Chapter 136: "Where Are We Going, Dad?"

The moment Ma Mandi saw Liu Qingshan, she put on a look of profound displeasure. However, seeing the gloating expression on Kim Hee-sun’s face, Liu Qingshan immediately understood what was going on. He had no intention of exposing the little charade the women had staged; instead, he simply tossed the proposal he had finished late last night onto the table.

"The show is called 'Where Are We Going, Dad?'—a large-scale outdoor reality show featuring parents and their children. Let me state this clearly: I originally intended for my own studio to produce it, but out of gratitude for the immense support the Jingdu Television Station has shown both me and Sister Hee-sun, I’m offering this proposal as a gesture of repayment."

Initially, Ma Mandi’s expression remained unchanged. But after reading the first page, her face transformed completely. The accusatory air she had cultivated vanished, replaced by a look of sheer shock. One must understand that, regardless of scale, the concept of a true outdoor reality show existed only in theory. Even in Japan and South Korea, where variety shows were most advanced, outdoor reality programs were largely restricted to simple game-based formats set within the confines of a courtyard.

This program, which followed five celebrity fathers as they spent 72 hours in the wilderness, caring for their children’s needs and completing tasks set by the production team, was a first not only for the domestic market but for the entirety of Asia. It treated children as equals, aiming to instill correct values, social awareness, and life philosophies. Through engaging games and narrative structures, it served as a positive, uplifting program that fostered a child’s self-esteem, innate conscience, and critical thinking.

It was particularly valuable for its focus on cultivating a child’s ability to adapt to unfamiliar environments, guiding their instinctual sense of self-preservation, and teaching them to value labor by trading effort for food—effectively correcting the entitlement of getting something for nothing.

Ma Mandi barely needed to read the rest; the thematic integrity, narrative intrigue, and undeniable audience appeal were already clear.

"Qingshan, thank you for providing us with such an excellent work. I can say with near certainty: regardless of the investment required, our station will definitely pick this up!"

"Director Ma, let’s hold off on those words until you’ve finished the rest. I have a few requirements to mention, but rest assured, they don't involve profit-sharing—they are purely for the sake of the program’s quality."

Ma Mandi didn't waste another word and buried herself in the document. With nothing to do for the moment, Liu Qingshan caught Kim Hee-sun’s eye, and she followed him out of the living room, understanding his silent cue.

"Are you implying that there are other music-themed variety shows you're interested in, but the current stage production effects aren't up to standard?"

By the time Kim Hee-sun asked this, they had already shared a few intimate moments. The house had been filled with guests lately, which had greatly disrupted their private time together.

"Yes. Those ideas only came to me after we participated in the CCTV 'Youth Song Competition' a few days ago."

"Are you really planning for our Snow Region Studio to produce these and sell them to other stations? With the studio’s current status?"

"Snow Region Studio has the credentials for program production. I considered that long ago; it’s included in our business license’s scope of operations."

"How does your brain work? I remember you were just a 'nobody' who hadn't even released a single project back then. How were you already planning so far ahead?"

"Did you think my three years of playing bit parts were just for a paycheck? I had plenty of time to dream and scheme back then. Now, I’m simply putting those ideas into motion, step by step."

"Alright, honestly, I’m not envious of your intelligence. I’m just admiring my own sharp eye—discovering you, a rare gem, hidden among a pile of worthless stones."

Seeing Kim Hee-sun’s radiant beauty, Liu Qingshan couldn't resist leaning in to steal a kiss. "If I’m the gem, then you are the silk pouch that holds it—the kind of treasure bag made of pure gold thread and jade."

"You certainly know how to flatter your sister."

"On a serious note, this show is just me testing the waters—or rather, a lure to establish my reputation as a top-tier program producer."

"Of course I figured that out. And that talk of yours about not caring about profit? I don't believe it for a second. That advertisement deal must have brought in a few million, right?"

When money was mentioned, Liu Qingshan disclosed the amount Kram had given him. Kim Hee-sun laughed heartily, "Oh my, that’s a windfall! I didn't expect Mr. Kram to be so generous."

"He’s shrewd. Not only has he entrusted his son to me, but how could we ask for high prices for future collaborations with Treasure Pictures?"

"Huh, when you put it that way, five million seems a bit cheap!"

"You can't look at it that way. We’re short on cash right now; this money is like coal delivered in the snow—far more valuable than just icing on the cake."

"The reason I brought you upstairs was to tell you: don't rush to take on random gigs. Other than major film or television projects, just focus on learning. There will be plenty of opportunities to perform later."

"Understood. Only when my singing reaches a professional level will I feel confident enough to participate in those music shows."

"That’s not all. Remember the drama 'The Story of Minglan' I mentioned on the show? I intend for you to star in it. I’ll try to finish the complete script during our month in Hong Kong."

"You can finish filming in just over a month?"

"There are things I haven't told you. The 'SPL' production crew has some shady dealings. I don't want to get too involved, so I plan to finish my parts and withdraw as soon as possible. It’s Xing Ye’s 'Kung Fu Hustle' that really needs my best effort."

"As long as you have a plan, I trust you. I don't understand the business between you men, but I’m happy to let you venture out. After all, my man’s combat prowess is top-notch—anyone who goes looking for trouble with you is just blind!"

"You go back down and look after the guests. I have the melody for the theme song of 'Where Are We Going, Dad?' in my head; I need to transcribe it while the inspiration is still fresh."

Kim Hee-sun kissed him and left. Liu Qingshan sat down and copied the notes from his mind onto paper.

Half an hour later, a call from Chen Zuming shook him out of his focus—it was time to head to Li Zhongsheng’s studio. After confirming the time, Liu Qingshan grabbed his guitar and headed downstairs.

By now, the two women had finished reading the proposal, and their faces lit up at his arrival.

Ma Mandi said, "Now, you can state your requirements. Remember what you said—no talk of profit-sharing, or else this isn't 'repaying a favor'!"

Her tone left no room for pleasantries, and Liu Qingshan’s reply was equally direct.

"My requirement is simple: I must have final approval over all five celebrity fathers. Because I have a complete vision for how the show should unfold, if a nominee doesn't meet my requirements, I reserve the right to replace them before the final cast is set."