Author's Notes: I'm soooo incredibly sorry for the late update but the month of March to April was incredibly hectic for me. My grandmother was moving out, I had a lot of major assignments due and April was a horribly depressing period that made writing hard. I had exams and my grandmother past away as well. But now I'm on summer vacation I'll try harder to write up a few chapters but no promises and I'll try my best to have a new chapter done before July. It is kind of hard to write with minor writer's block and the fact I'm helping out with my family business. But I hope everyone enjoys this chapter and don't mind my time skips.
Chapter 10: The unexpected
Monday:
A minor 'HOE' could be heard coming from inside a pink room on the second floor of the mansion, as the emerald eye beauty jumped out of bed as she spotted the time on the bedside clock. She hopped out of bed and ran over to the closet and picked out the first outfit she found. She ran into the washroom and grabbed a quick shower and dressed for work. She picked her bag and tossed in everything that she would need and started running towards the door straightening her hair as she was running. She was in such a rush she didn't noticed that someone was blocking her door and ran right into the person.
She stumbled backwards but before she could fall the person reached out and grabbed her hand and yanked her against his chest.
"I see you finally got up," commented an amused Syaoran as he held Sakura to him.
"Morning Syaoran, sorry for making you wait," replied Sakura taking a step back.
"Come on, you only have a few minutes before I leave. Go grab something to eat before we go," said Syaoran before letting go and walking ahead of her.
Sakura followed quickly while trying to straighten herself up. When she got to the dinning room she noticed that several people were already gone and just requested for a sandwich that she could take with her. She did stop and long enough to grab a cup of orange juice and greet those still around the table before walking towards the front door knowing that is where Syaoran would be. As she arrived the servant was carrying a plastic bag with a ham and egg sandwich. She gave the person a smile before turning towards Syaoran and saying, "I'm ready."
They left for the office with only minutes to spare but that was mainly due to the fact Syaoran loved to weave in and out of traffic and his minor speeding. They made it to work without too much hassle, but was greeted by a grinning Lian as he spotted Sakura coming out of the elevator with his son.
"So she did get up on time," commented Lian.
"Barely, she had to eat breakfast in my car," replied Syaoran passing Sakura as he headed towards his office. "Anyways Sakura, meet me in my father's office in about 15 minutes and bring along the files from last weeks meetings."
Sakura gave a nod before taking a seat at her desk and quickly gathered all the files that was needed and calmed her rapidly beating heart. She knocked on both the Li's door and asked if they wanted coffee and made her way towards the coffee room and made the coffees before heading back towards Lian office and brings in the coffee knowing that Syaoran would be there. She than left and brought in the files that as discussed the previous week. Syaoran told her to forward all the calls in there because they would be there for a while. Sakura left and forwarded the phone into Lian office and took a seat in front of the phone and they got down to work.
The morning went by quick as the three sat around and reviewed over the contracts and made changes to the files that we they had brought over from Japan first. When they had finished Sakura quickly called over to Japan.
"Eriol, I'm going to faxing over the newest contract information but could you make an appointment to see Koshikawa-san, before the end of this week," asked Sakura.
"Why the rush," asked Eriol. "I thought you'll be back by next week."
"We will but Syaoran wants to get this out of the way before the end of the week," replied Sakura as she still typed rapidly on the changes that have been made on the contracts.
"Ok, I'll try to settle this soon, I'll call you back later with confirmation," replied Eriol.
"Thank Eriol, talk to you soon," said Sakura before hanging up.
Sakura finished and picked up the file that she knew that Lian would need that afternoon; she looked it over and notices this might take longer than she had expected to finish.
Lian started to indicate the changes to the file and they work till lunch.
"Li-san, I think we about finished with this file, I can fix up the minor corrections that were stated by myself why don't you go for lunch, you do have a meeting at 1:30 with Cheung-san," asked Sakura.
Lian look at the clock and noticed that it was 12:00 and nodded, "why don't you come to Sakura?"
"It is ok, I really want to finish this file and I'm not hungry yet," replied Sakura as she started to gather up all the files that were all around her. She picked up the files and headed back to her desk.
Lian was about to protest but Syaoran stopped him before he could, "she is right father you do have to eat, I'm sure Sakura wouldn't starve herself."
Sakura nodded and started to get to work and finishing off the correction quickly. "Anyways we don't have that much time with Li-san meeting being at 1:30 if I don't work now I might not get it done."
Lian shook his head but he didn't comment and headed to lunch with his son and son-in-laws. Sakura's fingers flew over the keyboard of the laptop as she works hard in finishing off the file trying not creating any mistakes in the process. She checked over her work several times as she worked because she had an unusual habit of hitting the command keys without wanting to. She made all the required changes to the contract and checked it over twice before she printed out the contract and went to create another copy of the file. She placed a copy into an envelop and another into a file before heading back to her desk. A McDonald's bag sat on her desk, with a drink resting beside it. She looked around trying to see if someone had accidentally left it on her desk.
