Seated in the stretched passenger compartment of a vehicle dedicated to transporting VIPs, they found the welcome lighting, onboard drinks, television, rest services, and so on comparatively minor details. More striking were the special vehicles escorting them at the front and rear. Along the specially managed "green corridor," they never even encountered a changing traffic light, traveling smoothly all the way without stopping.
This understated yet subtle VIP treatment clearly left a few of the passengers, who "hadn't seen much of the world," feeling somewhat uneasy.
Seemingly noticing the faint embarrassment on the faces of these honored guests, who were reportedly all acquainted, the attendant aboard the vehicle warmly greeted them, offered a few introductions, and unobtrusively changed the subject.
The importance attached to them was beyond question when a dedicated car entitled to fly a small flag at its front came to collect them. Naturally, the accompanying staff were professionals, too, and would never simply let an awkward silence linger.
Only the young man sitting beside the window, who had kept his eyes closed without speaking, suddenly opened them. With what seemed to be a rare trace of surprise, he turned to look through the reinforced glass.
All that met his eyes were streets and traffic rushing backward, overlapping gray shadows. No one knew what he was looking at.
-With the local Special Office's "warm invitation," especially considering Old Li's quasi-official status, turning them down really had been difficult.
In the end, through their connection to Li Jiye, the others had come along in his car to attend this so-called "International Visitors' Friendship and Exchange Reception."
Fatty Yuan had other channels through which to attend, thanks to his business.
So, besides Old Li, the principal guest, and Li Yun, who could also be considered an invitee, the two girls