mesbooks Chapter 312 The Luxurious Circle
Chapter 312 The Luxurious Circle
Chapter 312 The Luxurious Circle
The weekend after the first episode of "Making Dreams for You: Fulfilling Fans' Wishes" aired, the entire Asian media landscape seemed to have experienced a gentle yet overwhelming spring rain.
Without a doubt, this show has become a legend.
Fuji Television's hotline was overwhelmed with calls within three days. On early online BBS forums, discussion threads about Kitahara Shin, the little girl Minami suffering from leukemia, and the Taiwanese woman in the wedding dress flooded the screen like snowflakes. Viewers left their posts filled with tears of overwhelming emotion and their most sincere blessings.
This unprecedented response directly triggered a terrifying chain reaction in the business world.
On the first trading day after the program aired, Kitahara Group's stock on the Tokyo Stock Exchange predictably hit its daily limit within just three minutes of opening! Wall Street rating agencies upgraded Kitahara Group's corporate credit rating overnight, awarding it full marks for its social responsibility and brand value. Capitalists understand that when a company possesses this kind of "national or even Asian-level emotional bond," its resilience becomes virtually unbreakable.
The most interesting thing is the reaction from other major television stations and film and television production companies.
In the past, whenever Kitahara Shin produced a hit, whether it was a police thriller like "Infernal Affairs" or a Mary Sue drama like "Boys Over Flowers," the industry would immediately follow suit, making a fortune even if it was just scraps.
But this time, the entire Japanese and even Asian variety show industry fell into a collective silence in the face of this mega-hit program with a viewership rating of 45.8%. No one dared to follow suit!
At an emergency meeting, the heads of the variety show departments of several major television stations were so worried that they almost lost all their hair. In the end, they could only helplessly conclude that this program could not be learned, nor dared to be learned.
First, there's the hardware barrier. To fulfill his fans' wishes, Kitahara Shin utilized a multinational intelligence network, a top-tier celebrity makeup and styling team, and even the terrifying financial resources of renting out an entire street. What ordinary television station has the audacity to have such "unlimited budget"?
Secondly, and most fatally, Kitahara Shin's current reputation is too stellar. Viewers perceive his participation in this program as a genuine act of giving back. If another television station were to create a similar "wish fulfillment" program now, not only would viewers immediately recognize it as plagiarism, but they would also be universally condemned online as shameless individuals who "profit from human suffering" and "exploit the misery of ordinary people to stage a show and make money!"
Faced with absolute sincerity and substantial capital, any clumsy imitation will only backfire. With this approach, Kitahara Shin has erected an insurmountable moat in the variety show industry.
What followed was a massive upheaval within the entertainment industry.
Countless celebrities and actors from all over Japan, and even Hong Kong and Taiwan, including veteran actors and actresses who are usually high and mighty, called Kitahara Production through their agents, their tone unusually humble. They didn't ask for payment, and were even willing to pay out of their own pockets, just to be "assistants" for an episode of this show, to help Kitahara Shin fulfill fans' wishes.
In this world of fame and fortune, nobody's stupid. Just showing your face and shedding a couple of tears on this show, which is revered as a "divine variety show" across Asia, brings a hundred times more positive image gains and public goodwill than spending hundreds of millions of yen to play a game!
However, faced with the overwhelming fervor from the outside world and the frenzied hints from capital, Kitahara Shin made a decision that surprised everyone.
He officially announced through the Kitahara Foundation's official channels that the program "Making Dreams for You" will not accept any external commercial sponsorships and will only air one episode per month!
The news stunned the entire industry. In their logic, a show with such phenomenal ratings should strike while the iron is hot, airing one episode a week to rake in huge profits from viewership fees, right?
But when Kitahara Shin explained the reason, all the doubts instantly turned into a deeper sense of awe.
"We're not making a TV drama; behind every letter is a real life story," Kitahara Shin said calmly at a brief press conference. "From screening letters, conducting detailed background checks, contacting local medical or government agencies, to setting up those surprises on-site, it takes a lot of time and effort. I don't want to rush things and give any fan a perfunctory response. One episode a month is the greatest respect we can show to every wish."