"Aren't you going to eat your lunch, or just stare at it," came a voice from behind her.
Sakura quickly spun around and noticed Syaoran there grinning at her as he held his own drink in his hand.
"Syaoran, why are you back so earlier, I thought you went to lunch with your father," commented Sakura.
"I didn't go really, I just went and ordered two lunches and than came back, but the line up took longer than I expected. I figured you could use the company to finish off the contract but it seems like you already finished from what I see," replied Syaoran.
"Hai, I just finished a few minutes ago," replied Sakura. "But that means you haven't eaten either."
"Yeah, so we can eat now, just have to make certain we don't make a mess out of our desks," commented Syaoran.
Sakura nodded and placed down the file on her desk before taking a sip of her drink. She walked into Syaoran's office and took a seat and placed her lunch down on his desk and took out of a French and bit into it. She had made certain that the office door was open and that she could hear the elevator not wanting to miss Lian when he came back. The two of them ate in peace enjoying the meal as simplistic as it was went Sakura's phone rang.
She went out to answer it but Syaoran had followed and picked up the file and read it over making certain all the changes had been made as Sakura answered her call.
"Moshi, moshi, Kinomoto speaking," said Sakura.
"Sakura, it Fa Long," came the male voice on the other side of the phone.
"Hai, how can I help you," replied Sakura.
"I was just wondering when you would be free this week and maybe come out for dinner again," came Fa Long's voice.
"Um…I don't know but I think I'm free Wednesday," replied Sakura.
"Than why don't I meet you Wednesday and pick you up after work and treat you to dinner, I feel back because I was intending on treating last night," commented Fa Long.
"Um…sure, I'll see you Wednesday than," agreed Sakura.
Syaoran looked up at Sakura and nodded at her indicating that the file was fine as it was and all the required changes had been made within the short time.
"Who was that Sakura," asked Syaoran.
"Just Fa Long, he had wanted to treat me to dinner yesterday but since I paid he wanted to invite me out again but treat me this time," replied Sakura.
Syaoran nodded but something inside himself that didn't feel right, but he just placed back on his poker face to the world not showing any of his feeling.
They went back into Syaoran's office and continued eating their lunches and waiting for Lian to get back.
It was a quick lunch and Syaoran was seemingly getting impatient waiting for Eriol to call back with confirmation.
By 12:45 Syaoran and Sakura was back working because they were done with lunch and were getting irritated with all the waiting they had to do. They worked out several more changes to the contract that would require Chris to check over before they handed over for signing. They wanted to make certain that no legal problems were going to occur with all the new changes.
A short distance away they heard the distinctive ding of the elevator indicating someone had arrived at their level. Sakura got up and headed back to her desk and looked who had arrived. She noticed that Lian-san had came back from lunch and picked up the file and the envelop that contain the contract and handed them over to him when he arrived at her desk.
"I've finished the corrections of the contract sir," stated Sakura giving Lian a smile.
"Good, now go have lunch," commented Lian.
"I've already eaten sir," replied Sakura.
"How?" questioned Lian wondering if it was possible.
"Syaoran came back with something for me, but the corrections didn't really require too long when I looked them over I was able to make the changes within half hour since this contract has been in debate for a while now," replied Sakura.
Lian nodded and took the files and headed back into his office for a few moments without really showing any emotions to what he had just heard. But inside he was grinning like crazy, trying not to break out into a smile hearing that his son had cared so much for his secretary to actually go buy the girl lunch and come back to work with her when he wasn't really needed.
Sakura was just about head back into Syaoran office when her desk phone rang. She picked it up and said, "Good Afternoon, how may I help you?"
"Ohayo, Sakura," came a very cheery voice from the other side.
"Tomoyo, what do I owe for this call," came an equally cheerful Sakura.
"Eriol was about to make an appointment with Koshikawa-san and was wondering when you'll be faxing over the contract," replied Tomoyo.
"I'll have it faxed by 3," Sakura stated after taking a look at her appointment book knowing she could finish off the changes and everything by 2:30.
"Great Sakura," commented Tomoyo before saying, "Are you going to get to wear the gown I packed for you?"
"Yeah, I have to go to ball Saturday night and we come back Sunday morning," replied Sakura. "I get a feeling I'm not going to enjoy this job very much, even with the great pay and all, too many parties for the past while."
"Don't worry it will be the last until the annual Li Ball in Hong Kong that is," replied Tomoyo.
