PART IV
Lovestruck
Disclaimer: I don't own CCS.
A casual buffet dinner of Hunan cuisine was served that evening. The Li family members had scattered throughout Chao's mansion in their preferred cliques to eat, drink, chat and laugh together. Syaoran stood against a stone column, watching Shiefa and Sakura engaged in lively conversation. They were sitting at a table poolside, and some of his relatives were finally daring to approach Sakura - undoubtedly so they could gossip all the more better later. Shiefa made introductions for them and judging from the cheery expression on Sakura's face, all was going well. A small smile played on Syaoran's lips but it vanished when one of Chao's sons leaned over to hug her.
Touya emerged at Syaoran's side, regarding Sakura with the same laser-focus as him.
"Is everything alright, Kinomoto-sensei?" he asked, glancing around for Sakura's father.
"She should not have to put up with this," said Touya, his gaze not leaving his sister for a moment. "She should be part of a family that welcomes her. Not one that whispers hearsay about her only to feign politeness to her face. She should not have to prove she is a good person or that she should be accepted by them while her "fiancé" escapes debasement for his wrongs in the relationship."
Syaoran's head bowed. Was it apprehension or shame that he was feeling?
"If this is about my uncles... Uncle Chao was actually displaying his good behaviour. He was trying to bond with Kinomoto-sensei but he lives in a different world, that's all. And Uncle Song... he is always in a bad mood and lately, has been testing everyone's patience."
"They are ruthless," said Touya. "Insulting my sister from every direction... forcing your ex-wife into a confrontation no one asked for." He stared into Syaoran's eyes and said, "If it were up to me, Sakura would be back in Japan already. But father insisted that I could not interfere this weekend until he did. Perhaps he wants to see exactly what my sister would have to contend with, and what your response looks like."
Syaoran mentally kicked himself. Would Fujitaka have preferred he move Sakura out of that situation with his uncles sooner than he had? Did he lose respect in the man's eyes? What would happen if he had? Should he find him and apologise?
"We're still here," said Touya, his gruff tone hinting at a deeper irritation. "I assume that means he was satisfied with your unflinching performance."
Curious, Syaoran asked, "Were you satisfied?"
"At this point, it seems my opinion matters to no one."
"It matters to me."
"Why?"
"You're her elder brother. She loves and respects you. I'm just trying to love her and take care of her as good as you have always done. If I can do something better I would like you to tell me."
The right corner of Touya's lips twitched.
"Am I getting a taste of the slick businessman everyone loves talking about? Trying to win over an enemy?"
"I rather us not be enemies," said Syaoran. "If we were, Sakura would always be worrying."
Touya gave a curt nod of agreement. He surveyed the Li's who were hanging out around the pool.
"You don't seem keen on socialising with the family you wanted my sister to meet."
"She met those she needed to," said Syaoran. "Not everyone's opinion matters though they think otherwise."
More of his male cousins were flocking around Sakura, peacocking and talking loudly. Her head was pivoting on her neck as she tried to keep up with the conversations each one was attempting to have with her. Syaoran glowered at the men.
"I've heard the women admiring your supposed exceptional qualities," said Touya, observing the men as well. "Your cousins on the other hand, don't seem to like you much."
Syaoran sank his hands into the pocket of his trunks. Touya was quite perceptive when it came to family dynamics.
"We have our... differences," said Syaoran. "There's too many to list them all. I'm told they think I stole their fathers' attention. They think my accomplishments and responsibilities are over exaggerated. They think that I believe myself to be better than them."
"You're saying they're wrong?"
"I think mocking me is easier than addressing their own shortcomings."
He headed in Sakura's direction when Touya said, "I was satisfied when you spoke up for my sister. I despised you 100% before but I'm at about 80 now."
Syaoran smirked.
"A businessman would call that progre - what the fuck..."
One of his cousins had pulled his t-shirt over his head and was flexing his muscles for Sakura. Syaoran darted towards the group and shoved him out of the way just as he lay Sakura's palm flat against his abs.
"What the hell is your problem?" asked his cousin.
"You. Obviously," said Syaoran.
They squared up to each other, fingers clenched. Shiefa clicked her teeth, and wagged her finger.
"Play nice you two," she said. "Or I'm hazing both your little asses while you sleep tonight."
They both paled and took a few steps back, knowing full well how far Shiefa could go in bringing her threats to fruition.
"Go on," she said to their cousins. "Give Xiao Lang some time with his fiancée. She'll be here all weekend."
Jeering at him, the men departed. Syaoran pulled up a chair beside Sakura, glaring after their retreating backs.
"I'm going to get some water," said Shiefa, standing. "Want anything Sakura?"
"No thank you."
"I don't want anything either," said Syaoran as Shiefa walked away.
Sakura giggled at his wounded tone.
"I can get you something."
"It's fine. I'm not really thirsty."
She nodded and looked in the direction of the men she had been talking to.
"Why were you so rude to them? They were being nice."
"You can't give those guys an inch, Sakura. They were testing you to see how familiar they can be with you. Next thing you know, they're hugging you around the waist and grabbing your butt as you walk past."
"I don't think so..."
"I know them. That's how they are."
His tense countenance did not invite further debate on the matter. There was a gentle rise and fall of her shoulders; she knew she could not change his mind.
"I saw you talking to my brother. Was he being mean?"
"Protective. I would be too, having the perspective that he has. But after our talk I think things are improving."
She held his hand and squeezed it warmly.
"However, you were right about my sisters," he admitted, with uneasiness. "Fanren and Feimei especially."
"What do we do now?"
"Nothing changes," he assured her. "We're getting married."
"We can wait until everyone is comfortable," Sakura suggested.
"Only we need to be comfortable. I don't want to wait. Do you?"
"Well... I don't know. I feel like I'm getting nervous?"
"How long have you been feeling like this?"
"Not long. A couple weeks."
Syaoran's grip on her hand tightened.
"Weeks?"
"I read that it's normal to feel this way," said Sakura. "Marriage is a big commitment. Being nervous doesn't mean I don't want to marry you."
