Chapter 48: Desert Surprises and New Beginnings

As the top official of the county, Qin Xuan was busy attending to countless issues daily, leaving him little time for short videos. It was only because of Mingsha Tourism that he took a special interest in Xu Hao, who was live streaming from the desert.

Everyone knew Xu Hao was the most relied-upon streamer in the early days of Mingsha Tourism, but no one expected he held another role—not only was he an employee of the Ancient Architecture Institute, but also a department-level official on par with a town head.

“Director Li said it himself, so there’s no doubt about it!”

After a moment’s thought, the Secretary added,

“No matter how Director Li arranges things, you’re going with him to 256 tomorrow. Bring extra food and supplies—we can’t really leave Director Li stranded in the desert.”

Some things were better left unasked. He didn’t press Xu Hao on how he became a researcher at the Ancient Architecture Institute; after all, that was their own affair.

“Alright, Secretary. Then please send me Director Li’s phone number.”

“Sure! His number is 189xxxxxxxx.”

“Got it.”

At 7 p.m., the Tengli Desert was still bathed in daylight. In the Shadou area, next to the Ancient Architecture Hostel, exclamations of awe rang out one after another, showing no sign of slowing down.

“It’s unbelievably incredible!”

Looking at the meticulously cleaned and freshly arranged guest rooms, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng felt as though they had stepped into a five-star hotel.

Modern amenities—the bathroom, curtains, TV, bedside tables, and more—were all present, yet paired with traditional wooden doors to create a seamless blend of eras.

Even more impressive was that the newly set-up rooms carried a subtle, fresh wood aroma without any harsh chemical smells. It was pure indulgence.

“Boss Zhu, how did you manage the water and electricity?”

After testing the water and power, Luo Peng couldn’t help but ask.

“The water comes from a newly dug well in the Hu Yang Forest, using a pump from the underground pipeline. For now, we’re running electricity on a large diesel generator, but solar panels will be installed over the next couple of days. If we expand further, we might even need to join the Long Kingdom’s power grid.”

Mentioning utilities, Zhu Qiang sighed.

Temporary fixes might suffice for now, but a long-term solution would require a significant investment.

“Oh!”

“By the way, how’s Master Tan doing? And is the kitchen environment satisfactory?”

After a pause, Zhu Qiang asked again.

“It’s absolutely fine. He’s already set up the liquefied gas and started cooking—give him an hour at most and we’ll be enjoying Mingsha County’s specialties in the second-floor restaurant,” Luo Peng laughed.

When Tan Mianhua first arrived, he was unhappy, but now his attitude had done a complete 180.

“Also, tomorrow, find a few villagers willing to work in the desert as service staff. The restaurant needs cleaning and the hostel linens must be tended to as well.”

After checking around downstairs for a bit, Zhu Qiang continued,

“Boss Zhu, I’ve arranged everything, but I’m not sure how many tourists will actually fill our rooms on the first day.”

Luo Peng replied with cautious optimism.

After all, it was the desert. Moreover, it had been decided that a one-night stay at the hostel would cost 1,000 per room—about the same as a standard room at a five-star hotel. Meals, camel rides from Hongsha Gang Village, and other extras were additional.

By the calculations, a two-day, one-night trip to 256 would cost at least 3,000.

“Don’t worry about the cost; our pricing is very reasonable. If a room in the desert cost 120, that’d be absurd. The final turnout depends on Hao Ge,”

Zhu Qiang glanced over his shoulder at Xu Hao, who was on Shaji.

At that moment, Xu Hao had just started his live stream, briefing the eagerly awaiting viewers about the specifics of the Shadou area.

“I hope we get full bookings!”

Luo Peng also shot a glance over his shoulder.

Little did they know, as they discussed potential guest numbers, Xu Hao’s live stream had already exploded with activity.

Countless exclamations and puzzled emojis kept pouring in without pause.

“Hao Ge, am I seeing things right?”

“It must be a hallucination!”

“Hao Ge, did you change locations?”

“I don’t think so. The log cabin and fenced courtyard are exactly as before.”

“But…”

“I can’t believe that two days off streaming could cause such a transformation.”

“It’s absolutely mind-blowing! Completely astounding!”

“I originally planned to check out your repair work on the octagonal pavilion—without using nails or wood glue—but somehow, I’m now more intrigued by this new row of hostels.”

“Exactly! The Crescent Moon Ancient Architecture Hostel, right across from a small lake and facing the Hu Yang forest with its reed marsh, is just irresistible.”

“Hao Ge, you’re too mischievous—you’ve forced me to change my travel plans.”

“Same here!”

And so, the live chat buzzed for several minutes until it gradually quieted down.

This was perfectly normal.

Even Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng were momentarily stunned by the impressive Shadou area—imagine the reaction in the live stream!

“Friends, it isn’t as magical as it seems. The Mingsha County Cultural Tourism Company has been burning the midnight oil to set up the hostel, along with other basic facilities.”

After a brief pause, Xu Hao continued,

“Mingsha County Cultural Tourism Company? Hao Ge, are you saying we can now book a room?”

Before Xu Hao could elaborate, his first fan, Lady Niu, immediately asked,

“Yes, bookings are open, but there are a few things you should know in advance.”

Xu Hao nodded.

According to plan, the hostel would start operating normally tomorrow. He would also begin preparations to repair the octagonal pavilion.

“Hao Ge, hurry up and finish your announcement so you can post the booking link. I want to reserve a room,” Lady Niu insisted.

Xu Hao then announced the pricing.

“Each room is 800 per night. Add the camel ride fee from Hongsha Gang Village, meals, and you’re looking at 3,000 for a two-day, one-night stay.”

Xu Hao was upfront: if you could accept the price, come on over—if not, no hard feelings. Don’t complain later after arrival.

“800 a night? Food and drinks for 3,000? Not expensive at all! Hao Ge, post the booking link immediately—I want to reserve a room.”

At the mention of the price, supportive comments flooded the chat.

“The desert is no joke when it comes to water, electricity, and waste disposal.”

“A very fair price indeed! I stayed in a hostel in the deep southern mountains for 3,000 a night last time—this is much cheaper.”

“Some tents cost over 500 a night as well.”

“Then what are we waiting for? Post the link!”

“Unfortunately, bookings will open either the day after tomorrow or the following day.”

“Why?”

“What else? Even if we set off bright and early tomorrow, we’d only reach Mingsha County town by nightfall.”

“That’s about right.”

Noting the positive responses in the chat, Xu Hao thought for a moment and said, “Friends, we only have 30 rooms available.”

Ding ding ding. Just as Xu Hao was about to announce the price to his viewers, his personal phone suddenly buzzed.

“Hmm?”

He glanced at his phone—the note read ‘Section Chief Bai from the Personnel Department of the Ancient Architecture Institute.’ Immediately, Xu Hao explained briefly to his viewers before stepping aside to answer the call.

“Hello, Section Chief Bai!”

“Researcher Xu, are you busy right now?”

Almost immediately, Bai Ming’s voice came through the line.

“Not at all! What’s up?”

“Here’s the situation: Call Director Li later. He’ll be heading your way tomorrow morning. Prepare in advance—if your log cabin isn’t spacious enough, arrange for a tent as well.”

Bai Ming’s voice echoed once more.