Chapter 53: New Projects in the Desert

“As long as there’s plenty of wheat straw, it’s all good,” someone remarked.

Zhu Qiang let out a quiet sigh of relief.

No matter what projects we launch in the desert later, windbreaks and sand stabilization will always be the top priority. Otherwise, even a rapidly built project will soon be buried by sand.

“By the way, Mr. Zhu, what new project requires so much straw for windbreaks and sand control?”

Wang Jianhuan, noticing Zhu Qiang’s expression, couldn’t help but ask curiously.

In the past, when they worked on windbreak and sand control, they never needed so much straw at once; they would gradually install grass lattices and plant saxaul trees or lemon-studded branches step by step.

“Uncle Wang, we don’t have any major projects here. For now, we’re planning some small amusement parks. By the way, Little Luo, do you have any ideas on that special project Brother Hao mentioned?”

Zhu Qiang explained earnestly to Wang Jianhuan before turning his attention to Luo Peng.

“Not at the moment. There aren’t many projects available for hands-on experience. Trying to build a tourism fortress is just too difficult! Especially in the age of short videos—once we launch a fun project, sand tourism areas everywhere will surely jump on the bandwagon in the following days.”

Luo Peng gave a bitter smile and shook his head.

He had been mulling over the idea all last night—even dreaming about the project—but sadly, he hadn’t come up with anything concrete.

“Oh, I thought you were going all out to build a film city like the one in Ning’an.”

Wang Jianhuan muttered quietly as he continued working, relieved there wasn’t a huge project lined up.

“Wait, Uncle Wang, what did you just say?”

While Zhu Qiang was chatting with Luo Peng, a stray comment from Uncle Wang suddenly caught his ear. He immediately looked over.

“Me? Did I say too much? I only mentioned that you might model yourselves after Ning’an’s film city; I didn’t mean anything else.”

Uncomfortably, Wang Jianhuan scratched his head, embarrassed at what he thought might have been a misstep.

“Film city, film city… With my scatterbrained mind, how could I forget? Uncle Wang, thanks for the reminder.”

Zhu Qiang patted his forehead and quickly grabbed Uncle Wang’s hand.

“Film city? Mr. Zhu, you mean setting up a film city? Given our current financial strength…”

Luo Peng, standing nearby, furrowed his brows.

In truth, the idea of a film city had popped into Zhu Qiang’s mind more than once last night, but it was quickly dismissed.

Investing in a film city isn’t a matter of a few million. It can easily run into billions, if not more, and doing so in the desert entails even greater costs.

Although Ning’an’s so-called film city exists, its scale is more like a desert-themed filming location compared to the grand southern film cities.

“No, not a film city. We’re talking about making films and shooting on location—in short, if a movie or TV show scores high ratings or box office, it’ll draw tourists to check it out in person.

That’s something other景区 can’t easily replicate.”

Zhu Qiang shook his head repeatedly.

He had another idea in mind.

“On-location filming? B-but making movies is much easier said than done—it doesn’t compare to short videos.”

After a moment’s thought, Luo Peng still looked worried.

Theoretically, Zhu Qiang’s concept wasn’t flawed, but nothing in life is simple. Filming short videos feels like a more reliable bet.

“They’re different! Short videos are short videos, and films are films. Films can be developed into major IPs, but short videos will forever only produce a few internet celebs.

And when it comes to filming movies? Don’t forget, Brother Hao is still a director.”

Zhu Qiang grew more animated, convinced his idea would succeed.

“Brother Hao is a director? Isn’t he that old-fashioned carpenter?”

“Not at all—that’s just a hobby of his.”

“Then…”

“Let’s first get the small amusement park up and running, then discuss this with Brother Hao.”

Ding, ring, ring. Just as Zhu Qiang was about to add more, his phone suddenly rang.

He glanced at it, exchanged a knowing look with Luo Peng and Wang Jianhuan, and then answered.

“Boss, what’s the call about?”

“Here’s the thing, Mr. Zhu. After a discussion, our county leadership has decided to build a road from Hongsha Gang Village straight to the boundary at 256. If you have time, come by the county so we can discuss it further.”

Almost immediately, Qin Xuan’s voice came through the phone.

“Build a road?”

Zhu Qiang was instantly stunned.

“Yes, you see…”

“Alright, Boss, I’ll be there soon.”

Coming back to himself, Zhu Qiang quickly replied.

Time flew by, and before he knew it, it was already afternoon.

At 256 in Hongsha Gang Village, Xu Hao was busy at the log cabin using modern tools—sometimes a saw, sometimes a chisel—and occasionally pinning a marker behind his ear as he pondered his calculations, completely absorbed in his work.

Meanwhile, at the guesthouse,

Li Jue and his group didn’t disturb Xu Hao; instead, they lingered by the window, chatting casually.

“Old Li, I just went up Shaji. Judging by the foundation Little Xu laid, that octagonal painted lookout is going to be impressive.”

Dong Liping expressed his admiration with a thoughtful look.

Even though he’d only worked with Xu Hao for a few hours, Xu Hao’s abilities had completely impressed him.

This young man was nothing short of extraordinary.

From his skills in developing Shadou area to the unforgettable taste of Mingsha County’s special snack he had for lunch today, every detail made an impression.

For a brief moment, Dong Liping even considered lobbying local leaders to designate Mingsha County as a designated poverty alleviation area once they returned to Lanshi.

“It’s no small feat! But I doubt they’ll use up the entire space. They might even plant a few rows of decorative trees around the perimeter. Even though Little Xu is one of my people, I can’t help but cheer him on wholeheartedly.”

Li Jue picked up the conversation.

“Old Li’s right! With such a massive foundation, if it were completely filled, its scale could rival that of Wanchun Pavilion behind the 49 Imperial City—it’s nearly impossible for Little Xu to do it all on his own!”

Feng Wancheng shook his head in agreement.

Many assume that building a pavilion is simple, but aside from top-tier ancient structures like those in the 49 Imperial City, a pavilion truly reflects the architectural prowess of an era.

“Don’t be so certain—what if things change? At lunch today, I specifically searched online for Xu Hao’s livestream clips. The comment section was filled with one recurring phrase: ‘This guy doesn’t play by the rules.'”

Dong Liping glanced at his two old friends.

“Alright, I won’t argue with you. Let’s wait and see. By the way, Old Li, when is Little Xu scheduled to start assembling?”

Feng Wancheng chuckled.

“Should be tomorrow or the day after. He mentioned he wants his livestream fans to witness firsthand the birth of the octagonal painted pavilion.”

After a moment’s thought, Li Jue said,

“Fans? If the fans don’t see it in person, they’ll just say all sorts of unbelievable things.”

“Give it a couple of days,”

“Yeah, might as well treat it as a retreat.”

“That’s the truth.”

Little did they know, as the three big shots discussed the fans, the first batch of guesthouse bookings had already arrived in Lanshi, the capital of Su Province.

At a certain star-rated hotel, a stunning national beauty arrived at the reception.

She said, “Hello, I’d like to book a single room.”

“Han Xiaoqing?”

The receptionist examined her ID and the woman carefully before beginning the check-in process.

“Excuse me, do you know what time the earliest bus to Wei City Mingsha County departs tomorrow? Is there a direct bus?”

While checking her registration, the beauty inquired.

“Mingsha County? It seems there isn’t one. Are you heading there?”

The receptionist was momentarily taken aback.

“Yes, I need a change of pace.”

The beauty nodded in agreement.