On the other end of the line, Xiao Wu’s voice dripped with ttery. “Vice President Jacob, it’s me, Xiao Wu! Why weren’t you at the meeting today? Did you overindulgest night?”
Jacob let out a tired hum. “I did drink a lotst night, and now I’ve got a headache. What’s up? Was there something critical discussed in the meeting?”
“Oh, it’s nothing major,” Xiao Wu quickly reassured him. “I just wanted to check on you. If you’re feeling unwell and need someone to drive for you today, just let me know!”
Xiao Wu didn’t pause for Jacob to respond. He continued, “By the way, Vice President Jacob, my wife has been studying Chinese medicine at home. She has a remedy for sobering up as well as a liver-nourishing form. It’s just what you need, especially for someone who drinks frequently. If you’re okay with it, I’d be happy to ask her to prepare the decoction and bring it over to your houseter!”
Although Xiao Wu wasn’t present at yesterday’s dinner, he had driven President Pei and Jacob home and had listened to the two intoxicated men chatting the entire way.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">
With drinks flowing freely, the two had confided in one another, calling each other brothers and sharing their thoughts openly.
Xiao Wu gleaned from their conversation that President Pei was eyeing a promotion, and Executive Vice President Jacob was the frontrunner for the next presidency. With President Pei’s strong backing, Jacob’s chances of being elected were quite substantial.
Additionally, after dropping Jacob off at his luxurious Tomson first-ss vi, Xiao Wu gained a deeper understanding of Jacob’s financial standing.
The Painting and Calligraphy Association is more of a hobby group. When ites time to select a president, qualifications and expertise take a backseat to social connections and financial resources.
Given that the association often faces budget constraints, having a wealthy individual as president could significantly ease their financial burdens.
From this perspective, it seemed inevitable that Jacob would be the next president. Therefore, Xiao Wu saw this as a prime opportunity to win Jacob’s favor, hoping that once Jacob took office, he could be one of his trusted allies.
Jacob was no fool; he could easily discern the tant ttery in Xiao Wu’s words.<fn2613> Official source is FιndＮovel</fn2613>
Recognizing the potential of this eager younger colleague, Jacob decided not to dismiss him outright. Enjoying thepliments, he replied, “Xiao Wu, you’re quite thoughtful. I was just about to head out to pick up my daughter for dinner with the family tonight. Why don’t you bring that herbal remedy over to my ce after ten this evening?”
Jacob had learned President Pei’s method of managing people. By giving Xiao Wu an opportunity to contribute, he was also testing Xiao Wu’s loyalty by setting ate meeting time.
Xiao Wu, thrilled by this, replied eagerly, “Absolutely, Vice President! You go ahead and take care of your ns. I’ll call you at Tomson Yipin after ten!”
ine, who had been quietly listening, was shocked and furious. Her eyes nearly rolled back in disbelief as she thought, “Goodness, Jacob is really climbing the ranks in the calligraphy and painting association, and now he’s got a sycophant! What if he actually falls for this? He better not start looking down on me!”
Noticing ine’s stunned expression, Jacob, reveling in the ttery, put on an air of indifference. “Well, that’s fine. I’ll hang up now,” he said, his tone casual.
Xiao Wu responded respectfully, “Of course, President Jacob. Talk to youter!”
Just as Jacob was about to end the call, Xiao Wu suddenly remembered something and eximed, “Oh, wait, Vice President! There’s one more thing!”
“Go ahead,” Jacob replied, sounding slightly intrigued.
Xiao Wu hurriedly continued, “You were quite inebriated when I dropped you offst night. I hope you remember that Professor Han asked me to give you an invitation. I’ve ced it in the armrest box of your car, so don’t forget to check for it!”