Chapter 348: Winds of Opportunity and Turbulence

If that’s the case, why not harness the East Wind? Win the lawsuit, and you can even ride the wave of hype for the Tech Expo!

Hearing Gao Nan’s unusually confident tone,

after a long pause, Chen Yuan spoke.

“Alright, Chairman Chen, leave this matter to me.”

“Got it!”

As the moon set and the sun rose, before long it was the following noon.

Although Celebrating the Remaining Years stirred up debate upon its release, it didn’t stop tourists from streaming into Nanking Capital.

Nestled with Wudi City to the east and bordered by Lutai and Zhaixing Pavilion to the west—and with both Mingsha Fudi and Langya Mountain only a short trip away—its prime location meant that mere minutes after midnight bookings opened, thousands of guesthouses were fully reserved.

Thus,

the tourist-receiving capacity of Mingsha City soared to new heights, with the number of staying and transient visitors rivaling the total population of nearby Wei City.

“If only there were three to five more Nanking Capitals, Mingsha City would completely outstrip Wei City.”

By the white marble railing at Lutai, Fang Hou looked out at the bustling crowds in Nanking Ancient City and couldn’t help but sigh.

Not too long ago,

Mingsha City had but a single tiny log cabin; in under three years, it has nearly matched the scale of a prefecture-level city—a truly breathtaking transformation.

“But it’s a shame—Mingsha City is capped at a 4A rating.”

Nearby, Deputy Director Zheng Dan of Haofang Culture glanced at his surroundings, indignation clear on his face.

“A 4A rating? What do you mean!”

Fang Hou was momentarily stunned.

“This morning, I spoke with a few managers from Mingsha Tourism. They mentioned that after receiving last night’s notification from General Zhu, no further preparations for the attraction rating were needed—all we had to do was focus on our current tasks.

Later, one manager added that our bid for a 5A rating was rejected by the review board. They said Mingsha City could, at most, be a 4A.”

Zheng Dan continued.

“Why? Do they really think Mingsha City’s scale and standards aren’t enough for a 5A rating?”

Fang Hou’s eyes narrowed in anger.

To him, Mingsha City already met 5A criteria in terms of its architecture, tourist numbers, and renown—surpassing even some domestic 5A sites.

“Their excuse was that man-made attractions lack historical cultural depth—so the best it could ever be is 4A!”

“Isn’t that absurd? Our city’s landmark structures employ mortise-and-tenon techniques that were lost to time. Doesn’t that qualify as intangible cultural heritage? And if I’m not mistaken, that vertical theme park in a certain province is rated 5A!”

Fang Hou grew increasingly perplexed.

That reasoning just didn’t hold water.

“The board claimed that was based on outdated evaluation rules. Now, the rules have changed!”

“This…”

“And it’s not just you—the managers at Mingsha Tourism are holding their tongues in frustration. Some even suggested that Haofang Culture produce more blockbuster attractions or photo spots so that even without a 5A rating, Mingsha City would still attract a flood of visitors.”

Zheng Dan cast another glance at Nanking Capital.

“Another film project? Absolutely! I had an idea for Yan City that I didn’t get a chance to pitch to the higher-ups. If they agree, that single scene could easily outshine those old 5A projects!”

Fang Hou narrowed his eyes further.

Right now, Mingsha City’s built-up area occupies only a small part of its land; the rest could easily accommodate ten additional IP photo zones without issue.

“A new project?”

Zheng Dan’s eyes lit up with interest.

Following the launch of Celebrating the Remaining Years, Haofang Culture found itself in a lull with no scheduled projects, leaving many staff members curious and on the prowl for news.

After all, watching the relentless hustle at Mingsha Tourism and Mingsha Labor made it impossible for them to stay idle.

But just as Zheng Dan was about to add more, Fang Hou’s phone suddenly rang.

He almost spoke, then hesitated.

Fang Hou stepped aside to answer the call.

After a brief moment,

Fang Hou returned to Zheng Dan, “I’m heading to the office. If anything comes up, especially regarding online public opinion, call me immediately. There are already many viewers questioning our themes—it might escalate into a smear campaign.”

“Office-bound?”

“Yes! Daoist Yougong from Biyou Palace needs to see me. It sounds urgent.”

Fang Hou nodded in acknowledgment.

Although Yougong isn’t officially stationed in Mingsha City, the standing of Biyou Palace and Wuzhuang Temple is well known among all senior leaders there.

“Alright, General Fang!”

Lutai isn’t far from Haofang Culture’s office building, and with the subway running, Fang Hou met Yougong at the office barely half an hour later.

After some brief pleasantries, Fang Hou finally turned to Yougong.

