Chapter 210: Plans, Projects, and Promising Opportunities

“Boss Niu, should we start preparing various projects in advance?”

Hearing that Niu Hongchang had already prepared the application materials, Zhang Si hurriedly said.

“No need to rush! First, the Expo isn’t until the end of the year, so we still have plenty of time. Second, this Traditional Culture Expo might designate major projects, smaller projects, and miscellaneous ones. Starting early doesn’t necessarily mean we’re focusing on these.”

Niu Hongchang waved his hand dismissively.

“Eh? They even categorize the projects?”

“Yes! Because by year’s end, H Country will also be holding their own Traditional Culture Expo. Both expos are benchmarked against each other with the ultimate goal of heritage nomination.”

“Heritage nomination? Boss Niu, this is a golden opportunity.”

Zhang Si’s eyes lit up even more.

If the traditional events succeed in heritage nomination, not only will there be a generous annual funding, but it will also add significant credentials to Jinlong Ancient City.

“Precisely because it’s such an opportunity, we must pursue it vigorously. We cannot let Mingsha have their way. A decision should come within half a month.”

Niu Hongchang nodded.

“Boss Niu, just let us know what to do next!”

“Yes!”

At 8 PM, the lights came on at the Mingsha Haofang Culture office building.

After listening to Fang Hou’s report, Xu Hao was momentarily stunned.

“What? The full map of the ancient capital of Nanzhao?”

Just an hour earlier, Xu Hao had dropped Han Xiaoqing off at her place and then came to Fang Hou’s office, only to hear such surprising news.

“Yes. Cui, the director from Yun Province TV, said he has already communicated with the provincial officials. They can provide us with an ancient map of Nanzhao’s imperial capital, but after installation we must indicate the original location of Nanzhao.”

Fang Hou added.

“No further requirements?”

Coming back to his senses, Xu Hao couldn’t help but ask again.

For Mingsha City, this is undoubtedly a huge boon. More importantly, the upcoming xianxia drama features Nanzhao—it’s a perfect fit!

They even plan to construct the Demon-Locking Tower beside the Blood Lake, creating an ultimate IP hotspot.

Moreover, unlike the other three spots, this one is backed by historical relics, a perfect blend of fantasy and reality.

And when it comes to informing tourists and viewers about the original location of Nanzhao, there’s absolutely no problem.

Even if we don’t mention it explicitly,

the netizens and locals of Long Kingdom already know roughly when and where the ancient Nanzhao nation existed.

“They had no other requirements—just a note that if there’s a chance in the future, we could collaborate on some projects!”

Fang Hou shook his head.

He had assumed they would impose some conditions, so he had confirmed several times.

“A collaborative project? It’s only proper to reciprocate. There’s absolutely no issue with that.”

Xu Hao glanced at the phone message that Fang Hou had just forwarded.

“So, Haozi, what do you think?”

Seeing Xu Hao’s reaction, Fang Hou understood that the deal was sealed.

“Does that mean I need to travel to Yun Province?”

Xu Hao’s mind started racing.

Usually, once such relics are displayed in a museum, they’re only moved for national-level events—much like the Yeguang Cup.

But the Yeguang Cup is of an even higher level, strictly forbidden from leaving the country.

“Director Cui mentioned that this original map is a treasure that must not be handled carelessly. Only you, Brother Hao, can go over there in person. Once you’re there, they’ll arrange for you to thoroughly study the ancient map of Nanzhao’s imperial capital. The observation period is expected to last one to two days.”

“It’s settled then! After seeing off the relevant officials the day after tomorrow, I’ll head to Yun Province—Kun City!”

Xu Hao agreed immediately.

“I’ll make the necessary contacts on my end.”

“Excellent!”

At 10 PM,

in the reception hall of the Ancient Building Courtyard at Wudi City,

Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng looked at Xu Hao with surprise.

“Brother Hao, you’re heading to Yun Province?”

“Yes! I’m off to inspect an ancient map of a city. This map is also one of the main settings for the new xianxia drama, so the road to Oasis 23 must be tightened. Once I return, construction will begin.”

Xu Hao explained.

Late at night, they were summoned to settle some urgent matters.

“An ancient map? Sounds great, Brother Hao!”

At the mention of an ancient map, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng exchanged a quick, knowing look.

Ever since working on the Qingming Scroll, their standards had suddenly risen—ordinary ancient buildings no longer satisfied their taste.

“Exactly. So, we must speed up preparation on the roads, foundation work, and the transportation of essential wood. Also, be extremely cautious during groundwork—under no circumstances should the Blood Lake be disturbed.”

Xu Hao warned firmly.

During the construction of the Qingming Scroll, we recruited a massive workforce of craftsmen. Now that it’s complete, we’re transferring everyone over to Oasis 23 to work on the ancient capital of Nanzhao.

Moreover, thanks to our experience with the Qingming Scroll, cooperation between the teams will be even smoother!

Construction will progress much faster as a result.

“Don’t worry, Brother Hao. That’s a given,”

Zhu Qiang quickly responded.

Looking at the entire desert plot, that one unique small lake is a standout. If it gets ruined, Mingsha will truly bear the blame.