This willingness to forgo readily available profits in order to uphold the authenticity and quality of the program has completely ignited the audience's enthusiasm. Far from complaining about the slow update schedule, viewers feel that this truly reflects Kitahara Shin's vision. In the audience's hearts, this is no longer just a variety show, but a sacred, monthly ritual for cleansing the soul.
Praise poured in from the outside world, and Kitahara Shin's actions subtly touched those closest to him.
On an early autumn night, in Minato Ward, Tokyo, at Kitahara Shin's secluded and luxurious private estate.
In the huge home theater, a rerun of "Making Dreams for You" had just finished playing on the giant screen.
Akina Nakamori and Izumi Sakai (ZARD), two divas who hold absolute dominance in the Asian music scene, are sitting on a large leather sofa, one on each side.
Akina's eyes were red, and she was clutching a soaked tissue in her hand. When she saw Kitahara Shin holding the little girl Minami's hand in the hospital room, she cried her heart out, completely losing the domineering aura of the ever-changing queen on stage, revealing only the softest side of a woman.
Even the usually cool and reserved spring water now had an unusually bright light shining in its eyes, which were as clear as autumn water.
Looking at the man beside her, holding a glass of red wine, his expression languid yet exuding endless charm, the love in her heart, like fine wine aged for many years, fully fermented.
They had always known that Kitahara Shin was strong; he was ruthless in the business world and an arrogant tyrant on set. But it wasn't until this program that they saw the vast tenderness and compassion deep within this man's soul.
Women, especially those who stand at the top and have no shortage of money and fame, are most unable to resist the pure kindness shown by a man with absolute power when facing the weak.
"Shin-kun—" Akina sniffed, and couldn't help but lean into Kitahara Shin's arms, wrapping her arms tightly around his waist. Her voice was full of deep affection. "Do you know how captivating the way you looked at that little girl on TV was? I've never felt so proud to be your woman before."
Izumi didn't speak, but silently put down her water glass and naturally rested her head on Kitahara Shin's other shoulder. Her fair and slender fingers gently covered the back of Kitahara Shin's hand, expressing the burning passion in her heart with a silent action.
Feeling the two completely different yet equally hot and soft bodies in his arms and on his shoulder, Kitahara Shin was slightly taken aback.
In this manor, although they all knew of each other's existence and had long accepted Kitahara Shin's incredible charm and amorous nature, out of traditional female reserve and the pride of a superstar, they usually maintained a subtle sense of independence in front of Kitahara Shin. They rarely opened their hearts to him so unguardedly and tacitly as they did today, even revealing an absolute obedience of "anything is possible as long as it's you."
As night deepened, the chirping of insects outside the window made the room exceptionally quiet.
Kitahara Shin put down his wine glass, stretched out his arms, and embraced the two stunning beauties simultaneously. His fingertips gently ran through Akina's slightly curly long hair and then stroked Izumi's smooth back.
"Because I know that no matter how far I go or how much I do outside, when I come back here, you will be waiting for me." Kitahara Shin's voice was deep and magnetic, as if it had a kind of intoxicating magic in the quiet night.
Moonlight streamed through the huge floor-to-ceiling windows, spilling onto the soft, spacious silk bed in the bedroom.
Tonight, all the usual reserve and restraint vanished. Overwhelmed by emotion and love, the two once proud and vibrant flowers willingly let down their guard in the arms of the same man.
It was a night that defies description. The remaining red wine in the goblets swayed in the moonlight, and the air was filled with the alluring aroma of roses and spring water. Breathing sounds grew softer and more intimate in the dim light.
On that luxurious bed, which resembled an isolated island, the moonlight became the sole witness. It witnessed the gentlest comfort, and how the pride that was usually held high and mighty melted away like spring water under Kitahara Shin's overwhelming charm, becoming one with him completely.
It was a long and wonderful night. As the first rays of morning sunlight pierced through the sheer curtains, Kitahara Shin looked at the two beautiful sleeping faces in his arms, tired yet radiating ultimate happiness and contentment, and a gentle smile appeared on his lips.
The intoxication with pleasure did not diminish Kitahara Shin's ambition; on the contrary, it gave him a clearer plan for his future career.
Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it was late autumn of 1998.
Over the past few months, the sci-fi thriller action blockbuster "Resident Evil: Origins," which swept the globe, has finally completed its frenzied run in theaters across North America and around the world, officially ending its run.
When the final global box office figures were tallied at the Kitahara Foundation headquarters, a huge empty space was squeezed out of the entire list of world film history.
Resident Evil: Origins, with a final global box office gross of $9.15 million!
When this data came out, the six major Hollywood studios collectively fell into a prolonged state of silence.
In 1998, what did $9.15 million mean? It not only shattered the curse that video game adaptations were doomed to fail, but also stormed into the top three of the all-time global box office charts with an overwhelming force!
It surpassed the 1996 blockbuster "Independence Day" ($8.17 million), and even surpassed the myth created by Spielberg in 1993 with "Jurassic Park" (which grossed about $9 million in its first run), second only to James Cameron's unpredictable super monster "Titanic".
In the niche genre of R-rated films, which includes horror, science fiction, and action, Shin Kitahara's film has become a Mount Everest that no one can surpass in the short term!
With the enormous profits and immeasurable international prestige brought by this film, Kitahara Shin naturally took the most important step in his global strategy.
In early November, the North American branch of the Kitahara Group was officially established near Beverly Hills in Los Angeles!
This was no longer a simple shell company or distribution channel, but a vast overseas headquarters with independent production rights, a special effects coordination center, and a top Hollywood talent agency team. From this moment on, Kitahara Shin officially positioned his cannons in the heart of Hollywood.
Just a few days after the branch office was established, Steve Jobs, who was in Silicon Valley, made a transoceanic call to Kitahara Shin.
"Kitahara, the commotion you've caused in Hollywood is deafening even here in Cupertino. With $9 million in box office revenue, your rendering farm has definitely made its money back, plus a profit." On the other end of the phone, Jobs' voice sounded unusually high-pitched and excited, completely devoid of his previous anxiety.
"Steve, judging from your tone, it seems like there's some good news from Apple too?" Kitahara Shin asked with a smile, sitting in a leather swivel chair in the Los Angeles branch office, looking out at the iconic Hollywood hills.
"That idea you told me about the digital hub and content ecosystem has completely cleared up the knot in my head!" Jobs made no attempt to hide his enthusiasm. "Not only have we perfected the design of the iMac G3, but I'm also secretly pushing forward a project for a portable device that can fit a thousand songs in your pocket! Kitahara, your foresight is terrifying. I feel like the world is about to experience a whole new storm."
"To celebrate this synergy, I'll be hosting a private, high-profile crossover dinner in California next week," Jobs formally extended the invitation. "Not only will Silicon Valley tech gurus be there, but also top Hollywood producers, Oscar judges, and A-list actors. Now that your North American branch is open, I think you absolutely need this platform to expand your reach. Want a drink?"
Faced with the invitation from this tech tyrant, Kitahara Shin accepted without hesitation.
After hanging up the phone, Kitahara Shin walked to the floor-to-ceiling window and looked down at the city of angels, a place filled with fame, fortune, and desire.
The success of "Resident Evil" had already proven his absolute control over commercial blockbusters. But Shin Kitahara knew very well that if he wanted to win the Oscar, the highest artistic honor in the film industry, in this Western-dominated film world, it would be an impossible task for him to play the lead role with an Asian face in 1998.
The prejudice inherent in the group of white male judges at the Oscars is like a thick wall.
However, rules are rigid, but people are flexible.
Since it's difficult to win awards as the lead actor, why not try a different approach?
"Go be the God standing behind the scenes." Kitahara Shin's lips curled into an unfathomable smile.
His new plan had already taken shape in his mind. He wouldn't be playing the lead role in his next film. He would completely retreat behind the scenes, acting as the sole director and producer, controlling Hollywood's most famous, most skilled, and most Oscar-charming top white stars!
He wants to use a divine script from the future and the Kitahara Group's terrifying industrial special effects system to turn those usually high and mighty Hollywood actors and actresses into the sharpest knives in his hands. He wants Westerners to act out his story themselves, and then have the Oscar judges willingly hand over the crowns of Best Director and Best Picture!
