mesbooks Chapter 319 Silicon Valley Dinner: An Outrageous Demand
Chapter 319 Silicon Valley Dinner: An Outrageous Demand
Chapter 319 Silicon Valley Dinner: An Outrageous Demand
In the last month of 1998, the California sun was still shining brightly, but a chilling and fervent atmosphere that was about to overturn the global technological landscape was already faintly visible in the winds of Silicon Valley.
As the post-production editing of "Shutter Island" was progressing smoothly, Kitahara Shin once again received an invitation to a private dinner from Steve Jobs.
This time, the location wasn't at Steve Jobs' private estate, but rather at a top-tier, secluded clubhouse near Apple's headquarters. Unlike the previous high-profile, socially charged crossover party, tonight's banquet hall was exceptionally quiet. Seated around the long table were Apple's core executives, as well as several Silicon Valley capital giants who wield absolute influence on Nasdaq.
When Kitahara Shin, accompanied by Sasaki, pushed open the door, Jobs personally got up to greet him.
"Kitahara, that idea about the digital hub you left me at the party last time has completely unlocked the potential for Apple's future." Steve Jobs didn't mince words and directly pushed a small, silver metal model with a rotating disc, no bigger than his palm, in front of Kitahara Shin.
"A thousand songs in your pocket." Jobs' eyes burned with a chilling ambition. "That's our answer, codenamed iPod. But hardware is just a carrier. Without a legitimate, massive amount of digital music content to support it, this thing is just a beautiful piece of scrap metal. So, I've invited you here today to discuss a deal that could change the world."
The major investors present all turned their attention to Shin Kitahara. They knew very well that if Apple wanted to build a digital content store like iTunes, it would have to fight tooth and nail with those arrogant record companies one by one in North America. However, if Apple set its sights on the world's second-largest music market—Asia, especially Japan—then this young man before them was an insurmountable mountain.
Kitahara Shin toyed with the slightly rough iPod prototype in his hand, a calm smile playing on his lips.
He knew all too well where things were headed. In the next decade or so, the physical record industry would be completely crushed by digital music.
What he now holds in his hands is not only the full copyrights to top Asian divas like ZARD (Izumi Sakai) and Akina Nakamori, but more importantly, the Kitahara Group, through its terrifying expansion in the film and entertainment industry over the past two years, has already established partnerships with Sony Music,
Japanese giants such as Avex Records have formed a deep bond of interests.
"Steve, your hardware design is as impeccable as ever." Kitahara Shin put down the model, interlaced his fingers on the table, his eyes deep and sharp. "If Apple wants to enter the Asian market, I can clear all copyright obstacles for you. Not only will all the music and film content under Kitahara Productions be exclusively licensed to Apple's digital store, but I can also bring all the resources of the Recording Industry Association of Japan into this ecosystem."
Upon hearing this, the Apple executives present gasped for breath. If they could acquire all the digital rights in Asia in one fell swoop, Apple's stock price would undoubtedly experience an unprecedented surge!
"However, I have one condition." Kitahara Shin's voice was calm, yet carried an undeniable sense of pressure. "The Kitahara Group must become Apple's sole exclusive distributor of digital content across the entire Asia-Pacific region. Any Asian entertainment company that wants to enter this ecosystem must go through my channels. I want to take 30% of the net profit from the Asian digital store."
This is an outrageous demand!
This means that Kitahara Shin not only wants to make a huge profit from this digital revolution, but also wants to use Apple's platform to completely monopolize the digital distribution lifeline of the Asian entertainment industry! From now on, all Asian singers and film and television companies that want to survive in the digital age will have to be mindful of Kitahara Shin's wishes and treat him as an unavoidable "passing-through god of wealth"!
A brief silence fell over the conference room. Several Silicon Valley capitalists frowned slightly, thinking that this Asian man's appetite was far too large.
But Jobs just stared intently at Kitahara Shin for a full minute, and then he suddenly burst into laughter.
"Deal!" Jobs stretched out his hand, his eyes gleaming with the fervor of someone who had found a kindred spirit. "I love your greed, Kitahara. Because only ambitious people like us can shatter the rules of the old world!"
