At this moment, the banquet hall was silent.
About 400 people were present, with 200 officially participating in the auction, 200 accompanying them, and 10 alternates ready to fill in at any time.
Many familiar faces were in the crowd, but strict disciplinary requirements meant they could only communicate through gestures.
As the clock on the wall read 7:40, the crowd grew restless, eager for the auction to start, which was due to begin in 20 minutes.
A beautiful woman in a white satin cheongsam entered the venue, stunning the top tycoons who rarely saw such beauty.
This was Warnia Song, chairperson of the Song Group, confident after Marven's pep talk.
She walked to the stage, crossing the red carpet, and stepped onto the platform.
Everyone's eyes followed her, mesmerized by her oriental beauty.
Afterward, Warnia greeted the microphone, saying, "Welcome to the first Rejuvenation Pill Auction. I am Warnia Song, Chairwoman of the Song Group."
Thunderous applause erupted, as these people had waited too long to make noise.
After the applause, Warnia thanked the audience and continued, "Tonight's auction is co-organized by the Song Group's Antique Hall and the Ye Group's Shangri-La Hotel."
"And I will provide guidance and assistance throughout the auction," she added.
Warnia then introduced three VIPs, including the recently abdicated Nordic Empress, Victoria Iliad, and the crowd welcomed her with applause.
Outside, the old empress was pacing nervously, alongside Zhongquan, head of the Ye family, and Qinghua Lai, feng shui master.
Zhongquan and Qinghua were acquainted, but kept their conversation brief due to the old empress's presence.
When Warnia called her name, the old queen gathered her courage to enter the hall.
Although she had high social status in Europe, the crowd saw only a poor old lady with an empty noble title, creating an interesting scene.
Many European aristocrats recognized the old queen and bowed in respect, while the rest showed disdain.
