Chapter 63: Desert Ventures and High-Stakes Projects

“No way! We’re just not at that level!”

Zhao Fei shot a glance at Yang Yuan. “If we were, the company wouldn’t be known as the Imitation Ancient Architecture Company; it would simply be the Ancient Architecture Research Institute. Of course, reinforced concrete has its advantages—especially in a desert—but ancient buildings have their own durability!”

“Does Xu Hao really have that high a level in ancient construction?”

Yang Yuan exchanged a look with Zhao Fei. In the end, he didn’t press on the cost issue any further. At this point, there was no turning back—he could only grit his teeth and accept it.

“He’s skilled, no doubt, but let’s not overhype him. With detailed blueprints and proper markings, even the best carpenters can manage.”

Zhao Fei replied offhand.

“Alright then, let’s sign the contract soon!”

Yang Yuan rifled through the folder on his desk once more.

“Great! According to the contract, our team can start work the day after tomorrow, and the whole project should take about a month.”

Standing up, Zhao Fei extended his right hand.

“Mm, here’s to a pleasant cooperation!”

“Pleasant cooperation!”

Bang! As the office door closed, only a bitter Yang Yuan and Liu Qing remained inside.

“For 18.5 million, we got a row of guesthouses and a thousand-square-meter ancient building courtyard. Who knows how long it’ll take to recoup the costs! Desert construction truly is a bottomless pit.”

Rubbing his brow, Yang Yuan slowly leaned back in his executive chair.

A creeping worry emerged—what if, once the ancient building courtyard is completed, Xu Hao pulls another stunt? Should they continue to work with him?

Even though Tianchen Culture is massive, they can’t afford to let this project drain the company’s cash flow.

“By the way, has Xu Hao made any moves today? Has he gone live?”

After a long pause,

Yang Yuan turned to Liu Qing.

“Mr. Yang, Xu Hao didn’t stream live today. He’s probably busy preparing for the ancient building courtyard, but Mingsha Tourism is making some big moves.”

Liu Qing quickly replied.

“Mingsha Tourism? What are they up to?”

Yang Yuan narrowed his eyes slightly.

If Xu Hao is the first calamity, then Mingsha Tourism is the second. Without their financial backing and manpower, how could Xu Hao possibly build those guesthouses and pavilions?

“Their officials launched a grass lattice claiming project today, and it’s already receiving tons of likes online!”

Liu Qing offered a wry smile.

With the guesthouses and pavilions now complete, the previously little-known Mingsha Tourism has suddenly drawn significant attention—their new Weibo account has gathered over 50,000 followers in less than half a month.

Unlike Xu Hao’s fans, those following Mingsha Tourism are high-conversion tourists.

“Claim a grass lattice? What’s that about?”

Yang Yuan shifted his position.

“Visitors to Mingsha County can claim a grass lattice to plant a tree. It’s 100 a piece if you need Mingsha Tourism to look after it, or 50 if you don’t.”

“A hundred per lattice?”

Yang Yuan glared.

He’d seen Xu Hao’s specifications for the grass lattices—basically about one square meter each. In the desert, carving out any patch of land can fetch a solid price while also aiding in greening the area!

It’s a business with guaranteed profit and little risk.

“So, is anyone signing up?”

Coming back to his senses, Yang Yuan asked urgently.

“Yes. The first wave of tourists not only claimed dozens of lattices but also posted on social media: ‘Now I have a stake in the northwest desert! It was well worth the trip—kudos to Mingsha Tourism and Brother Hao!'”

In short, the initiative has already piqued significant tourist interest.

Some netizens even commented that even if they didn’t visit the ancient building, just planting their own tree in the desert was incredibly meaningful.

Although Liu Qing was reluctant to see his rival’s success, he couldn’t help but admire Zhu Qiang’s tactics at Mingsha Tourism.

As long as Xu Hao stays in the limelight,

Mingsha Tourism will enjoy a continuous cash flow—and with the guesthouses in play, it’s hard not to profit.

“Interesting, interesting. If Mingsha Tourism can pull this off, so can we. Plus, we could recoup some costs! A hundred per square meter—one acre brings in over 66,000. It even beats land transfers in profit.”

He muttered to himself.

Yang Yuan immediately picked up the phone and dialed the number of Ning’an Cultural and Tourism Group’s Chairman Qi Haoyong. After a few rings, the call was answered.

“Mr. Qi, is now a good time to talk?”

“I just finished a meeting, Mr. Yang. What’s up?”

Qi Haoyong’s voice was calm and unhurried, treating the conversation like any regular business discussion.

No further explanation was needed.

Ever since partnering with Tianchen Culture on this project, the mountainous scenic area hadn’t seen the surge in visitors they’d hoped for—in addition to heavy investments, there was little reason for excitement.

“Mr. Qi, I wanted to discuss a sure-win deal with you.”

Yang Yuan said quickly.

“Go on.”

“Last night, Ning’an Cultural and Tourism Group launched a grass lattice claiming campaign. The response from tourists was excellent—claiming one costs 100. Imagine designating an area for this challenge—just think of the profits!”

“Claim a grass lattice? For what purpose?”

After a brief pause, Qi Haoyong’s voice slowly came through.

“To plant trees!”

“To plant trees? Mm, that would help green the desert on your end, generate profits, and attract even more attention—a truly fantastic idea.”

Yang Yuan’s face lit up with anticipation.

For a shrewd businessman, the choice was obvious.

But the next moment, when Qi Haoyong spoke again, Yang Yuan was stunned. “This… no! Our scenic area won’t do that.”

Qi Haoyong had flatly rejected the proposal.

“Not doing it? Why not?”

“Mr. Yang, a businessman must think long-term. What draws visitors to our scenic area now? It’s the desert! By planting trees for a small profit, you risk erasing our distinctive charm. Without that uniqueness, who will come to visit?”

“Without our character, who will travel here?”

“Understand?”

“You know how many locals rely on this desert for their livelihood.”

Qi Haoyong’s measured tone filled the line.

Ning’an Cultural and Tourism Group has been thriving for over twenty years, earning bountiful profits annually. If they truly wanted to green the desert for environmental reasons, they’d have already pushed back on its expansion.

“Why do we only work to keep the desert from encroaching east? It’s all about distinctive tourism!”

Listening to Qi Haoyong’s explanation, Yang Yuan was momentarily at a loss for words. He wanted to respond, but nothing came. In the end, he had to admit there was some logic to it.

Some believe more visitors mean less desert expansion, but not everyone sees it that way.

“Alright then!”

Little did he know that at the exact moment Ning’an Cultural and Tourism Group rejected his proposal, a camel caravan from Mingsha County had already arrived at Oasis 2 carrying bundles of wheat straw.

And that wasn’t all.

Mingsha Tourism’s two excavators and bulldozers had already begun work at the bottom of the Shadou area.

“Folks, by tonight the surrounding desert must have every grass lattice installed. Tomorrow, the blue bricks and green tiles will be on site.”

Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Luo Peng addressed over thirty workers.

These workers, originally the village’s able-bodied youth, have now all been hired by the labor company and are insured.

“Things have been tough lately, brothers. Stay safe and let’s hope for the best.”