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    Immediately after sending the message, Jacob received a voice call from President Pei.


    Feeling anxious, Jacob quickly connected and asked, “President Pei, what’s the current situation in Aurous Hill?”


    With a heavy sigh, President Pei replied, “What’s happening…? Zhang Ermao (Cade) is the most influential person in this circle. People from the whole association areing to me, demanding your removal. They believe you are unfit to serve as the executive vice president, or even to remain in the association. Several colleagues from other units have alsoe to ask me about this.”


    “You wouldn’t believe it; each of them is more gossip-prone than thest. They mayck real skills, but when ites to spreading rumors, they excel. Even if you offered them two acres of watermelonnd, they’d devour the whole thing in no time. Right now, I’m holding off on taking action, citing that the situation is still unclear. But we need to address this issue. You must let me know if you were involved. If not, can you provide solid evidence to counter Zhang Ermao (Cade)’s ims?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    “I…” Jacob found himself at a loss for words.


    He wanted to assert that he had no involvement, but that im felt unfounded, especially given Zhang Ermao (Cade)’s harsh attitude toward him now. If he denied his involvement and Zhang Ermao (Cade) retaliated, Jacob would be unable to defend himself—after all, the reality was that he was indeed entangled in the situation.


    Conversely, if he admitted to being involved, wouldn’t that solidify the issue in President Pei’s eyes?


    If President Pei decided to expel him from the Painting and Calligraphy Association, wouldn’t that ruin his career?


    This led Jacob to a sudden idea. Rather than answer President Pei’s question, he asked, “President Pei, what do you think would be a way for me to prove that I wasn’t involved?”


    Without much hesitation, President Pei replied, “Jacob, if you truly had no part in this, we need to take decisive action! I’ll call the police! You should tell them that Zhang Ermao (Cade) has personally attacked you, damaging your reputation, and request a thorough investigation. The police will surely produce a result, and if they confirm your innocence, no one can tarnish your name!”


    “I…” Jacob felt a wave of panic wash over him.


    Call the police? Wasn’t that a surefire way to invite disaster?


    As Zhang Ermao (Cade) had pointed out, oncew enforcement got involved, it would be Jacob who bore the brunt of the consequences.


    Moreover, Zhang Ermao (Cade) had already gained Zhou Liangyun’s support. If the police didn’t act against him, wouldn’t Jacob be left holding the bag?


    Weighing these thoughts, Jacob hesitated and said, “President Pei, you know that Zhang Ermao (Cade) is affiliated with Don Albertye. You’re aware that I have a good rtionship with him. If I don’t uphold some respect for his younger brother, it could seem unreasonable.”


    President Pei pondered for a moment before responding, “That’s a valid point. I heard that Zhang Ermao (Cade) is still close to Don Albertye and manages a lot of his affairs.”


    Then he suddenly recalled something, raising his voice, “Jacob, wait a minute! Since Zhang Ermao (Cade) is connected to the Fifth Master, he surely knows of your close ties with him. Why would he still dare to nder you? What’s going on? Is Zhang Ermao (Cade) telling the truth, or is he just trying to stir up trouble for you?”


    Jacob felt cornered. He sought to find a way to avoid calling the police, but inadvertently revealed a crucial w in his defense.


    Quickly, he said, “Of course… of course he can’t be at odds with me. President Pei, I need to consider the Fifth Master’s position in this matter, so let’s not rush. I’ll contact the Fifth Master now to discuss how to proceed.”


    Upon hearing Jacob mention Mr. Wu, President Pei rxed a bit and said, “Yes, yes, you should reach out to Mr. Wu promptly! He can handle this! The best course of action would be for Mr. Wu to press Zhang Ermao (Cade) to post a new WeChat Moment, stating that everything he told you, Jacob, is false!”


    Jacob felt a surge of hope and hurriedly replied, “Alright! I’ll call the Fifth Master! I believe he’ll assist me for the sake of my connections!”


    “`<fne9d4> The rightful source is Find_Novel(.</fne9d4>