"It means you're having doubts," he said. "Are you scared to marry me?"
"I wouldn't say that…"
Syaoran wrapped an arm around her.
"Look, I have a history of trying to," and he winced at himself for using Wei's words, "cage you but I won't do that again. You can feel free to explore and pursue whatever interests you may have. It would be difficult for me... not always having access to you or your attention but it's not good to only have me on your mind 24/7. Even though I would like that very much."
She playfully elbowed him in the side.
"I bet you would."
He did not smile. He needed her to know he was serious.
"Sometimes I might seem stubborn or strict about something," he told her. "It's because I understand how the world works when you're in the public eye, which you will be because of me. Things you may think are innocent might prove to be damaging. I want you to be you but I want to protect you too. And I know my family isn't what you're used to but I swear to you that you are my priority, and I will never stand with them against you."
Sakura settled her face in the crook of his neck.
"I'm lucky to have you by my side. A year from now I'll probably laugh at how nervous I am. Thank you for cheering me up."
Syaoran was certain there was no way he was going to give her a reason to feel trapped in a relationship with him. He knew what that felt like. All he wanted was for Sakura to feel safe and loved everyday, even when he was not by her side.
The following day, the Li family congregated on the platform seating of Chao's basketball court. A large stage had been built on the court. On either side of the platform, teenagers were setting up their filming equipment. Sakura was told by Shiefa earlier that morning that they were to be entertained by a talent show.
"Is it always this grand?" asked Sakura.
"Usually. Each host selects their favourite activities," said Syaoran. "A talent show is always a welcome event. For this, the young ones would have practised intensely. Uncle would have also prepared prizes for them."
Chao and Shui walked over and sat on the seating below them. A woman whose hair was pulled back in a stylish bun followed behind, holding hands with a young girl who was older than Shui.
"Sakura, this is my aunt Li Lin," said Syaoran. "And Shui's elder sister Qing Yuan."
Lin smiled at Syaoran and Sakura.
"It's nice to meet you, Mrs. Li," said Sakura, in Cantonese.
"Your sentiments are shared," said Lin.
Sakura did not believe she was sincere considering how the women must feel about mistresses in general. Yet, it was nice to get a good-natured response. Lin greeted Touya, Fujitaka and Yelan who sat behind Sakura, and Shiefa who sat next to her. Then, she directed a nasty glare at her husband and walked past him to sit on the other side of Shui with Qing Yuan.
"They have issues," explained Shiefa into Sakura's ear.
Unbothered, Chao looked back at them.
"That's a pretty dress you're wearing, Sakura. An appealing choice for such beautiful legs."
"Thank -!" Syaoran yanked the hem over her knees, "- you..." she finished with pink cheeks.
"Pretty girls get compliments, nephew. Accept it."
Chao winked at her and turned around. Sakura solidified. That wink did not feel entirely decent.
The DJ from yesterday ran onto the stage with a microphone. A minute later, the talent show began. There were singers, dancers, musicians, actors, poets and comedians. Also, some of the children were passing around with cotton candy and popcorn covered in real gold dust.
"It's so good!" said Sakura, pointing the cotton candy stick in Syaoran's direction.
He took a bite, wincing at the saccharine taste. Needless to say, she ended up eating it all by herself as they watched the performances. To Sakura's surprise, Eriol and Wei walked onto the stage at one point.
"They arrived early this morning," said Syaoran, answering her questioning gaze.
Wei sang a love song and Eriol accompanied him on the piano. When the song was over, Wei left the stage and Eriol had a solo moment.
"Wow, he's so talented," said Sakura.
"It's not that hard," said Syaoran, hastily. "I can play too."
"You and onii-chan have that in common then," said Sakura. "Why haven't you ever mentioned that you played?"
"Xiao Lang can fill the silence but Eriol is a grandmaster," said Chao. "Clearly, the superior pianist."
Syaoran folded his arms.
"You're barely Grade Four. How would you know?"
"I'm sure you're just as good," said Sakura.
"Don't give him false praise," said Chao. "Eriol's better and he's jealous."
"I am not jealous," seethed Syaoran.
Eriol finished his piece to a robust round of applause. Then, the martial arts segment began.
A large rubber mat was laid down on the stage and racks of weapons were stationed around it. Meilin strode onto the stage. Her hair was in a high ponytail and she was wearing a short dress with underpants and long sleeves. The yin-yang symbol was embroidered onto the chest and the colours of her garment were red, black and cream. She bowed.
Guzheng music sounded from the DJ's speakers and her body moved in a synchronous rhythm to the music. She performed what Chao described as taolu - a routine of choreographed techniques. She flowed like a calm stream across the mat- part martial arts, part acrobatics and part dance. A smile was on Syaoran's face and his right hand mimicked some of Meilin's moves. Sakura had never known he and Meilin had trained together but now it was evident.
Somehow, Sakura felt like a third wheel. Syaoran had once said she should not be jealous of Ming because they had work in common and the woman could understand things that she could not. This situation was the same, right? When the strings of the guzheng faded, he applauded with gusto and Sakura clapped along less enthusiastically.
Ten teenagers performing wushu were the next group of talent on the stage. One did a routine with a spear, and another followed with a routine using a jian against an imaginary opponent. It came time for brick breaking and one of them smashed three bricks with one strike.
"Amazing!" exclaimed Sakura.
"His technique wasn't good," said Syaoran. "He didn't strike fast enough. He won't get past six."
As he had said, the boy could not get past breaking six bricks. The others tried but were also unsuccessful. The crowd groaned. Finally, one of the girls broke the six blocks and Syaoran gave a smile and nod of approval.
"She has very good control of her strength," he said.
"Instead of commenting from the sidelines, why don't you take your expertise center stage?" asked Chao. "Put your ego where your mouth is."
"Everyone knows my wushu is excellent," said Syaoran, matter-of-factly. "I have nothing to prove."
