booktalesy Chapter 324 A Moment of Tenderness
Chapter 324 A Moment of Tenderness
Chapter 324 A Moment of Tenderness
Wall Street is perpetually filled with the smell of greed and numbers.
On the eve of the dot-com bubble bursting, the Nasdaq trading center was packed with people, countless traders staring at the flashing electronic screens on the walls, waiting for the market to open today.
Today, all eyes on Wall Street are on a newly listed company—Kitahara Group North America (which encompasses Kitahara Productions' entertainment assets in North America and its digital technology copyright business deeply intertwined with Apple). Stock code: KITA.
9:30 a.m.
As the opening bell rang, KITA's initial offering price was set at $22.
For a company whose core business still includes traditional film and television production, this price is not low. However, with the strong momentum of "Shutter Island" sweeping North America and the anticipated benefits of the exclusive digital content partnership with Apple's iPod, a large amount of buying money poured in within the first minute of KITA's opening.
$22 — $2 — US dollars.
In just half an hour, the stock price steadily climbed by nearly 20%.
However, Wall Street has never been a one-way paradise for making money. It is a battleground for global capital games, where for every bullish investor, there is a short-selling institution that profits from short selling.
In a hedge fund office in Midtown Manhattan, several fund managers are closely monitoring KITA's trading activity.
"The valuation is too high," a fund manager said calmly, looking at the data report. "The box office revenue of movies is cyclical and uncertain. The market is currently completely blinded by Shin Kitahara's personal aura and the concept of cooperation with Apple. Their fundamentals cannot support a stock price close to $30 for the time being."
"Short the shares and take advantage of the high price to drive down the price." The supervisor decisively issued the order. "Once market sentiment cools down, profit-taking will lead to a stampede and a sell-off."
With several large hedge funds colluding to short sell, a large number of short orders flooded the market. KITA's stock price, which had been rising steadily, encountered significant resistance around $27 and began to quickly turn downwards. $26, $24—the gains were wiped out by more than half within twenty minutes, and many retail investors who had followed the trend began to panic sell.
at this time.
Inside the president's office of the Kitahara branch in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.
Sasaki looked at the intraday chart on his computer screen, his expression grave. "President, several Wall Street hedge funds are jointly shorting us. The selling pressure is immense. If the price falls below the IPO price, it will significantly damage the company's reputation since its recent listing. Should we use the company's reserve funds to support it?"
Kitahara Shin was sitting behind his desk, flipping through a financial statement. Upon hearing Sasaki's report, he didn't slam his fist on the table in anger like some domineering CEO, nor did he feign a profound sneer.
He glanced calmly at the stock price curve on the screen and said in a very steady tone: "Normal fluctuations, no need to panic."
There's no need to use our reserve funds to confront Wall Street's short sellers head-on; that would be the most irrational approach.
Kitahara Shin took a sip of his coffee and analyzed rationally, "Our core assets are our exclusive digital copyright barrier across Asia and our Hollywood theatrical distribution network. These are real cash cows, not some vague, ethereal internet shell. As long as the fundamentals are solid, the holes created by short sellers will naturally be filled by capital that understands our value."
As expected, things turned out exactly as Kitahara Shin had predicted.
Just as the short-selling institutions were preparing to close their positions at a low price and reap profits, a huge and resolute buy order suddenly swept in from Asian accounts!
These were established conglomerates and institutional funds from Japan and South Korea. They had deep business ties with Kitahara Shinichi in Asia and were more aware than Wall Street of Kitahara Seisakusho's terrifying dominance and monetization capabilities in the region. Taking advantage of the low prices driven down by Wall Street short sellers, these Asian capitals did not hesitate to begin a massive buying spree.
Meanwhile, in order to maintain the stability of the upcoming iTunes ecosystem, Apple's affiliated capital has also quietly entered the market to support it.
With the combined efforts of multiple parties, the short sellers' selling pressure was quickly absorbed. KITA's stock price stabilized at $23 and subsequently began a steady and strong rebound.
Ultimately, KITA's stock price closed at $31 on the first trading day, up more than 40% for the day.
