Chapter 50 Jinjiang's Exclusive Case of Extortion

Su Ruyi didn't know how to describe her feelings at this moment. She had only thought that the man in front of her was very much to her liking and that he was also an outstanding person.

His sense of responsibility and justice can be felt when you see the main components of the plastic factory, but at this moment he seems to be shining, his original nine-point color has now become more than ten points.

This era is far less convenient than it will be decades later, yet he not only devised a method of propaganda in a short period of time but also put it into practice. With such initiative, it's no wonder he has become a rising star in this era.

She originally brought this up with Lu Ting just because she thought that more people meant more hope, and she didn't expect him to do anything. She never thought he would go to such lengths.

Su Ruyi stared at him, unable to look away.

Lu Ting felt it wasn't enough and said with considerable regret:

"The competition is only held within our province, so the scope of publicity is still limited. They are likely to be sold to other provinces. However, as long as they leave the province, the probability of them appearing on public transportation is high. If someone sees them and can provide some information, at least it won't be like now where there is no clue at all."

He seemed afraid of disappointing Su Ruyi, so he added, "However, with this experience, we may have opportunities for nationwide publicity in the future."

"Thank you."

Su Ruyi hesitated for a long time before finally uttering only these few words.

Lu Ting chuckled: "Why thank me? Anyone who knows about this would try to help, and you did too."

"I'm not as thoughtful as you," Su Ruyi sighed.

Logically speaking, she had seen similar propaganda quite a bit in her other life. Whenever an abducted child was found and the news was very popular, there would always be other parents of abducted children holding up photos of their children or relatives to "get attention".

Many of the delivery boxes were printed with photos and information about the missing children, but she hadn't thought of that at all.

Although this had little to do with the competition and she didn't think about it, it still served as a wake-up call for Su Ruyi. She shouldn't think that just because she had more life experience, she could be arrogant and think she knew a lot and was great.

"It was just a coincidence," Lu Ting said dismissively. "One of the people I hate most are kidnappers. If I caught one, I'd tear them to pieces!"

Looking at the missing person poster, which was taller than a person, Su Ruyi sighed, "I hope there will be good news."

Because the missing person notice was so eye-catching, almost everyone who entered the stadium would subconsciously glance at it, resulting in a very good publicity effect.

This is all thanks to the fact that Grandpa Li's family likes taking photos; otherwise, they wouldn't even have a single picture, which would truly be like finding a needle in a haystack.

Su Ruyi thought she would buy a camera later, not only to record this era, but also to have a photo to find people if something bad happened.

Lu Ting had other things to do, so the two parted ways at the stadium entrance.

Su Ruyi took Tong Yunyun to the competition, and she held Tong Yunyun's hand tightly the whole way, afraid of losing her.

These days, without a smartwatch, it's really hard to find someone if they get lost.

Tong Yunyun was very nervous. Seeing her tense little face, Su Ruyi took her to buy soda.

It has to be said that there are many quick-witted people these days. On the first day of the competition, there were already small vendors selling things outside.

Peanuts, melon seeds, soda, ice cream, and everything else you could want, including things to fill your stomach.

Some people were worried about arriving late, so they came very early, even though their stomachs were empty. They bought food when they saw it for sale.

Su Ruyi bought two bottles of soda. Normally, Tong Yunyun would have happily taken them and drunk them, but this time she shook her head and refused.

"I'll drink after the match, otherwise I'm afraid I'll need to pee when I go on stage."

"Okay, I'll hold it for you first." Su Ruyi didn't insist, but she wasn't in a hurry to take her inside either.

Although Tong Yunyun is already in the front of the line, she will have to wait at least one or two hours before she can go on stage.

Watching others compete while waiting, Su Ruyi was afraid that she would become even more nervous.

There was no way around it; there were just too many people signing up. Since there was no age limit, people of all ages came, the youngest being just over three years old. They all came to have fun.

With so many people, things got messy. When Su Ruyi was buying soda, she noticed several suspicious-looking people mingling in the crowd. Although they tried their best to hide, Su Ruyi could still sense that their attention was focused on other people's pockets.

