Chapter 309: Tech Expo Turmoil

Since that’s the case, let’s ask Mingsha City what they think. If they’re agreeable, it’s settled!

Also, let’s coordinate with the relevant departments regarding the timing. After all, this is our own Long Kingdom’s Tech Expo; a slight delay should be fine.

After a moment’s thought, the Chief Leader made his arrangements.

“Alright!”

The Deputy Leader nodded.

“And one more thing: Although the International Magic Competition stirred quite a commotion in Mingsha City, it also helped restore Long Kingdom’s reputation.

Without Mingsha City, our Traditional Magic would have lost all its luster.

Moreover, while the Tech Expo has long chased ‘cutting-edge tech,’ Mingsha City isn’t strong in that arena. If they agree, we can lend a hand. We can’t really let Mingsha City lose face, can we?”

After a brief pause, the Chief Leader continued.

“The Tech Expo, unlike the Magic Competition, features tech companies showcasing their latest innovations. That’s why the booths of domestic tech giants draw extra attention every year.”

Mingsha City’s current popularity guarantees its spotlight; if its display falls too far behind others, its reputation might take a hit.

Mingsha City is like an old hothead who often stirs up trouble; its efforts now are meant to cool things down rather than completely ruin it. Seriously, if we truly harm Mingsha City, what will we do when we need them to stir things up next time? “Leader, I understand your point!”

At these words, the Deputy Leader quickly nodded.

“Then it’s settled!”

“Mm!”

……

The sun shone warmly; early April in the northwest region of Long Kingdom is the most pleasant time of year. Aside from the occasional sandstorm, it’s perfect for outings.

At eleven in the morning, Mingsha City once again experienced a massive influx of visitors—worse than ever before. The Qing Brick Avenue leading to Mingsha Fudi was completely clogged.

Even the traditional means of transport in Mingsha City—camels, horses, sedan chairs—were jammed and immobile.

If the situation above ground is this bad, the underground isn’t any better.

Both Qixia Town Station and Vermilion Bird Street Station were bursting at the seams.

And the sole destination for today’s tourists was none other than the newly opened Mingsha Fudi.

“Manager Tian, have the temporary security personnel been deployed?”

In the Mingsha Tourism General Manager’s office, Zhu Qiang frowned as he looked at the man across the desk.

That man was none other than Tian Dong, the newly appointed head of Mingsha Fudi.

“General Zhu, the security blockade is completely stopping the traffic. They haven’t been able to get in…”

Tian Dong’s face showed nothing but helplessness.

They had anticipated a surge yesterday, so they were fully prepared—in fact, they even set up ID-check barriers at several waterways and passageways to prevent an overload at Mingsha Fudi.

Yet, Mingsha Ge still became overwhelmed! Those who reached the mountain first refused to come down, and long queues formed, creating a blockade.

“Blocked?”

Zhu Qiang leaned back in his chair, pinched his eyebrows in frustration, and momentarily found himself at a loss.

“General Zhu, the only promising situation right now is at the Three Islands in the Lake!”

Tian Dong added,

“The Three Islands in the Lake should be fine!”

Tourists can only reach the islands by boat, and once aboard, the numbers are controllable—unlike Mingsha Ge and the lakeside Qing Brick Avenue.

However, while Zhu Qiang thought the islands would be safe, a frenzy had already erupted on the small central island.

It all started when several tourists noticed that inside a Taoist Temple, besides a minor attendant, there was a Taoist master. Although he quickly denied knowing who the performer ‘You Gong’ was, many tourists were convinced it was him.

Thus,

the main hall of Biyou Palace became jam-packed.

“General Zhu, what should we do now? Should we offer a small compensation to the tourists waiting outside so they come back tomorrow?”

After a long pause, Tian Dong murmured,

“If we merely get through today, what about tomorrow? We need a definitive solution.”

Zhu Qiang casually lit a cigarette.

Ever since he attended the Cultural Expo, Zhu Qiang had taken up smoking, and his craving only deepened when he was strategizing.

“But now…”

“Alright, I’ll call the higher-ups shortly to report the situation.”

“That works!”

Yan City, Ancient Architecture Research Institute

“Hosting a Tech Expo?”

On the second-floor office, Xu Hao looked at Li Jue in surprise.

“Yes! The leader called to say that, given the situation, we need to divert public attention. Handling things mildly might not work, especially after what happened yesterday…”

Li Jue trailed off midway.

Clearly, he knew the reason behind last night’s scandal involving three major celebrities.

“Dean, holding a Tech Expo to capture the spotlight shouldn’t be a problem. But everyone knows that Mingsha City excels in traditional Long Kingdom culture.”

Xu Hao hesitated slightly.

To be honest, Mingsha City doesn’t have much to offer in technology. Yet it has never been associated with disgrace. “The higher-ups promised support; they won’t let Mingsha City suffer too much. But let’s remember—the support from above and Mingsha City’s dignity are two entirely different matters.”

