Ch 146: The World’s Number One Resort

While Dai Dongwang was booking his flight, Tang Huai was touring area by the Delicious Restaurant in Great Tang Resort. After a brief stroll, he went to Zone 43.

With tireless construction efforts, 75% of the Sora Underground City “Sora Dungeon” had been completed, and it was expected to officially open in the middle of the month.

It was now 1 a.m., and the silence of the night enveloped everything. Tang Huai gazed at the underground city before him, feeling a bit dazed. The Sora Underground City, classified as a high-end area, spanned twenty square kilometers.

After focusing on the sale of Great Tang VR glasses and the Hawaii event, Tang Huai hadn’t visited the underground city in a while. In his mind, the Sora Underground City should have resembled a grand and imposing structure like the Roman Colosseum.

But now… wild roses, dahlias, and purple wisteria stretched out in a sea of flowers, glowing faintly under the moonlight. The flower fields spanned twenty square kilometers, and Tang Huai could imagine their breathtaking beauty during the day. However, the underground city was supposed to have the characteristics of a “city.” So… where was the city?

“Where’s the city?” A Sora tour guide approached, and Tang Huai immediately asked.

“Master Host, it’s underground,” the guide patiently explained.

Then, the guide switched on a flashlight. Tang Huai noticed tracks running through the center of the flower field. The tracks crisscrossed, resembling the elevator tracks of the Sky Forest.

“The entrance is in the center of the flower field. Once the underground city is completed and the trains are operational, it will be ready for use,” the guide continued.

Tang Huai glanced at the construction plans for the underground city. The underground terrain was complex, with the layout consisting of intersecting tracks leading to a circular structure at the center, which was likely the entrance. Surrounding the circle were train tracks of intricate design, reminiscent of Chongqing’s Huangjuewan Interchange.

This was a track system designed to explore the flower fields.

Bianjing Ancient City, Thrilling Racing, Sora Underground City… Tang Huai rubbed his nose, thinking about how the system truly had a preference for railways and tracks.

“Manager Tang, would you like to go there now?” The tour guide politely suggested, noticing Tang Huai’s contemplation.

“No need.” The cool breeze brushed past Tang Huai, who shook his head. With the underground city scheduled to open in half a month, Tang Huai wanted to experience it alongside the tourists this time.

Otherwise, visiting every beautiful scene alone felt somewhat melancholic…

Tang Huai wandered around the flower fields for a bit before returning to his private courtyard.

Over the next two days, Great Tang flights continued to travel back and forth between the resort and various airports. With the support of travel agencies, Great Tang Resort maintained a daily flow of about fifty thousand visitors, showing no signs of decline despite Hawaii’s travel restrictions.

As long as Great Tang could weather this period, its future growth would be secured.

In addition to managing Great Tang’s development, Tang Huai also purchased several Sora bodyguards and new defense equipment during these two days.

Though it was a time of peace, the travel restrictions from Hawaii had served as a wake-up call for Tang Huai. “You must be strong to forge iron.” Great Tang Resort was like a money-making treasure trove, and with prevention in mind, Tang Huai had no intention of becoming a second Iraq.

The Sora bodyguards and equipment cost 150 million island points. After clicking “Activate,” Great Tang’s security experienced a qualitative leap.

Tang Huai opened his mission interface.

Host Name: Tang Huai
Current Mission: None
Island Points: 120 million+
Attention Level: 97 million+
Construction in Progress: “Sora Dungeon” Sora Underground City

With a total of nearly 200 million in island points and attention, and a daily increase of around five million, Tang Huai let out a sigh of relief. With enough island points in hand, Great Tang was now in a strong position to manage risks.

Tang Huai was busy yet fulfilled.

…

“Is this Sora Island?” Two days later, on the QA-02 plane, a slightly chubby man carrying a brown suitcase disembarked with the others.

The man was none other than Dai Dongwang. He had only brought an assistant with him, and both of them were dressed quite plainly.

“Director Dai, where are we heading now?” The assistant asked in a low voice as they left the airport, glancing around.

Sora Airport is located on the southernmost side of Sora Town, thirty kilometers away from the main city area. Aside from its eastern side, the airport is surrounded by vast, open plains on its other three sides, providing a broad landscape.

With the increasing number of visitors to Great Tang Resort, Tang Huai not only purchased sightseeing buses but also added several Sora taxis. At the airport entrance, colorful taxis lined up, adding a lively touch to the otherwise formal airport setting.

“Let’s handle the important business first,” said Dai Dongwang, scanning the surrounding environment, his expression showing a hint of difficulty. He wasn’t sure if it was just his imagination, but the moment he stepped off the plane, he felt an inexplicable sense of clarity and lightness in both mind and body. Despite the urge to enjoy a relaxing vacation, he was weighed down by the matters at hand.

With that thought, the two hailed a taxi and headed towards the Sora office building.

