Su Ruyi hadn't initially planned to reveal her astonishing appetite, not wanting to appear as if she was eating excessively just because someone else was treating her.
At first, Su Ruyi hesitated somewhat, but later she stopped pretending and laid her cards on the table.
The truth was, Su Ruyi simply couldn't resist the temptation of delicious food. The noodles in the cafeteria were exceptionally well-made—more chewy than those she'd had in noodle shops before—and the sauce was perfectly seasoned, making it impossible for her to stop eating.
The steamed buns were also excellent, with a dense texture and the natural sweetness of wheat that grew more fragrant with each chew. Even paired with ordinary stir-fried dishes, Su Ruyi could still eat several of them.
As a southerner, she had a great love for wheat-based foods, yet she felt that southern-style noodles just couldn't compare to those from the north. Even when northerners opened noodle shops in the south, there was always something missing—they never quite matched the authenticity of northern local eateries.
The cafeteria chef's skill with wheat-based dishes was top-notch even among northerners. With such delicious food before her and genuinely still hungry, Su Ruyi decided to abandon all restraint.
Once the Hula Hoop craze exploded during the Asian Games and Red Star Plastics Factory seized the market early, they were bound to make a fortune. In comparison, her meal here would be insignificant.
As for whether her appetite might make people think she was a monster, she wasn't worried at all.
Decades later, there would be countless binge-eating livestreams, many featuring slender, petite girls who ate far more than she did now. People would express amazement, but that would be the extent of it—no one would drag them away for research. Who had time for that?
Just as Su Ruyi reached seventy to eighty percent full and began to slow down, a tall figure appeared before her.
Su Ruyi looked up and saw a face that was pleasing to the eye.
Hmm, with such a handsome face to look at, she could probably manage two more bowls of noodles.
"Hello, I'm Lu Ting. We met on the train before—I'm not sure if you remember?"
Su Ruyi took out a handkerchief to wipe her mouth, stood up, and extended her hand confidently:
"Thank you for helping me with my luggage that time."
Lu Ting shook her hand formally, releasing it after just a brief touch. Though the contact was fleeting, the soft, warm sensation left his throat feeling somewhat scratchy.
He cleared his throat awkwardly, somewhat embarrassed as he said, "I didn't really help much—you could have managed it yourself."
"That's a separate matter."
"By the way, regarding the human traffickers you caught—their accomplices have all been arrested as well, and we've rescued over twenty women and children they had deceived and abducted. We're also tracking down others who were previously trafficked by them. If you hadn't caught them in time, there would have been more victims."
Having witnessed the traffickers' arrest himself, Lu Ting had taken a special interest in the case.
Shi Fengyi had just informed him yesterday that the case was closed, with all suspects captured.
Although it was a case from Zhaoguang City, the gang had committed crimes in the provincial capital as well. As soon as the case was resolved there, Shi Fengyi received the news.
"Really? That's wonderful!"
Su Ruyi was delighted to hear this. In these times, cases of abducting women and children were numerous, and she was glad to have contributed in her small way.
Whenever she saw similar news on television, she would get so angry she wished she could sentence traffickers to death by a thousand cuts. Now, not only had she experienced that satisfaction, but she had also saved so many people—her mood was truly lifted.
Soon, Su Ruyi realized something: "How did you know I encountered human traffickers? Did you see it happen?"
"I was right behind you and saw how impressive you looked at that moment." Lu Ting gave her a thumbs up.
Su Ruyi unconsciously straightened her chest. Though she did good deeds without seeking recognition, being praised still made her quite happy.
"Just average, I only used a little bit of strength."
"You didn't leave contact information at the time. The public security department wanted to find you to give you commendation."
Su Ruyi waved her hand: "Not worth mentioning, not worth mentioning."
Back then she had only left her name, and that was just to cooperate with the police investigation.
She didn't dare leave anything else. If Madam Su Ying found out she had been reckless, taking on several people alone instead of seeking help or using clever tactics, she would definitely lecture her again.
Zhao Xianghong examined Su Ruyi's slender figure, finding it hard to imagine how she had taken on four people alone:
"Boss Su, you're amazing."
