Chapter 234: Setting Up the Escort Agency

So you’re planning to set up an escort agency? Then do you already have the office spaces and lodging ready?

At these words…

Xu Xin’s eyes lit up as she quickly responded.

“We do!”

Fang Hou nodded immediately.

After all, how could a place that houses the local residents not have a Longmen Escort Agency?

“That works then!”

At this point, Xu Xin didn’t push back any further. Besides, this wasn’t just about securing benefits for everyone in Mingsha City – earlier, she had merely inquired. With Fang Hou personally stepping in to help, how could she refuse?

“Thank you, General Xu!”

Thrilled, Fang Hou quickly replied.

“No problem!”

And so it went – Haofang Culture and Haofang Agency didn’t slack off despite A Chinese Odyssey’s explosive box-office and rave reviews. In fact, they picked up the pace even more.

Officially, casting for the next project would begin on July 19.

In reality, on July 18, some internal artists from Haofang Agency and a few innovative performers from the Mingsha Troupe had already made their way to the agency’s makeup room.

It was July 19. In the blink of an eye, it was 8 PM on July 20 at Yun Province TV’s conference room, where Cui Fangshan was simultaneously studying the full ratings chart and watching the live broadcast.

The screen displayed live coverage from the Long Kingdom Film Festival.

“The ratings are pretty much on par with Long Kingdom TV’s regular variety channel. It seems not many people are tuning in for this year’s festival.”

Glancing at He Ruozhou beside him, Cui Fangshan remarked.

“Yeah – mainly because A Chinese Odyssey is just too phenomenal!”

He Ruozhou nodded in agreement.

Even five days after the movie’s release, its buzz and box-office numbers hadn’t dipped an iota. And that wasn’t all – a slew of critics had emerged to dissect A Chinese Odyssey. Their analyses even drove some viewers to rewatch the film twice, even three times.

With that in mind…

How could its box-office and buzz ever falter?

Meanwhile, at the film festival, the moment audiences thought of Haofang Culture’s films and the agency’s roster, they wouldn’t be inclined to participate. How could anyone feel good about a festival missing any classic films?

Even inviting foreign stars couldn’t save it this time.

“Besides A Chinese Odyssey, even domestic second- and third-tier stars were ruthless! I even heard that when the Director Association fell out with them, the association made calls and threatened many actors—

which forced the Actor Association to step in for mediation. It was Long Kingdom’s first time! At one point, Ding Xiaoping nearly fainted.”

Cui Fangshan glanced at the screen.

Although the awards hall on the screen was crammed with people, most of them were unfamiliar faces. No one could tell where they had found these extra bodies.

“It’s all on the Director Association’s head! Frankly, in this circle you need to cooperate with one another to make a living, yet the Director Association acts as if it’s the only one that matters. They got what was coming to them!”

He Ruozhou let out a satisfied laugh.

When the Director Association invited other TV stations but left Yun Province TV out, he had anticipated this scenario. Does Haofang Culture really fear you?

And indeed!

Haofang Culture’s film single-handedly ruined the film festival.

“Enough about the festival. What’s the progress on the project we’re doing with Haofang Culture? I saw online that several areas in Mingsha City have been cordoned off – it’s likely they’re preparing for our project.”

After a brief pause, Cui Fangshan couldn’t help but ask.

With A Chinese Odyssey’s box-office soaring, he naturally hoped that this historical light comedy would boost Yun Province TV’s ratings to new heights.

“Leader, Mr. Fang sent a message saying that they’ve only finalized a few actors while many remain unconfirmed. Plus, setting up the sets will take some time. If the drama were to debut, it wouldn’t be before October or November.

And those cordoned-off areas probably aren’t meant for our project.”

Speaking of the project, He Ruozhou quickly interjected.

Netizens have been speculating, but he’s well aware of the reality.

This project is merely a friendly collaboration with Mingsha City to thank the Nanzhao Ancient Kingdom for providing the blueprints. There’s no way it warrants such a large-scale operation! “Oh!”

Cui Fangshan checked the digital calendar.

“Leader, although our progress is a bit slower than Haofang Culture’s other projects, it’s still impressive – just over three months.”

After a pause, He Ruozhou added,

“I know! I’ve been wondering – if those cordoned areas aren’t for our project, then who are they for? What kind of project requires such a massive area? The traditional exhibition events in Mingsha City don’t need that much space!”

Cui Fangshan leaned back in his chair.

“Well…”

He Ruozhou hesitated, searching for the right words.

The situation in Mingsha City is tight. He had even asked Fang Hou, but all he got was a vague, “I’m not really sure,” dismissing the matter.

“Alright, eventually the lid will be lifted!”

“Yeah!”

Time ebbed away – before long, another five days had passed. That afternoon,

in the parking lot, Xu Hao got off the bus along with several others.

“Researcher Meng, this is Mingsha City! The transportation isn’t that convenient yet. I hope one day Mingsha City will be integrated into Long Kingdom’s railway network – then everything will be so much easier.”

Looking at the middle-aged man beside him, Xu Hao smiled and said.

That man was Meng Yuan, the future head of the Ancient Architecture Department.

“Dean, you’re too modest. It’s already quite convenient!”