As they drove through the clean and orderly Sora streets, lined with vibrant shops and bustling with enthusiastic tourists, Dai Dongwang felt as if he had entered a fairytale town.

“Stop here,” he suddenly called out when the car was passing through First Avenue and about to make a turn.

They swiped their cards to get off the taxi.

The two of them were now in Sora Town’s commercial district, surrounded by luxury stores like CC, PEA Fishing Gear, and Great Tang Glasses. On their right was “Stroke of the Brush,” while directly in front of them stood the Sora Cinema.

The nearest movie screening was set to start in ten minutes, and a variety of visitors holding popcorn were entering and exiting the cinema.

“Let’s go in and take a look,” Dai Dongwang decided quickly. He had researched Great Tang Resort before coming and learned that the Sora Cinema was one of its key attractions.

Sora Cinema was closely linked with VR films.

The assistant nodded in agreement.

They bought tickets for the next screening, titled “Escape from Dinosaur Island,” which featured prehistoric dinosaurs.

“That was thrilling! After this movie, should we go for a round of Thrilling Racing?”

“Sounds good. What’s playing today? ‘Dinosaur Island’? Another animation?”

“No, it’s a virtual protagonist. I’m seriously impressed by the technology at Great Tang Resort.”

Their seats were in row nine, numbers seven and eight. With only three minutes left until the movie started, the theater was already packed, with visitors chatting in small groups.

Besides films like My Boyfriend is a Dragon and Escape from Dinosaur Island, Great Tang Resort had also released new titles like Charlie’s Past and Mech Storm Cloud, which focused on mystery and suspense. The Sora Cinema had garnered a ten-star rating online.

“Director Dai, does this have the same effect as 10D?” The assistant examined the VR headset, somewhat unsure of how to envision the difference between VR games and VR films.

“Read the instructions,” Dai Dongwang said, tapping on the words inscribed on the headset. In addition to usage steps, there was a 10D effect explanation. Embarrassed, the assistant realized he had been too hasty.

“It’s starting,” Dai Dongwang reminded three minutes later as the lights dimmed. The assistant hurriedly put on the headset.

At 11:00 a.m., Escape from Dinosaur Island officially began.

“Professor Wells, this is a complete dinosaur fossil. If we send an expedition, we will definitely uncover traces of the dinosaur civilization.”

“Are you confident?”

“Yes, absolutely.”

…

The moment the film started, the scene around them transformed. Dai Dongwang found himself in a futuristic laboratory. In front of him was a dinosaur fossil the size of a soccer ball. Two men, dressed in white lab coats, were discussing the fossil.

They weren’t real people.

This was Dai Dongwang’s first observation. The two figures were in a simulated, lifelike form, similar to special effects in a 3D movie. Even though the audience knew it wasn’t real, the environment’s immersive rendering and high-quality effects eliminated any sense of dissonance.

Having made movies his whole life, Dai Dongwang immediately deduced that the younger man was the protagonist. His guess proved correct: after their discussion, the young protagonist and a group of science enthusiasts set off on an expedition to a mysterious jungle.

There were five perspective options in the upper right corner for Dai Dongwang.

He chose the protagonist’s perspective, staying within ten meters of the lead character throughout the journey.

A mysterious jungle, a sudden black hole, a vivid and colorful dinosaur world… The entire Dinosaur Island film was steeped in a Western blockbuster style. Dai Dongwang was so absorbed that he felt disoriented. Having tried Great Tang VR glasses before, he already knew the immersive quality of Great Tang’s technology.

Even though Dai Dongwang had mentally prepared himself, the experience of a movie is distinctly different from a game. In a game, the audience actively participates. In a movie, they are passive spectators—but only to the plot. With the deeply immersive experience, being chased by a dragon, jumping off a cliff, or climbing a tree in a rush felt remarkably real.

10D movies are a hundred times more thrilling than ordinary 3D ones.

“Wow, that was exhilarating. Fifty dollars is an absolute steal.”

“The best offering in Great Tang Resort. When does the next screening start?”

“The dinosaurs were terrifying. I could watch it over and over.”

The 100-minute film flew by in no time. When it ended and the lights came on, the audience eagerly discussed the experience as they removed their headsets. Among them were first-timers and those who had seen the movie multiple times.

The assistant removed his headset, equally excited. He recalled the shock of the first 3D film a decade ago. Over these ten years, he had witnessed 3D films evolve from their experimental phase to maturity—a revolutionary decade for the film industry. But now, he sensed a second revolution on the horizon, one even more stunning than 3D.

“Director Dai… Is this the future direction of film?” The assistant opened a bottle of water and asked Dai Dongwang, finally understanding why the director was so determined to visit.

