Chapter 207: The Grand Cultural Showcase

“By the way, Xiao Xu, aren’t you about to shoot that costume xianxia drama? Do you think you can get it done on time?”

Settling the important matters, Li Jue looked over at Xu Hao once more.

Last time, that xianxia drama caused quite a stir online. A lot of Haofang Culture’s fans were watching, and Mingsha Tourism had even rolled out a ton of novel mounts for that show. They definitely wouldn’t keep it delayed forever.

“Dean, don’t worry! It won’t hold things up!”

Xu Hao waved his hand immediately.

Once the forum wraps up and he rests for a few days, he’ll start working on this xianxia drama. With a dedicated effort, it’ll progress quickly since the script and lead actors are already set. All that remains is the construction of the sets.

Besides, the Qing Brick Avenue towards Oasis 23 has been under construction continuously—it hasn’t stopped even now! It should be extended very soon.

The most important factor is the mystical blood lake at Oasis 23. With just a few signature ancient structures built around the lake, shooting can begin! As for indoor scenes, other locations can be used.

“As long as it doesn’t cause any delays. It wasn’t easy getting to this point with the Mingsha plot; don’t ruin the reputation now!”

Li Jue nodded.

“Mm!”

“Alright, everyone, we’ve been on the move all day. Get some sleep—there’s an opening ceremony tomorrow morning.”

“Okay!”

Different roles lead to different focal points!

Late at night

While Xu Hao and the top brass chatted about the Long Kingdom’s Grand Face Expo, netizens online were discussing the Qingming Scroll and setting their sights on the cultural performance, which was scheduled to be broadcast live by three TV stations the next day.

There was no helping it; the sudden appearance of the Qingming Scroll had undeniably raised expectations among many netizens.

First came the Yeguang Cup, then the real-life Qingming Scroll act—how could an average cultural performance measure up to such top-level spectacles? And besides, this time it was still Mingsha Tourism in charge! With Mingsha Tourism’s style, the productions are never just run-of-the-mill shows.

“I think tomorrow’s show is definitely worth looking forward to!”

On an entertainment forum, one post had already amassed over fifty thousand likes, and the replies had climbed into the thousands.

“Maybe the Tiger Leopard Band will debut a new song on the show tomorrow!”

A netizen commented.

Many netizens believed that the Tiger Leopard Band had already firmly stepped into the ranks of top-tier stars. Coupled with the fact that they were signed with Haofang Agency, they were bound to make an appearance.

“Tiger Leopard Band? No way!”

Yet that comment was quickly shot down by many other netizens.

“Why?”

“Because the Tiger Leopard Band is on a nationwide tour. They have a concert in East Flower City tomorrow night—the tickets were snapped up ages ago. How could they show up at the live performance?”

“Ah? Then who did they invite for the show? Could it be the main cast from several major IPs?”

Many netizens were taken aback.

“It’s hard to say. Lately, the artists from Haofang Culture’s drama projects have been busy with all kinds of promotions. The leads of Wulin Wai Chuan were even in a northern city filming a variety show just yesterday.”

But soon, the second theory from netizens was also dismissed.

“So who’s on for tomorrow’s show?”

At this point, some netizens began to express their growing disappointment.

Last time, Mingsha Tourism didn’t use any stars for the travel festival because their own artists weren’t that popular. But what about this time? Mingsha Tourism now has plenty of talent.

Right now, the cultural forum was burning up. It was the perfect moment for Haofang Agency to push their signed artists.

Xu Xin of Haofang Agency was well regarded in the industry—she wouldn’t make any mistakes! “Anyway, no news so far!”

“This…”

“Forget it, the cultural performance starts at nine tomorrow morning. We’ll see then!”

“Right!”

Is Xu Xin foolish?

Of course not!

As the head of an agency that was in dire need of top-notch talent, how could she miss such an opportunity? The netizens’ worries were unfounded.

At that moment

A stage had already been set up on the lake in front of the Tingchao Pavilion. Various lights and speakers were in place, and several dancers were practicing their moves onstage.

This time, Mingsha Tourism didn’t set the stage at Tengwang Pavilion like last time—instead, they chose the Tingchao Pavilion!

First, to set it apart from the previous event.

Second, because the Tingchao Pavilion is right by the lake and surrounded by lush greenery. With the spring in full bloom, from there you could even glimpse the fortress of Wudi City, enhancing the ancient martial arts vibe.

At one corner of the stage, a middle-aged man paced with his head bowed, softly humming.

“As I bent down to watch the gentle raindrops falling like curtains of autumn, I marveled at the extraordinary beauty of this brief world. The fluttering silks obscure the sunset, evoking an ancient, heart-wrenching melody—an ode to majestic figures and storied scrolls carved over three thousand miles.”

As he sang, the man couldn’t help but glance at the small cue card in his hand.

By the light,

the cue card clearly read ‘Qingming Scroll’.

At the same time,

another young man was performing similar movements. However, his humming carried a different lyric.

