Chapter 203: Unraveling Mysteries

Exactly!

Liu Shan and Cao Jun exchanged a glance.

Under these circumstances, only by meeting Xu Hao can the mystery truly be unraveled.

“By the way, when will the leaders from Lanstarr’s UNESCO office stationed in Long Kingdom—as well as the heads of its cultural and education departments—arrive in Lanshi, Su Province tomorrow?”

After a pause, Li Jue steered the conversation to business.

This cultural forum is held to a much higher standard than before. The Ancient Architecture Research Institute plays a supporting role; the main players are those three organizations just mentioned. As long as they approve of Mingsha,

Ancient Architecture Institute and Mingsha Ancient City will be a done deal.

“They’ll reach Lanshi International Airport at 10 AM.”

Cao Jun thought for a moment before replying,

“If we arrive, it’ll be at 9:30 AM—half an hour ahead of them. Perfect timing!”

Li Jue quickly calculated; these guests were painstakingly invited by Cao Jun, so no missteps could be afforded.

“Xiao Xu has already called and confirmed that all arrangements at Mingsha are set. A special car will pick everyone up from the airport.”

“That’s great!”

“By the way, Old Li, Lao Feng, Old Dong, and Peng Yuan from Su Province are coming along too.”

Cao Jun added another detail.

“Them?”

“Originally, our unit’s cultural forum wasn’t meant to have much fanfare—only a few representatives as a token. But this time it’s different. Given your connections with him, Lao Feng, and Old Dong in Su Province, they’re bound to return. We just didn’t expect Peng Yuan to tag along; he’s probably looking to commiserate with Xiao Xu.”

At this, Cao Jun couldn’t help but laugh.

Ever since Mingsha County hosted its Cultural and Tourism Festival, Peng Yuan has repeatedly complained to the Ancient Architecture Research Institute, saying that the next Su Province Tourism Festival won’t be sustainable. It seems that except for Mingsha County itself, no other attraction can handle it—it’s turned into a real hot potato.

“Complain? Don’t even get me started on Peng Yuan. With this grand event, how are we supposed to manage next year’s Ancient Architecture Cultural Inheritance Forum?”

Li Jue joined in the laughter.

Yet behind the banter, Li Jue was completely at ease—rather, thoroughly satisfied.

After all, Xu Hao is one of the Ancient Architecture Research Institute’s own.

If things go wrong, we can simply pass the buck to him.

After another pause, Li Jue continued, “Since Lao Feng and Old Dong are going, let’s contact them in advance. We’ll head over together when the time comes.”

“Mm.”

“Alright. And if rooms fall short, Old Dong, Lao Feng, and Peng Yuan will share accommodations with us.”

“No worries about rooms; Xiao Xu said there are plenty available.”

Speaking of rooms…

Cao Jun’s tone carried a subtle note of pride.

Being considered part of Xu Hao’s ‘family’ in Mingsha felt just like being at one’s own unit—no need for formalities. A few rooms have been reserved exclusively for the three of them, right next to the Ancient Building Courtyard where Xu Hao is staying, with the keys already in hand.

Similarly,

the staff quarters of the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Institute include Xu Hao’s residence, with keys likewise held by him.

“Alright!”

Just when Li Jue and the others thought things weren’t as simple as online chatter suggested, Yan City TV’s director, Han Lijun, was already seated in Xu Hao’s guest lounge.

“Uncle Han, I didn’t expect you’d come in person. I’ll make sure the Yan City TV live team is well looked after.”

Xu Hao smiled as he poured Han Lijun a cup of tea.

“Isn’t there something else on your mind? I have to say, your Ancient Architecture Institute’s cultural forum this time is extraordinary—it looks even grander than some of the major events in Long Kingdom! It hardly even seems like a forum!”

Han Lijun laughed in response.

Judging by his expression, he clearly regarded Xu Hao more as a protégé than merely the vice director of the Ancient Architecture Institute or the true mastermind behind Mingsha Tourism.

“Forums are nothing—trivial skirmishes! Besides, if you’ve got issues, just call me. There’s really no need for you to come all the way here.”

Xu Hao set the tea cup in front of Han Lijun.

“It just can’t be explained over the phone.”

Han Lijun took a small sip before explaining, “Xiao Xu, this visit isn’t about family matters. Grandfather has been extremely busy lately. When I mentioned your situation last time, he insisted that when he gets a break, he’ll personally come to Mingsha to check out your place.”

With a teasing glance at Xu Hao, Han Lijun joked.

“Huh? Grandfather?”

Xu Hao was momentarily startled and uncharacteristically nervous.

Whether in conversation with Han Lijun or his typical chats with Han Xiaoqing, one thing was clear: Grandfather was no ordinary man.

“Yes! Grandfather has always adored Long Kingdom’s traditional culture and especially appreciates youth who spread it. You’re just his cup of tea.”

Han Lijun laughed again.

In his family, Grandfather took reverence to the next level. His three sons wouldn’t dare breathe too loudly in his presence, yet Han Xiaoqing and his children enjoyed a different rapport.

“By the way, will Xiaoqing be coming over soon?”