Su Ruyi pretended to be modest: "Just alright, just born with a bit more strength. I take after my mom – she's the famous Iron Lady in our village. Back during the Militia Skills Competition, she even went to the capital and took first place."
Su Ruyi wasn't using her mother as an excuse, but was instinctively showing off about her.
"No wonder! It runs in the family."
Those who had been paying attention to the conversation now understood why Su Ruyi could eat so much yet remain so slim – apparently the food all turned into strength.
Cao Fei came over: "What a coincidence! Our Brother Lu was also an Elite Soldier back in the army!"
Su Ruyi looked at Lu Ting with admiration: "Impressive."
Lu Ting smiled faintly, looking quite modest. Before he could say something like "a hero doesn't boast of past glories," Cao Fei added:
"They say a tiger mother doesn't produce dog children. Since you're both from Elite Soldier families, Boss Su, how about having an arm wrestling match with our Brother Lu!"
Lu Ting: ???
Lu Ting nearly choked on his own saliva, looking at Cao Fei in disbelief. What kind of nonsense are you spouting?
Cao Fei completely missed the screaming in his heart, thinking he was just being shy, and proudly winked at him.
Brother Lu, I'm creating an opportunity for you to hold hands. Don't think I didn't see how thrilled you were during the handshake earlier.
No need to thank me.
Lu Ting wanted to hit someone. He thought Xu Dazhi was the only foolish one around, but it turns out there's always someone more foolish. What kind of thought process is this?
"Great!"
Su Ruyi agreed enthusiastically, completely unaware of Wang Huiting constantly tugging at her clothes.
Lu Ting: …
"That's really not necessary…"
Cao Fei: "Brother Lu, are you scared? You can't back down just because she's a female comrade."
Are you really my friend?
Lu Ting finally understood why Cao Fei had remained single – because he lacks tact.
But…
While Lu Ting's mind was refusing, his body was honest. By the time he came to his senses, the stage had been set, and he and Su Ruyi were already sitting at opposite ends of the table.
Looking at the enthusiastic Su Ruyi before him, Lu Ting shook his arm and his expression turned serious.
Su Ruyi also did some warm-up exercises and settled into position.
The scene was so astonishing that everyone in the cafeteria came over to watch.
"What's going on here?"
"Arm wrestling, can't you see they've already clasped hands?"
"No, look at these two – do they look like they should be arm wrestling together? Isn't this bullying?"
"You don't understand – this is how young people play these days."
Those who didn't understand what was happening were greatly shocked.
Is this the new trick to pick up girls these days?
When Lu Ting grasped Su Ruyi's hand, his ears were still slightly flushed. But once the game began and his opponent started exerting force, all other thoughts vanished from his mind.
The tremendous strength forced him to muster all his energy to respond, his body instantly tensing up.
He had only ever felt this kind of terrifying power from Xu Dazhi before. Back in the military, Lu Ting had always been able to sweep through opponents with ease.
Su Ruyi also sensed Lu Ting's formidable strength, encountering such strong resistance that she had to mobilize her own power to counter it.
She was still somewhat unfamiliar with channeling her strength—sometimes applying too much force, and if she lost control, she would quickly exhaust herself. Her body couldn't sustain prolonged power output and would soon be drained.
This was dangerous. If she depleted her energy too early and faced consecutive challenges, she wouldn't last more than a couple of rounds.
Now, she could gradually increase the intensity, feeling her power steadily rise.
Lu Ting also noticed the change in his opponent. The tension gradually showed on his face, making it impossible for him to maintain his usual calm composure.
Cao Fei clicked his tongue in admiration nearby. As expected of his big brother—the acting was so convincing!
To keep holding the young girl's hand, he was putting on a full performance, even more dedicated than when he deceived foreigners at the border.
Almost everyone believed Lu Ting was intentionally letting the young girl win to make her happy. No one truly thought he was exerting real effort.
After all, Su Ruyi appeared delicate and frail. Although she had a hearty appetite, given her gender and physique, there was a limit to how strong she could be. Everyone had common sense.
Although Lu Ting didn't often visit the factory, those who knew him were aware of his capabilities.
