Chapter 375: Intrigues at the Crossroads of Entertainment

Boom, boom, boom! Just as Luo Peng was about to take a closer look at the latest tourism hotspot, a knock resounded at the office door.

“Come in!”

Seeing this, Luo Peng immediately set his teacup down and spoke.

“President Luo!”

In the next moment, a young assistant in a suit pushed open the door and entered.

“Xiao Yan! What’s wrong?”

The visitor was Yan Huai, the assistant from Mingsha Labor, who had been working under Luo Peng for two years.

“President Luo, have you seen the notice from Dino Park? It’s quite the coincidence—our No.4 Entertainment City is scheduled to open around the 20th as well.”

Yan Huai smiled as he placed the file in front of Luo Peng.

“What a coincidence!”

Luo Peng picked up the file and skimmed through it.

It was the official notice for handing over No.4 Entertainment City to Mingsha Tourism, assigning a dedicated project manager and service staff.

Ever since Fang Hou requested to borrow Daoist Masters Cangshan and Canghai over a month ago, progress on No.4 Entertainment City had been racing ahead!

Not only were ordinary workers now on a three-shift schedule, but even Daoist Masters Cangshan and Canghai were making sure someone was always available to help.

What should have taken over two months to complete was now finished nearly two weeks early.

They were currently tidying up and putting on the finishing touches—once Mingsha Tourism took over, the project would officially open to the public.

“President Luo, what’s our next move? Do we proceed with the announcement or…?”

After Luo Peng signed, Yan Huai paused for a moment.

Sure enough, once Mingsha City’s notice went out, it would spark a flurry of online speculation and chatter.

“We do what needs to be done. Should we really yield the spotlight to the new projects of Dino Park and Fengdu Scenic Area?”

Luo Peng raised an eyebrow and waved his hand dismissively.

Dino Park and Fengdu Scenic Area have long-standing grudges. Even without Mingsha City, schedules wouldn’t be adjusted unless a project was weak or its prospects looked dim.

“Understood, President Luo! I’ll make the arrangements right away.”

Yan Huai acknowledged immediately.

But as he turned to leave, a thought struck him and he whispered, “President Luo, Dino Park and Fengdu Scenic Area have launched quite the promotional blitz—ads are everywhere on social media. Should we counter with our own? Our Haofang Agency has plenty of artists; a bit of promotion from them could easily outshine the others.”

“Ads? No need! We stick to the old rules—no ads, and the project details stay under wraps for now.”

Luo Peng glanced at his computer screen.

Since when did Mingsha City’s projects require ads? “Alright!”

Before long, it was 9 PM.

In an office located in Yan City’s Second Ring, lights were still on. Chief Leader Qi Jianwen’s face darkened as he read through his documents until, after a lengthy pause, he turned to the Deputy Leader seated opposite him.

“Is the news true?”

“Leader, it should be fine! I heard that Christie’s has already assigned someone to transport it to the auction house!”

Deputy Leader Zuo Ping nodded immediately.

He had been the one assisting Mingsha City by explaining things to experts all along.

Just yesterday, he received word that at Christie’s International Auction in a month, several cultural relics from the Long Kingdom—long exiled—would be up for bid, including the most prized three copies of the Yongle Encyclopedia.

The Yongle Encyclopedia was compiled during the Yongle era of the Long Kingdom. It encompassed classics, history, philosophy, astronomy, geography, yin-yang medicine, divination, Daoist scriptures, drama, craftsmanship, agriculture, and more—a vault of knowledge spanning thousands of years.

But sadly, many parts weren’t preserved; numerous pieces had drifted overseas, and the originals were nowhere to be found.

This time, the auction focused on three volumes featuring yin-yang medicine and divination.

So, their attention was inevitable.

“These bandits!”

Bang! Qi Jianwen slammed his hand on the desk.

There was a time when such national treasures were scattered abroad for various reasons. Now, due to international conventions, many can never be reclaimed—sometimes only patriotic businessmen’s donations could bring a few back.

“Leader, aside from the three replica volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia, there are a few other valuable items. One of them is called the Silk Road Scenery Map.”

After a brief silence, Zuo Ping spoke wearily.

“What? There’s also a Silk Road Map?”

Qi Jianwen’s face grew even darker.

Even though it was normal for the biggest auction house on the star to handle such events, every time a Long Kingdom treasure appeared, it felt like a slap in the face to Long Kingdom.

“Yes!”

The office fell silent again. After a few minutes, Qi Jianwen leaned back in his chair, his expression a mix of frustration and concern as he looked at Zuo Ping.

“So…is our Long Kingdom business group joining this time?”

