Chapter 197: A Day of Rehearsals and Breakthroughs

Little Luo, your clothes will be fine—it’s just part of the job.

Upon hearing Luo Peng speak, a plain-looking middle-aged man quickly raised his hand.

These 800 extras are mostly locals from Hongsha Gang Village and surrounding areas. Many grew up watching Luo Peng, and some are even his relatives.

“Uncle Liu, what about your part?”

Luo Peng asked in a rush.

“Little Luo, according to that staff member, I only need to wear the clothes and pretend to shop at the market. But since the stage booth is just a short distance away, should I keep ‘shopping’ continuously or can I just relax and watch the performance on breaks?”

The man asked sheepishly.

By now, they’ve all become official extras contracted by Mingsha Labor—earning 4,000 yuan a month for nothing more than miming shopping.

In theory, the job should be leisurely, yet with the stage booth so close, it’s hard to resist the urge to check it out. Still, one might feel guilty for the pay…

Earning 4,000 yuan a month while enjoying the opera might even make you think you’re taking it a bit too far.

“Everyone, listen up!”

Hearing Han Zi’s call, Luo Peng nodded at him before picking up the loudspeaker once again.

“Uncles, aunts, cousins, brothers and sisters—at exactly 9, 10, and 11 in the morning and 2, 3, 4, and 5 in the afternoon, everyone must return to your designated spots for the tasks assigned by the crew. After these times, feel free to stroll along the riverbanks, chat, or catch a performance, but do not leave the area between the riverfront buildings.”

After a brief pause, Luo Peng laid out the rules.

“We require you to be back on the hour so that we can perfectly recreate the Qingming Scroll—mirroring the actions in the painting exactly.”

“Oh, I see!”

Many exchanged delighted looks at Luo Peng’s explanation. This job is simply too good to pass up.

Sure enough, the booth near the stage is bound to be the busiest spot!

“However, let me remind you all—these early days are just for training. When we officially open, professional staff from Mingsha Tourism will take over. If any of you fail to return on time, don’t expect leniency; you’ll be replaced in a heartbeat.”

After another pause, Luo Peng continued.

“Little Luo, you better get it right! If you can’t handle even this basic task, what face do you have to stick around? Just pack up and leave!”

At that,

many burst into laughter.

This job is something many would envy—how could you ever pass up such an opportunity?

“Alright then, I’ll call out names when it’s time to pick up the clothes!”

“Got it!”

Meanwhile, Luo Peng organized a rehearsal for the 800 extras while Xu Hao and Zhu Qiang made their way to Weng City. A few days earlier, after viewing the city wall with Zhuang Yang, Xu Hao realized that Zhuang Yang had been rather conservative. In truth, the 13-kilometer wall north of the city gate was already ready to open—the connection with Weng City was just missing a few foundation bricks waiting for him.

It was almost like a small ceremony!

Once the bricks were laid, Zhuang Yang led all the craftsmen toward the southern city gate. Construction on the north wall was temporarily halted; only when the south wall’s extension reached over a dozen kilometers might work resume on the north.

By then, it could well become a continuous stretch up to the northern boundary.

In central Weng City, a large machine emitted dull thuds as it worked meticulously. Next to it flowed the river connecting with the Qingming Scroll, and nearby stood a square stone platform.

“Brother Hao, the water is about to come out!”

Seeing the machine in action, Zhu Qiang immediately exclaimed.

“Let’s check the water output in a bit!”

Xu Hao glanced briefly behind him.

The platform was on higher ground so that when the machine released water, it would cascade down and flow along the river. Effectively, the platform would serve as a natural spring feeding the river continuously.

As long as the groundwater level remains steady, the outlet will keep providing water.

Moreover, if Mingsha Tourism continues its desert greening project with vegetation spraying, the groundwater level will only rise.

In other words, this water will be a lasting source for the Mingsha area.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Just as Xu Hao and Luo Peng were talking, three loud clanks resounded from the machine on the platform.

Soon, the machine’s arm slowly lifted and three circular stones—each about the size of a grinding wheel—were forcefully extracted. Their edges were smooth, clearly worn by the large rotary drill.

Wow! In that moment, where the stones had been, three jets of mud burst forth, rising about two feet from the platform.

Over time, the mud cleared. Once the machine withdrew with the stones, the platform erupted with three clear springs, each matching the size of a grinding wheel and rising several centimeters high, reminiscent of a famed spring in Long Kingdom’s Spring City.

Only this spring emerged atop a high platform.

“Is it done?”

Seeing the steady flow of clear water, Xu Hao beamed and turned to the chief engineer.

