Chapter 250: Preparation and Promises at the Cultural Expo

“Exhibition area and promotional video?”

Xu Hao, who was meticulously cross-checking the blueprints, looked up at Zhu Qiang.

“Yes!”

“It has to be on the 10th? The exhibition area is fine, but can we postpone the promotional video by a few days?”

Glancing at the ancient wooden structure about a hundred meters away and at the workers still busy on the overpass, Xu Hao furrowed his brows.

Shooting the promotional video meant that all projects had to be completed on schedule and all barricades removed, capturing the full panorama of Mingsha City. While most projects were on track, the Zhaixing Pavilion was still lagging behind.

To complete everything, it would realistically be around the 15th.

“Then I’ll discuss it with the county authorities!”

After a moment of thought, Zhu Qiang added,

At that moment, his gaze toward Xu Hao carried not just the respectful deference of a subordinate toward his superior, but an indescribable admiration.

Standing on this platform, one might not fully grasp the grandeur of Lutai beneath one’s feet; yet from afar the scale and magnificence of the structure become unmistakable.

Although its practical role is as Mingsha City’s storage for supplies, Lutai isn’t a modern square warehouse—it spans six levels, each progressively smaller, with each tier elegantly bordered by white marble railings and flanked on all four sides by thirty-six steps of white jade.

Even so,

the top level spans nearly a kilometer on each side, and the Zhaixing Pavilion is built right at its center.

Of course,

such a vast area isn’t limited to the Zhaixing Pavilion alone; there are numerous exquisite pavilions guarding it.

Originally, the six-level Lutai was erected on the flattened sands of Shaji in Oasis 4, and thanks to its elevation, one can already glimpse Wudi City from its edge. Climbing atop the Zhaixing Pavilion would offer a view even grander than that of the man-made mountain behind Langya Pavilion.

Once high-powered telescopes are installed on the pavilion’s roof, all of Mingsha City will be laid bare before your eyes.

Astonishingly, such a colossal project was completed in under six months.

Most importantly, the internal design of Lutai is intricate, featuring dedicated zones for grain storage, refrigerated meats, vegetables, and oils. It even includes ventilation systems along with extensive electrical and plumbing networks—a marvel of attention to detail.

Really, aside from one’s own boss, who else could pull this off? Other construction teams would probably take two or three years with just the blueprints.

“Alright, I’ll call the higher-ups and see if we can coordinate!”

After a moment’s thought, Xu Hao continued,

Some matters work out better when handled personally.

“Got it, Brother Hao!”

Coming back to the discussion,

Zhu Qiang quickly nodded at Xu Hao’s plan.

“Okay, once you’ve finalized the layout for the exhibition area, send it over.”

After a pause, Xu Hao added,

This time, Mingsha City will feature five performance projects, although there are only four designated exhibition zones! One combines Lutai with the Zhaixing Pavilion; another, the authentic culinary performance area—taking advantage of the Zhaixing Pavilion’s vast space to also accommodate the Kong Mansion Banquet performance, not counting the separate traditional snacks street.

The exhibition for ancient architecture is set up at Mingsha Academy North Campus, with the highlight being the Forum Hall of Jixia Academy.

The main venue for traditional medicine is Taiyi Hospital, centering on six consultation halls.

The final zone, featuring both the Palace Festival and traditional costumes, is located atop the man-made Langya Mountain! At that moment,

A small plaza had already been cleared at the summit, dominated by a large altar at its center, with a grand hall—seven bays externally and three internally—standing right behind it.

This hall, built to the standard of modern performance venues, will not only host the traditional costume display but also serve for internal events like the Mingsha City annual meeting.

Other than the altar,

the main exhibition hall has already been completed.

“By the way, Brother Hao, the traditional costumes for the performance have arrived in Mingsha City. Should we transport them directly to the exhibition area for setup?”

After a slight pause, Zhu Qiang asked,

Considering the time, many zones are ready for setup; delay now and things will become hectic.

“The exhibition area for traditional costumes?”

Xu Hao’s expression changed as he thought briefly before deciding, “Then call Captain Yang from the County Troupe and have him come over!”

“Captain Yang? And what for?”

Zhu Qiang was taken aback.

In his view, displaying traditional costumes should be straightforward—simply hang the ancient outfits in order of dynasties in the hall for local and international guests to admire. It seemed unrelated to the County Troupe.

The only performance involving actors is for the historical banquets,

and those roles had largely been filled by either artists from Haofang Agency or by domestic mid-tier film and TV stars.

“This time, let’s change our approach for the traditional costume display—have the actors showcase them through dance,”

Xu Hao explained his idea.

After all, presenting traditional costumes through classical dance is far more vivid than simply hanging them on a wall.

And as for the dance?

Memories stirred of many such performances, especially one particular dance from Earth that would pair perfectly with this display! “Alright then!”

