'Incorporated'
by Majah
Disclaimer:
I don't own CCS, but I do own the story in this fic and things that are non-CCS related. All the name of places, historical events and other things mentioned, which you don't seem to know IRL, are products of my imagination. Any similarities with the actual thing is purely coincidental.
From Previous Chapter:
"Yez. Vut zon't worry. I am hopin' zoo talk to a couple ov my good zources. I zink I can give yah a full report by zee evening." There was a brief silence before George spoke again. "Vat if ze Mastre is telling the truth, Miss. Vat will yah do?"
Sakura did not answer the butler immediately. She seemed to have taken some time and thought about it deeply.
"Kinomoto Sakura's reaction on everything will be like this," she finally said as she looked at George will teary scared eyes. "I will never in my right mind venture in such a thing, George."
The butler's eyes left the screen of the laptop for a moment to look at the facial expression Sakura was giving him. His mistress was attempting to look cuter than she really was as she squiggled in a childlike manner on her seat.
Making sure that George got her message, Sakura went back to her upright position and cleared her throat.
"Agatha on the other hand," she continued in a more serious and formal tone. "will see what the great Damaski-is has to offer." She ended her statement with a proud confident smile.
Chapter Nine: Agatha Believes
Eriol listened thoughtfully at the lady in front of him. The pretty dark-haired Tomoyo was talking lively as she took a bite from her food every now and then. Twenty minutes had passed since they left the airport to eat at the cafe across the street. They were sitting by the window of the cafe and he couldn't help but noticed people from outside giving Tomoyo a second look as they passed by. The girl was indeed lovely that she caught attention especially in such a bland place.
The cafe was nothing out of the ordinary. The same smell of blended coffee filled the air in contrast with the old backdrop they have. The place was not decorated to look old. It was just really OLD. Wooden tables and chairs have chipped off sides and plain white curtains hanged at the windows. Smoke from the pipes of the older customers danced in the air and the sound of the rusty exhaust fan at the corner duets the music from the radio.
Eriol took another sip from his cup. By this time both had finished what they were eating.
"I apologize if I've asked you to eat in such a place," he started saying; one hand motioning at the surroundings.
Tomoyo smiled. "It's okay. I don't mind as long as my stomach gets filled. I really don't mind."
"I'm happy to know that." He looked at Tomoyo's empty cup. "How about another cup of cappuccino? That is, if you're not in a hurry."
She looked thoughtfully at her cup. "Ah sure. Why not. Their cappuccino is really rich in flavor...their cappuccino."
"I told you." Eriol happily remarked. He waved his hand to the waiter and motioned for him to fill their cups again.
The young waiter came and tended to their request. Eriol watched as Tomoyo politely thanked the waiter. He wondered for a moment what she would do if she realized something. It was obvious that she hasn't noticed it yet. But he couldn't help to think if that expression she made earlier when they bumped into each other, was from being startled or did his name rang any bells when he mentioned it.
He tried to contain the devious smile that was starting to creep on his face as he schemed a little. How would the Kinomoto's princess' best friend react if she found out about his identity? Perhaps...he should drop a hint and see what happens.
In a split second, Eriol had made his decision.
The waiter was about to leave when he spoke. "Wait."
"Yes, sir?" the waiter asked.
Eriol took out his wallet and gave his credit card. He did this in one swift motion; not wanting to disseminate too much information from glancing that much in his wallet. A subtle hint would be enough. "Here. Please process our bill."
"Very well, sir." And we that the waiter left.
The truth is Eriol had cash with him. But his little plot could only be accomplished if he used the card. He looked at Tomoyo who was busy sipping from her cup.
Not a moment longer, the young waiter returned. "Mr. Hiiragizawa?" he asked.
Eriol looked at the corner of his eyes to check Tomoyo. He was rewarded with same dazed expression from her eyes at the mention of his name.
"This is the total amount. Please sign here." The waiter bent downwards and reached for his pen.
But Eriol waved a hand. "It's okay. I have my own pen."
"As you wish, sir."
