Thanks to all those who reviewed! This chapter took a while but here it is! Also thanks to my beta ArmageddonAngel!
DN Angel and Cardcaptor Sakura- Well Sakura is just an overall nice person, as for Syaoran liking her- well why don't you see for yourself!
pyscho-pyro-shrink- Thanks, I wonder if the gift has any significance as well?
poems2songs- Something tells me you will find the ending of this chapter interesting.
AngelEmCuti- Here's the next chapter. I hope you like it!
digilalalalalove- Don't be scared of what will happen!
And here is chapter 10!
Chapter 10: Victoria Harbor
I opened my eyes groggily blinking the sleepiness away. I was tired from the night before- I had gone to bed at midnight and was not ready to wake up to the blaring alarm. The snooze button was tempting but a peek at the alarm clock told me more rest would not be an option. To me sleep was a high valued commodity and I enjoyed it so it was rare to see me up before ten on the weekends, today being one of these exceptions. It was eight and that meant I had to wake up and get ready for my tourist outing with Syaoran. I wasn't sure where I wanted to go but I did have a few ideas in mind and was willing to throw them out as suggestions. One of them was the Tai fu Tai mansion, and another was Victoria harbor. I'd flown into Hong Kong via Victoria harbor but it would be something different altogether to go see it at night. Yawning, I stepped out of bed and into my adjoining bathroom.
I brushed my teeth before stripping and stepping into the shower indulging myself in a hot soak. When I stepped out, my cheeks were partly flushed from the steam- I had always been a little sensitive to heat. This would not pose a problem for me today since it was supposed to be relatively warm in the afternoon- the mid 60's. Stepping out, I dressed partway before moving to the closet. I wanted to wear pink today and I spotted the perfect dress. It was coral with white trimming around the round neck top and just enough of a slit at the collar to accentuate. I slipped it on finding a perfect pair of metallic pink Grecian style sandals to slip into. A white cardigan joined my ensemble at the last minute. I grabbed my "I love Paris" tote, filled with camera, extra memory card, wallet, and other essentials, and made my way to the kitchen ready to grab some juice or coffee. It was only eight thirty so I had some time to kill and I prepared toast for myself while penning a note to my housemates and letting them know what I'd be doing that day in case none awoke before my departure.
Soon enough, Yukito- always an early riser- joined me in the kitchen. He seemed slightly exhausted and I was silently glad that I was out for the day so that I wouldn't have to listen to Fai's description of last night. I silently handed him some orange juice and toast.
"Going out?" he asked taking a seat at the breakfast table. I took a seat across from him before nodding.
"Syaoran's guiding me around the city." Yukito raised an eyebrow and then shook it off with a chuckle.
"You really are your father's daughter Sakura." I smiled back before taking a bite of my breakfast. We both made small talk until the doorbell rang and I moved to get it.
"I left a note on the table Yukito, if you want to show it to Tomoyo and Fai." Yukito nodded, wishing me a good day, as I opened the door to be greeted by Syaoran. He was dressed casual- jeans, a t-shirt and a brown blazer.
"Ready?" I nodded, closing the door behind me as I followed him to his car. I slid in and moments later we were driving. "Where do you want to go first? Perhaps we should grab breakfast before visiting?" It seemed he was trying to make small talk I realized and I eagerly supplied to the conversation.
"I already ate. Did you?" Syaoran shook his head.
"Do you mind if we stop by somewhere for me to grab some coffee?" I answered affirmatively and then continued with the original question he had posed. "I was thinking we could go to Victoria Harbor and the Tai fu Tai mansion." He didn't answer for a while.
"We can go to Victoria Harbor at night and the mansion at lunchtime. Any other spots you want to visit?"
"Historical sites."
"I see. In that case, we could go to the Mansion first since that'll take some time. Then we can go to lunch and after visit Bird Street. Do you want to maybe visit Jade Street if we have time?" I blinked but nodded my head. It would do good to get some souvenir shopping in. But, I still wanted to know about the harbor.
