Chapter 127: Turning Points in Mingsha County

One factor—though not the sole reason—was mainly the rapid development in Mingsha County! With the boost from Mingsha Tourism, both the GDP and local incomes have soared, at least doubling this year.

In a western province, this is nothing short of a small miracle!

Dong Liping remarked with genuine awe.

No one would have imagined that a poverty-stricken county on the desert’s edge could make such waves. Mingsha County has now become a model for attracting investments.

At every meeting, the phrase ‘investment promotion’ inevitably brings up Mingsha Tourism and Haofang Culture.

“So, what kind of perks are they offering over there?”

After a long silence, Li Jue couldn’t help but ask.

At first, the news was met with surprise, but then understanding dawned—any talent worth its salt is bound to be swarmed. If there’s no competition, it hardly qualifies as talent.

“I’m not sure about the specifics, but I reckon they’re offering the position of Fourth or Fifth in Wei City, with an economic portfolio in hand for the future!”

Dong Liping mused after a moment’s thought.

“Oh, if it’s just the Fourth or Fifth spot, that’s nothing to worry about! Once the interim term ends, Xiao Xu’s Special-Level Ancient Architecture Research Institute will be reactivated, with rank and benefits similar to those offered over there!”

Li Jue let out a small sigh of relief, his nerves settling considerably.

“Really? Aren’t you worried? I think the higher-ups are determined this time! They plan to have a discussion with Xiao Xu during the Tourism Festival’s opening ceremony. A fourth or fifth level position in a city carries far more weight than leading a Special-Level Ancient Architecture Research Institute.”

Dong Liping was taken aback and hurriedly interjected.

Although he was on duty in Su Province, his heart remained with his old comrades from the same dorm.

“Don’t worry. Our Ancient Architecture Research Institute may lack real authority, but we have our perks. Being a research body, it functions much like the professors in a university. According to the Long Kingdom’s regulations, you can carve out your own career here.

Now, while Xiao Xu is in an interim role, if his responsibilities officially shift to Wei City, things will be entirely different.

Not only will we lose our independent careers, but even serving as the legal representative of a company would be off the table.”

Li Jue explained.

When Xu Hao was recruited, the conditions were quite relaxed—that was probably the key to winning him over. Had the terms been too strict, Xu Hao might never have joined the Ancient Architecture Institute.

“That’s true. In recent years, many listed companies were founded by university professors or top-tier researchers,”

Dong Liping paused for a moment.

Li Jue’s words held some truth; in fact, the Long Kingdom has even issued policies recently to encourage this trend.

“By the way, will you be attending the Tourism Festival this time?”

After a brief pause, Dong Liping continued,

“Of course. Our unit is the designated poverty-alleviation partner for Mingsha County—we can’t miss it!”

Li Jue replied immediately.

“Do you need us to arrange accommodations in advance? Mingsha County gets so many visitors that it might be a concern—”

“No worries! I called Xiao Xu a few days ago. As long as someone from our Ancient Architecture Research Institute shows up, accommodations are guaranteed. After all, Xiao Xu is one of us!”

Speaking of lodging,

Li Jue’s tone carried a hint of pride. With any other organization, things might have fallen apart.

“Exactly. I was just curious—if your folks show up and can’t find a place to stay, what then?”

Dong Liping blinked before breaking into a laugh.

“Ha, by the way, Xiao Xu mentioned that you and Lao Feng have given him plenty of help. As long as you conduct inspections or lead a team there, accommodations will always be sorted.”

“Oh?”

“Alright then, it’s getting late. Let’s catch up once I arrive in Mingsha.”

“Sure, see you then! I’ll be there too.”

“Give me a call when you arrive!”

“Alright!”

The National Day holiday is the Long Kingdom’s second most important festival, and it’s the highlight of many tourist attractions. Some sites are raking in massive profits, while others are barely basking in any glory.

At the Ning An Cultural Tourism Headquarters,

Chairman Qi Haoyong slammed the first-day revenue figures onto the desk of a deputy director in front of him.

“What the hell! This year, we’ve had nearly 20% fewer visitors than last year! Two of the guesthouse rooms in the Ancient Building Courtyard are still empty!”

“Chairman, it’s mainly that Mingsha County’s big show has overshadowed us,”

the deputy mumbled, too intimidated to meet his gaze.

But the chairman snapped, “Spare me the excuses! Your team just didn’t do their job properly!”

Qi Haoyong abruptly stood up.

“But—”

The deputy hesitated to reply.

“But what? Mingsha County can pull off ostrich mounts and even eight-car sedan chairs. Why can’t we? If you lack creativity, then why not imitate?”

Qi Haoyong glared fiercely at the deputy.

He had been scrutinizing the attraction’s data and Mingsha County’s developments all day. When he saw glowing online reviews and videos about Mingsha, while Ning An remained in the shadows, he finally lost his temper.

“Chairman, our staff has already started prepping for ostrich mounts. But thanks to the skyrocketing popularity of Mingsha’s version of Wulin Wai Chuan, our Chef Detective hasn’t even made an appearance yet,”

the deputy weakly explained.

“Chef Detective?”

Qi Haoyong’s tone softened slightly as he added, “Even if Chef Detective hasn’t hit the big screen, you should be gathering intelligence. If Mingsha has a winning project, just replicate it!”

“Chairman, should we consider building an entrance gate and a Qing Brick Avenue like over there? Frankly, an eight-car sedan chair or public carriage vibe only works in ancient architectural settings.