Eriol reached out inside his coat and took out his pen. He did this swiftly to look as casual as possible but made sure that the part of the pen he wanted Tomoyo to see was within her scope.
The pen he took out was something used within Li Syaoran's company. It was specially customized and given out to trusted officers and employees. It was an elegantly styled black pen with thin gold linings at the center and at the tip. Along its upper bodice, the crest of the Li Family was etched in gold; a sun surrounded by stars. He made sure that 'that' part of the pen was facing Tomoyo as he carefully signed the small sheet of paper.
It was a picture-perfect moment. Eriol knew he would not forget Tomoyo's face as her mouth dropped open and the cup that she held with both hands lost its balance. The waiter, being as alert as he could be, caught the cup. But it was done in a brisk action that it caused some coffee to spill on top of the mantel.
"Oh! I'm a..uhm," Tomoyo stammered.
"Not to worry, Miss. I'll take care of it." The young waiter said as he dabbed tissue on the spill as a temporary solution.
Eriol helped to contain the spill as he reached across the empty table beside them and took its napkins and placed it on top of the spill. "Here," he said; giving the waiter the bill that he had just signed. "Better get a cleaning cloth or something."
"Yes, sir. Right away, sir." The waiter nodded and walked back to the counter.
"It's not that grave, Tomoyo. I'm sure it will be cleaned up immediately." He said not looking at her eyes as he busied himself with the much-contained spill. When Tomoyo did not answer, he decided to face her and see the result of his actions.
The person that looked back at him was no longer the smiling sweet girl he was with earlier. Tomoyo's mouth was set in a grim line; her eyes as cold as ice. Eriol pretended not to know anything as he asked her. "Anything wrong?" he looked innocently.
"You're Eriol Hiiragizawa." Tomoyo said firmly.
"Yes," Eriol said in a semi-confused gaze, yet inside him, he was fighting not to laugh. "I thought that was quite established for quite some time now?"
"You're Li Syaoran's lawyer and most trusted friend!" She blurted out; her eyes full of anger.
"I didn't know that I am that popular." He smiled then stopped for a moment. "Oh wait, I am not 'that' popular because if I am then you would have realized that at the very first time I told you my name."
Tomoyo gave a sharp intake of breath and narrowed her eyes. "The Li family tried to kill my best friend." She said to him accusingly.
"That my dear, was not proven in any manner," he said casually. "I'm sure Kinomoto Sakura has some other hidden enemies somewhere." His eyes twinkled with delight.
"She does not have any hidden enemies!" Tomoyo exclaimed. "Wait...you mentioned Sakura's name. That means you know who I am all along."
Eriol smiled darkly. "You are a new...friend."
"A new friend?" Tomoyo could not believe what she was hearing. "A person, who in any manner connected to that awful family that attempted to murder my best friend and defends them, is no friend of mine!" She said this in a loud voice which caused the people inside the cafe to look at them.
But despite of heads turning towards them, Eriol kept his cool. He was enjoying this. "Again, I would like to remind you that there is no proof in such a thing."
"Oh, there is proof." Tomoyo hand started waving about. "Sakura's brother saw that knife with the Li family's crest etched on it."
"Unfortunately, that much alleged knife is nowhere to be found." Eriol countered coyly; his smile never left his face.
Tomoyo placed both her hands on top of the table and leaned closer; her eyes were like small knives themselves. "I bet one of the Li cronies hid it somewhere."
"Well, it's either that or her brother didn't see it at all."
"I beg your pardon! Are you actually saying that he invented everything?"
Eriol looked thoughtful for a moment. "Considering the strong feelings welling up between the Li's and the Kinomoto's, his judgement could be clouded that day."
Tomoyo's mouth opened and closed. "I...," she searched for words. "I couldn't believe I am hearing this!"
He shrugged. "It is a possibility, you know."
She looked at the man before her and took a deep breath before finally standing up. "I am not going to sit here and listen to you. It is quite obvious that you are someone from 'their' side."
Eriol did not move nor speak. He only looked at her in a steady gaze. A cool smile still pasted on his face.
