Chapter 377: High-Stakes Entertainment Showdown
by xennovel“Are their attractions really that thrilling too?”
Feng Xiangcai glared sharply.
“Isn’t that a blatant challenge to them? It’s obvious he’s targeting their attractions.”
“Absolutely!”
“So, did they mention what kind of attraction it is? And how did the netizens react?”
Shi Yun, coming back to his senses, quickly asked.
“Mingsha City still hasn’t revealed the project details, and that mystery has only piqued netizens’ curiosity. Many are already planning to head over on August 20 for a firsthand experience.”
A staff member replied in a low voice.
“That’s it?”
“Also, some netizens said they want a head-to-head comparison to see whether the joint project by Dino Park and Fengdu Scenic Area is more thrilling than Mingsha City’s attraction.”
“This…”
At these words the office fell silent until, after a moment,
Shi Yun looked at Feng Xiangcai with a worried expression, “General Feng, since Mingsha City is acting so arrogantly, we need to be fully prepared.”
Mingsha City may be detestable, but they never mess around—they always pull off surprises.
If they claim it’s thrilling, then it’s bound to exceed everyone’s expectations.
“In that case, I’ll call Adam from Dino Park later to see what they have to say. At this point, there’s really no turning back.”
Feng Xiangcai slowly leaned back in his chair.
Moments ago he had thought our project would differ from Mingsha City’s, but now things seem a bit off.
“Alright then!”
The long night dragged on.
For the average worker, the day was over, yet some offices still had the lights on—as if their workday had only just begun.
Yan City TV
In the editing department, a few editors leaned back in their chairs, chatting idly, with Editor-in-Chief Ren Long among them.
“Sigh! I wonder how far along Mingsha City’s ‘Fengshen Entertainment’ is now?”
A male editor by the window glanced at the busy traffic outside and said in a dejected tone.
“Right, Director Ren! Maybe you should ask about it.”
No sooner had he spoken than a female editor across from him couldn’t help but add.
“Honestly, ever since ‘Celebrating the Remaining Years’ with Haofang Culture aired, Yan City TV hasn’t had a hit show. Even our new prime-time slot isn’t matching the re-run ratings of Haofang Culture’s earlier dramas.”
With that,
it wasn’t just the Content Department of Haishi TV—other parts of the station often recalled those days of back-to-back hits with Haofang Culture.
“Haven’t you seen those posts online? Mingsha City is launching a new attraction on August 20! And it’s clearly aimed at Dino Park, so their ‘Fengshen Entertainment’ is definitely going to be postponed.”
Hearing this, Ren Long couldn’t help but sigh.
“That one at No.4 Entertainment City?”
The editors were momentarily stunned.
“Exactly! If it weren’t for the TV stations uniting to boycott Haofang Culture’s cultural export projects, Haofang Culture might have already wrapped up production! Mingsha City never plays half-heartedly when it comes to these things.”
Ren Long managed a wry smile.
“The director’s right—the fault lies with those TV stations.”
Ding-a-ling! Just as the male editor by the window was about to add something, Ren Long’s phone suddenly rang.
“Huh?”
He picked up the phone. For a moment Ren Long was stunned, then his face lit up as he signaled the editors to hold their chatter before answering.
“Mr. Fang, hello!”
Mr. Fang? Hearing this, several editors beamed.
Only one person could prompt Ren Long to address him that way—Fang Hou from Haofang Culture.
“Director Ren, hello. This is Fang Hou. Here’s the situation…”
In the next moment, Fang Hou’s voice came through the phone.
The conversation lasted several minutes.
“Wait—are you suggesting another outdoor live broadcast with our channel? Something tied to No.4 Entertainment City?”
The more Ren Long listened, the wider his eyes grew.
“Yes!”
Fang Hou replied.
“So, is it a one-off live broadcast, or…?”
Coming back to his senses,
Ren Long actually stood up.
“It’s not a one-off! We want to launch an ongoing live variety show. It all depends on whether your channel is interested. If not, we’ll take it to Yun Province TV.”
“We’re very interested!”
Without hesitation, Ren Long responded.