As this secret dinner came to a close, news of a deep strategic partnership between the Kitahara Group and Apple Inc. inevitably spread like wildfire among high-ranking Wall Street officials.
The headquarters of the Kitahara branch in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.
Sasaki placed several thick stacks of documents on Kitahara Shin's desk, his voice brimming with barely concealed excitement: "President, ever since the news of our partnership with Apple broke, Goldman Sachs, Morgan Stanley, and other top Wall Street investment banks have practically worn down our doorstep. They're willing to offer the highest quality underwriting services and strongly recommend that we spin off the Kitahara Group's North American entertainment and technology business and list it separately on NASDAQ!"
Kitahara Shin stood in front of the floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking the City of Angels, and nodded slightly.
"Go and make the preparations."
He was well aware of the fundamental difference between listing on NASDAQ in the United States and listing on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in Japan. In the late 1990s, Japan was in the "lost thousand years" after the bursting of the bubble economy, and the domestic capital market was like a stagnant pool, lacking liquidity and expansionary ambitions.
Listing in the US, however, is a completely different game. Nasdaq gathers the world's largest and most greedy pool of US dollar hot money. Once the Kitahara Group's North American branch lists there, leveraging the box office miracle of "Resident Evil," the hype surrounding the upcoming "Shutter Island," and its deep ties to Apple's digital technology concept, this stock will undoubtedly become Wall Street's hottest superstar!
More importantly, after going public, Shin Kitahara could leverage stock options and dollar capital to launch a massive acquisition spree in Hollywood and Silicon Valley. He no longer needed to rely on his own cash flow to weather the storm; instead, he could use Wall Street's money to buy more visual effects companies, theater chains, and even established Hollywood studios!
The Wall Street investment banks were currently lurking in the shadows, their eyes fixed on the Kitahara Group with covetous intent, ready to grab a slice of this capital feast. Kitahara Shin would officially transform from a mere film and television mogul into a true international financial behemoth.
After handling this series of complex and far-reaching business arrangements in North America, Kitahara Shin finally boarded a private flight back to Japan.
After more than three months of fighting in a foreign land, his constantly tense nerves finally relaxed a little when he saw the familiar Tokyo Bay coastline outside the porthole.
However, it wasn't until his flight landed at Narita International Airport that he truly realized just how terrifyingly powerful his influence had become within Japan.
Although the itinerary was kept highly confidential, the VIP passage at the airport was still packed with tens of thousands of fans and broadcast vans from hundreds of media outlets.
When Kitahara Shin, escorted by security personnel, walked out of the passageway wearing a fitted black trench coat, the entire airport hall erupted in a deafening cheer like a tsunami!
"President Kitahara! Welcome back to Japan!"
"Conquerors of Hollywood! Pride of Japan!"
The flashes of light created a white sea. People held up banners and chanted his name. In this era of economic downturn, Kitahara Shin's achievements in Hollywood and his creation of the nationally popular and therapeutic variety show "Make Your Dreams Come True" had already made him a god-like figure in the hearts of the Japanese people.
Kitahara Shin maintained a gentle smile and waved to the crowd. But when his gaze swept across the frenzied sea of people and landed on the special VIP waiting area in the airport's underground parking garage, the smile in his eyes truly softened.
There, a row of black privacy vans were parked.
The moment Kitahara Shin escaped the media siege and entered the VIP room, he was completely enveloped by a familiar, warm, and soft fragrance mixed with various high-end perfumes.
His five famous Asian confidantes—Izumi Sakai, Akina Nakamori, Rie Miyazawa, Nanako Matsushima, and Takako Matsu—surprisingly broke down the distance they had always maintained and gathered here together, just to welcome their "king" back as soon as possible.
For these women who had already given their whole hearts to him, the three-month separation was like torture every day.
"Shin-kun—" Nakamori Akina was the first to break down. Her clear, doe-like eyes filled with tears as she threw herself into Kitahara Shin's arms, clinging tightly to his waist as if afraid he would disappear again.
