Disclaimer: Cardcaptor Sakura solely belongs to Clamp.
Summary: Five years after Sakura died, Syaoran lived his life to become the next leader of the Li clan. As a challenge for his abilities, he was asked to go in England. But in during his stay there, his life turned upside down when a girl who looked so much like the person he used to love crossed his life again.
Brokenshadow23:Hello there! ^-^ Finally, I now have the edited 1st chapter. For those people who had read the one I have uploaded before, I suggest you read again because there are things that has been changed. Hehe..
I want to say thank you to sAppHiRa-hiMe, who patiently checked and revised this chapter and gave me many advice to make my writing better.
This story is the sequel of Right Here Waiting. For those who had read my previous story, I had told you there that I will be writing two sequels. I want to apologize because I have decided not to make the other one because the things that would happen there would be the same as this. The only difference is the center of that story will not be Syaoran.
Note: This is a SakuraxSyaoran story.
All right. Enough with the explanations. On with the story! R&R please! ^^
One more night
By: Brokenshadow23
Chapter 1: Second Thoughts
-Syaoran's POV-
Moving on? This was possibly the most grueling thing especially if the person concerned was the person whom you had love with all your life. Fortunately, after a few years, I managed to get through… or so I thought. I guess there was no use lying, convincing myself that I had forgotten those every inch of pain installed in my heart.
Here I was, lying on a comfortable bed in a pitch dark room, the moon, my only source of light. My surrounding was quiet, as if a person could easily hear the sound of a needle striking through the ground and yet, this silence was nothing compared to what I was feeling. Kami, my emotions were full of madness, confusion…depression, slowly suffocating my soul.
I thought I was over her. Especially with Meiling now on my side I told myself that I finally got the happiness I deserved but fate did not seem to agree because with just one simple incident, all the barriers I built for the last five years went crashing down…without notice or warnings.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
-Flashback-
On the other side of the busy city of Hong Kong, a man on his early twenties was having a serious conversation with his mother on her Victorian balcony.
"Li Xiao Lang, do not make me repeat myself," an elegant yet icy voice warned her son.
"Mother, please understand," Syaoran plead respectfully to the leader of the wealthy Li Clan. "I'm not ready yet." He gazed lovingly at his mother, his amber eyes meeting her strict black ones.
Yelan smiled. She folded her arms on her chest and started to remember the only person she knew who held the same kind of attitude. He was the father of Syaoran, who died long ago. 'I thought his physical features were the only thing he got from him.'
"All right." Syaoran heard his mother after a long silence. "My son, a few months from now I will be on retirement."
With that simple statement, he already understood. "And as the only male heir of the clan, I would have to take your place, am I wrong?"
Yelan nodded, impressed on how fast her son registered everything on his mind. "This is something bestowed upon you even before your birth. I am sure your father will be more proud of you once you take his position as head of the Li Clan."
Syaoran gave his mother a small smile as he remembered his late father who died when he was only three years old. If only circumstances had been different five years ago, he was positively sure that he wouldn't have any problems assuming the role as the head of their family right now. Syaoran turned his gaze at the Li's huge and elegant white manor and slowly closed his eyes, feeling the gentle cold breeze that carried the last remnants of winter. He opened his eyes when he felt a petal of cherry blossom touch his cheek and felt a painful pang on his heart at the sight. He sighed as he tried to maintain an apathetic face in front of his mother, not wanting to worry her.
'It's spring again', Syaoran thought silently to himself as he continued to watch the beautiful scenery in front of him. He used to love this time of the year because it reminded him of many wonderful things. It was the season of her favorite cherry blossoms, the season of her birthday and their first meeting.
"How are things going with you and Meiling?" asked Yelan while studying her son carefully. She noticed that he had changed so much. He had turned more serious than he used to be and smiled less.
"We're fine," Syaoran answered while maintaining a plain expression on his face. "Why did you ask?" he asked, his mind shifting from the auburn haired girl to his childhood friend. He and Meiling had become a couple for three years now. He was happy being with her, but of course, he knew that there was still something lacking.
Breathing hard, she stared unto her son's eyes. She noticed every single evidences of seriousness lined on his face. "You know the tradition, Xiao Lang. Before you could inherit any title you must find a partner in life…"
"I understand mother," Syaoran began, talking in a low voice, "that by now I should ask for Meiling's hand and marry her as soon as possible."
Yelan bit her lip, understanding the pain her son was feeling. 'Maybe he still has not moved on,' she thought quietly to herself.
"Please give me a few months before I marry Meiling," Syaoran unexpectedly voiced. "That would be enough for the preparations, right?"
"You mean, you are accepting?" the woman inquired reluctantly, trying to know if she heard him right. Her son's answer was totally unexpected because it contradicted what she had thought moments ago. Also, she could still remember five years ago, the time when she asked Syaoran to spend time with Meiling, he announced to everyone in their family that it will never happen.
