Chapter 326: Culture in Conflict and the Journey Ahead

Leader, the plan is already in motion. As long as these TV stations lend a hand in promoting our culture and the truth about us abroad, there shouldn’t be any issues.

Upon hearing this,

the Deputy Leader immediately replied.

To understand the situation, one must look back to recent years. Many traditional customs of Long Kingdom’s festivals were canceled due to environmental or safety concerns, while Western-style festivals are quickly becoming mainstream. Moreover, numerous international media have been smearing Long Kingdom, leaving many foreigners unaware of its true state.

Thus,

a month ago top officials decided that Long Kingdom’s TV stations should set an example by exporting its culture, while also giving foreign audiences a clear picture of its current state.

And so, various arrangements and measures were put in place.

Every TV station included in the plan will receive the necessary approvals along with designated broadcasting channels.

“My main concern is that these TV stations might eventually squander their special support funds without producing anything worthwhile,” one commented.

Sitting in his office chair, the Chief Leader added,

“Leader, Long Kingdom’s four major TV stations are quite formidable! Moreover, with a few near-top stations added, we should see some high-quality shows that also promote our culture.”

The Deputy Leader stroked his chin.

In his view, even if just one or two good programs emerge from the ten channels, our cultural export mission won’t be deemed a failure.

“By the way, isn’t Haofang Culture from Mingsha City quite influential? They produced several landmark shows before. Should we extend an invitation to them? If they’re interested, perhaps we could reserve them a slot?”

After a brief silence,

the Chief Leader suddenly recalled something and spoke up.

“Leader, I don’t think it’s necessary.”

“Firstly, Mingsha City is busy preparing for the upcoming tech expo and simply doesn’t have the bandwidth to focus on purpose-driven dramas. Secondly, Mingsha City already enjoys good ties with Yan City TV, Eggplant TV, and Yun Province TV, all of which have received their respective assignments.”

They might even opt to collaborate directly with Mingsha City.

That way, Mingsha City still counts as a participant.

And most importantly, Haofang Culture from Mingsha City is just a production company—not within the policy’s scope. Awarding them a slot would leave the unsupported TV stations with an excuse.

Upon hearing this,

the Deputy Leader waved his hand and shared his thoughts.

“Oh!”

“Besides, I believe that as long as Mingsha City continues on its current path, it’s already contributing to the export of Long Kingdom’s culture. With initiatives like East Dino and West Mingsha, more and more foreign tourists are venturing there and experiencing our true traditional heritage.”

The Deputy Leader continued.

Though Mingsha City has weathered its share of controversies and expert clarifications, it hasn’t stopped the higher-ups from publicly praising it.

Clearly, the top officials hold Mingsha City in high regard.

“That’s true! As long as Mingsha City can be on par with Dino Park, it will be a significant contribution to Long Kingdom’s cultural export.”

“So, I hope Mingsha City can launch a new entertainment project soon. Many netizens claim that relying solely on ‘Dreaming of the Past’ makes things a bit monotonous.”

“These netizens act as if anything surpassing our project would be abnormal—it’s a real malady that needs treatment. But I’m sure Mingsha City won’t disappoint us!”

“Mm!”

Little did they know, just as the higher-ups were placing great expectations on Mingsha City for its cultural contributions, it once again lived up to its reputation for stirring trouble. At the Mingsha Tourism CEO’s office, Zhu Qiang rubbed his temples and looked toward Luo Peng.

“President Luo, what’s going on? A public intellectual is causing quite a stir!”

It turned out that as the Number One Entertainment City grew in popularity, many foreign tourists queued up—only to be told at ticket checking that they were not permitted to participate.

Thus,

how could the foreign tourists accept this? They immediately took to the internet with complaints and even called national-level authorities, alleging discrimination by Mingsha City.

Once the word ‘discrimination’ surfaced, the relevant departments had no choice but to take notice—calls kept flooding into Mingsha City one after another.

Meanwhile, the issue sparked considerable online debate.

Some public intellectuals even demanded a proper explanation from Mingsha City by name, arguing that such a glaring error by one of Long Kingdom’s most popular attractions warranted a public apology.