"When are we visiting the harbor?"
"I was thinking we could go there after dinner." I nodded my head as we pulled up to the side of the road by a Starbucks. As he stepped out, he turned to me. "Would you like something?" I thought about the options presented before deciding.
"Would you mind getting me a hot dark chocolate mocha?" He acquiesced as I pulled out my wallet only to fell his hand on mine.
"Don't worry about it Sakura." I shook my head stopping his chivalry.
"It's the least I can do for my tour-guide." Syaoran seemed tempted to refuse the offer and he hesitated before agreeing to my request. Within ten minutes he came back with our drinks in his hand. I took my offered drink with thanks and sat sipping it as he drove us to the Mansion. We parked to the side and got out, me following Syaoran in.
I noticed the green bricks outlining the mansion as I approached the structure. It managed to hold its own distinct aura. As we walked in my tour guide explained to me the history behind the mansion.
"The mansion was built in 1865 by a Tai Fu from the Man clan. You do know what the Tai Fu are right?"
"Scholars under the Qing Dynasty?"
"Correct. Anyway, one of them, I can't really remember who, commissioned the building." Shaking my head, I marveled at the fact that Syaoran managed to forget a fact as important as this one. Turning back, I noticed the structure had grey tiles and ceramics to support the green brick design and the brief architectural historical knowledge gained from my father resurfaced. Perhaps he would know who commissioned this building I mused as we walked into the entrance.
My father enjoyed Chinese archeology and he saw to it that I was well versed in certain aspects of the history and artifacts that he studied. One particular period of interest to him was the Qing dynasty which ruled China for quite a while and was in effect a dynasty prone to Western invasion. I noticed the architecture from what my father had described to me was distinct in that it could be traced back to the middle 1800's.
Syaoran paid for us to enter, he wouldn't tell me the price, and I let it go making a mental note to pay for our meals that day to make up for this. He led me inside the rooms, taking me through and explaining each room's aspects. There was so much history within the walls and I was positively giddy with excitement. It took us nearly two hours to cover the mansion and to me those two hours were worth spending.
"What did you think?" he asked as we made our way outside to the main courtyard entrance.
"I loved it!" I turned around as we left to take one last look back at the mansion. "Syaoran," I murmured turning to him, "do you mind being in a picture with me in front of the mansion?" He seemed hesitant before agreeing. He flagged a tourist nearby, a middle-aged English man I guessed from his accent and we posed in front of the mansion.
"Why did you need the picture?" Syaoran asked as we walked through the parking lot.
"I'd like to keep a memory of this trip."
"I see." We had reached his car and climbed in. As we left the mansion's elegance behind we discussed lunch arrangements. Finally, I asked Syaoran to take me to someplace he preferred. With a smile he proceeded to do just that.
Walking into the restaurant Syaoran drove us into I was awed by the cozy ambiance. It was actually what I assumed was an Italian café complete with gorgeous paintings of the Tuscan landscape dotting the walls. We waited for a waiter who soon arrived and led us to a table which was located under a painting of rolling hills dotting the Tuscan countryside.
"I love this place and I know the people here. It's kind of like my comfort zone." I nodded busying myself with the menu and glad for the silent interruption provided by the waiter as he arrived to serve us drinks.
"Do you come here often?" I asked putting my menu aside as I had already made my decision.
"Well I guess it depends on how my life's going at the moment. I haven't been here in a while." He fiddled with his menu for a minute before pushing it aside. "Are you ready to order?"
"Yes." Syaoran flagged a waiter and we gave our orders sitting in a silence that was comfortable. It wasn't a long wait for our orders and when they did arrive we dug in with relish. I hoped that our quiet lunch wouldn't give way to a dull day and immediately brightened at the possibility of souvenir shopping thrown out at the end on a whim.
"Where would we go first?" I asked as we finished lunch. I took a small sip of the wine he had ordered before setting my glass down. It was the only time I had touched the glass at all during lunch.