Not only adults, but also some children.

Su Ruyi saw someone about to take out tweezers to grab a wallet, but after being glared at by Su Ruyi, he quickly put away his tool and disappeared into the crowd.

Because there were so many people, Su Ruyi and Tong Yunyun couldn't easily go and arrest anyone, so they went to the competition organizing committee.

Lu Ting was also busy there, but when he saw Su Ruyi's serious expression, he put down what he was doing.

"What's wrong?"

Su Ruyi briefly mentioned what she had discovered to him, "If there's an announcement, it would be best to make it public so that everyone can be careful."

Lu Ting nodded and handed the matter over to the people around him to handle.

What's going on?

Su Ruyi pointed to a three- or four-year-old child with tears still on his face, and a female staff member was comforting him with a lollipop.

"This child got lost from his parents and was brought here," Lu Ting said helplessly. "This is the third one in just a short time. The other two were taken away by the police just now."

Su Ruyi didn't know what to say. It had only just begun, and someone had already lost a child.

"There must be quite a few of these kinds of things happening, so let's just use a loudspeaker to broadcast it."

Lu Ting nodded. He hadn't done that earlier because he hadn't expected so many careless parents, so he simply handed the child over to the police officers patrolling nearby.

Large-scale events like these require registration and law enforcement personnel to maintain order.

Su Ruyi didn't linger outside any longer and brought Tong Yunyun inside.

When we entered, the stadium, which can hold tens of thousands of people, was already full. Many people came as a large family, and the noise was deafening.

Some people were so well-prepared that they even brought binoculars.

"Big sister, that big sister is so amazing!"

Tong Yunyun quickly identified the most skilled contestant among the group of competitors.

Luo Youqiong was participating in a competition, and she had more and more hula hoops on her body, making it increasingly difficult to shake them. However, she kept waving to her great-aunt for more hula hoops.

Luo Youqiong and her great-aunt were working together for the first time and didn't have much chemistry. Her great-aunt almost bumped into her hula hoop at first, but luckily she took a step back.

However, Luo Youqiong was already very grateful for the help she received and could not ask for more.

She will only make herself more careful to avoid making the same mistake again.

Grandma Luo was clearly very nervous, especially as more and more hula hoops were placed on Luo Youqiong's body. Her hands were trembling as she fed the hula hoops, and sometimes they would fall off.

"Oh my god, I was almost scared to death! Why did we have to ask an old lady to hand us the hula hoop? It would have been a real problem if something went wrong," someone couldn't help but complain.

Grandma Luo is old and frail; she doesn't seem very reliable.

"Passing a hula hoop is still not safe; it's better to throw it."

Because the competition rules use the total number of hula hoops shaken within five minutes as the judging criterion, many people gradually increase the difficulty. If you shake a lot of hula hoops at the beginning, you will easily run out of energy later, and the difficulty level will also increase.

Also, if you shake it too much at the beginning, the hula hoop will be too heavy to shake.

All the hula hoops used are the large size ones we usually buy. Children under twelve can use the small size, but everyone else has to use the large size.

Therefore, it is not light, and ordinary people will feel the strain after shaking it a dozen times.

Many people practice beforehand by having friends or family throw hula hoops at them. The hoops are first thrown onto the user's arm, then spun around before being placed on the body and spun together. This reduces the risk of collisions, but requires good teamwork.

Su Ruyi also practiced with Tong Yunyun for half a day before they were able to synchronize.

"That's not necessarily true. Even if you don't throw well, you can still get knocked out."

"But this girl needs someone to vote for her, otherwise she can only get so many votes."

Luo Youqiong can no longer hold them because the hula hoops have covered her from the back of her knees to her neck. If she wants to put on more, she has to straighten her arms, and people are throwing them at her arms.

"That's amazing! There must be seventy or eighty of them now, right?"

"I'm afraid it's more than that. If someone helps, we could manage a hundred."

Aunt Luo was extremely anxious, wanting to throw but afraid of making a mistake.

With the deadline fast approaching, she was in a panic.