Meanwhile,

Just as Xu Hao was about to delay the submission of the panoramic promotional video, over at the main venue in Jinlong Ancient City,

Niu Hongchang, after reading the latest report, wore a confident smile.

“Is it finally starting?”

Just a few days ago, Jinlong Ancient City had wrapped up all preparations for twenty-five performance projects. Over the next month, he planned to focus on the opening ceremony of the Cultural Expo.

To him, the opening ceremony was the first explosive move—it had to be impressive and exceed all expectations, both domestically and internationally.

“General Niu, should I submit the proposal to the higher-ups shortly?”

Across the desk, Deputy Zhang Si pinched his fingers together and said,

“Yes!”

Niu Hongchang nodded immediately.

“General Niu, how do you plan to proceed? The leadership mentioned that since this Cultural Expo is a national event, all major cultural troupes in the Long Kingdom will lend a hand if needed!”

After a brief pause, Zhang Si continued,

Historically, Jinlong Ancient City hadn’t hosted an expo of this scale. It was only now that he truly understood the difference between a national event and a local fair.

Especially as the main venue, every available resource was being funneled here; the principal leaders and key international guests would all be delivering speeches in Jinlong Ancient City on opening day.

Even the live broadcast crew was affected—Long Kingdom TV would only send a small team to Mingsha City, keeping their main force in Jinlong Ancient City to thoroughly cover all twenty-five performance projects.

Meanwhile, the five projects in Mingsha City would be showcased to viewers via interspersed segments.

Similarly, the local leaders attending Mingsha City were of a much lower rank compared to those at the main venue.

“How do we manage it? Simple! The grander the spectacle and the more performers involved the better! For instance, the thousand-person dance must have at least two or three troupes. And top-tier singers, the more the better—ideally, a song should be a duet or quartet of superstars to make a statement.”

Niu Hongchang smiled, his words flowing without hesitation.

Typically, national-level events in the Long Kingdom follow this format—and Jinlong Ancient City was no exception.

“Top-tier singers? What about the costs…?”

At the mention of Niu Hongchang’s plan, Zhang Si hesitated for a moment.

“Don’t worry! A performance at this level means the significance far outweighs the fee! Just mention it to the celebrities—most will be eager to volunteer without any pay.”

Waving his hand dismissively,

Niu Hongchang added,

“That makes everything so much simpler!”

Zhang Si beamed with relief.

“Alright, starting tomorrow, get in touch with the Long Kingdom Dance Troupe and the Long Kingdom Broadcasting Arts Troupe to decide which one will take the lead. Also, call up each celebrity individually!”

“Understood, General Niu.”

Zhang Si quickly nodded his agreement.

But just as he was about to turn and leave, he remembered something and called back,

“Oh, General Niu, what about some of the more popular artists from Haofang Agency? Should we invite them too? After all, they aren’t scheduled to perform.”

“Haofang Agency? The ones who act in films and TV dramas?”

At those words,

Niu Hongchang furrowed his brow.

“No! It’s not that. Haofang Agency also manages several top singers, such as the Tiger Leopard Band, and those who rose to fame during the Ancient Architecture Forum’s opening—Zhou Lun and Li Yu, especially Li Yu, whose performances of ‘Wanjiang’ and ‘Qingming Scroll’ are iconic and perfect for this occasion!”

Zhang Si added,

“That’s enough. While they’re suitable, our opening doesn’t lack these few artists. In fact, using them might give the impression that Mingsha City couldn’t secure stars for Jinlong Ancient City!”

Listening, Niu Hongchang remained resolute and waved his hand dismissively.

A few months ago, the massive success of Mingsha City’s traditional snacks street had filled him with jealousy and regret—he even thought that the traditional cuisine project should have been given to Jinlong Ancient City instead.

Thus, there would be absolutely no opportunities for Mingsha City’s artists this time.

“Alright then!”

“Go ahead!”

Time flew by, and before long it was 4:00 PM.

Yan City,

at the TV Headquarters. After a long moment of thought, Han Lijun walked to the full-length window and dialed a number on his phone. The call was quickly answered.

“Leader, is now a good time to talk?”

Collecting himself, Han Lijun spoke.

“What’s the matter, Director Han?”

Moments later, a strong, assured voice came through the phone.

“Director, we’d like to request something from you.”

Han Lijun responded immediately,

“Go on!”

“Could our station secure full live coverage of the Long Kingdom Traditional Culture Expo?”

“Huh?”

The voice on the other end sounded surprised. After a brief pause, it continued,

“Director Han, you should know that such expos are usually broadcast in their entirety by Long Kingdom TV. Local stations rarely receive broadcast rights.”

“I know, Leader. However, we don’t plan to cover the main venue; we only want to broadcast the sub-venues. After all, those areas have only a few cameras in place!”