"I thank you for what you did earlier and for lunch." She continued in an impersonal tone. "Someday I would return the favor, but rest assured that I will do it in my own way. The last thing I would like is to end up being used by you." She shot back at him. "It might have been your intentions right from the start!"
"How sweet of you to assume, but I've helped you because I really wanted to help." He said to the lady who was picking up her handbag and preparing to leave. People around them are now listening with all ears. Who wouldn't? Especially now that they had found out who these two people were and that they were talking about the two prestigious families.
Tomoyo only glared at Eriol. She turned her back at him and started walking towards the door.
"So tell me, Ms. Daidouji..." Eriol called on to her; being formal once again as he used her last name. "Do you like Kinomoto Touya?"
She stopped on her tracks for a moment and shot him a cold stare then spoke after some time. "Goodbye, Mr. Hiiragizawa." And with that Tomoyo left the cafe.
Eriol bent his head downwards and let his bangs cover his eyes. The simple smile never left his lips but his eyes were dying with laughter and amusement. A light buzz started to rise from the people inside the cafe as they started whispering with each other. The waiter came and gave Eriol his card and receipt. He took it and placed it back inside his wallet and glanced at everyone inside the cafe. This made the people look at him silently.
"That was quite delightful, wasn't it?" He said to them; still smiling.
The people inside the cafe realized that they were poking their heads to something that they shouldn't have and went back to their own business. Eriol was half glad that there weren't that many customers at the cafe. Heck, the old place rarely gets that number of people. It was probably the reason why he chose to eat there in the first place.
Eriol left a tip and walked out to the streets. He begun to stride towards the parking lot when he realized that he didn't bring his car since he went there in an ambulance. He took out his cellphone and dialed. He leaned on a tree near the entrance of the parking lot as someone finally answered on the other end.
"It's me," he began. "I need my car. Would you drive it here? I'm at the entrance of the parking lot of Russlewood International Airport." The person he was talking to seemed to tell him something as Eriol listened.
"Did he now?" he said approvingly. "Well then, looks like our little princess is not wasting any time considering she had her underdog snooping around. Listen, I got specific instructions. Make sure she gets what she wants to know. Log on and meet up with that little pig-tailed camper and plant the information. I want Harry to log-in, too. Two reliable sources are better than one. If he will believe...she will also." He stopped once again to hear what the person at the other line was saying. "Right." He remarked; satisfied. "And oh...I need a couple of men to come over that old cafe in front of the airport. I need a little containment crew." Eriol chuckled. "Don't worry. Not that many people. Just give them a reason not to talk about what they've heard and saw." And with that he hanged up.
Another batch of people came swarming out of the airport. It seemed another flight had arrived. The activity in the airport became apparent once more as Eriol waited on his spot.
"Now," he said mysteriously; his eyes hidden behind the shiny reflection of the sun to his glasses. "...it shall all begin."
An old building shone brightly in the middle of the modern city as the night enhanced the glass lanterns which adorned the walls. It seemed time had flown back to the past as the turmoil of the darkest days of the country was brought back to life.
Syaoran could not help but to be amazed as he stepped out of his car and gave the valet his keys. Tonight, they were reopening the Grand Opera House after being shut down for more than fifty years; way before he was born. It had been there ever since the early days of Great Grandpa Li. For a busy city running on modern technology, the Grand Opera House was the only antique building which had remained standing despite its brittle walls. There had been debates in the government on whether to keep the building or not. Yet finally, conservationists succeeded in influencing a huge chunk of the congress that the government finally agreed to restore the place. The result was beyond words. Syaoran remembered standing on the far end of the street trying to look at the old thing as a child. His mother had restricted him from getting close to the place since it had become dangerous due to its deteriorating foundations.
But now...
"Welcome, Mr. Li." an attendant in a tuxedo with matching white gloves greeted him as he strode up the carpeted path.
Syaoran gave him a nod. "Right this way, please." The attendant bowed and guided him up the stone steps.
Around him, many cameras flashed as the press relinquished the moment to capture every guest that arrived, especially now that every member of high society was invited. The main entrance to the Opera House was a fifteen feet-high stained glass double door supported by two stone pillars adorned with grotesque statues of winged creatures. The restoration committee did a magnificent job.