"I was thinking of our guests," said Chao. "Pity Miss Sakura came all this way and she won't even get to witness our once finest martial artist in action. Of course, if you're scared to go up against the younger, stronger boys..."
"I'm not scared," said Syaoran. "I'm respecting that this is their moment, not my own."
"Excuses, excuses. You certainly chose well, Miss Sakura," added Chao, sarcastically. "If you're ever in danger, at least he will be able to predict how badly you will be hurt."
Syaoran looked round at Sakura who smiled up at him awkwardly. She did not know what to say. Perhaps, Syaoran had overstated his abilities - she was not sure. She did not want him to be embarrassed, so she said, "I know you're a skilled martial artist. You don't have to perform."
Then she averted her gaze so he would not see her doubts. The teenagers tried to break eight bricks now but so far no one was succeeding. Suddenly, Syaoran shot to his feet and headed for the stage. Chao chuckled.
"He could not risk looking weak in front of Miss Sakura, could he?" he said to Shui, though Sakura felt his words were directed more towards her.
Below, Syaoran emerged from behind the stage in a white kung fu uniform. A boy placed a piece of cloth on the eight layers of bricks and Syaoran placed his fist flat against the cloth. Then, with a single well placed strike, he split the bricks effortlessly in two. Sakura gasped and clapped along with the cheers of the Li family.
"No need to make a fuss," said Chao. "He's only warming up."
"Hoe-eee?"
Syaoran was brought ten more bricks. He showed the teens his forearm and seemed to be instructing them on the proper technique.
"What the hell is this? A classroom?" asked Chao. He stood up, arms wide. "LIGHT THE BRICKS AFIRE!"
Chaotic cheers erupted and Syaoran sent a look of annoyance at them all. A girl poured liquid over the blocks and in the blink of an eye, they burst into scarlet flames.
"He isn't going to do this right?" Sakura asked Shiefa in horror.
"Why wouldn't he?" said his sister. "It's part of the fun."
Still noticeably irritated, adopted a fighting stance. Sakura grimaced and one of her eyes closed. He bounced on the balls of his feet. She pulled at the skin of her cheeks. He leaped into the air and his forearm came crashing down on the bricks. Each layer exploded. A sudden gust of wind blew from the west, engulfing him in flames.
A deathly silence filled the court as the teenagers ran toward him. Sakura swayed on her feet. Then, just as she was beginning to accept the worst, Syaoran popped up unharmed. Everyone leaped off their seats and cheered. Chao clapped merrily and looked back at Sakura.
"Finally! That's the kind of performance I wanted to see!"
Syaoran came jogging back to Sakura surrounded by the cheers of his relatives. He sat down beside her, his pupils dilated with adrenaline. Sakura hit him on the chest.
"You were - that was the craziest thing I've ever seen," she said, visibly upset. "Are you okay?"
He seemed confused by her concern.
"I am," he said. "But I would have preferred fire not be involved."
Chao pretended not to hear the complaint that was clearly directed at him.
"I thought you got burned," said a distressed Sakura. "I thought - why did you do that?!"
Syaoran hugged her to him, and rubbed her back soothingly.
"It's nothing I haven't done before. It might have looked differently to you but I purposefully fell back to avoid the flames."
She squeezed him around the midsection, her heart hammering in her chest.
"Xiao Lang," came a voice from above. "Do you need Ju-Long to attend to you?"
"I'm fine, Mother. Why are you two acting like I almost died?"
"Almost," said Touya, in a regretful manner.
Sakura glared at her brother who stared at her unapologetically.
With interlaced fingers, she and Syaoran watched the remainder of the performers. Shui even did a ballet dance towards the end of the show. After the children had received their prizes, the crowd dispersed.
That evening, Syaoran came to Sakura's room to check in on her before dinner. He sat on her bed as she brushed her hair into a ponytail.
"I didn't get a chance to ask you how rooming with my sisters and mother went," he told her.
"Fine," she said, pulling her hair through her small hair tie. "I slept with Shiefa, and Feimei slept with your mother. We were all tired and fell asleep quickly. What about you?"
"About the same. We also fell asleep quickly. Though I continually dreamed that your brother was standing over me with a knife so I kept waking up."
"I told you, Otou-san would not let him hurt you," said Sakura. "You're safe."
She went to stand between his legs and set her palms on his shoulders. He took hold of her waist, completely attentive to her.
"Does your hand hurt from earlier?" she asked.
"Not really," he replied. "The only thing that aches is my back. I've had some tension there for a few days and my fall didn't help. But I'll be f-"
Sakura climbed onto the bed and took hold of his shoulders. She massaged them, carefully applying pressure. Her hands ventured down to his lower back, and up again, untying all the knots in his muscles. Syaoran closed his eyes and groaned as she worked her fingers into his flesh. Pausing for a second, she kissed his neck and his groan deepened. She continued massaging his back, stopping a few more times to kiss his neck again or sometimes, his cheeks and ears. When he was relaxed, she wrapped her arms around his chest from behind.
"Syaoran-kun...?"
"Mmm?"
"Maybe you can teach me wushu sometime?"
He opened his eyes.
"You want to learn?"
"Hai."
"Why?"
"Wushu is important to you. I want to experience the things you're passionate about."
"You'll be my first student," he cautioned her.
"I already know you're a good teacher," she said, rising up high on her knees to place a gentle, tantalising kiss on his lips. "Remember?"
"Mmhmm," he moaned. Clutching the back of her neck, he whispered, "You're my master now."
She giggled and Syaoran drew her in for another kiss. Their mouths smacked against each other in the quiet of the room. Turning, he climbed on top of her, pressing her into the mattress. Supporting his weight on his elbows, he explored her mouth with his tongue as she twisted beneath him.
"My mother can come in at any moment," he told her, in-between kisses.
"Just a little more," she told him, holding tight to his shoulders.
He gave into her for a while longer but then he insisted on leaving.
"You're making me feel like I'm corrupting you," she pouted.
"There's a time and place for everything," he said, his voice strained. "Now is not the time nor place."