"Anyways I'm really starting to hate having you create so many gowns for me and I only wear them once," commented Sakura.
"I do the same thing for myself," replied Tomoyo.
"But that is different, making it for yourself isn't the same as making it for someone else," commented Sakura.
"Not like I'll let you buy a gown if I can help it Sakura-chan," stated Tomoyo. "You know if I can prevent you from purchasing clothes, I do too the fullest extend, even if it means that no shopping for either of us for a month."
"Hai, hai, anyways Tomoyo, I better get back to work have to finish off all the changes so I can get you're the contract before it gets too late," Sakura told Tomoyo.
"Hai, Ja Ne Sakura," said Tomoyo before hanging up.
Sakura put the phone back and noticed that Lian was leaving his office for his meeting. Sakura gave him a slight bow as she watch Lian and Michael head towards the elevator towards their afternoon meeting. Syaoran came out and asked what was taking her so long and she told him that Eriol was able to schedule in an appointment with Koshikawa-san for this week and that she was discussing the time she would need before being able to send her the file. Syaoran gave a nod and headed back into his office for the afternoon, and Sakura took a seat and started to fix all the corrections that were needed for the Koshikawa contract. She worked quickly and made certain that she didn't make anymore mistakes since she wanted things to be done right the first time and found all the time she spent correcting the contract was ridiculous.
She took calls and discussed issues with Syaoran when required and brought coffee to her boss when needed. Around 2:30 Lian had arrived back into the office with his normal poker face and headed towards Sakura's desk and asked if there was anything new.
Sakura indicated that there were several calls and that most of the afternoon went back in peace. Lian gave a slight nod and informed her to call in everyone that was in that level excluding secretaries to meet in his office in 15 minutes. Sakura nodded and started to make the calls to the rooms and informed that Lian wanted to see them in 15 minutes. She quickly finishes off the corrections to the contract and printed the file before turning into Syaoran's office. She asked him to look over the file and make certain that he was satisfied with the corrections. After he indicated it was ok she got back to her desk and made a call to inform Tomoyo she was sending the file now. She faxed the contract over to Tomoyo and than noticed that Michael, Stanley, Chris and Ken were all heading towards her. She buzzed Lian in his office informing him and the four-son-in-laws had arrived and he told her to send them in when they arrived. Syaoran just entered into his office from the connecting door. When the four had arrived she got up and knocked before opening the door letting them in with a slight bow. She asked if she should prepare some coffee for anyone, but Lian told her to come in and close the door.
Sakura felt a slight fear course through her body as she wondered what was happening and wondered if there was something wrong with the contract. There was a set of couches towards one side of the room and she noticed everyone had taken a seat around that area and she just stood by wondering and fearing something was wrong.
"Sakura grab a chair and sit down," came Lian deep voice inside the silent room.
Sakura quickly followed the instruction and grateful to have a seat with all the ideas that was passing through her head she didn't think she could stand up for much longer. As soon as everyone was seated she took a look at Michael hoping she could get some sign that things went well at the meeting, but Michael was just looking at Lian and talking quietly with him for a moment. The room was basically silent with the exception of the whisper voices of the two and even that made it hard to distinguish what they were talking about. After several moments Lian turned towards Sakura broke out into a huge grin.
"The discussion with Mr. Cheung went incredible well. Sakura, I don't know weather to call you lucky or just incredible," commented Lian.
"What do you mean sir?" asked a confused Sakura.
"Well, because you decided to finish off the contract so that we would have a fully complete and corrected contract we were able to have it signed right there," replied Lian.
"Unexpected Mr. Cheung has to leave town for about two weeks due to some unexpected problems. Also if we weren't able to have the contract signed by today we would have needed to wait for at least three weeks before we can get time to see him again to have the contract signed," added Michael.
"However since you made all the changes and everything and even provided an extra copy of the file we were able to sign and the work can start tomorrow instead of having to wait almost a month before starting," stated Lian.
Sakura went into a shocked state for a moment and try to digest all the information given to her, it was about five minutes later after the males had congratulated one another and was discussing what they should do to celebrate did Sakura finally snapped out of her daze. Sakura grasped the armrest of the chair like they were her only life support, watching the people in front of her talking.
Syaoran looked over and laughed at the expression that Sakura had before people looked over and noticed Sakura hadn't said a word since the announcement.
"Something wrong Sakura," asked Chris.
"I think she went into shock thinking she did something wrong and it hasn't gotten through that dense brain that this is a celebration period not you're going get fired thing," commented Syaoran before breaking into laughter again.
Hearing that comment had all the males in the room laughing as well before Sakura spoke up and said, "How was I to know, everyone in your family has this stone hard poker face, I didn't know if I did something wrong or not."
