The Calligraphy and Painting Association had a modest membership of about twenty individuals, prompting President Pei to request a gathering in the conference room at one o’clock in the afternoon.


    The choice of this time was strategic, as several members were engaged in outreach activities outside. For instance, Xiao Wu, who took over teaching duties from Jacob at the University for the Elderly, received a notification about the meeting and was expected to return by one o’clock.


    When the clock struck one, all members of the association were present in therge conference room, with the exception of Jacob.


    President Pei wasted no time. Once everyone was settled, he addressed the group directly: “The purpose of this meeting today is to discuss some personal matters concerning our Vice President, Jacob, that arose a couple of days ago. The impact of this situation is quite significant and troubling. Last night, Vice President Jacob sent me a resignation email. After some discussions among the vice presidents, we felt it was necessary to hold a public vote among all members regarding his resignation. So, I will ask you now: do you want to retain Vice President Jacob?”


    As soon as he posed the question about retaining Jacob, a wave of discontent erupted among the members.<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    Unsurprisingly, there was a strong consensus against keeping Jacob.


    Noticing the growing chaos, President Pei raised his hand and called for silence. “Everyone, please settle down and listen to what I have to say.”


    Gradually, the room quieted as everyone focused on President Pei and awaited his next words.


    Clearing his throat, President Pei continued: “In front of each of you is a piece of paper. You can use it to vote. If you want to keep Vice President Jacob, please write that down. If you want him to leave, simply write ‘go.’ This is a secret vote, so no names are required—just one of the two options: ‘go’ or ‘stay.’ You also have the option to abstain by writing ‘abandon.’”


    “Once you’ve made your choice, please pass your notes forward. I will tally the votes publicly. If the majority votes to keep him, he will remain; if more vote for him to leave, then he will go. And in the case of a tie, we will ask Vice President Jacob to step down from his Executive Vice President position.”


    At this announcement, a wave of relief swept through the room.


    The voting would be anonymous, with notes collected and counted on the spot—ensuring fairness. With this in mind, who would dare to support retaining Jacob?


    As a result, everyone hurriedly wrote down “Go” on their notes.


    President Pei took a moment to ponder, then wrote “abandon” on his note. After setting down his pen, he discreetly snapped a photo of the note with his phone.


    This way, if Jacob confronted himter, he could im neutrality, stating he abstained because he felt torn. Those who wanted Jacob out would be the ones who wrote “Go,” which he could argue had nothing to do with him.


    Once all the votes were collected, President Pei began to read them aloud for everyone to hear.


    He opened the first note and dered, “Go.”


    Someone immediately recorded that on the ckboard.<fncdfa> Read full story at find[?]ovel</fncdfa>


    He opened the second note, announcing, “Go!”


    In rapid session, he read through a total of twenty-six notes, all echoing the same sentiment. Only President Pei’s own note remained, and he couldn’t help but notice the cheerful expressions on everyone’s faces, prompting him to remark, “Jacob’s poprity is truly remarkable.”


    After hisment, he revealed his own vote: “Abandon.”


    Looking at the ckboard, he said, “Twenty-six votes for ‘go’ and one abstention. It seems the oue is as expected. Given the overwhelming support for his resignation, we will instruct the personnel director to notify Vice President Jacob of the meeting’s decision. We’ll agree to his resignation and inform him toe to the association to finalize the procedures upon his return from Dubai.”


    At that moment, someone began to apud, and soon the entire conference room erupted in thunderous apuse.


    The vice presidents wore beaming smiles. With Jacob’s departure, they felt a burden lifted and saw new opportunities on the horizon—a truly positive development.


    Feeling a sense of relief, President Pei turned to the HR director and said, “When you reply to Vice President Jacob’s email, please include the minutes from our meeting.”


    “Absolutely!” the HR director responded eagerly. “Don’t worry, President, I’ll handle it.”


    “Great.” President Pei exhaled, stood up, and concluded, “That wraps up today’s meeting. We are adjourned!”