Syaoran looked up, smiling, "This is the decision I am certain of, mother. May I go now?"
"Are you going to tell her now?" his mother inquired expectantly.
Syaoran shook his head, "Meiling is the type of girl who likes romantic things. She would be disappointed if she wouldn't get a proposal she had has been dreaming off."
Yelan almost smirked at his son's answer, "Thank you so much, Xiao Lang."
Nodding, Syaoran turned around and started to walk out of his mother's room. Since he was free that afternoon, he decided to go to the place he would find her—the girl whom had revived a part of him after what he had lost.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
"Mei?" Syaoran called out her nickname over the phone. He sounded sweet and calm, making the girl smile on the other line.
"Do you need something, little wolf?" Meiling teased, shaking him a bit. She knew very well that calling him by the definition of his name would irritate him.
He groaned. It was the main reason why many people think of him as a stubborn and a spoiled brat child. But then, he remembered Sakura used to tease him like that too.
"Are you traveling outer space or what?" Meiling asked when she heard no answer from him.
Syaoran shook his head, pushing all the sad thoughts concerning his best friend and first love at the back of his head.
"Shut up," he admonished gently then heard some sort of giggle on the other line. "Where are you?"
"Home," she simply answered. "I was baking some chocolate chip cookies awhile ago. Luckily, I have finished it by the time you called."
"Chocolate…" Syaoran repeated slowly, already tasting the warm creamy feeling of the dessert in his mouth.
Sighing in disbelief, Meiling replied, "I still can't believe that you are addicted with it. I mean, chocolate is the only thing that would easily tame you."
He simply chuckled. "You can't do anything about it. It's a family curse," Syaoran told her and remembered what he was supposed to do. "Anyway, open the door on your balcony."
That gave Meiling confusion. "Why should I?"
Smirking, he answered her, "Because I told you so."
With a sigh, she stood up and reached for the glass door, which was covered with elegant red curtains. The moment she opened it, the wind stroked her long raven hair, making it flow backwards.
But she didn't care.
What was important to her was seeing the boy of her dreams in front of her. He was really there, leaning casually on the railings of the balcony. He was wearing a plain green shirt and khaki. Though, the most noticeable thing about him was the sweet smile printed on his face. His left hand was holding the phone on his ear, and the other was hiding on his back.
As Syaoran put down his phone, Meiling did the same with hers. She was totally astounded. All along, she thought that he was at work and he got tired with all the paperwork so he called.
"Did I surprise you?" Syaoran asked, smirking.
Meiling remained motionless. She still couldn't believe what was happening. It took her a few more seconds to realize what he had done.
"What are you doing here?" she asked, giving off a small smile.
Syaoran smiled wider. He walked near her and simply slipped a red rose on her hand then he took her other hand to kiss her knuckles. "Hmm… I'm here because I wanted to see you." When he lifted his head up, he was glad to see the redness of her face.
Meiling went silent for a moment then she said, "And what does it have to do with going straight to my balcony?"
Syaoran chuckled. "Well, it wouldn't be surprising if I simply knocked on your door."
She shook her head though still smiling, "I know. But you are a Li, remember? If anyone had seen you going up on my balcony, you would instantly get yourself on the news."
"No one was there so no need to worry," Syaoran assured her.
"But really, what brings you here?" Meiling asked for the second time. She knew very well how busy he was because the elders were starting to get on his nerves. She went back in her room, taking a sit on a small sofa.
Syaoran halted on the door and leaned on its frame. "Just thought that you might be missing me…" Syaoran teased her, wanting her to be on her mischievous side.
Meiling scowled, making a sudden switch of mood, "Miss? In your face!" She immediately took a small pillow from her side, throwing it on his direction.
As always, Syaoran got it before it strike him. He laughed once again then realized that Meiling was waiting for his answer, he finally spoke, "Alright, already. Mother talked to me earlier."
"Aunt Yelan? What did she say?"
Throwing the pillow on the bed, he broke Meiling's tension. "Mother will be on retirement in a few months so that means I will be the head."
"That's wonderful!" Meiling exclaimed happily, not able to control herself to jump on top of him. It made Syaoran lean his back on the bed. Meiling was so engulfed with the fact that after all what Syaoran had gone through; he'd get what was meant for him.
On her excitement, Meiling gave Syaoran a kiss on the lips. It was soft and sweet—hinting the innocence on her. As he saw her closed her eyes, Syaoran began to respond. That way, he could share the happiness he felt that very moment.
Due to lack of air, Meiling pulled back and thoughts started to register on her mind. Her ruby eyes locked on his for a moment before she picked herself up.
"I'm sorry," Meiling whispered while distancing herself from him.
