Shortly after, Yan Qinglai led Mr. Luzern and his party to their seats, the host announced the beginning of the meeting, and then moved on to the first agenda item, a speech by Yan Qinglai.
"Clap, clap..."
After the host's voice faded, a tide-like round of applause erupted in the venue. Representatives from within the system, state-owned enterprises, and semi-official private enterprises applauded vigorously with a resonant sound. Whether it was Mr. Luzern, leading the business community godfathers, or the foreign tycoons, they all offered merely symbolic clapping.
As the applause subsided, Yan Qinglai stood up with a bow as a gesture of thanks and then, holding a speech drafted by Yan Anshan, walked towards the podium at the center of the venue.
"Your Excellency!"