The smaller doors were closed so that everyone would use the grand entrance to the building. The Opera House itself was high. There was a numerous flight of stairs to venture before arriving at the very entrance. The whole area was carpeted with the striking color of red. Gold-trimmed velvet hung from waist-high posts, barricading the sides where the reporters stood to take their photos. From time to time, guests would either arrive in a fancy car or driven by a limousine. At the sides, the media was trying to get a statement from him, but he didn't stop to greet any of them. This publicity doesn't matter to him. He was only here for the spirit of history being opened once more for the joy of everyone. That's about it. With one final look at the bright lights which filled the buildings wall above, he entered the opera house much to the reporters' disappointment.
Once inside, Syaoran was taken a back. If the exterior was astounding, the interior was magnificent. It made him forget all the people which surrounded him as historical items were carefully placed from corners to the vast reception hall. Marbled steps shone underneath the large crystal chandelier at the center of the room. Fresh flowers arranged on every antique vase. Cocktail were being served on top stone-like perches adorned with same grotesque carvings. Large paintings of things that had happened in the past about the rebellion hang on the walls in frames trimmed with gold. He took a deep breath. The scent of the place was old and musty, but it was only appropriate for the history that beckoned each guest.
"Champagne, sir?" a waiter dressed like the attendant except that the attendant wore a red sash and he doesn't, offered his silver tray of drinks.
"Thank you." Syaoran said politely as he took one glass.
Everyone wore their best formal wear. Even himself was dressed in a nicely tailored black tuxedo; his chestnut hair neatly brushed towards the back. He shook hands with many business colleagues and made his rounds to his circle of men. After that he fashioned himself to stand alone in a corner to observe the event before him.
No sooner than later he felt that someone was watching him. Indeed, there was someone as he looked up and met scrutinizing eyes of a woman standing by the stairs which lead deeper inside the opera house. She wore a navy-blue evening gown which glistened under the chandelier's light. Her hair was tied up in two nots with silver-grey ribbons. She stood elegantly yet it didn't hide the disapproving look she gave him.
Syaoran gave a goofy smile and saluted the woman. The woman in return rolled her eyes and focused her attention to the man walking towards the center of the hall. It was the mayor of the city. He gave a speech regarding the Grand Opera House being a historical landmark. He officially announced the opening, and everyone clapped. Soon lights wavered motioning the start of the opera. Everyone started to fill the main hall. Syaoran did the same but instead of going where most of the guest were, he made his way up. It lead to the private boxes positioned above to get a better view of the stage. He went beyond the velvet blue curtains and entered the box.
She was already there. She sat elegantly with her spectacles perched up in one hand as she examined the stage below. Syaoran slid at the fancy cushioned chair beside her and tried to relax.
"How nice of you to actually come," she said in an uptight voice.
"Wouldn't miss it for the world," he replied smiling.
"It would have been nicer if you brought along a date."
Syaoran knew that the topic will be brought up once again. It always does whenever they meet. "If I brought a long a date then you would feel out of place...dear sister."
"I am a married woman, Li Xiao Lang," she gasped. Only family members and close friends called him by his birth name. In exception of Eriol who prefers to call him 'Syaoran'.
"And your husband had been long gone, Li Mei Ling."
This seemed to change the older woman's expression.
"That's Chun Mei Ling to you," she sounded hurt as she avoided his eyes.
"It had been ten years since he passed away. Don't you think that is enough mourning already?" Syaoran asked.
Below the orchestra was starting to warm-up; the curtains were being drawn back and lights started to dim.
"I would forever hold his memory in my heart." Mei Ling said proudly.
Mei Ling was one of his older sisters. She got married in the tender age of sixteen in an arranged marriage. At first, she regretted everything but as soon as she spent more time with her husband-to-be, she fell in love with him. The feeling was mutual so there were no problems. Yelan, their mother, had once again succeeded in matching one of her children with a terrific life partner. Unfortunately, two years after, Mei Ling's husband died in a plane crash. His sister had been devastated, but being the strong woman that she was, she recovered. But had remained loyal to the memories of her husband.
