Chapter 199: The Forum’s Frenzy
by xennovel“Monkey, what do you think?”
After a moment’s thought, Xu Hao remarked.
“I say we have to do it. If we don’t produce a show, it’s no different from a formal meeting with the Leader. We might as well call it the Ancient Architecture Culture Inheritance Seminar.”
Fang Hou immediately stated his idea.
Having said that,
after a brief pause, Fang Hou added,
“Haozi, there’s no need to overthink it. Even though we’re hosting an Ancient Architecture Culture Inheritance Forum this time, the show doesn’t have to be directly tied to ancient architecture. As long as it’s a pure ancient-style dance or song, it’ll do.”
“A pure ancient-style dance or song?”
Xu Hao’s eyes lit up with an idea.
If that’s the case, there are plenty of famous ancient-style dances on Earth.
“Old Six, I think Mr. Fang is right. Even though many people are currently fixated on what projects Mingsha Tourism is rolling out, the fact is that these major projects get exposed a couple of days before the forum. You can’t just pull down the barricades at the last minute. Without a show, the forum will feel exceedingly dry.”
Off to the side, Xu Xin chimed in.
“Exactly! And on top of that, three TV stations will broadcast it live!”
Fang Hou continued,
explaining that Mingsha Tourism had received live broadcast applications from Yan City TV, Eggplant TV, and Yun Province TV – all offering free promotion.
Yan City TV needs no introduction!
Eggplant TV and Yun Province TV, however, agreed only after careful deliberation.
Although Eggplant TV had previously aired Chef Detective due to issues with the Director Association, the decision to broadcast the cultural forum amidst the uproar involving Mingsha Tourism and the Director Association clearly indicated their stance.
With that,
Xu Hao eventually chose not to object.
Firstly, there wasn’t any deep grudge between them – competition among TV stations is natural. Secondly, they simply wanted to deliver a subtle message to the Director Association.
Regarding the Director Association’s third announcement, even though Mingsha Tourism didn’t respond further, it was obvious the Director Association wasn’t happy. This matter was far from over.
As for Yun Province TV, Xu Hao was initially reluctant, but after his Second Sister mentioned that the instigator had been punished and that the two main leaders of Yun Province TV had personally recommended two signed artists to Haofang Agency, he relented.
Consequently, that xianxia drama would still be released according to Haofang Culture’s schedule, but it would no longer synchronize with Yun Province TV’s xianxia drama.
“In that case, let’s prepare several ancient-style programs. If we’re short on talent, we can coordinate with the Mingsha County Troupe. I’ll come up with the creative concepts!”
After a moment’s thought, Xu Hao nodded.
“Alright!”
“By the way, Haozi, our movie is set to withdraw from theaters and debut on online platforms the day after tomorrow. With a total box office of 2.1 billion, our share is estimated at about 700 million.”
After a brief pause, Fang Hou added,
“Considering Mingsha Tourism’s current hype, the movie could have run longer. But to secure our share early, Haofang Culture decided against any delay.”
Mingsha Tourism is really in desperate need of cash.
Besides the Qingming Scroll project, the application for the Mingsha subway project has been formally approved by the authorities (Brothers, remember that there’s a gap between novels and reality, so please understand we can’t follow real-life details exactly). Bidding will soon wrap up, and construction will require a massive investment.
Unlike ordinary cities, Mingsha’s subway project demands enormous costs just for replicating ancient architectural elements at station entrances and exits.
“700 million? Excellent! Besides lending some cash to Mingsha Tourism, Haofang Culture will reserve a portion for itself.”
Xu Hao nodded in agreement.
“Reserve a portion? Really, Haofang Culture isn’t short on funds.”
“This time, Haofang Culture will handle the set construction for the xianxia drama. Previously, Mingsha Tourism was in charge, which heavily strained their finances. From now on, all ancient architecture and set designs for film and TV projects will be managed by Haofang Culture.”
Xu Hao glanced at Fang Hou. Large cash transfers are not only a hassle but also require separate accounting; it made sense that Haofang Culture would invest in film set construction.
“Alright!”
Fang Hou immediately nodded.
“By the way, Old Six, Haofang Agency also has a healthy sum in its accounts!”
At the mention of money, Xu Xin continued,
“I’m currently organizing the nationwide tour for the Tiger Leopard Band’s concert. If it goes well, it will bring in a substantial income.”
“If necessary, I’ll have our finance department get in touch. Early April is also when some projects are scheduled to kick off.”
“Mm!”
March 18, March 20 – in the blink of an eye,
there are only ten days remaining until the Mingsha Culture Inheritance Forum, yet Mingsha Tourism still hasn’t issued a new announcement. Meanwhile, the forum’s popularity has soared to its peak.
Whether it’s the forum or headline news, its popularity index is consistently at the top, far surpassing other events.
In Yan City,
at the Ancient Architecture Research Institute, Li Jue and Cao Jun were casually chatting in Li Jue’s office.
