Guo Jiuxiao and Jiang Hao both looked at Jerry Warren, their eyes filled with disbelief.
Xiao Zhigang's gaze was even sharper.
Guo Jiuxiao said, "Jerry, is your Chinese not good enough to understand? A vote in favor means supporting Qin Siyang. A vote against is-"
"Professor Guo, first, my Chinese is perfectly adequate for communication. Second-" Jerry pointed to his ear. "I have simultaneous interpretation throughout the meeting. I can confirm the information in two languages. There's no mistake."
With that, Jerry ignored everyone else, leaned back, and assumed a cold expression.
The Warren Family's support for Qin Siyang had been agreed upon during their dealings with the Zhao Family.
Jerry Warren had never wanted to do this. Even with his vote, Qin Siyang could not possibly win a majority among the Standing Directors, and Jerry would only make himself a target for nothing.
Moreover, he would be excluded from dividing up the proceeds of the subsequent fundraiser-why should someone who supported Qin Siyang get a share of the opposition's gains?
But his father, Kyle Warren, the president of the Warren Merchants' Association, had insisted that he do it.
First, the Zhao Family did not trust the Warren Merchants' Association. They feared it was a mole planted by the Three Major Merchants' Associations, so the Warren Family had to do something to reassure them and begin the first stage of cooperation.
Second, Kyle believed that sacrificing the Warren Family's reputation among a disorganized rabble of researchers to demonstrate their commitment to the Zhao Family was a deal with nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Unable to prevail against his father Kyle, Jerry could only agree.
But now, listening to the Paper Review Committee members whispering below the stage, he felt embarrassed and closed his eyes, pretending nothing had happened.