Traveling Through the Tokyo Bubble Era

Chapter 995 Investing in Broadway?

"Mr. Seraphim, welcome to tonight's charity auction, which is jointly organized by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Directors' Club, and... All proceeds will be donated to UNICEF to support charitable causes that care for children."

When Hideki Hanyu, hand in hand with Christy Turlington, who was dressed in a haute couture evening gown, entered the banquet hall of the charity auction dinner, the organizers immediately came up to greet them and introduced them with smiles.

Hideki Hanyu, the famous writer, artist, and world's richest man, decided to attend tonight's event at the last minute, which is why the organizer gave him a few extra words of introduction.

"It is my honor to contribute to children's charity."

Hideki Hanyu gave a formal reply with a slight smile.

As the saying goes, if you read 300 Tang poems, you will be able to recite them even if you can't write poems.

Having attended so many of these occasions, some of the things I say have almost become instinctive.

Besides, most wealthy people participate in such events not for charity, but for various reasons, whether it's to show off their wealth, to impress others, to socialize, or, like Hideki Hanyu, to have ulterior motives.

But they did unintentionally do charity work. No matter how much money ends up actually benefiting people, it's still much better than not giving a penny at all.

The organizer then presented an invitation, saying, "Please come here and sign this."

Throughout the entire event, the organizer was communicating with Hideki Hanyu, while Christy Durrington, who was serving as his female companion, was completely ignored by these "old money" people from the Upper East Side.

After all, even Hideki Hanyu, if he only had money, would eventually end up like Akio Morita, unable to integrate into this circle no matter what he did.

But Hideki Hanyu also has titles such as writer, painter, and artist, and is extremely popular in Europe and the British royal family.

This persona made him extremely popular among the nouveau riche old money in America.

In addition, Hideki Hanyu's outstanding appearance makes him a favorite among many wealthy women. If Hideki Hanyu hadn't been rich and had no interest in social circles, he would have become a favorite of many rich women long ago.

At the invitation of the organizers, Hideki Hanyu came to the huge autograph wall and, together with Christy Turlington, left his signature in a flamboyant manner.

Hideki Hanyu didn't seem to care much, but Christy Durrington was very excited after signing the autograph.

Seeing this, Hideki Yuzuru asked curiously in a low voice, "What's wrong, my darling?"

Christy Durrington answered quietly, "I saw the autographs of several celebrities."

Upon hearing this, Hideki Hanyu glanced at the autograph wall and found that there were indeed many people from the entertainment industry, including Hollywood actors and veteran models.

Such events usually involve inviting celebrities to add flair.

Today, we have Iman Bowie, a Black beauty in the modeling world.

After retiring from modeling, this beautiful Black woman transitioned into acting and also frequently appeared at various charity events in her pursuit of entrepreneurship.

Of course, she also started dating British rock star David Bowie two years later.

However, Hideki Hanyu was not surprised to see Iman Bowie. But when he entered the banquet, he did not expect to see another black beauty next to Iman Bowie.

Demi Vera, who once worked as a flight attendant on his private jet and entered the entertainment industry through his introduction.

Hideki Hanyu never expected that the other party would be associating with Iman Bowie.

Is it because they are both Black models, and the senior is helping the junior?
Even if he was a little curious, he wouldn't go out of his way to seek out the two of them.

After all, his arrival immediately attracted a lot of attention, whether because of his money or his reputation. In any case, people came to talk to him in an endless stream.

Soon, Hideki Hanyu met Peter Peterson.

As an acquaintance, the other party quickly contacted Hideki Hanyu.

He was accompanied by a beautiful woman, who, according to the introduction, is one of Broadway's most popular opera singers recently, named Grey Hayes.

Although the person in front of him had red hair, a beautiful face, and a graceful figure, Hideki Yuzuru searched his memory and found that he had never heard of such a person in his previous life.

It is estimated that the other party was only popular for a short time and has not been able to leave Broadway.

After all, Hideki Hanyu didn't care about Broadway, and in later generations, Broadway became a game for a small circle, with popular opera actors rising and falling quickly.

This has led to Broadway actresses, once they become famous, desperately trying to break into Hollywood, but very few succeed.