“Leader, Christie’s auction is massive, and our Long Kingdom business group will definitely be involved! But the replica volumes of the Yongle Encyclopedia are too precious—they’ll undoubtedly be eyed by foreign financial groups. Without strong backing, we don’t stand a chance! Besides, due to international conventions, our agency can’t bid directly, and even if we participate, our funds are limited.”

Zuo Ping shook his head slowly.

Auctions aren’t something you can force, and local tycoons don’t have as much cash flow as one might think.

“So, there’s little hope?”

Qi Jianwen glanced at his documents once more.

“I’d say hope is slim!”

“Then contact Mr. Sun, the chairman of Long Kingdom Wenmo Group, and see if he’s interested. If I remember right, he’s handled many cultural relics before. Even if he only acquires and stores them in Wenbo Group’s private museum, it’s preferable to letting foreign financial groups win.”

After a long pause, Qi Jianwen spoke again.

“Alright, Leader.”

Silence fell once more.

After several minutes, Qi Jianwen finally turned to Zuo Ping, “By the way, has there been any word from Lanstarr’s UNESCO review panel? Have they visited Mingsha City?”

“Leader, we haven’t received any news. It’s not our place to ask, but all procedures here are complete.”

At the mention of Mingsha City, Zuo Ping quickly replied,

“Alright then! Given the previous rating issue, Mingsha City clearly harbors resentment. Their cultural and historical assets should be promoted sooner rather than later.”

Standing up, Qi Jianwen walked to the tea station and poured two cups of green tea for himself and Zuo Ping.

“So, Mingsha City holds a grudge?”

Zuo Ping paused.

“Yes, not long ago our office called the Ancient Architecture Institute to see if they’d host an exhibition booth at the Expo. The Institute immediately refused, saying such matters should be handled by 5A tourism companies. Mingsha City is only 4A—not worthy!”

“This…”

“No turning back now! Mingsha City has been treated unfairly. The tech department changed the schedule last minute, and several major TV stations even joined in boycotting Mingsha City’s cultural export projects. Anyone would feel wronged.”

Qi Jianwen sipped his tea with a frown.

“Indeed!”

“So once there’s any result, we must announce it immediately! Otherwise, if Long Kingdom takes on another traditional cultural project, they might be hesitant to approach Mingsha City.”

“Understood!”

Zuo Ping nodded.

“Alright, it’s getting late. You should head home and rest. And keep in touch with domestic cultural companies or private collectors—do our best! If nothing works, we’ll have to accept it.”

“Leader, rest assured.”

The moon set and the sun rose. The following day, at 9 AM, just as Dino Park’s staff sat down at their workstations ready to begin the day, an explosive online reaction broke out due to a notice from Mingsha City.

On a forum, a post read: “Hahaha, I told you so! Mingsha City was bound to react. Just as predicted, while Dino Park and Fengdu Scenic Area began hyping their projects yesterday, Mingsha City released its notice this morning—it’s as if No.4 Entertainment City is deliberately waiting for Dino Park.”

“This guy’s analysis is spot on! You can’t have project clashes happening twice in a row.”

“I like Mingsha City’s style—they settle scores without holding back.”

“By the way, what exactly is Mingsha City’s No.4 Entertainment City project?”

“I don’t know. Mingsha City stuck to its old routine—offering no details, not even a map or route. It seems visitors on August 20 will have to find out in person.”

“Anyway, I’m really looking forward to No.4 Entertainment City. Mingsha City never launches a bad project.”

“Absolutely! Who knows, this time they might even outdo Dino Park.”

“It’s possible, though nothing’s certain! After all, Dino Park and Fengdu Scenic Area’s joint project doesn’t look too shabby either.”

“Then we wait and see!”

Bang! Just as online chatter and anticipation peaked, a loud table slam echoed from Dino Park Headquarters’ President Office.

Inside the office, a table was slammed, followed by President Cole’s roaring voice.

“What’s going on? Weren’t we told that Mingsha City’s next focus was on that mythological play? So why is No.4 Entertainment City opening on August 20?”

Looking around the office,

Cole, hands on his hips with his tie slightly loosened, glared furiously at Deputy Director Adam.

He just couldn’t understand! He had even pushed Fengdu Scenic Area to speed things up to avoid clashing with Mingsha City’s No.4 Entertainment City, and yet…

After all the rush, everything ended up colliding.

Ever since the underwater project fiasco, the memory had left a deep mark on him.

“Leader, I suspect Mingsha City did this on purpose! That guy is too cunning.”

After a brief pause and as Cole’s anger subsided a bit, Adam whispered,

“Nonsense! If it weren’t deliberate, why would our projects go live on the same day?”

Cole glared fiercely.