Sakura walked him to the door and as he stepped into the hallway, he asked, "You're not peeved with me, right? You know I want you."
"It's fine," she said, with a smile. "I can take care of the matter on my own."
Syaoran's brown eyes widened in alarm.
"On your own?"
"Yes. I have things to help me."
"Things?" he asked, aghast. "Sakura, what do you mean-?"
She shut the door, knowing that his imagination would run away with him for the remainder of the day. Meanwhile, she went to have a hot shower as he knocked on the door.
"Sakura! Sakura, what things?! Sakura? Sakura!"
Sunday morning, the weather was a perfectly brewed blend of sunshine and clouds. Syaoran was sitting on a lounge chair, one foot on the ground and one on the chair. Sakura was sitting, both feet on the ground, a mismatched assortment of flowers in her lap. She was saying something to him; and his stare and smile were unwavering.
Chao sipped from his glass of whisky as Syaoran leaned in and kissed the tip of her shoulder. She pulled back and glanced around self-consciously. That only made Syaoran kiss the crook of her neck making her fall sideways, giggling. He tickled her but her laughter was muffled by the instrumental music issuing through the DJ's speakers.
A corner of Chao's lips twitched and his gaze softened on the couple.
"That gaijin has to go."
Song too had been watching them for the last twenty minutes. It was like they were in their own world. Chao would be lying if he said they did not remind him of that nostalgic, giddy love from childhood. The kind that made you feel like you were riding on clouds. He and Lin had been like that once... a millennia ago.
"Mind your words and facial expressions, brother," he told Song. "You are aggravating your nephew."
"You don't see how bad she is for him? Wrapped around her fucking fingers. He's making poor decisions already."
"You're referring to the condo?"
"It's ridiculous to use it as a home at this stage. He's just showing off. Trying to impress her."
"We've all shown off for a pretty girl. They weren't even our fiancées."
"He doesn't need to make it this obvious that he's fucking lovestruck. It's demeaning."
Chao chuckled.
"If you were his age again and that girl was sucking and bouncing on your cock every night, you'd be acting lovestruck too and you know it. The way she looks at him... I think he popped that cherry. I don't blame him. The way her eyes seem to beg for a good fucking... I would have obliged her myself."
"You need a tissue for your own cock?" asked Song, testily. "I feel like you're about to blow all over me."
"She'd be perfect with a little more length on the legs," continued Chao. "Even so, her father should have married her off the day she turned 18. See the way she bites her bottom lip? A girl like that can only get herself into problems."
"Or come up like a bad bitch," sulked Song.
Chao smirked.
"She certainly did." He puffed on his cigarette. "From what I'm hearing, some of our boys wouldn't mind if she came up on them. I'm beginning to understand why Xiao Lang was ready to risk it all."
Song scoffed.
"Zihao wouldn't approve of her. The boy's too enamoured. His judgement is clouding."
Chao raised a brow.
"Zihao wouldn't approve of his spoiled son smiling like that?" he asked, gesturing his head in the direction of the couple.
"He wouldn't mind the fucking. But the marriage... yes. Along with Xiao Lang's newly acquired penchant for questioning his elders and answering back."
"I recall you saying you would keep your unwanted opinions to yourself," said Chao. "You're lucky Lin agreed to help repair the damage you caused yesterday."
Song huffed indignantly.
"I never asked for help," he said. "We should not have him thinking he's too big to be put in his place. He should be feeling grateful that we are being tolerant of this disgraceful relationship."
"Would you shut up," said Chao, through gritted teeth. "In case you didn't read the room, Xiao Lang seems to have a new fucking father figure he's going through hoops to impress. You want to lose him to a university professor who doesn't have the balls to fuck a student or two? I grow nauseous thinking about the wasted pussies."
He expected Song to laugh and make an equally crude comment but instead, his brother said, "He should obey us unquestioningly like everyone else. We should hammer him until he does."
"Song..."
"We can make things difficult enough-"
"The juice isn't worth the squeeze."
"We won't know for sure until we start squeezing."
Chao sat back on his lounge chair and took another puff of his cigarette.
"You're being difficult."
"Father would not approve of this if he were well."
"Since when do you care for his approval? In any case, Father did in fact sanction this union."
Song's head snapped round.
"What?" he asked "Our Father?"
"Who art on earth," drawled Chao. "I was prepared to wait the boy out. But Father called me to meet with him. News of the divorce had reached his ears. I had expected to be reprimanded by him. Instead he asked me about the new girl in Xiao Lang's life. I relayed all that I knew to him. I also admitted that Xiao Lang had quit as CEO."
"How fucking incompetent did you want to make us look?"
"You know how it is with him. Should I have lied and risked him coming out of retirement, oxygen tank and all when he learned the truth? He still has enough reach to humble both our asses if he's not pleased. Perhaps you like taking orders. I prefer giving them."
"Pussy," sneered Song. Then with less hubris, he asked, "What did he say about all this?"
"He telephoned Wei, though Wei did not know I was present. He told Father that Xiao Lang was not bluffing - he said he would return if we asked him to do so but that without the girl as his wife, he was fully prepared to walk away from the family. Father then strongly suggested we acquiesce to Xiao Lang's wishes which I did."
Song looked like Chao had spat in his face.
"He is the main face of the family yet he gets permission to defy all the principles that has kept this family prosperous for generations? Even with a divorce and now the intention to join in holy matrimony with the spawn of war criminals?"
"Indispensability comes with privileges," said Chao.
Song's brows knotted together, and he seemed lightyears removed from everything around them. Chao knew his brother well. Something was bothering him... and that Japanese girl was intensifying his feelings in a way that would bring her harm. They had agreed not to talk about it many years ago, but Chao had to ask.
"It's been two decades. You're still pining for that African girl."
"Africa's a continent asshole."
Chao smirked in glee like he always did when he knew they were about to get into an argument. The day had been dragging and this would surely put a spark to it.
"I'm aware."
"And don't act like you know what I'm thinking," added Song.
