His wife instinctively asked, “Pei Qidong, what are you talking about? How did I bring this on?”


    President Pei, worried about being overheard, lowered his voice and snapped, “This is all your fault for giving me terrible advice and telling me not to assist Jacob. Now he’s back in touch with Master Don Albert! I just got a call from Master Don Albert questioning me about it!”


    His wife, taken aback, responded, “Why would hee to you about me? Didn’t you exin that this is Jacob’s doing? How could he me you?”


    President Pei replied harshly, “Master Hong came to me questioning my resignation application! Am I supposed to just ignore this?”


    “Well…” Huang Qiuyun on the other end fell silent for a moment before offering reassurance, “Old Pei, listen. We shouldn’t worry about what Master Don Albert thinks. He can’t really do anything to you, even if he’s upset. Your transfer order will be issued soon, right? Once you report to your new unit, the Calligraphy and Painting Association will fall under your responsibility. These troubles won’t affect you anymore. As for Master Don Albert, we just won’t have any dealings with him in the future. We don’t need anything from him, and in a society governed byw, he can’t really cause us any trouble. Don’t you agree?”<h3 style="background-color:DodgerBlue">


    “That’s nonsense!” President Pei retorted. “I just heard from President Chen today. Do you know what he said?”


    Huang Qiuyun, anxious, asked, “What did he say?”


    President Pei replied, “They said the department is downsizing and my position has been eliminated! There’s no chance for me to get promoted!”


    Huang Qiuyun, confused, responded, “Why haven’t I heard anything aboutyoffs? If there really areyoffs, there should be an official announcement. Plus, personnel changes in these kinds of units usually aren’t made at this time. They typically wait until after the New Year for meetings to discuss and announce changes. Who wouldy off employees before the holidays?”


    President Pei sneered, “Well, you, Huang Qiuyun, are clever and knowledgeable! You seem to know all the ins and outs of the relevant units in Jinling and the province.”


    He continued, “Let me tell you,yoffs are just an excuse for Chen to pull the wool over my eyes. Just now, Master Don Albert told me on the phone that I’ll be working with Jacob at the Calligraphy and Painting Association for a long time. He suggested that I should get along with him. Isn’t that a clear indication of my situation? It means I’m stuck here for the foreseeable future!”


    Huang Qiuyun eximed, “You can’t get promoted—Is Master Don Albert behind this?!”


    President Pei sighed in frustration, “Who else could it be? I’mpletely finished now. Not only have I lost my chance for advancement, but I also have to find a way to bring Jacob back! If I can’t manage that, I won’t be able to keep my position as president of the Calligraphy and Painting Association!”


    Huang Qiuyun quickly inquired, “So Master Don Albert wants you to bring Jacob back to the Calligraphy and Painting Association, right? Is there a catch? You can’t let Jacob be the executive vice president, can you?”


    “Not exactly,” President Pei rified. “Master Don Albert was suggesting at least a middle management position for him.”


    Chairman Pei grew angry again, saying, “I initially nned to offer Jacob a director position, but you, with your extravagant ideas, insisted I shouldn’t care about his situation. Now I’ve let him down and jeopardized my own future! Think about my age. If I don’t get promoted this time, I’ll be shuffled into the retirement pool in a few years, and then there’s no chance for advancement left! You’ve really hurt my prospects!”


    Huang Qiuyun felt guilty and replied, “Husband, this is all my fault, but please don’t stay angry with me. You need to find a way to bring Jacob back.”


    Chairman Pei sighed, “I want to bring him back, but it won’t be easy! Positions are assigned to individuals. Previously, a director’s position was set aside for Jacob because thest director was promoted to vice president, which opened up the role. But after Jacob was let go, that position has already been filled by someone else. How can we expect anyone to vacate their spot for him now? Especially since he’s been involved in a scandal. If we try to force the issue, there will definitely beints and bacsh.”


    “Husband,” Huang Qiuyun suggested, “How about this? You should gather all the key people for dinner at a restaurant. I’ll make the reservation now. You can go straight there after work, and I’ll join you. Have an open discussion at the dinner table. I’ll ensure they agree to Jacob’s return tonight and that the newly appointed director will be willing to relinquish his position for Jacob!”<fn92d2> ???? ????s? ???????s ?? Find~Novel</fn92d2>