booktalesy Chapter 336 A Heartwarming Trip
Chapter 336 A Heartwarming Trip
Chapter 336 A Heartwarming Trip
In November, the Mediterranean sun still shines warmly in the south of France, having shed the summer heat. The air is filled with the lingering cool fragrance of Provence lavender and the slight saltiness of the sea breeze.
A Boeing 747 private jet bearing the Kitahara Group logo landed smoothly at Nice-Côte d'Azur Airport. Below the gangway, six black, bulletproof Rolls-Royce Phantoms were already lined up, and a well-trained French security team wearing white gloves respectfully opened the car doors.
For the wealthy, a trip is destined to be a top-tier experience, free from all fatigue and trivialities, from the very first second they land.
The convoy drove smoothly along the winding coastal road, eventually arriving at the 300-hectare private castle estate that Kitahara Shin had purchased at great expense outside Grasse. The vineyards covering the hillsides were a vibrant golden-red in the autumn light. Inside the estate, there was not only a heated swimming pool and a top-notch wine cellar, but also a whole team of private chefs and butlers poached from Michelin three-star restaurants, on call 24/7.
Shedding the heavy armor of Hollywood's capital battles and temporarily setting aside the complicated schedules of the Asian film and television industry, Kitahara Shin, along with his five confidantes, embarked on a true spiritual exile in this secluded southern French paradise.
After resting for two days, everyone suggested going to visit some charming towns nearby.
In the sun-drenched square of the Palais des Papes in Avignon, white doves strolled leisurely along the centuries-old cobblestone streets. Away from the omnipresent paparazzi cameras of Tokyo, the group had changed into relaxed casual wear. Kitahara Shin wore a simple white shirt and khaki trousers, topped with sunglasses; Akina and Izumi wore floral maxi dresses with wide-brimmed French sun hats; Rie…
Nanako and Takako Matsu were both dressed in a refreshing and pleasant manner.
In the center of the square, several French street performers were playing. A wooden guitar and an accordion played light and melodious French chansons. A few tourists stopped to watch.
Kitahara Shin listened to the casual, romantic rhythm, a smile playing on his lips. He turned to look at Akina and Izumi beside him, a rare mischievous glint in his deep eyes: "After singing on stage for so many years, have you ever tried earning some pocket money on the street?"
Akina and Izumi exchanged a glance. The two top divas who had dominated the Asian music scene instantly understood the interest in their husbands' eyes.
Kitahara Shin stepped forward and exchanged a few words with the street performers in fluent French. After slipping them several generous euro tips, the street performers gladly gave up their spot and generously offered him their guitars.
Kitahara Shin casually strummed the strings a few times, testing the tone. The crisp sound of the guitar strumming echoed across the square, and Akina and Izumi walked up to him with smiles.
There was no million-dollar top-of-the-line sound system, no dazzling holographic projection effects, just a slightly chipped wooden guitar. Kitahara Shin played a classic English old song with a cheerful rhythm.
Akina's magnetic and penetrating low voice, combined with Izumi's clear and ethereal vocals, blended perfectly under the southern French sun. The two divas' singing skills were already superb; even on the street without any auto-tuning equipment, their incredibly infectious harmonies instantly captivated everyone's ears.
The sparse crowd, as if drawn by some kind of magic, quickly gathered around.
After the song ended, enthusiastic applause and cheers erupted in the square.
Just then, several Asian students in the crowd, who were obviously tourists in Europe, stared intently at Kitahara Shin, who was handing the guitar back to the artist, and suddenly let out an incredulous scream.
"Oh my god! That's director Shin Kitahara!!!"
"Those are Akina Nakamori and Izumi Sakai over there! Am I dreaming?! How could they be busking on the streets of France?!"
The screams shattered the disguise. Not only Asian tourists, but also several young European film enthusiasts recognized the legendary figure who had just swept the Oscars, winning Best Picture and Best Director. The crowd erupted in cheers, swarming around him for autographs and photos.
Rie Miyazawa, Nanako Matsushima, and Takako Matsu, who were standing on the periphery of the crowd, had been watching the three of them perform on the street with smiles on their faces. They had thought that, having left their Asian home base, they wouldn't attract much attention in a place like Europe, except for Shin Kitahara, who was famous in Hollywood, and the two veteran divas.
As a result, several sharp-eyed French movie fans and tourists broke through the bodyguards' defenses and excitedly rushed to them.
"Excuse me—are you Ms. Rie Miyazawa? I just saw your film 'The Twilight Samurai' at an art-house cinema in Paris a few days ago, and your acting was absolutely stunning!" A blonde, blue-eyed French girl excitedly gestured to her name in fluent English.