In this silent capital battle, the Kitahara Group handled it with composure. Those institutions attempting short-selling arbitrage not only failed to profit but were also forced to cut their losses at high levels. This battle truly demonstrated to Wall Street just how solid the fundamentals behind this Asian company were. The Kitahara Group officially established itself in the North American capital market.
"President, the market has closed. The funds raised from this IPO have far exceeded our expectations." In the evening, Sasaki held the final settlement report, his tone filled with undisguised excitement.
"Now that the funds are in place, we can proceed with the next phase of the company's restructuring as planned." Kitahara Shin put down his pen, stood up, and walked to the whiteboard.
He picked up a marker and drew three areas on the whiteboard. There were no exaggerated, grand slogans, only a pragmatic and clear business plan.
"Our business is getting bigger and bigger, so we must implement regional management." Kitahara Shin methodically arranged the work. "The Asian market is our base, and the Tokyo headquarters will continue to focus on theaters, variety shows, and the development of local artists to maintain stable cash flow."
"In North America, we'll use the funds raised to establish a Hollywood film production company. The next key step is to acquire several independent studios with mature CGI and physical effects technologies; we need our own industrial production line. At the same time, we'll start contacting and recruiting independent directors in Hollywood."
"In addition, we sent people to Europe to investigate and prepare to establish European branches in Paris or London, focusing on copyright distribution and the art film market. These three parent companies will achieve resource sharing in the future."
Sasagi carefully wrote down these strategies and nodded, saying, "Understood. I will immediately organize the team to adjust the multinational structure. In addition, the preliminary preparations for 'Inception' are progressing very smoothly."
When this major event was mentioned, Kitahara Shin's expression became more focused.
"How's the progress on that 30-meter-long rotating centrifuge?"
"Boeing's retired engineers and prop team are working day and night in the Burbank studio. It's estimated that it will take another four months to complete the safety testing," Zosam reported truthfully. "The chassis modification for the locomotive that will be running on the street will also take about the same amount of time."
"Okay, safety first. We can't afford to be careless with the equipment used for filming." Kitahara Shin calculated the timeline. "Then let's set the official start date for four months from now. During this preparation period, I'll go back to Japan. Once filming starts, I might be unable to leave for more than half a year."
39
Two days later.
Kitahara Estate, Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, Japan.
The night was still, and the startled deer in the courtyard made a clear "knock" sound.
Kitahara Shin was well aware that the filming of *Inception* would be the most intensive challenge he had faced since his time travel. Once on set, he would throw himself wholeheartedly into the demanding work of directing and acting. Therefore, before going into complete seclusion, he returned to the manor.
Life here is well-organized.
Nanako and Rie have both been busy studying their new scripts lately. They are sensible and independent, and haven't been bothered by Kitahara Shin—
She was overly clingy because of her impending departure. Matsu Takako was also fully immersed in the filming of "Continue".
Tonight, Kitahara Shin spent his time with Nakamori Akina and Sakai Izumi.
As two people who have accompanied him all the way and whose lives are closely intertwined with his career, their importance in Kitahara Shin's life is self-evident.
In the spacious Japanese-style master bedroom, the lighting is soft, and a faint, calming incense burns in the corner.
When Kitahara Shin finished showering and changed into loose loungewear, he entered the bedroom to find Akina and Izumi sitting on the tatami mats, quietly discussing the setlist for their upcoming holographic concert. Both women wore comfortable silk nightgowns, and the gentle grace and maturity that time had bestowed upon them brought a sense of peace.
Upon seeing Kitahara Shin enter, the two naturally stopped their conversation. Akina smiled and poured him a glass of warm water, while Izumi helped him straighten his slightly disheveled collar.
Without deliberate probing or affectation, the relationship between adults is more of a tacit understanding that comes naturally.
"I'm flying to Los Angeles tomorrow. Has your assistant packed everything?" Quanshui asked softly.
"Everything's arranged." Kitahara Shin took a sip of water, sat cross-legged beside them, and casually put his arm around their shoulders. "This time, the filming will be on set for a longer period of time, and the risk factor for actual shooting is also high, so I might not be able to call you often."
"Work is important. We'll take good care of ourselves in Tokyo." Akina leaned on his shoulder, her tone gentle yet firm. "You focus on making your film, and we won't neglect our Asian tour."
