He had class in society. He preferred straight-forwardness. He prayed to God for a special gift: ability to see through people's hearts. God answered his prayers, he was given a "heart-reading pearl".
He rejoiced greatly, feeling sure that it was the meaning and secret of success in life.
The next morning, when he arrived at his office, a subordinate of his greeted him with great enthusiastic admiration, "Dearest Boss, thanks to your super leadership, our firm has now become…" Right at the moment, he read his subordinate's mind, "you, a good-for-nothing. It will surely be a big advantage if you retire for God's sake."
Perplexed and depressed, he was not in the mood to go on working, he left the office. On the street, he ran into an old friend of his. The latter greatly rejoiced shouting, "Long time no see, I've always been thinking of you. You look different, younger and more handsome!" But his real ideas were read "I have to try to flatter him so that I can get the sum of money I need from him."
Painful and desperate, he hurriedly walked home, where he expected to see his life-mate for almost twenty years. She greeted him at the threshold with her loving eyes and charming voice, as ever, "My dearest, you must be home tonite with me." But he had no time to be soaked in happiness before his god had told him her ideas, "He spoils all my plans. I wish for this skin-head's disappearance or being on duty tonite!"
Disheartened and disappointed, he hurriedly left leaving her in a big surprise. He walked and walked, out of town and to a place on the riverbank.
After infernal self-struggle, he decided to throw the pearl into the river and live his life again. He decided to choose a peaceful village and made friends with honest people.
But still each morning on his getting up, he got to hear his neighbors' greetings and could not help thinking of such ideas, "Why is he so friendly? What is he wanting of me?" In the same way, at length, he tried to read people's minds.
He made guesses and fantasy. He asked questions and harbored suspicions. He was then being silly. Just like someone who had gone mad because of his desires being outmatched by his skills. Peace of life seemed to get away from him for good.
- Đoàn Thị Thu Vân