"Thank you so much, sir! I'll study hard and give back to the community. I want to follow your example and help develop our hometown, just like you have."

The boss shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He pulled out his checkbook and started writing.

A few minutes later, he handed me a check for $11,000. "Here you go. Good luck with your studies."

After the hotel group left, the man who'd promised to take responsibility if I quit arrived with another ...