Although Luo Youqiong has spun the most on the field so far, there are still many people who haven't participated in the competition yet. It's fine if Luo Youqiong can't spin more, but it would be a pity to give up now if she could spin more.

The other onlookers were also anxious, but no one dared to step forward to help. What if they made things worse and got blamed?

Tong Yunyun: "Big sister, can you go and help her?"

Su Ruyi raised an eyebrow: "Aren't you afraid she'll surpass you?"

"Then I'm completely convinced." Tong Yunyun wanted to win, but she wanted to win by her own ability.

Tong Yunyun felt sorry for this amazing older sister who lost because no one helped her.

“Okay.” Su Ruyi walked over, but didn’t start immediately. Instead, she first consulted Luo Youqiong’s opinion.

"I can help you cast the ball, would you like to try?"

Luo Youqiong was covered in sweat, but she didn't feel very tired and still had the energy to swing more hula hoops.

Aunt Luo didn't dare to throw the hula hoop at all, especially after one failed throw that hit her and almost knocked several off. Aunt Luo was even more hesitant to move, which made her a little anxious.

They had considered this possibility before, but their family was really short of money, and having another person go to the city would only add to their burden.

Moreover, her mother also needs someone to take care of her at home, and her father simply cannot leave.

Just when Luo Youqiong thought it was over, she heard a pleasant voice.

At this moment, Luo Youqiong didn't care about anything else; as long as someone helped her, she was willing to give it her all.

Even if something goes wrong, she can always salvage the situation with her own abilities.

“Yes! Go ahead and vote!” Luo Youqiong said firmly.

"Okay, you're ready."

Su Ruyi and Tong Yunyun already had experience working together, and she was very close to Luo Youqiong, so she wasn't afraid of missing the shot.

Luo Youqiong watched Su Ruyi's movements through the gaps in the hula hoop. She knew exactly where the hula hoop would land as soon as Su Ruyi threw it.

Better than she had imagined, Su Ruyi released the ball with great precision and even kept up with her rhythm.

The people around cheered as well. It was as if Luo Youqiong had grown hula hoops all over her body, and you could only vaguely see someone inside through the gaps.

After Su Ruyi threw three balls, they had a general understanding of each other's situations, and Su Ruyi's speed began to increase.

"Ten seconds left!" the referee shouted.

"Go! Go!" Tong Yunyun shouted excitedly.

At this point, Luo Youqiong was almost invisible; she was completely buried by the hula hoop.

But the hula hoop kept spinning on her, and even started moving below her knees to have more space.

Su Ruyi continued to throw, and the onlookers held their breath and cheered her on. When there were only five seconds left, they started counting down together.

"Keep going, girl, you're almost there!"

"Five, four, three, two, one!"

The whistle blew, and Su Ruyi stopped moving. Luo Youqiong didn't put it down immediately; she shook it for a while longer before stopping. Then, the hula hoop was heard to fall to the ground with a clatter.

Luo Youqiong was completely trapped inside a hula hoop, and each hula hoop had to be removed from her body before she could get out.

When the hula hoop was moved aside, revealing her little face, Luo Youqiong was covered in sweat, as if she had been soaking in water, and her face was flushed.

She was still a little unsteady as she walked out of the pile of hula hoops.

Su Ruyi quickly stepped forward to support her and handed her the soda that was no longer very cold.

"Drink some sugar water to replenish your energy."

"No need..." Luo Youqiong had just finished speaking when she felt her vision go black. Su Ruyi quickly put the tube into her mouth.

Su Ruyi was surprised that Luo Youqiong was so thin, with such great energy in such a small body.

However, she clearly didn't look well. Although her face was flushed from the heat and fatigue, it was still obvious that she was very weak and probably had low blood sugar.

"Take a sip quickly."

Luo Youqiong felt her head buzzing, mechanically following the voice in her ear, and took a sip of soda.

The sweet soda enters your mouth, and the bubbles burst inside.

As the sugar entered her body, Luo Youqiong gradually recovered. She stood up from Su Ruyi and said apologetically:

"Thank you, here's the money."

