Mr. Jonhnson recounted the happenings in the conference hall.
"They are really being vague about it, why is why we spent the whole time arguing. They said that we need to change the President for the betterment of EU, that having a new President will give more benefits to the organization. Yet we did not even tackle who would be standing as the President! How can they say that so firmly without even basis? The voting is obviously for you to get removed from the position..." Mr. Jonhson eventually stopped talking because he knew that he was already going in circles.
But it was true! They argued for a long time but their subject was solely on removing Xiong Mai.
Xiong Mai fell into deep thoughts. Her mind ran through various scenarios and possibilities.
Finally, an image of a wax-sealed letter envelope settled in her mind.
She spoke slowly after a while.
"I see. Then can you tell me when this voting will take place?"
"Two days from now in EU HQ conference hall. You should be summoned as it concerns impeaching you."
"Alright. Thank you for telling me."
When the man finally left, the assistant came forward. "President, EU's market is still stable. There are no major news, no international quakes that can affect EU, and the online highways are also clear."
"Mm. Thanks. I think I get it now. Look out for a letter. We will receive one soon."
****
As Xiong Mai had expected, she received another letter on the day of voting, while she was preparing to go.
The letter was still asking her if she wanted to change her mind and that they are still waiting for a response.
Hmph.
Not yet. She would not give in for something like this.
"President. What do you plan to do now?"
Xiong Mai was still calm.
She checked the time. She stood up and took her coat. "Let's go and see the presents."
The assistant: "???"
Presents...??
*******
The EU HQ conference hall was filled with people.
Every member had been informed a day before regarding today's goal. There were also lawyers present to give witness and credibility to the voting.
It took them two hours of waiting to finally get the result.
The head lawyer walked up and read the doc.u.ment.
"We pledge that the democratic voting is under strict surveillance without any deception or dishonesty. The results of the votes of the forty-two members of the EU Organization--"
Bang!
The door loudly opened.
It was a crucial time yet it was rudely interrupted.
All heads turned simultaneously to the woman who walked in calmly and full of confidence.
The only woman in EU Organization.
Xiong Mai.
"You actually gathered without me. Even if you want to impeach me, I am still a member of EU Organization and my vote still counts. Am I right, Head Lawyer?"
The people in the room looked stunned and uneasy to see Xiong Mai, especially those who were part of the opposing faction.
Would Xiong Mai turn the tables now?
After all, they had long been used to Xiong Mai's unique ability to win at the last minute.
Those who were part of Xiong Mai's faction breathed in relief. They sent many messages to Xiong Mai but did not get any response, so they thought that the President was blocked and could not come. They had worried that the President might have met an 'accident' along the way. Fortunately, it seemed that she was alright.
The head lawyer nodded. "Yes."
"Then I will vote."
Mr. Wegner stood up. "Even if you vote or not, Miss Xiong, the result is still the same. The members believe that it is beneficial for the organization to change leadership. You will be removed from the presidential position."
"Are you saying that majority of you voted to impeach me on such amusing grounds?"
This question was directed to everyone. Xiong Mai scanned the crowd with a calm gaze as she took a seat.
Those who were guilty avoided Xiong Mai's eyes.
As expected, this person was informed of their previous meeting.
In fact, they had nothing against their President. They even admired her.
However, it was their own business interests and money that were at stake here.
"President, we did not agree with them! We might be small in number, but we sincerely want you to stay in the position."
Those in Xiong Mai's faction and the ones clean from illegal business expressed that they had done everything they could. Yet no matter how much they convinced the others to vote for Xiong Mai's favor, the others just played deaf.
Xiong Mai smiled at the people who stood loyal to her. She kept in mind who they were. "Thank you. I appreciate your effort and concern for me."
Her eyes moved to those people who voted against her.
"I am really curious though, what made a lot of you turn your backs against me, despite of what I have done for the association? Is it greater than the benefits you received from EU? I wonder, what could it be?"
The huge conference hall was silent.
Xiong Mai's words hit their sore spots.
"Mr. Wegner, can you answer it for them?" Xiong Mai turned to Mr. Wegner.
Mr. Wegner, a strong and healthy man approaching fifty, stared directly at Xiong Mai.
He sighed.
Like the others, he truly respected this amazing woman. However, he knew his priorities.
Interests came first for a businessman.
"Let's just say that you made someone unhappy."
...!
Xiong Mai's pupils contracted.
She was right after all. This was solely because of that letter.
Xiong Mai was stunned inside, but she still acted calmly.
"Is that so?" She smiled. "Then I will vote. I don't need any paper. I'll just announce what my vote is."
The people stared at her, wondering what she was up to.
With her chin held up, she calmly announced,
"I vote to remove myself from the position of the president."
"!!!!"
The crowd was once again shocked.