Sitting up, Syaoran saw the guilt on her ruby eyes, "I can't see anything wrong with that."
"What?" she asked in confusion.
He gave her a genuine smile then said, "I mean there is nothing wrong about kissing me. After all, we are in a relationship, aren't we? It's just a simple act to prove those times I told you I love you."
"I… I…" Meiling stammered. "I thought those words are just…"
"Lies?"
Seeing her nod, Syaoran stood up and held her. "I cannot blame you," he said softly then tried to explain himself, "but you know me better than that, Mei. Tell me, are you afraid to accept what I feel for you?"
Once again, she nodded, "I thought it was just a game. All this time, I believed that you still love her."
"Sakura explained everything to me," Syaoran uttered as he remembered every word that came out from his best friend that one night, "we can't be together so she told me to unlock my heart so that I can find the happiness I deserve."
"And," he continued, not letting her say a single word. He pulled her closer to him, making her feel his heartbeat. "I'm glad that it was you whom she was referring to."
"Really?" Meiling plastered a sweet smile then wrapped her arms around his neck.
Syaoran nodded.
"I love you…" she murmured, cherishing the moment she thought would only occur in her dreams. "…Li Syaoran."
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Knock. Knock. Knock.
Syaoran heard someone tapping his office door. It was only three in the afternoon and everyone in the company knew that he shouldn't be disturbed that time. It was his break but he decided to do the paperwork on his desk.
"What?!" he asked with annoyance on his voice. He had no idea who the person was for his eyes were concentrated with the paper he was reading.
"Is that how you treat a visitor?" asked the person who entered.
Syaoran gulped, recognizing the voice. It was his mother. He immediately stood up, giving his full attention to her.
Yelan sighed in disappointment, "Don't be too carefree Xiao Lang. You know very well that you are the only person who is capable to handle this company after my turn. The elders are expecting too much from you so if you want to please them start by changing your rude attitude."
"I'm very sorry," Syaoran said. There was no explanation coming from him since he knew that whatever it was, his mother always got a point.
"Anyway," Yelan said, stepping near the glass windows, "I am here to tell you that your grandfather is here. He said that he wanted to talk to you after he checked the other employees."
"I see…" he said, lowering his voice. Turning around, he looked at the sky to calm himself. Normally, he wasn't afraid to face his grandfather but since the proclamation of him being the
Head of the clan was coming closer, he knew that expectations were getting higher.
Few minutes passed when another person knocked on the door.
Syaoran gazed at the door, before answering, "Come in."
The door opened and a lady with a red clip board entered. She bowed first before greeting, "I am sorry to interrupt you, Mr. Li and Madam."
Syaoran looked at his secretary, "What is it, Satomi?"
"Sir, I was told that your grandfather is already waiting at the conference room."
Syaoran nodded then gave off another smile, "Thank you."
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
Syaoran and Yelan went to the conference room immediately. The Li heir entered first, smiling at the old man who was sitting on the capital of the long table.
"Good afternoon," he greeted then pulled one chair and let his mother take a sit first. Then, he went on the opposite side to do the same. He gave his full attention on his grandfather, waiting for him to say something.
The old man smiled, "Congratulations to both of you. I can see that the company my son had left behind is going well. Many improvements had taken place after the past years, making the Li Clan more powerful in China."
Yelan smiled at the compliment, "But most of the improvements these past few years were made possible by your grandson, father."
"At such an early age, you have done a fantastic job," Li Xiu looked at Syaoran, studying his firm expression, "the family is proud of you."
"It's my duty but thank you," the younger man replied. In a way, Syaoran felt at ease, since he was finally reaching what he was expected to do.
"And soon you'll be inheriting what is meant for you," Li Xiu said in a happy tone. Pushing his round glasses on the bridge of his nose, he asked, "Have you found her?"
Syaoran smirked then nodded, "She's Meiling Li."
"A great decision," Li Xiu commented and Yelan was pleased that Syaoran was confident on proclaiming it. "When will you ask her then?"
The other guy grinned. "That will have to wait. I'll tell everybody soon."
The old man laughed, recalling the person who was like him very much, "That is the same sentence I heard when I asked him about your mother."
Smiling sadly, he wished that he got the chance to know who his father was. Many people had compared him to his father, but all those things only made him crave to know him more.
"Xiao Lang?" his grandfather called out his name, cutting all the sad thoughts running on his head. "Since you are now very close to your finish line, accept a simple challenge for me."
He raised a brow then moved a little bit to settle himself. "What is it?"
Yelan took the white folder on the table and handed it to her son, "One colleague and also a child of your grandfather's friend sent that letter two weeks ago. I already studied it and indeed, one of the biggest companies, which also manage hotels and resorts, is having a difficulty about maintaining a good status."