"Bird street is closer. Is there any particular souvenir you have in mind?" I shook my head as he flagged the waiter for our check.
"There isn't." Remembering my idea of buying meals I caught Syaoran's attention. "I'll pay for lunch."
"You don't have to Sakura."
"But I do." I protested trying to let him see my point. "You're being so gracious and taking me around the city; the least I can do is pay for our meals."
"I feel cheated." I silently waited for his explanation. "All day, you've been paying for food. I assumed that when we agreed to see each other it included me taking care of you for the day. Is it not in my right?"
"It is but this is how I'm thanking you for the day."
"Sakura-" he sighed running his hair through his bangs, "If I let you pay now do you promise to not spend any more money thanking me?" I nodded my head pleased that my idea had somewhat gone through. At least some was better than nothing. The waiter arrived and I paid with my card. After he returned, Syaoran turned to me with a cocky grin.
"Let's go then."
Bird Street was an absolute chaotic mess, but a mess that was distinctly pleasant. It had a cacophony of sounds and blurs of colors that made me want to explore every nook and cranny, every little street vendor there. It was only due to Syaoran's nagging that we left to Jade Street.
Jade Street was a little quieter but had more to offer. It was slightly more rustic without as much of the blurs and sounds found in Bird Street but I loved the vendors. I was able to admire some of their wares and purchased a few souvenirs for my family. It was nearing five when we left the street and I was surprised that we had spent nearly four hours strolling both the streets.
"Sakura." Syaoran caught my attention and I turned to him as we drove towards the harbor. "I was thinking of getting an early dinner and then walking by the harbor. Do you like that?" I nodded too excited from the afternoon's events to speak.
"Great we'll go to this place by the harbor. Don't think too much of what it looks like on the outside okay?" I wondered where these sudden instructions were coming from but decided to go along with them.
"All right." We drove on until we pulled up to a bar located on one of the side streets within walking distance of the harbor. I followed Syaoran towards the bar and he led me inside. What I expected to see was replaced by tables lining one side of the inside and a bar on the other side.
"It's not really a bar, but it's not really a restaurant either." Syaoran provided guiding me to a table behind a waiter. "But they have some good food." I allowed my eyes to follow the scenery and felt that the restaurant was more of a trendy upper class hangout with its décor. It was an enjoyable experience and I made a mental note to bring Tomoyo here. I was sure she would appreciate it.
Dinner passed by quickly as we spent it discussing the day's events and sharing small talk with each other. It was interesting to note that Syaoran preferred to relax and enjoy a beer more than anything else and managed to find good home-cooked food no matter where he went. As we enjoyed a stroll on the walkway by the harbor, I felt a tug on my hand. Turning I looked at Syaoran.
"Syaoran?" Noticing the way he fidgeted, I wondered what was going through his mind. What had him so agitated that he couldn't look at my face? Finally, his eyes met mine.
"Sakura-" He trailed off and I felt a slow blush form across my face at the intensity of his stare. Without warning, he leaned forward ready to kiss me. I pushed away feeling guilty when his face showed his hurt.
"I can't do that Syaoran." He stood staring at me as the sun began to set. "I'm not ready for that yet. I can't say that I don't like you but I'm just not ready for what you want." I spilled out all the thoughts that were flowing through my head from the conversation I had had with Tomoyo a while before. Taking a deep breath I voiced the question that I felt would make or break my relationship with Syaoran.
"Can we be friends for now?" He seemed stunned and slowly let my hand fall from its grasp. It took him another few moments to respond to my question and when he did his voice was slightly raspy.
"Sure, we can do that." He turned around and I regretted the timing of my words but assured myself that they had to arrive sooner or later. "I think we should get you home Sakura." I felt more than heard the cold tone that his voice had taken and silently followed him to the car.
Thirty minutes later, we pulled up in front of Fai and Yukito's house. I turned to him with a smile hoping that not everything about today would be a failure.