"But I do know. You don't have to punish your nephew and his fiancée because they got the relationship you wanted, little brother."
Song's back stiffened.
"We marry Chinese. It's a simple rule to follow. It is out of pride and necessity that we preserve our culture, history and traditions."
"You sound like a tabloid journalist speculating about this family," said Chao. "We do many things that are not considered traditional. Though I admit, we've crafted a formidable Chinese brand through the generations. We might as well be descended from Emperor Taizong himself, not our more humble beginnings."
"Everyone underestimated me in business," said Song, staring across the pool at a woman with long hair and straight bangs. "But I was instrumental in globalising our electronics and I secured the contracts to build those skyscrapers in Thailand. Yet my reward for being serious and getting the job done was marrying that bitch. I didn't complain. I followed protocol."
"You chose that bitch from all the other bitches," said Chao. "Now, you play martyr? You should have told Father about Amara -"
Song cringed like he had been electrocuted.
"- don't fucking say her name."
Chao lit a cigarette.
"You need to let the past go."
"You need to shut your fucking mouth."
Chao took a pull of his cigarette and slowly blew out a ribbon of smoke.
"You really believed the only daughter of a black oil magnate was going to marry your yellow ass?"
Song snapped to his feet and spun around in one smooth motion. Chao considered himself a brave man but for a second his heart gave a few extra beats than usual.
"Fuck you," sneered Song. "She would have. If I had asked."
"Why didn't you?" asked Chao, his expression mocking. "After all, who the fuck cared who you married? You weren't Zihao. You weren't even me. You are a third son. An understudy at best for the main characters in your story."
Song's eyes filled with rage.
"This family wouldn't have accepted nor deserv-!"
"- you're a coward," interjected Chao. "You have the biggest mouth but you're a coward. Xiao Lang is not. So he got his bride. All those things you said to your nephew about her, they were everything you believed people would say to you, right? I see it clearly now."
"You can't see shit."
"I can see your regrets and self-loathing a mile away," said Chao, scooting to the edge of his seat. "Amar- the woman is married with children. You are too. Forget her. You've seen her husband. She's surely forgotten about your dick."
Song's fists shook at his side. Chao braced for an attack but instead, the man's shoulders slumped.
"She wasn't some random lay. I never slept with her. Asshole."
He stomped off and Chao stared after him in disdain. He preferred his brother to be angry rather than sad. He did not know how to deal with sadness - within anyone or himself. He exhaled heavily as Sakura and Syaoran walked inside the house. The sooner people realised love was conditional and impermanent, the happier they would find themselves. Even those two would learn regardless of how lovestruck they were that day.
"Miss Kinomoto."
Sakura and Syaoran turned around in the hallway to find Li Lin standing behind them, a neatly groomed Bichon Frise dancing around her heels, tongue hanging from its mouth. The lady's eyes narrowed at the bouquet in Sakura's hand.
"Are those flowers from my gardens?" she asked, crossly.
"I left a lot more on the bushes," said Syaoran, taking the blame with one step forward.
"The next time you have an inclination to play the part of Romeo, you had best hire a florist or at the very least ask for permission to cut them," she told him. Turning her attention back to Sakura, her demeanour became gentle. "Thank you for the cupcakes. My daughters and I ate a few last night and they were exquisite. I have come to selfishly request three dozen for the party this evening, if you are willing to make them."
"I'd love to!" said Sakura. Then she bowed. "And I'm sorry about your flowers, Mrs. Li."
"That's Xiao Lang's doing my dear. Men seldom think before they act, especially when pretty women are involved. Come to the kitchen and tell me if I have everything you need. My mixer stopped working earlier but please let me know if you can manage without it."
"That's okay, I can mix everything by hand. I feel I have to make things up to you, since Syaoran-kun butchered your gardens for me."
"It's not that bad…" he insisted.
Lin scowled at him before leading them to the palatial kitchen. Syaoran followed in silence as Lin manoeuvred around the other women who were prepping side dishes. She showed Sakura the mixing bowls and utensils she had laid out for her on the onyx kitchen island. As she was trying to ascertain what ingredients Sakura needed, Lin stepped back and ran smack into Syaoran.
"What is this man doing in my kitchen?" she asked, in genuine confusion.
All activity halted and the women present stared at him like he was an alien.
"Me?" asked Syaoran, pointing to his chest.
"Yes, you. We have a lot of dishes to prepare for dinner. Get out and let us work."
At first, he recoiled, but then he stood straight.
"I prefer to stay with Sakura."
"And I prefer to not have Li men breathing down our necks, criticising our every move, stir and ingredient."
Syaoran folded his arms.
"I don't care what you all do. I'm staying with Sakura."
"I told you no."
His brows sank low on his forehead, petulance oozing from his pores.
"Then she's not making any cupcakes."
Sakura blushed in embarrassment. She knew he was being adamant for her sake. She wished she was brave enough to tell him he could leave her alone but she did not know these women or how they would behave if he was not present.
Aunt Lin huffed.
"I don't want to hear a peep out of you."
She grabbed a kitchen towel and hit him over his arm before stomping off.
Syaoran smirked in victory. He helped Sakura set up her work station on the kitchen island and gather the ingredients she needed. After that, he sat on a bar stool and drew out his smartphone.
"What are you doing?" asked Sakura, as she measured out the flour and sugar.
"Reading work emails," he said. "Checking news channels and stocks. The usual."
"You are going to help me right?"
Not looking up from his phone he answered, "Why interfere? You heard what my aunt said... I'm not required to assist with these sorts of things."
Sakura took the largest bowl and shoved it into his chest, nearly causing him to drop his tech.
"You should wash your hands," she smiled, sweetly.
Sniggers came from their left and Syaoran sent a cutting glance at the older women peeling potatoes at the kitchen table. Nonetheless, he did as he was told. Together, they mixed the batter with Sakura directing Syaoran's every move. She thought she sounded a little bossy and critical but Syaoran diligently followed her instructions.
