Chapter 132: The Unexpected Promotion

“Director Xu, I’m Wang Shao, the newly transferred deputy director of our Ancient Architecture Institute Office. It’s our first meeting!”

Seeing Xu Hao spaced out, the middle-aged man quickly introduced himself.

“Hello, Director Wang, I’m Xu Hao—I’m not some ‘Director Xu’!”

Snap back to reality.

Xu Hao waved his hand dismissively.

Although he had visited the Institute before, he had only ever encountered the higher-ups. He had never seen a freshly transferred colleague like this. Besides, the title ‘Director Xu’ wasn’t invoked lightly.

“Hehe, Xiao Xu, we’ll discuss your stuff later. For now, shall we check out your newly built Oasis 2?”

Before Wang Shao could explain, Li Jue burst into laughter.

To be honest, they had seen the ancient city gate on video, but nothing compared to witnessing it firsthand. That impact only heightened their anticipation for the yet-to-be-unveiled Oasis 2.

“No problem, Director. Are we taking a carriage there?”

Xu Hao nodded.

“Let’s take the public carriage. We can also enjoy a taste of Mingsha Tourism’s charm—you know, it wasn’t available last time!” Li Jue chuckled.

“I’d love to, if I were a few years younger. I’d be all over those ostrich rides—but alas, my age won’t allow it.”

Beside him, Liu Shan and Cao Jun joined in with laughter.

“Alright then, public carriage it is. It’s also a good chance to brief our directors on the local developments.”

Xu Hao pulled out his phone and dialed a number. “Little Luo, send five carriages over to the parking lot.”

Time flew by; before they knew it, noon had arrived.

At the reception room of the Ancient Building Courtyard in the heart of Wudi City, Xu Hao looked at Li Jue in astonishment. “What? A Special Grade Ancient Architecture Researcher?”

He had led Li Jue and the others on a comprehensive tour of Qixia Town, Tingchao Pavilion, and Wudi City. They even spent extra time at Tingchao Pavilion, delving into every detail.

Eventually, the rest of the Institute’s group was settled into the four-courtyard guesthouses reserved in Wudi City, while Li Jue, Liu Shan, and Cao Jun stayed in the guest house within the Ancient Building Courtyard.

No sooner had everyone settled than Li Jue dropped a bombshell—he had not only been promoted to Special Grade Ancient Architecture Researcher but was also given an honorary deputy director title.

However, the deputy director role was purely ceremonial—a title meant to complement the prestigious researcher designation.

“Well, it was originally planned to apply after your temporary assignment ended. But after thinking it over, and seeing Mingsha County’s recent achievements, Old Cao suggested we give it a try. We never expected it to work out! The official documents have arrived; HR just hasn’t notified you yet.”

Li Jue glanced at Cao Jun.

Don’t be fooled by his relaxed tone; only he and Cao Jun knew how many phone calls were made and how many favors had been asked.

The leap to deputy director was a major threshold—once passed, the prospects were limitless. That’s why the review and approval process was so stringent.

There was no helping it. Ever since Dong Liping’s call, Li Jue had felt increasingly uneasy. He truly feared that Su Province’s high demands might lure Xu Hao away.

So, as a special arrangement, they first granted Xu Hao the top Ancient Architecture Researcher title and then paired it with an honorary deputy director post. This way, the fourth and fifth positions in Wudi City, Su Province, would lose their appeal.

“Director, I haven’t really contributed much to the Institute. I’m simply not worthy!”

Xu Hao offered a wry smile as he shook his head.

The better the Institute treated him, the more he felt he owed them.

After all, only Li Jue, Liu Shan, and Cao Jun held higher positions than him. Even though the deputy director post was honorary, no one in the Institute took it lightly.

Outside, this level wasn’t insignificant either—some deputy presidents in the Director Association were probably at this very level.

“No! Your expertise in ancient architecture fully justifies your current role. Plus, after the New Year, we’re set to repair several major halls in the 49 Imperial City that haven’t been reopened. They need your direct oversight.”

Li Jue said earnestly.

The halls in the 49 Imperial City had deteriorated to the point where repairs were unavoidable. For years, no one had dared to take charge. If Xu Hao could lead the restoration, it would be a monumental achievement.

Now that Xu Hao was spearheading more ancient architecture projects, both the Institute and the higher-ups were more than willing to entrust him with major responsibilities.

“As long as the Institute needs me, I’m all in!”

Xu Hao had nothing more to add but to agree.

“By the way, Xiao Xu, how’s the opening ceremony coming along? Where do you plan to hold it?”

After a brief pause, Li Jue asked again.

“All the performers are busy rehearsing, so it should be fine! I’m planning to set up the main venue on the small plaza in front of Tengwang Pavilion.”

At the mention of the opening ceremony, Xu Hao’s expression turned serious.

Everything that needed repair was completed, and visitor numbers were strong. With a bit of extra luck, even if tourists from nearby cities didn’t show, local visitors alone would carry the tourism festival’s opening.

“A small plaza? That spot has plenty of room! Once the stage is up, there’s ample space to accommodate many people!”