“Old Cao, are you pleased with the popularity of the Ancient Architecture Culture Inheritance Forum?”
Setting down his tea cup, Li Jue laughed.
The Ancient Architecture Culture Inheritance Forum, once met with indifference and attended by low-ranking officials—even those dubbed as experts were merely figureheads in their departments—was on the verge of becoming purely nominal.
“Pleased? I’m more than pleased! In the past, no one would have dreamed of hitting the headlines on major portals with this many netizens, young people, and commentaries. Who knows? Maybe more young fans of ancient architecture will emerge in the future.”
“And I have a feeling that the forum’s popularity will nearly rival that of major domestic events – just missing a live TV broadcast.”
At that, Cao Jun patted the sofa arm impatiently.
Just yesterday, he had received confirmations from top representatives across various industries to attend the forum. Compared to previous years, the caliber of participants had significantly risen.
Undoubtedly,
Xu Hao has once again earned face for the Ancient Architecture Research Institute.
Previously, in the Long Kingdom, traditional cultural forums barely even made it to the culture sections of media outlets, let alone garnered recommendations.
But this time, the Ancient Architecture Forum has been a tremendous success – many major portals featured it as the main headline, and numerous news columns covered the event. In this respect, Mingsha has achieved a small miracle.
It even shows that traditional industries in the Long Kingdom now see hope in cultural dissemination. Sometimes, it’s not that traditional culture fails to engage the youth, but rather an issue of effective management.
“Live TV broadcasts? Just imagining it makes me shudder. Ancient Architecture Culture is niche after all! Yet, the current buzz is more than enough. Besides, the forum’s high-profile participants will naturally pay extra attention to Mingsha—as long as Xiao Xu’s project holds up, the title of Ancient City shouldn’t be a problem.”
Li Jue chuckled once more.
“I’m just saying that the current popularity far exceeds our expectations. It’s more than enough. By the way, speaking of projects, what exactly did Xiao Xu build this time?”
Cao Jun smiled and couldn’t help but ask,
“I don’t know all the details myself.”
Just as Li Jue was about to add something, Liu Shan suddenly rushed into the office.
“Old Li! Old Li!”
“What’s wrong?”
Liu Shan’s urgent tone caught both Li Jue and Cao Jun off guard as they turned to him.
“Old Li, Old Cao, Mingsha Tourism’s official website just posted an announcement!”
Out of breath, Liu Shan panted,
“Posted an announcement? What did it say? Is it about a new project launch?”
At these words,
Li Jue and Cao Jun exchanged glances. It was as if opportunity had struck just as they were talking.
“Mingsha Tourism has issued three announcements, all related to our Ancient Architecture Culture Inheritance Forum.”
After a brief pause, Liu Shan’s breathing steadied and he continued,
“Hurry up, tell us.”
Cao Jun urged impatiently.
“Mingsha Tourism stated that Yan City TV, Eggplant TV, and Yun Province TV will all broadcast our event live.”
Liu Shan delivered the first announcement.
“Huh? Three TV stations? This is…”
Liu Shan’s words left Cao Jun and Li Jue dumbfounded.
They had just claimed that TV stations wouldn’t air such a niche cultural forum, and now not just one, but several – it was absolutely insane.
“Is this even a forum anymore?”
Meanwhile, at the Director Association, President Ding Xiaoping sat at his computer with a furrowed brow, accompanied by a middle-aged man.
“Old Ding, is it really possible for a traditional culture forum to generate this level of buzz? Otherwise, if not for our last-minute cancellation of the film festival, it might have been hard to compete.”
After a long pause, the man let out a bitter laugh.
The man, named Bai Ming, had taken over all of Ran Xiangfei’s responsibilities after his suspension. At that moment, aside from feeling speechless, he was mostly relieved.
“Relying on a mysterious gimmick to attract attention is really just playing on the audience’s enthusiasm. Once that new project is exposed, the buzz will evaporate instantly. So while it does stir up some commotion unlike other forums, saying it will surpass the film festival is a stretch.”
Ding Xiaoping shot a cool glance at Bai Ming.
He hadn’t paid much attention to Mingsha Tourism before, but ever since they announced that Haofang Culture would no longer be involved in the film festival, Ding Xiaoping regarded them as nothing short of a thorn in his side!
He even felt that Bai Ming was inflating others’ egos at the expense of his own authority.
“Old Ding, this isn’t…”
With a sigh, Bai Ming admitted he understood Ding Xiaoping’s anger.
Now that the film festival has been shelved with no progress and no other scenic spot or city in the West has reached out to host it, any further delay will ultimately hurt the Director Association.
“It isn’t what you think. Just wait and see – those who have the Way attract more supporters, while those who lose it receive little help! Mingsha Tourism has not only messed with our Director Association this time…”
Ding Xiaoping snorted coldly.
Knock, knock, knock! At that moment, a knock sounded at the office door.
“Come in!”
“President, Mingsha Tourism just posted an announcement!”