Chapter 60: Desert Dreams and Ancient Courtyards

Ancient courtyard? How many square meters are we talking?

Yang Yuan exhaled slowly and pressed on, “So, how big?”

The ancient courtyard is still within acceptable parameters. His worry was that this guy might suddenly decide to build some bizarre structure—a multi-story wooden building, tower, clock tower, or drum tower—that would be impossible to match.

“Xu Hao didn’t mention the exact size on stream, but it’s probably not huge!”

“Oh? And why’s that?”

“On the live, Xu Hao said he wouldn’t build an ancient courtyard in any other Shadou area; he’s merely upgrading the Fenced Courtyard. Since the Fenced Courtyard is on the northern slope of Shadou, available space is limited.”

Liu Qing quickly offered his analysis and reasoning.

“Exactly! Imitation ancient buildings average around 2,500 per square meter—excluding land costs—so our company can manage that expense.”

“So, Yang General, are you suggesting we switch Zhang Chi’s challenge mode to cater to the netizens’ request?”

Liu Qing asked in a hushed tone.

In his view, Tianchen Culture had only this one path to take while the other nine challengers could continue their survival contests independently. Eventually, those nine would drop out and never win the challenge prize.

“Have you asked Zhang Chi if he could manage an ancient courtyard with just a few junior workers?”

Yang Yuan didn’t nod but instead replied, “I did. It’s unlikely. So if we’re teaming up with Xu Hao, we’ll need to get professional craftsmen from an imitation ancient architecture company to pose as junior workers and work behind the scenes.”

“Is that really the best Zhang Chi can do with ancient construction?”

“Yang General, Zhang Chi excels at live streaming. His ability in imitation ancient construction is only above average. To run an entire ancient courtyard project, you need top-notch craftsmen.”

“But if we contract the imitation ancient architecture company, they won’t tack on a separate design fee.”

Liu Qing murmured.

In reality, this whole situation was a direct result of Tianchen Culture. Without Tianchen Culture and Ziyun Live forcing an image of ancient master builders, none of this would have occurred.

“Understood! I’ll call Qi Haoyong tomorrow. If he agrees to cover half the expenses, we’ll change the challenge mode; if not, forget it!”

With a snap of his cigar, Yang Yuan glanced at Liu Qing.

“Call Qi Haoyong? He… he probably won’t agree.”

Liu Qing was momentarily taken aback.

“If he refuses, then that’s that! In the end, any ancient courtyards built will stay in the desert, and it’s Ning’an Cultural and Tourism Group that profits from the tourists. Why should we foot the bill?”

Yang Yuan waved his hand decisively.

Tianchen Culture would never commit funds to a project with no returns.

“Alright then!”

The morning winds in Tengli Desert were gentle, especially at sunrise—a view that took one’s breath away.

Shadou

Fenced Courtyard: Xu Hao had just returned to his log cabin from Shaji.

He hadn’t come to watch the desert sunrise; he was here to see off Li Jue and his crew. Last night, after Li Jue had etched his name on the Desert Pavilion, he mentioned he’d leave Shadou early today to head back to Yan City. Xu Hao didn’t try to stop him.

The remaining lacquer work on the Desert Pavilion was straightforward—mix the right color and even a basic junior worker could handle it. Besides, these three were high-ranking officials who didn’t need to stay long just to observe.

More importantly, these three bigwigs managing to stay in Shadou for three days was an achievement in itself.

“Wood lacquer, various brushes.”

Glancing at the items hanging on the log cabin wall, Xu Hao muttered to himself.

Just as he grabbed a bucket to mix gasoline with the lacquer, a pleasantly clear voice suddenly resonated from outside the Fenced Courtyard.

“Brother Hao. Brother Hao!”

“Who is it?”

Startled, Xu Hao immediately stepped out of the log cabin.

Looking up, he spotted a female tourist in a white short-sleeve and light blue denim jeans, her shoulder-length hair softly framing her face, waving at him from outside the Fenced Courtyard. Honestly, his first impression was that she exuded elegance and was stunning—a beauty on par with top national celebrities.

Frankly, her looks and figure outshone even his ex, Fang Ya.

“Hello, is there something you need?”

Coming back to his senses, Xu Hao asked, puzzled.

Normally, the tourists in Shadou knew he’d be busy painting today and wouldn’t want to be disturbed. Could this beauty have other business?

“Brother Hao, I’m Lady Niu!”

Outside the Fenced Courtyard, the elegant woman beamed and quickly said.

“Lady Niu? You’re really Lady Niu?”

Xu Hao’s pupils dilated noticeably.

If anyone had left an impression post-stream, apart from Lady Niu it would be Wo Long; their support for him was unmatched. Others could be overlooked, but these two deserved top hospitality.

Yet Xu Hao never expected that a stunning beauty would choose such a rough online nickname.

“I never expected it to be you! Please, come in quickly.”

Coming to his senses, Xu Hao hurried to the small courtyard door and opened the Fenced Courtyard gate.

“Thank you, Brother Hao. I’m Han Xiaoqing. Nice to meet you.”