“Let’s head to Great Tang office,” Dai Dongwang replied with a steady voice. However, the trembling of his right hand betrayed his emotions. 10D technology was even more impressive than he imagined. And if Great Tang could already produce highly realistic 10D films, creating live-action films wouldn’t be an issue.

It was lunchtime when they finished watching the film. After a quick meal, they arrived at the Sora office building at exactly 2 p.m.

“Dai Dongwang?”

In the Great Tang office, Tang Huai was preparing to leave. Upon hearing the secretary’s report, he was surprised. They had spoken over the phone three days ago, and Tang Huai thought Dai Dongwang had given up on the VR movie idea.

Now, he had shown up in person?

“Let him in,” Tang Huai instructed the secretary after some thought.

“Mr. Tang, I apologize for the unannounced visit. This is the proposal for The Six-Eared Macaque. I hope you can review it…” Five minutes later, Dai Dongwang and his assistant entered the room. After a brief exchange of pleasantries, Dai Dongwang handed over a thick folder.

“Director Dai, Great Tang currently has no plans for a VR film,” Tang Huai said, pouring some tea and feeling somewhat exasperated. Dai Dongwang was truly persistent.

“I understand, but I hope you will at least give it a chance,” Dai Dongwang replied, looking slightly embarrassed. He was putting his pride aside.

“Only half an hour,” Tang Huai finally agreed, glancing at the time, moved by Dai Dongwang’s hopeful gaze.

Tang Huai had respect for seasoned artists, but business was business, and respect was respect; the two shouldn’t be conflated.

Tang Huai opened the proposal for The Six-Eared Macaque. The plan was divided into two main parts: the script and VR market research. The story’s theme was Oriental fantasy, centered around the six-eared macaque fighting demons alongside a demon hunter. The plot was decent—typical blockbuster fantasy fare.

The VR market research section expanded upon the concepts introduced in Ancient Town VR, providing a more detailed version of their previous phone discussion.

Tang Huai skimmed through the proposal for about ten minutes before closing it.

“Mr. Tang, what do you think?” Dai Dongwang, noticing Tang Huai’s calm demeanor despite his young age, grew increasingly anxious as Tang Huai closed the folder.

“Director Dai, I have a few questions.”

“Please, go ahead.” Dai Dongwang was slightly taken aback.

“If Tianying is requesting Great Tang to invest, has the company considered the costs involved in VR live-action filmmaking? What would be the return on investment for Great Tang if it participates in the project? How challenging is a full 360° holographic shoot for actors?

More importantly, given the current theater infrastructure, is it even possible to screen a VR movie? Even if it is, how much box office revenue would The Six-Eared Macaque need to avoid losses?” Tang Huai sipped his tea, posing a series of questions without caring about how Dai Dongwang might react.

“It’s not a request; it’s a plea for collaboration…” Dai Dongwang was stunned. Beyond the first question, he had no answers.

“Mr. Tang… How much would the technical costs be?” The atmosphere grew tense, and Dai Dongwang hesitated before asking.

“I’m not sure, but a conservative estimate would be at least 100 million USD.”

Tang Huai raised a finger. Technologies like VR filmmaking relied on his system, costing at least 50 million in island value. For Great Tang, the price in island value was more significant than in dollars, so quoting one billion wasn’t excessive.

Dai Dongwang was left speechless. And that was just for the technology. Adding actors and settings would drive the cost even higher. Moreover, he realized that current cinemas indeed lacked the facilities to support such a film.

At that moment, Dai Dongwang felt a sense of inadequacy. His stubbornness and lofty literary ideals explained why his movies had flopped for so many years…

“Mr. Tang, is a VR movie even possible?” As he stood up to leave, he couldn’t help but ask.

As a filmmaker, it was torturous to see and imagine new technology but not be able to grasp it.

“Hasn’t it already been realized?” Tang Huai replied with a question.

Dai Dongwang paused and then understood. He recalled Escape from Dinosaur Island. On Sora Island, VR movie technology had already been achieved.

At that moment, he felt a profound envy for Great Tang’s tourists. He finally understood why the resort had received such high ratings.

This was an island that surpassed modern technology. Dai Dongwang became curious about Great Tang and the mysterious FillTech Company behind it, and he had an urge to explore.

With these thoughts swirling in his mind, Dai Dongwang and his assistant left the office.

Tang Huai watched their retreating figures, then glanced at the proposal on the desk.

The Six-Eared Macaque?

He didn’t know much about screenwriting, but aside from some absurd elements, the script for The Six-Eared Macaque didn’t seem to have any major flaws. At the very least, it appeared to be a lighthearted, commercially viable film.

Perhaps when Great Tang eventually ventured into VR filmmaking, they could try producing it.

But that was just a possibility for the future.

Dai Dongwang’s visit was merely a brief interlude. After he left, Tang Huai dived back into the urgent construction projects on Sora Island.

Half a month later, Sora’s underground city was officially completed.

☀️☀️☀️☀️☀️