“I wasn’t expecting you to reach out now.”

“General Fang, here’s the thing—I need your help!”

Yougong’s expression turned serious.

“Go ahead!”

“I was wondering if you could set up a project on the artificial island next to Biyou Palace. Mingsha Fudi consists of three small islands. The two adjacent ones still lack any attractions—it’s a real shame. We need to utilize this space properly.”

“You want me to set up a project?”

Fang Hou was instantly taken aback.

“Daoist, you know that Haofang Culture mainly focuses on film and television. For new projects, the usual choice would be to approach General Zhu or President Luo.”

“But aren’t General Zhu and President Luo busy with the Tech Expo? That’s why I thought of you.”

Yougong looked genuinely earnest.

“I see. So, what sort of project are we talking about?”

After a moment’s thought, Fang Hou replied,

“This morning, I heard our bid for a 5A rating for Mingsha City was rejected. I was thinking we could add a new attraction to truly showcase Mingsha City’s strength to the review board. Don’t you agree? Besides, as president of Haofang Culture, you can’t just stand by while Mingsha City is overlooked.

To put it another way,

with the City Master overwhelmed and both General Zhu and President Luo tied up, who else can I turn to but you?

Yougong fixed his gaze on Fang Hou.

“Daoist, you have a point!”

Fang Hou, already frustrated by the situation, nodded in agreement. After a brief pause, he asked,

“So, what exactly do you need me to do?”

“General Fang, it’s quite simple.”

Upon hearing this, Yougong’s face lit up, and he leaned in to whisper in Fang Hou’s ear.

Unbeknownst to Fang Hou—just as he was about to fully commit to supporting Yougong’s plan—a breaking news alert exploded online, instantly capturing massive attention. Its feverish hype rivaled that of Celebrating the Remaining Years.

“What? The lawsuit between internet celebrity Gao Nan and Mingsha City is about to go to court—and it’s being broadcast live?”

Many netizens, reading the headline, begun posting comments below.

“Absolutely true! Gao Nan just tweeted about it!”

“What’s the issue this time?”

“What’s the issue? Isn’t it the same as last time—when Gao Nan claimed Mingsha City discriminated against foreign tourists, prompting legal action?”

“There’s nothing to debate! It’s clearly Gao Nan’s fault! Ever since Mingsha City issued its announcement, one Foreign Affairs Office after another has released refusal statements.”

“The details are fuzzy, but I heard Gao Nan has hired a top-notch lawyer this time. He must be defiant!”

“Defiant? Now that’s interesting! So, when is the court session?”

“Next Friday!”

“Where will it be streamed? On a short video app or what?”

“No—it’ll be on the official channel of Long Kingdom Legal Network.”

“Then I definitely have to watch it.”

In the CEO’s office at Fengdu Scenic Area, Feng Xiangcai glanced at his computer screen and a long-missed smile spread across his face.

“Gao Nan is something else—so audacious and clearly fully prepared.”

“Exactly! And the timing is perfect! This not only diverts attention from Haofang Culture’s new drama but also boosts our profile. And if we win the lawsuit, it will indirectly undermine Mingsha City’s Tech Expo. This move might just go down in history!”

Across the desk, Shi Yun added.

These days, the relentless online buzz about Mingsha City had left them seething—especially as tourist numbers surged and Haofang Culture introduced Nanking Ancient City. Only they truly felt the sting.

Now, this news felt like finding an ally.

“In that case, we’ll help spread the word. The enemy of my enemy is my friend.”

Feng Xiangcai leaned back and lit a cigarette.

“And if Gao Nan wins, we can sue Mingsha City too—claiming that their Long Road of Life infringes on our rights, forcing them to tear it down under public pressure.”

“We’re going to sue as well?”

Shi Yun was taken aback.

“Yes, since the authorities have been favoring Mingsha City and ignoring our appeals, we can take an alternative route! If we win, pressure will force Mingsha City to dismantle it—even if they try to hold on!”

Feng Xiangcai squinted his eyes.

In recent days, visitors at Fengdu Scenic Area couldn’t help but compare Mingsha City, saying it lagged terribly behind the Long Road of Life.

Thus,

Feng Xiangcai’s resolve to dismantle Mingsha City’s No. 2 Entertainment City grew ever stronger.

“Shall I start asking around for a lawyer in advance?”

After a moment’s thought, Shi Yun replied,

“No need. We’ll just watch the live stream. If Gao Nan wins, we’ll simply use his lawyer.”

Feng Xiangcai waved his hand dismissively.

“Exactly!”

After a pause, Feng Xiangcai suddenly remembered something and looked at Shi Yun.