Among them, Meryl Streep is the most familiar to people in China.

After meeting, Hideki Hanyu and Peter Peterson exchanged pleasantries.

Before Hideki Hanyu could even ask Larry Fink about the matter, Peter Peterson spoke up first, "I have some excellent investments on hand recently, and I wonder if Mr. Seraphim would be interested."

Hideki Hanyu thought to himself, "I haven't even asked you yet, and you've already come to me."

However, if Peter Peterson wants to talk, then we can talk about it together.

So he followed up, saying, "Okay, how about we talk somewhere else?"

"Okay, let's go then..."

Peter Peterson was interrupted before he could finish speaking by a staff member from the charity auction gala reminding him that the appraisal session was about to begin before the auction.

Seeing this, Hideki Hanyu could only say to Peter Peterson, "In that case, let's wait until the auction is over before we talk."

"Okay, let's talk later."

After the two made their appointment, they joined other guests, guided by staff, to begin appreciating the items to be auctioned that day.

The most popular of them all is a painting by a contemporary artist.

Hideki Hanyu leaned closer to look at it for a while, and as he left, he heard Christy Durrington whisper to him, "This painting looks a bit strange. What exactly is the painter trying to express?"

Hideki Hanyu replied with a smile, "That's what's strange, that's what abstract art is all about."

I've heard that the Upper East Side is currently very fond of Piet Mondrian's paintings, but Piet Mondrian was a master of abstract art and a pioneer of geometric abstraction.

But the painting to be auctioned today is just trying to grab attention by riding the wave of popularity. It has no unique features, no soul, and might just be a painter that some art gallery deliberately promoted to sell their work.

"I estimate that once the hype surrounding abstract art fades, he'll be completely forgotten."

Christy Durrington looked surprised upon hearing Hideki Hanyu's words, never expecting that there were so many twists and turns in a painting.

After her initial surprise, Christy Durrington asked curiously, "Seraphim, what type of painter are you?"

"Ha ha……"

Hideki Yuzuru chuckled lightly, “I am a writer, not a painter. All the other titles besides ‘writer’ are just things that have been given to me by the outside world.”

“But your paintings are clearly very valuable,” Christy Durrington said.

Hideki Hanyu stroked his chin thoughtfully and said, "Yeah, if we ever need money, we'll sell the paintings where you're the model."

“No! You said those paintings were for me,” Christy Durrington said sweetly.

Hideki Hanyu asked, "Now you know why my paintings are valuable?" "What?" Hideki Hanyu suddenly asked, and Christy Durrington didn't react for a moment.

Hideki Hanyu shrugged and said, "Of course it's because there aren't enough. You don't even allow me to sell them, so there's too little in circulation in the market, and the price is naturally high."

"So, does that mean you've painted portraits of many other women besides me?"

Christy Durrington questioned.

Women always seem to find the important point in what men say, even if it's not the main point.

Hideki Hanyu, however, didn't respond at all.

She's just a plaything I've gotten my hands on; a little flirting is just for fun.

But if things get serious and involve feelings or his relationships with other women, he'll walk away immediately.

However, considering that Christy Durrington was at the peak of her beauty at the time, with a stunning figure, Hideki Hanyu decisively changed the subject and began to brush her off.

"The low circulation is also related to my personal status. Those people who buy my paintings don't value my painting skills, but rather my influence and wealth."

If my business goes bankrupt one day, the value of my paintings will certainly decrease.

Hideki Hanyu's words successfully diverted Christy Durrington's attention.

And just then, they came across a vintage pocket watch at the auction.

This is a Patek Philippe pocket watch produced in the early 20th century. There are fewer than 100 of these watches in existence. It is a rare piece with a minute repeater, perpetual calendar, moon phase display and double chronograph function. The price for a collector is destined to be high.

Just as Hideki Hanyu was about to take a closer look, two people approached him.

It was none other than Iman Bowie and Demi Vera, whom Hideki Yuzuru had seen when he entered the banquet hall.

However, the purpose for which the two sought out Hideki Hanyu was something Hideki Hanyu had not expected.

Demi Vera's first words were an apology to Hideki Hanyu.

“Mr. Seraphim, I’m very sorry, but I left New Century Models not long ago and joined Ms. Iman’s modeling agency through her introduction.”