"Ms. Nanako! I'm a die-hard fan of yours! I watched every single episode of your drama 'Yamato Nadeshiko' when it aired on Asia TV!"
"And Ms. Matsu Takako! My goodness, what an amazing day this is!"
Rie, Nanako, and Matsu Takako were stunned to see these excited, incoherent foreign fans before them. They had never expected that Kitahara Productions' cultural exports had achieved such an astonishing level of penetration. Even in a foreign land ten thousand kilometers away from Japan, they still had their own fervent supporters.
This unexpected surprise and the immense sense of accomplishment they felt as top actresses made them feel as sweet as if they had drunk honey.
The group readily agreed to take photos with the fans, creating a lively yet orderly atmosphere filled with a rare harmony and joy.
As evening fell, the group, filled with joy and a touch of languid weariness, returned by car to the castle estate.
As soon as she entered, Akina didn't even bother to change her shoes before heading straight to the huge nursery on the second floor.
The nursery was kept at a constant temperature and humidity, and covered with the softest wool carpet. Two highly paid senior nannies were on duty nearby. In the cradle, Kitahara Kei, who had just turned one month old, opened his big, bright black eyes and curiously looked at the wind chimes on the ceiling, waving his little hands in the air, looking very energetic.
"Was your baby good today? Did he fuss?" Akina gently picked up the little one, her eyes instantly turning into a pool of spring water, and she lowered her head to kiss the child's soft cheek.
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Kitahara Shin took off his coat and came in. He looked at the mother and son, without any worry in his heart.
After the child's birth, Kitahara Shin immediately contacted the system and bound a special passive equipment called the [Ring of Life] to the little one. This equipment had no offensive capabilities, but it provided an absolutely perfect immune barrier, isolating the little one from all viruses, accidental injuries, and the hidden dangers of congenital diseases. With this absolute defense, Kitahara Shin didn't need to live in constant fear like an ordinary father; this child was destined to grow into a towering tree in the healthiest and strongest state.
"This kid has so much energy. The nanny just said he drinks milk much stronger than other babies." Kitahara Shin walked over, teased his son's chin with his finger, and turned to Akina, saying, "Let's leave the baby with the nanny. We're going to move to a different place tomorrow. The six haute couture wedding dress teams in Paris have already shipped all the dresses over."
Three days later, at Fontainebleau Palace on the outskirts of Paris.
This historical gem, which has witnessed the rise and fall of French emperors and boasts exquisite French gardens and magnificent architecture, was completely booked out for an entire day by the Kitahara Group for an astonishingly high price.
The spacious fountain plaza and the historically significant stone steps are equipped with the world's most advanced photography equipment. The lighting team and makeup artists alone number over fifty people.
Because the secrecy was handled exceptionally well, the outside world had no idea what was happening here. Several unknown tourists lingering outside the cordon were completely dumbfounded, staring at the stunningly beautiful women in gorgeous wedding dresses and the male protagonist whose powerful aura made it impossible to look him in the eye.
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"My God, is that some top luxury brand shooting a global blockbuster? The models' figures and faces are absolutely stunning!" A European tourist exclaimed, his mouth agape as he held binoculars.
They had no idea that this wasn't some male model at all; it was a snapshot of the private memories of an emperor who ruled the world's entertainment industry.
The first group to be photographed was naturally Akina Nakamori.
She wore a strapless, long-train wedding dress hand-set with thousands of tiny diamonds by top Parisian artisans over several months.
Having just become a mother, she has shed the aloofness and coldness she once displayed on stage, replaced by a sense of perfect fulfillment, as if she has been gently treated by time.
As she walked arm in arm with Kitahara Shin along the long tree-lined avenue of Fontainebleau Palace, the photographer frantically pressed the shutter.
"Shin-kun." Akina stopped and looked up at the man who had given her a second life and a complete family. Tears welled in her eyes, an emotion that only appears when happiness reaches its peak. Without a word, she stood on tiptoe and kissed Kitahara Shin deeply. In that moment captured by the camera, she was the undisputed winner in the world.
Next up is Izumi Sakai.
Instead of an exaggeratedly large skirt, Izumi's wedding dress was a fitted, classically elegant lace gown. She was like a clear spring; no matter how her status changed, the look in her eyes when she looked at Kitahara Shin remained as clear and gentle as when they first met.
She wrapped her arms around Kitahara Shin's waist, gently pressed her cheek against his chest, and listened to his steady heartbeat.
"Nobu-kun, it's so good to have met you." The sound of the spring water was as gentle as a breeze. Kitahara Nobu smiled and hugged her tightly, placing a kiss on the crown of her head. The camera perfectly captured this peaceful and tender moment on film.
