As the Boeing 777 soared over the ocean with the three elders onboard, Jacob, brimming with excitement, embraced the portrait Charlie had gifted him. He drove the luxurious Rolls-Royce Cullinan, a present from Fei Kexin, and arrived at the Painting and Calligraphy Association.


    At that moment, Jacob wore a confident expression, reminiscent of a ragtag army that had just achieved a significant victory, eagerly anticipating its moment to shine before the seasoned professionals.


    Inside the Painting and Calligraphy Association, however, Jacob was far from popr.


    The majority of the attendees were literati and schrs. While somecked genuine talent and merely posed as artists, they understood the concept of “vassge” — individuals without professional skills whoe to showcase the expertise of true professionals, serving as a backdrop for their talent.


    Those who pretended to be knowledgeable did not embody true artistry; instead, they redefined what it meant to be elegant.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    The former group provided essential support for cultured individuals, while thetter represented a persistent adversary to their refined society.


    Jacob had be a formidable opponent to this refined elegance.


    In truth, Jacob possessed little understanding of antique calligraphy and painting. He mimicked others, but his attempts were superficial, revealing hisck of genuine skill.


    Though he was somewhat unqualified to be a mere foil in the Calligraphy and Painting Association, he ascended to the position of executive vice president, which naturally bred jealousy and discontent among his peers. Many harbored negative opinions about him.


    Chairman Pei was aware that Jacob was essentially a fraud, yet he hesitated to confront him. Jacob held significant sway with Don Albert, whichpelled Pei to overlook the dissent and support Jacob’s rise to power.


    However, not everyone shared President Pei’s perspective; many did not have any vested interest in Jacob’s connections. Just because Pei tolerated him did not mean others would follow suit.


    As Jacob parked his car and approached the entrance of the Painting and Calligraphy Association with the painting in his arms, he overheard a conversation inside: “Hey, has my esteemed executive found any exhibits worthy of sale yet?”


    Another voice chimed in with a sneer, “Him? He has no understanding of calligraphy and painting. What could he possibly contribute to the exhibition?”


    “If I were to show him my piece, he’d probably say it neither resembles a mountain nor a river. It wouldn’t even look like a notable work; I wouldn’t bother wasting my breath,” came the sarcastic reply.


    With a chuckle, another added, “Our Vice President Jacob is just a typical pretender. I bet he’ll give us endless entertainment with his blunders! If President Pei isn’t in the way, I’d dly confront him. If he can’t produce anything worthwhile for this exhibition, I’ll file a formalint demanding a recement for the executive vice president!”


    “Absolutely!” others echoed, eager to join in and express their frustrations.


    Jacob’s expression turned to one of fury as he stood at the door, clutching the painting tube. He stormed inside, visibly upset, and retorted, “Everyone here is acting like a bunch of old wives, gossiping away!”<fn2110> Find the newest release on find~novel</fn2110>


    Not taking him seriously, one scoffed, “Oh, Vice President Jacob, our painting and calligraphy exhibition is just around the corner. Yet, you, the executive vice president, can’t even present a single noteworthy piece. Is that appropriate?”


    “Exactly!” another chimed in, fanning the mes. “Vice President Jacob, even if you can’t borrow any impressive works, you should at least contribute one or two quality pieces from your own collection! As our executive vice president, don’t you own anything decent?”