“Do we still have funds in the company account? The revenue share from the new Longmen Inn should be arriving in the next few days. If not, just let Mr. Fang know so he can arrange for an advance.”

After some thought, Xu Hao continued,

“This time, while the replication of the Qingming Scroll used cost-effective sand bricks for the ancient-look Qing bricks, the wood and labor expenses were not insignificant.”

“Brother Hao, although Mingsha Tourism has several projects underway, its income is pretty solid—especially after the opening of the Protectorate. Every day, 20,000 to 30,000 people climb the city walls. Just the bicycle rentals bring in over a million in profits for Mingsha Tourism!”

He added, “Yesterday, I reviewed the financial report,”

“and now Mingsha’s various projects yield a net profit of over eight million a day after expenses. We’re on the verge of breaking the ten-million mark!”

“Once we hit ten million, Mingsha Tourism’s annual net profit could reach three to four billion.”

“Besides, didn’t you arrange for the development of Oasis 23 last time? This time it’s being funded by Haofang Culture.”

Speaking of finances,

Zhu Qiang couldn’t hide his excitement.

Mingsha Tourism now operates on a completely different scale compared to last year.

Many projects have already recouped their costs and now generate revenue to support new ventures. Just look at the guesthouses at Oasis 1, Oasis 2, and Qixia Town—the profits there are already underwriting other projects.

And then there’s the city wall.

Despite the late opening, the operational costs are extremely low! In addition to supporting the construction of the southern wall, it even yields a slight daily surplus—a true model of self-sustaining infrastructure.

Moreover, with Oasis 23’s funds coming from Haofang Culture, if no major projects are launched in the meantime, Mingsha Tourism’s account will only grow larger.

“I almost forgot about that! As long as Mingsha Tourism has funds, we’re in good shape.”

Xu Hao patted his head in realization.

After all, it was his idea from the start—to avoid endless fund transfers. In his busy schedule, he almost forgot.

“By the way, Brother Hao, our staff numbers are increasing and the current office space is getting cramped. Should we expand with a few more office buildings and perhaps some staff apartments?”

At that moment,

Zhu Qiang suddenly remembered something and quickly interjected.

There’s no need for you, Xu Hao, to personally handle the construction of office buildings and staff dorms that blend modern and ancient architectural styles. Luo Peng and I can easily manage it.

Most importantly, on the south side of Qing Brick Avenue, thanks to the prefabricated sand bricks, the sand is running out and the vacant land is expanding—a lone row of ancient-style buildings now appears too isolated.

“Yes! You just need to discuss it with Little Luo.”

Xu Hao nodded.

Zhu Qiang had mentioned this to him before, but it was never prioritized due to other pressing matters.

“Brother Hao, I have one more issue on my end.”

Nearby, Luo Peng, noticing that the office building and staff apartments had been approved, immediately took over the discussion.

“What is it? Speak up!”

Xu Hao looked at Luo Peng.

“Brother Hao, the water in the river channel of the Qingming Scroll project is now fully stored. Take a look.”

“Fully stored?”

“Yes! It can’t get any deeper; if it does, there’s a risk that a tourist might fall in.”

Luo Peng nodded urgently.

“Do you have any good ideas?”

Xu Hao sipped his tea and said,

He had considered using the surplus water for desert greening, but felt that would be a waste.

“Brother Hao, how about this: we construct a canal behind the guesthouses on the north side of Qing Brick Avenue, linking the water in the canal with the small lake at Oasis 1,”

“so that tourists can take a boat directly from the Protectorate to Tengwang Pavilion.”

After a brief pause, Luo Peng shared his idea.

“Linking Oasis 1?”

Xu Hao and Zhu Qiang’s eyes lit up.

Admittedly, it was a brilliant idea. In the future, we could even extend it to connect Oasis 2 and Oasis 3.

If there’s ever a need to cross Qing Brick Avenue, we could simply build a stone arch bridge at the intersection.

“That’s completely doable!”

Coming back to the matter at hand,

Xu Hao immediately confirmed that it was fine.

“Brother Hao, my only concern is that constructing a canal behind the guesthouses on the north side of Qing Brick Avenue might affect our guests’ experience. Once the canal is in place, the area to its north might look a bit bare.”

Luo Peng responded,

“That’s not a major issue. We can build in phases. Besides, once the canal is built, we can easily construct some purely ancient-style guesthouses on its north side, which is exactly what our guests expect.”

Xu Hao waved his hand in agreement.

One must admit, Luo Peng is really talented. Without his creative ideas, the Mingsha plot might never have developed this way.

“Right. It’s essentially like adding a canal-lined accommodation area north of the Qing Brick Avenue guesthouses—boosting both our capacity and scenic appeal.”

Zhu Qiang glanced at the sand table.

The sand table now displayed models of both the Protectorate and the Qingming Scroll, making the layout look increasingly detailed and authentic—more so than many overdeveloped ancient cities.

PS: (Brothers, please forgive Lao Ba—not that he doesn’t understand construction speeds, but in reality many projects take five to six years to start. The protagonist would probably never finish, so scenes involve thousands working simultaneously at a breakneck pace combined with infrastructure mania.)