As soon as the gate swung open, the beauty confidently extended her right hand and introduced herself.

“You’re too kind. I must also thank you for your support on the live stream.”

Xu Hao mirrored the gesture and reached out his right hand.

Perhaps because they frequently interacted live or for some other reason, there was no awkwardness—it felt just like reuniting with an old friend.

“Come on, let’s go inside!”

“Mmm. Ever since you built the log cabin, I’ve been eager to see the Fenced Courtyard. Now I finally get to admire this charming little house in person.”

Han Xiaoqing nodded happily.

A few minutes later, after touring the log cabin, Xu Hao poured Han Xiaoqing a glass of water and resumed their conversation.

“How’s the desert trip treating you? If you think there’s anything we should adjust, don’t hesitate to tell us.”

Xu Hao said earnestly.

Han Xiaoqing, ever straightforward on stream, showed genuine support for Shadou’s development.

“The desert experience is incredible. I can’t pinpoint any improvements offhand, but I didn’t come here just to critique. Don’t overthink it.”

Han Xiaoqing smiled, her eyes curving like crescents.

“Oh? Is there something more?”

Xu Hao scratched his head. Frankly, he had expected Lady Niu to simply catch up for old times or offer some advice.

“It’s just that I’d like to claim a few grass lattices near that pavilion. I’m wondering if Brother Hao would agree. Naturally, Shadou will cover the costs.”

At the mention of business, Han Xiaoqing suddenly became very serious.

“Claim grass lattices? What for?”

Xu Hao asked, puzzled.

“For planting trees!”

“Actually, the plan for the grass lattices near Shadou is only preliminary. Later, Mingsha Tourism will also plant trees, so…”

“Brother Hao! It’s different this time! I started at Yan City University last year and, as a newly appointed class advisor, I want to plant a ‘Time Tree’ for every student. They’ll hang their four-year goals on the trees, and when they graduate, we can come back and witness it.”

This will serve both as motivation for them and as a keepsake for me.

Han Xiaoqing explained.

“Yan City University? A class advisor?”

Xu Hao couldn’t help but take another look at Han Xiaoqing. It wasn’t that he was checking her out—he was genuinely impressed.

After all, Yan City University is one of the Long Kingdom’s top institutions, and to teach there is no small feat. What amazed him even more was her plan to plant ‘Time Trees’ for her students.

In middle and high school, class advisors played a significant role, but in university the title is mostly honorary; a college advisor rarely appears more than a handful of times.

Most university matters are handled by class leaders and counselors.

“So, what do you say? You set the cost! I don’t need many grass lattices—just thirty-five will do. And don’t worry, Brother Hao, I’ll make sure the trees get proper care after planting.”

Han Xiaoqing leaned forward slightly.

“Cost? Who cares about cost? You’re not like the others. Pick any grass lattices you like near Shadou.”

Coming to his senses, Xu Hao immediately nodded.

Not only was this project meaningful, but even if it weren’t, he wouldn’t refuse Lady Niu—and Han Xiaoqing’s suggestion sparked a new idea.

“Really? I can pick whatever I like? Brother Hao, thank you so much!”

Hearing Xu Hao’s enthusiastic reply, Han Xiaoqing was visibly overjoyed.

“Mmm!”

“Then I’ll choose the western slope of the Pavilion! To repay your kindness, I’ll head over there today, mark the chosen grass lattices, and then help you with the painting. How does that sound?”

“Uh? You can do that?”

“I used to do crafts.”

Before long, it was already 11 a.m. Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng had just dismounted their camels. As they began their walk toward the Fenced Courtyard, they stopped short when they noticed the scene at the Pavilion.

They saw Xu Hao meticulously painting on a wooden frame, while a stunning beauty handed him various tools—the sight was both harmonious and striking.

“Who’s that woman? When did Brother Hao pick someone up? Is she a tourist? How did they meet? It’s only been a day and things are moving so fast?”

Coming back to reality, Luo Peng began peppering the air with gossip.

In his memory, Xu Hao had always been single. Now with a beauty at his side, things certainly seemed more complicated than they appeared.

“Picked up? That’s crude! Better say he met the right person at the right time—no need to dwell on specifics, just live in the moment.”

Zhu Qiang shot Luo Peng a glare.

“Eh, Zhu General’s got a higher IQ!”

Luo Peng chuckled.

“Let’s go. Don’t disturb Brother Hao.”

“Mmm!”

After a brief exchange, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng started down the staircase. Just then, several young tourists on Shaji spotted them, waved, and soon came running over, panting.

“You’re Mr. Zhu from Mingsha Culture, right?”

“What can we do for you?”

Zhu Qiang nodded in acknowledgment.

Officially, he was the president of Mingsha Tourism and the public face of Shadou’s operations, while Xu Hao—the true boss—was merely a charismatic streamer drawing the crowd.

“Mr. Zhu, we’d like to claim some grass lattices to plant trees. Could you tell us the cost involved? We plan to plant two acacia trees, which means we need about twenty grass lattices.”

A young couple’s faces shone with anticipation.