“By the way, is there anything else we need to add to this year’s 5A application materials? If not, I’ll have someone arrange matters so we can clinch the 5A rating this year! Mingsha City is applying too, and odds are they’ll succeed!

If they pass while we fail, we’ll lag far behind.”

“General Feng, I checked—they said our materials are perfectly fine.”

On hearing that, Shi Yun promptly replied,

“As long as everything’s in order, leave the rest to me.”

“Alright!”

As tides rose and fell, in just over ten days,

major online forums were dominated by chatter about Mingsha City. Some were hooked on Celebrating the Remaining Years, others quibbled about its theme, while many posted details of Nanking Ancient City along with related drama merchandise.

Of course, most of the discussion centered on the lawsuit between Mingsha City and internet celebrity Gao Nan.

Under mounting pressure from netizens and dissatisfied forces, Friday finally arrived, marking the official start of the courtroom battle between Gao Nan and Mingsha City.

At nine in the morning,

the official channel of Long Kingdom Legal Network was nearly overwhelmed—simply because

this case was being broadcast live on the legal channel, with no streaming rights granted to other platforms.

“Why hasn’t it started yet?”

“What’s the rush? Haven’t you noticed that the plaintiff and defendant have just entered the courtroom?”

“By the way, who is representing the plaintiff?”

“It appears to be Mingsha Tourism’s President Zhu Qiang, seated with Mingsha City’s lawyer—someone named Zhang San. On the defendant’s side, it’s Gao Nan and his lawyer, Zhang Yida!”

“Zhu Qiang is here in person? I never expected that—given his status, he really didn’t have to appear.”

“This is for the live broadcast! Mingsha City probably wants to send a message to those self-appointed media influencers and internet celebrities stirring up trouble.”

“Could be!”

In the live stream room of the Legal Network, the flood of comments nearly covered half the screen. Many viewers even turned off the subtitles to clearly see the proceedings.

But without the subtitles, they felt something was missing since they couldn’t catch the comments.

So,

some people resorted to running two computers—one to view the live feed and another for the subtitles.

Aside from the onlookers, Feng Xiangcai from Fengdu Scenic Area, Shi Yun, Cole from Dino Park, Chen Yuan, and even Li Jue from the Ancient Architecture Institute were all following the trial in various ways.

A minute, two minutes—by nine-thirty, everything at the scene was set.

With three judges, court clerks, and others present, the trial officially began.

The first stage was trial preparation—a formality with both sides arranging their documents.

About seven to eight minutes later, the trial moved on to the second phase: the court investigation!

“Plaintiff, please state your claims!”

The presiding judge glanced at the plaintiff’s lawyer, Zhang San, and said,

“Your Honor, due to internet celebrity Gao Nan and other influencers posting highly provocative remarks on a certain platform—which resulted in massive financial losses for our Mingsha City—we demand 500 million Dragon Coins in compensation and a public apology from Gao Nan. As for the other influencers and the involved platform, Mingsha City will file separate lawsuits.”

Zhang San nodded and began presenting the claims.

“Huh? 500 million? And you’re also targeting the platform and other influencers?”

Before anyone could object,

the live chat exploded once again.

Netizens couldn’t believe that Mingsha City opened with such a bombshell. In their eyes, even if Gao Nan was at fault, the claim of 500 million was excessive—and including others in the suit was downright ruthless.

“Please present your supporting evidence!”

Unfazed by the staggering claim amount, the presiding judge continued, “Alright!”

Immediately, Zhang San passed a bundle of documents—including various screenshots and other evidence—to the staff.

After reviewing the so-called ‘evidence’, the staff showed a backup copy, and then the judge turned to the defendant’s side.

“Defendant, please present your counter-evidence!”

“Counter-evidence?”

Seeing it was his turn, Gao Nan quickly nodded to his lawyer, Zhang Yida.

Despite Mingsha City’s sudden demand for 500 million, Gao Nan remained confident—his lawyer had long prepared a counter-plan.

“Alright!”

Glancing at Gao Nan with assurance, Zhang Yida addressed the court,

“Your Honor, my client finds the plaintiff’s evidence trivial, yet he must question the reasonableness of the claimed compensation.”

“Please explain!”

“Is the plaintiff’s compensation demand reasonable? According to my information, after my client’s public criticism, Mingsha City faced boycotts from numerous foreign tourists, public denunciations from domestic citizens, and even inquiries from several national affairs offices—nearly forcing the attraction to close. Based on Mingsha City’s current tourist flow, industry standing, various losses, and the mental distress suffered by the plaintiff’s team, the total loss exceeds 1 billion Dragon Coins! I don’t understand why the plaintiff insists on only asking for 500 million! We demand a reasonable explanation.”