Many present had been bested by Lu Ting before—beaten soundly on the training grounds—and knew just how formidable he was.
"Brother Lu is really going all out to make the young lady happy."
"Look at the veins on his arms, his expression—how does he do it?"
Lu Ting was beginning to question reality. How was Su Ruyi's strength endless? Just when he thought she had reached her limit, she would increase the pressure.
However, this greatly fueled his competitive spirit, and he focused entirely on the contest.
Uncle Liang, a seasoned veteran, wore a troubled expression. While others might not see it, he could tell—this was the real deal!
On one hand, he marveled at Su Ruyi's strength; on the other, he worried that things might go too far and someone's wrist might get broken—such incidents weren't unheard of.
But now, with both sides fully engaged and neither willing to yield, he couldn't intervene to stop them.
"Go, go, go!"
Wang Huiting completely forgot her earlier objections. As one of the few who knew this contest was genuine and not an act, she excitedly cheered from the sidelines.
Her enthusiasm spread to the other young people who had initially treated it as a joke, and they joined in the commotion.
As time passed, everyone started to sense that something was off.
No matter how much acting was involved, it shouldn't have lasted this long.
Lu Ting wasn't the type to take advantage of others. Whether he playfully conceded after a while or won to showcase his masculinity, he wouldn't persist for so long.
Overdoing it would just be inappropriate.
"Uncle Liang, are they for real?"
Uncle Liang glared at the speaker. "What a pointless question. Do you think Lu Ting is as frivolous as you lot?"
Everyone gasped in unison. Oh my god!
Where did this young girl come from? She's terrifyingly strong!
This is Lu Ting we're talking about, yet he was completely overpowered. Even when he competed with Xu Dazhi, it wasn't this difficult.
In the end, Su Ruyi successfully pinned Lu Ting down, and the scene fell into complete silence.
Then, thunderous applause erupted.
"So incredible! This girl actually beat Lu Ting!"
"Haha, Lu Ting, you finally got what you deserved today!"
Everyone looked at Su Ruyi with newfound respect, especially the retired soldiers. If not for the gender difference, they would have tossed her into the air by now.
Su Ruyi was drenched in sweat, breathing heavily, and utterly exhilarated.
Although she had her cheat abilities, this victory didn't come easily. The meal she'd just eaten had been largely expended, and she felt she could still devour several more bowls of noodles.
Most importantly, through this contest, she gained a deeper understanding of her own strength.
"You're very skilled," Su Ruyi said sincerely.
Don't think arm wrestling relies solely on brute strength—it involves technique too.
Lu Ting shook his arm, sighing regretfully, "It's such a waste that someone with your talent isn't in the military."
"I just have strength, nothing else," she replied.
Lu Ting took it as modesty: "With strength like that, it's more than enough."
Cao Fei's jaw nearly dropped to the floor. His buddy Lu had actually lost—and not intentionally to make a girl happy, but genuinely outmatched!
Oh man, it seemed his good intentions had backfired.
But this kind of girl was exactly the right fit to be his "big sister-in-law"!
Nearby, Xu Dazhi began growing restless, his gaze toward Su Ruyi burning with intensity.
Sensing his curiosity, Lu Ting patted his shoulder:
"Your strength is no match for hers."
Though Lu Ting had lost to both of them, he could still gauge their relative capabilities.
He knew deep down that Su Ruyi could have defeated him much faster—she'd likely been holding back to spare his pride.
This girl had immense strength, yet was thoughtful and considerate, quite different from any other girl he'd met before.
The tough women he'd known would have tried to instantly overpower him, eager to see him humiliated, while the gentle, delicate ones lacked such formidable power.
If Su Ruyi knew what he was thinking, she'd exclaim that he was overthinking it—she just wanted to test her own strength.
Hearing this, Xu Dazhi looked at Su Ruyi with even greater curiosity.
Sensing his fervent gaze, Su Ruyi didn't disappoint: "How about we give it a try too?"
Xu Dazhi immediately shoved Lu Ting aside.
If not for his quick reflexes, Lu Ting would have landed flat on his back. He thought, "What kind of friends have I made?!"