"Sakura if you keep up this kind of work I might just have to try incredible hard to steal you from Syaoran," stated Lian.
"No way that is going to happen," stated a confident Syaoran.
"How about we call everyone out for a nice family dinner for celebration," commented Stanley.
"I have a better idea, if I may could I steal Syaoran for the next few hours," Sakura finally snapping out of her daze.
"That shouldn't be too much of a problem, but where are we eating," replied Lian.
"It's about 3 now, if everyone can be at home by about 6:30 all can be answered," Sakura replied in a secretive voice.
The guys nodded in agreement before Lian told everyone to get back to work. Sakura walked over to Syaoran's office and asked if he could be ready in an hour. Syaoran nodded wondering what she needed him for but wasn't going to question the situation at the moment. Sakura walked back to her desk and called up Tomoyo to ask if she got the fax and if there were any problems with the contract.
"You sent the contract already?" questioned a lost Tomoyo.
"Yeah I faxed it over about half hour ago," replied a concerned Sakura.
"I haven't received it and no one has brought me anything in that regards," stated Tomoyo.
"I'll e-mail it to you than, I think something might have gone wrong," replied Sakura.
Sakura quickly rebooted her computer and started to send the file over system, wondering what had went wrong when she faxed the file over. She was certain that the number was correct and that the fax had went through since she had a summary of the file going through. But in either case she had to hurry and get the file sent and make certain Tomoyo had the file before she left. She waited for about ten minutes while rescheduling several minor items before giving Tomoyo a call back to make certain nothing went wrong.
She gave Tomoyo a call and made certain the file was received before telling her of the things that happened before hanging up. She decided it would be a good idea to load up the phone book she had created since she said she would be didn't get time to do so yesterday. She loaded on the file onto the company computer allowing anyone that takes over later to have the data required. After she was finished she walked over to the other four secretaries and talked with them before loading on the same file but for Stanley also gave him Lian schedule for the next several weeks that she was able to get planned.
Afterwards she headed back towards her desk and packed away her stuff and waited for Syaoran. Several minutes past and Syaoran steps out of his office, still wondering what was going on.
'He never lets people out early, unless it was an emergency,' thought Syaoran as he walked with Sakura towards the elevator. In any case he'll wonder about that later, right now he needed to know why the hell Sakura needed to ditch work two hours early, any why she dragged him with her.
"Where are we going, and why?" asked Syaoran as he pressed the floor for the parking lot.
"Well, since I've been here everyone has been so nice, but since we leave Sunday night I wouldn't be able to do something for everyone. I figure this was as good a chance as any to make everyone a thank you dinner. Since Li-san was so happy about the contract any everything I thought he wouldn't mind if I took his son out with me to do some grocery shopping for dinner tonight," stated Sakura.
"Wait, you mean to tell me, instead of going out to celebrate you decided to make more work for yourself and cook everyone's dinner," questioned Syaoran in awe.
"What's wrong with that, a home cooked meal is definitely better than dinner outside, anyways it isn't as if you aren't benefiting from this," stated Sakura.
"How so?" shot back Syaoran as they got into the car.
"Let's see, you get a home cooked meal, you got off work early without getting into trouble. Than again it isn't as if you would even if you did skip out on work now and again. Lastly, this gives your father less chance in rubbing you face with the fact he wants to steal me away," replied Sakura.
"True, hey wait. We had a home cooked meal Friday, and how would you know I wasn't doing anything important. Furthermore, you already refused the position three times, what makes you think that I'll be worried that you'll leave now," retorted Syaoran.
"Kind of late to say that now isn't it," replied Sakura as she laughed when Syaoran pulled up to a grocery store.
"Sneaky," commented Syaoran but still followed Sakura as she entered the store.
They enjoyed the time they spent picking up different things to make for dinner as they talked about things from Sakura's sneaky way of getting him to come shopping with her to his years of college. Some people might have thought they were crazy with all the laughing they were doing.
When they left the store it was close to 4 and they hurried back to the house. They went in through the kitchen door telling the staff that they could take the rest of the evening off. However, several people stayed behind to help clean up and take out all the things they would need in order to make this meal. Sakura worked hard on dinner and in order not to let out the surprise Syaoran was made to stay in the kitchen with her.
After about a half hour the rest of the staff that was left had gone to do other things or go home for the night. They were rather happy to have the rest of the evening off. They were enjoying the conversations and they talked like they were old friend catching up on old times at the rate they were going. Sakura had made several different dishes and some appetizers and dessert as well.
"I've really wondered at times if you purposely become clumsy when you are with me alone," commented Syaoran as he watched Sakura working around the kitchen.
"Now why do you think that you have that much influence on my actions," retorted Sakura as she worked.
