124: Culture and Tourism Bureau arrives

After lunch, a new batch of players arrived quickly.

The Haunted House’s popularity is now soaring; not only from out of town, but some locals are also coming to visit due to its reputation.

Additionally, besides players, the Haunted House also welcomed a few special guests.

As usual, Li Zhou sat in the monitoring room, watching the surveillance footage while scrolling on his phone.

Suddenly, he received a call from Fang Xiaolu.

“Boss, someone else is looking for you,” Fang Xiaolu said from the other end of the line.

Hearing this, Li Zhou instinctively looked up at the monitor showing the entrance.

He saw a man and a woman standing in front of Fang Xiaolu.

“Ask them what they want with me?” Li Zhou asked after confirming he didn’t recognize either of them.

“They said they’re from the Culture and Tourism Bureau, here specifically to discuss some matters with you, Boss.”

“Boss, do you want to come out, or should I bring them in?” Fang Xiaolu asked softly into her phone, looking at the two people outside the Haunted House.

The Culture and Tourism Bureau?

Hearing this, a hint of realization flashed in Li Zhou’s eyes.

Standing up, he said, “Tell them to wait a moment; I’ll be right out.”

After hanging up, Li Zhou tidied his clothes.

Soon, he arrived outside the door.

Fang Xiaolu was guiding other players nearby, while the man and woman from the monitor stood in place.

Upon seeing Li Zhou appear, they seemed to recognize his identity and walked forward proactively.

“Hello, Boss Li.”

“We are from the Jinling City Culture and Tourism Bureau.”

“My name is Peng Yu, and she is Tang Shan.”

Peng Yu introduced himself first, extending his hand.

Li Zhou quickly extended his hand as well, smiling, “Hello to you both.”

He wasn't surprised by the Culture and Tourism Bureau’s arrival.

With Tianfeng Haunted House’s soaring popularity online, it was bound to attract the Culture and Tourism Bureau’s attention.

However, Li Zhou had initially expected the Culture and Tourism Bureau to send someone a bit later.

After all, Jinling City, as an ancient capital of six dynasties, was not short of attractions for tourists.

“I wonder if Boss Li is available?”

“Shall we go inside to talk?”

Li Zhou’s appearance attracted the attention of many players.

Peng Yu wore a smile and spoke in a very friendly tone.

Hearing this, Li Zhou nodded.

Turning around, he led the two into his office.

After making them a pot of tea, Li Zhou got straight to the point, knowingly asking, “May I ask what brings you two here today?”

“Haha, Boss Li, your Haunted House has been incredibly popular recently!”

“Even my daughter mentioned it to me.”

Peng Yu was a middle-aged man in his forties.

Wearing a jacket, he looked very refined.

Tang Shan was much younger, though she also appeared to be in her thirties.

At this moment, Peng Yu looked at Li Zhou across from him and said with a chuckle.

Beside him, Tang Shan’s eyes showed continuous surprise.

She had already investigated Tianfeng Haunted House before coming.

She knew the owner of this Haunted House was a young man.

But she hadn’t expected Li Zhou to be so young.

Although Tianfeng Haunted House was located in the suburbs, such a large area of land would cost a considerable amount to acquire.

Young and promising!

This was Tang Shan’s first impression of Li Zhou.

“It just happened to be made popular by a Streamer, nothing worth mentioning,” Li Zhou said with a humble smile in response to Peng Yu’s praise.

“Alas, even if someone helps you, you still have to be capable yourself, don’t you?”

“These days, quite a few people are coming to the suburbs.”

Peng Yu spoke again, his tone full of admiration.

Of all of Jinling City, Nanshan District had the largest suburban area.

And also the quietest.

Now that a Tianfeng Haunted House had emerged, the Culture and Tourism Bureau’s higher-ups were very pleased.

Without waiting to observe the situation further, they eagerly dispatched Peng Yu and Tang Shan.

Their mission had only one goal: to cooperate with Li Zhou and stabilize the Haunted House’s popularity.

It didn’t need to last too long; even half a month at its current level would ensure that many people would continue to visit the Nanshan suburbs in the future.

Of course, if it could last longer, that would be even better.

There was plenty of vacant land next to the Haunted House.

This popularity could be leveraged to develop many related industries.

After a few exchanges, Peng Yu stopped beating around the bush and directly stated the purpose of their visit.

“Boss Li, to be honest, the city has always wanted to develop the Nanshan suburbs.”

“But unfortunately, there hasn’t been a standout industry to drive it.”

“Your Haunted House’s sudden popularity is a great opportunity.”

“You can bring any difficulties you have to me, and I will unconditionally meet your needs.”

“Furthermore, if the Haunted House’s popularity can last for a month, we will build an amusement park around your establishment, centered on horror and thrills, targeting young people from all over the country!”

Peng Yu’s tone was very serious.

Hearing his words, Li Zhou raised an eyebrow.

Any conditions could be proposed?

It seemed the higher-ups at the Jinling City Culture and Tourism Bureau genuinely wanted to develop the Nanshan suburbs.

That made sense; over the years, many people visited Jinling City.

But almost all of them concentrated in one area.

Other places remained undeveloped, just like before.

After years of effort, at least various areas had begun to flourish.

But only Nanshan District had shown no improvement.

Almost half of Nanshan District was deserted, with the only relatively bustling areas being those closer to the city center.

After seeing the Haunted House’s popularity, the Culture and Tourism Bureau specifically hired someone to conduct an assessment.

Regardless of anything else, just based on the Haunted House’s current popularity, it could bring nearly ten thousand tourists to Nanshan District every month!

Although it was for one month, it was important to remember that this was the effect brought by just one Haunted House.

If more industries could be developed around the Haunted House, this number would skyrocket!

Moreover, if the Haunted House could maintain this popularity for a month or even longer, the benefits would be immense.

A unique amusement park could be built entirely around Tianfeng Haunted House.

“Actually, I don’t have anything particularly needed right now.”

“It would be a great help if some Streamers could come here.”

Li Zhou pondered for a moment before speaking.

What he lacked most now was exposure.

This kind of exposure wasn’t about how many tourists visited the Haunted House daily.

It was the kind that everyone could see.

Streaming was still the best method.

“Streamers?”

Hearing Li Zhou’s words, Peng Yu stroked his chin and nodded, saying, “I will report this to the Bureau.”

“Do you have any other requests?”

“Whether it’s expansion, renovation, or anything else, we can provide you with support.”

Although the Haunted House gained popularity through streaming.

Its current popularity was already quite high.

In Peng Yu’s view, it was best to first lay a solid foundation for the Haunted House.

For example, the venue, gameplay, facilities, and so on.

If visiting players were dissatisfied with the Haunted House, all the publicity would be in vain.

“That’s not necessary,” Li Zhou said with a smile, waving his hand.

“The Haunted House does need planning and renovation, but I can handle it myself.”

“If you really want to help me, as I just mentioned, you can bring some Streamers here.”

“What I lack now are Streamers.”