"You're hopeless." Syaoran remarked as the actors and actresses below started to sing in their operatic hymn.
"I'm hopeless?" Mei ling said; trying to whisper as to not to disturb the events below. "You're the one who never brings any future lifetime partner. For how long do you think can you hold off mother? You're lucky you even reached the age of twenty-three without having to answer to her matchmaking hobby."
Syaoran leaned closer to Mei Ling so that he wouldn't have to speak loudly. "It is called charm, dear sister. Charm."
The show below intensified along with the Li's private box's conversation.
"Be responsible, Xiao Lang. You are the head of the company. And whether you like it or not, you are also an heir to the family's wealth. You need to continue the line of succession."
Syaoran was glad that they were in an opera house. If there were in another place, Mei Ling would have scolded him on top of her lungs.
"I am still young. There are lots to be done. The time for it will come eventually." he said quietly; his eyes focused at the dramatic scene below.
Mei Ling sighed. She let the topic die down for a while before speaking to her brother regarding another issue. "Xiao Lang," she started.
"Hmmm?" he said half-distracted.
"Mother wants you to come to the board meeting this Saturday."
Syaoran looked at her sharply. "There is no need for me to go there. I thought I made it clear with her."
"Well one could only hope. You are after all the only son in the family." She explained but seeing his determined face she quickly shifted to another ground. "Very well then. If you don't want, then at least attend the family luncheon after that."
"Luncheon?" Syaoran asked.
"I think mother has another plot against our very best friends," she said sarcastically.
"Oh...that." Syaoran gave a small laugh. "What is it this time?"
"I don't know. She is being secretive about the whole thing."
"Isn't it quite too soon? I mean don't they deserve a rest every now and then? Not being able to get this Opera house's restoration project is already a huge let down for the Kinomoto Developers Corp." He asked in a matter-of-fact tone.
Indeed, the Kinomoto's tried to get the prestigious project but thanks to his mother's influence, the project bid was awarded to someone else.
Mei Ling gave a silent giggle. "Well, too bad for them."
The curtains closed below, and everyone clapped. The lights wavered once again as it signaled an intermission. People started to pile out to the cocktail hall. Both Li stood up and started walking out.
"Well, whatever it is...as usual...she can count me in." Syaoran gave a mischievous smile to his sister.
"As always," she smiled back at him.
As they reached the door leading to the cocktail room, Syaoran stopped walking, faced his sister and gave her a light peck on the forehead. This surprised Mei Ling.
"What's the matter, Xiao Lang?"
"I'm going now."
"What? But you've only been through the first part!" she complained.
"I've only came here for two reasons. The first one is to see the historical structure for myself, and the second one is to talk to you. I think I've reached my goals, so I am calling it a night."
"Oh, very well then! Somethings just don't change." She sighed and gave him a light hug. "Off you go."
"Thanks. Take care on your trip home."
"Xiao Lang!" Mei Ling said stopping him from his tracks. He looked back questioningly at her.
"Please do remember to not to lose that crest again," she said slightly smirking.
Syaoran briefly chuckled and nodded knowingly. "Don't worry. I will remember next time."
It was almost twelve when Syaoran took off his tux and untied his bow tie.
"The traffic these days," he shook his head. He sat at the foot of his bed, took off his shoes and laid back to the inviting mattress. He closed his eyes and wondered what his mother was planning this time. He pondered about it for a while, but exhaustion claimed him and before he knew it, he had dozed off.
But his sleep was interrupted by a ringing sound. "Um..wha?" he groaned as he realized that it was his cellphone. Who could have been calling him at this hour? He reached for his phone and placed it on his ears, "Yeah?" he said sleepily.
"I need to see ALL your plans in black and white," a familiar female voice in the other end said.
He thought he heard wrong. "Agatha?" he asked.
"Tomorrow noon at Central Park. Be there." It was Agatha. No question about it.
Author's Note:
Haha..finally finished two chapters...wheee...
Reviews encourage me to write more. Ja!