Chapter 337: The Sandstorm Gambit

What good news?

At the mention, Cole couldn’t help but lean forward.

Lately, the words ‘good news’ seemed completely detached from Dino Park; every time Mingsha City was mentioned, Dino Park would be in deep trouble.

“The forecast says that three days from now, a massive sandstorm will sweep from west to east over Long Kingdom. Mingsha City is located in the northwest desert, and its western wall remains unrepaired.”

Adam’s lips curled into a cold smirk.

Mingsha City now relies not just on its historic buildings to attract visitors, but on the stark contrast between its environment and the outside world.

Why is Mingsha Fudi so popular? Isn’t it because it exudes a celestial aura? But all of that vanishes the moment a sandstorm hits.

Moreover, sandstorms in the desert are even more devastating. Reports say that in some areas, roads have been buried under shifting sands, causing enormous damage! If this storm is powerful enough, it could wipe out Mingsha Fudi—and even destroy Lutai and Zhaixing Pavilion, not to mention the Qing Brick Avenue built in the desert.

“A sandstorm?”

Whoosh! Adam’s silence was fine, but as soon as the words were spoken, Cole immediately stood up, visibly excited.

“Exactly! In recent years, sandstorms in Long Kingdom rarely spared Mingsha City, but this year is different. Meteorologists predict this might not be the only one!”

“Great! This is actually good—more effective than any joint effort with Fengdu Scenic Area!”

After double-checking, Cole still felt uneasy and quickly sat down at his computer to start typing.

Once he checked several websites, all his earlier worries vanished in an instant.

“Now even the heavens will teach you a lesson. Let’s see how arrogant you feel then!”

Moments later,

Cole grabbed a cigar and remarked,

“So, all we can do is sit back and enjoy the show.”

Adam echoed his sentiment.

“Right!”

Unbeknownst to them, as Cole and Adam fixated on the impending sandstorm, in a makeshift construction shed at the Science and Technology Pavilion in Mingsha City, Xu Hao received a late-night call from Zhu Qiang.

“A sandstorm?”

“Brother Hao, the meteorologists predict this storm’s intensity is exceptionally rare—the biggest in recent years. I’m worried many of our attractions won’t withstand it.”

Zhu Qiang’s voice brimmed with worry and tension.

A few springs ago, although Mingsha City experienced strong winds during winter and spring, they never reached sandstorm levels. Plus, its windbreaks and sand stabilization measures worked so well that little harm was done.

But now, things are different! This year, there’s a new hallmark—Mingsha Fudi.

Once the sandstorm passes, the ethereal charm of Mingsha Fudi will vanish entirely.

And what about the Technology Expo projects? Some of the wooden frameworks have just been erected. The storm could not only delay construction but might even knock over the current structures.

“Really intense?”

Xu Hao raised an eyebrow, yet remained calm and composed.

“Yes! It’s extremely rare. The storm front has already entered our country, causing significant disruption. I even heard that some farmers’ toilets were swept away by the sands.”

“Alright, Qiangzi, don’t panic! Tomorrow morning, you and Little Luo head to Wudi City so we can discuss this thoroughly. And remember, every project must keep moving—we can’t let the sandstorm bring everything to a standstill.”

Xu Hao pondered briefly before making the arrangements.

He was both surprised and unsurprised by the sudden sandstorm.

Having experienced countless storms on Earth, he was long desensitized to such events.

As for this one?

With both Wuzhuang Temple and Biyou Palace in the city, handling a sandstorm wasn’t a problem. The only challenge would be explaining to tourists and locals why Mingsha Fudi still seemed ethereal after it passed—it just wouldn’t add up.

“Alright, Brother Hao!”

“Got it!”

“By the way, did you see that trending topic tonight? Even though experts have explained it, many netizens remain skeptical. Also, beef up security at Entertainment City Two—don’t let them pull any spirit-summoning stunts.”

“I saw it, Brother Hao. I’ve already had the new manager request some staff from President Luo’s team.”

“That’s good. Also, tell Little Luo that if any issues arise with Entertainment City Three, we can call on the two Daoist Masters from Wuzhuang Temple for assistance. They approached me today, saying running Wuzhuang Temple alone felt uneasy and they wanted to help Mingsha City! Since they’re offering help, we can’t refuse.”

“Alright!”

“Also, the fee documents and detailed announcements for Mingsha City must be released by tomorrow morning at the latest to give visitors a buffer period—otherwise, it will certainly spark controversy.”

After discussing a few more matters, Xu Hao and Zhu Qiang ended the call.

“No way; we need to talk to Biyou Palace and Wuzhuang Temple. This time, we must not overdo it!”

Pacing,

and after a moment of thought,

Xu Hao, still uneasy, left immediately, his figure quickly disappearing into the dark night.

As for what Xu Hao discussed with You Gong, Daoist Master Cangshan, and Canghai, no one else knew—only the four of them were in on it.