Kitahara Shin chuckled softly, his large hand gently stroking Akina's long hair. He lowered his head and placed a deep kiss on her forehead: "I'm back. Don't cry, your makeup is all ruined."
The usually aloof and gentle Izumi Sakai stood to the side, her eyes filled with restraint, yet the intense longing she felt was impossible to conceal. Kitahara Shinjo, a member of the Kaimei family, stepped forward and embraced Izumi, whispering a few words in her ear, causing the rock diva's ears to instantly flush with an alluring blush.
Rie Miyazawa, on the other hand, was much more direct. She walked forward in her high heels, a hint of coquettishness on her charming face, and without a word, she tiptoed and left a passionate and domineering kiss on Shin Kitahara's lips.
Although Nanako and Matsu Takako were somewhat reserved due to their seniority and personalities, when Kitahara Shin opened his arms to embrace them, the two obediently leaned against his broad chest, feeling that long-lost, comforting, and familiar scent.
"Let's go home." Looking at the five stunning beauties before him, each with her own unique charm, yet all equally devoted to him, Kitahara Shin felt all his weariness vanish.
For the next week, Kitahara Shin completely turned down all non-urgent business engagements at the company, devoting all his time to the manor and to his women.
This is an ultimate imperial enjoyment that outsiders simply cannot imagine.
He accompanied Izumi in a professional soundproof room, playing guitar and composing melodies for new songs together; in the afternoon sun, he leaned back in a deck chair, listening to Akina hum softly to him in her penetrating voice; he cooked himself, researching complex Japanese dishes with Nanako and Matsu Takako in the kitchen, enjoying the simple yet warm atmosphere of everyday life; in the evening, he would accompany Miyazawa Rie to ride freely in the private horse farm of the estate.
Without the hustle and bustle of the outside world, without the paparazzi's lenses, in this impregnable private domain, Kitahara Shinnobu, with his meticulous gentleness, powerful tolerance, and breathtaking masculine charm at night, soothed the women who had been neglected for three months. Every woman received the most perfect emotional response from him; that profound connection between soul and body made their love for this man even more unbreakable.
After a week of tender moments, Kitahara Shin put on his custom-made suit, a symbol of power, and returned to the headquarters building in Chiyoda Ward.
He was not only a lover, but also the helmsman of an empire.
Upon returning to the company, Kitahara Shin did not rush to look at the mountain of financial statements. Instead, he had Sasaki arrange for him to pick up a "rough stone" that he had personally thrown into the mud to polish that evening.
A bamboo shoot bears fruit.
Ginza, a high-class restaurant that is only open to the top VIPs.
Tonight is the internal celebration party for the late-night street variety show "Tokyo Sleepless" surpassing the 20% viewership rating mark. In this era of relatively limited entertainment options, a late-night variety show achieving a 20% viewership rating is simply a miracle in the industry!
When Kitahara Shin pushed open the sliding door of the private room, the previously noisy banquet hall instantly fell silent. All the television producers, directors, and staff stood up in unison and bowed respectfully to the legendary big boss.
At the very center of the crowd stood a girl dressed in a well-tailored beige business suit, with a bright smile and poised demeanor—it was Yuko Takeuchi.
Kitahara Shin sat down in the main seat, observing her discreetly.
In just a few months, the shy girl who used to be nervous in the office and would even cry because of NG has undergone a complete transformation.
Interacting with all sorts of people on the streets late at night, enduring cold stares and facing difficulties—this intense experience honed Yuko Takeuchi's emotional intelligence to an astonishing degree. She was no longer just a pretty face who could only smile foolishly; her eyes became clear and sharp, and her every move exuded a healing quality of seeing through the world's ways while still maintaining kindness.
After a few rounds of drinks, the atmosphere gradually became more lively. Several high-ranking TV executives, who were a little tipsy, held up their glasses and, with a hint of flattery and probing, tried to toast Kitahara Shin.
Kitahara Shin frowned slightly. Although he had an excellent alcohol tolerance, he disliked this ineffective and utilitarian drinking culture.
Just then, Yuko Takeuchi, quite naturally, held a glass of sake and subtly positioned herself between the high-ranking officials and Shin Kitahara.