With our modest scale, it just wouldn’t work.”

Hearing Qi Haoyong’s words, the deputy hurried to speak up.

In his view, the only aspect they could mimic from Mingsha County was the ostrich mount. Other ideas simply didn’t fit the Ning An Desert Scenic Area.

Imagine an eight-car sedan chair appearing in a desert park—it would be completely out of place.

“Build an entrance gate? Don’t you get it? Our company can’t afford that kind of money. Even if we did, without top-notch designers and craftsmen, it wouldn’t work!

Doesn’t everyone know about Zhang Chi’s ancient architecture prowess? The Ancient Building Courtyard always works with faux ancient architecture companies. It has nothing to do with him!”

Qi Haoyong nearly choked on the deputy’s words. He barked, “Chairman, I’ll get on building ostrich mounts and eight-car sedan chairs right away!”

The deputy, realizing he’d misspoke again, quickly turned and shut the door, not daring to incur further wrath.

He knew Qi Haoyong was already in a foul mood, and any more words would only trigger more abuse.

“Completely incompetent!”

After hurling those words, Qi Haoyong lit a cigarette and sank back into his boss chair.

Yet after a few puffs, he still felt uneasy. Unable to hold back any longer, he picked up his phone and dialed a number.

Beep…beep…beep… The phone rang for a long time with no answer.

Unwilling to give up after one try, he dialed again immediately.

After about a dozen rings, the call was finally answered.

“Yang, you haven’t retired for the night, have you? I hope I’m not disturbing you!”

It turned out the call was meant for Yang Yuan at Tianchen Culture.

“What’s the matter, Boss Qi?”

In the next moment, Yang Yuan’s drawn-out voice came through, laced with unmistakable irritation.

“Boss Qi, here’s the thing—our tourism numbers aren’t looking good this year. I need to ask, when will your Chef Detective debut? I’m really at my wit’s end here!”

Boss Qi’s tone was even more subservient than when he first discussed matters with Tianchen Culture.

“You’re at your limit already?”

Yang Yuan’s voice remained calm.

“Sigh, it’s my fault for not following your advice. Had we partnered with Mingsha Tourism from the start, things wouldn’t be this way. But we’re tied to Ancient Building Courtyard and the guesthouses, you know…”

Qi Haoyong could only reply with a tone of helplessness.

“Boss Qi, Xiao Liu should have already called your company. Once the Chef Detective debuts, in three months we’ll settle the investments in Ancient Building Courtyard and the guesthouses. Whether we profit or lose, Tianchen Culture will take it. At any rate, we won’t mess around with that Xu Hao son of a gun anymore!”

“I know, I know, but Chef Detective hasn’t even debuted yet. Besides, the guesthouses and Ancient Building Courtyard are still earning. Look…”

“Alright, for the sake of our past cooperation, I’ll give you the lowdown: Chef Detective will debut simultaneously with Mingsha Tourism’s new drama. Just wait and see!”

After a brief silence, Yang Yuan spoke again.

“Simultaneously? When exactly? Didn’t you say the debut would only be scheduled after the tourism festival ends?”

Qi Haoyong’s mood brightened as he rushed to reply,

“Tianchen Culture wanted to wait, but the Director Association couldn’t hold out. I’ve been hounded by phone calls every day, so the debut will definitely occur before the Mingsha Tourism Festival begins.”

Yang Yuan’s voice now carried a note of resignation.

He had hoped to please both sides, but as a subordinate not at the top, he couldn’t withstand the pressure from several vice-chairmen of the Director Association.

“Alright then. I’ll let you get back to it, Yang.”

“Hang up!”

The happy hours always pass too quickly. In the blink of an eye, the seven-day National Day holiday ended, and the travelers returned to their bustling cities, gearing up for an extended workweek.

Yet the holiday blues lingered, and until one binge-watches a series and splashes social media posts, nothing seems to lift the mood.

On the evening of October 7 at 8 PM, with just over ten days left until the Mingsha Tourism Festival, a storm erupted on a drama forum over a single news item.

“What? Haofang Culture’s new drama is set to premiere on Yan City TV’s prime time on October 11 at 8 PM?”

“Yeah!”

“Really?”

“Absolutely! Yan City TV and Haofang Culture’s official accounts just confirmed it.”

“Then make sure to tune in on time. I’m really looking forward to it.”

“Looking forward? Isn’t this drama just meant to promote the new ancient architecture in Mingsha County? Its quality can’t even compare to Wulin Wai Chuan.”

“Precisely because it’s promoting the new ancient architecture that I’m excited! I visited Qixia Town during the holiday!”

“You checked in at Tongfu Inn? How was it?”

“It’s hard to describe. Haven’t you seen the videos on short video platforms? Whether it’s the quirky transportation in the scenic area or other features, everything’s fascinating. The only downside is that one section remains off-limits—the very location where the new drama was filmed!”

“Is that so!”

“Absolutely. From atop the Desert Pavilion in Qixia Town, you can glimpse a breathtaking part of the set. It’s truly impressive. I’m more curious about the scenery than the plot. I bet anyone who visited Tongfu Inn during National Day felt the same way.”

“Alright, you’ve piqued my interest.”

“Same here. It’s the first time I’ve been drawn to a drama just by a filming scene.”

“Just wait—only four more days!”

Even as netizens fervently debated the debut date online, another announcement on the drama forum sparked even more chatter.

“What? Is Qiezi TV set to launch Tianchen Culture’s new drama ‘Chef Detective’ on the evening of October 11?”