Surveying the surroundings, Meng Yuan quickly replied.

Though he was older than Xu Hao, his position was two levels lower. Most importantly, once Mingsha Academy was established, Xu Hao would officially become his direct superior.

“Brother Hao!”

At that moment, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng appeared from a distance.

They had originally planned to pick up Xu Hao at the City Gate, but the bus arrived a few minutes early, so they hurried to the parking lot.

“Researcher Meng, let me introduce you. This is General Zhu from Mingsha Tourism and President Luo from Mingsha Labor!”

Seeing Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng, Xu Hao turned to introduce Meng Yuan.

He also explained Meng Yuan’s role and future responsibilities to Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng.

“Director Meng, how are you?”

Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng quickly approached to shake his hand.

“Little Luo, have you arranged everything over there?”

After some brief pleasantries, Xu Hao looked toward Luo Peng.

He had already briefed him on the details during the journey.

“Brother Hao, it’s all set. I’ve reserved two courtyard houses in Qixia Town, and all accommodations and meals are arranged there.”

At these words…

Luo Peng nodded in acknowledgment.

“Alright, then. You take Director Meng and the others for a meal, and afterward, show them around Mingsha City, introducing them to the area.”

Xu Hao checked his watch and said,

“Brother Hao, what about you? Aren’t you joining us for the meal?”

Luo Peng paused for a moment.

“No thanks. The Daoist Master is waiting for me!”

Xu Hao smiled.

“Daoist Master, alright Brother Hao. Daoist Master is currently staying at a guesthouse in Nanzhao Ancient City. I’ll send you the address shortly.”

Mentioning the Daoist Master, Luo Peng awkwardly scratched his head.

“Yeah!”

“Make sure you take good care of Director Meng. I’ll head over now!”

Xu Hao nodded, quickly seeing to Meng Yuan before setting off for Nanzhao Ancient City.

Thump, thump, thump! An hour later, Xu Hao knocked on the door of a guesthouse at the southeast corner of the Ancient City.

“Who’s there?”

“Greetings, Daoist Master. This is Xu Hao!”

“Xu Hao!”

Bang!

In the next moment, the door swung open and an old man in a blue daoist robe appeared before Xu Hao. He immediately began scrutinizing Xu Hao from head to toe, his expression growing increasingly odd.

This sudden inspection

really startled Xu Hao.

The scene was so reminiscent of certain TV show moments – utterly abrupt.

“Daoist Master, I heard you wanted to discuss temple matters with me.”

Coming back to his senses, Xu Hao tentatively asked.

“Right! I almost lost track of time with all these formalities.”

He was right on target.

Daoist Master suddenly smacked his forehead and then pulled Xu Hao right into the guesthouse.

Two hours later, inside the guesthouse, Xu Hao studied a set of blueprints spread across a tea table, nodding seriously.

“Have you memorized everything?”

Daoist Master glanced at Xu Hao.

“I’ve got it!”

“Recite it for me.”

“The main hall stretches 376 feet 9 inches from north to south, and 89 feet from east to west.”

Xu Hao immediately began to recite.

After pulling him into the guesthouse, Daoist Master started explaining every detail concerning the temple’s construction – from the plot size to the exact amount of jujube wood and tiles required, down to every brick and tile.

Luckily, Xu Hao’s memory and comprehension were nothing short of astounding. He didn’t need to scribble notes because he remembered everything clearly – a feat that would have taken others two to three hours even with a pen.

Moreover, his impression of Daoist Master was strangely positive. Rather than feeling offended, everything seemed perfectly natural.

“Alright, no need to repeat it. I trust you!”

Seeing that Xu Hao had clearly understood every detail, Daoist Master paused briefly before interrupting him.

“Rest assured, there won’t be any mistakes!”

Xu Hao nodded.

“I understand, but just to be safe, I’m giving you two copies of this book. Study them carefully.”

After a moment’s thought, Daoist Master turned, picked up two books from the desk behind him, and handed them to Xu Hao.

One was titled ‘Questions on Building a Daoist Temple’ and the other ‘Self-Cultivation for Building a Daoist Temple’. “This…”

Xu Hao’s initially serious expression broke when he saw the titles – they were absolutely hilarious.

“Don’t underestimate these books, especially the second one. When you’re in charge of building the temple, you must first satisfy the self-cultivation requirements before you even begin construction!”

Daoist Master pointed to the second book.

“Alright then!”

Xu Hao’s smile faded as he nodded seriously.

He figured that though the titles were blunt, they likely contained numerous details that had not been mentioned earlier – much like how a seasoned fortune teller clears his mind before divining, especially when it comes to building a temple.

“Yeah!”

Glancing at Xu Hao, Daoist Master began to pack his things.

“By the way, Daoist Master, where are you headed this time?”

Seeing Daoist Master in such a hurry, Xu Hao couldn’t help but ask.

“Yu Province!”

Without even looking up, Daoist Master replied casually.

“Yu Province? Should I book you a flight? It’s far from Mingsha City – flying might be more convenient!”

Xu Hao quickly offered.

“A flight? Not necessary!”

At that, Daoist Master’s eyes narrowed as he looked up at Xu Hao, his expression clearly saying, as if to admonish, ‘Don’t you dare look down on me!’