"Calling for backup? Did I hear that right?"
Su Hang was stunned. So, if someone picked on him and he couldn't handle it, he could use this token, and someone would immediately rush over to back him up? Could that really be possible?
Unfortunately, it was a one-time consumable item. Otherwise, Su Hang would've tried it out right then and there. He wasn't entirely convinced that such a miraculous thing existed—why would anyone go out of their way to help him for no reason?
Then again, the message did mention that this reinforcemant token was the secret to Wei Xiaobao's rise to power. Did Wei Xiaobao even have something like this? He'd never heard of it.
But on second thought, it made sense. Wei Xiaobao, that scoundrel—born dirt poor, an ordinary nobody—had somehow managed to become a high-ranking official, enjoy endless luxury, and even marry seven wives. Wasn't it all thanks to his connections?
Whenever he found himself in a pinch, some bigshot would always show up just in time to bail him out. Perhaps this Kao Shan Token really was the reason behind it all.
Regardless of whether it was true, since it was a system reward, it probably wasn't worthless. Su Hang pocketed the token, turned off the lights, left the dormitory, and found a spot to practice the lightness skill he'd just learned.
Saturday. Qingniu Grand Hotel.
The venue was buzzing with excitement—red banners flying, crowds packed in layers, drums beating, and firecrackers popping. At the center of it all stood a towering stage. Major media outlets from Rongcheng had gathered, cameras flashing incessantly.
As energetic music blared, a group of bikini-clad models paraded across the stage, prompting waves of cheers from the crowd.
The host took the stage, microphone in hand, delivering a long-winded speech before finally announcing, "The first-ever Jiuding Cup World Eating Contest officially begins!"
Jiuding Group had gone all out for this event, sparing no expense to promote their culinary culture.
Nine large cauldrons stood on stage, each brimming with steaming hotdogs that smelled irresistibly delicious. The aroma wafted through the air, making nearby children discreetly lick their lips.
The rules were simple: contestants would battle it out on stage in timed rounds of ten minutes each. Whoever ate the most hotdogs in that time would claim the stage as their own until another challenger out-ate them. The last person standing would be crowned the champion of the Rongcheng division.
A month later, the finals would be held in Beijing, Jiuding Group's headquarters. Champions from all regional divisions, along with international contestants, would compete for a grand prize of 1 million CNY and a fully furnished property valued at 1.5 million CNY in the champion's city.
The prize alone was enough to spark a frenzy. Judging by the crowd that had gathered today, Jiuding's event planning was already a resounding success.
This was just a regional qualifier with a 100,000CNY prize, yet it had already drawn such massive attention. With continuous media coverage, the event's buzz was only going to grow.
"Where's Su Hang? Why isn't he here yet?"
Two hours into the competition, the stage was dominated by a shirtless, bald man with an intimidating build. His large, round belly looked like he was about to give birth, and a menacing black dragon tattoo adorned his shoulder.
The host introduced him as Hu Tonghua, a slaughterhouse worker who had just set a record by devouring 50 hotdogs in ten minutes, knocking the previous champion off the stage.
The crowd marveled at his feat. They'd seen big eaters before, but nothing like this. Fifty hotdogs? For most people, even finishing a few was a challenge. Looking at his massive belly, it was hard to believe anyone could eat that much—unless they'd seen it with their own eyes.
In the audience, Qin Shiyu scanned the area anxiously, but there was still no sign of Su Hang. She couldn't help but feel worried. At this rate, no one else seemed willing to challenge Hu Tonghua. If things continued like this, he would undoubtedly be crowned the day's champion. After all, how many people could eat 50 hotdogs in one go?
"Don't worry," Shuai Yu said calmly. "The big stars always come out last. He and Cai Jiuxia are back at the hotel changing. Jiuxia said they should save the best for last, make an entrance, and really shake things up."
"Changing? Changing into what?" Qin Shiyu asked, puzzled.
Shuai Yu shrugged. "That guy doesn't want to draw too much attention. Jiuxia's helping him figure something out. Anyway, Jiuxia has a lot of faith in him."
Qin Shiyu nodded but said no more, her eyes returning to the stage.
"Fifty hotdogs in ten minutes. Incredible. I don't know about you, but this is a first for me," the host exclaimed, his voice ringing through the air. "Ladies and gentlemen, Hu Tonghua has set a new record! Is there anyone left who dares to challenge him? If not, he'll be our champion today!"
"Remember, there's 100,000CNY at stake today and a chance to compete for a million next month! This is your shot—your chance to rise from an underdog! Is anyone brave enough to step up?"
But the crowd remained silent, stunned by the sheer absurdity of the contest. Hu Tonghua's terrifying eating display had left everyone frozen in place. Fifty hotdogs in ten minutes? The mere thought made their stomachs hurt. Several overeager challengers had already been carried off on stretchers to the waiting ambulances.
Hu Tonghua wiped the grease from his mouth, patted his bulging belly, and glanced down at the crowd with a smug look that screamed.
Just then, familiar music erupted from the speakers, drawing everyone's attention to the edge of the stage.
""007"?"
The iconic James Bond theme music began to play.Excited murmurs rippled through the audience.
A figure dressed in sleek black strode confidently onto the stage, flanked by bikini-clad models. His face was half-covered by a beast-patterned mask, hiding his identity and adding an air of mystery.
"Whoa! Cai Jiuxia really pulled out all the stops for this. Is this a movie or what?" Shuai Yu nearly burst out laughing. Despite the mask, the figure's silhouette was unmistakable. It was Su Hang—of that, he was absolutely sure.