Although everyone had just witnessed Su Ruyi defeat Lu Ting, and Uncle Liang had confirmed Lu Ting didn't go easy on her, some still refused to believe it.
They stubbornly insisted Lu Ting was just playing along with the girl.
It wasn't entirely their fault for being so obstinate—Su Ruyi, delicate as Lin Daiyu, made the truth hard to believe even when seen with their own eyes.
But now, with Xu Dazhi stepping up, things were different.
Xu Dazhi was straightforward to a fault, incapable of beating around the bush. Unlike Lu Ting, who might show some consideration for a girl, Xu Dazhi held nothing back—he never spared his strength.
Everyone knew his power well from when he moved machinery single-handedly, doing the work of several men.
With a body solid as a pagoda, he possessed strength to match his build.
When troublemakers once caused a disturbance near the factory, he'd effortlessly taken down an entire group.
No technique whatsoever, just pure brute strength.
"Maybe we should call it off. Dazhi doesn't know his own strength."
Some well-meaning person advised Su Ruyi not to be fooled by Lu Ting into thinking she was actually invincible.
Wang Huiting snorted coldly, "You're all underestimating my sister."
A new round of competition began, and surprisingly, Xu Dazhi didn't last as long as Lu Ting.
Now no one doubted her anymore, and they all looked at Su Ruyi with admiration.
Her strength was truly unmatched, no wonder these two young girls dared to come here alone to discuss business without worrying about their safety—they had something to rely on!
Su Ruyi basked in the astonished gazes of the crowd, feeling extremely proud and even more inflated.
These two matches had given her a qualitative leap in understanding her own strength.
In the second match, she was able to precisely control her strength to defeat Xu Dazhi, using just the right amount of force without wasting any.
However, Su Ruyi, who had just eaten her fill, felt her stomach empty again. She glanced at Lu Ting—no, at the noodles in front of Lu Ting—and couldn't help but drool.
But she had already eaten so much earlier and couldn't bring herself to ask for more.
Lu Ting was about to start eating. He hadn't had time to eat earlier before being dragged into the competition. Just as he picked up a mouthful of noodles with his chopsticks, he felt a burning gaze on him.
He silently slid the bowl over. "You used so much strength just now. Are you hungry again?"
"Oh, I couldn't possibly. You haven't eaten yet."
Su Ruyi said no with her words, but her eyes remained fixed on the bowl. The hand-pulled noodles made by the canteen chef were incredibly delicious.
Uncle Liang said, "Don't worry, no one leaves my place hungry. I'll go make more noodles for you right now."
Unable to decline such hospitality, Su Ruyi 'reluctantly' sat down again to continue eating.
But she noticed that when eating with Lu Ting, her speed increased significantly.
It was simply because he ate so fast that it inexplicably spurred her to speed up too, as if someone was competing with her for the food.
The result was that before her stomach could register it, her mouth had already eaten a lot, leaving her completely stuffed.
When Su Ruyi left the canteen, she was utterly satisfied—this time, she was truly full.
Before, she either had to act reserved or eat just enough to save money.
She didn't actually need to eat that much—it was just that without enough food, she couldn't maximize her strength. Eating enough to maintain her baseline was sufficient.
When she left, Uncle Liang was the most reluctant to see her go:
"Girl, come back whenever you have time! Uncle will make sure you eat well and eat your fill!"
Some people can eat a lot, but their table manners are unappealing, like pigs eating feed—case in point: Xu Dazhi.
Su Ruyi was different. When she ate, you could tell the food tasted especially good, which gave Uncle Liang a great sense of accomplishment.
"I'll drive you back," Lu Ting offered.
After that match, the two had quickly transitioned from strangers to acquaintances.
So Su Ruyi didn't stand on ceremony. "Then I'll trouble you. I'd like to go to my aunt's house—it's in Xinghua Village, not far from here."
"I know that place." Lu Ting frowned slightly.
Noticing his expression, Su Ruyi asked, "What's wrong? Is the road bad there? It's fine, we can walk."
Cars were precious nowadays, and she completely understood if Lu Ting was worried about damaging his car on rough roads.
