Chapter 83: Mysteries in the Courtyard

So it was because of this.

Liu Shan and Li Jue exchanged a smile.

“Absolutely! I heard that Xiao Xu built another ancient courtyard over there. Too bad he hasn’t streamed much since—nobody really knows what it looks like. If they can wrap up the poverty official’s secondment quickly, this could count as a major achievement of his term.”

Cao Jun felt a tinge of regret.

Ever since he heard about Xu Hao, he’s been keeping an even closer eye on him than Liu Shan and Li Jue.

“What’s the rush? Once Xiao Xu finishes restoring Wanchun Pavilion, and if nothing major happens at the courtyard, we can organize a visit. Not just for the ancient courtyard, but also to check out the wooden Tengwang Pavilion.”

Leaning back in his chair for a moment, Li Jue said,

“A trip to the guesthouse as well? Old Li, are you serious?”

Cao Jun was taken aback, and a spark of excitement flickered across Liu Shan’s face.

Watching the Tengwang Pavilion on a livestream is nothing compared to seeing it in person—they really want to witness this wooden marvel housed in the Long Kingdom Library.

“Of course we’re serious!”

Li Jue nodded.

“Alright, since the Dean has given the nod, I’ll arrange it in advance! This will count as a group viewing for our department.”

Cao Jun patted his thigh emphatically.

“Yeah!”

“By the way, since Xiao Xu is coming to Yan City, should we throw him a welcome event?”

“Hmm, maybe not. Just offering him some tangible benefits is enough. Being too showy might ruffle some feathers among our colleagues. When the time comes, besides the three of us, we can invite Section Chief Bai and a few other mid-level officials to have a chat with him.”

After a moment of thought, Liu Shan said,

“Alright then! I’ll get in touch with Xiao Xu tonight.”

“Good!”

Night fell, and the summer heat finally began to cool off.

In Ning’an County’s most luxurious hotel lobby, music filled the air as glasses clinked in a lively celebration.

“Come on, come on, General Yang, a toast to you!”

“Not at all! Not at all!”

Yang Yuan lifted his flute glass and took a small sip.

Earlier today, after the ancient courtyard’s completion ceremony and the kickoff of ‘The Culinary Detective Flower Boy’ in the Ning’an County Desert, staff from Tianchen Culture and several lead actors were invited by Ning’an Culture and Tourism Group Chairman Qi Haoyong to celebrate at this hotel. Local officials joined in as well.

“General Yang, Tianchen Culture’s strength is truly exceptional. I, Qi, apologize for my earlier rudeness!”

After a moment,

Qi Haoyong, glass in hand, glanced over at a corner of the lobby where Director Wan Shan, Leading Man Deng Liang, and Leading Lady Wang Ran were gathered, their faces filled with emotion.

“That’s right.”

Though Ning’an Cultural Tourism Group has its own film studio, it’s mainly for tourists. Most actors come just for a desert backdrop; this is the first time two top stars and a renowned director are shooting an entire scene here.

Thanks to ‘The Culinary Detective Flower Boy,’ room bookings have skyrocketed—today the site welcomed 40,000 visitors, at least five times the usual number, even surpassing the holiday peak.

Plus, Tianchen Culture has relaxed restrictions on fan visits during filming, so visitor numbers will definitely remain high.

“This is just the beginning! Once ‘The Culinary Detective Flower Boy’ premieres, the crowds will only grow.”

Glancing at Qi Haoyong, Yang Yuan took a ceremonial sip.

“Ah, General Yang, you’re still mad at me, aren’t you? I admit I slipped up earlier, but our project hasn’t fallen apart, has it? It wasn’t that we prevented visitors from claiming the grass lattice—Mingsha County Cultural Tourism did that. And what was the result? I heard that even though their ancient courtyard was finished, it barely attracted any attention. Xu Hao couldn’t even bring himself to stream it.”

