Chapter 137: Variety Show Theme Song

Liu Qingshan spoke the truth—having a clear vision of the future program’s effect meant the necessity of referencing the original team. Although this show was advanced by nearly nine years, the original cast could not be guaranteed. They could only try to select a few whose style closely matched the original parents and children. Moreover, Kyoto Television still held the first right of choice; he merely placed the final decision in their hands. In fact, the qualification to be shortlisted remained with Kyoto Television.

Ma Mandi naturally understood the core meaning behind his words and immediately nodded, saying, “I have no objections here, but the final decision still needs to be discussed with the station’s leadership!”

Liu Qingshan was not worried about the outcome of the final discussion. Securing an excellent program plan for free had already saved the station considerable manpower and resources.

“Director Ma, I trust you. My opinion is that you should take charge of producing this program. I wouldn’t agree if anyone else took over!”

His words carried a sense of repaying a favor, which made Ma Mandi feel quite gratified.

“You don’t have to call me Director anymore; just call me Sister Mandi!”

“Sister Mandi, let me be frank—the biggest drawback of parent-child programs is that, in pursuit of so-called program effects, they resort to unscrupulous means, showing no respect for children as equal human beings. I’m putting it out there at the start: if your show goes against my original intention, don’t expect any future cooperation!”

“I understand your concerns. To ensure the program’s positive nature, I’ve decided to take on the hardship myself and personally direct this variety show. If anything fails to meet your requirements, I will take full responsibility!”

“Sister Mandi has ample experience as a program planner from earlier years!” Xue Danni chimed in from the side.

Only then did Liu Qingshan smile. “Alright, I consider this a big gift from me. Regarding the advertising issues your station promised…”

Ma Mandi chuckled softly. “I already spoke with Xi Shan about it earlier. Tomorrow, we’ll find time to sign the contract and shoot the commercials. Our station had already prepared for this, but the invited celebrity had to cancel for some reason. All the scenes and photographers are ready; it will only take a few sentences and a few poses—no more than an hour or two!”

So, they were basically a substitute, but Liu Qingshan naturally wouldn’t say that aloud—after all, securing this backup slot was no easy feat.

Since the advertising was already settled, Liu Qingshan no longer dwelled on the matter.

He picked up the guitar. “Here’s another benefit I’m offering—the theme song for the show. But the official version needs several children from the program to sing together.”

Then he strummed the strings and hummed the tune.

When the song ended, Ma Mandi’s eyes sparkled, and especially Xue Danni, who excitedly exclaimed, “It’s rare to have such a refreshing children’s song. I give it three stars for melody. The best part is the quality—it’s not a masterpiece, but at least the composer put his heart into it!”

Ma Mandi also praised, “The children’s part of this song is simple and easy to learn, with potential to become popular. It will greatly boost the program’s ratings. I really like this song!”

Xue Danni wasn’t finished. “Our country needs more high-quality children’s songs, not just some rough, low-quality tunes slapped together. For example, those melodies taught in kindergartens are dull and lifeless, lacking imagery or the soul of real life. As for theme songs or endings from cartoons, I can only describe them as utterly foolish.”

Liu Qingshan laughed heartily. “You can’t say it like that. ‘Two Tigers’ and ‘Calabash Brothers’ are still quite suitable for preschoolers. But having a song like this, one that’s more closely connected to children’s lives, more integrated, and better at promoting parent-child relationships, is certainly a plus!”

“This is the first time I’ve truly taken your words to heart as your ‘dad.’ That lyric is really well written!” Ma Mandi said, her face softening with the tender expression only a mother could show.

She had a five-year-old son herself, and that particular line resonated deeply with her.

“It’s a warm song. I can imagine that if performed by children, it would touch hearts even more!”

Jin Xishan also shared her thoughts.

Ma Mandi then brought up the crucial issue: “What about the copyright for this song...?”

“I can authorize the production team to use it freely, but rights outside Kyoto Television remain with me!”

This was a common copyright arrangement in the entertainment industry. Liu Qingshan understood that Ma Mandi was subtly reminding him to retain rights that should not be given away lightly.

“And what about the copyright for the entire ‘Where Are We Going, Dad?’ series? I remember you said it was given as a gift to the station.”

“Once said, it’s settled. Even if there’s a second or third season in the future, I will no longer own the copyright. I only hope Kyoto Television remembers my goodwill.”

Unexpectedly, he refused to completely give up the theme song’s copyright but willingly relinquished ownership of the program itself.

Ma Mandi had initially raised the topic to negotiate but did not expect Liu Qingshan to be so generous.

He didn’t explain his true feelings but changed the subject directly. “I have a small request: when Sister Xishan releases her album, your station could give her some promotional opportunities—perhaps performing several songs on a program or serving as a judge on a music variety show!”

Ma Mandi nodded repeatedly. “As long as I’m at Kyoto Television, Xishan is my own little sister. You don’t abandon your sister to help others!”

Jin Xishan smiled. “Sister Mandi, does that mean if you leave Kyoto Television, you won’t recognize me as your sister anymore?”

“That’s just a metaphor, alright?” Ma Mandi quickly linked arms with Jin Xishan. “You’ve long been my sister. Should we, like Teacher Gu Yun, hold a family recognition ceremony?”

Laughter erupted around them, and the atmosphere was exceedingly warm.

After seeing the two off, Jin Xishan stretched and then gave Liu Qingshan a playful wink, the meaning behind it somewhat inappropriate for children.

Both of them were adults, and such thoughts were natural, but before Liu Qingshan could respond, his phone rang abruptly.

“Shanzi, send me the sample quickly. I don’t care what difficulties you have. Okay, once it’s confirmed, send me the flight message—I’ll have someone waiting at the airport!”

The caller was Zhou Xingchi, though it was unclear where he had received the information.

Liu Qingshan hung up with a wry smile. “I really have my hands full. I need to deliver the sample to Master Xing as soon as possible and make a copy to submit immediately to Director Ge for review!”

Jin Xishan leaned gently against him, no longer showing the earlier dependence. “We have a long road ahead. Let’s focus on the important matters. You just do what you need to do—I’ll support you no matter what!”

Liu Qingshan was moved and pulled her into his arms. Yet, with his other hand, he immediately dialed Kunale.

“You, Samir, and the other two fly to Hong Kong tonight. Remember to bring the copy of the special effects sample. Someone will meet you at the airport. I’ll send you Master Xing’s number shortly. Once your tickets are booked, message him!”

“Then we just wait there?”

“Yes, two days of downtime is fine. You can also visit your juniors on set. The most important thing is to ensure the copy is safely delivered! I’ll arrive in a few days, and then we’ll discuss what comes next.”