Kitahara Shin looked at the two outstanding women beside him and felt a surge of warmth in his heart. He reached out and gently took their hands.
"Actually, there's something I'd like to discuss with you tonight," Kitahara Shin said, his tone becoming serious yet gentle.
Akina and Izumi looked up at him with some confusion.
"In the past two years, we have all been working hard for our respective careers. Now, our Hollywood subsidiary has gone public, and your position in the Asian music scene is unshakeable. Our lives and careers are now in a very stable state, and we no longer need to prove anything to the outside world."
When Kitahara Shin looked into their eyes, there was no condescending "condescension," only a man's most sincere expectation for his partner.
"So, let's just let things take their course from now on. I want to have a child with you two." Kitahara Shin squeezed their hands and said softly, "Not for the sake of carrying on the family line or inheriting the family business, but just because I feel that we are in a good enough position to welcome and love a little life that belongs to us."
Hearing these sincere words, Akina's eyes instantly welled up with tears.
For a woman, at the peak of her career, having her beloved man willingly propose building a complete family together is more touching than any sweet words. She had always harbored this wish, but fearing it would affect Kitahara Shin's career, she had never brought it up herself.
"Shin-kun—" Akina sniffed, but tears still streamed down her face. She didn't say much, but just gripped Kitahara Shin's hand tightly and buried her face in his chest, as if she wanted to pour all her love into this embrace.
Even the usually reserved Quanshui had a gentle, watery glint in her clear, spring-like eyes. Her face flushed slightly, but a beautiful smile bloomed on her lips. She nodded gently, leaned closer, and placed a warm kiss on Kitahara Shin's lips.
The night breeze rustled through the cherry blossom trees in the courtyard.
The fragrance in the room gradually mingled with their own scents. In this quiet and secluded night, the passion between the adults was genuine and uninhibited; everything unfolded naturally.
The moonlight outlined overlapping silhouettes on the tatami mats.
Kitahara Shin's actions were filled with patience and barely contained passion. It was an intimate exchange built on a deep emotional foundation.
They completely relaxed in their lover's arms, welcoming that burning warmth. It was not just a physical connection, but the most instinctive fusion of two hearts for a shared future. In this long night, there was no guardedness or reservation, only the purest tenderness.
The morning sunlight streamed through the window, casting golden dappled patterns on the floor.
Kitahara Shin quietly got up, looking at Akina and Izumi who were still fast asleep and looked peaceful, a hint of tenderness flashing in his eyes.
-
He got dressed and left the room.
As the Maybach's doors closed and it drove toward Narita Airport, Kitahara Shin's eyes regained the focused and aloof expression of a professional filmmaker.
Los Angeles, that massive dream project, awaits his inspection.
Kitahara Shin flew to Los Angeles a week later.
Early summer in Tokyo is already showing signs of warmth. In the sunlit glass greenhouse of Kitahara Manor in Chiyoda Ward, several close female friends, who rarely have free time, are enjoying a leisurely afternoon tea together.
On the table were exquisite English black tea and freshly baked French pastries. Without the cameras and flashes of the outside world, these top actresses, any one of whom could cause traffic jams in the Asian entertainment industry, were dressed in comfortable loungewear and chatting casually.
"Akina-nee, don't you usually love this Ceylon black tea? Why did you switch to warm milk today?" Matsushima Nanako asked with a gentle smile, noticing the change in Nakamori Akina's drink as she held her teacup.
Akina Nakamori was visibly in a good mood today; her youthful face radiated a soft glow from within. Hearing Nanako's question, she subconsciously touched her flat stomach, then turned and exchanged a smile with Izumi Sakai beside her.
-
"Before he left, Shin-kun told me and Izumi to take good care of our health." Akina took a small bite of her sweet treat, her voice filled with undisguised sweetness and a hint of girlish shyness. "He said—he wanted to have a child with us."
So, I'm going to give up coffee and strong tea completely starting today.
"When|—
'
As soon as Akina finished speaking, the small silver fork in Miyazawa Rie's hand fell directly onto the porcelain plate with a crisp sound.
Nanako Matsushima, who is known for her calmness and intelligence, suddenly froze in mid-air with her teacup in hand, her gentle eyes widening instantly.
