Chapter 362: Funds, Films, and Fateful Projects

“Money?”

Xu Hao lifted his teacup and took a small sip.

“I’ll figure out the money! The agreed materials must be rushed to the core area of Mingsha City. By the way, tell the transport teams to use the South City Gate when entering—it’s vital not to disturb the current visitors.”

The north and south walls of Mingsha City are almost complete; in fact, both the North and South City Gates are essentially finished!

It’s just that the vast deserts beyond the South and North Gates have kept people’s attention elsewhere.

The core area project requires an enormous amount of materials. Entering from the East Gate or the eastern side door is simply unrealistic—only the South Gate will do.

As for the funds?

Xu Hao knew better than anyone just how enormous the shortfall was.

“But now, our Mingsha City…”

Hearing Xu Hao insist he’d sort out the money himself, Fang Hou’s face betrayed his worry.

Even if Mingsha City is said to earn thousands each day, its daily expenses are equally staggering. They simply couldn’t afford to siphon off the current cash flow.

“Haozi, you really don’t need to worry about the money!”

Xu Hao waved his hand dismissively.

He understood Fang Hou’s concern, but deep down he already had a plan to secure the funds.

“Haozi, I’m worried…”

Fang Hou hesitated to add more, but seeing the resolute look in Xu Hao’s eyes, he fell silent. “Alright then!”

Half an hour later, Fang Hou left the office, leaving Xu Hao alone. “Funding? If all else fails, we’ll make a few movies! Even modern or sci-fi films will do. I’m sure Earth has plenty of successful modern and sci-fi movies—both in quality and box office. As long as the pacing supports the core area project, we’ll manage. And if that still isn’t enough, then…”

Leaning back in his chair for a brief rest, Xu Hao finally ventured into the inner room. In truth, his biggest worry wasn’t the money at all—it was about the building materials, some of which might not even be purchasable.

Moonset gave way to sunrise. The next morning, at eight sharp in the Haofang Agency CEO’s office, barely had the day begun when Fang Hou appeared at Xu Xin’s desk.

“Mr. Xu!”

“Fang, Weren’t you busy with Old Six, prepping for the Yan City TV project? What brings you here?”

Seeing Fang Hou, Xu Xin couldn’t help but speak up.

Haofang Agency had already risen to be the top agency in the Long Kingdom. Besides filming dramas under Haofang Culture, its artists now handled variety shows and films—they were fully capable of standing on their own without solely relying on Haofang Culture.

“Mr. Xu, I need to discuss something with you.”

Without any preamble, Fang Hou pulled out a chair and sat down opposite Xu Xin.

“Go ahead!”

“Here’s the thing—can Haofang Agency find a way to further support Haozi?”

“Hmm? What about Old Six? Didn’t all of Haofang Agency’s profits just get transferred to his account?”

At the mention of Xu Hao, Xu Xin’s expression tightened.

“Yes! But that alone isn’t nearly enough; last night, Haozi and I discussed money. It seems he plans to either get a bank loan or even consider going public for funding. While those moves are standard for any company, I really don’t want Mingsha City to go public. You know how it is—incessant rounds of financing could mean Mingsha City won’t belong to Haozi anymore!”

Fang Hou voiced his speculation.

In his eyes, to rapidly and massively secure funds for Mingsha City, there was no alternative but to rely on loans or going public.

“Aren’t those funds enough already? What on earth is Old Six planning now?”

Xu Xin glared sharply.

She knew that although Old Six was orchestrating the collaboration between Haofang Culture and Yan City TV, the exact details of the core area project remained a mystery.

Just recently, Haofang Agency had transferred a profit of one billion to that side.

“He’s cooking up something—don’t worry, you’ll understand soon enough! In any case, we need an immense amount of money. I was thinking that both Haofang Agency and Haofang Culture could put in extra effort—every little bit helps.”

Fang Hou took a deep breath.

It wasn’t that he didn’t want to share Xu Hao’s plan; it was just that he wasn’t sure what the finished core area was going to look like. After all, the script only provided a few words as a description.

