Chapter 151: Whirlwinds of Controversy

I think so, too. And it feels like every time a critical moment emerges in Mingsha, someone surfaces to stir up trouble—last time when the wooden Tengwang Pavilion had just been completed, and now with Xiao Xu working on the Protectorate of West Liang. It’s hard not to suspect there’s a deliberate campaign targeting Mingsha Tourism, aimed directly at undermining our Long Kingdom’s cultural legacy.

Nearby, Cao Jun couldn’t help but interject.

Ever since news broke that Xu Hao intended to rebuild the Protectorate of West Liang, no one at the Ancient Architecture Institute has dared to call him—they’re all too afraid of disturbing him.

Nothing else.

Simply because if the Protectorate of West Liang were built on-site, it would be a monumental achievement for Xu Hao and would bring heaps of honor to the Ancient Architecture Research Institute.

Had Xu Hao not insisted on handling it himself, the Institute would have dispatched other researchers long ago.

“Nowadays, everyone’s desperate to grab attention no matter what it takes!”

After a moment of silence, Li Jue leaned back slowly in his chair and said, “Overall, the fireworks show is a sure bet. If foreign theme parks can pull one off, our Long Kingdom’s own site can certainly match it. But what on earth is going on with this sky-high wedding service pricing?”

“I did some research. Mingsha Tourism is now offering traditional ancient wedding packages. In a way, it’s a clever promotion of our Long Kingdom’s heritage,” he explained.

Liu Shan sighed.

“If it’s such a good thing, why is it causing so much controversy?”

“Here’s the deal: Mingsha Tourism’s wedding packages range widely—from just over 3,000 to a staggering 300,000.”

“300,000 for a wedding service?”

Li Jue and Cao Jun exchanged astonished looks. While a dowry or bride price of 300,000 might not be unusual, a wedding service at that price? No wonder it’s trending online!

“So, what are netizens saying now?”

Regaining his focus, Li Jue frowned and asked.

“Netizens are standing firm. They want Mingsha Tourism to respond to these issues. Several have even called the Long Kingdom Consumer Association, yet Mingsha Tourism remains completely silent!”

Liu Shan shook his head.

“No response? Could it be that Mingsha Tourism underestimated the backlash this time?”

After a long pause, Cao Jun whispered.

“I doubt it! Everyone knows Xiao Xu’s style. He’s not one to commit fraud or create false consumption. There’s got to be a reason behind that 300,000 price tag. We’ll just have to wait and see how Mingsha Tourism responds!”

After pondering for a moment, Li Jue spoke gravely,

“Mingsha Tourism will respond, won’t they?”

“Absolutely! Once it’s trending, staying silent is not an option.”

“Alright then! I’m curious to see how Xiao Xu handles this!”

Meanwhile,

at the Yan City TV Tower, in the leader’s office reception area, Han Lijun and Fang Hou were reviewing a contract.

Previously, whenever Fang Hou came to discuss business, Editor-in-Chief Ren Long of Yan City TV would handle it. But now, with Haofang Culture vastly changed, the moment they learned Fang Hou was negotiating for a third ancient drama, he was whisked directly into the director’s office.

“Leader, is this contract finalized?”

Fang Hou smiled and replied.

This visit to Yan City was not only to file the drama but also to finalize the contract with Yan City TV.

Based on the script provided by Xu Hao, the series ‘Langya List’ will span 54 episodes, and Yan City TV has just offered a top-tier purchase price of 2.6 million per episode.

Excluding online streaming rights, Haofang Culture stands to earn around 140 million from this deal.

“It’s settled. Frankly, Yan City TV has already given us an edge,”

Han Lijun nodded and smiled.

“The Snowy Series has just finished airing, but netizens felt that ‘Wulin Wai Chuan’ left them wanting more, so Yan City TV opted for a rerun—and the ratings remain impressive.”

In doing so,

Yan City TV saved itself a significant amount in procurement costs.

“Han Tai, your kindness is much appreciated. It’s all about mutual support,”

Fang Hou said before sliding the contract into his briefcase.

“By the way, Mr. Fang, how’s the progress on the series?”

After a brief pause, Han Lijun pressed on,

“They plan to start casting in a few days, but the filming location is still tied up with groundwork—and then there’s the issue with the Protectorate of West Liang. Otherwise, the pace should be steady.”

Fang Hou replied candidly.

Although the contract with Yan City TV is signed, the specific airtime wasn’t stipulated, so Han Lijun’s inquiries were perfectly normal.

“Oh!”

Han Lijun sighed involuntarily.

“What’s the matter, Han Tai? Does Yan City TV need us to push for an early release?”

Fang Hou, ever perceptive, immediately inquired upon noticing Han Lijun’s expression.

