Chapter 225: Crossroads of Culture: Schemes and Stakes

“Not organizing the cultural expo? Does the expo clash with Mingsha City’s new projects? With only five exhibition items and roughly six months until year-end, do you really think they can’t pull it off over there?”

Cai An looked toward the Channel Director.

He just couldn’t understand why, as soon as Mingsha City put on other events, many netizens and citizens felt that Mingsha City was neglecting the cultural expo!

“What, are they planning to do like Jinlong Ancient City—beating the drum and shouting at everyone every day, proclaiming they’ll hold the expo by year-end?”

The Channel Director was momentarily speechless; after a brief pause, he added:

“But recently there’s been little movement in Mingsha City, and Xu Hao has gone to Yan City. I suspect the Director Association scheduled the film festival now precisely to avoid Xu Hao!”

“Exactly! Without Xu Hao, it’s impossible for Mingsha City to force this situation in a little over a year. But capable leaders never have weak subordinates—the presidents under Mingsha City aren’t pushovers either.”

Cai An shook his head again.

“Then…”

“Just wait and see. In early July, Haofang Culture will definitely make an official announcement about some of the project details.”

With that said,

Cai An glanced at the electronic calendar on the wall.

His gut feeling told him that with Xu Hao not in Mingsha City, his subordinates might stir up even more trouble.

These staff members were as fierce as wolves,

eager to prove their abilities—something every office worker could understand.

“Leader, I understand!”

After some guidance, the Director no longer dwelled on the matter.

“Alright everyone, let’s put our heads together to see if we can collaborate with Yun Province TV like last time. They provided an ancient map from the Nanzhao Kingdom to Mingsha City. Even though we might not have an ancient map, we could have something else that catches Mingsha City’s eye.”

Leaning back slightly, Cai An tapped his finger on the office desk again.

“Alright, Leader!”

At Eggplant TV—and similarly at Yan City TV—Han Lijun’s reaction was much like Cai An’s after Ren Long had spoken. “Without Haofang Culture’s film festival, it’s destined to be a total flop. Just wait—Haofang Culture’s myth film they announced is bound to cause a stir.”

“So, not participating might actually be a blessing.”

Lifting his teacup,

Han Lijun sipped and spoke in a composed tone.

He wasn’t upset about Yan City TV not being invited; in fact, he felt a slight sense of relief.

“Leader, so we’re just dropping it?”

“Drop it!”

“Then what’s our plan for the rest of the year? Should we discuss it with Haofang Culture again? ‘Legend of Swords and Heroes’ is about to finish airing. If Mingsha City completes these two projects and then turns its attention to the expo, our station will face a lull.”

After a pause, Ren Long spoke, his voice tinged with concern.

The station had long been accustomed to Haofang Culture’s high-quality dramas, and dramas from other cultural companies were looked down upon.

So when the staff heard that Haofang Culture was collaborating with Yun Province TV, their first reaction was worry!

They feared that Haofang Culture might choose other channels over Yan City TV in the future.

“The rest of the year?”

Han Lijun slowly leaned back in his chair.

And indeed, this was a new challenge for Yan City TV.

Although “A Taste of Long Kingdom” was slated for completion and release later this year, a documentary-style program—even if popular—could never rival a blockbuster drama.

“Let’s wait until the end of July. I’ll check with Mingsha City then. They still have vast deserts to develop, mostly focusing on wuxia or ancient costume dramas.

If Mingsha City shifts to traditional cultural exhibitions and film projects after finishing these two events, our station is likely to experience a gap.”

After a moment’s thought, Han Lijun continued.

With Haofang Culture having released several hit dramas and a film in quick succession, many believed that Mingsha City would eventually evolve into a film city. But he knew Mingsha City’s focus was actually on urban construction.

Dramas were merely an add-on! If dramas were really the main business, why had they invested so much effort into the Qingming Scroll last year? They could have just pushed out a couple more films instead!

“So, to work with Mingsha City in the latter half of the year, we either wait for the right opportunity or try to help them with some traditional cultural exhibition projects.

That way, Mingsha City could free up time to focus on dramas.”

“Help with Mingsha City’s exhibition projects?”

Ren Long’s expression shifted.

“Yes. Out of the five exhibition items, architectural studies, ancient costumes, and traditional medicine might not need much intervention, but culinary arts and court rituals could use our support.”

Han Lijun added, “Leader, I understand. I’ll find someone for it.”

Upon hearing this,

Ren Long nodded emphatically.

By evening at the Ancient Architecture Research Institute,

Xu Hao was on the phone in his house. It was the weekend, and the repair project team had finally managed a collective day off.

But even while the team was off, Xu Hao couldn’t really relax.

Later that night,

Han Xiaoqing had asked his uncle Han Lixing to help arrange a meeting with a few experts in traditional medicine.

As for the chatter online about a film festival, Xu Hao had no time to entertain it!

Just as Han Lijun had said,

these trifling matters were nothing for Xu Hao. With Fang Hou and his own Second Sister keeping an eye on things, there was little interference.