Time passed, and soon it was 11 AM the next day. The buzz around “The Long Road of Life” persisted, with tourists lining up from the entrance of Entertainment City Two all the way to Taiyi Hospital. Many frequently looked up to check the weather.

Clearly,

several visitors, having seen last night’s forecast, were aware of the impending sandstorm.

“I heard there’s a sandstorm in two days?”

“Yeah!”

“What about Mingsha City then? Surrounded by desert, once the sandstorm hits, won’t Mingsha Fudi be doomed?”

“Doomed or not, I don’t know. But I’m planning to head back tomorrow!”

“Head back tomorrow? Didn’t you just arrive yesterday? I’ve also heard that Mingsha City might soon start charging admission—entering will no longer be free!”

“Admission fee?”

“Yeah! Although there’s been no official announcement, many staff members have been talking—it can’t be without basis.”

“If there’s an admission fee, so be it. I think it’s a good idea—it ensures a premium experience for visitors staying in Mingsha City.”

“That said, given Mingsha City’s popularity and scale, I bet the fee won’t be cheap!”

“If it’s expensive, so be it—better than being stuck here eating sand. No matter how strong Mingsha City’s management is, they can’t stop a sandstorm. It’s a natural disaster.”

“True enough.”

In the throng, tourists exchanged casual remarks, clearly doubting that Mingsha City could withstand the storm. Many had already decided to leave and wait until it passed.

Chongshi, Fengdu County

In the Chairman’s Office of Fengdu Scenic Area, Feng Xiangcai ended the call in a huff, “What do you mean ‘this won’t happen again’? From now on, Mingsha City better watch out! This is nothing but favoritism!”

After saying that,

Feng Xiangcai glared at Deputy Director Shi Yun across from him.

“Aren’t we tearing it down?”

Shi Yun frowned.

“Not at all! I bet the higher-ups didn’t even notify Mingsha City. They’ll continue as they always have!”

Feng Xiangcai pounded the table in clear frustration.

Earlier, they had planned to mimic Mingsha City’s Lanruo Temple and Demon-Locking Tower, but barely had the foundations been laid before Mingsha City countered with a decisive move.

“That won’t do! If Mingsha City doesn’t tear down that entertainment complex, our Fengdu Scenic Area will be ruined!”

Shi Yun glared.

“Which means we need to come up with another plan. Besides, Mingsha City won’t stay smug for long—there’s a sandstorm the day after tomorrow!”

He casually lit a cigarette.

Feng Xiangcai spoke again.

It seemed that only the impending sandstorm could somehow ease his mind.

“Boss Feng, the sandstorm is real, but it won’t affect our attractions much. Entertainment City Two is enclosed and will remain open even after the storm.”

At that,

Shi Yun shook his head in disapproval.

He had been tracking the sandstorm since this morning, but it didn’t bode well for their scenic area.

“What exactly do you mean?”

Feng Xiangcai paused.

“Boss Feng, here’s what I’m thinking: Tomorrow, I’ll head to Yan City to appeal to the relevant authorities and also visit the Long Kingdom Tourism Association to see if I can get in touch with the Tengwang Pavilion Scenic Area in Gan Province and the Kaifeng Scenic Area in Nan Province.”

More hands make light work! Only by uniting can we make a difference.

Shi Yun replied,

“Tengwang Pavilion? Qingming Scroll?”

Feng Xiangcai’s eyes lit up.

“Yes! If possible, I’d also reach out to Yueyang Tower since Mingsha City’s Vermilion Bird Building is quite similar. If one is torn down, let’s tear them all down! These scenic spots might not say it aloud, but they’re undoubtedly perturbed.”

Shi Yun nodded.

“That works! By the way, this morning the deputy from Dino Park called, wanting to meet with us. How about after that meeting, you contact these organizations?”

After a moment’s thought, Feng Xiangcai said,

“The head of Dino Park? Boss Feng, what do they want from us?”

“Not sure! They said it’s a meeting to talk things over.”

“That works too. Let’s meet the head of Dino Park first and see what they’re up to—after all, Dino Park has its own issues with Mingsha City. Perhaps we can use that to our advantage.”

“Good!”

The joys and sorrows of life vary endlessly.

Some are worried about the sandstorm, while others are preoccupied with other matters.

At noon, in an office building within the Third Ring of Yan City, Gao Nan stood by a full-length window, continuing his phone conversation.

“Lawyer Zhang, hello, this is Gao Nan!”

He said.

“I understand your situation; I’m aware of your case. Now I’d like to hear what your expectations and goals are for this lawsuit.”

Moments later, a young man’s voice emerged on the line.

“Expectations?”

“Yes!”

“Lawyer Zhang, my only goal in this lawsuit is to avoid paying a single cent in compensation to Mingsha City!”

After a moment’s thought, Gao Nan said seriously,

“Not a single cent? That’s it? Nothing more? Are you sure?”

The voice on the line couldn’t hide its astonishment.