Li Jue leaned back in his chair slowly.

What he had just said partly conveyed the higher-ups’ intention, and partly reflected his protective stance.

No one understood Mingsha City’s standards better than he did.

If Mingsha City now refuses, so be it!

“I…”

Just as Xu Hao was about to speak, his phone rang.

“You take the call first,” Li Jue said, waving him off so Xu Hao could answer.

“Mm!”

Xu Hao glanced at his phone, nodded briefly at Li Jue, and then left the office.

A minute, two, even ten minutes later, Xu Hao finally returned.

“Dean, when is the Tech Expo scheduled?”

Before Li Jue could answer, Xu Hao jumped in,

“Early August! However, the higher-ups said we could delay it a bit. I figure postponing to early September won’t be a problem.”

“Early September? Dean, in that case, we’re taking it on!”

Xu Hao calculated briefly and made his decision.

“Are you sure we should take it on?”

Li Jue asked in surprise.

“If we don’t, there’s nothing we can do—Mingsha City’s visitors are so captivated by Mingsha Fudi that they just won’t leave,”

Xu Hao sighed helplessly.

Now, we have to find a way to stir up buzz in other areas to distract the crowd.

“But Mingsha City… Xiao Xu, think it over. Once I report this, it’s as good as set in stone!”

Li Jue reminded him once more.

“Dean, I’ve thought it through. This time, let’s do our best to keep our dignity intact. After all, there isn’t a better focal point right now.”

Xu Hao added,

“Then it’s settled! I’ll call the higher-ups shortly.”

“Thanks, Dean.”

……

Time flew by, and before long, evening had arrived.

Online platforms remained lively. On one forum:

“I can’t stop laughing! Today, along the artificial lake at Mingsha Fudi, visitors with buckets in hand were everywhere. Mingsha City’s guards tried to intervene but ended up blocked, forced to watch as tourists gulped down bucketfuls of lake water!”

“Exactly—and some visitors even secretly used the river water to rinse cars in the parking lot, claiming that washing with Mingsha Lake water wards off evil and brings peace. This led to a huge blockade until things eased a bit in the afternoon.”

“This is absolutely insane!”

“Tell me about it! I just can’t understand their mindset.”

“What’s so hard to understand? If the lake water really works, everyone would scramble for it, faster than anyone else.”

“But does it really work?”

“It’s still early. I reckon within a month we’ll know if there’s any effect.”

“A month? That’s tough! Tourists? Who can last that long?”

“They can’t be counted on, but the guesthouses at Mingsha Fudi? I heard someone booked for half a year—and even shared the receipts!”

“Receipts? My goodness! These people really have money.”

By this point, many netizens gasped at the post.

Eight thousand a day. How much for half a year!

“Quick, there’s new info online!”

Just as forum chatter reached its peak, a post appeared drawing considerable attention.

“What info?”

“Mingsha City is set to host Long Kingdom’s 10th Tech Expo on September 15th!”

“Which expo?”

“Long Kingdom’s 10th Tech Expo!”

“Haha, don’t mess around!”

“I’m serious! The Technology Bureau has already issued an announcement.”

“Really?”

“Of course…”

“Wow, what is Mingsha City planning? A city known for its traditional culture hosting a tech expo—it’s like putting premium rice in the wrong pot.”

“Exactly!”

“If they stray from their strengths, they might get crushed by top tech giants.”

“Mingsha City has truly piqued my interest!”

“September 15th? Just wait and see.”

“Absolutely!”

……

Meanwhile, in Mingsha City,

Zhu Qiang appeared by the railing next to Lutai.

“President Luo, how’s the progress?”

Handing a bottle of water to Luo Peng and Fang Hou, Zhu Qiang said,

“Not bad. In about half a month, we should be done here, and then we can head over to the Xianxia Zone to work on Lanruo Temple.

Once Lanruo Temple is finished, we’ll set up the Mingsha Amusement Park.”

Luo Peng exchanged a glance with Fang Hou.

He had been working non-stop these past few days to expedite the project so that TV shows and films could start filming sooner, paving the way for the amusement park.

When Mingsha City’s construction team goes all out for the park, nothing will hold them back.

This amusement park is a massive project that requires the entire workforce—even Biyou Palace must be involved—so there’s really no other option but to move quickly.

“When is the deadline?”

Zhu Qiang nodded slightly and asked,

“Approximately by the end of August!”

After a brief calculation, Luo Peng said,

“End of August?”

Zhu Qiang hesitated for a moment, then looked at Luo Peng again, “President Luo, Brother Hao just called. He said we need to host Long Kingdom’s 10th Tech Expo on September 15th, so… the project might need to be expedited.

Brother Hao mentioned, ‘Let’s use our heads a bit more this time so the pressure isn’t too overwhelming.'”

Zhu Qiang pulled out his phone, tapped the screen, and handed it to Luo Peng.

ps: Brothers, due to attending a relative’s funeral these past few days, updates will resume normally by the day after tomorrow.