Chapter 80: Ancient Ambitions

Break up? Weren’t you two always in a solid relationship? In today’s showbiz, every artist has to be single before signing with an agency. Once they hit fame, a new romance can stir up buzz, and a breakup can do the same.

A long silence followed.

Fang Hou let out a sigh.

After years in the entertainment industry, he knew every trick in the book.

‘Let’s not dwell on her – that’s all in the past. I’ll send you the full address later. For now, come over so we can discuss the TV series,’ he said.

Xu Hao added.

He had long since let go of his feelings for Fang Ya, so Fang Hou’s ignorance didn’t trouble him.

‘No problem! I’ll finish sorting out the mahjong parlor business first, then head straight to you!’

‘Alright!’

After hanging up, Xu Hao walked over to his desk.

The No.1 guesthouse in Shadou had been transformed into Xu Hao’s home office. On his desk lay a set of blueprints – the design for the Ancient Building Courtyard.

‘It should be finished in just over a week,’ he noted.

Glancing at the sketch, he picked up a pen and began marking the plans.

The slow pace on this project was due to the pre-installed underground conduits for water and electricity, which would supply both the street-facing shops and the back courtyards.

Even though Mingsha County’s utilities hadn’t reached the edge of the desert yet, pre-laying the conduits ensured there would be no issues. After all, what kind of ancient courtyard would have utility poles sticking out everywhere?

If this courtyard is to be ancient, then it must be authentically so.

‘Tomorrow we can start installing the beams and rafters on a grand scale!’

Muttering to himself, Xu Hao gradually fell into deep thought.

Before long, nearly ten days had slipped by in Shadou, Mingsha.

9:00 AM

The previously quiet Shadou suddenly buzzed with life. Where there had once been only a vendors’ entrance, tourists and workers now swarmed – and Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng were among them.

At that moment,

about a dozen workers were busy installing a roughly 5-meter-tall, 8-meter-wide bluestone archway at the entrance.

‘Brother Hao is unbeatable when it comes to ancient builds. He promised an Ancient Building Courtyard – but look at this! It isn’t just a courtyard; it’s an entire ancient town!’

‘Absolutely!’

As the workers shouted instructions, several tourists in the distance could only marvel at the sight of the so-called Ancient Building Courtyard.

From the entrance, two-story wooden shops with bluestone pavements lined both sides, stretching nearly a mile – though that wasn’t the most impressive part.

The true spectacle could be seen from atop the Desert Pavilion, which offered a full view of the entire Ancient Building Courtyard.

Running north to south and shaped like an ellipse to suit the terrain, the courtyard was split by a row of shops. Behind these, clusters of ancient quadrangle courtyards spread out, linked by narrow alleys. Their design was strikingly similar to the courtyards in Yan City’s Second Ring.

The total area was estimated to exceed 20,000 square meters.

With such grandeur, how could one not be impressed? After all, just twenty days ago this place was nothing more than a vendors’ district.

‘I heard Ning’an is holding its completion ceremony today?’

After a brief pause, a tourist added,

‘Yeah! There’s quite a stir over there. Besides the ceremony, they kicked off filming for “The Culinary God and the Flowering Hero.” Not only did the top streamers from Ziyun Guild show up, but a host of celebrities were also in attendance,’

and it had already made headlines in entertainment news.

A nearby male tourist sneered.

Today also marked the completion of Mingsha’s ancient build. The moment the archway was erected, it signified that the area was officially finished. Yet in terms of atmosphere, the difference was night and day compared to the other side.

Over there, with drums, gongs, and firecrackers filling the air and throngs of people milling about, here only Mingsha Tourism staff and a few guesthouse guests gathered to watch.

‘So what if it’s bustling? I took a look at that ancient project over there—its quality, scale, and design don’t hold a candle to Brother Hao’s work here. When it comes to ancient architecture, he completely outclasses Ning’an. Too bad they now refuse to mention any ancient designs,’

‘Well, what can you do? They had a major project on their side,’

After a pause, one tourist, puzzled, remarked.

‘By the way, I heard General Zhu say that once the archway was completed, all the ancient guesthouses and street shops would open to the public. Why isn’t Brother Hao streaming today to promote it?’

‘Honestly, there’s no need to stream. Everyone following Brother Hao are his die-hard fans. Besides, many already follow the official Mingsha Tourism account, which updates the desert’s news promptly,’

‘Oh!’

‘Tell me – won’t all that commotion over there hurt the occupancy rates of these ancient quadrangle guesthouses? If business dips, could that affect Brother Hao’s future projects?’

‘I don’t think so! Even if Brother Hao’s side isn’t generating huge hype, its beauty and style simply can’t be matched. Plus, I heard Tengwang Pavilion is currently being revamped. Once it officially opens, it’ll surely draw a wave of tourists.’

‘As for Brother Hao’s next project, there’s no need to wait long. He mentioned during his live stream a few days ago that new construction would only begin after water and power reached the desert,’

‘Tengwang Pavilion renovations? What exactly are they planning?’

‘I mean, just mention Tengwang Pavilion and I can hardly wait! When the lights come on at night, seeing it in the heart of the desert is simply breathtaking – I’d love to climb up and get a closer look,’

‘They’re definitely setting it up with attractions for visitors, because an empty Tengwang Pavilion would only earn a pile of negative reviews,’

‘No doubt about it!’

‘Let’s hope Tengwang Pavilion opens soon. For today, let’s take a tour of this Ancient Building Courtyard,’

‘Alright!’

‘One! Two! Go!’ At that moment, dozens of workers hoisted the archway into place, and the inscription on it was finally revealed.

Qixia Town

Many tourists instinctively read aloud the name carved on the plaque.

‘Qixia Town? So Brother Hao knew all along that this wasn’t just an Ancient Building Courtyard – it was an entire ancient town!’

Coming back to reality,

a tourist couldn’t help but laugh.

‘Heh, but isn’t naming it a courtyard a bit misleading?’

‘Wait, why do you think it’s called Qixia Town?’

‘How should I know? But many ancient structures are named after chivalrous legends, so it’s not surprising,’

‘Oh!’

Unbeknownst to the tourists, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng were deep in conversation off in the distance. “General Zhu, did Brother Hao reserve that inn as he requested?”

Turning to glance at the lengthy ancient street, Zhu Qiang asked,

‘Tongfu Inn?’

After a moment’s thought, Luo Peng replied,

‘Yes, that one! Brother Hao himself insisted we keep it reserved, while all the other shops can be rented out. It’s essential!’

‘General Zhu, it’s already been set aside. By the way, a few vendors just asked when they can move into the shops over there – and how the rent will be calculated. Are there any other conditions?’