After a brief pause, Han Lijun continued,

“She called today, saying she wanted to bring her colleagues around. I’ve already made the arrangements.”

For some reason, hearing Han Lijun say that, Xu Hao let out a relieved sigh.

“That’s great; she’s been overwhelmingly busy lately.”

“Mm. Xiaoqing mentioned it to me. By the way, Uncle Han, what brings you here regarding the project?”

Xu Hao inquired further.

Since Han Lijun came in person, this project must be significant. After all, the xianxia drama project with Fang Hou has already been finalized with Yan City TV—no need for an extra visit.

“Xiao Xu, here’s the thing: our station is planning to launch a new food show.”

Getting down to business, Han Lijun didn’t mince words as he explained that the station intended to hold a ‘Kitchen King Competition’ along with the four famous banquets.

“How about it? Interested? If you manage to set up three more ancient towers, we’ll host the competition at the four ancient towers. I guarantee the show will spark a huge buzz once it airs.”

After saying that,

Han Lijun looked at Xu Hao with eager anticipation.

“Ah? What do you mean…?”

At that, Xu Hao absentmindedly scratched his head.

“Are you facing difficulties? Or is it a funding issue? If money’s tight, Yan City TV can help out.”

Noticing his reaction, Han Lijun immediately asked,

“Uncle Han, funds aren’t the problem. I just worry I won’t have the time.”

Xu Hao immediately waved his hand dismissively.

“No time?”

“Exactly! Once the cultural forum wraps up, I have to start on that long-anticipated xianxia drama. After that, I’m scheduled to head over to Yan City to oversee the restoration of 49 Imperial City.”

Xu Hao nodded.

“And after restoring 49 Imperial City? The show is still in the planning phase—even later this year would do!”

Han Lijun considered for a moment before continuing,

“Uncle Han, there might be a major event later this year. Once it’s confirmed, we’ll all be up to our necks in work.”

Xu Hao added,

“A major event? What kind of event?”

That question clearly sparked Han Lijun’s interest.

Considering that Xu Hao had dismissed the forum as a minor affair, the ‘major event’ he mentioned was clearly something big.

“Uncle Han, here’s the situation: in recent years, you’re probably aware of H Country’s frequent bids for heritage status.”

Xu Hao let out a quiet sigh.

“I know. Sometimes that country gets downright shameless—filching many of Long Kingdom’s treasures as their own cultural heritage, though we’re partly to blame too.”

Han Lijun frowned slightly.

“Yes, it’s said that H Country plans to host a traditional culture expo at the end of the year, involving numerous projects to secure more intangible cultural heritage listings. Perhaps, with Mingsha recently making headlines, some Su Province leaders have suggested holding a Long Kingdom Traditional Culture Expo based on Mingsha’s ancient building cluster.”

They hope it will appear more authentic than H Country’s, easing Long Kingdom’s heritage nominations.

Taking advantage of the cultural forum, Director Peng from Su Province is coming over to discuss the matter!

If it’s finally decided to host the expo within Mingsha’s ancient building cluster, it will undoubtedly involve catering—which I fear might clash with the show.

Xu Hao immediately replied.

Incidentally, this matter was mentioned by Qin Xuan from Mingsha County during a call a couple of days ago.

However, since nothing has been finalized yet, it hasn’t been shared publicly—not even Zhu Qiang or Luo Peng know about it. Han Lijun is probably the first to have heard.

“In that case, we must yield to the Long Kingdom Traditional Culture Expo. And if you’re really handling it, we’ll make it stellar—so everyone can see who the real ancestors are!”

Without much hesitation, Han Lijun waved his hand, clearly distinguishing between principles and petty gains.

“Uncle Han, nothing’s set in stone yet. If it does happen, I’ll give it my all!”

Xu Hao nodded in agreement.

Perhaps drawing from similar experiences on Earth, his immediate reaction after Qin Xuan’s call was to roll up his sleeves and get to work in Mingsha.

“I’ve got your support!”

“Uncle Han, setting aside the Traditional Culture Expo for a moment, I have a small suggestion regarding the food show. Sometimes, you don’t necessarily need a chef competition; you could focus on spotlighting Long Kingdom’s local culinary specialties.”

Glancing at Han Lijun, Xu Hao calculated for a moment before continuing,

“Local specialties?”

Han Lijun’s expression shifted noticeably.

“Exactly—create a show centered around traditional Long Kingdom delicacies. We could call it ‘A Taste of Long Kingdom.’”

“A Taste of Long Kingdom?”

“Mm!”

“Then how about this: since you’re already laying out plans, why not partner with Haofang Culture and Yan City TV to produce ‘A Taste of Long Kingdom’?”

“That works too!”

Night deepened.

Xu Hao and Han Lijun continued their conversation well into the night.

Meanwhile, online discussions about Mingsha Tourism’s bold moves for the cultural forum were still trending—and some viewers had even posted videos of the happenings at the Protectorate of West Liang.

“Comrades, that Yeguang Cup is absolutely incredible—grape wine in a luminous cup! The ancients never deceive us!”

A netizen, accompanied by pictures, expressed a long, heartfelt sentiment.