"Well, you run into doors, and trip when we are out but you seem to work perfectly fine in a kitchen that you've been in once," replied Syaoran. "Than again maybe you want me to save you, like a knight in shining armor."
"Dream on," laughed Sakura as she checked on the sauce. She was enjoying herself as she worked around the kitchen, even thought her brother used to tease her about how bad her cooking was she knew it was only out of brotherly teasing.
"Hey Syaoran, do me a favor and put the bread into the over, I want the garlic to melt into it a bit before adding the cheese," Sakura said as she continued to work without breaking a beat.
"Fine, fine, and here I was hoping you forgot that I could help too," commented Syaoran before getting off the stool and picked up a tray and popped them into the oven.
"Why did you have to make this much anyways? There is enough food here to feed an army, how do you expect us to finish it all," complained Syaoran as he eyed the food that were nearing the stages of completion being placed around the room. 'I'm just glad that the kitchen is big enough for her to run wild, at the rate she is going she can fill both here and the dining room,' thought Syaoran.
"It is just for us you know, I've also made enough food for others if they want some, like Wei-san," replied Sakura. "I feel bad that he has been so nice I want to make him something too, anyways it isn't a lot. If Yukito was here this would be good for him and maybe Touya only. Anyways whatever you guys don't finish I can bring to work tomorrow."
Syaoran rolled his eyes as he leaned back against the counter. His eyes followed Sakura, watching her and taking in the beauty that seem so at home in a kitchen that she has never been in. Something stirred in him as he watched this normally clumsy female cook with such happiness that made him want to protect that happiness with everything he could.
"I'm about done Syaoran, why don't you go take a shower while I finish up here," commented Sakura as she put the finishing touches on the dinner she prepared.
"Sure," replied Syaoran before moving away from the counter. Before he left he gave another glance at Sakura before walking through the kitchen doors and heading upstairs to his room.
Kitchen
Sakura took out the bread and placed everything into the dining room, praying that it wouldn't get cold for the next 15 minutes because she wanted a shower before she went to dinner with everyone. She walked back upstairs hoping not to run into anyone because she still wanted everything to be a surprise. She walked upstairs and admired the art and the floral arrangements around the house until she reached her room. She enters her room and grabs a change of clothes because she smells like teriyaki, Alfredo sauce and some of the other food she had made for tonight, and she had some flour on her top too.
'No matter what it seems like I'm still a bit of klutz, well at least I didn't fall down like I used to. Hm…that reminds me I still need to find one of Tomoyo's tapes and destroy it, can't believe she left her camcorder running again when we were making that cake. Correction, I need to find time to find her stupid hiding place, I know where she hides everything but it seems all my embarrassing moment tapes she hides in another place altogether," thought Sakura as she took a shower quickly and changed into a new set of clothes.
She walked out of her room and down the hall back downstairs hoping everyone was back because she didn't know where to find the covers for the dishes she left them out in the open. If it waited too long everything was going to get cold and all her work would be wasted.
She spotted Syaoran by the living room doorway and made her way over. Syaoran heard footsteps behind him and turned around and spotted Sakura changed and ready, he walked towards the study and knocked on the door indicating to his father that they were waiting for him. Several moments later Lian came out and joined everyone in the living room.
Feimei got curious and asked, "Sakura, I heard we were going out to celebrate but you said no. What arrangements did you end up making for us?"
"Well, I wanted to thank everyone for taking care of me like this so…" Sakura indicated for people to follow her. Everyone got up and wondered what she was up to, Syaoran lagged behind knowing what the surprise was. Sakura stopped in front of the dining room doors and pushed them open. Several of the servants saw the opening of the doors and removed the caps off the food.
Sakura was shocked that the servants came and capped off the food so they wouldn't get cold so quickly and made the opening of the food so nice. Everyone walked into the dining room and gazed at the table as the children were really happy with all the different food around.
"Sakura, please don't tell me you took 2 hours off work to do this," commented Michael as he was shocked at all the different food that was on the table.
"Yeah, I thought you took two hours off work to celebrate or at least shop," added Chris.
"Well, I figured this was the best way to show my appreciation for taking care of me," replied Sakura. "I just hope everyone likes the food and that it isn't too horrible. That and Li-san won't be too mad for me skipping out of work to do something slightly on the personal side."
"I'll give you a response after I taste the meal, if it good I won't get mad, if not we'll see," commented Lian taking a seat with a smile on his face before everyone else took a seat.
Sakura turned to one of the servants and thanked them for placing the covers over the dishes so they wouldn't get cold. The servant informed her that Wei-san had saw her leave everything and wanted to do a little something and asked us to cover the dishes after you left the room.