This set the stage for the current crisis.

“What’s the name of this public intellectual?”

Luo Peng’s expression darkened as he stroked his chin.

He knew exactly why the project wasn’t open to foreigners, and so did Zhu Qiang and his own Brother Hao.

“It’s Gao Nan! This Gao Nan is a mega influencer with millions of followers. Now, plenty of netizens are already stirring up a scene on our Mingsha City official website and across various forums,” Zhu Qiang added.

Zhu Qiang continued.

“In that case, I’ll call Brother Hao shortly to report the situation. President Zhu, should you contact Lawyer Zhang on your end?”

After a moment of thought,

Luo Peng added,

“Contact Lawyer Zhang?”

Zhu Qiang hesitated slightly.

Though he understood Luo Peng’s reasoning, he suspected that as the issue gained momentum, many would exploit the situation for their own gain—collecting evidence to demand hefty compensation.

However, this incident was somewhat different from previous cases.

The fact remains that foreign tourists couldn’t experience ‘Dreaming of the Past.’ You can’t just say, ‘You’re a foreigner, so you can’t witness reincarnation.’

“It doesn’t hurt to consult in advance. I heard that Gao Nan is very wealthy.”

Luo Peng waved his hand.

Either way, Mingsha City must provide an explanation this time. As for how or what to say—the two hadn’t paid much attention. It wasn’t as if their own leadership lacked ideas.

‘People don’t know Xu Hao? He doesn’t either? That works! I’ll get in touch with Zhang Lu, and you brief Brother Hao on the situation,’

“Alright!”

Before long, evening arrived. The setting sun cast its slanted rays as Mingsha City bathed in a golden glow; the vibrant glazed tiles atop the ancient buildings shone brilliantly, creating a stunning vista.

Phew! On the edge of the Tengli Desert, along a sand ridge, two figures appeared, swaying unsteadily. Their shadows stretched long in the fading light.

They walked cautiously, one following the other.

Especially the one in the back, who kept glancing at the small round wooden basin clutched in his arms.

“Senior Brother, are we almost there?”

Glancing up at the sky, the one behind couldn’t help but ask.

It was none other than Daoist Cangshan and his junior, Daoist Canghai.

“We’re almost there. We should now be within Mingsha County. After climbing five more sand ridges, a village will come into view; another ten kilometers, and we’ll reach Mingsha County Town.”

Once we hit Mingsha County Town, we’re almost there!

They stopped.

After checking their bearings, Daoist Cangshan glanced at the object his junior carried and said,

“Had it not been for that precious item in your arms, we would have arrived ages ago. There’s no way we could have waited this long.”

“That’s great!”

Hearing that they were near, Daoist Canghai visibly relaxed.

“Let’s go; we’ll aim to reach Mingsha City tonight.”

Steadying themselves,

Daoist Cangshan set off, his figure gradually fading along the sand ridge.

One hour, two hours… by 10 PM

On the southern streets of Mingsha County Town, Daoist Cangshan and Daoist Canghai slowed to a stop.

“Senior Brother, is this Mingsha County Town? There are quite a few people here! Once our Wuzhuang Temple gains a reputation, these folks will all become potential devotees!”

Gazing at the bustling crowd, Daoist Canghai grew excited.

His temple was located in the remote southwestern periphery, beside a small village where hardly anyone visited, let alone the temple.

“That’s nothing—Mingsha City has even more tourists!”

Casting a glance at Daoist Canghai, Cangshan considered finding a ride.

He knew well that these people had chosen the county town simply because accommodations in Mingsha City were scarce.

“More there? That’s fantastic!”

Daoist Canghai was even more delighted.

But just a few steps later,

a distant murmur caught Cangshan’s attention: “Did you hear? The little island that houses Biyou Palace in Mingsha Fudi was bathed in a ‘multicolored glow’ for just a few seconds this morning—and many tourists witnessed it!”

“Ah? Really?”

“Really! After the ‘glow’ appeared, the grand hall of Biyou Palace was nearly overwhelmed by worshippers.”