Chapter 96: Plans and Proposals Amid Desert Troubles
by xennovel“What’s wrong with the tourists over there?”
Xu Hao’s expression turned serious.
Whether it’s a scenic spot or a guesthouse, reputation is everything. Once it crumbles, even the loveliest scenery will eventually be abandoned by tourists.
“They complained that although they pay the same rate as those at the guesthouse in Oasis 1, over there there’s nothing but the guesthouse.”
“It was fine in the morning. A five-kilometer stroll along the wooden path to admire the desert was enjoyable, but after a round, the walk back left them so exhausted that they barely moved. And thinking of the guests at Oasis 1 and Qixia Town, they couldn’t help but feel resentful.”
Zhu Qiang sighed softly.
“That’s it! The tourists at Oasis 2 are indeed facing these issues!”
Xu Hao slowly lifted his teacup and took a sip.
Recently, guesthouse development has centered around Tengwang Pavilion, and indeed, Oasis 2 has been somewhat neglected.
Around the lake there are a hundred guesthouses, hosting plenty of visitors.
“Next, we’re shooting a TV series in Qixia Town, so for now, no new projects will be developed at Oasis 2.”
After a moment’s thought, Xu Hao looked over at Luo Peng.
“So for now, the only way to address the tourists’ complaints is by improving guesthouse services.”
“Brother Hao, how about adding a few open-top sightseeing buses between Oasis 1 and Oasis 2? After all, we’re building a blue-brick road to connect them, and these buses should handle the rough path just fine.”
Luo Peng paused before sharing his idea.
“Sightseeing buses? Practical as they are, they clash with the pure ancient style of Oasis 1!”
Before Xu Hao could respond, Zhu Qiang quickly chimed in, sounding hesitant.
Oasis 1’s rising acclaim stems largely from the absence of modern elements—neither Qixia Town nor the desert oasis shows any sign of electric poles or asphalt roads. Its ancient vibe is unmistakable.
That’s exactly why the road between Oasis 1 and Oasis 2 was built with blue bricks.
If we start running sightseeing buses in Qixia Town, it would end up looking just like any other half-modern, half-ancient attraction.
“I say we stick to a purely ancient style!”
After a pause, Zhu Qiang added,
“All in? You mean even our transportation should be ancient?”
Xu Hao rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
In truth, he had considered that very idea.
“We could introduce sedan chairs, carriages, even horse or camel rides. Initially, we’d offer free one-way trips for guesthouse visitors at Oasis 2. Once new projects launch there, we’ll charge the standard fare.”
Zhu Qiang quickly interjected,
“Free? That’s unnecessary! Once you start free, charging later only stirs controversy!”
Xu Hao shook his head.
“Then should we just charge directly?”
“No. Let’s run a few public horse-drawn carriages, charging fares like a bus service.”
After a moment’s thought, Xu Hao said,
“If we’re avoiding modern transit, we’ll treat traditional methods like a bus service.”
“Brother Hao, that’s brilliant!”
At the mention of public horse-drawn carriages, Zhu Qiang and Luo Peng’s eyes lit up.
This innovative mode not only offers a fresh experience but effectively addresses current issues—a nominal fare is hardly a problem for tourists.
“Alright, we’ll primarily use public horse-drawn carriages, supplemented by sedan chairs and other animal rides. The more options we offer—everything that can be ridden except camels—the fewer complaints we’ll have.”
Xu Hao nodded in agreement.
Luo Peng hurriedly pulled out his notebook to record the plans. However, when he reached the part about all rideable animals, his mind unexpectedly filled with images of ostriches, elephants, and more.
He paused and glanced at Xu Hao, seeking confirmation.
“Brother Hao, do we really need to prepare every animal that can be ridden?”
“Yes!”
Xu Hao did not realize that Luo Peng’s thoughts had already drifted; he assumed the mention referred only to cattle, horses, and donkeys.
“But what if some animals are hard to come by?”
Luo Peng whispered his concern.
“Then we simply buy some from outside!”
Xu Hao waved his hand, signaling Luo Peng not to overthink it.
During this visit to Haishi, besides selecting the filming crew, he completed a major task: deregistering the personal investment company originally set up by the Xu Family, transferring all projects and assets to the newly registered Haoran Investment.
Haoran Investment is the largest shareholder of Mingsha Tourism, effectively giving Mingsha Tourism control over all desert developments.
Of course,
Haoran Investment remains distinct. Aside from Mingsha Tourism, there’s also Mingsha Labor and Haofang Culture; their financial settlements are managed separately.
“Okay, Brother Hao!”
Luo Peng immediately scribbled down the details in his notebook.
Time flew by, and before they knew it, two hours had passed.
It was 10 PM.
The desert was pleasantly mild—the most comfortable time of the day. Many tourists lay in the sand, gazing up at the dazzling starry sky and savoring the unique calm of the wasteland.
Meanwhile, in the guesthouse,
After discussing all guesthouse-related issues—including the waste incineration plant and the sewage treatment facility—they finally turned to the trending incident.
“Even though our government media interview inadvertently boosted guesthouse publicity, we can’t just let this go!”
Xu Hao looked toward Zhu Qiang.
“Yes, Brother Hao. Today, I contacted Lawyer Zhang. While he secured fixed evidence, he also compiled statistics. The video was shared by 26 media outlets—four major internet portals and the rest self-media news sites.”
Zhu Qiang said in a deep tone,
“26? Has the original website that broke the news been tracked down?”
“Although that website quickly deleted the related pages after gaining traction, Lawyer Zhang still managed to gather evidence.”
“Which website?”
“Nanjiang News!”
“That website sounds familiar!”
Xu Hao frowned.
“You wouldn’t believe it until you check. That site is notorious for sensational news designed to inflame public sentiment—they’re repeat offenders!”
“Have you discussed a compensation plan with Lawyer Zhang?”
After a brief pause, Xu Hao asked,
“Lawyer Zhang’s recommendation is to claim compensation based on likes and comments at ten dollars each per day. For Nanjiang News, in addition to civil liabilities, criminal charges will be pursued. He suggests a rate of $1,000 per like or comment for civil compensation; criminally, the local Mingsha County authorities would take over the case.”
After Zhu Qiang finished speaking, he opened a document on his desktop containing Lawyer Zhang’s litigation suggestions.
“One thousand dollars per like or comment? That’s a lot!”
Xu Hao was taken aback.
Although they weren’t planning to let the rumor spreaders off the hook, Lawyer Zhang’s compensation standards were more than surprising.
“I was shocked too. Lawyer Zhang explained that each like might represent a lost tourist to Mingsha County, so shouldn’t that loss be accounted for by Nanjiang News? After all, a discounted tourist expenditure of $1,000 is already a massive cut!”