"Is this good?" he asked, raising up a spatula to show her the consistency of the chocolate batter.
"Yes. That's what I want."
"What now?"
"You've made cake before..." she said, not wanting the women to think she was overly demanding even though they seemed amused by her interactions with Syaoran.
"This is your recipe and reputation," he said. "I don't want to make an error."
"Pour that in the cupcake trays and make another batter. Same amount of ingredients. I'm going to mix another batch of vanilla."
As she mixed the batter with a spatula, Meilin entered the kitchen. Their gazes met and burst apart a split second later. Syaoran was preoccupied with the bowl in front of him so he did not notice her come in.
"Auntie," said Meilin. "We need more flour for the dumplings."
"It's over by Miss Kino- ah... I'll bring it for you, love."
"No need."
Sakura's shoulders tensed. Meilin advanced and swiped the bag of flour from the countertop. Swiftly, Syaoran caught it.
"Sakura's using that," he said.
"I'm done!" exclaimed Sakura, shaking her head.
Not noticing the growing tension, he nodded, released the paper bag and continued mixing the batter. Meilin casted a miffed look at Syaoran before exiting the kitchen.
"I think I'm finished with this set," he said a couple minutes later. He rotated his shoulder with a crack. "I'll admit, this is tough without an electric mixer."
Sakura pressed her side to his and squeezed his biceps.
"You are an electric mixer," she said, making him go red in the cheeks. "Thanks for your help. I'm going to do the icing now."
"I can help with that too," he offered.
They placed the cupcake trays in the oven and began mixing the butter and icing sugar. Sakura was wiping up spilled sugar when a high-pitched voice cried, "You're making cupcakes! I can smell them!"
Shui climbed onto a bar stool, excitedly.
"Yes," confirmed Syaoran. "The cakes are baking and this is the icing."
"Can I help?"
He looked over at Sakura in question.
"Ah... you can help decorate the cakes when they've cooled," she suggested.
"Really?! Can Qing Yuan help too?"
"Sure."
Shui ran from the kitchen to get her sister. Unlike her, her elder sister was shy but Sakura made a point to be super charming and patient with them. She filled the icing bags for them and showed them the patterns for the cakes - simple star flowers and swirls.
"Like this?" asked Qing Yuan, showing Sakura the chocolate swirl she had made.
"That's perfect. Give it a dusting of gold flakes like so… and… set it on the tray."
"Look at mine Auntie!" said Shui shoving hers in Sakura's face.
The entire swirl fell off. Sakura laughed at her angry glare.
"We can fix it," she said and she held Shui's hands to help her pipe the cake, Syaoran watching her fondly as she did so.
Satisfied, Shui bent far over the table for another cupcake when a gold necklace slipped from her blouse.
"That's pretty," said Sakura as the girl carefully slipped it back under her blouse neckline.
"Father gave one to me and one to Qing Yuan for Christmas," she said, taking it back out for Sakura to get a better look at the simple cross.
"Are you Christian?" asked Sakura.
"I am! Father makes sure Qing Yuan and I attend church every Sunday. He only comes on important days though. Mother says his sporadic attendance doesn't count. He's going straight to hell!"
Syaoran looked up at the girls.
"Grab another cake, Shui."
"Father promised that this summer he is taking us to St. Peter's Baslicka."
"Basilica," corrected Qing Yuan. "It's in Rome. Mother said it's the most beautiful church in the world."
"Uncle has been there with Mister Wei but he didn't invite us," said Shui. "Did you know, Uncle only attends church on important days too?"
Syaoran raised a brow at the sneaky criticism.
"Grab another cake, Shui," repeated Syaoran, avoiding Sakura's gaze. "Eat it if you must."
"Why would I? It's for the party."
"It might help you speak less."
The four of them did not see Yelan enter the kitchen. She stood near the entrance with Lin, observing the group.
"She's not what I expected," said Lin. "And in her company he is almost unrecognisable."
"She has a certain effect on him," said Yelan.
"Are you truly supportive of this union?"
"I am," said Yelan. "I pretended in the beginning, but she comes from a good family and despite it all, she is a lovely girl."
"She's going to come back from the honeymoon pregnant if she's not careful," said Lin. "Someone has had baby fever in his eyes all weekend."
"I am not certain it is the actual baby he wants."
"Yelan," laughed Lin, in amusement. "He does look like he is starving but that can't be."
"Professor Kinomoto happens to be quite the deterrent for him."
"Ah... I see. That's a pleasant change from pimp-daddy Jinhai."
"Where is that pitiable man?"
"Chao thought it best that he did not encounter the new father-in-law just yet. He's still raw about the divorce."
Yelan opened a Chinese fan to hide her smirk.
"Good decision. Professor Kinomoto is an honourable and faithful man of great character. There's no need for him to meet a disgruntled fool like Jinhai."
"Xiao Lang isn't the only one with baby fever. You rarely leave the teacher's side. Not that I blame you. He's such a gentleman and not bad looking too. Reminds me of Zihao in a few respects. Is that why you're so attached?"
"Do not be silly Lin. We're discussing wedding details."
"I bet you are."
Yelan walked over to the kitchen island.
"What have we here?" she asked.
"We're helping Auntie to decorate the cupcakes," said Shui. "But... Qing Yuan's are better than mine..."
"Yours are good too," said Sakura. "Look at this one. It's very pretty."
"It is?"
"Yes."
Shui smiled smugly.
"They look marvellous, girls," said Yelan.
"I did these," said Syaoran, pointing to an entire tray. "And I mixed the batter and icing."
"You want an applause?" asked Lin, hands on her hips. "Miss Kinomoto made you do all of this. These girls volunteered."
"I'm doing more than you."
"The nerve!" said Lin. "This arrogance is why I don't allow men in my kitchen. You all do the basics and act like you should be praised for something we women do everyday. I am single-handedly coordinating this entire affair so you have this delightful ambiance to cuddle with Miss Kinomoto all day long while your uncle is lounging poolside!"
"Cousin's in big trouble," said Qing Yuan.