“Old Six, regarding your traditional ancient costumes—if they’re not done right, what then? After all, Mingsha City’s event is a traditional cultural expo, not an ordinary performance.”

After a brief pause,

a hesitant voice came through the phone—Xu Chen, the Third Brother of the Xu Family.

This call was directed to Xu Chen.

“Third Brother, don’t worry. Last time, the over 800 sets of costumes you handled for the Qingming Scroll turned out splendidly.”

Upon hearing this, Xu Hao immediately said,

“For the cultural expo, with its five exhibition items, I’m definitely entrusting the traditional costumes to you, Third Brother.”

“Old Six, those 800-plus sets nearly cost you your life, Third Brother! And those 800 sets were for extras, not for being showcased under the spotlight.”

Mentioning the Qingming Scroll costumes, Xu Chen burst into complaints.

Although the previous costume company had made a tidy profit, no one knew how much effort he put in—over a dozen designers spent more than a month studying the Qingming Scroll.

“Third Brother, I’m out of options. Only you can handle this! Besides, I can’t trust any other costume company; they might pull some tricks.”

Xu Hao sighed softly and half-jokingly remarked,

“The items displayed at the traditional cultural expo must be authentic ancient costumes, and I can’t monitor every single detail! If any slip-up is blown out of proportion by foreign media, it won’t just tarnish Mingsha City’s reputation—it’ll stain that of the Long Kingdom as well.”

“But I really don’t know how to manage it?”

After a moment of silence, Xu Chen’s voice spoke again.

“These days, the clothing factory has been busy producing various costumes for ‘Legend of Swords and Heroes’. As long as the quality is met, slight details that fall short won’t make much difference.”

“Third Brother, it’s actually pretty simple. Base your designs on some famous paintings from the Long Kingdom—take ‘Spring Dawn in the Han Palace’. In that painting, the delicately rendered court ladies radiate grace, and every costume detail is spot-on.”

Considering this, Xu Hao shared his idea.

He believed following that approach was certainly the right call, and later they could devise ways to recreate the scenes from the painting, making both the artwork and costumes highly appealing.

“Spring Dawn in the Han Palace?”

Xu Chen was taken aback.

“Yes, if not ‘Spring Dawn in the Han Palace’, then ‘Tang Palace Maidservant’. Either way, using famous paintings as inspiration is key. Relying solely on textual descriptions could spark disputes. Let’s try to cover several dynasties.”

Xu Hao continued,

“It would help if we had a general direction.”

Xu Chen’s tone noticeably softened.

“Third Brother, rest assured—once this is done, your company’s designers will be well rewarded.”

“I know that very well!”

That was typical of Xu Chen in front of Xu Hao; otherwise, he would have rolled his eyes. After all, when has Mingsha City ever shortchanged his costume company? With the costume subcontracting plant now thriving, productivity and morale were high.

Moreover, they had secured additional orders from other companies, and their business was steadily expanding.

“So…”

“When do you need it?”

After a brief silence, Xu Chen replied,

“By year-end!”

“Year-end? That works.”

“Alright, the project is on you. I’m done with it.”

Hearing Xu Chen’s agreement, Xu Hao unexpectedly let out a sigh of relief.

His Third Brother was reliable; if he said no, that was final, but once he agreed, he would commit fully.

“By the way, Old Six, Grandfather’s chip subcontracting plant is about to launch its first round of financing. Do you want to participate?”

After a pause, Xu Chen’s voice came through again.

Earlier, Grandfather had mentioned the chip subcontracting project overseas, and Xu Hao had promised to help keep it under wraps.

“Hmm? That soon? How much money is needed?”

At once, Xu Hao asked anxiously.

Even though he was busy with Mingsha City’s affairs, that didn’t mean he’d forgotten about some of the Xu Family’s projects in New Country.

Prior to this, Xu Hao had already arranged for Zhu Qiang to quietly register an investment company named Yunran, with Mingsha City as the major stakeholder and the current Financial Director of Mingsha City serving as the legal representative.

She had grown up alongside Mingsha City and was exceptionally reliable.

“For this round, Grandfather plans to float 30% of the shares to raise 2 billion Long Coins.”

After a brief pause,

Xu Chen’s voice returned.

“30% of the shares? 2 billion?”

“Yes! How much are you planning to take? 5%? Or…”

Xu Chen asked.

“How about taking it all?”

Without much hesitation, Xu Hao immediately replied.

“All? Old Six, that’s 2 billion Long Coins in a lump sum. Do you really have that kind of cash?”

If he hadn’t listened, that might have been for the best.

At this, Xu Chen was instantly stunned.

In his eyes, Xu Hao’s current assets of 2 billion weren’t the issue—but having 2 billion in cash was an entirely different matter.

And most importantly, Xu Hao would be taking 30% of the shares all at once—which in subsequent rounds would mean… ps; Many thanks to the support of the brothers. Lao Ba made a quick trip to the hospital to make up for the afternoon post and will catch up with tonight’s two posts.