If this were another culture company, he might have hesitated, but this is Haofang Culture—and it’s linked to No.4 Entertainment City.
Not to mention,
with the uproar over Mingsha City’s No.4 Entertainment City, the ratings on August 20 are guaranteed to soar.
For Yan City TV, this project is nothing short of a lifesaver.
“Then…”
“Mr. Fang, how about this: I’ll inform our channel head first, then we can discuss fees and advertising placements. After that, we sign a contract. How does that sound?”
After a brief pause, Ren Long said.
“Alright! But you know our project is scheduled to officially launch on August 20, so…”
“No problem! Once I finalize things here, I’ll head to Mingsha City to sign the contract with you.”
“Deal!”
And after chatting about other matters for a few minutes, the two hung up.
The moment the call ended, all the editors crowded around, “Director, is this from Haofang Culture?”
“Yes! Wait for my detailed update.”
Ren Long nodded, then grabbed his overcoat from the back of his chair and left the office.
Someone once said that in the internet age, it only takes an hour for an unknown person to become a national sensation.
By 11 PM, not only had Mingsha City’s targeted reply soared to trending status, but the feud between Mingsha City and Dino Park was also re-ignited by netizens. In an instant, August 20 became a landmark date.
Of course,
more netizens speculated that perhaps Mingsha City might unveil an expanded version of an ‘Eighteen Levels of Hell’ attraction—making it even more thrilling than Dino Park’s.
However, that theory was quickly shot down by many.
Their reasoning was simple: No.2 Entertainment City’s “The Long Road of Life” already features ghostly elements, so No.4 Entertainment City wouldn’t repeat the same formula. Besides, when Mingsha City launched No.2 Entertainment City and Lanruo Temple, they never claimed the project was that thrilling.
Little did anyone know, while netizens were wildly guessing, at Dino Park Headquarters in the president’s office, Cole furrowed his brow, “What exactly is Mingsha City’s No.4 Entertainment City planning? And is it really that thrilling? Could it be something like a roller coaster?”
After a moment,
he forcefully stubbed his cigar into the ashtray and remarked.
“Leader, your analysis isn’t far off! I reckon it might be something similar—the only twist is that Mingsha City may incorporate traditional Long Kingdom elements.”
Across the desk, Adam added,
“If that’s the case, it’s even better! Although their project is thrilling, it’s nowhere near our style. We deliver a Western fantasy adventure—something Mingsha City simply can’t match.”
Cole exhaled in relief.
“Leader, shall we issue a response?”
After a brief pause, Adam said,
“A response?”
Cole glanced at the electronic calendar on the wall, squinting slightly, “How about you post an announcement later stating that anyone who completes our new project will receive a super surprise! Let’s see if Mingsha City dares to compete. Our project is so challenging that hardly anyone finishes it.”
After the project’s completion, many staff members had already gotten a sneak preview—and indeed, few managed to clear it.
“Super surprise? You mean like a bonus reward?”
Adam’s eyes lit up.
He couldn’t deny the idea’s appeal; it would attract visitors and even counter Mingsha City.
“Yes!”
“So, what reward should we set?”
Adam asked further.
“Let’s offer a cash prize of 500 yuan plus a full pass to Dino Park. But it must have a time limit—valid for one month! If it’s too long, too many netizens might clear it.”
After a moment of thought, Cole added,
“Alright, Leader!”
Tides rise and fall.
Days passed swiftly, and before they knew it, only three days remained until August 20.
Haishi Eggplant TV Headquarters
Cai An sat at his computer, browsing webpages. It wasn’t until a few minutes later that he lifted his tea cup and took a small sip.
“I have to hand it to them! The uproar caused by an entertainment city is even bigger than what some giant companies manage with tens of millions in ad spend.”
“Right! And this time, Dino Park is clearly planning to go head-to-head with Mingsha City. They’re offering rewards valued at nearly 1,000 yuan after visitors experience all the attractions—that shows serious confidence in their project.”
The channel director sitting on the sofa across the desk nodded in agreement.
In recent days, both the Culture and Tourism channel and various portal sites have been featuring dedicated columns—a treatment our project had never enjoyed before.