Sakura laughed along with the girls. Syaoran seemed to shrink before them. Determinedly avoiding eye contact, he continued icing the cupcakes in silence.
"How are you enjoying the reunion so far, Miss Kinomoto?" asked Lin, kindly.
"You can call me Sakura. I really liked the talent show. Shui is a very good ballet dancer."
Shui grinned wide.
"I'm told she has prima donna skills," said Lin. "Qing Yuan is a good singer but she suffers from stage fright."
"I'm sure she'll be brave one day. Oh, and your home is beautiful Mrs. Li."
"Thank you. It's a lot to manage. I suppose you'll find out soon enough yourself. Don't look for empathy from Xiao Lang, however. In his mind, he will always be the most diligent, hard-working one, even when he is abroad in exotic countries, eating his business lunches and dinners, while you're overwhelmed at home raising four plus children alone because... heaven forbid we have nannies - then we're lazy."
Syaoran winced.
"Sakura can have some assistance," he said. "And I'll help out with the children."
"When exactly? Because even at home, you all leave before they wake and return when they're asleep."
"Father takes us on fun trips all the time!" butted in Shui. "You only make us do boring, useless things. Like chores."
Lin scoffed.
"And this Miss Sakura is the thanks you'll get. For your sake, I hope Xiao Lang doesn't make it his life's mission to produce a dozen sons. But then again... he is a Li man."
Ears red and outnumbered by the women, Syaoran dared not utter another word.
Later that afternoon he took a stroll through a garden with Sakura, happy to have her alone again. Yet, she kept glancing over at him, tittering to into herself. Finally, he could not take it anymore.
"What?" he asked.
"I'm remembering how disappointed Shui is in you about your church attendance," she said. "And how Mrs. Li shamed you into silence."
"I should have known better," he said, still bruised. "When she and Mother are in the same room it's the worst time to speak. And the girls are quickly becoming like them."
Sakura laughed again.
"Honestly, I expected you all to be Buddhists. "
He gave an uncharacteristic shrug.
"I never gave it much thought. Some trivia, many elite, private schools are run by nuns." He shuddered. "Really strict ones too."
She giggled.
"I thought everyone would be dressed like your mother..."
"She does have an unusual love of hanfu. My sisters to some degree as well. What else did you expect?"
"I expected... more formality. And gongs."
Syaoran came to a stop.
"Gongs? Really, Sakura?"
"Everyone talks about how traditional you all are!"
"That doesn't mean we're starring in a period film."
"I was joking, anyway," she lied, pulling him along. "You know... my mother Christian too."
"Well the Amamiyas tend to be. The first time I heard Daidouji sing, it was a Christmas song called Silent Night."
Sakura pouted.
"You remember the first time you heard her sing?"
He froze.
"B-because I accompanied her on the piano, my love. It was all impromptu. I didn't even want to do it. Fuutie made me!"
She nodded though she still felt a tad jealous.
"So… would you want to get married in one of the big churches?" she asked.
"We can get married anywhere," said Syaoran.
"But you'd prefer a big church."
He looked at her with suspicion.
"I'm well aware that the Japanese love their chapel weddings Sakura. You don't have to convince me if that's what you want."
She blushed.
"They're just so romantic," she gushed. "Like the royal weddings. All the celebrities get married this way. Otou-san practices Shinto but even he got married this way for Okaa-san. And... I like the vows!"
"The vows?"
"Yes. I've heard them before. They're very beautiful."
"I've never noticed." She seemed let down by this so he added, "B-but I'll surely notice when you say them."
She grinned and he hugged her close.
"When we get back to Japan, let's decide on our wedding rings," he suggested.
She returned his embrace.
"I'd like that. Very much."
That night all the Li's dressed in glittering gowns and tailored suits. Rows of large tables were arranged in a grand ballroom of pure decadence. Meilin was seated at a table opposite Sakura and Syaoran's. Sakura felt her stare at times but every time she looked at her, Meilin's gaze was elsewhere.
Syaoran leaned over and murmured in Sakura's ear.
"After dinner, we'll have some dancing. You'll dance with me, right?"
"You know I will."
"Only me?"
"...sure..."
He kissed her cheek and turned to talk to an uncle next to him. Next to her, Shiefa shook her head.
"Some of our cousins started a Sakura Appreciation group chat because they find you attractive," said Shiefa. "They have made a competition of getting you to dance with them. The person you dance the longest with wins. Naturally, Xiao Lang isn't pleased."
Sakura blanched.
"Group chat?"
Hoe-eee!
What were they saying about her in this group chat?
The food was delicious and the desserts scrumptious. Sakura was happy to hear that her cupcakes were well-received but she had mixed feelings when Syaoran's male cousins kept coming up to her to tell her they loved eating her cupcake and it was the sweetest one they had ever tried. Syaoran was livid. He kept shooing them away even though she pointed out that the children had gotten to the cakes long before any of the adults had.
To calm him down, she suggested they take to the dance floor. Even so, the men were persistent. They tried to cut in but Syaoran denied all of them - even the older men. But he relented when her Father asked to dance with her. Before Syaoran left he told him, "Don't let anyone else dance with her."
Fujitaka was not keen on this stance.
"Sakura-san is here to meet your family. She can't dance with only you all evening."
"Fine…" said a reluctant Syaoran.
After her father, Uncle Chao cut in.
"Is he watching? My nephew."
"Syaoran-kun? Yes."
"Does he seem irritated?"
Syaoran was indeed sulking near the bar.
"...no."
Chao chuckled.
"You're a wife already. Whenever you want to get away from Japan and my humdrum nephew, my home is open to you."
"...oh... I'm sure I will be very busy," she said, noticing his hand on her back sinking lower.
"Doing what? Oh yes, this business of yours. I can visit and help you with it. After all, I taught my nephew once upon a time. I still teach him. I can teach you many things too."
There was an undeniable mischievous glint in Chao's eyes.
"Ah... he's already teaching me, thank you," said Sakura.
Chao drew her closer.
