Chapter 102: Turning the Tide: A New Chapter in Qixia Town

“Are the revenue shares really that low?”

Xu Hao frowned.

“Well, I contacted a few other streaming sites later. Their executives said that with the current climate these past two years, the revenue shares are even worse than what Qi Xiong offers.”

Fang Hou continued.

“In that case, don’t worry. We’ll figure something out after we finish shooting!”

After a moment’s thought, Xu Hao said,

“Haozi, but what if we can’t find another channel? As the trending topic fades, it feels like Qixia Town’s popularity has already dropped compared to those explosive days.”

Fang Hou looked visibly worried.

Since no new guesthouses have been built recently, maintaining the buzz relies solely on this film.

And if we end up stashing the finished film, all our emotions and efforts will have been for nothing.

“Such meager revenue shares are pointless. These streaming sites don’t care at all and won’t promote our content. No promotion means no views! It won’t make money, nor will it advertise Qixia Town!”

Xu Hao shook his head.

The streaming sites’ tactics are all in plain sight. Even though we know the quality of “Wulin Wai Chuan,” entrenched issues are still a risk!

“Well…”

“We’ll see. In the end, it’s all a losing battle. If worst comes to worst, we can always air it on Wei City TV! That’ll be foolproof.”

Xu Hao waved his hand dismissively.

“Wei City TV? As long as there’s a guaranteed platform, it’s fine. I almost forgot—you’re still a deputy officer in Mingsha County. Alright, we’ll finish shooting first.”

Fang Hou patted his head in exasperation.

He’d been swamped these past few days, barely even considering this angle.

On second thought, although Wei City TV only reaches a few counties, the city’s population of over two million should still attract plenty of tourists.

“Alright!”

Time passed, and before long, more than half a month had gone by. It was 10 AM.

Construction in the guesthouse area continued steadily. The Qing Brick Avenue—discussed by Xu Hao, Zhu Qiang, and Luo Peng—had officially broken ground; the parking lot at the entrance was complete, and the avenue was slowly winding its way toward Guesthouse One.

Yet visitor numbers had once again hit a plateau.

Apart from a busy weekend surge, most visitors were those who had traveled far to book a stay at the historical guesthouses.

It all gave off a rather desolate vibe.

“Click!”

In the restricted area of Qixia Town, as the sounds of Xu Hao and the clapboard echoed, the filming of “Wulin Wai Chuan” finally wrapped up its final scene after a grueling, nonstop month.

During the process, even though Xu Hao hadn’t livestreamed, he recorded plenty of behind-the-scenes clips.

“Director Xu, we’ve finally done it!”

Upon hearing that, the main cast of “Wulin Wai Chuan” sighed in relief and gathered around him.

“Great job, everyone!”

“We deserve it,” replied one of the actors.

The actor renowned for his flawless portrayal of Inspector Xing chuckled.

His name was Fanyang. After over a month together, the team’s camaraderie was evident. The actors all knew that although Fang Hou was the head of Haofang Culture, the true decision-maker was the man before them—Xu Hao.

“Director Xu, now that we’re done shooting, can we finally get out and explore?”

Fanyang rubbed his hands together.

They had been in Qixia Town for a month without ever leaving the set; staring day after day at the Desert Pavilion and glimpses of Tengwang Pavilion, it was impossible not to feel a tinge of envy.

“Of course. Starting today, all areas of Qixia Town will be open to the public. And if you want to visit Tengwang Pavilion, just tell the ticket inspectors you’re with Haofang Culture—they’ll let you in.”

Xu Hao smiled.

“Alright, thank you, Director Xu.”

After speaking, Fanyang ushered Laobai and Guo Furong aside as they prepared to leave. Other supporting actors also planned to wander around the area.

“You’re really going over there like that? Not even changing your costumes? Especially you and Xiao Liu—still in your constable uniforms with knives on!”

At that moment, Fang Hou joined them. Seeing Fanyang and the others about to leave, he couldn’t help but ask.

“Director Fang, there’s no need to change costumes. After all, in Qixia Town all the shop owners wear historical outfits—it’s no big deal.”

Fanyang didn’t mind.

“Alright then, suit yourselves! But remember, if you eat out, you’ll have to pay for it.”

Fang Hou was taken aback and said nothing more.

When you think about it, plenty of people in Qixia Town dress in traditional costumes—having a few extra won’t hurt.

“Got it!”

After that, Fang Hou finally came over to Xu Hao.

“Haozi, should I have the team start post-production tonight?”

“Once editing is finished, we’ll send it off for review. You know the drill—I want to get this online!”

Xu Hao nodded.

Fang Hou had managed everything from the film’s approval to filing, so the review process should be swift.

“Then it’s settled!”

“Yeah, our film should pass the review without any issues.”

Ding-a-ling! Just as Xu Hao was about to say more, his phone rang unexpectedly.

Glancing at his phone, Xu Hao told Fang Hou, “Let’s stick to our original plan. I’ll head to the county tomorrow,” then stepped aside to answer the call.

“Professor Han, have you arrived?”

The call was from Han Xiaoqing.

Before they knew it, summer vacation had arrived, and Han Xiaoqing had brought her class to Mingsha County to plant their Time Tree.

As the two grew closer, Xu Hao even changed his address; “Professor Han” had become more of a friendly tease.

“Boss, we’ve reached the outer parking lot!”

In the next moment, Han Xiaoqing’s voice came through.

“Alright, I’ll call General Zhu! Do you think you’ll be arriving on camels or in a carriage?”

Xu Hao remarked.

To make things easier for tourists, Mingsha Tourism had not only launched a public carriage service from Qixia Town to Guesthouse Two, but also provided carriages from the area entrance to Qixia Town.

“Camels only! Everyone wants to ride camels! But your carriage service sounds fun too—make sure to try it out.”

There was a note of surprise in Han Xiaoqing’s voice.

“Alright, I’ll meet you at the gate of Qixia Town in a bit!”

“Thanks for your hard work!”

“Don’t mention it!”

An hour later, Xu Hao met Han Xiaoqing and her class in Qixia Town.

“Hello, Madam Teacher!”

Before Han Xiaoqing and Xu Hao could exchange greetings, a few mischievous students rushed forward and bowed to him.

“What do you mean, ‘Madam Teacher’? This is Xu County.”

Seeing this, Han Xiaoqing blushed and hurried over to intervene.

“If it weren’t for you, regular visitors couldn’t possibly book a single guesthouse room. But when the teacher acts, twenty rooms come free! Without the right connections, booking rooms is impossible!”

One student snickered.

“Don’t talk nonsense!”

Glowering at the student, Han Xiaoqing then looked at Xu Hao. “Boss, just ignore the kids’ jokes.”

Xu Hao was momentarily stunned by the students, but he took it in stride.

After all, if young people didn’t joke around, would they even be considered young?

“It’s fine!”

“Alright, since you’re here, go explore for an hour. We’ll meet in front of the Desert Pavilion afterward!”

Han Xiaoqing turned and added.

“Understood!”

With a burst of laughter, the students giggled and dispersed.

“These kids…”

Once everyone had dispersed, Han Xiaoqing looked at Xu Hao, clearly moved.

Honestly, although the students marveled at the desert’s beauty along the way, Han Xiaoqing was deeply touched by how dramatically the Shadou area had transformed compared to last time.