The van drove into the mountains. When it reached the village entrance, it stopped. There were a lot of people waiting there. There were men and women, young and old.
Some were smoking. Some were squatting and chatting. Some were playing with their phones.
Everyone was waiting silently.
Some people looked indifferent as if they were just there to make up the numbers. A small number of people were very nervous. They kept looking in their direction with anticipation.
It was like a rough wedding procession that lacked decorations and a little celebration. Many people hate formalities. They always felt that it was a burden.
For example, before any party activity began, the leader would go on stage to speak. He would read the same opening speech, and speak a lot of nonsense in the process. He would repeatedly greet the people below. Then, under the sparse applause, he would continue.