Chapter 383: The Auction Conspiracy

“So, what’s up? Has the boss set his eyes on the Yongle Encyclopedia? After all, Mingsha City already has the complete Silk Road Scenic Map.”

At these words, Shi Quan paused in surprise.

On further thought, without high-level authorization, Fu Qiong’s keen insight and analysis—and given the company’s nature—would never have plunged into such murky waters.

Everyone knew that bidding on the Yongle Encyclopedia would never be cost-effective, and the final sale price would surely carry an enormous premium.

“That may be so, but don’t forget his status. He isn’t just the Chairman of Mingsha City; considering his administrative rank, some matters are best left unexplored. Just register a new company,”

he continued. “As for funding—since the boss mentioned it, arrangements have already been made. No need for you or me to worry.”

Fu Qiong waved his hand, halting his further explanation.

“Understood, General Fu! I’ll have everything ready before the auction.”

Seeing this, Shi Quan didn’t press any further.

Nothing more was said.

Though Shi Quan had many questions, he understood deep down that he was merely a manager in a wholly-owned subsidiary of Mingsha City—his rank was far too low, even less than that of a district head within the city.

“Mm-hmm!”

Fu Qiong nodded slightly, then after a brief pause added, “Once the company’s registered, we also need to assign the proper spokesperson.”

“That’s already been arranged.”

“Good then!”

Time shifted. With only two days before the much-hyped Christie’s auction, discussion on every major portal and the leading forums in Long Kingdom revolved around this event—or perhaps the Yongle Encyclopedia. Rumors ran wild online; not even a fallen megastar or leading celebrity could snatch the headlines, proof of its scorching popularity.

Thus,

the fate of the Yongle Encyclopedia garnered even more attention.

At the Haishi Dino Park Headquarters, in the President’s Office, Cole sat before his computer, eyes fixed on the screen.

After a long moment, a cold smile curled at Cole’s lips. “Wasn’t Mingsha City known as the king of buzz? Why has it gone silent now? Not even a word on the major portals!”

“Boss, I feel the issues over at No.4 Entertainment City have hit them hard. Ever since that incident, Mingsha City hasn’t been trending—not even for this auction!

Even ordinary celebrity gossip wouldn’t make the cut. It’s something we never dared to imagine back in the day!”

Across the desk, Deputy Adam nodded in agreement.

To be honest, this scenario was once the ideal outcome. Now that it’s come to pass, it feels a bit surreal—even a little unsettling.

“Speaking of No.4 Entertainment City in Mingsha City, is there any plan to reboot or adjust it?”

At these words, Cole’s expression shifted.

“None at all! Mingsha City announced that No.4 Entertainment City has been permanently shelved. It will neither be developed further nor reopened.”

Adam shook his head.

“Permanently shelved? Heh, looks like I overestimated Mingsha City. One failed project has left them this rattled!”

Cole’s smile deepened.

“Judging from the aftermath at No.4 Entertainment City and Mingsha City’s subsequent actions, they aren’t as formidable as we once thought—not an unbeatable force!

With cautious handling from now on, there shouldn’t be any major issues.”

After a moment’s thought,

Deputy Adam nodded in full agreement.

“Cautious handling? Ha! In Long Kingdom there’s an old saying: once your momentum is lost, it’s hard to regain it! From what we see, Mingsha City’s momentum has peaked!

Soon, we won’t have to lift a finger; Mingsha City will collapse on its own!”

Leaning back in his chair, Cole casually lit a cigar.

“Collapse on its own?”

Adam was taken aback.

Though recent events in Mingsha City did seem to align with Cole’s predictions, after all, they were still a major player in Long Kingdom’s cultural and tourism sector—not to be underestimated.

“Doubt it?”

“The boss said that although the No.4 Entertainment City project in Mingsha City has been permanently shelved, the infrastructure work continues. Soon, they’ll even have another project with Yan City TV.

Who knows, that project might just get them trending again.”

After a brief hesitation,

Adam finally voiced his thoughts.

“Which registered project are you referring to? The one called ‘Investiture List’?”

Cole shot Adam a quick glance.

“Mm-hmm!”

“Heh, don’t worry. In Long Kingdom, momentum is a mysterious thing. Once it’s gone—forget movies, even a sip of cold water becomes impossible! And no film company can guarantee that every project they launch is a masterpiece. It’s about time this film got its turn!”

“So, what exactly are you saying?”

“Once the auction wraps, we’ll start pre-heating our Magic Academy on all platforms! We’ll hit them hard while they’re weak! After this wave, Dino Park must become Long Kingdom’s top cultural and tourism brand!

Only then will there be no one to criticize price hikes later on.”

“Understood, Boss!”

As night deepened, a full moon hung in the sky, making the vast, desolate Gobi of western Long Kingdom feel even lonelier and cooler.

Mingsha City, Ancient Building Courtyard

After reviewing the documents, Xu Hao signed his name with swift strokes.

He then handed the file to Luo Peng across from him.

“Brother Hao, after this batch of rebar and concrete reaches the core zone, how much difference are we talking about?”

Receiving the file,

Luo Peng couldn’t help but glance at Xu Hao.

“Once delivered, the rebar and concrete will be nearly spot-on; it’s mostly the wood, soil, and various pipes that are short.”

Xu Hao exhaled a breath of relief almost instinctively.

With the continuous push on core zone construction, many things hadn’t gone as originally planned—especially after Daoist Master Cangshan and Canghai had visited a few times, offering copious suggestions and ideas.

As a result, several corresponding projects have undergone significant changes.

Notably, both the final effect and the interactive experience with visitors in the core zone’s upper area have greatly exceeded earlier expectations.

“Wood and soil? Brother Hao, are you saying that the work beneath the core zone is nearly finished?”

At these words,

Luo Peng’s expression shifted as he asked anxiously.

Since the construction of the core zone began, a vague white mist often shrouded its surroundings. Not only were the outer visitors unclear about the progress, but even the insiders were in the dark.

“Mm-hmm!”

Xu Hao nodded.

The area beneath Mingsha City’s core zone isn’t a bottomless pit; with massive inputs of rebar and concrete, results will eventually show.

“Brother Hao, since the work below the core zone is nearly complete, could I borrow some manpower over here?”

After a brief hesitation, Luo Peng looked at Xu Hao tentatively.

“Borrow manpower? Do you have a new project brewing over there?”

Xu Hao was taken aback.

Ever since the No.4 Entertainment City project ended, Luo Peng had only been assisting on the periphery with no talk of new ideas or projects. Why would he need more people now?

“Brother Hao, you don’t know! Recently, the online chatter has been all about the Christie’s auction! Our Mingsha City has barely made a mark, and that’s why other theories are surfacing online.

Some say that, thanks to the No.4 Entertainment City debacle, Mingsha City’s days are numbered. I figured it was time to stir things up a bit to silence the naysayers!”

When asked,

Luo Peng didn’t hide his true thoughts and immediately shared them.

PS: Brothers, Lao Ba’s personal issues delayed the update, but we’ll resume regular updates until the end.