Chapter 164: Discussing the Theme Song for the Three Kingdoms Grand Opening Drama

The recording of the eleventh episode, the breakout round of "The Voice," has officially concluded.

Five singers, including Li Caiwei, Xie Yuwen, and Xu Xinru, successfully broke through the competition and advanced to the grand finale, known as the "King of Singers Battle."

Combined with Fang Xing, Liu Hongsheng, and Zhong Yuanxun, who had advanced in advance, a total of eight singers successfully entered the grand finale of "The Voice."

Although the recording of the eleventh episode's breakout round had concluded, it had not yet been broadcast.

However, the singers who advanced to the grand finale had already received official notification from the production team and began making preparations for the ultimate showdown.

Consequently, all the advancing singers had already received the performance themes and rules for the grand finale.

Upon receiving the rules, Pine Stone Records immediately summoned all departments to hold a meeting and discuss the strategy for the finale.

It was a bright morning.

Fang Xing arrived at the company on time to attend the meeting, and Li Caiwei had also arrived ahead of schedule.

This time, she had successfully broken through into the grand finale, and she attached great importance to it.

Once everyone was present, Qiao Yinghong took the lead to explain the rules of the grand finale:

"According to the rules provided by the production team, there will be two rounds of competition in this grand finale.

"The first round of competition will be a one-on-one duel featuring guest collaborations. There are no restrictions on the invited guests; anyone can be invited as long as they comply with the regulations of the National Radio and Television Administration.

"The theme for the first round is 'Dust of History.' It is by no means easy to convey the heavy weight of history with this theme.

"Following the one-on-one duels in the first round, the winners will advance to the ultimate championship battle, while the losers will be eliminated.

"Therefore, the second round—the championship battle—will feature four singers competing. It will no longer be a one-on-one duel, but rather a round-robin performance, with the champion, runner-up, and second runner-up ultimately decided by audience votes.

"The rules for the second round's championship battle are relatively lenient, with no prescribed performance theme. You can sing anything you want.

"As a result, it can be anticipated that every singer will bring out their most emotional and resonant songs during the second round."

Liang Yusong looked at Fang Xing and asked, "Do you have any ideas regarding 'Dust of History'? If not, the company still has a few historical drama songs that fit the theme, which we can consider."

Fang Xing had not expected the performance theme to be this either. After a moment of thought, he said:

"Actually, I did prepare a song that fits this theme, but it was originally intended to serve as the theme song for Chen Jilin's upcoming 'Three Kingdoms' television series.

"How about we keep this song for the competition on 'The Voice,' and just let it go with Chen Jilin's side?"

Upon hearing this, Liang Yusong grew interested: "Don't be in a hurry. We can have a chat with Chen Jilin and see if we can satisfy both sides properly."

Fang Xing nodded and replied, "That is also an option. Let's arrange a meeting with Chen Jilin as soon as possible. Once it's settled, we'll have time to practice."

This timing was indeed quite a coincidence.

The theme song originally prepared for the major New Year blockbuster drama about the Three Kingdoms happened to be usable for "The Voice."

However, Chen Jilin might not necessarily agree to this request for his Three Kingdoms drama.

Therefore, this matter still required negotiation.

If Chen Jilin refused to let the theme song be performed on "The Voice,"

then a dilemma would arise.

Should priority be given to "The Voice"?

Or should priority be given to Chen Jilin's Three Kingdoms New Year blockbuster?

***

Qiao Yinghong acted swiftly. That very day, she sent the song demo to Chen Jilin and the Three Kingdoms production team, scheduling a meeting with them for the next day.

That afternoon, Chen Jilin agreed to meet the following day for discussions.

It was clear that he held a strong interest in this song.

The next morning.

The meeting place was set in Donghai because the Three Kingdoms production team was currently handling post-production there.

Consequently, Chen Jilin flew in from Beijing.

Since Chen Jilin was currently the director of the CCTV Spring Festival Gala, meeting at a hotel was deemed inappropriate. Thus, the meeting was arranged directly at the headquarters of Pine Stone Records.

At two o'clock in the afternoon, Chen Jilin and the team from the Three Kingdoms production crew arrived at Pine Stone Records. Qiao Yinghong personally greeted them at the entrance, exchanging warm pleasantries as she escorted them into the main conference room.

Once everyone was seated, Qiao Yinghong made the initial introduction: "Hello everyone, let me first introduce the producer of this song, Fang Xing."

Chen Jilin looked toward the production team and played the hype-man, saying: "You know him, right? 'Song of the Seven Children' and 'Ode to the Young China' have already caught the eye of the Spring Festival Gala director team. If they pass the joint rehearsals, they can make it to this year's Spring Festival Gala."

The Three Kingdoms production crew was deeply engrossed in post-production, so they might not have recognized him immediately.

However, after hearing Chen Jilin's words, they all realized that the young man before them possessed genuine talent.

Moreover, having listened to the song demo, they all felt it was exceptionally well-suited as a television drama theme song.

The post-production director was an impatient man and cut straight to the chase: "What's the budget for this song?"

