“Samuel Yount?” Jacob’s expression soured as he inquired, “Are you referring to that old man who brags so much that he can’t even recall hisst name, all because he has a bit of money?”


    David nodded in agreement and replied, “Yes. My support alone won’t suffice. When the other guests arriveter, it’s crucial for you to win over the president and the other directors. That’s your best shot at defeating Samuel in the internal voting and securing the position of executive director. Do you see what I’m getting at?”


    Jacob quickly nodded, sincerity evident in his voice as he responded, “Brother David, I truly appreciate your heartfelt advice. You’re such an inspiration! Thank you immensely!”


    David offered a slight smile and said, “Brother, why are you being so formal with me?”


    He then checked the time on his watch and added, “The chairman and the other guests will be arriving soon. Let’s wait for them at the door. This way, it will appear that you are more genuine today.”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Jacob nodded vigorously, refraining from returning to his seat. Instead, he apanied David to the door of the private room, where they stood waiting for the president and the directors of the Calligraphy and Painting Association to arrive.


    Before long, several members of the Calligraphy and Painting Association began to trickle in.


    Eventually, an elderly man appeared at the door, surrounded by a crowd like stars orbiting the moon.


    As soon as David spotted the old man, he stepped forward with a smile, eximing, “President!”


    Jacob quickly followed suit, respectfully saying, “Mr. Price, it’s great to see you!”


    Mr. Price nodded slightly, feigning annoyance as he remarked, “Jacob, what’s all this fuss about? Don’t you know the Calligraphy and Painting Association values simplicity? You could have easily hosted the dinner at a regr restaurant instead of going through the trouble of booking a private room at Heaven Springs.”


    While Mr. Price’s words seemed to criticize Jacob for being extravagant, they were merely polite formalities. Deep down, he knew that if Jacob had indeed chosen a regr restaurant, he wouldn’t even have bothered to show up today, nor would he have wanted any future engagement with Jacob.


    In response, Jacob quickly replied, “All of my guests today are esteemed leaders. With such an important gathering, how could I possibly be casual or neglectful?”


    He then chuckled and suggested, “Now that everyone is here, shall we take our seats inside the room?”


    Mr. Price nodded in agreement, saying, “Alright. Everyone, pleasee in and sit down!”


    At that moment, a middle-aged man who had been silently following Mr. Price suddenly scoffed, “Jacob, how could you choose the cheapest Bronze Room in Heaven Springs for tonight’s dinner? Don’t you realize that it’s rather disrespectful to the president and the other directors?”


    Jacob’s demeanor shifted immediately upon recognizing the man. He retorted, “Samuel, I invited the president and the rest of the directors here tonight, but I didn’t extend an invitation to you. What brings you here? And besides, the choice of private room is none of your concern. Who gave you the authority to make such recklessments?”


    The man standing before him was indeed his fiercest rival for the executive director position, Samuel Yount.


    Samuel responded with a sneer, “You’re mistaken if you think that way. Are you aware of the significance of the president and the other directors gathered here today?”


    With a dismissive snort, he continued, “Do you genuinely believe that no one is aware of your intentions in hosting this dinner? Isn’t it just to vie for the executive director position within the Calligraphy and Painting Association? Do you think booking the cheapest Bronze Room will win you the support of the president and the other directors? Your insincerity is ring. You’re treating everyone here as if they’ve never experienced the finer things in life!”<fn66ef> Content originallyes from f?ndnovel</fn66ef>


    After finishing his tirade, Samuel looked around at the gathered crowd before smiling and saying, “A Bronze Room hardly befits people of your stature. To genuinely honor the president and all the directors, I’ve reserved a Gold Room upstairs for dinner. Why don’t we move to the room I’ve prepared instead?”