The applause fades in stages.
First the front rows, then the middle section, then the back, sound dissolving into the particular quiet of a room returning to itself after something significant. People begin moving, standing, reaching for phones and portfolios, the ordinary machinery of an event winding down.
Peng Hao finds us before we've fully left the stage.
"Excellent work, both of you." He's already pulling out his tablet, because Peng Hao is constitutionally incapable of a moment that doesn't involve documentation. "The board responded extremely well. We'll have the formal paperwork drawn up within the week, but I wanted to confirm the commission arrangement directly." He looks between us. "The design fee for the integrated proposal will be split equally between you and Mr. Jun. Both your names on the contract, both of you compensated for the work."
Elliot nods once.