Liang Yusong interjected, "There's no rush for that. There is one matter we need to discuss first."

***

Upon hearing this, Chen Jilin knew there were complications. He frowned and asked, "What is it?"

This major New Year blockbuster drama for CCTV was a heavy-hitting production.

Theoretically speaking, whenever they set their sights on a song, there was no way they couldn't secure it.

Countless stars broke their heads trying to participate in a historical blockbuster drama that would broadcast as the New Year premiere on CCTV.

Liang Yusong explained, "It's like this: we are planning to sing this song during the grand finale of 'The Voice,' so we need to discuss with you whether both sides can be accommodated."

As CCTV's New Year blockbuster, the network might not agree to having its theme song exposed in advance on another variety show.

"This..." Hearing this request, Chen Jilin found himself in a difficult position.

CCTV held a rather unique status within the entertainment industry.

For instance, countless stars broke their heads trying to perform on the Spring Festival Gala, yet performing on the gala yielded no monetary compensation at all.

Yes, stars performing on the Spring Festival Gala received no money, and they even had to cover their own travel and lodging expenses.

Yet, despite this, the Spring Festival Gala remained the gala that every star dreamed of appearing on.

After conferring with the team from the Three Kingdoms production crew, Chen Jilin spoke in a serious tone: "This might be rather difficult to handle. A New Year blockbuster broadcast by CCTV is not suitable for early exposure on other programs.

"I am indeed very satisfied with the demo you sent over; the lyrics use ancient poetry, carrying a rushing wave of historical atmosphere and a profound sense of gravity.

"Therefore, I am very sincere and want to use this song as the theme song for this Three Kingdoms drama. But singing it on 'The Voice' might not be appropriate, unless it's after the drama has aired."

The grand finale of "The Voice" was broadcast live.

The schedule had already been set, and it would definitely air before the premiere of the Three Kingdoms blockbuster.

Therefore, singing it after the drama started broadcasting was entirely out of the question.

Liang Yusong tried negotiating once more, "Can't we discuss this further? The theme for the finale of 'The Voice' is 'Dust of History,' which matches the lyrical imagery of this song exceptionally well."

Chen Jilin shook his head and replied, "It's not that I disagree, but this is not something I can make the final decision on. We need the approval of CCTV's leadership."

Liang Yusong and Fang Xing exchanged glances, their expressions tinged with helplessness.

Qiao Yinghong continued to negotiate, "Can't we talk it over? Singing the theme song in advance on 'The Voice' could actually serve as promotion for the television drama."

If it were a drama from any other television station, being able to promote the series on "The Voice" would have earned an instant, unhesitating agreement.

However, CCTV was rather unique and had no need for such promotional tactics.

Chen Jilin shook his head and said helplessly, "It's quite troublesome. The crux of the matter is that I don't have the final say."

While he was the director of this Three Kingdoms drama, he could not unilaterally dictate matters regarding its broadcast.

Fang Xing caught the key point in his words.

He didn't say "impossible," but rather "quite troublesome."

In other words, the matter was indeed difficult, but not entirely impossible to accomplish.

After a moment of thought, Fang Xing said: "How about this. I have another song here, performed by a female vocalist, which also fits the narrative of this Three Kingdoms New Year blockbuster.

"If Director Chen can agree to let both songs be performed on 'The Voice,' then I will take care of both the opening and ending theme songs for this Three Kingdoms drama."

Chen Jilin raised an eyebrow, puzzled: "The demo you sent over earlier was only one song."

Fang Xing nodded and replied, "That's right, we only sent one demo. However, I happen to have another demo here. You can listen to it as well. If you find it interesting, we can talk further."

With that, Fang Xing opened his laptop, connected to the conference room's sound system, and began playing the second song.

This song also fit the theme of "Dust of History" and could simultaneously serve as a theme song for the Three Kingdoms drama.

The demo began to play.

The intro sounded, with a medley of the xiao, bianzhong, cello, and violin weaving together a melodious and archaic tune.

Then, a female voice began to sing. Her timbre was crystal clear yet winding, extremely pleasing to the ear, while carrying a profound, narrative weight of history.

Though it was just a demo, the quality of the song was exceptionally high; releasing it as-is would pose no problem at all.

When Chen Jilin and the post-production team of the Three Kingdoms crew heard this song, their eyes lit up instantly.

They had originally come for the previous baritone song, but now they had encountered a second song featuring female vocals.

Both songs were exceptionally well-suited to serve as theme songs for the television drama.

At this moment, Chen Jilin found himself in a bind.

After the song demo finished playing, Chen Jilin conferred with the post-production team for a long while before speaking:

"Both songs are indeed extremely suitable, but must you sing them on 'The Voice'?"

Fang Xing nodded and replied, "Yes, I must sing them on 'The Voice.' That's why I am asking Director Chen to help communicate and facilitate this matter.

"Although a New Year blockbuster broadcast on CCTV doesn't need to be promoted through other programs, having extra promotion still helps drive up the hype for a drama's release, doesn't it?