Sakura gave a smile as she spotted Wei-san by the doorway before joining everyone. She waited for everyone to settle down as looked at the awed look at the kids of the table as they saw so many of their favorite fried food.
Sakura sat there wondering if they didn't like the food she prepared since no one was even moving to try anything.
"People, let's eat before the food does get cold," commented Syaoran.
Everyone started to pick at the different food that Sakura had spent hours making, Sakura looked at the people holding her breathe waiting to see how they like the food.
"Sakura, this is really good," commented Yelen from across the table. She took another bite of the spring roll she had picked up. Several people nodded in agreement with that statement, as everyone enjoys the meal with laughter and the variety that she had made.
"Sakura, you are incredibly talented it seems, you can make Japanese, Chinese and even Italian," commented Lian.
"Over the time you tend to develop other taste since I used to live alone here in Hong Kong I had to learn how to cook for myself," replied Sakura. "You should try Tomoyo's cooking, she is even better than me, especially her desserts; I just can't seem to make anything that can compare."
"I don't believe that, you pretty good yourself if I remember correctly," stated Syaoran.
Sakura blushed before responding, "I had a great teacher."
"I don't know about everyone else but I think this meal is better than if we had eaten out again," commented Ken.
"Agreed," stated everyone else other than the kids who were making a slight mess since they were having trouble reaching the plate of food around.
Everyone really enjoyed the meal and laughed at all the past cooking incidents over the years. They heard about the kitchen incident where Sakura took over 2 hours to clean the mess she had made because she had timed everything wrong it was a great mess. There was flour from the cake, there was spaghetti sauce on the stove, there was water on the floor, and egg. Even remembering the situation is incredible embarrassing but at least she has improved over the years.
After the meal, Sakura went into the kitchen and noticed that the staff had really enjoyed their meal and even had the time to clean up for her. 'Thank god, I hate cleaning more than anything,' thought Sakura before picking up the two desserts she was able to make.
"Want some help," came a voice from behind Sakura. She spun around quickly and her lips grazed against the person behind her.
"Wow didn't expect a kiss for helping you with dessert," stated Syaoran with a slight grin on his face.
Sakura stood there stunned for a moment as she tried to accept the fact she had just kiss Syaoran on the lip again and this time they were both awake and knew what happen and it was her fault this time. Sakura blushed like crazy at the fact she just kissed her boss on the lips.
"I knew it was a matter of time before you fell for my charm," commented Syaoran leaning closer to Sakura.
"Dream on," stated Sakura but her heart was beating like crazy in her chest. 'Am I falling for the guy,' thought Sakura as leaned away from him.
"Aw…you just broke my heart, and I was hoping you've finally decided I was a good guy," replied Syaoran holding his hands over his heart.
"You being a good guy and me liking you are two different things," replied Sakura. "But if you want to be a good guy, help me bring dessert out," said Sakura before turning around and grabbing the tray of red bean paste desserts that.
"Oh fine, but that kiss is going to be sweeter than any dessert," teased Syaoran before taking the tray and walking out of the kitchen.
Sakura felt that her legs have given up on her as she clutched the counter top to keep herself from falling to the ground. She raised her hand to touch her mouth and let out a sigh, 'Even a brush against those lips can make my knees go weak. I don't know what I'll do if he decides to get serious and want to date me I wouldn't be able to refuse.'
Back in the Dining Room
After a few minutes Sakura left the kitchen to join everyone when she felt she could control the blush on her cheeks. She saw everyone eating the dessert and took a seat before getting her own bowl.
"Oh, Sakura-chan, a package came for you today but there was no return address," commented Shiefa.
"Who would be sending me a package in Hong Kong," questioned Sakura.
"I don't know but I'm incredibly curious to what it is," commented Feimei. Fuutie indicated for Wei to bring out the package that they received earlier.
"Syaoran, you don't think you know who sent this right," Sakura asked in a whisper tone as she waited for Wei to bring out the package.
"If it is, they are doing a great job in keeping track of your actions," replied Syaoran. "Maybe you are being stalked and not even know it."
"Don't joke about that, I was actually stalked for a period," stated Sakura in a low voice.
Syaoran looked at Sakura shocked at the information she just given him. But this expression didn't last long as Wei appeared with the package in hand. He handed the package to Sakura with a bow before heading back to other duties.
Sakura looked at the package and wondered who could have sent it. She removed the card from the envelop and noticed the golden letter lying inside the card.
"Why did I have to be right about this," commented Sakura as she looked over the words beneath the golden letter. 'You've captivated me with your beauty, and this scent as captivated me with it wondrous aroma, there is no greater match than you two. The one that is admiring you from far and near, the one and only playboy admirer wishing you the best.' Sakura opened the package and inside rested a beautiful crystal bottle in the shape of a heart. She opened the cap and took a smell and the beautiful smell of cherry blossom wrapped around her senses and causing a smile to grace her face.
