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A popular influencer in Xiangyang, Hubei Province, known as "Baicai," recently paused his long-running free beef noodle giveaway after a heated exchange with an elderly woman who demanded noodles despite not bringing her own container. The incident, which was livestreamed on November 4, went viral, stirring discussion on social media.
Baicai, who has hosted this free noodle event for five years, uses it to promote his brand and hometown cuisine. However, he implemented a rule requiring recipients to bring their own containers, a move intended to respect sanitation workers who had previously expressed concerns over discarded containers from the event.
The video shows Baicai politely informing the elderly woman about the need for her own container. When she insisted on receiving noodles without one, he refused, sparking a verbal confrontation. Frustrated, the woman began to hurl insults at Baicai, causing visible tension on the livestream.
In a follow-up video posted on November 5, Baicai explained his reasoning for the pause. “I want to continue this tradition,” he stated, “but I also want to avoid conflict and respect our sanitation workers’ requests.” He expressed his disappointment over the incident, saying the rule was clearly stated to prevent misunderstandings.
The incident sparked a wave of comments online. Many netizens sympathized with Baicai, applauding his decision to establish rules for the event. One user commented, “It’s free, so following a simple rule shouldn’t be an issue. Respect goes both ways.” Others, however, were critical, with one remarking, “If you’re promoting your brand, consider all audiences, including those who may not understand the rules.”
Some supporters suggested Baicai seek additional ways to handle such situations, such as providing low-cost, reusable containers for those unaware of the policy. "It’s tough to keep everyone happy, but his efforts are admirable," commented one netizen.
Despite the setback, Baicai hinted at a possible return of the giveaway around the Lunar New Year. He emphasized his dedication to sharing hometown flavors and giving back to the community, expressing hope for a smoother event in the future. "I’ll take some time to think about how to make it better," he said, reaffirming his commitment to the initiative.
For now, Baicai’s free noodle campaign remains on hold, leaving followers and fans eagerly awaiting its potential comeback early next year.
