Chapter 193: Turbulence in the Festival and Subway Dreams

Many netizens are utterly baffled!

Ever since Mingsha Tourism began launching projects all over the place, people assumed it was all geared toward securing the hosting rights for the Long Kingdom Film Festival. And most importantly, Mingsha Tourism’s performance has truly met their expectations.

Currently, the area boasts three TV series and one movie as IP attractions. Look around the entire western region—can you find another? Even more, many netizens are eagerly awaiting a big event from Mingsha Tourism at the Film Festival! After all, any event by Mingsha Tourism always brings unexpected surprises to the audience. Now, to suddenly hand it over to someone else—those high expectations vanish. Just look at Ning An Cultural Tourism…

They do have a film city, but in recent years they haven’t churned out even one major IP movie. Their best claim to fame is that baffling ‘New Moon Legend’ which oddly became the Spring Festival box office champion. Everything else has been utterly mediocre and lacking any distinct charm! And now, awarding the Film Festival to Ning An Cultural Tourism? How can anyone take that seriously?

“Now I finally understand why New Moon Legend’s box office overtook Longmen Inn’s in the final two days!”

Coming back to reality, some netizens couldn’t hold back and started venting.

“It was all just to grab a prestigious title, making the whole bid for the Film Festival a foregone conclusion.”

“Sigh!”

“So pathetic!”

“By the way, who’s hosting this year’s Film Festival?”

“Two years ago it was the TV and Cinema Association, last year the Actor Association, and this year the Director Association!”

“Director Association?”

“I’m starting to understand a bit!”

“I think I get it now—if I recall correctly, the Director Association has never seen eye to eye with Haofang Culture over in Mingsha.”

“Forget it, forget it! If that’s the case, I’m not watching this year’s Film Festival at all!”

“Me neither!”

“This time, I’m really sorry, but I can’t go support my idol to boost his popularity!”

“Ha, boycott Ning An Cultural Tourism, boycott New Moon Legend!”

Once netizens’ outrage spread, it quickly became a force to be reckoned with. Before long, every entertainment forum was buzzing with comments on the announcement.

The next day

in Yan City, at a neighborhood in the Third Ring,

Ran Xiangfei had just finished freshening up and was about to head to work when his phone suddenly rang.

He glanced at it—a call from Qi Haoyong.

“President Qi! Such an early call? Didn’t the announcement go out in the early hours yesterday?”

While putting on his shoes, Ran Xiangfei replied casually.

“Chairman Ran, we’ve got a serious problem!”

The next moment, Qi Haoyong’s voice came through, brimming with urgency.

“What’s wrong?”

“Chairman Ran, ever since last night’s announcement, the internet has been buzzing non-stop. And that’s not all—a bunch of netizens have even flooded Ning An Cultural Tourism’s official website with boycott comments.”

Qi Haoyong said hastily.

On the other end, he was nearly on the verge of cursing out loud.

He had hoped the announcement would generate some buzz, but instead the excitement went completely off track!

What was the point of Ning An Cultural Tourism hosting the Film Festival? It was all about attracting tourists! If they had a chance to start over, they wouldn’t bother with a Film Festival at all. Why host one if it won’t draw the right crowd?

“President Qi, don’t panic! I have a feeling about this.”

After hearing Qi Haoyong’s rant, Ran Xiangfei kept his expression neutral and smiled lightly.

It was clear he wasn’t too worried about the matter.

“A feeling? Chairman Ran, about this whole issue…”

Qi Haoyong was nearly at his wit’s end.

If he had known earlier, he could have avoided all this. Now Ning An Cultural Tourism is thrust into the spotlight!

“President Qi, in terms of buzz and certain aspects, Ning An Cultural Tourism definitely lags behind Mingsha Tourism. So even if we clinch the Spring Festival box office crown, many viewers will still have their grievances.

But rest assured—

“This is only temporary. Once my announcement drops in a few days, won’t everything turn around?”

Ran Xiangfei continued.

“Temporary?”

Qi Haoyong said suspiciously.

If he hadn’t already committed, he really wouldn’t want to be tied to this mess any longer.

“President Qi, don’t worry! When have I ever let you down? As for the online criticism, Ning An Cultural Tourism just needs to stay cool for now. I’ll release an explanatory announcement once I reach the office.”

By then, Ran Xiangfei had already finished putting on his shoes and socks.

“Alright then!”

“Okay!”

After hanging up, Ran Xiangfei glanced at his darkened phone, smirked, and muttered, “How can he run a film city? He panics over such trivial matters!”

With that,

Ran Xiangfei was about to head out.

But just then, his phone rang once more—”Hm?”

Checking the caller ID, Ran Xiangfei frowned and answered, his tone shifting.

It was a call from Director Association Chairman Ding Xiaoping.

“Old Ding!”

“Old Ran, what’s happening on your end? This morning, a lot of netizens questioned the Director Association, and our reputation has taken quite a hit.”

Ding Xiaoping’s voice over the phone carried clear displeasure.

“Old Ding, that’s normal. Every year when the hosting location is announced, controversy follows. Once I post our announcement later, everything will be fine!”