"Who was it from," asked Fanran.
"Her secret admirer," replied Syaoran snatching the card from the table. "Can the guy get anymore cheesy?"
"I'm more worried about the fact he was able to get a present to me when I'm Hong Kong, than the fact he is sounding incredibly cheesy," commented Sakura as she replaced the cap onto the bottle.
"Seems like you have a stalker on your hand Sakura," commented Chris.
"You seem rather calm about this," stated Syaoran as he waited for a reaction from Sakura regarding Chris' statement.
"I know I should be incredibly scared but this isn't the first time this has happened," replied Sakura.
The parents told the kids to leave after they finished eating before allowing Sakura to continue.
"Several years ago when I first came here for my studies I started to get these weird messages and phone calls. I was really terrified back than, it seemed that no matter where I went, how many times I changed my number it didn't matter. The person was able to find me," Sakura stated as she told her story. "After about 3 months of calls and messages they were able to find the place where the person was making the calls. They were using an unused dorm room and supposedly there were pictures of me plastered all over the walls. That was when I found out that I had a stalker, and the reason to why I started to take martial arts lessons. My father wanted me to go back to Japan, and my brother wanted not only me back but also beat the crap out of the guy. However, he was never found," stated Sakura as she finished her story.
"What you do than," asked Ken.
"What could I do, the guy was never found and he never tried to call again," replied Sakura. "Anyways, no really harm was done in truth, other than scaring me half to death with the idea some guy was stalking me.
"You don't suppose it is the same guy, do you," questioned Michael.
"I doubt it, that was over two years ago," replied Sakura. "In either case, with Syaoran here I don't think I'll get into too much trouble in Hong Kong. When I get back to Japan I guess if needed, I'll find someone to protect me. Never know might get a boyfriend that might be willing to save me."
The guys gave each other looks wondering if they should step in and help the girl out a bit. Their wives knowing something was up waited until later to say something. Syaoran just looked at her deciding if she wanted a knight in shining armor he was willing to take the job.
"Anyways no need to be worried, I'm starting to think Tomoyo is sending these gifts," commented Sakura.
"Now what gave you that idea," questioned Feimei.
"Well she was getting ideas of match making again so I just figured it was her," replied Sakura. "Well I'm done, I'll start cleaning up."
"No need, the servants will take care of it," replied Yelen also standing up to leave.
Sakura nodded and headed back up to her room. Lian got up from the table after a few moments and followed his wife who had left after Sakura.
"You know don't you," questioned Shiefa.
"If you mean who is behind all this, of course," replied Syaoran sitting there very calmly.
"That is why none of you cared for the fact when she said she had a stalker," commented Stanley.
"I was wondering why you didn't react," stated Ken.
"You all know who is sending the gifts?" questioned Chris.
"We know who is involved," replied Fuutie.
"Why aren't we let in on the big secret," asked Michael.
"You didn't ask," replied Feimei.
"You'll know as soon as you find out the name the secret admirer goes by," stated Fanran before getting up from the table.
In Sakura's Room
'Why do I get a feeling Tomoyo is behind all of this,' thought Sakura as she looked at the package in her hands. 'It can't be, she promise not to play match maker this time. Than again she promises me that all the time, not like she actually keeps them but I can't really stay angry at her either.'
Sakura sighed and placed the package on the dresser in her room before changing into some night clothes. All that cooking had tired her out, she took one last look out her window before climbing to bed for the night.
Some other place
"My dear Sakura-chan, we'll be together soon. We'll be one and no one can take you away from me anymore," came a voice from the center of the room. The only lights around the room were shone onto the walls revealing pictures of Sakura. "Not even the great Li, Syaoran is going to keep us apart, if he tries he'll suffer the consequences of getting in my way."
Japan
"What are you still doing, did he already say that he'll take care of the rest," came from a male voice as he walked into the room.
"Yeah, but hey I started the letters so at least they should be the same," came a second voice within the room.
"I guess that would be better than making different shapes and color letters," came the first voice as he took a seat.
"Yup, but I'm glad he picked up on the situation so quickly or else I'll have had a headache trying to figure out what else to get her," came the second voice.
"Well, don't stay up too late, we have a lot to do tomorrow," came the first voice. "Don't forget there is only about two months and we still have a lot to do."
The second person nodded and finished off the remaining six letters that were left. The person placed the letters in an envelop and placed it away, knowing the person wanted them soon. The person got up and left the room after shutting of the lights and headed up the stairs for an early night.