“In that case, I’ll brainstorm some alternatives on my end!”

Xu Xin regarded Fang Hou deeply and didn’t press further.

“Alright, then I’ll go contact General Zhu!”

“Good!”

Bang! As Fang Hou closed the door behind him, Xu Xin stared at her freshly opened computer screen, deep in thought. Finally, she picked up the phone and dialed a number. “Beep beep beep.” The call connected swiftly.

“Second Sister, what’s up?”

Moments later, the voice of Xu Chen, Old Six’s younger brother, came through the line.

“How much funding do you have over there? Old Six needs money!”

Without wasting time, Xu Xin replied.

“Old Six needs cash? How much? Is something wrong over there?”

Xu Chen paused momentarily before answering quickly.

“It’s nothing major—a project, really! Just contribute whatever you can.”

Xu Xin rubbed her brow in thought.

“What kind of project?”

Xu Chen’s curiosity deepened.

Thanks to Mingsha City’s support, his company’s business was diversifying rapidly—not just in ancient costumes, but also expanding into other apparel. They were well on their way to becoming the largest clothing factory in New Country.

“It’s a film project! Although Fang Hou didn’t say it outright, I suspect it’s aimed at financing the core area of Mingsha City. Otherwise, with nearly ten billion in cash already raised by Old Six, that amount would have been more than enough for even a top Hollywood blockbuster.”

After hearing that, Xu Chen fell silent for a moment before speaking again.

“Even ten billion isn’t enough? Then my company’s cash is just a drop in the bucket.”

“I know! Any little bit helps, and I wasn’t expecting you to shoulder the main burden.”

Xu Xin smirked slightly.

“Second Sister, don’t underestimate me. I understand that Old Six will need funds gradually—even for the biggest project, it can’t all come at once.”

“The sooner, the better!”

“Alright! And by the way, don’t mention this to Grandfather—he might get worried! Also, don’t tell the other sisters; even if you do, they won’t really be able to help and might just throw in snide comments.”

“Got it!”

After chatting about family matters for a few more minutes, they finally hung up. But right after, Xu Xin picked up the office landline again.

“Hello, Xiao Ma? Come to the office and bring along the national tour plan for the Tiger Leopard Band and for Li Yu and Zhou Lun!”

As days passed, marked by sunrises and sunsets, the incense at Caishen Pavilion burned as vigorously as ever. Tourists noticed no change in Mingsha City, but many keen observers had sensed that something was amiss.

Dino Park.

After reading the latest news on his phone, Cole fell into deep thought.

It wasn’t until Deputy Director Adam spoke that he snapped back.

“Leader, the bidding for our project with Fengdu Scenic Area is set for the day after tomorrow. Fengdu Scenic Area hopes you can make an appearance.”

Adam couldn’t help but ask.

“You go—I’ve got other matters to attend to!”

With a dismissive wave, Cole replied.

“Er, what about you?”

Adam was momentarily taken aback.

As far as he knew, Cole wasn’t pressed with work lately; progress at Magic Academy was smooth, leaving no need for him to be present.

“I just discovered something interesting that needs checking out. If it turns out as I suspect, we could be in for a big payout!”

“Oh?”

“In the past few days, there’s been an unusual flurry of news about Haofang Agency’s artists. Even some fringe performers have made rare appearances at a city-level mall’s opening ceremony! That’s highly abnormal!”

Seeing Adam’s puzzled look, Cole pressed on.

“What’s so abnormal about it?”

Adam was clearly baffled.

To him, artists showing up at openings was perfectly normal. As long as the money was in place, whether it was a mall opening or even a local hairdresser or bun shop, nothing was amiss.

“Normal? Ha! As expected—it must be that Mingsha City has run out of funds! Otherwise, this would never happen. It’s remarkable indeed, that Mingsha City—known for its wealth—should one day face a cash crunch!”

Cole’s lips curled into a confident smile.