"It's not that. It's fine, let's go."
"Really, no need to force yourself. I just ate too much—walking will help me digest. Otherwise, if the road is too bumpy, I'm afraid I might throw up."
Lu Ting saw her serious attitude and explained, "I've had contact with people from that village before, and my impression wasn't particularly good."
Feeling that his good intentions had backfired, Cao Fei, who had been shrinking back like a quail, finally couldn't help but speak up:
"Not just 'not good'—it was absolutely terrible!"
"Don't talk nonsense," Lu Ting glared at him. Her aunt lives there—how can you say the place is no good?
"Don't listen to Ah Fei's nonsense. It's just a few individuals."
Cao Fei curled his lip: "Cut the crap. The whole village has a bad atmosphere."
Su Ruyi grew even more curious: "What exactly happened? I grew up in the south and never visited my aunt's place, so I don't know what it's like there."
Worried that Lu Ting might hold back again, she added: "My aunt's family situation isn't great, but she always shares good news and hides the bad. That's why I want to understand clearly."
Cao Fei: "If your aunt is an honest person, then life must be really tough for her there."
Although Wang Huiting had visited before, she was young at the time and always left quickly, so she didn't know much about the place. Still, her impression of it wasn't good either.
"Sis, the people in that village are so gossipy. When I visited before, I got plenty of nasty comments. They even scared me by saying Dad brought me there because he wanted me to marry my older cousin."
These were the milder comments—there were others she couldn't even bring herself to repeat. Like how her stepfather was doing this to exploit her mother and sisters completely.
And they always mixed in vulgar language when saying these things. She was just a young girl back then—how could she handle hearing such words? So no matter how nice her aunt was to her, she never wanted to go back.
Su Ruyi frowned: "These people are disgusting! They're just making things up. Our dad would never think like that."
Tong Aihua might have her own selfish considerations, but she was someone with principles.
"I know, that's why I never told the family. I was afraid Dad would overthink it. I just stopped wanting to go after that."
Lu Ting then set aside his reservations and explained what had happened.
The situation wasn't complicated. In Xinghua Village, there was a soldier who died tragically during a mission, leaving behind a widow and child.
But the martyr's widow and child weren't treated well—they faced constant harassment and nearly had their compensation money stolen.
Cao Fei: "If Brother Lu hadn't stepped in, who knows how badly that mother and child would have suffered. She was almost forced to marry a widower in his fifties—the same man whose previous wife drank pesticide to death because she couldn't endure his abuse."
"Not only that, they even tried to sell the child. The widow's sister-in-law knew our plastic factory had many retired soldiers, so she came to us for help. That's how we got the child back."
The plastic factory was quite well-known in the area. Everyone knew the factory's staffing was unusual, primarily catering to retired soldiers.
Though the district government hoped the factory could also employ local workers, so they hired some locals too.
At that time, the soldier's widow had already been imprisoned. Luckily, her quick-witted sister-in-law managed to sneak out.
Su Ruyi immediately sensed something wrong: "Didn't the young woman go to the police?"
Lu Ting spoke cautiously: "The village party secretary has connections in the town and county governments."
Su Ruyi understood instantly.
"The village officials there act like local despots—bullying men and women alike, completely arrogant. If we hadn't gone in with enough people back then, we might have been trapped there ourselves."
The current public security is far worse than it would be decades later. While economic development followed the opening-up policy, it also brought many negative impacts, leading to rampant crime. Moreover, firearms were not yet fully banned at this time, and some audacious individuals even dared to drive tanks onto the streets.
In some villages, there are local bullies who run rampant, oppressing and exploiting the villagers, making their lives miserable.
Eliminating these individuals is no simple task, as their influence is deeply entrenched in the local area.
Su Ruyi began to understand why her aunt's family had suffered so severely during the demolition process. For such a major event as demolition, if the villagers had united and the village officials had taken action, the developers would have found it difficult to act so arrogantly and would have had to concede at least some ground.
After all, being so close to the provincial capital, the farmers' voices could have been more easily heard.
But if the village officials collude with external forces, ordinary farmers are left defenseless, almost handing over their land and homes without a fight.