"Furthermore, if Director Chen agrees to let these two songs be performed on 'The Voice,' then both songs will be provided to the drama as theme songs free of charge. No fees will be charged, and there's no need to pay the singers either."

***

Providing two songs free of charge as theme songs for CCTV's upcoming New Year blockbuster might sound like taking a loss, but in reality, it was not a loss at all.

Even if CCTV budgeted for theme songs in its major productions, the allocations were never particularly generous.

They would certainly never reach the price tag of "Painted Heart."

Moreover, while the songs were provided to the drama free of charge, the copyright of the songs remained entirely their own.

Compared to the long-term revenue generated by the songs, the one or two million paid by the television production really amounted to very little.

If they could be performed on "The Voice" first, their value would skyrocket even further.

Therefore, Fang Xing had thought it through clearly. Seemingly giving away theme songs for free as long as it facilitated this deal was by no means a loss.

In truth, Chen Jilin also wanted to generate more publicity for the Three Kingdoms drama; after all, the more promotion it received, the higher the television ratings would climb.

His previous reluctance stemmed solely from the complications involved.

Yet now, both songs suited the Three Kingdoms blockbuster perfectly—one serving as the opening theme and the other as the ending theme—a match made in heaven.

Utilizing both songs would completely resolve the drama's theme song dilemma once and for all.

After pondering for a moment, Chen Jilin said: "Alright, I can give it a try and do my best to fight for this on your end. But regardless of whether it succeeds or fails, these two songs must be given to my production as the theme songs. Consider it me owing you a favor."

Hearing him say this, Fang Xing nodded in agreement: "Good. Having Director Chen's word is enough. Win or lose, both songs will be given to Director Chen's drama as theme songs."

Chen Jilin nodded with satisfaction: "Both songs are excellent. Taking them for free wouldn't be right; the production team will pay out according to the original budget."

Fang Xing nodded in consent: "Alright, we'll do whatever Director Chen says."

Both parties left the meeting thoroughly satisfied.

Chen Jilin and the Three Kingdoms production team secured two phenomenal tracks as theme songs for their major New Year blockbuster.

Meanwhile, Fang Xing managed to land two songs onto a CCTV premiere blockbuster while also securing a personal favor from Chen Jilin.

As for whether these two songs could ultimately be performed on "The Voice," either outcome still left them in the green.

If, in the end, neither song could be performed on "The Voice," Fang Xing was confident he could find alternative tracks—even if they wouldn't be the absolute optimal choices.

Over the next few days.

Fang Xing split his time between practicing his singing and preparing two other historical-themed songs as a backup plan, just in case.

Three days later.

Chen Jilin called him personally: "Fang Xing, it's me, Chen Jilin."

"Hello, Director Chen! Hello, Director Chen!" Fang Xing greeted him promptly.

"The matter you mentioned earlier—I've taken care of it for you. You are cleared to sing that song on 'The Voice.' If you need any coordination on our end, feel free to talk to the crew's post-production team," Chen Jilin said cheerfully.

"Then I must thank Director Chen," Fang Xing said, naturally pleased upon hearing the news.

"In that case, I suppose I don't owe you a favor anymore," Chen Jilin joked.

"I wouldn't dare say that. It is I who owe Director Chen a favor," Fang Xing hurriedly replied with modesty.

"There's no need for that. This is what we call smooth cooperation. Actually, it's mostly thanks to your two songs; their quality is high enough, which is why we pulled it off. You'd better sing them well and not ruin the reputation of our New Year blockbuster," Chen Jilin said half-jokingly, half-seriously.

"Of course," Fang Xing agreed.

In truth, Chen Jilin was also taking a certain risk by doing this.

Should these two songs flop on "The Voice," they would serve as a drag rather than a boost to the Three Kingdoms blockbuster.

Therefore, Chen Jilin's agreement to let the songs air first on "The Voice" meant he was personally shouldering the responsibility.

Knowing this, Fang Xing's favorable impression of Chen Jilin grew significantly.

Chen Jilin continued: "Also, which singers do you plan to have perform these two songs? The choice of singers is primarily up to you, but we still need to coordinate with the production's post-production team."

"Naturally," Fang Xing accepted.

Changing the subject, Chen Jilin reminded him: "And one more thing: while preparing for 'The Voice' is important, you mustn't neglect your Spring Festival Gala program. If you fail the joint rehearsals, you'll still get cut."

"Of course, Director Chen, rest assured."

Fang Xing was in no particular rush; the Spring Festival Gala was still more than two months away, leaving plenty of time.

Besides, Fang Xing rarely took on outside commercial gigs—no other star dared to be as lazy as he was.

After hanging up the phone, Fang Xing notified the company to start making preparations.

The two songs fitting the theme "Dust of History" consisted of a baritone track and a soprano track.

The soprano track was intended for Li Caiwei, as she had sung the demo herself.

Given Li Caiwei's personality, after recording the demo, she was likely practicing the song every single day without needing any prodding at all.

However, since these two songs were designated for the first round of the grand finale on "The Voice," they still needed to invite guest collaborators.