After listening, Hideki Hanyu asked, somewhat puzzled, "This was your own choice, so why are you apologizing to me?"

Demi Vera was surprised by Hideki Hanyu's response.

After all, in her view, she joined New Century Entertainment through Hideki Hanyu's personal introduction, and leaving without his consent meant she should apologize to him.

Before apologizing, Demi Vera had considered many of Hideki Hanyu's reactions and prepared for the worst-case scenario of facing his anger.

But what I never expected was that Hideki Hanyu would be so indifferent.

Seeing this, Iman Bowie quickly stepped forward to explain, "Demi Vera just values ​​your opinion, after all, she was introduced into the industry by you."

Hideki Yuzuru waved his hand dismissively, "It's alright. She has her own ideas and choices for better development, and that's her freedom."

Besides, I recommended she sign with New Century Media, not Universal Pictures, so she doesn't need to tell me if she wants to terminate the contract.

Upon hearing Hideki Hanyu's words, both Iman Bowie and Demi Vera's faces changed color.

While Demi Vera was relieved that Hideki Hanyu didn't blame her, she also felt a sense of loss at not being cared for, and a feeling of losing something very important.

Meanwhile, a sense of disappointment and regret welled up in Iman Bowie's heart.

The reason she chose to poach Demi Vera from New Century Talents and use her resources to help Demi Vera was not because of their shared race.

She did this because she had heard about the relationship between Demi Vera and Hideki Hanyu. After all, Hideki Hanyu not only introduced Demi Vera to New Century Entertainment, but also gave her several advertising opportunities.

Therefore, in Iman Bowie's view, Demi Vera and Hideki Hanyu's relationship must be unusual, after all, Hideki Hanyu has a reputation as a playboy.

She thought that by winning over and helping Demi Vera, she could use Demi Vera's relationship with Hideki Hanyu to curry favor with him.

After all, Iman Bowie is now developing her career in Hollywood and wants to leverage the fashion industry to build her personal business. In these aspects, Hideki Hanyu, a big name in the industry, can provide her with unimaginable assistance.

But looking at Hideki Hanyu's attitude towards Demi Vera now, it proves that Demi Vera is not as important to Hideki Hanyu as he imagined.

In this situation, Iman Bowie's investments were all in vain.

But at this moment, there was nothing Iman Bowie could do.

She couldn't very well ask Hideki Hanyu, "Why did you mess with Demi Vera, bring her into the industry, and then completely abandon her?"

Let's not even talk about whether she dares to do it to Wang Sen.

According to Iman Bowie, the resources that Hideki Hanyu provided to Demi Vera alone surpassed those of almost all Hollywood "sugar daddies".

Under normal circumstances, even if a big shot like Hideki Hanyu were to take advantage of someone for free, no woman in the industry would dare to say anything.

The better ones will be satisfied with just some money.

Even Iman Bowie envied Hideki Hanyu's "sugar daddy".

If she had had Hideki Hanyu's help when she first started out, she would have avoided so many detours.

But Hideki Hanyu didn't care what Iman Bowie and Demi Vera thought, nor did he pay attention to their changing expressions.

After looking at the pocket watch in front of him, Hideki Yuzuru bid farewell to the two stunned women.

"I'll take my leave now."

After saying that, he led Christy Durrington toward the next lot.

Soon, the appraisal session ended, and the charity auction officially began.

The auction process needs no further explanation. Hideki Hanyu spent over six million US dollars in total, acquiring several houses and some decorative oil paintings for them.

I got that Patek Philippe pocket watch; I can use it as an accessory.

He also gave Christy Durrington a set of jewelry as a token of his gratitude for her company.

After the auction ended, as everyone was enjoying dinner in small groups, Peter Peterson immediately approached them.

Before Hideki Hanyu could even explain his purpose, Peter Peterson preemptively asked.

"Seraphim, have you considered making any investments recently?"

Hideki Hanyu had to put aside Larry Fink's matter for now. "What investment?"

Peter Peterson pointed to Grey Hayes beside him and said.

“Investing in Broadway theaters, not off-Broadway or off-Broadway, but true inner Broadway theaters.”

(End of this chapter)