"Everyone quiet down, quiet down! We're about to begin the meeting." Director Gong sat at the front, facing the crowd and tapping on the tabletop to signal for silence. Once the audience quieted down, he turned with a smile to the aloof Wang Yueling beside him. "Comrade Xiao Wang, what do you think? Shall we start this summary meeting now?"
Only three seats were arranged on the rostrum at the very front, facing the audience. Wang Yueling sat in the very center, the seat usually reserved for the top leader during meetings. To her left was Director Gong, and to her right was the secretary to County Magistrate Zhao—what the common folk would call the chief secretary.
When asked, Wang Yueling maintained her lofty demeanor. She didn't reply, merely offering a slight nod.
