CHAPTER 93: NIGHT CELEBRATION

As night fell, the energy in Lianwu Street only grew more electric. The crowd swelled even bigger, laughter and chatter echoing down the lantern-lit alleys.

Up on the main stage, a popular local band played their hearts out paid handsomely, of course, by Zhao Yiming. If he was going to revive Lianwu Street, it had to be big, bold, and unforgettable.

And finally, the moment everyone had been waiting for arrived.

The master of ceremonies stepped up to the mic, his suit sparkling slightly under the lights, and spoke with exaggerated grandeur.

"Ladies and gentlemen, thank you for joining the first ever Lianwu Street Spicy Inferno Eating Contest! Sponsored by New Dawn Housing Inc.!"

The crowd cheered.

He raised his hand. "Now... it’s time to announce our winners!"

Drums rolled, someone was literally banging a pot with chopsticks in the back.

"For the Spiciest Eating Champion, someone who didn’t shed a single tear didn’t break a sweat, and even asked for more... give it up for Han Queying!!"

The spotlight swiveled as Han Queying stepped up with a lazy wave and a casual thumbs up, completely unfazed, as if she’d just finished drinking water instead of consuming hellfire noodles.

The crowd erupted, half in awe, half in disbelief. One of the participants of the spicy eating champion clapped his hands even when his mouth was red and puffed like a duck with tears flowing in his eyes.

Zhao Yiming clapped with a proud grin. "Yep... she’s not human."

While Luo Yanyu and Su Meilin nodded in agreement. Never in their life seen someone eating spicy noodle soup like it was water.

Han Queying then receives a thick envelope with a chili doll in her hands with pride.

Next, the emcee grinned. "And now, for the Highest Spender in Lianwu Street—the one who poured cash into our lovely vendors and supported the heart of this district... The Queen of Luxury herself... Madam Ruan Lihua!!"

Even though she wasn’t present since she was a busy ’businesswoman’, her name alone drew whistles and applause.

After all, everyone saw how she bought every single item on the store using a black card as she walked down the Lianwu street with her bodyguards holding all of her shopping bags.

The camera panned to her recorded thank-you message, where she smirked elegantly and said, "I don’t do anything halfway."

She continues, "I also give all of you present for all people who come here to enjoy the champion or for the sake of curiosity."

"Let’s welcome the revival of Lianwu Street and a token of gratitude to all the tenants who stayed strong even after all the storm coming in."

"Congratulations on your development and freedom!"

BOOM!

Fireworks exploded into the night sky, painting it in waves of red, gold, and blue with many forms like dragons, Phoenix, and many more.

The crowd gasped and looked up in awe. Zhao Yiming stood among them, arms crossed, heart full.

Su Meilin leaned against him, her head resting on his shoulder. Luo Yanyu stood on his other side, arms folded, quietly enjoying the view.

For that one moment, with fireworks overhead and the warmth of his girls beside him, Zhao Yiming allowed himself to smile.

Hoping the best for the future of Lianwu Street.

***

After the main event ended, Zhao Yiming, Luo Yanyu, Su Meilin, and Han Queying were invited to Mr. Wu’s antique shop for a casual after-party—more like an old-school barbecue celebration, as all the tenants were welcome too.

It was also meant to be a small welcoming party for Madam He, who had finally returned home after being discharged from the hospital. She was still in a wheelchair, but her spirit looked better already.

The front of the antique shop had been transformed. Several tenants were already helping Mr. Wu set up barbecue grills, folding tables, and plastic chairs.

Others brought their own homemade food and drinks to share with everyone. For the night, Lianwu Street had been temporarily closed down, replaced by laughter, music, and the smell of grilled meat filling the air.

"Ah! Zhao Yiming!" Zhenhua waved excitedly, wiping sweat from his brow after setting up a table.

"Come here! My mom already grilled some meat. You can take the first batch!" he grinned wide.

"Ohhh, my man, Zhao, finally showed up! Come drink some baijiu with us!" someone else called out.

"Hey! Let him come here first! We’ve got new business to discuss!" shouted another.

Zhao Yiming just laughed, waving them off for now, and made his way toward the antique shop where Mr. Wu was tending to Madam He.

She sat by a small table, wrapped in a warm shawl, quietly observing the celebration.

Su Meilin and the others had already gone ahead, collecting snacks, grilled skewers, drinks, and asking Zhao Yiming to help grab chairs for everyone.

Zhao walked up calmly, observing Mr. Wu help place food on Madam He’s plate, harshly encouraging her to eat.

"Ah, you brat! Tell her to eat more so she heals up fast!" Mr. Wu barked playfully as he noticed Zhao getting close.

Zhao Yiming grinned and took a seat across from them. "Old Wu’s right, Madam He. You need to eat more. Healing takes strength."

Madam He gave a tired sigh, a soft smile on her face. "At this point, I’ll get fat before I get better."

"Nah! No way! You’re thin as paper—now eat!" Mr. Wu snorted and tossed another meat skewer and some vegetables onto her plate, ignoring her protests.

Not long after, Zhao Yiming’s harem returned, their plates overflowing with grilled meat, snacks, and colorful drinks. They plopped down around him, claiming every seat.

Even Lao Xinya had arrived, silently settling into an empty spot beside Su Meilin and immediately stealing some meat off her plate like it was her birthright.

The mood was warm and lively. People laughed, clinked their glasses, and music played softly in the background.

"Ah, are you ready for the trial, Mr. Wu?" Han Queying asked casually as she sprinkled an obscene amount of chili powder onto her bowl. "It’s in two days, right?"

That’s when the atmosphere shifted.

Mr. Wu paused, then leaned back in his chair, arms crossed. "About that... it’s useless. I won’t press it further."

His words dropped like a stone in water. The whole table went quiet.

Even Luo Yanyu’s chopsticks slipped from her fingers and clattered onto the ground. Lao Xinya’s face darkened. Su Meilin gasped.

Zhao Yiming frowned and slowly set down his drink. "Mr. Wu... what do you mean by that?"

"You’re still young, and already hard of hearing?" Mr. Wu huffed, narrowing his eyes. "I said I’m not taking it to court. It’s over."