This grand event, which brought together Silicon Valley capital and Hollywood elites, was the perfect hunting ground for Jobs to select this "knife".
"Prepare the car." Kitahara Shin straightened his suit cuffs, his eyes gleaming with a predator's light. "To Silicon Valley."
California's nightlife always has a mesmerizing, decadent charm.
Steve Jobs' private estate is located in one of Silicon Valley's most secluded and affluent neighborhoods. As Shin Kitahara's black Maybach slowly drove into the estate, nestled amidst lush greenery, a grand dinner party, bringing together the world's top tech minds and the inner circle of Hollywood's elite, was in full swing.
The lawn was brightly lit, and melodious jazz music flowed through the air. Waiters carrying champagne moved among the elegantly dressed figures, and everywhere you could see tech giants who wielded influence on Nasdaq, as well as familiar faces that frequently appeared on the big screen around the world.
As soon as Kitahara Shin stepped into the banquet hall, Steve Jobs, the host, keenly spotted him. This Apple helmsman, known for his aloof personality and disdain for most social interactions, actually put down his wine glass and walked through—
The crowd came forward to greet them.
"Kitahara, you're a little later than I expected." Jobs was unusually dressed in a formal suit jacket today, although he was still wearing his signature black turtleneck underneath. His initiative to greet guests was a rare and high level of courtesy in this industry.
"Our Los Angeles branch just opened, and the Hollywood studio bosses were so enthusiastic that they kept me chatting for a while longer." Kitahara Shin calmly clinked glasses with Jobs, his deep gaze sweeping across the room. "Looks like your guests tonight are of very high caliber."
"Technology is responsible for changing the world, and Hollywood is responsible for making that dream look even better. The two are inseparable." Steve Jobs lowered his voice, his eyes gleaming with fervor. "Pixar's new animation technology has made a breakthrough, and with the digital ecosystem inspiration you provided, Apple's next big move is already underway. Your entry into Hollywood at this time is absolutely perfect."
The two stood in the center of the banquet hall, seemingly oblivious to everyone around them, exchanging strategic ideas about the deep integration of future technology and the content industry. Their conversation didn't last long, but the unspoken understanding between these top minds sent a chill down the spines of those around them.
Not long after, Jobs was pulled away by several Silicon Valley investors to discuss business, while Kitahara Nobu, holding a wine glass, walked alone to a relatively quiet bar at the edge of the banquet hall.
In late 1990s Western high society, especially at these cross-cultural gatherings brimming with white elitism, Westerners often harbored a subtle stereotype about Asians. Subconsciously, they perceived wealthy Asians as impeccably dressed, reserved, with heavily accented English, and prone to nodding and agreeing. Even if the Asian were incredibly wealthy, top Hollywood socialites and A-list actresses typically maintained only superficial politeness, rarely showing genuine interest or a desire to explore beyond cultural boundaries.
However, tonight's Kitahara Shin was like a powerful, breaking current, completely shattering this arrogant prejudice.
He wasn't wearing a stiff black business suit, but rather a deep blue velvet casual suit hand-tailored by Savile Row's top tailors. His tall, slender figure, at 1.85 meters, exuded a wild beauty—powerful yet exceptionally elegant—like a cheetah, perfectly embodied in the impeccably tailored garment. Even more striking was the aura he possessed—the stoic confidence and experience of a leader who had amassed billions in capital, wielded immense influence across Asia, and controlled countless massive film productions.
He casually leaned against the bar, one hand in his pocket, sipping his whiskey. His composed and unhurried demeanor was like a powerful magnet radiating deadly hormones, making it impossible for many Hollywood actresses present to look away.
"Who's that Asian man? He smells absolutely intoxicating, like some kind of dangerous spirit." Not far away, a tall, curly-haired, voluptuous actress whispered to her companion. If Kitahara Shin were here, he would recognize her at a glance as Charlize Theron, the South African beauty who had just made her Hollywood debut with "The Devil's Advocate" and was poised to become an Oscar winner.
"You don't even know him? The director and lead actor of 'Resident Evil,' the head of the Kitahara Group." His companion gasped. "His name is currently number one on the North American box office charts. I heard he just opened a branch in Beverly Hills."