As Luo Youqiong was about to take out her money, Su Ruyi stopped her.

“I am also a staff member of the organizer. You fainted during the competition, and I have an obligation to help you.”

Aunt Luo also hurried over and thanked Su Ruyi repeatedly:

"Thank you so much. This girl didn't eat much this morning, afraid that her stomach would feel uncomfortable when the competition starts."

If you're full and the hula hoop is swinging on your stomach for a long time, you're more likely to vomit.

Su Ruyi took Tong Yunyun out for breakfast early this morning to avoid this situation from happening.

But this little girl was even more ruthless; she didn't eat a single bite.

Luo Youqiong not only skipped breakfast, but also ate very little in general.

Aunt Luo's family situation was not good either. She usually made a living by scavenging and lived a very difficult life on her own.

Needless to say, Luo Youqiong's family was even worse off, so they often didn't have enough to eat.

With such a high level of physical activity, it's no wonder he felt dizzy.

"You still need to eat something; you can't do it on an empty stomach."

Although Su Ruyi didn't know Luo Youqiong's situation, she could tell from the clothes she and Aunt Luo were wearing that their situation was not good.

She said that mainly for other people to hear.

Luo Youqiong was helped to sit down, and Su Ruyi took Tong Yunyun to prepare for the competition.

Tong Yunyun went to the toilet before the competition. She hadn't actually drunk any water in the morning and hadn't eaten much for breakfast.

But after she entered the stadium, she had already gone to the toilet twice.

Su Ruyi knew she was nervous, so she didn't say much, but she was a little worried that she might not perform well later.

They seem very bold normally, but when it comes to something they really take seriously, they're not as confident as they usually are.

However, she soon realized that Su Ruyi was overthinking it. Tong Yunyun was just nervous before the competition, but she was a completely different person once she stepped on stage.

He stopped panicking and shaking, and performed even better than usual.

When I counted them one last time, there were seventy of them!

Normally she can only shake sixty at most, this is definitely an extraordinary performance.

"Big sister! I did it!" Tong Yunyun was overjoyed.

Although Luo Youqiong is ahead of her, she currently has the highest number of 101, which is much higher than Tong Yunyun's. Tong Yunyun is already very happy to have beaten her.

Before the competition, she wanted to surpass others, but now she is immersed in the joy of breaking through her own limits.

"That's amazing! Come on, I'll treat you to a big meal!"

Since the competition will last for three days, the final result is still unknown.

At least for now, Tong Yunyun's grades are good, but it will be difficult for her to win an award.

She's still quite young, and her height isn't even as tall as a stack of hula hoops that other people are using. Considering her age, her achievement is already quite good.

At least for now, she is the tallest among her peers; usually, only fifty or so children her age can be selected.

"Big sister, I want to take another look." Tong Yunyun looked at Su Ruyi expectantly.

"Okay, but we're out of soda. Are you thirsty now? Let's go out and buy some food before we come back in."

"I'll go instead. If you go out and come back in, you'll have to buy a ticket again."

"It's not a big deal, safety is the most important thing." Su Ruyi would not let Tong Yunyun leave her side.

The broadcasts had been going on non-stop. Every now and then, parents whose children had gone missing would come to the control room to make announcements, or children would be brought to the control room for their parents to come and claim.

According to incomplete statistics, in just this short period of time, at least eight children have gone missing and are unable to find their parents.

We've now increased the number of staff checking the stadium entrance. Anyone taking a child out, or having a child go out alone, will be checked and questioned more to avoid any mishaps.

When Su Ruyi took Tong Yunyun out, she was also questioned.

"Sis, I want to eat candied hawthorn."

Tong Yunyun saw someone holding up a haystack covered with candied hawthorns and exclaimed excitedly.

"Come on, take whatever you want to eat, it's on me today!"

At this time, there are even more people setting up stalls, selling candied hawthorns, cotton candy, sugar figurines, and other small items such as hair ties and socks. They spontaneously set up a commercial street, which is very lively.

