Chapter 372: Strategic Moves and Unforeseen Opportunities

“Can’t be more than six months? That’s fine! As long as we work around the new project.”

Feng Xiangcai waved his hand immediately.

“Alright, I’ll speak with the lawyer again.”

“Mm-hmm!”

Time flew by, and soon it was evening.

Yan City, Ancient Architecture Institute

After reviewing the documents in his hand, Director Li Jue couldn’t help but smile in satisfaction.

“I never expected Mingsha Academy to attract so many applicants — and two top science scorers from different provinces, no less!”

“Exactly! The minimum qualifying score might have to be over a hundred points above the first-tier line, almost on par with some of our venerable 985 institutions.”

Across from his desk, Cao Jun laughed in agreement.

These past few days, as major universities commenced their admissions processes, Mingsha Academy was no exception.

This year, it’s Mingsha Academy that’s sparking the most chatter among applicants.

Especially for its ancient architecture program — only thirty students were admitted, despite over five hundred top scorers listing it as their first choice.

“Step one is done. Now it’s up to Xiao Xu and the department heads!”

Li Jue added.

“Mm-hmm! But running a university is very different from managing ancient architecture. It takes time for a great university to develop – not just the quality of students, but also the caliber of graduates, international journal publications, and more.”

Cao Jun chimed in.

“Old Cao, when will you head over? Xiao Xu has his hands full managing both the core district’s Epang Palace and the academy.”

After a brief pause, Li Jue looked at Cao Jun.

In theory, Cao Jun’s rank is slightly lower than Xu Hao’s. Although Xu Hao’s title as deputy director at the Ancient Architecture Institute is mostly honorary, with Mingsha Academy now up and running, as its director Xu Hao is poised to become the First Deputy Director at the institute.

“I’ll be there by early August!”

On hearing this, Cao Jun nodded.

“Alright then!”

Ding-dong. Just as Li Jue was about to add more, his desk phone rang.

Seeing this,

after nodding to Cao Jun, Li Jue picked up the phone.

“Hello! This is Li Jue from the Long Kingdom Ancient Architecture Research Institute.”

“Director Li, hello. This is Qian Lin, Office Director from the Cultural Department.”

In the next moment, a confident voice came through, loud enough that Cao Jun beside him could hear every word.

“Qian Lin? Director Qian, hello!”

At that, Li Jue instinctively exchanged a glance with Cao Jun.

When an office director calls personally, it’s rarely about trivial matters.

“Director Li, here’s the situation. Next June, City W will host the Lanstarr Expo. You should be aware of this!”

For someone at Li Jue’s level, calls like these cut straight to the point—they rarely engage in small talk unless the relationship is particularly close.

“Mm-hmm! I know!”

Li Jue replied immediately.

The Lanstarr Expo, held every five years, is regarded as one of Lanstarr’s most influential events, rivaling the Olympics and the World Cup.

A few years back, amid a competitive field, City W emerged victorious in securing the hosting rights, sparking grand celebrations throughout Long Kingdom.

The event is scheduled for next June.

“Since Long Kingdom is the host nation, there are plenty of spaces in the exhibition hall. Some of these relate to our cultural tourism projects. I called to ask if Mingsha City might consider setting up a booth there?”

Qian Lin’s voice came through again.

Although Mingsha City is Xu Hao’s private enterprise, his personal influence and ties with Mingsha Academy have already established an unspoken understanding.

Whenever an official event is in play, the top leaders always consult with the Ancient Architecture Research Institute first.

Of course,

Li Jue fully understood that while they were inquiring about the institute, they were essentially asking about Mingsha City.

“Set up a booth?”

A frown creased Li Jue’s brow.

Cao Jun’s eyebrows rose in surprise.

“Mm-hmm! We were thinking that Mingsha City might use this opportunity to further promote Long Kingdom’s traditional culture, like ancient architecture.”

Qian Lin began to speak again, but before he could finish, Li Jue interrupted him.

“Director Qian, I think we’ll pass on that.”

“Pass?”

Qian Lin was taken aback, clearly not expecting such a quick decision from Li Jue.

“Mm-hmm!”

“Director Li, this is the Expo—not the Long Kingdom Traditional Cultural Expo! If we could dazzle everyone at the expo,”

Snapping back to focus,

Qian Lin couldn’t help but continue.

“Director Qian, regardless, neither the Ancient Architecture Institute nor Mingsha City will take part. We’re leaving the opportunity for those who really need it.”

But Li Jue remained resolute.

“Why? It’s such a great opportunity.”

“Director Qian, Mingsha City simply doesn’t have the time. They’ve recently taken on many new projects, and more importantly, Mingsha City just isn’t suited for this.”

“Not suited? What do you mean? I believe this is not only a chance to shine but also to bring honor to our country! Don’t the Ancient Architecture Institute and Mingsha City want to do their bit for national prestige?”

Qian Lin fell silent.

“Director Qian, it’s not that we don’t want to bring glory! Remember during the Long Kingdom Cultural Expo, when Mingsha City hosted a sub-venue, the main venue’s organizers were full of complaints, and it caused quite a bit of trouble. Later, they also hosted the Technology Expo, which led to technology companies withdrawing en masse, forcing a venue change at the last minute. On top of that, Haofang Culture in Mingsha City had planned to collaborate with Yan City TV on a cultural export project, only to be met with resistance from major channels, leaving them no choice but to back out.”

“How are we supposed to handle all that?”

Li Jue spoke slowly, and after a lengthy pause, there was movement on the other end of the line.

“Well, the main point is that part of our exhibition hall is dedicated to Long Kingdom’s traditional culture. Mingsha City is a leader in that field. If Mingsha City doesn’t participate…”

“Director Qian, there are countless cultural tourism units in Long Kingdom specializing in traditional culture! We have plenty of 5A sites — just look at Fengdu Scenic Area! This time, while Fengdu Scenic Area was rated as a 5A spot, Mingsha City was rejected outright.”

Li Jue added.

“Alright then. I’ll consult with other cultural tourism units. You go on with your work!”

“Alright!”

No one knew what expression Qian Lin wore on the other end; after speaking, he hung up.

“Setting up a cultural tourism booth for the Expo? It’s best to steer clear of that — otherwise, other cultural tourism units will start complaining all over again!”

Meanwhile,

Li Jue hung up the phone and looked at Cao Jun.

“Besides, if the move causes too much fuss it’s as bad as not making any impact at all. Better not get involved — let them do as they please.”

Cao Jun nodded in agreement.

“Alright, I’ll inform Xiao Xu. No matter what, he needs to be made aware of this.”

“Mm-hmm!”

At the same time, in Mingsha City,

At Lutai, visitors gathered to watch the sunset over the desert. At that moment, Zhu Qiang was poring over a set of blueprints while discussing something with a middle-aged man. “General Zhao, hold off on any work to the west of the central axis for now.”

Glancing over at the foggy core area, Zhu Qiang remarked,

“So, you mean everything east of the central axis should be bursting with vegetation?”

At these words,

the man was startled.

The man, Zhao Bo, is a department director under Mingsha Cultural Tourism; he’s mainly responsible for greening and managing the grass lattice in Mingsha City.

“Mm-hmm! Apart from the exclusive desert zone where the Longmen Inn is located, everything else should be greened. The leadership’s aim is to enhance Mingsha City’s environment in tandem with the core district’s architecture by the end of this year.”

Zhu Qiang nodded in agreement.