Upon hearing this background, Charlize Theron's deep blue eyes instantly lit up. In Hollywood, a place of fame and fortune, a man with top-tier capital, amazing talent, and such stunning looks is undoubtedly the perfect partner every actress dreams of.
Without any hesitation, Charlize Theron picked up a glass of champagne and, with an elegant and sexy catwalk, walked towards Shin Kitahara. Two other young actresses, quite well-known in Hollywood, were also drawn to her.
"Good evening, Mr. Kitahara. I've seen your Resident Evil movie three times in the theater." Charlize Theron walked up to Kitahara Shin and spoke in a particularly languid, slightly tentative, pure American accent.
Many Europeans and Americans believe that Asians often can't handle this kind of enthusiastic and direct American approach to conversation; they either appear shy or give overly stiff and rigid answers.
However, Kitahara Shin turned his head and looked at the stunning beauty who would shine brightly in the future, his deep eyes showing no sign of panic or flattery.
"If you're watching this movie for the third time and still haven't dropped your popcorn because of that giant bio-monster, then I might have to wonder if my special effects team cut corners." Kitahara Shin said with a calm smile.
The moment he opened his mouth, a pure, fluent Californian-accented English with a hint of sexy bass voice poured out of Kitahara Shin's lips.
Not only did he not have the slightest Asian accent, but the rhythm of his replies was absolutely perfect! Instead of a stiff thank you, he used a self-deprecating and humorous American-style tone, instantly pulling the atmosphere of the conversation into a relaxed and pleasant mode.
Charlize Theron and the other two actresses were visibly taken aback for a moment, then burst into laughter at Kitahara Shin's words.
"Your monsters are indeed terrifying, but I must admit, your tactical maneuvers in the movies, wielding a shotgun and efficiently taking down enemies, are far more captivating than those big guys," another actress boldly complimented.
In the ensuing conversation, these Hollywood actresses were completely captivated by Kitahara Shin.
Social attraction between people, especially in cross-border communication, depends on more than just whether you're rich or knowledgeable. The most crucial factors are your reaction speed, your emotional intelligence, and your ability to catch the other person's joke in milliseconds and respond in a more sophisticated way.
Kitahara Shin possesses the experience of two lifetimes. In his previous life, he worked on various film crews and witnessed the coldness and warmth of human relationships; in this life, he runs a multi-billion dollar conglomerate, and has seen all kinds of grand scenes and top social circles.
When these actresses tried to test him with veiled Hollywood jokes or puns, Kitahara Shin always managed to understand them instantly with ease, and even add a few sharp comments about the French New Wave or dark comedy, while subtly praising their expressive micro-expressions in a particular film.
This ability to communicate with people's hearts, this composure that seems to see through everything yet embraces everything, made him extremely comfortable at this party dominated by white elites.
"Oh my god, Mr. Kitahara, if you don't mind, I really hope I can have the honor of working on your film set for my next movie. Chatting with you is more relaxing than having a top-notch spa treatment." Charlize Theron made no attempt to hide the admiration and longing in her eyes, leaning forward slightly and extending an olive branch to Kitahara Shin with great charm.
"Hollywood's doors are always open to talented women, provided there's a suitable script." Kitahara Shin elegantly raised his glass, subtly controlling the rhythm and boundaries of the entire conversation.
Like a seasoned chess player, he detachedly observed everything at this gala dinner, which brought together countless top Hollywood resources. He watched the actresses vying for his attention, but his mind wasn't preoccupied with anything romantic.
At this party, he used his charisma and exceptional intelligence to completely shatter Westerners' preconceived notions about Asian directors. He successfully established himself within this inner circle as a super tycoon who was not only wealthy but also possessed exceptional artistic taste and top-notch personal charisma.
Kitahara Shin knew very well that after tonight, he would no longer be a mere outsider in Hollywood. As long as he spread the word that he was preparing to make that new movie to "compete for the Oscars," all those self-important top stars in Hollywood would definitely scramble to get a lead role in front of his North American branch.
And that was exactly what he wanted to achieve by attending this party.
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