"Thank you for today. I enjoyed myself." Having an entire half hour to formulate those words had them coming out of my mouth perfectly on time. He gave me a nod, giving me a brief glance, and then turning to the road again. I uttered a quick goodbye and then walked inside letting out a deep breath the minute the door closed. Why oh why did I go and make a perfect day awkward?
"This way Sakura-san." Wei led me towards a room that was further back. It was furnished with tasteful furniture and resembled a western study. I noticed that the bookshelves were filled with priceless books and walked forward to get a better look at them. Hearing someone behind me, I turned to see Yelan Li.
"I'm pleased you could come for tea today Sakura-san."
"I thank you for inviting me." She moved to take a seat behind the only desk in the room and I took a seat across from her.
"Sakura-san, I want to discuss something with you. I hope that you won't take it too personally." I shook my head negatively and waited for her to continue. "What exactly is your relationship with my son?"
"My relationship with Syaoran?" I sputtered before I could stop myself, blushing at my reply. "Well we're just friends?" I lowered my eyes at Li xiaojie's intense stare.
"I see." She folded her hands together for a moment before drinking the tea Wei had supplied us. "Sakura-san, I called you here to discuss an agreement that both your Grandfather and I had been discussing for a few years." She set her cup down and folded her eyes again prompting me to look at her and set my cup down as well.
"A few years back we were in talks with your grandfather about a merger Sakura-san." I nodded remembering that talks for a joint-venture five years ago had been stalled until it passed through earlier this year. "We wanted to at that time," she continued, "see if we could also cement that relationship with a merger between families. This time we were also hoping to cement a long-standing relationship between the families as well."
I processed the information feeling myself grow paler by the second. Surely what Li Xiaojie and Grandfather wanted couldn't involve me? It didn't require a marriage right? Out of all the questions in my head, I voiced out one of them.
"What exactly does this relationship entail?" A pregnant silence ensued.
"A marriage between you and Syaoran."
I wanted to cry. Just three days ago I had ruined any chance of a romantic relationship I'd had with Syaoran and now I was faced with the news of my grandfather's wishes. As much as I loved him, at this moment I wanted nothing but to yell at him and throw a tantrum. I hadn't even thought about marriage much less a serious relationship with anyone. How could I make a suitable decision?
"Sakura." Yelan Li's voice called out to me, "you do not have to make this decision tonight; there is no time limit on this offer and there is no necessity to follow through with it." I nodded clearing the fog in my head a bit. It was then that I recognized that Syaoran would also be forced to make a decision on this aspect.
"Li Xiaojie," I sighed before asking my question, "what did Syaoran choose?" Li Xiaojie pursed her lips as though hesitating to tell me.
"He decided to try to cement the relationship."
"And how long has he known?"
"Since the merger started." I sipped my tea not finding myself stable enough to talk. I left ten minutes later and went home.
Nearly an hour after I had found out the news I called Toya. If there was anyone I needed to talk to, it was him. I would have preferred his presence more than a phone call but I stuck with what was available.
"Hello?" Toya answered, "Sakura is that you?"
"Oni-chan." I choked and let loose a few years as I explained the situation. "Did you know about the merger? Did you know all the information?"
"You mean the marriage part?"
"What the hell did you think you were doing?" I yelled, the tears streaming down my face now. "Did it not occur to you that I feel like I was used?"
"You weren't Sakura. The decision rests in your hands. Grandfather wanted to ensure a good relationship and I know you feel hurt but Grandfather isn't forcing this on you. This is your choice and you don't have to go through with it if you don't want to. Okay Sakura?"
"Okay." I murmured feeling slightly better. As it is, I was sure that I would cry some more, become a chocoholic, and emerge from my bedroom looking a mess. For now though, I needed to gather my thoughts by myself.
"I have to go Toya." I replied hanging up before he responded. Yes, I knew that it was my choice to make; but was I going to make the right one?
So what do you think? I had a somewhat hard time writing this chapter, especially the ending bit with the merger. Anyway, please review!
Thanks,
Kaoruhana ^_^