"A child?!" Rie Miyazawa forgot all her pride and was filled with astonishment and shock. "So fast?"
He—he actually brought this up himself?!
In Rie and Nanako's minds, Kitahara Shin was currently at a crucial juncture, waging war to dominate Hollywood. It was a $160 million investment, an ambition that could revolutionize world film history. At a time like this, most men wouldn't have the mind to think about family and children.
"Yes, I was also surprised." Izumi Sakai gently stirred the warm water in her glass, a serene smile on her lips. "But he looked very serious that night. He said that his condition was stable enough, and he didn't need to prove anything to the outside world anymore. It was time to welcome our little life."
After hearing the spring's explanation, a brief silence fell over the glass greenhouse.
Rie Miyazawa opened her mouth, a slight pang of jealousy rising in her heart for a moment, feeling that Akina and Izumi had beaten her to this "most important matter." But as she lowered her head and thought about it carefully, that jealousy quickly turned into a helpless sigh.
"If I think about it carefully, Akina-nee and Izumi-nee must have met the teacher around 1988, right?" Matsushima Nanako put down her teacup, a hint of realization and relief flashing in her eyes. "They've been working together for a year now. They've entrusted the most precious eleven years of a girl's youth to the same man. Now that this has happened, it's really the most natural and normal thing that has come to this."
Rie Miyazawa leaned back in her wicker chair, looking somewhat dejected. She pouted, but her eyes held a genuine envy: "Yeah, it's because you guys knew him the first. But—come to think of it, I've known him for about ten years."
She recalled the scene when she was a somewhat rebellious teenager, and Kitahara Shin pulled her out of the mire. Ten years had passed, and that man had become like a towering tree, an irreplaceable pillar in her life.
"It's been almost ten years for me too." Nanako rested her chin on her hand, recalling the scene of her first encounter with Kitahara Shin on the set, a gentle smile appearing on her face. "Thinking about it, my teacher is really loyal. We are actually very lucky to have been able to accompany him all the way to today."
Seeing that Rie and Nanako not only didn't fight over him, but instead accepted the fact with great understanding, Akina and Izumi both secretly breathed a sigh of relief, and the huge weight in their hearts was finally lifted. The harmony in the manor was their greatest source of confidence in maintaining a peaceful mindset in this complex entertainment industry.
However, in the warm and sentimental "old married couple" style chat among these four women, one person seemed out of place.
Sitting at the very end of the long table, Matsu Takako was holding a teacup in both hands, shivering like a frightened quail in the large rattan chair.
She had only intended to take advantage of her day off to consult with some senior actors about acting techniques for the emotional scenes in her new script. However, she hadn't expected to overhear such explosive "family secrets" so soon after sitting down!
She listened as these top divas and national actresses, exuding confidence and charisma, calmly discussed topics brimming with the weight of time, such as "having a child for the president," "knowing each other for eleven years," and "accompanying each other for ten years."
Look down at yourself again.
Matsu Takako swallowed hard, her heart practically weeping inside: What eleven or nine years! All I can say is that I only truly confirmed my feelings for the president on the day filming of "All About Lily Chou-Chou" wrapped up, and we only had that awkward, innocent kiss! We hadn't even officially broken through that final barrier yet!
Watching her seniors start discussing what color to decorate the future nursery and what nutritional supplements to take during pregnancy, Matsu Takako felt dizzy.
Is this what the adult world is like?
"Takako, what's wrong? Why do you look a little pale? Have you been filming too hard lately?" Nanako, with her sharp eyes, noticed Takako Matsu, who was huddled in the corner and looked like she was about to freeze, and asked with great concern.
"No! No! I'm fine!" Matsu Takako sat up abruptly as if she had been electrocuted, clutching her teacup tightly with both hands and shaking her head like a rattle.
Seeing Matsu Takako's adorable, almost stuttering expression, Akina, Izumi, Rie, and Nanako were taken aback at first, but then they understood what the little girl was thinking. They couldn't help but cover their mouths and let out a pleasant and kind giggle.
The afternoon sun streamed into the glass conservatory, making the women's smiling faces appear exceptionally radiant. In this tranquil retreat, far removed from the smoke and fire of Hollywood, everything seemed so full of life.
: