Seeing that her father hadn't won the prize, Xixi's disappointment was written all over her face. Although the first-prize giant dog plush offered by the young vendor was somewhat interesting, to Xixi, who was set on getting her "big bear baby," nothing could compare to it!
Yang Yi understood his daughter's thoughts perfectly, so he didn't hesitate and directly requested the next round of the challenge.
The onlookers, well-meaning as they were, started chattering advice: "The first prize isn't bad, why be so stubborn, young man?"
"It's really hard to hit ten. Ten yuan a try, ten yuan a try—after a few rounds, you could just buy one outright!"
"This is a scam. If he actually hits ten, I bet the boss won't even give it up!"
Hearing that, the young vendor got defensive. He stiffened his neck and retorted to the gossiping crowd, "Why wouldn't we give it up? A bet's a bet. If this boss hits ten, we'll gladly hand over the grand prize!"
"Don't think our first prize is cheap. This boss got our first prize for just ten yuan—we're taking a big loss here!" the young man said, sounding a bit aggrieved.
Of course, that was just an act. While losing the first prize to Yang Yi was a bit of a loss, overall they were still making money, since most people threw darts like Hanzo's arrows—hitting depended on luck...
Besides, even though Yang Yi had won a first prize, they'd gained so much crowd attention. Many were itching to try, and a few had already eagerly paid up, waiting in line for their turn—these were all future profits!
But the crowd's chatter made Xixi worry. The little girl tugged at her father's pant leg, and when he crouched down to ask why, she pouted her rosy little lips and whispered, "I want the big bear baby..."
Seeing the delicate, aggrieved look on the little girl's face, Yang Yi's heart melted. He smiled and patted Xixi's small shoulder, saying, "Don't worry, watch Daddy!"
Yang Yi took the twelve darts handed over by the young vendor, picked one up, gently weighed it, and even felt the tail fins.
"Pfft, he looks pretty convincing!" someone nearby snickered.
"Quiet, I'm so nervous!" that person got smacked on the head by their companion, who was watching Yang Yi with bated breath, as if he were the one throwing, not Yang Yi.
Yang Yi, of course, wasn't affected by the surrounding chatter. He calmed his mind, felt the weight of the dart, and then suddenly flicked his wrist to throw it. This time, his movement was small, but the strength was cleverly applied!
"Bang!" What a satisfying burst!
The dart pierced the balloon and stuck into the foam board.
"Wow!" the onlookers exclaimed in delight, cheers ringing out endlessly.
Xixi was a bit scared of the balloon popping sound, covering her ears with both little hands, but seeing this, her eyes curved into sweet, happy crescents.
Yang Yi's expression remained calm, as if he had earplugs in, unfazed. He picked up the second dart, felt it the same way, then dropped his shoulder and flicked his wrist.
"Bang!" Another balloon burst!
"Six... five... four... three... two..." At some point, the crowd had started excitedly counting down for Yang Yi, their voices loud. His accuracy, like shooting an arrow through a hundred paces, had turned them all into his fans.
More and more curious people gathered. The young vendors at the stall had no time to worry about Yang Yi taking their grand prize; they were already introducing the game to eager customers, collecting money, and arranging lines, grinning from ear to ear!
When Yang Yi threw the third-to-last dart, with two still in hand, the breath-holding crowd finally saw the result they'd been waiting for.
"Yeah!" They cheered in unison, as if winning the grand prize wasn't Yang Yi's achievement but theirs.
"Grand prize, grand prize, grand prize!" Someone started the chant, and they all joined in, lively and joyful!
Xixi, her little face flushed red, was so excited she waved her tiny fists. Caught up in the atmosphere, she'd even forgotten she was supposed to be a little lady!
The young vendor at the stall showed no reluctance at all. Seizing the moment, he proudly held up the grand prize—a half-human-tall giant panda plush—walked over, and like a boxing ring referee, raised Yang Yi's hand in the air.
"Let's congratulate this challenger! He has won our grand... prize!" The young man's shout drew even more cheers and onlookers.
Yang Yi didn't care much; he remained calm and composed. Xixi, however, stared eagerly at the "big bear baby," so happy she couldn't help bouncing a little!
The young vendor took the chance to promote his game: "Here, it's five yuan... and don't worry, the grand prize isn't gone yet. We've got someone running to get more right now. If you dare to win, we dare to give. Grand prize, no limit!"
After saying that, he suddenly remembered something and turned to Yang Yi with a hint of nervousness, muttering, "Big brother, since your daughter's got what she wanted, you're not going to play again, right?"
Yang Yi found it amusing. He raised his right hand, two darts pinched between his fingers, and suddenly flicked his wrist, sending both darts flying. They landed perfectly on the two balloons at the far edges of the foam board.
This display of skill once again sparked gasps of amazement from the crowd.
But Yang Yi had no intention of showing off. It was just a small feat, after all!
With one hand holding the giant panda plush and the other holding his daughter's hand, he calmly smiled at the stunned young vendor. "Don't worry, we're off to try something else!"
Yang Yi had won the panda plush for his daughter and left, like someone who "finished the deed and slipped away, hiding his fame and merit," leaving behind a huge buzz for the dart stall he'd effortlessly conquered.
Xixi no longer wanted to sit on her father's shoulders to see the sights. Overjoyed, she held his hand, walking with a spring in her step, occasionally circling around to touch the panda, then laughing happily as she returned to his right side.
"Xixi, there's cotton candy. Do you want some?" Yang Yi was about to take his daughter home, but spotting a cotton candy vendor, he got in the mood.
"What's cotton candy?" Xixi asked curiously, following her father over. Seeing the big, cloud-like fluff, she was amazed. "Can you eat this?"
"Of course you can!" Yang Yi laughed. He switched the panda plush to his right arm, still holding his daughter's hand tightly, and fished out money with his left. "Boss, one cotton candy, please."
"Sure!" At that, the female vendor in a big straw hat looked up.
Yang Yi froze. This face looked very familiar!