Ran Xiangfei responded promptly.

“Every year? This year is different! Ning An Cultural Tourism and Mingsha Tourism are worlds apart.”

“Old Ding, it’s all because Mingsha Tourism’s recent buzz created an illusion of a huge gap. Firstly, even if the difference isn’t massive, Ning An Cultural Tourism clinched the Spring Festival box office crown without question. Secondly, while Ning An Cultural Tourism has produced several films, Mingsha Tourism has only made one! After all, this is a Film Festival, not a TV Festival! A clear explanation for the audience will set things right.”

“Are you sure netizens will buy that? I’ve seen a lot of calls to boycott the Film Festival! We can’t let our buzz be overshadowed by Mingsha Tourism’s quirky parade of attractions.”

After a brief pause, Ding Xiaoping’s measured voice came through.

“Old Ding, relax! The audiences in Long Kingdom have never been that stubborn. Even if they call for a boycott, it’s just empty slogans. Besides, haven’t we invited several international superstars for the Film Festival? Two of them are well-known among cosplayers and many fans.

Once the announcement goes live, all the buzz will surely be on our side!”

Ran Xiangfei chuckled.

Those international superstars were the super heavy news he had already shared with President Qi.

In Long Kingdom, many grew up watching Spider-Man, Iron Man, and their cinematic series. With the leads coming to Long Kingdom in person this time, it’s bound to create a sensation.

“Alright then, just make sure you handle this without messing it up!”

After a long while,

Ding Xiaoping’s voice resonated again.

“Old Ding, I’ve got everything under control!”

Before long, it was already noon.

Mingsha County — Xu Hao stood on a stone bridge amid the Qingming Scroll, intently gazing at the ancient structures lining both sides.

It was already March 1st, leaving just one month until the Cultural Forum. Fortunately, progress on the Qingming Scroll project had picked up pace.

Standing on the bridge and looking out at the neatly arranged ancient buildings with a strong Song Dynasty flavor, the ambiance grew increasingly captivating.

“Brother Hao, Liu Gong just called—he says that after an investigation, we can actually build a subway here!”

After a moment’s pause, Zhu Qiang said.

“Oh? Did they discuss the project timeline?”

Xu Hao turned to look at Zhu Qiang.

Ever since the subway project was proposed a few days ago, various plans have been set in motion.

“They did!”

Zhu Qiang nodded.

“How long will it take?”

“Liu Gong mentioned that if all payments are made in cash and it won’t affect the surface tourism atmosphere, a subway line from the City Gate to Langya Pavilion could be finished in about a year.”

“A year? That sounds doable!”

Xu Hao’s expression softened with interest.

Considering subway construction, one year is indeed remarkably fast. Most subway projects in Long Kingdom usually take around three years.

“Yes, Liu Gong noted that since our underground utility tunnels have already been planned and there’s no need to negotiate with other parties, the construction period can be significantly shortened.”

Zhu Qiang replied.

A one-year subway project is quite acceptable. By late March next year, Mingsha’s first subway will be up and running—a pleasant surprise for tourists.

“And the cost?”

Xu Hao inquired further.

“Currently, the cost is about 1 billion per kilometer. With a straight-line distance of roughly 8 kilometers from the City Gate to Langya Pavilion, plus miscellaneous expenses, 9 billion should suffice.”

“9 billion is acceptable.”

Hearing the estimate, Xu Hao let out a relieved sigh.

“And besides, the 9 billion won’t be paid all at once. As long as we attract enough tourists, funding the subway construction won’t be a problem. Moreover, Haofang Culture and Haofang Agency can chip in some funds.”

Zhu Qiang continued.

Mingsha Tourism, Haofang Culture, and Haofang Agency have long maintained a lending relationship. In fact, to compensate for Haofang Culture, Mingsha Tourism even pays some interest, so there are no financial issues.

At present, Haofang Culture and Haofang Agency are raking in a good profit. Especially Haofang Culture—after Longmen Inn’s final cut, their box office share could reach 700 to 800 million, not to mention online streaming revenue.

“That’s good! Let’s set up a dedicated subway construction project team in the next few days to handle everything related to the subway.”

“Alright!”

“By the way, Brother Hao, the Director Association just announced that Ning An Cultural Tourism will host the Film Festival. Naturally, many netizens are upset—many thought that all our projects and constructions were meant to secure the Film Festival, so they ended up disappointed. They went ahead and left comments there!

Under pressure, the Director Association had to issue a supplemental notice condemning the netizens—and they even mentioned us!”

After a brief pause, Zhu Qiang continued.

“They even mentioned us? What did they say?”

Xu Hao frowned.

Understanding the expectations of netizens, he believed that Mingsha Tourism’s job was to ensure every tourist had a fun and comfortable visit.

But a Film Festival is a Film Festival—each serves its own purpose! Since Mingsha Tourism never intended to ride on the Film Festival’s coattails, what needs clarifying must be clarified so as not to mislead the public.

“The Director Association’s announcement stated that since we in Mingsha have only produced one movie, we have no ground to host a Film Festival!”

Zhu Qiang exclaimed hurriedly.