Liu Shan remarked from beside him.

He recalled staying at the Ancient Architecture guesthouse in Oasis 1 during his last visit to Tengwang Pavilion, so he knew the area well.

“Yes, I’m planning to set aside 300 seats for the audience.”

Xu Hao nodded.

“Only 300 seats? Isn’t that a bit few? I heard Haofang Culture recently launched a new TV series—there will be plenty of tourists.”

Cao Jun hesitated for a moment.

“This tourism festival is drawing high-profile guests. After seating them, how many seats will remain? We can’t have another fuss over seating arrangements.”

“Cao Director, the venue is as large as it is. Besides seating, we have to leave room for the broadcast team. Three hundred seats is our maximum. Tourists without tickets will have to watch from either the Desert Pavilion or the wooden walkway. The view there is excellent and the experience is not too shabby!”

Xu Hao gave a wry smile.

Of all the potential locations, only Tengwang Pavilion provided the perfect backdrop for the opening. Changing the venue might yield more seats but would lose some of the charm.

Considering various safety factors, they decided to issue a total of 1,000 invitations, with 300 allocated seating.

“Then we have no choice! By the way, when will the tickets for the audience be released?”

Cao Jun asked.

“Ticketing will be handled by Mingsha Tourism. With their arrangements, there shouldn’t be any issues!”

Xu Hao replied.

“Alright then. Is there anything else? If there’s any problem, we’ll help coordinate to resolve it.”

Li Jue nodded.

“Director, there shouldn’t be any more issues. If something comes up, we’ll let you know immediately.”

“Alright!”

Little did they know that just as Xu Hao was settling the seating arrangements, at the Mingsha County government building’s conference room, Wang Xun and Qin Xuan, along with a bespectacled middle-aged man, were gathered.

“Director Li, are there really this many leaders attending?”

Staring at the long list in his hand, Wang Xun and Qin Xuan were left momentarily speechless.

The middle-aged man, Li Qilin, a top official in the Su Province Tourism Bureau’s office, had come specifically to coordinate with local Mingsha County leaders about the tourism festival.

Wang Xun and Qin Xuan had assumed that although Mingsha County had been busy with infrastructure projects, the standards for the tourism festival would remain as usual—typically led by top officials from the Su Province Tourism Bureau.

But when they saw the guest list, they nearly had heart attacks.

“What did you expect?!”

Li Qilin gave Wang Xun and Qin Xuan an exasperated look, as if to say that all these complications were Mingsha County’s doing—and now they were worried because there were too many top leaders attending?

“Director Li, at the very least, the head official from the Long Kingdom Tourism Bureau…”

Snap out of it, Wang Xun quickly interjected.

For a moment, his expression was indecipherable—torn between flattery and surprise.

“I’m not clear on all the details, but it’s definitely connected to Xu County.”

Li Qilin picked up the list again.

“Our Xu County?”

Wang Xun and Qin Xuan exchanged shocked glances. They couldn’t hide their astonishment at how impeccably Xu Hao maintained his reputation.

At this level, such a title wasn’t seen as shameful—it was downright intimidating!

“Enough small talk—let’s get down to business. How many seats have been provided for the opening ceremony?”

Li Qilin looked up and asked.

“Three hundred!”

Qin Xuan replied.

During the preparations, he had been coordinating with Mingsha Tourism about the festival. Zhu Qiang had confirmed that there were 300 seats.

“What? Only 300 in total? How many for tourists?”

Li Qilin’s eyes narrowed.

“We’ve allocated 250 seats for tourists—the terrain only permits 300 seats overall.”

Qin Xuan explained.

“So that means just 50 seats for officials?”

“That’s right!”

“Not enough! Far too few! Yesterday, I contacted personnel from the Long Kingdom Tourism Department. Their top leader’s entourage alone exceeds a dozen people, plus we have a group from Su Province’s top brass. What about the heads of the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Institute? I’ve heard they’re already at the scenic area! Then there’s Peng, Director Feng from the Cultural Relics Department, Director Dong from Urban Construction, and nearly a hundred more—not to mention relevant officials from Wei City and even local leaders! We also need to reserve a few spots for Mingsha Tourism; after all, they’re spearheading the scenic area’s development, and it wouldn’t look right if their head wasn’t on stage.”

Li Qilin, ever the seasoned office pro, began rattling off names—roughly drafting seating arrangements as he spoke.

“We originally assumed that 50 seats would suffice, but clearly we underestimated the turnout.”

Wang Xun and Qin Xuan were left speechless once again.

“In that case, contact the head of Mingsha Tourism immediately. See if you can negotiate a slight reduction in tourist seating.”

After a thoughtful pause, Li Qilin said,

“With so many leaders about to depart, wouldn’t it be embarrassing if there were no seats when they arrive?”

“Okay, I’ll call them right away!”

Upon hearing this, Qin Xuan quickly took out his phone, dialed General Zhu’s number on speaker, and once the call connected, he said hurriedly,

“General Zhu, can we discuss something? Is it possible to adjust the seating allocation for tourists at the opening ceremony?”