Chapter 180: Becoming His Exclusive Woman
While Aaron was soaking in a hot spring in Tokyo, enjoying the snow-covered scenery, Hollywood was shaken by a major announcement:
Steve Ross, Chairman and CEO of Time Warner, passed away after complications from prostate cancer.
Following his death, Gerald Levin was officially elected Chairman and CEO of Time Warner.
After sidelining N. J. Nicholas and outlasting Steve Ross, Levin had finally become the man at the helm of the media giant.
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As the nominations for the 50th Golden Globe Awards were announced, Dawnlight scored impressive results:
Scent of a Woman and The Crying Game were both nominated for Best Motion Picture – Drama
Sleepless in Seattle received a nomination for Best Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy
Meanwhile, new releases such as The Bodyguard, Home Alone 2: Lost in New York, Aladdin, and A Few Good Men battled fiercely at the box office.
Thanks to strong word of mouth, Dawnlight's The Crying Game and Scent of a Woman continued to expand into more theaters, while Schindler's List also began its limited release.
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By mid-December, Aaron traveled to Beijing, accompanied by Norika Fujiwara.
At Beijing Capital International Airport, Aaron took a deep breath as he stepped off the plane.
The cold air rushed into his lungs.
He had never seen Beijing in the 1990s before. On the drive from the airport to the hotel, he gazed quietly out the window—there were far fewer skyscrapers, and cars were nowhere near as abundant as in the future.
It was surprising to think he would ever have the chance to witness this era in person.
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After checking into the newly opened Kempinski Hotel at Yansha Center, Aaron looked at the foreign exchange certificates he had just obtained at the airport and sighed softly.
At this time, China's consumer goods supply was still limited. Many items couldn't be purchased with RMB alone—foreign exchange certificates were required at Friendship Stores or Overseas Chinese shops.
"Aaron," Norika asked as she hung up his coat, "did you come to China to evaluate the market for your film company?"
Aaron smiled and shook his head.
"No, not really. I just wanted to take a look around. We'll be heading to Hong Kong soon."
China's film industry was still operating under a planned economy. Film studios were state-owned, responsible only for production; distribution and exhibition were centrally controlled by the government.
There were no private film companies to speak of.
As for foreign films, audiences mostly relied on dubbed imports—or, more commonly, pirated videotapes from video halls.
This year, Dawnlight had acquired the North American distribution rights to the Chinese-language film Farewell My Concubine from Tomson Films. The movie would be released in Hong Kong around the New Year.
As for mainland China, there was no real concept of imported Hollywood films yet—most circulation came through unauthorized VHS tapes.
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That evening, Aaron and Norika were guided by hotel staff to the hotel's Poly Bar for a drink.
"This way, please. Enjoy your evening," said the elegant hostess politely.
"Thank you," Aaron replied, casually handing her three 100-yuan foreign exchange certificates.
Since arriving from the airport, Aaron had already given out more than ten thousand yuan worth of foreign exchange certificates to service staff.
In return, he received constant smiles and exceptionally attentive service.
The hostess was visibly thrilled by the generous tip and bowed repeatedly in thanks.
"By the way," Aaron asked casually, "if I want to go shopping, where should I go?"
"Oh!" the hostess replied quickly.
"You can visit Yansha Friendship Mall nearby, or Scitech Plaza. Both opened in recent years and carry a wide variety of goods."
Aaron nodded. Yansha Friendship Mall?
It seemed those places only accepted foreign exchange certificates…
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The next day, Aaron took Norika Fujiwara to the nearby Yansha Friendship Mall.
He had always been curious about these Friendship Stores—distinctive products of a very particular era.
"This place is really expensive," Norika said softly.
She hadn't come from a wealthy background, and after doing a quick mental conversion, the prices shocked her.
"Many Japanese products here are priced at least three times higher than in Japan," Aaron said calmly.
He wasn't surprised. After all, these stores existed to earn foreign currency—and China's reserves were still quite limited.
Even so, Aaron couldn't help clicking his tongue when he saw a Rolex priced at 155,000 yuan and a Montblanc fountain pen costing 7,900 yuan.
At the moment, the exchange rate was roughly 1 USD to 5.5 RMB, and foreign exchange certificates could be used directly—but their purchasing power was at least 30% higher than regular RMB.
"It really is expensive," Aaron chuckled. "Even a box of imported chewing gum costs over twenty yuan."
At the time, an average urban resident in Beijing spent just over 2,000 yuan per year.
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After spending two days in Beijing and satisfying his curiosity, Aaron brought Norika with him to Hong Kong.
Hong Kong—often called the Oriental Hollywood—was no empty title.
Its entertainment industry was extraordinarily vibrant.
That night, inside a suite at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Central, Hong Kong Island, Aaron was lying atop Norika when a phone rang nearby.
He rolled off her, reached for the phone, and answered the overseas call.
"Hmm? Clinton's inauguration?"
"That's next year, isn't it?"
"Don't worry—I'll attend when the time comes."
As he spoke, he casually patted Norika, who was curled against him.
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Some time later, Aaron let out a long breath.
Norika, her hair tousled, climbed back into his arms and rested against his chest, still slightly breathless.
"Aaron… are you going back to the States soon?" she asked softly.
"Soon," he replied, gently stroking her. "Before Christmas."
"And you'll be returning to Japan, right?"
"Yes. I'll head back."
"Then enjoy Hong Kong for a few more days," Aaron said.
"Go shopping. Have fun."
Norika had taken excellent care of him during this time, and Aaron had no intention of treating her poorly.
When she returned to Japan, he planned to give her a sum of money—enough to significantly improve her life.
After a brief pause, she asked quietly,
"Will you come to Japan again… or ask me to accompany you?"
After experiencing life alongside Aaron Anderson, she had tasted what it meant to live beside a billionaire—and what woman wouldn't be reluctant to let go of that?
Aaron looked down at the beautiful woman in his arms, brushed her hair aside, and smiled.
"Can't bear to part?"
She nodded without hesitation.
"Then," Aaron said calmly,
"how about becoming my woman in Japan? When I'm there, you stay with me."
Her eyes lit up instantly.
"Really? I'd be very willing."
"I can give you a good life and help develop your career," Aaron continued evenly.
"But there are conditions. I don't like my women being involved with other men."
"You understand what I mean."
"I understand," Norika said firmly.
"I'll be your exclusive woman."
"Good," Aaron nodded.
"And if one day you meet someone you truly like, or want to get married—just tell me in advance."
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