PCJ – Chapter 407 Precaution

Zhang Dechun dared not make a decision on his own, so the production team of The Great Tomb Saga approached County Mayor Luo Changjun.

Wang Yiwei immediately called Luo Changjun, saying, “When we first mentioned coming to your county to shoot the film, you promised to give us full support. But now, before filming even starts, the villagers are already blocking us. If you don’t handle this issue right away, we’ll have no choice but to change locations. Shentian County will have to compensate us for the losses. And it’s not like Shentian County is the only place suitable for this movie.”

On the phone, Luo Changjun replied, “Mr. Wang, please don’t worry. I’ll handle this. I’m coming over now—I need to understand the situation before I can properly address it with the villagers.”

He then quickly called Zhang Youping, saying, “Youping, come with me to Meizi’ao. There are some things I’d like to clarify with you first.”

Luo Changjun still remembered Zhang Jiaohua’s previous warnings quite clearly. He was a bit concerned that the film crew might have ulterior motives, just as Jiaohua suspected.

Once they met up, Zhang Youping got into Luo Changjun’s car.

“Youping, did Jiaohua ever mention what’s really going on with Luoa Ridge?” Luo Changjun asked.

“Luoa Ridge is odd. Years ago, Jiaohua was herding cattle there with five other village kids. Jiaohua fell asleep in the mountains, while the other five went swimming at Luoa Pond—and they all drowned. Ever since, this incident has been a taboo topic in Meizi’ao. Later, Jiaohua mentioned that something felt very wrong at Luoa Pond, something dangerously so. That’s why, when we were developing tourism in Meizi’ao, we fenced off the entire Luoa Ridge area, worried that tourists might run into trouble there.” Zhang Youping explained the background.

“I’d heard of this incident but didn’t realize Jiaohua was directly involved.” Luo Changjun had been the director of Gezhuping Town’s police station back then, so he was aware of the situation.

“Since then, Jiaohua has been having a strange recurring dream. All those odd skills he has were learned in that dream. Otherwise, how else would he have learned the Mei Mountain techniques?” Zhang Youping continued.

“What’s the connection between that dream and Luoa Pond?” Luo Changjun asked further.

“In his dream, Jiaohua saw a place called Dalu Fortress. Behind it was a mine, and a large tomb. In the dream, Jiaohua went into the tomb with his master. The tomb exploded, and only he and his master came out alive; everyone else was lost.” Zhang Youping relayed everything Jiaohua had told him.

“Does Jiaohua suspect that Dalu Fortress’s tomb might be under Luoa Ridge?” Luo Changjun asked.

Zhang Youping nodded. “Yes, but strangely, the other details don’t match. If Luoa Ridge really was the site of that tomb, then this area should have been Dalu Fortress in the past. Even if years have passed, a mine close to Dalu Fortress shouldn’t have just vanished, right?”

“It could be that the distances in his dream aren’t exact. Remember, there’s a Wuxi iron mine in the neighboring county, only a few dozen kilometers from here. It’s said that the Wuxi mine was operational as far back as the Ming Dynasty,” Luo Changjun suggested.

“If that’s the case, then maybe these people really are here for the tomb, like Jiaohua suspects?” Zhang Youping was shocked.

“In recent years, tomb robberies have become a serious issue across the country. Many famous tombs have been catastrophically damaged by grave robbers, with numerous artifacts flowing into the international market. I’m worried that something similar might happen right under our noses!” Luo Changjun said, deeply concerned.

“Should we stop the crew from filming then?” Zhang Youping asked.

“Whatever their intentions, The Great Tomb Saga is legitimate, and this film represents an important opportunity for our county. Missing this chance would mean setting back our development. So, I don’t want to give up on it. We’ll have to be resourceful. I think the film crew itself is fine—no actor would get involved in something like this. It’s likely those few big investors who are suspicious,” Luo Changjun reasoned.

“Yes, Jiaohua once said that both He Shouye and Long Wuyi carry a distinct smell of death and soil, typical of people who’ve frequented tombs. The Taoist with them is probably there to help with difficulties inside the tomb,” Zhang Youping replied.

“Jiaohua’s likely right. Let’s go check things out and try to catch any grave robbers in the act while allowing filming to continue. Youping, if these investors are problematic, would your Bi Jade Immortal Drink company be able to replace their support?” Luo Changjun asked.

“Absolutely. Bi Jade Immortal Drink has already established a significant foothold in the domestic market, focusing equally on both domestic and international sales,” Zhang Youping replied confidently.

When Luo Changjun and Zhang Youping arrived at Meizi’ao Village’s meeting hall, Wang Yiwei was visibly agitated.

“You invited us to Shentian County in the first place. Now we’re all set, but your villagers won’t let us set up scenes. Do you know how much we’re losing every day with all these actors, props, and equipment just idling here? Who’s going to compensate us?” Wang Yiwei demanded.

“Mr. Wang, please don’t worry. The villagers haven’t refused the filming, just that there are some misunderstandings between both sides. I’m confident we can find common ground. Coming here personally shows just how much our county values The Great Tomb Saga,” Luo Changjun reassured the crew.

Due to the delayed setup, main actors like Chen Haibo decided to explore the village.

“Meizi’ao is really impressive. Every family has a villa—it’s even better than a city mansion, with such beautiful scenery,” Chen Haibo remarked.

“Of course! Just look at how expensive their tea is. I heard their finest Red Jade Immortal Drink is sold at high-end auctions worldwide, fetching sky-high prices every time. Even their slightly lower-grade Bi Jade Immortal Drink is worth its weight in gold and is the British royal family’s preferred tea. The Queen herself loves it,” said Zou Heming.

“If only one of us could endorse Bi Jade Immortal Drink. I wouldn’t even ask for payment—just let me drink Red Jade Immortal Drink for free,” Tang Yan licked her lips.

“Who wouldn’t want that?” Chen Cheng laughed.

Handsome men and beautiful women like them always attracted villagers’ attention.

At Meizi’ao Pond, the villagers watched the stars with fascination.

“Oh my, these stars are so beautiful! Look at Tang Yan—she’s like a fairy! Not only is she gorgeous, but she’s so well-dressed, and her skin is so fair,” a villager remarked.

“Yes, and look at Chen Cheng’s hairstyle—only stars could pull that off. If any of us rural women tried it, we’d have no time for anything else!” another commented.

The actors enjoyed the attention and greeted the villagers in return.

“Sir, can I try using this stone mill?” Chen Haibo spotted Zhang Enzhong grinding soybeans for tofu and was intrigued.

“Young man, be careful and don’t drop it on your legs,” Zhang Enzhong patiently taught him how to work the mill.

“Are you making tofu with those beans?” Tang Yan asked curiously.

“Yes, my family’s been making tofu since my great-grandfather’s time. Best tofu in Meizi’ao!” Zhang Enzhong said proudly.

“You all seem to mention ‘Jiaohua’ often. Who is he?” asked Chen Cheng, noticing the name frequently mentioned.

“Ah, that’s because we’re all grateful to him—our whole county owes him thanks,” Zhang Enzhong replied.

“But isn’t he the son of your Bi Jade Immortal Drink’s chairman? Shouldn’t the gratitude be for the chairman?” Chen Haibo asked, puzzled.

“Yes, but we’re grateful to Jiaohua because he’s the only one in the world who knows how to make the Bi Jade Immortal Drink. Meizi’ao’s success is all thanks to him,” Zhang Enzhong explained.

The actors were astonished by this revelation.