“Alas, since you’re one of us, I won’t hide it. Originally, Yan City TV was planning a New Year’s Eve gala to boost its influence this year.

The netizens had been showering praise on it!

So the station issued an official notice promising a spectacular New Year’s Eve gala that wouldn’t disappoint.”

At that, Han Lijun sighed again and added,

“The station acted early enough, but when they reached out to top-tier singers and actors, they discovered many had already signed contracts with other channels.

Our team, upon realizing this, pivoted to looking for second- and third-tier stars—but even those were quickly snapped up by several TV stations.”

Initially, Han Lijun was confident about the gala, but now he’s left with little hope except for Haofang Culture’s third drama.

“Han Tai, do you think Eggplant TV might be gunning for us?”

After a brief silence, Fang Hou replied,

“It’s possible, but it’s not the whole story. These past few years, New Year’s Eve galas have been battlegrounds for top TV stations. With our netizens already praising our gala, it’s only natural for competitors to act quickly.”

“I see. So, Han Tai, do you want us to lend a hand?”

Fang Hou glanced at Han Lijun.

“You? No, forget it. You’re busy prepping for a new drama and the gala anyway—just do what you can.”

Han Lijun shook his head.

After all, a successful New Year’s gala depends on superstar talent and marquee performers; second- and third-tier stars are just garnish. When Yan City TV shifted focus to lesser-known stars, its fate was practically sealed.

“Don’t worry, Han Tai. Our side just set up a new talent agency and even signed the Tiger Leopard Band. They’re working on new tracks—if the station is interested, I can call their head to arrange everything!”

Fang Hou waved his hand dismissively.

“Tiger Leopard Band? From your agency?”

Han Lijun was momentarily taken aback.

“Yes.”

“That works, then. Although the Tiger Leopard Band isn’t as hot these days, they were huge back in the day. They might just spark a wave of nostalgia!”

Han Lijun couldn’t hide his smile.

Right now, every act counts—even securing the Tiger Leopard Band would undoubtedly electrify the stage.

“So,”

“Mr. Fang, pass me your agency head’s number. I’ll talk to her later; we can negotiate the performance fees and all that comes with it.”

“Alright.”

“Also, Mr. Fang, before you arrived your team mentioned that Mingsha Tourism is trending again. Should our station step in to help? Our PR team has plenty of experience.”

After wrapping up the New Year’s gala discussion, Han Lijun suddenly recalled something and asked,

“Trending? Thanks for your concern, Leader, but we’re fine!”

At that, Fang Hou smiled.

“Really fine? This time the instigator is Wu Nan—he’s notorious in the industry for parading as a positive online influencer while really just stirring up trouble.”

Han Lijun couldn’t help but comment,

“In show business, whether the news is big or small, it’s always these so-called positive commentators who gripe. Over time, many in the industry dread even catching a glimpse of them.”

“Leader, truly, we’re fine. Our General Zhu will handle it.”

Fang Hou added,

“Alright then. Call me if you need anything.”

“Okay.”

Time passed—before long, two days later,

in Mingsha County, at the government office building, Qin Xuan was massaging his temples as a middle-aged man sat across from him.

“Leader, should I urge Mingsha Tourism again?”

After a long pause, the middle-aged man said,

“Urge? There’s no need!”

Qin Xuan gave the man a sidelong glance.

Ever since the fireworks show controversy put Mingsha Tourism on the trending list, he had immediately contacted Zhu Qiang, who reassured him that the county need not worry—Mingsha Tourism would resolve the issue.

So he didn’t press further.

After all, he had foreseen controversy over the fireworks show ever since the permit was issued.

But who would have thought that online criticism grew fiercer over two days. Especially with provincial officials calling the county for questions, while Mingsha Tourism remained silent—as if deliberately downplaying the issue. Qin Xuan couldn’t help but be anxious; while minor issues can be quietly handled, a trending topic is impossible to ignore, especially when it’s clearly aimed at Mingsha Tourism. At the county level, they simply can’t fend off such backlash.

“Leader, the main issue is that netizens are furious, and some have even called our county office demanding an explanation,”

the middle-aged man said awkwardly.

He knew that with his position he couldn’t directly negotiate with Mingsha Tourism’s top boss, but since the issue remained unresolved, they had become the target of public criticism.

“What exactly are netizens saying?”

After a long pause, Qin Xuan looked up and said,

“They’re demanding that Mingsha Tourism provide clear answers to each of the five suggestions raised by Mr. Wu Nan.”

The middle-aged man quickly interjected,

“Answers—if needed, I’ll handle it personally.”

Knock, knock, knock—just as Qin Xuan was about to speak, a knock came at the door, and a voice announced, “Leader, Mingsha Tourism has just issued an announcement. In two hours, they will hold a media briefing to update everyone concerned about the issue.”