When it was Rie Miyazawa's turn, the art style underwent a subtle change.
Rie changed into a stylish, slightly sexy mermaid wedding dress. She used to be a little arrogant and temperamental within the family. But now, with Akina giving birth to the heir and the Kitahara Empire fully formed, her identity and mindset had undergone a tremendous transformation.
She was no longer the little girl who needed to use arrogance to hide her insecurity.
"I never imagined that I would actually be standing beside you in a wedding dress one day." Rie stood in front of the fountain, looking at Kitahara Shin as he walked over. She slightly raised her chin, but the mist in her eyes betrayed her emotions. "Shin-kun—thank you for protecting me all these years. Without you, I might have been ruined by this dirty industry long ago. You showed me the view from the very top. I'm completely sticking with you for the rest of my life."
Kitahara Shin reached out and flicked her nose: "Then stay here for life." Rie burst into laughter through her tears, and that slightly arrogant yet affectionate smile looked exceptionally vivid on camera.
Nanako Matsushima's appearance was as dignified as a goddess stepping out of a painting.
Her wedding dress was minimalist in style, yet it perfectly accentuated her noble and elegant temperament. In Nanako's heart, Kitahara Shin held a unique place. He was not only her lover, but also her mentor who pulled her out of the abyss and bestowed upon her unparalleled glory. This feeling, a mixture of respect and deep love, filled her with an almost devout gratitude towards Kitahara Shin.
"Teacher—" Nanako walked up to Kitahara Shin, gently took his hands in hers, her eyes tender yet firm. "To me, you are the most precious treasure God has given me in my life. No matter how this world changes, I will always be your most loyal student and your most loving wife."
Kitahara Shinkai took her hand, looked into her loving eyes, smiled and nodded, and the two took a perfect photo in front of the ancient sculpture.
The last one to take the stage was Takako Matsu.
As the daughter of a traditional Kabuki family and the last woman to join this large clan, Matsu Takako appeared unusually shy in front of the camera. Wearing a wedding dress with a touch of playfulness and classical elements, she stood next to Kitahara Shin, nervously clutching the hem of her dress, her ears turning bright red.
"President, president—" Matsu Takako stammered, unsure of what pose to adopt.
Kitahara Shin chuckled as he looked at her flustered appearance, then reached out and wrapped his arm around her slender waist, pulling her close to his embrace.
Feeling the reassuring aura emanating from the man, Matsu Takako took a deep breath, as if she had suddenly borrowed boundless courage. No longer timid, she boldly rose on her tiptoes, wrapped her arms around Kitahara Shin's neck, and planted a resounding kiss on his handsome face!
"Snap!"
The photographer astutely captured this moment. In the photo, Matsu Takako's flushed cheeks and bright eyes sparkling with the result of her bold action, combined with Kitahara Nobu's indulgent smile, create a stunning picture.
In the evening, the wedding photo shoot came to a successful conclusion.
The entire estate was filled with an indescribable sense of happiness and harmony. That evening, Kitahara Shin booked a renowned three-Michelin-starred restaurant in downtown Paris.
Top-quality white truffle slices are sprinkled like snowflakes on a rich risotto, while freshly air-freighted Brittany blue lobster exudes an enticing sweetness, paired with a vintage Burgundy red wine. With no work and no worries, everyone sits around the long table, chatting about the fun moments from the day's shoot, laughter echoing throughout the private room.
This meal was incredibly pleasant and enjoyable.
After dinner, night had fallen.
On the way back to the castle, Kitahara Nobuyuki's convoy stopped briefly in front of a square near Notre Dame Cathedral.
Although the church had ceased its daytime bustle and visitors, the ancient Gothic architecture still exuded a solemn and sacred tranquility under the night sky and lamplight.
Kitahara Shin, accompanied by five female confidantes, stood quietly at the edge of the square.
They had just changed out of their elaborate wedding dresses and were wearing comfortable coats. At this moment, whether it was the dignified Nanako or the gentle—
Whether it was the spring water or the proud Rie, everyone quietly closed their eyes, clasped their hands together, and faced the ancient church, silently praying in their hearts.
They don't seek fame or fortune, because with this man, fame and fortune are already within their grasp. All they pray for is the safety of their family, the healthy growth of little "Kitahara Kei," and that this bond that transcends national borders and worldly conventions can continue for a long, long time in this new 21st century.
Kitahara Shin stood behind them, without praying.
He looked up at the Parisian night sky. From his beginnings in Tokyo's bubble economy to breaking through Hollywood's financial defenses, and now to being surrounded by beautiful women and carrying on his family line.
In this world, he no longer needs to pray to any god.