Chapter 341: Sandstorm Crisis in Mingsha City

A sandstorm swallowed Mingsha City. Netizens were mostly just watching the spectacle; some even animated the grim aftermath, while others crunched numbers to estimate economic losses and predict visitor numbers on reopening day. In short, it was wild.

Of course, many were genuinely anxious, fearing that something might go wrong in Mingsha City.

Yan City, Second Ring, Ancient Architecture Institute

Li Jue paced back and forth in his office, unable to settle down.

“Old Li, if Xiao Xu says we can relax, then there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

Silence.

Liu Shan and Cao Jun finally couldn’t hold back and simultaneously turned to look at Li Jue.

Lately, with news of the impending sandstorm, the Ancient Architecture Institute has been calling non-stop to Mingsha City—either phoning Meng Yuan at Mingsha Academy or Xu Hao.

Especially Xu Hao—he makes over a dozen calls a day. Li Jue even considered transferring Xu Hao and everyone remaining in Mingsha City to Yan City.

“But the intensity of this sandstorm is just too…”

Li Jue sighed.

Moments ago, he had tried calling Xu Hao, but there wasn’t even a signal over there. How could that not be worrisome? “Let’s wait a bit longer; things should become clearer soon.”

Ring, ring. Just as Liu Shan and Cao Jun were about to speak further, the phone on Li Jue’s desk suddenly rang.

“Hmm?”

Immediately, Li Jue moved to his desk and answered, “Hello, this is the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Research Institute.”

“Hello, Director Li. This is Shi Lu, the Office Director from the Long Kingdom Technology Department.”

In the next moment, a familiar doorbell sound was heard over the phone.

“Technology Department? Hello, Director Shi!”

Li Jue’s expression shifted as he instinctively glanced at Liu Shan and Cao Jun.

The Ancient Architecture Institute falls under the Cultural Tourism Department and usually doesn’t mingle with others.

“Here’s the situation. As you’ve probably noticed, the weather lately has been off.”

Soon enough, Shi Lu’s voice returned.

“Mm!”

“Our department’s leaders are very concerned. We held an impromptu meeting and decided to move the Technology Expo up by two months—to July 1. You should notify Mingsha City accordingly.”

“Huh?”

Li Jue was instantly stunned.

“Director Shi, why the sudden change? Weren’t we set for September 15?”

Snapping back to attention, Li Jue hurriedly responded.

“There’s no helping it! This morning, experts from the Meteorological Department held a meeting. They said that sandstorms shouldn’t occur in May, yet here we are this year!”

“So, there’s a high chance of similar events in September, while July is the safest bet.”

After the meeting, those experts released a report which has now been distributed to the Agriculture and Technology departments to prepare accordingly.

That’s when the higher-ups decided to move the Expo two months earlier.

Shi Lu’s voice came through again.

“But moving it up by two months—what about Mingsha City’s preparations? By my calculations, there’s barely over a month until early July.”

Taking a deep breath, Li Jue couldn’t help but add,

Advancing the Technology Expo doesn’t affect those tech companies much—after all, their exhibits are already well-developed. But Mingsha City is another story.

Just yesterday, Xu Hao mentioned that the construction of the Expo venue hadn’t even reached a fifth of completion—he estimated it would take at least three months!

Now, with the date moved up two months, completion is clearly impossible.

“Director Li, rest assured! The higher-ups have considered this. They said Mingsha City won’t need a brand-new venue; the existing buildings, once cleared of sand post-storm, will suffice.”

Shi Lu continued.

“This…”

Li Jue hesitated.

Such last-minute changes are a nightmare. For the higher-ups it might just be a meeting matter, but for those on the ground it means a mountain of extra work.

And you know Xu Hao’s nature well.

Once he takes on the Technology Expo, he doesn’t do things by halves!

“Director Li, consider this—the vast scale of Mingsha City’s ancient structures means scrubbing off all that drifting sand could take one or two months. Plus, the expo venue under construction will undoubtedly be affected.

So the higher-ups are actually looking out for Mingsha City.

Holding the Expo earlier would shield Mingsha City from public criticism.

But then again, if those meteorological experts are right and another sandstorm hits in September, the responsibility would fall on us.

Shi Lu’s voice filled the line once more.

“Then…”

Li Jue fell silent for a moment.

The other party’s point did seem reasonable; the Meteorological Department had warned clearly—if it strikes again, it’ll be on our watch.

“Alright then, I’ll notify Mingsha City immediately.”

“Okay! Our department will have the files printed and sent to the relevant units first thing tomorrow morning.”

“Mm!”

After a few more exchanges, Li Jue hung up and looked at Liu Shan and Cao Jun, “What now? The Technology Department just called to say the Expo has been moved to early July. Official documents will be issued tomorrow.”

“What? Moved up by over two months? Why?”

Clatter! No sooner had they heard than both leapt to their feet, shock evident on their faces.

“The meteorological experts said there’s a chance of another sandstorm in September, and they even released a report!”

Li Jue rubbed his temples.

It was just one crisis after another.

“Who are these experts? If no sandstorm comes, will they be held accountable?”

Coming back to his senses,

Cao Jun was fuming, nearly on the verge of cursing.

“Ah, they issued a report. The report probably even analyzed the likelihood of a sandstorm. But probabilities are never set in stone, so…”

“This!”

For a moment, the office fell into a heavy silence.

After a long pause,

Li Jue finally spoke, “Alright, once the sandstorm eases a bit, we’ll contact Xiao Xu to check on the damage in Mingsha City and assess how much has been buried in the yellow sand. If it’s serious, we’ll report it immediately and try to secure some special funds. Then we’ll fully support Mingsha City with the Expo.

As for future events, unless our department is in charge, we should avoid getting involved whenever possible.”

“Alright!”

After the sandstorm passed,

Many assumed that all staff in Mingsha City had completely halted work. However, the directors across various departments in Mingsha City continued their duties unaffected.

Yan City, Third Ring, at a five-star hotel—Fang Hou studied the documents in his hand, stroking his chin as he fell into deep thought.

Across from the teahouse sat two people, one of whom was none other than Ren Long, the Editor-in-Chief of Yan City TV.

“Mr. Fang, what do you think of this concept?”

After a brief silence, Ren Long couldn’t help but glance at Fang Hou.

“The current series, which has already been approved, is scheduled to air by the end of the month at the latest! But I’ve called you to Mingsha City mainly for our next cooperation plan. I’ve brought some fresh ideas so we can nail down the investment plan and also meet the cultural export mandate imposed from above.”

That set the stage for the scene before them. “The storyline is solid, but the setting is challenging! If we pursue this, the scene should ideally be placed in the central axis of Mingsha City—so we’ll need to consult with Director Xu before making any decisions.”

After a long moment of contemplation,

Fang Hou said, “Huh? Build it in the core area?”

Ren Long was taken aback.

“Mm! If we build it in the Xianxia Zone, I worry that the architectural aura of the core area won’t be enough to support the scene!”

Fang Hou nodded.