Chapter 58: A Clash of Wits and Ambitions

Hehe, if you can’t figure it out, then you really can’t—stop using survival challenges as an excuse!

Exactly!

Back when he was boasting in his live stream about being a master of ancient architecture, he didn’t say that.

Unfortunately, the viewers in the live stream weren’t buying Zhang Chi’s explanation; some even started dredging up his previous remarks.

“You guys…”

Zhang Chi’s face turned as dark as night. He wanted to retort but had no idea where to start.

“Everyone, calm down. In fact, Chi Zi isn’t entirely wrong. He’s here for the survival challenge to win the prize money, not to compete with Xu Hao.”

“The conditions are totally different! There’s just no comparison!”

Luckily, one of Zhang Chi’s loyal fans stepped in, giving him a brief moment to catch his breath.

“Not to compete with Xu Hao? Then why drag him into it during the live stream? You hadn’t even finished building your log cabin and already rushed into copying his pavilion design.”

“Aren’t you ashamed of saying that?”

An audience member immediately shot back.

“Uh…”

The loyal fan was stumped, left speechless and too intimidated to continue.

“Please, don’t stir up trouble randomly. I can build a pavilion—that’s my thing—but what’s the point of a challenger repeatedly building the same one?”

Hearing this, Zhang Chi couldn’t help but try to smooth things over for himself.

“So?”

“So, I plan to create some unique structures. I set my own pace, okay?”

“Hehe, what a twist. You say you don’t want to build repetitive structures, fine. Xu Hao is about to start an ancient architecture compound over there. Dare to compare? Besides, the live chat will surely tell Tianchen Culture to relax the conditions.”

A viewer sent a flurry of mocking emojis.

“They’re starting an ancient architecture compound over there?”

Zhang Chi’s heart skipped a beat—he had barely caught half of Xu Hao’s live stream.

“So, what? Dare or not?”

The viewers pressed on with more questions.

“This…”

The more Zhang Chi thought about it, the more uneasy he felt. Back when he worked as a regular team leader at a replica ancient building company, he’d never even hosted an ancient architecture project.

“It’s easier said than done. The organizers have their own plans and won’t change them just because of you guys.”

Snapping back to reality,

Zhang Chi gritted his teeth and said reluctantly,

“Really? Brothers, let’s head over to Tianchen Culture first to negotiate. Once we secure better terms, we’ll crash his live stream.”

Instantly, the live chat was flooded with discontented emojis.

Time flew by and soon it was nine in the evening.

256 Hongsha Gang Village was ablaze with lights. Many tourists, fresh from dinner, had just returned to their rooms. After a full day under the scorching sun building pavilions, claiming not to be tired was laughable.

At that very moment, Li Jue and two others arrived at the fenced courtyard to meet Xu Hao.

“Director Li, please, have a seat. My place may be modest, but it’s no five-star motel.”

Seeing this,

Xu Hao hurriedly got up to make arrangements.

“Don’t worry, we’re not fussy!”

Li Jue and the others didn’t waste time with pleasantries and sat down on wooden stools.

“Xiao Xu, today you’ve truly opened our eyes, us old timers. Impressive, absolutely impressive!”

Barely had they sat when Dong Liping gave a thumbs-up.

“Old Dong’s right. This trip to Mingsha County has been surprisingly rewarding.”

Li Jue added with genuine emotion,

“While amateurs just watch the show, only true insiders understand the craft. Only veterans like us know just how thrilling today has been.”

“You flatter us. It’s just idle tinkering!”

Xu Hao quickly waved his hand modestly.

“Idle tinkering? This isn’t mere guesswork—it’s next-level expertise. By the way, I called you here tonight to discuss something.”

Li Jue smirked slightly,

“Go on, Director Li.”

“Here’s the deal: in Yan City, there’s an ancient pavilion in desperate need of restoration, but no one at the Ancient Architecture Institute dares to take the helm. I was thinking you could give it a shot.”

At the mention of business, Director Li’s expression grew serious.

Before setting off, he had doubted Xu Hao’s abilities. But after witnessing the construction of both the ancient guesthouse and the pavilion, Xu Hao had become his only choice for restoring Wanchun Pavilion.

“A pavilion within 49 Imperial City?”

Xu Hao couldn’t help but feel a surge of emotion.

Back on Earth, his last job had been restoring the Forbidden City. Who would have thought that barely a month after arriving here, he’d been handed a similar task?

For him, it was nothing challenging—it was something he’d even tackled during his doctoral days.

“So, what do you think?”

Li Jue looked at Xu Hao with eager eyes.

“Director Li, I’m part of the Ancient Architecture Institute. You can count on us. When do we start?”

Coming back to the present, Xu Hao immediately nodded in agreement.

As long as the schedule is managed properly, heading to Yan City for restoration won’t delay the infrastructure progress in the Shadou area.

“No hurry. I’ll go back and hold a meeting at the institute to report the restoration plan to the relevant departments. It probably won’t kick off for at least a month. By the way, Xiao Xu, have you thought of a name for this pavilion?

That way, I can also recommend it internally so everyone has a chance to come and admire this living piece of history.”

Seeing Xu Hao’s prompt agreement, Li Jue’s satisfaction grew, even to the point of considering grooming Xu Hao as his future successor.

“A name? I haven’t come up with one yet! By the way, Director Li, do you or the other two leaders have any good suggestions? Please help me name it.”

Xu Hao shook his head.

He truly had no idea what to call it.

“Us? That’s… not really appropriate, is it?”

The three exchanged a knowing look.

Predictably, this pavilion was destined for great renown—likely becoming a landmark in Mingsha County. Naming it wouldn’t be just help; it would be an honor.

“What’s so inappropriate about it? The fact that three leaders took time out of their busy schedules to witness the pavilion’s construction is a matter of fate.”

Xu Hao hastily added,

Not that he was trying to butter anyone up—it’s a long-standing tradition in ancient architecture to place high value on fate.

“Then let’s think it over.”

The three immediately nodded their assent, no longer hesitating.

After a moment,

Dong Liping suddenly brightened and blurted out, “Xiao Xu, how about calling it ‘Desert Pavilion’? Standing before it, you can gaze out over three hundred miles of desert.”

“Desert Pavilion?”

“Great name! Old Dong’s idea perfectly complements Xiao Xu’s couplet.”

Both Li Jue and Feng Wancheng agreed it was spot on, and even Xu Hao felt that this name would give the pavilion on Shaji an imposing presence.

“Then it’s settled, Director Li. We’ll call it Desert Pavilion.”

Coming back to himself, Xu Hao immediately said,

“Old Li, what are you waiting for? Go grab some ink and a brush and inscribe a plaque for the pavilion!”

Nearby, Feng Wancheng laughed.

“Me?”

“Of course—your role as Vice President of the Long Kingdom Writers’ Association certainly qualifies you! Besides, since Xiao Xu is with the Ancient Architecture Research Institute, your plaque here will also help keep those who might try to snatch him away at bay.”

Dong Liping gave Li Jue a deep, meaningful look.