Chapter 117: The Grand Gate Dilemma

Director Wan, this Fang Hou is just a fresh-faced kid who hasn’t joined the Long Kingdom Directors Association, so he doesn’t know the rules.

Seeing Wan Shan’s anger rising, the assistant director quickly grabbed the data sheet and whispered.

“Doesn’t know the rules? This Fang Hou has coordinated on several sets before—I’ve even seen him once. How could he not know the rules? It’s obvious he’s gunning for me!”

At the assistant director’s words, Wan Shan’s fury only grew.

Within the Long Kingdom Directors Association, there’s an unwritten rule: similar productions won’t launch simultaneously, especially among top directors. Once one director announces his project, everyone—both directors and producers—steps aside.

This applies to TV series and films alike. TV dramas are usually spaced by over three months, while films must be at least a month apart; otherwise, it would be seen as disrespect or a deliberate challenge to a major director.

Sometimes, even when a project is set, it pulls out at the last minute to make way for a similar production.

A director’s standing in the industry largely determines the project’s prestige.

There’s no doubt that Wan Shan is among the top comedy directors in the Long Kingdom.

After the shooting of “Kitchen God and the Charming Hero” began, Wan Shan even posted on Weibo—essentially letting his peers know that his project was underway, and everyone should clear the path.

But now, just as filming nears its end, out of nowhere, a Cheng Yaojin appears!

Now then—

If “Kitchen God and the Charming Hero” delays its release, people will say Wan Shan lacks confidence in his work, and he’ll inevitably face criticism from audiences and fans.

Meanwhile, “Wulin Wai Chuan” is too popular—its ratings and reviews are explosive, and it’s rapidly evolving into a phenomenal ancient costume light comedy.

Even Wan Shan isn’t confident his “Kitchen God and the Charming Hero” can reach that level.

“Then…”

The assistant director fell silent, unsure how to comfort Wan Shan.

“No, this matter can’t just be brushed aside!”

The more Wan Shan thought about it, the angrier he became. “By the way, I heard that Haofang Culture is applying for a new project?”

“Director, here’s the situation. I learned that the county where Haofang Culture is based is hosting a tourism festival. They’re planning to shoot a TV series to give the festival a boost.”

the assistant director quickly added.

“Boost the festival’s profile? Fine! If you’re not on my side, don’t blame me for being ruthless. If I can secure a smooth endorsement for the festival this time, I’ll say all these years in the industry were for nothing!”

With a cold, contemplative expression, Wan Shan declared fiercely.

“Then, director…”

“Hmph! You’ll soon see—the association’s power is beyond what you can imagine!”

Night fell; a cool breeze swept in. In Mingsha County at Hongsha Gang Village 256, after a long day of work, Xu Hao leapt off the wooden scaffold, quickly downed a box lunch delivered by Luo Peng, and the two returned to the topographic map.

“Brother Hao, how are we going to build our main gate?”

Luo Peng asked curiously.

Earlier that noon, Zhu Qiang had informed him that they would soon focus on the main gate at Hongsha Gang Village 256. Excitedly, he was even more curious about his boss’s plans. Walking together, he knew his boss well—when he acts, he goes big.

“Look at the map—Qing Brick Avenue lies right along the central east-west axis of our plot!”

Xu Hao glanced at the map.

The plot is square-shaped, and the road built in Mingsha County aligns perfectly with the middle of the eastern boundary, making everything look orderly.

“Central axis? Brother Hao, you wouldn’t be planning to—”

Before Xu Hao could continue, Luo Peng nearly dropped his tea as he reacted.

The term ‘central axis’ immediately reminded him of Yan City’s 49 Imperial City.

Only 49 Imperial City would dare to invoke the central axis.

Could it be that the guesthouse is aiming to build the most imposing gate? Earlier, Zhu Qiang had already told him to prepare plenty of antique sand bricks, slate, and wood—so the gate would definitely mirror the old city style.

“What are you thinking? This place is meant for living, not a film set. Building that kind of monumental gate isn’t fitting!”

Seeing Luo Peng’s reaction, Xu Hao chuckled and shook his head.

He did want to build an impressive gate, but he hadn’t really planned on going in that direction.

After all, his current status was quite special—an acting cadre and a top-level ancient architecture researcher. Moreover, just days ago, the institution called to say his rank would be promoted further after his term ended. Some things were possible; others just weren’t.

“Then what do you suggest we build?”

Luo Peng awkwardly scratched his head. “I was thinking we could mimic the design of the ‘World’s Mightiest Pass’!”

After a pause, Xu Hao picked up a pen and began sketching on a blueprint atop his desk.

Though he had been busy with the Tingchao Pavilion renovation today, his mind kept wandering back to the main gate project.

A gate is the face of a place—it must not only be functional but also distinctive, leaving an unforgettable impression at first sight.

After much thought, he decided that a design inspired by the ‘World’s Mightiest Pass’ and Jia Pass would be perfect.

Jia Pass comprises the inner city, outer city, Luo City, Yong City, moats, and twin long walls. Not only does it complement the desert plot, but with meticulous refinement it could seamlessly merge with Qing Brick Avenue and the surrounding antique-style buildings.

By then, this main gate might even become one of Hongsha Gang Village’s iconic landmarks.

“Ah? Brother Hao… you mean we should mimic the ‘World’s Mightiest Pass’?”

Luo Peng couldn’t help but gasp once again.

Just as expected.

Even though he had guessed wrong earlier, this ‘World’s Mightiest Pass’ seemed every bit as grand as the gate of 49 Imperial City.

Being from Su Province, he had even visited Jia Pass before! The inner city wall of Jia Pass stands 9 meters high, with a 1.7-meter parapet, totaling 10.7 meters. The lower 6 meters were constructed with rammed earth, while the upper part used sun-dried bricks.

“So, are we completely imitating Jia Pass?”

Coming back to reality,

Luo Peng quickly asked.

If we mimic Jia Pass, finishing it before the tourism festival would be a massive undertaking.

“No! We can upscale the design just a bit. Besides, our walls can’t be made of rammed earth—they must be entirely built with antique Qing bricks to match our overall style.

Since the groundwork is already underway, why not go all out? Besides, if we strictly replicate the ‘World’s Mightiest Pass’, our partner organizations would have something to gripe about.”

Xu Hao shook his head.

“All built with antique Qing bricks.”

Luo Peng was stunned once more.

Just the thought of it made him uneasy.

If the pass were built entirely with Qing bricks, its imposing presence would be unmistakable. While Tengwang Pavilion is like a sharp sword, the ‘World’s Mightiest Pass’ would resemble a massive square seal—impossible to overlook!

“This project is enormous. We’ll need a vast number of bricklayers! Figure out the manpower in the next few days.”

Xu Hao looked up at Luo Peng.