Syaoran nodded, proving that he was listening and having interest on it, "So what do you like me to do?"
"In three days, I'll send you to England," Yelan said, firm.
He posted a look of disbelief, "In three days?"
His grandfather nodded, "Is there something wrong with that?"
Syaoran shook his head.
"Don't worry about the hotel. I'll be the one to take care of it. You just have to go and have a talk with the president of Red Rose for me."
Sighing inwardly, the young man was a little disappointed on the challenge. It was not really about going to England but the day he'd be living was also the day he was supposed to have a dinner with Meiling. 'Oh well… I guess I have to move my schedule then.'
Syaoran's grandfather was taking a good look at him, "Are you ready?"
Nodding, he asked a small favor, "Can I take the rest of the hours off? I need to tell Meiling about this."
The old man nodded and teased him, "I guess you are now doing a little role of becoming a husband."
Yelan only smiled at them.
"Thank you so much," Syaoran smirked then stood up. He left the room, letting the other two go on with their talk. Slowly, he opened the door of his office, seeing his secretary doing her work.
"Satomi."
As soon as the secretary heard her name, she looked up.
Syaoran didn't let her talk. He continued what he was saying, "Could you please call Miflin Star restaurant and reserve a dinner for two tonight? Then call Meiling's place and tell her that I'll pick her up at six thirty. Also remind her to wear something formal."
Satomi nodded as she had written down everything she was supposed to do, "Is that all, sir?"
"Yes, thank you," Syaoran mumbled and took a few steps to enter his main office. Not minding the paperwork loaded on his table, he immediately grabbed his car keys and headed to his car to get everything settled.
xoxoxoxoxoxoxox
"Where are you taking me?" Meiling asked while Syaoran started his black car.
"You look stunning…" was his response. He glanced at her, finding a little frown on her face.
Meiling wore a half sleeved and knee length white dress. A red thick fabric was hugging her waist, giving her white semi-formal dress a more amazing look. She let her hair on her normal style and only added some red ribbons on it.
"That didn't answer my question!" she voiced sounding irritated, "you know I hate it when you talk in suspense!"
Syaoran chuckled. "Breathe, Meiling. Calm down. For doing that you are like—"
Syaoran stopped, realizing what he was about to say. Glancing at Meiling, he saw a little sadness on her eyes. He felt guilty for hurting her.
"I'm just like Sakura, huh?" the girl continued in a very soft tone.
"No… It's not what you think," he said, trying to make an excuse. But in a few moments, Syaoran already admitted his wrong act, "I… I'm sorry."
Meiling tried to smile though he knew that she was faking it, "it's nothing."
Gazing back on the road, Syaoran started to think. 'How could you think of Sakura at this very moment? It was supposed to be the night between you and Meiling!'
After a few minutes of awkward silence, they arrived in their destination. Syaoran stopped the car in a fancy restaurant. Meiling groaned the moment she saw it and he only smiled at her.
Suddenly, after they went out, Syaoran extended his arm to Meilin.
"Shall we?" he asked, smiling once again.
Meiling gently took his arm and let him lead her. She took a seat on the table reserved for them. Syaoran watched Meiling, who was amaze with the beautiful surroundings.
"May I take your orders?" the waiter asked, smiling at them.
"I'll have Chow Mein." Meiling said softly.
"Kung Pao Shrimp." Syaoran simply said.
The moment the waiter left them alone, Meiling settled herself. She looked at Syaoran with her ruby eyes. Thinking that he wasn't the same person she used to know before. He was happy, but she felt that something was still lacking.
'This time, happiness is present on his amber eyes. It may not be the same as he is with Sakura but it's great to see that he has moved on.'
"Don't look at me like that," Syaoran told her. There was a grin on his face that gave Meiling a hint that he would say something that would make her either irritated or happy, "It drives me crazy."
Meiling giggled then started to ask him a few questions, "Why did you decide to have a sudden date? I thought this will be on Friday night."
Sighing, Syaoran answered, "Actually, it should be on Friday but with my schedule for work, a few changes were made."
"What changes?"
"In three days, I'll fly to England," Syaoran uttered then looked at her expression.
Meiling smiled sadly, "And when will you be back?"
"It depends," Syaoran told her, not liking her sad expression, "Talking about a huge corporation is a long process."
"I see…"
"But," he told her, "when I get back, I have something very important to do that doesn't have anything to do with work."
Meiling raised an eyebrow in confusion, "What's that?"
Syaoran posted a sweet smile on his face, "You'll know soon... very soon."
Done! Hope you liked the changes. ^-^
So what do you think? Tell me please! I would happy reply to your comments.
And stop right there! My beta and I haven't revised the other chapters yet. Just wait for maybe a few days to give you the next chapter. Thank you.
REVIEW PLEASE!
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