reported the disrespectful treatment he had received from the staff.
However, his hopes were dashed. Hadi, instead of apologizing, glanced at Davin's simple clothes and then looked towards the old motorcycle outside.
Prejudice defeated his professionalism. He sneered, "I'm sorry, Sir. My staff are just following procedure. Our store highly maintains the comfort of our quality clients. The items here are very expensive, perhaps not suitable for your budget."
At that very moment, the atmosphere suddenly changed. The loud roar of a luxury car engine broke the hustle and bustle of the street.
A convoy consisting of several sedans and black limousines stopped right in front of the store. Bodyguards in black suits and sunglasses quickly got out, forming a tight formation.
A portly, authoritative man, wearing the most expensive designer suit, stepped out of the limousine.
Hadi, the store manager, was immediately stunned.
His face turned pale, then red with panic and deference. He immediately bowed and greeted him at the door. "Welcome, Mr. Johnny Lunggana! This is a great honor for our store!" he exclaimed, almost trembling.
Johnny Lunggana was one of the most influential men in the capital, and the primary owner of this luxury store chain, including the very store he was visiting.
However, Johnny Lunggana completely ignored Hadi's obsequious welcome. His eyes scanned the room and immediately landed on one person: Davin.
With quick and respectful steps, he approached Davin.
In front of everyone who was shocked, Johnny Lunggana bowed deeply, followed by all his bodyguards who saluted in unison. "Young Master Davin! We were looking for you. What brings you to this humble little store?" he asked with great respect.
The store employees, Hadi, and the couple were as if slapped. Their mouths hung open, unable to believe what they were witnessing.
Davin sighed. "It's a coincidence you came, Joni. I wanted to buy a jade bracelet for Vania's grandmother's birthday. But it seems I'm not 'qualified' enough to be served in your store here. I received very improper treatment."
Hadi immediately broke into a cold sweat. He tried to make excuses, "M-Mr. Johnny, this is all just a misunderstanding—"
"Quiet!" snapped Johnny Lunggana, his anger erupting. "I've known Young Master Davin for a long time. He never lies!" He looked at Davin. "Forgive this negligence, Young Master. Those who insulted you today will face the consequences. They are all fired, effective immediately!"
Those words made Hadi and the store employees hysterical. They knelt and begged for mercy, but it was too late.
The couple tried to slip away, but Davin pointed at them. "Those two also insulted me, Joni. And he said the husband just became General Manager at PT Karya Timur Sejahtera, right?"
Johnny Lunggana snorted towards the couple, his eyes sharp. "PT Karya Timur? That's our subsidiary." He stared at the husband. "You don't need to come to work tomorrow. You're fired too."
The wife immediately became hysterical.
But one of Johnny Lunggana's bodyguards had already ushered them both out of the store so they wouldn't disturb Davin.
Calmly, after all the chaos subsided, Davin took the jade bracelet he had been eyeing from inside the display case.