Tuesday
Sakura was late as usual and even forgot about her shower and just grabbed a change of clothes before rushing into the washroom. She quickly brushed her teeth and grabbed a hair tie before changing into a light pink skirt and light pink top.
'Tomoyo, you know me so well, that I don't have much time to choose my clothes you make them matching so nicely,' thought Sakura as she grabbed her white backpack. She made a run for her door grabbing her white blazer and raced down the stairs. She struggled with her jacket as she ran down the steps.
As she got to the last two steps of the stair case she trip and was about to fall flat on her face in the middle of the great hall. Suddenly a strong pair of arms caught her and held her close for a moment before gently placing her back on her two feet.
She looked up and saw Syaoran looking at her with a small smile.
"I wonder at times if you have a death wish or is your clumsiness genetic," commented an amused Syaoran as he watched Sakura straighten herself out.
"It might be genetic, I believe my otou-san told me my okaa-san was rather clumsy too," replied Sakura without much consideration.
"Odd, I guess it runs through the female genes in your family," commented Syaoran.
Sakura laughed as she smiled when she saw Wei holding a sandwich for her and bottle water. "Wei-san, you are just like my father," commented Sakura as she smiled gratefully at Wei for the breakfast.
She followed Syaoran to his car as she enjoyed her breakfast. "Your servants are pretty good. They've already figured out how bad I'm with timing," stated Sakura as she got into the car.
Syaoran laughed and just got in and started the car. "I had them prepare the sandwich since I've figured out that you would be late this morning," replied Syaoran as he drove through the cluttered Hong Kong traffic.
Sakura smiled a little at the fact that Syaoran had even cared. She didn't mind it, even if it was because the others were in such a close group and didn't want Tomoyo jumping down his throat. She hated playboys but part of her couldn't hate him for being a playboy. 'I wonder if this is what is like being able to accept a person's flaw even if it is completely unlike themselves,' thought Sakura as she finished her breakfast.
The day progressed and everything was seemingly prefect with very little problems. It was a nice day in the office and she wish there could be more of these. She spent most of the day either type letters, answering phone calls and getting coffee since she wasn't needed at any meetings and the contracts Syaoran was working by himself today.
Later that night
A pink cellphone vibrated on the side table of Sakura's room as she turned away from the night sky. She walked up to the phone and picked it up, "Moshi, moshi Kinomoto speaking," said Sakura as she took a seat on one of the chair in her room.
"Konbanwa, Kinomoto, it's me Fa Long," replied the voice over the phone.
"Oh hi Fa Long, is there something wrong?" asked Sakura.
"Oh no, I just wanted to remind you of our dinner date tomorrow," commented Fa Long on the phone.
"I remember, it would be nice," replied Sakura.
"I'll meet you at the Hilltop restaurant tomorrow at 7," commented Fa Long.
"Sure, ja ne," said Sakura before hanging up.
Sakura shook her head, I'm forgetful but not that bad. She decided she wanted to talk to Tomoyo and picked up her phone. Before she even died the first two digits her phone rang again.
"Moshi, moshi Kinomoto speaking," replied Sakura.
"Hey Kura, how's everything," came Tomoyo's voice over the phone.
"Moyo, that is freaky how you always call me when I'm about to call you," stated Sakura.
A laugh could be heard from the other side of the phone. "We've known each other since we've been babies it is like a six sense," replied Tomoyo. "So how is everything over there, want to quit yet?"
"No, everyone is very nice over here. I called because I wanted someone to talk to regarding two things," replied Sakura.
"Is something wrong," questioned Tomoyo slightly worried.
"I got another present and I'm afraid it might be that stalker that I had two years back," stated Sakura in a worried tone.
"I wouldn't worry so much, why would the person go under for so many years just to come back now," replied Tomoyo, but there was some reservation in her tone.
"I guess you're right, but I don't know I've been having these dreams lately and two of them made me really scared. One of them someone was threatening me and the most recent one was with someone chasing me," stated Sakura as she rested her chin on her knees.
"Hm…could it be all the stress from working for Syaoran recently. You are trying incredible hard to make certain you don't do anything wrong," replied Tomoyo.
"That could be I suppose," Sakura responded thoughtfully.
"Now don't worry so much and get some rest, you don't want to be fired because you were late getting up now," Tomoyo stated over the phone.
"Hai, hai I'll see you next week. Oyasumi Tomoyo-chan," replied Sakura before hanging up.
Author's Note: I hope people enjoyed this chapter and once again I'm incredibly sorry for the long wait for an update. I'll try my hardest to write up a new chapter before June. I'm having a bit of trouble making this story flow the way I want it to. But now that all things are done and over with other than my convention and work but I should have more time so I promise to try harder to get you a new chapter soon.
Please give me some comment in regards of this chapter.