Andrew nodded thoughtfully. "That does sound decent enough! But compared to me, youโre still lacking in many ways!"
Duncan exploded with rage. "Andrew, stop spouting nonsense! Lacking in many ways? Then tell me exactly what qualifications you have to compare with my family!"
Andrew snorted coldly and spoke with measured calm, "In martial arts, I could destroy your entire family with one handโdoes that count as a qualification? Experience? Ha! Thatโs never been about age or how long youโve been around! Having real strength and getting things doneโthatโs what experience truly means! As for reputation, I wonder if being the Grand Medical Summit champion and currently Blumedaleโs most sought-after figure gives me enough standing to compete with you?"
Duncanโs expression finally changed. It shifted from arrogance to wariness, then to explosive anger. This damned kid was clearly determined to fight him for the Chamber of Commerce chairman position.
The other members also became conflicted. Several who had previously followed Duncanโs lead now showed hesitation in their eyes. They were looking toward Andrew, considering whether they should switch sides.
George sat at the head of the table, leisurely sipping his tea. Then, he smirkedโthis was exactly the effect he had aimed for. Nominations were just words, and Andrew himself had to demonstrate real power and dominance. If Andrew were useless, then even if George nominated him or forced him into the chairman position, he would likely be ousted within days.
Emily sneered. "Andrew, even if your overall capabilities are convincing! Youโre still ultimately just a newcomer! The Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce represents the interests and dignity of established powers like us! As a newcomer, you simply cannot command our trust and respect!"
Duncan immediately chimed in, "Exactly! Ms. Emily is absolutely right! Andrew, you do have the qualifications to be chairmanโyouโre perfect in every aspect! But the one thing you lack is seniority. Even if you joined our Chamber of Commerce right now! Youโd have to wait until the next chairman election for your chance, so just sit back and wait your turn!"
Duncan burst into loud laughter after finishing his speech. He had been wheeling and dealing in the Gabo Creek Chamber of Commerce for nearly 30 years. He knew every member inside and out and had built substantial relationships with all of them. With this advantage alone, what could Andrew possibly use to compete with him? Would the Chamber members really trust a complete stranger, some young punk, over their old friend? Impossibleโit was absolutely impossible.
Logan frowned deeply, "Mr. Irving Senior, the Chamber of Commerce needs fresh talent like Andrew, someone whoโs practically a perfect young genius! Why are you being so stubborn and relying on seniority here? Handing the Chamber of Commerce over to Andrew would be great news for you and all the other members!"
Duncan scoffed mockingly, "Mr. Keller, Iโm afraid I canโt agree with that sentiment! This kid being young is true enough, but thatโs exactly the problemโheโs too young! There are many situations he simply canโt handle properly! Thatโs precisely why I canโt trust someone like him to lead our Chamber of Commerce down the wrong path!"
Instead of being convinced, Logan found himself outmaneuvered by Duncanโs argument. His face immediately turned extremely ugly with frustration and anger.
Duncan saw his opportunity and waved his hand, "Alright, I was just playing around with you earlier, Andrew! Did you really think you were qualified to compete with me? What a joke! Now letโs do this properlyโweโll vote by show of hands! As long as the majority approves, then Iโll be the next Chamber of Commerce chairman!"
As soon as he finished speaking, his previous supporters immediately raised their hands. Looking around, nearly a third of the people were showing their support for him.
Emily let out a huge sigh of relief. She had failed, but at least Andrew was not succeeding either. Otherwise, it would make her look even more incompetent.
Duncan laughed heartily, "See that, Andrew? This is the influence that comes with experience and relationships! Even if you meet all the qualifications, you still donโt have what it takes to compete with me!"
Andrew replied coolly, "Is that so? I think youโre celebrating too early, Mr. Irving Senior! I can promise you right here and nowโas long as Iโm around, you wonโt get that chairman position, even in your dreams!"
Everyone gasped in shock.
The Keller sisters burst into mocking laughter, unable to believe Andrewโs continued arrogance. They truly could not understand where his confidence stemmed from.