“Sky blue awaits the misty rain, and I’m here waiting for you. Wisps of smoke rise over the river, spanning thousands of miles. At the bottom of a bottle, in ancient calligraphy reminiscent of a past dynasty’s elegance, consider it the prelude to our meeting.”

His cue card’s cover announced ‘Blue and White Porcelain’.

As the two continued to sing over and over, their nervousness and unease were still evident. Xu Xin then approached the middle-aged man.

“Boss Xu!”

The middle-aged man looked up quickly and greeted her.

“How’s it coming along?”

Xu Xin smiled and asked.

“Boss Xu, it should be nearly ready but I’m still a bit worried! After all, tomorrow’s opening will be broadcast live by three TV stations, and the forum buzz is so high right now.”

The man took a deep breath.

“Don’t worry—just relax and show your true skill. Just like the travel festival last time.”

Xu Xin encouraged him.

The man, named Li Yu, was originally a versatile performer in the Mingsha Troupe. He had sung Wanjiang at the festival last time! Later, after Xu Xin took over Haofang Agency, she watched the Mingsha Tourism show several times and eventually recruited Li Yu to Haofang Agency.

In Xu Xin’s eyes, Li Yu was a singer worth nurturing.

“Boss Xu, I just can’t figure out why I’m even more nervous this time than before.”

Li Yu took another deep breath.

“Really, there’s nothing to worry about. Just perform like you did back in the troupe—don’t feel any extra pressure!”

Xu Xin gave him an encouraging look.

She knew exactly why Li Yu was nervous. Last time, the entire troupe was assigned the performance without overthinking it—all that mattered was to complete the show. But this was his first official performance representing Haofang Agency.

With a different identity comes a different mindset.

“Alright then! I’ll make a few adjustments.”

“Mm! You practice while I check on Zhou Lun over there!”

After reassuring Li Yu, Xu Xin turned her attention to another corner of the stage.

Zhou Lun was a performer from her days at Longhai Brokerage, known on the Dragon Platform for his unique singing style. He had struggled to find the right lyrics and tunes, always hovering on the lower tiers.

Since Haofang Agency didn’t have many singers, they recruited him as well.

This time, they prepared ‘Blue and White Porcelain’ for Zhou Lun.

If Zhou Lun could nail this performance, his unique style might even launch him into stardom, with enormous potential.

For the forum’s cultural performance, the main focus was on these two artists.

“Alright, Boss Xu! You busy yourself!”

“Mm, just remember—don’t carry any mental burden. I believe in your talent!”

After encouraging Li Yu once more, Xu Xin moved to another corner of the stage.

On the stage, in the distance,

Fang Hou, the head of Haofang Culture, was chatting with a man as they occasionally glanced over at the performers practicing dance moves on stage.

The man in question was none other than Yang Haoyu, the leader of the Mingsha Troupe and also the actor known for his portrayal of the old Huang in Snowy Series.

With nothing more to add,

this cultural performance, apart from the songs, would feature the Mingsha Troupe taking the lead, mainly performing traditional dance pieces. Fortunately, the troupe’s performers had solid fundamentals; otherwise, they wouldn’t have been able to pull off this show.

“Captain Yang, Li Yu is now with Haofang Agency. You don’t have any issues with that, do you?”

Fang Hou smiled and said.

“Issues? I’d be thrilled if the troupe’s performers could find their own path. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier!”

Upon hearing this,

Yang Haoyu immediately shook his head and said,

“Boss Fang, to be honest, before Mingsha Tourism came on board, the troupe really had it tough. For instance, performers like Li Yu only made a bit over three thousand a month. At their age, as the breadwinners, three thousand just wouldn’t cut it! If I weren’t getting old, I’d have been searching for a way out too.”

“That’s true!”

Fang Hou nodded in agreement.

Reality was harsh—many performers in poor counties truly struggled, sometimes even taking on local ceremonial gigs to supplement their income.

“By the way, Boss Fang, when will your xianxia drama start filming? And are there any plans to shoot a movie as well? I see Haofang Culture has been busy with the forum, but there’s been no word on any film projects.”

After a pause, Yang Haoyu added,

“After the forum wraps up and we take a two-day break, they’ll probably start on that xianxia drama! As for the movie, it shouldn’t be too far off. After all, Haofang Agency has a lot of artists; they need to run two lines simultaneously.”

Practice makes perfect!

Having dealt with the Mingsha Troupe so many times, Fang Hou and Yang Haoyu had become friends. There was nothing to hide between them.

“Oh, and if it’s a movie—what genre are you thinking of?”

Yang Haoyu asked.

“It’ll probably be a desert martial arts theme, ideally continuing the story of Longmen Inn! The current settings feel too isolated—one IP alone can’t carry it. Meanwhile, they’re also planning a project on culinary culture.”

After some thought, Fang Hou said,

“Culinary culture?”

Yang Haoyu was taken aback.

“Yeah, that’s a project in collaboration with Yan City TV. It was just finalized not long ago, so it shouldn’t take too long.”