However, as Su Ruyi approached, she discovered that it wasn't that the vendors were so self-disciplined, but rather that someone was maintaining order and deliberately designated a space for them to set up their stalls.

In Liulin County, such a spectacle only occurs during festivals and holidays, and Tong Yunyun always looks forward to it very much.

"Really! I can eat whatever I want?"

"Yes, eat whatever you want."

Although the hygiene of these small vendors is probably questionable, the competition is over anyway, so she's not worried about getting an upset stomach, since the city hospital isn't far away. Su Ruyi is in a very calm state of mind.

Tong Yunyun cheered, completely forgetting that she was supposed to continue watching the game.

The two ate their way from one end of the street to the other, and Su Ruyi even bought some interesting handicrafts, such as cloth shoes made by an old lady.

The old lady's craftsmanship was exceptional. Not only were the soles of her shoes thick and soft, but the embroidery on them was also extremely beautiful, completely unlike the stiff appearance of machine-made shoes.

Although Su Ruyi doesn't wear cloth shoes, she still couldn't resist buying a pair.

The two ate and drank as they walked, spending lavishly. Many vendors noticed them and greeted them warmly.

Su Ruyi has a big appetite and is willing to try anything, so I bought her everything.

"Sister, do you want some sunflower seeds? You can buy some."

A little girl approached Su Ruyi, trying to sell her melon seeds. She had a basket full of them slung over her wrist.

Su Ruyi had already bought sunflower seeds, so she wasn't particularly interested.

"I think I've already bought it, thanks."

"Sister, can you buy some? My family's roasted sunflower seeds are especially fragrant and delicious."

The little girl persisted, carrying her basket and nudging herself closer to Su Ruyi.

Su Ruyi glanced at the little girl, who looked about the same age as Tong Yunyun, but was so thin she was almost unrecognizable.

Why does this girl look so familiar?

The thought flashed through her mind, but Su Ruyi was certain that she didn't know any girls, so she didn't take it to heart.

"Sorry, I've already bought a lot, I really don't need it."

"Sister, please buy some more. You've already bought so much, so please buy a little more."

The little girl looked pitiful, her eyes were starting to redden.

It seemed as if Su Ruyi would be letting her down if she didn't buy it.

Su Ruyi was a little unhappy. She could sympathize with the other party and take care of their business, but if anyone tried to force her, she would rebel.

Tong Yunyun, not one to indulge little girls, put her hands on her hips and shouted:

"Why are you chasing after us like this! My sister already said we're not buying, didn't you hear her?"

"Why don't you buy my sunflower seeds? You're all buying from other brands, why don't you buy mine?"

The little girl started crying, feeling extremely wronged.

"How can you be like this?" Tong Yunyun frowned, even more displeased, and took a step forward.

Just like that, he bumped into the little girl, and to everyone's surprise, the little girl fell to the ground, scattering sunflower seeds all over the floor.

Tong Yunyun's eyes widened, and she said anxiously, "It wasn't me, she just didn't hold it properly."

People nearby hadn't noticed what was happening, but once the sunflower seeds were scattered, everyone's attention turned to them.

Tong Yunyun was so anxious she was about to cry. She really hadn't used any force; she had only touched it lightly.

"Sis, I really didn't push her. She just lost her grip. You have to believe me!"

Su Ruyi could see it clearly: the little girl was obviously trying to scam someone!

The little girl looked so thin and pitiful; her clothes were faded and patched.

These days, unlike a few years ago, it's almost impossible to see people in the city wearing patched clothes anymore.

Therefore, everyone sympathized with the little girl and assumed that it was Su Ruyi and her sister who started the incident.

"Oh dear, how could you be so careless? This person makes a living from these sunflower seeds, you can't ruin their livelihood."

"You can still eat sunflower seeds even if they fall to the ground. You won't lose out if you clean them up and buy them."

Tong Yunyun burst into tears. Such a big basket of melon seeds must have cost a lot of money, and she clearly didn't make them!

Su Ruyi patted her head reassuringly, her gaze fixed on the little girl in front of her.

“We didn’t push you, it’s not our responsibility. Where are your parents? I need to talk to them.”