Qi Haoyong quickly forced a smile and said,

“Xu Hao? He doesn’t deserve it!”

Hearing about Xu Hao’s ordeal, Yang Yuan’s expression softened a bit.

“That just goes to show—it’s all thanks to your prowess, General Yang.”

Qi Haoyong chuckled and raised his glass once more.

“Yeah!”

Yang Yuan also lifted his glass.

Elsewhere in the lobby, a plump middle-aged woman with cropped hair was chatting with Manager Liu Qing while a young woman stood nearby. Compared to the lively group with the lead actors, this corner was rather subdued.

“Manager Liu, I have to thank you again! Without you, Fang Ya—a newcomer—wouldn’t have landed the role of the fifth female lead.”

The middle-aged woman laughed.

Then she turned to the young woman and said, “Xiao Ya, why don’t you offer a toast to Manager Liu?”

The young woman was none other than Fang Ya, Xu Hao’s ex-girlfriend, while the middle-aged woman was her agent, Zhang Yun, assigned after Fang Ya joined Longhai Brokerage.

“No, no! Zhang Jie, it’s just a supporting role—we’ve been old friends for years!”

At that, Manager Liu waved his hands repeatedly.

For this casting round at Longhai Brokerage, they hadn’t planned to source a newcomer for the low-key role of the fifth female lead until Zhang Yun reached out on old-friend grounds, sealing the deal.

“Old friends remain old friends, but I truly must thank you. Since Longhai Brokerage was acquired by Heyun Brokerage, our company has faced big changes. Otherwise, how would I have time to mentor newcomers?”

Zhang Yun gave a wry smile.

“Zhang Jie, you’re too modest. With your talent, your new protégé will soon shine.”

Manager Liu laughed.

“Sigh, it’s mainly that we’re getting old, Xiao Ya. What are you waiting for?”

“Manager Liu, thank you once again. I hope Tianchen Culture will consider me when better resources become available in the future.”

Prompted once more, Fang Ya quickly nodded.

It was obvious she wasn’t comfortable in such social settings or perhaps had never experienced them before.

“Don’t worry, don’t worry! As long as there’s a resource, it will come.”

Manager Liu nodded in acknowledgment.

Days passed, and with the official start of filming ‘The Culinary Detective Flower Boy,’ Ning’an Desert grew increasingly vibrant. The newly built guesthouse nearby was so popular that rooms were nearly impossible to book, with nightly rates soaring to 3,000.

Meanwhile, Mingsha County remained relatively quiet, with visitor numbers hardly different from usual.

Especially after Qixia Ancient Town opened, crowds dwindled even more. At midday, the scorching heat made the place feel deserted.

At that moment, inside the Desert Pavilion, a man in a firefighter’s uniform examined the blueprints in his hand and surveyed the buildings on both sides of the Shadou area, a look of concern etching his face.

Standing beside him were Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng.

“General Zhu, should we go back and consult with the higher-ups?”

Coming back to his senses,

the man looked over at Zhu Qiang.

“What’s wrong, Captain Li? Is our firefighting challenge too great on this side?”

Zhu Qiang was taken aback.

After the county proposed setting up a fire station here last time, he immediately reported it to Xu Hao, who promptly agreed that such a facility was essential.

Today, during the county fire brigade’s site survey, the reply was, “The difficulty isn’t major; it’s just that both sides showcase ancient architecture. How can a modern fire station blend in without spoiling the aesthetic? Visitors would definitely complain!”

The man known as Captain Li shook his head wryly as he explained.

P.S. Many thanks to my brothers for the tips, monthly votes, and recommendations! Lao Ba is deeply grateful!

Lao Ba mentioned that three of his family members tested positive. He started feeling a sore throat yesterday and probably won’t dodge it this time. He’s trying to post as much as he can while his symptoms are still mild, hoping he can hold on.

If his symptoms cause him to miss a day or two, he asks his brothers for understanding. Lao Ba sends his thanks!