“Leader, it’s done! Although we haven’t measured the water pressure yet, judging by the scene, both the pressure and water quality are excellent. With minimal treatment, it could even meet drinking water standards.”

The chief engineer replied immediately.

“After years on this job, you learn to tell the water quality and pressure at a glance. These three grinding-wheel-sized springs might not support a raging river, but they’re more than enough for a calm stream.”

“Yeah, we’re not aiming for drinking water—just enough to sustain a quiet river.”

With a long sigh of relief, Xu Hao turned to Zhu Qiang and said, “Qiangzi, tell the staff to get ready. After tonight’s water storage, the river might be full by tomorrow. Then, notify the cruise team to start testing the boats!”

With spring in full swing, no one should worry about the river freezing.

“Roger that, Brother Hao!”

“Also, once the engineering team confirms the water pressure and withdraws, everyone around Weng City must leave the area. Set up a no-swim zone to protect the water source.”

Xu Hao emphasized once more.

Although the spectacle of water emerging from the stone platform was impressive—a neat little attraction—because it affected the entire river, this area would remain off-limits to the public. In a few days, the platform will be covered so that no one, whether atop Weng City’s walls or elsewhere, can see it.

“Don’t worry, Brother Hao. This area has been well prepared.”

Zhu Qiang nodded quickly.

“I’ll handle this side. I’m heading to the riverbank to check on the last two large structures awaiting roofing.”

“Alright!”

As rehearsals for the Qingming Scroll performance began, in the CEO’s office of Haofang Agency, Xu Xin looked somewhat surprised at the two men sitting across from her.

She hadn’t expected the director and channel chief of Yan City TV to show up, especially to apologize in person.

“Ms. Xu, we admit our mishandling of the Ace Mediation show. Wang Xiaobin has been suspended and the station is investigating his dealings with Li Ying.

Once the investigation is complete, legal procedures will follow. He won’t escape accountability.”

After a brief pause, Cui Fangshan added,

“Mr. Cui, you’re too kind!”

In response to the friendly overture, Xu Xin felt a bit awkward and replied politely.

No matter what, having the station director apologize in person must feel much better than before.

“This was entirely our oversight. We sincerely apologize for all the trouble we caused you.”

Cui Fangshan immediately continued,

“You really shouldn’t mention it. Now that the culprit has been dealt with, let’s leave the past behind us.”

Xu Xin waved her hand dismissively.

At this point, Xu Xin felt she couldn’t remain overly formal. After all, the other party was a leader from Yun Province TV. Even though she suspected he might have come forward due to Haofang Culture’s xianxia drama, professionals handle things differently.

If it were anyone else, he might not have come in person—perhaps just sending a channel director.

“Reciprocity, after all—if you extend a hand, it’s only natural to return it.”

“Thank you for understanding, Ms. Xu! By the way, when you arrived, two entertainers approached us—one named Chen Kun and another, Zhou Xing, from Long Port. They’re very eager to join Haofang Agency. Since they didn’t have a direct connection, I took the liberty of asking if you’re still recruiting talent.”

“If you are, I can give you their numbers.”

Cui Fangshan, noticing Xu Xin’s reaction, grinned and added,

“Ah? That’s rather modest.”

At the mention of these names, Xu Xin’s eyes lit up. She realized Cui Fangshan had clearly done his homework—this couldn’t have been mere coincidence!

“Ms. Xu, you’re too kind. We’ve also heard that at the end of March, Mingsha Tourism will host an ancient architecture and cultural heritage forum, so we plan to broadcast the event to help promote traditional culture.”

After a short pause, Cui Fangshan continued,

“Ah? Broadcasting the cultural forum? I’ll need to consult with the relevant leaders at Mingsha Tourism. By the way, Mr. Cui, when I call them later, I’ll also ask about the xianxia drama situation.”

Xu Xin replied immediately,

“That sounds great! Since they’ve been so gracious, we should reciprocate.”

“Then, thank you so much, Ms. Xu!”

Meanwhile,

At Yan City TV, Han Lijun sat behind his desk, pondering for a moment before looking up at Ren Long.

“Alright, Ren Long, get in touch with Mr. Fang from Haofang Culture later. Tell him that our station will live stream the opening ceremony of the cultural forum on March 31. If there’s anything we need to know, let us know in advance.”

“Leader, who will head the team? Is it Director Ma or Director Zhang?”

At that, Ren Long quickly responded.

Clearly, broadcasting the forum had become a mutual understanding between them.

“This time, I’ll go in person!”

Han Lijun slouched in his chair and added,

“The plan is set.”