Chapter 240: A Feast of Plans and Promises

“Thanks, Mr. Fang. May I ask you one more thing?”

At that moment, the Middle-Aged Man hesitated slightly.

“Master Zhan, what’s the matter?”

Fang Hou paused.

“Mr. Fang, here’s the thing. I saw online yesterday that Mingsha City is planning a traditional Cultural Expo featuring various regional cuisines and classic snacks. I actually know how to make a few of them—maybe I could prepare some traditional snacks?”

Master Zhan Zuliang’s voice quickly came through.

“You’re going to make traditional snacks? Not necessary! Just focus on preparing a full Manchu-Han feast!”

At these words, Fang Hou hurriedly responded.

“But it’s for the Long Kingdom’s traditional food exhibition…”

“Don’t worry, we’ve already arranged someone on our end for the traditional snacks.”

Fang Hou couldn’t help but shake his head—what a joke!

After all, the Cultural Expo’s food exhibition centers on the four ancient feasts and various historical banquets as the main attractions, while traditional snacks are just an add-on. There’s no way a chef of this caliber would be making mere snacks.

Since Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng were busy with other matters, the historical banquets were also entrusted to Fang Hou.

“Oh, alright then!”

“Master Zhan, one more thing—when can we have a tasting session?”

Collecting his thoughts, Fang Hou asked again.

“Mr. Fang, it might need to be about a week from now. Early on, we need to prepare the ingredients, and some of them have become protected species, so substitutions are necessary.”

Speaking of professionalism, his tone was firm.

“If it’s convenient, could you send over the menu on your way? Our staff in Mingsha City’s supply department will handle the purchasing separately.”

“Alright, Mr. Fang!”

After a few more exchanges, Fang Hou hung up. But he quickly dialed another number! Beep beep beep. Soon, the call connected.

“Mr. Fang, what’s wrong?”

Xu Xin’s voice came through the phone. “Mr. Xu, I need to borrow some actors from you!”

Fang Hou responded immediately.

“Actors? Haven’t you already selected the cast for the Longmen Escort Agency project? Are you planning to launch a new one?”

Xu Xin was quite surprised.

Just a few days ago, all the actors had been confirmed. Apart from Uncle Gong, who is to be played by Yang Haoyu—the head of the Mingsha County Troupe—the other leads were chosen after auditions, and none of Haofang Culture’s contracted artists were used.

Of course.

It’s all about the role! If Haofang Agency’s artists fit the roles in the Longmen Escort Agency, they’ll definitely be used first.

“Mr. Xu, it’s not exactly a new film project but it’s very important! I originally planned to hire extras, but then I thought—since it involves the Long Kingdom’s traditional culture and is aimed internationally—we need professionals.”

“Is it for the Cultural Expo or for an opening ceremony performance?”

Xu Xin paused.

“It’s for the Cultural Expo, but not for the opening ceremony. Yesterday, the county called to say that the opening ceremony will be hosted by Jinlong Ancient City, leaving us only five minutes to showcase!”

Mentioning this, Fang Hou’s tone carried a hint of discontent.

In his eyes,

even if Mingsha City were just a branch venue, they’d at least get one or two programs. But instead, we received none.

“No cultural performances?”

Xu Xin was taken aback, but quickly recovered. “Then why are you borrowing actors?”

Fang Hou immediately explained, “Brother Hao mentioned that for this traditional food exhibition, aside from the four ancient feasts, there will also be several historical banquets—such as the Hongmen Banquet, ‘Discussing Heroes over Wine’, and the Baihua Pavilion Feast. Besides the food, actors will need to reenact the entire banquet scene, fully immersing in the roles!”

Fang Hou elaborated.

If it were anyone else, he might have reservations, but Xu Xin had no objections.

“Alright then, I’ll clear Haofang Agency’s entire December schedule for you!”

Hearing this, Xu Xin hardly hesitated.

“Then, thank you, Mr. Xu!”

Delighted, Fang Hou quickly added,

“The Cultural Expo is on December 30, so the team has a full month to prepare—plenty of time.”

“By the way, when do you plan to start the Longmen Escort Agency project? I see many construction sites around!”

After wrapping up the main business, Xu Xin instinctively mentioned the film project.

“I expect it won’t begin until after the Cultural Expo. Initially, I hoped to get it done sooner, but as you’ve seen, our construction teams in Mingsha City are busy with Mingsha Academy and Taiyi Hospital projects, and progress on the escort projects is very slow. On reflection, it’s better to finish the Expo first, then start on the project. Yun Province TV also called to say the project can be delayed until after the New Year—no rush!”

Fang Hou replied,

“Even though the actors are set, that doesn’t mean the project can’t start after the Expo.”

“I told you so.”

Xu Xin understood.

“Alright then, that’s settled. I’ll follow up on the remaining preparations.”

“Okay!”

