After Jacob sent the email, he was unaware that it would y a crucial role in his exit from the Painting and Calligraphy Association.


    That night, he struggled to sleep in the run-down express hotel, and by the next morning, he hurried to the airport, sporting two dark circles under his eyes.


    The security check, departure, and boarding process all went smoothly. At ten o’clock that morning, his flight took off from Aurous Hill Airport, headed directly for Dubai.


    Meanwhile, at the Painting and Calligraphy Association, several vice presidents had gathered in President Pei’s office.


    They shared amon objective: to pressure President Pei into ensuring Jacob’s departure from the association, no matter the cost.<fn2895> Read full story at find{n}ovel</fn2895><h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    These individuals were well aware that Jacob had some social connections and a close friendship with Mr. Don Albert. They suspected that President Pei might be inclined to protect Jacob due to these affiliations.


    However, they also recognized that if President Pei truly intended to shield Jacob, they would not be able to push their agenda without risking Jacob’s ire.


    As the group entered President Pei’s office and closed the door, one of them couldn’t hold back and asked, “President, what are your intentions regarding Vice President Jacob?”


    President Pei replied, “Aren’t we here to discuss that?”


    “Us?” Several of them exchanged nces, and one spoke up, “I believe this situation is quite damaging. The outside world is watching our association closely. If we mishandle this, it could lead to perceptions that we are protecting our own wrongdoings.”


    Another person nodded in agreement, adding, “Lao Liu is correct; our circle is small, and everyone is keeping an eye on us.”


    President Pei responded, “Since we’re already discussing this behind closed doors, let’s be direct. Do you want the association to take action against Vice President Jacob?”


    The group exchanged looks until the vice president seen as the most likely sessor to Jacob finally spoke up, “Yes, this situation is too detrimental; we must address it in some way.”


    He then cautiously suggested, “I think it’s imperative that we remove him from his position as vice president, right?”


    Another member interjected, “But Jacob has already submitted his resignation email. Why not just ept his request?”


    The third person turned to President Pei and stated, “Ultimately, this depends on how serious President Pei views Jacob’s situation. If you feel it’s not severe, you could mediate and seek to retain Vice President Jacob.”


    President Pei quickly waved his hands, saying, “This is a matter for our association. Don’t ce the me on me personally. If word gets out, everyone will think I’m covering for Vice President Jacob, and that would jeopardize my standing.”


    One man chuckled awkwardly and replied, “President Pei, I didn’t mean to put you in a tough spot; I just want to avoid anyplications for you.”


    President Pei pressed him, “What do you believe is the best and fairest solution?”


    The man answered without hesitation, “For the sake of fairness, we should all vote together. There’s nothing more equitable than that.”


    The others nodded in agreement.


    In this scenario, none wanted to be the one singled out for driving Jacob away. Yet, they all shared the desire for Jacob to leave.


    Consequently, regardless of whom you asked, they would likely agree that a collective vote was the most sensible approach, allowing everyone to share in the responsibility for the oue without any one individual taking the heat.


    Crucially, each member understood that Jacob was not particrly favored within the association, with many privately voicing concerns over hisck of professional skills. Given the gravity of the current scandal, it was clear that most would prefer for him to exit the association.


    President Pei was eager for someone to suggest a public vote. Seizing the moment, he proposed, “Let’s not discuss this in private any longer. We should gather everyone in therge conference room and conduct an anonymous vote. I will tally the votes publicly. Those who wish for Jacob to stay will write ‘stay’ on their notes; those against his staying will write ‘go.’ We’ll announce the results openly—whichever option receives more votes will prevail.”


    Everyone responded enthusiastically, agreeing in unison, “Okay!”