"President Tanaka, you can't just offer this drink to the president so easily." Yuko Takeuchi wore her signature, warm smile, her tone playfully teasing. "You promised on the last episode that if the ratings broke 20%, you'd personally dance a ParaPara on the street! I'll accept this drink on behalf of the president; consider it a deposit for the dance you owe!"
After saying that, she tilted her head back without hesitation and drank the sake in her cup in one gulp.
Her words not only gave the high-ranking official a way out, but also defused the awkward toasting session with humor, and perfectly kept Kitahara Shin out of trouble. The whole process was smooth and natural, without any trace of deliberate flattery, which instead drew good-natured laughter from the private room.
Seeing this, a deep sense of admiration flashed in Kitahara Shin's eyes.
This girl has truly matured through experience. Her current insight and interpersonal skills have given her the potential to be a leading lady who can stand alone in the complex entertainment industry.
In the latter half of the celebration banquet, Kitahara Shin used an excuse to call Takeuchi Yuko aside to the quiet courtyard outside the ryotei (traditional Japanese restaurant).
The early winter night breeze was slightly chilly. Although Takeuchi Yuko had drunk a little wine and her cheeks were slightly flushed, her eyes were unusually clear. She stood in front of Kitahara Shin, her hands nervously clasped in front of her, waiting for the boss's instructions.
"You've been out in the sun and wind these past few months, it must have been tough," Kitahara Shin said, looking at her gently.
"It's not hard work at all! President, now I finally understand why you asked me to host variety shows." Yuko Takeuchi looked up, her eyes filled with gratitude. "If I hadn't seen so many ordinary people's joys and sorrows, I would never know what real life is like. Now I feel like I can understand why the characters in those scripts cry and why they laugh."
"Now that you understand, go and perform it."
Kitahara Shin pulled a thick script from his briefcase and handed it to Takeuchi Yuko.
Yuko Takeuchi paused for a moment, then hesitantly reached out to take the script. When she saw the large words printed on the cover, her breath caught in her throat.
"continue".
As a rising star within Kitahara Productions, she had heard about the recent activities of the company's film and television development department, even though she hosted variety shows. This was a heavyweight suspenseful mystery masterpiece that the Kitahara Group had specially invested heavily in to celebrate 1999!
The premise of this script is truly stunning. It tells the story of a special unit within the Metropolitan Police Department's First Investigative Division that specializes in handling unsolved cases. The script blends rigorous classic mystery with profound psychological analysis, creating a series of suspenseful cases that delve into the darkest recesses of the human heart.
What all the actresses envied the most was the female lead of this drama—Jun Shibata.
This is an exceptionally well-developed and extremely challenging character. She possesses genius-level reasoning abilities, graduated from the University of Tokyo, but in her personal life, she's a complete scatterbrain, even a bit sloppy. This complex character, combining "genius sharpness" with "naturally obliviousness," if portrayed well, could instantly make her a household name across the country, achieving legendary status!
Several top actresses in the company had been secretly vying for this role. Yuko Takeuchi never dreamed that Shin Kitahara would actually hand over this incredibly valuable opportunity to her, a mere "variety show host"!
"President! This is too precious! Can I really do this?" Yuko Takeuchi's hands trembled slightly as she held the script, and her eyes instantly reddened.
"I threw the raw stone into the muddy water to wash away its impurities. Now, it's your time to shine." Kitahara Shin put his hands in his pockets, his eyes revealing an unquestionable trust and expectation.
"The character of Shibata Jun in the script, with his ability to see through all the truths of the cases yet still maintain a pure yearning for humanity, perfectly matches the temperament you've cultivated over the past few months of experience on the streets late at night."
Kitahara Shin patted her on the shoulder, his tone steady and firm: "Go and prepare. Use this film, 'Keizoku,' as your springboard to officially step into the pinnacle of the film industry. I want you to make the entire Japanese audience remember your name, Takeuchi Yuko, in the spring of 1999!"
Yuko Takeuchi clutched the script tightly to her chest, bowed deeply, and finally, glistening tears streamed down her face.
"Yes! I will definitely not let you down!"
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