Time passed quickly. Soon it was evening. At the teaching area of Mingsha Academy, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng were deep in discussion.

“Where should we set up the traditional snack exhibition area?” Zhu Qiang asked, glancing at the paper layout in front of him.

“It definitely can’t be near Vermilion Bird Building!” he declared.

Luo Peng stroked his chin.

“Yeah, Vermilion Bird Building is mainly reserved for the ancient feasts this time.”

Zhu Qiang nodded.

Originally, Mingsha City planned to construct three ancient buildings, each hosting one famous banquet. But later, considering there are additional historical banquets—which require elaborate sets—the workload became overwhelming!

Thus, we had to compromise by placing all four ancient feasts inside Vermilion Bird Building, while the traditional food and other cultural banquets would be allocated elsewhere.

“Mr. Zhu, how about setting it up here?”

After a brief thought, Luo Peng pointed to the area on the southern side of the city gate.

“This area?”

“Yes. This spot lies opposite the Qingming Scroll area on the south side of the city gate, separated only by a parking lot and Qing Brick Avenue. Since prefabricated sand bricks are used, the area is already leveled—saving us a ton of work!”

Luo Peng continued.

The Cultural Expo isn’t your ordinary performance event—it’s designed to let domestic and international tourists fully experience and enjoy the authentic traditional cuisine of the Long Kingdom.

Thus, there will be plenty of visitors eager for the snacks.

“Mr. Luo, are you planning to establish a food street here?”

Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng, having collaborated for a long time, immediately grasped Luo Peng’s idea.

“Yes, our street will focus solely on traditional regional snacks. An ancient-style street not only ensures easy management and hygiene but also, in terms of length, has no limits! Each unique snack vendor will be exclusive until we’ve showcased all the traditional treats from across the Long Kingdom!”

Luo Peng added.

“Interesting. The best part is that the architecture on this street can mimic ancient buildings without needing full wooden structures, so construction will be very fast!”

Zhu Qiang stroked his chin.

“So…”

“Let’s first work on a design proposal for Brother Hao’s review. If he gives the go-ahead, we’ll build the Mingsha Academy’s city walls, the main gate, and this ancient food street together.”

After a brief pause, Zhu Qiang made his decision.

Normally, projects that don’t impact the big picture would be decided by him and Luo Peng, but since this traditional food exhibition involves significant stakes, Mr. Xu must have the final say.

“Alright then!”

“By the way, Ning An Cultural Tourism called at noon today!”

After the formalities, Zhu Qiang spoke up again, “Ning An Cultural Tourism? What are they planning over there?”

Luo Peng frowned.

Last year, the most commonly mentioned name was Ning An Cultural Tourism.

“I really didn’t expect Qi Haoyong from Ning An Cultural Tourism to be such a visionary. He said he saw an online interview and became worried that we might be outdone by H Country, so he recommended a top chef renowned for ancient feasts to see if we could use him.”

At this, Zhu Qiang’s tone carried a trace of emotion.

Long Kingdom people can be ruthless internally yet incredibly united when facing outsiders.

To be honest, when he received the call from Ning An Cultural Tourism, he felt quite moved.

“I really didn’t expect that!”

Luo Peng agreed.

“I was thinking of mentioning it to Mr. Hao later as a way to thank Ning An Cultural Tourism. Besides, Mr. Fang said that Eggplant TV, Yan City Film Station, and Yun Province TV have also called! When others show vision, we must not lose our own status!”

Zhu Qiang took a deep breath.

“We can work with that!”

Meanwhile,

Just as Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng were finalizing plans for a dedicated ancient food street for traditional snacks, at the Yan City Director Association Building,

Ding Xiaoping was standing in a dim office, addressing more than ten young men and women.

After a moment, scanning the group, Ding Xiaoping said, “Your next task is to come up with concepts for ancient architecture and traditional medicine that represent the pinnacle of the Long Kingdom. In short, throw off all creative restraints—the bolder, the better.”

“Ancient architecture and traditional medicine?”

Several of the young people exchanged glances.

“That’s right!”

Ding Xiaoping squinted his eyes.

These young men and women—recruited temporarily from the university courtyard and known as webnovel authors proficient in various genres—were expected to lend their creative ideas to embellish Mingsha City with two grand titles.

“Leader, the pinnacle of ancient architecture is undoubtedly the 49 Imperial City. Next might be the Prince Gong Mansion.”

Confirming Ding Xiaoping’s requirement, a bespectacled young man immediately raised his hand.

“49 Imperial City? No! While the 49 Imperial City is, in a sense, the pinnacle of official ancient architecture in the Long Kingdom, you need to think beyond it—what architectural marvel from folk traditions truly represents the pinnacle? Ideally, one that has already vanished.”

At this,

Ding Xiaoping waved his hand dismissively.

“A vanished architectural marvel?”

Several young people exchanged glances, and at that moment, one young woman suddenly thought of something and raised her hand urgently.