Especially netizens; once Dino Park announced its experience reward, excitement exploded online. Support for both sides became an even split. “If Mingsha City hadn’t escalated further, their support rate would be even higher.”
Cai An casually lit a cigarette.
“Indeed.”
Thump, thump, thump! Just as the channel director was about to add more, a knock resounded at the office door.
“Come in!”
“Leader, Yan City TV just issued an announcement!”
In the next moment, the office door swung open as a staff member poked in and whispered,
“Yan City TV issued an announcement? What’s going on?”
At that,
Cai An and the channel director exchanged glances.
“Leader, the announcement from Yan City TV is related to Mingsha City’s No.4 Entertainment City.”
The staff member continued,
“Hmm? Related to No.4 Entertainment City?”
Cai An’s expression changed; he immediately straightened up and began furiously typing on his keyboard.
Minutes later, after reading through Yan City TV’s announcement, Cai An looked up, his face filled with shock.
“Wow, Mingsha City is ruthless!”
“Leader, what did Yan City TV say?”
Cai An’s reaction piqued the channel director’s interest.
“Yan City TV announced that they’ve partnered with Mingsha City on a challenge-style variety show held at Mingsha City’s No.4 Entertainment City. Participants who complete the challenge will receive corresponding rewards.”
Cai An shook his head with a bitter smile.
It turned out he had underestimated Mingsha City!
While Dino Park only offered a challenge reward, they went a step further by teaming up with Yan City TV to launch a full-blown program—with prizes and conditions far more extravagant than Dino Park’s.
“A challenge-based variety show? Can that really work?”
The channel director’s expression changed.
Years ago, Long Kingdom had its share of challenge-based variety shows, where ordinary contestants tackled water obstacles for a chance to win a refrigerator or other appliances.
At first, audiences watched with enthusiasm, but as similar shows multiplied and professional challengers emerged,
this type of program eventually lost its appeal and became obsolete.
“If it were produced by another company, it certainly wouldn’t work. But remember, this is Haofang Culture, and the challenge venue is none other than the highly popular No.4 Entertainment City. Also, do you know what prize Mingsha City is offering?”
Cai An shook his head.
“What is it?”
“It’s either a 120-square-meter apartment in Yan City or Haishi’s Fourth Ring—your choice—plus permanent access to Mingsha City. And the apartment is a gift, tax-free!”
“Huh?”
The channel director was instantly stunned.
It took him a moment to regain his composure.
“So… did Yan City TV’s announcement specify what exactly Mingsha City’s No.4 Entertainment City is planning?”
Just moments earlier, he had felt a flicker of hope.
“No!”
Meanwhile,
as Cai An and the channel director discussed Mingsha City’s announcement, online forums erupted with chatter.
“Oh my god, I thought Mingsha City was too cautious to challenge Dino Park by offering prizes, but they really went all out!”
“Not just big—when Mingsha City acts, they pull out all the stops!”
“Dino Park’s challenge reward is only about a thousand yuan, but Mingsha City added an extra tenfold, and while Dino Park’s reward has a time limit, Mingsha City’s is permanent!”
“Also, after clearing Dino Park’s challenge, there’s no guarantee you’ll receive your prize, but Mingsha City is completely different! Yan City TV will livestream at set times and even have a notary present—so you never have to worry about your prize.”
“Comparing the two, Mingsha City’s prize has been amped up many times over compared to Dino Park’s.”
“So I really want to know what Mingsha City’s No.4 Entertainment City is planning. To be so confident—they know Long Kingdom never lacks fierce competitors!”
“The guy upstairs, what’s happening there isn’t as important—just buy a ticket to Mingsha City. The only worry is whether you can still book a slot, and if you’ll secure an experience qualification once you get there.”
“That actually sounds reasonable!”
In the blink of an eye, evening arrived.
Yan City Ancient Architecture Research Institute
Li Jue, who had been busy signing off documents, froze when he heard Liu Shan speak.
“What? So many of our staff want to take a two-day leave to visit Mingsha City?”
Lao Ba added, “Liu Shan might have caught a second bout of his illness—feverish and constantly having diarrhea. Once he’s feeling better, we’ll update you.”