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.
