Wisdom story: The "key test" to see who to trust with what you love

There once lived a wealthy old man who had built his fortune through many risky and successful business endeavors in his younger years. His achievements made him well-known in his town, and his wealth attracted many people into his life. However, not all of them had good intentions. Over the years, he found himself surrounded by friends he could not trust and love affairs that lacked true affection. These disappointments weighed heavily on him, and his greatest concern became finding someone he could trust with what mattered most to him. Despite his past experiences, the old man found himself falling in love once again. This time, his heart was captured by a young woman more than half his age. Their love blossomed, and before long, they were married. Though he was happy, doubt still lingered in his mind. When the time came for him to leave on a business trip, he could not shake the fear that his young wife might not remain faithful to him in his absence.

Determined to secure his peace of mind, he had a special “belt of loyalty” crafted for his wife. Just before departing, he insisted she wear it, ensuring that she would remain untouched while he was away. However, a dilemma arose: where should he keep the key? Carrying it with him on his journey seemed too risky, as he feared he might lose it. Leaving it behind was also dangerous, as it could fall into the wrong hands. After much contemplation, he decided to entrust the key to the only person he considered a true friend, a man who was ninety-nine years old and, in the old man’s eyes, far beyond any interest in women. His elderly friend accepted the responsibility with gratitude and assured him that he would keep his wife safe and untouched. Relieved that he had found a solution, the old man finally felt at ease. On the morning of his departure, he locked the belt around his wife’s waist and handed the key to his trusted friend. He arrived at the airport early and, with some time to spare before his flight, decided to enjoy a quiet cup of coffee. As he sipped his drink and savored the rare moment of tranquility, he suddenly heard frantic footsteps approaching.

Looking up, he saw his loyal friend running toward him, shouting with urgency. The old man’s heart pounded as the friend called out, “You gave me the wrong key! You gave me the wrong key!” In that moment, a dreadful realization struck the old man. Even after all these years, after all the experiences he had lived through, he still did not know whom to trust with what he cherished most.