"That may be so and yet, there are things only a man with my experience can teach you."
Sakura's cheeks reddened. Why was he sounding like Syaoran? Was this where his nephew got his self-assured, arrogant, sexy way with words from? Her gaze sought Syaoran's but he was talking to her father.
"I... I need to go to the ladies' room," she said.
"By all means," said Chao. "I've been wanting to see this lovely green dress from behind."
He stepped away from her.
"Go on then," he insisted.
Turning awkwardly, Sakura walked with wooden movements across the ballroom floor, holding her clasped hands over her buttocks.
Not wanting anyone to ask about her flushed cheeks, she went off to one of the washrooms. She needed a break from dancing anyway and she was more comfortable now going off on her own among the Li's. After she patted her nose with a tissue and washed her hands, she headed back in the direction of the music. She paused by a window, admiring one of Aunt Lin's gardens, illuminated by the moon and white lanterns. A tiredness settling into her body, she leaned her forehead against the window, breathing slowly.
The sounds of heels clicking echoed throughout the empty hallway, and suddenly, there was Meilin walking across the granite floors. She spotted Sakura and slowed to a halt.
"Good evening, Li-san," said Sakura, breaking the prolonged quiet.
The air grew fraught with danger.
"You use an honorific of respect and yet," said Meilin, her eyes dull though a crystal chandelier hung above their heads. "It is apparent you don't respect me at all."
Sakura's heartbeats quickened.
"I know it seems that way-"
"He was the love of my life. You understand that? He was married to me," said Meilin, the tremor in her voice betraying her cold visage.
"I didn't know about you-"
"At first," said Meilin, knowingly. "Don't claim you didn't know when you came to Hong Kong to fuck him at his whims and fancies. I won't give you power by saying you ruined my marriage Kinomoto. But what you did was disgusting, humiliating and downright pathetic. And here you stand, rubbing it all in my face."
Sakura trembled beneath the harsh words. Exhaling shakily, she admitted, "Everything you said is true. I lost myself in the name of love. That woman I became for him... it's not who I was raised to be. You see me as wanton, malicious, bold in my decisions but really, it was the lowest moment of my life. I don't know how I got to that point. Whatever revulsion you feel towards me... pales in comparison to how I once felt towards myself."
Meilin's eyes shimmered. Her brows pressed together as she tightly contained every feeling inside her. After several false starts, she managed to speak.
"I told him... if he was careful, he could have other women. I never thought..." A pain seemed to grip her and she paused, blinking rapidly. "I never thought I could do that. That was my lowest moment."
Sakura took a step closer to her.
"I am sorry about what I did to you," she said. "I regret it. All of it. I did it because I believed he was the love of my life too."
"And you got what you wanted in the end," said Meilin.
"I never wanted it like this. I left Syaoran-kun. I thought he was a liar and he made me so angry. A while after you got divorced we spoke, but I wanted no part of him. It was only months later that I felt I could really talk to him. Whatever we had before came back to life. I can't apologise for loving him, Li-san. You loved him, so I'm sure you understand."
"Yes," said Meilin, in a heartbreaking tone. "I understand all too well. Enjoy his affections while they last. Men can only be faithful for so long."
With that, she continued down the hallway. Another pair of footsteps sounded, right after hers disappeared behind the swing of a door.
"Sakura." Syaoran wore an expression of relief. "I've been looking for you. Where did you go? Did you get lost?"
"I stopped to look at the garden," she said. "I was in the washroom."
"Come," he said, taking hold of her hand. "Let's head back. My crazy cousins and uncles are lurking about. Did they tell you anything distasteful while you were dancing?"
She stopped walking and looked up at him, her heart beating fast.
"Something wrong?" he asked her.
"I was nervous at first, but I'm happy to be here meeting your family," she told him. "I do want a family with you too. But I can't- I can't..."
"Sakura..."
He reached for her and she recoiled.
"Let me finish."
Reluctantly, he stood back.
"I know I promised to never leave you but that promise was based on the belief that you would be faithful to me. The day you aren't, we can't stay together. We can fight through anything else, but not that."
His brows furrowed. He must be wondering why she was saying these things now. He did not question her though. He just said, "I know."
"Good," she mumurmed.
She headed for the doors to the ballroom but before she could touch them, he gently clipped a hand around her waist.
"When we say our vows," he told her. "I'll keep them. I will be able to because... I'll mean them this time."
She stroked his arm.
"I'll mean them too."
Syaoran loaded his and Sakura's luggage into the back of the Range Rover. His sisters Feimei and Fanren passed by with kids in tow. Neither spoke to him even though Fanren's twin girls hugged him goodbye. Sakura observed Syaoran - he did not look even one time in his sisters' direction. Sakura caught their covert glances at him before the doors of their vehicles closed and they drove away.
"Sakura-san."
She turned to find Fuutie.
"It was a pleasure meeting you," said the woman, her gaze darting to Syaoran. "I am looking forward to your wedding and I will be sure to RSVP right away. When I receive the invitation."
Syaoran gave her a blank stare and a dark silence followed. Grinning nervously, Sakura held his arm.
"We look forward to seeing you too!" she said.
A look of relief washed over Fuutie's face.
"Thank you." She hugged Sakura the best she could considering her belly. "We must have brunch next month."
"That would be nice."
"Safe travels, Xiao Lang," she said.
He made a grunt somewhere in the back of his throat and she went to her husband, a look of dejection on her face.
"Niece-in-law!" called Chao.
He, Lin, Yelan and Song were standing at the top of the front steps, beautifully wrapped boxes of various sizes in their hands. Sakura walked over to them just as her father and brother appeared with their own luggage.
"It was my honour to host you this weekend," said Chao. "We've all brought you engagement presents - a welcome of sorts to our family. The others have also sent presents ahead which should already be on the jet. Please send us your wedding registry as soon as you've completed it."
"Make sure to make it extra long and unique," said Lin. "The rarer the items the better. Everyone will want to buy as many as possible. You must make it a challenge for us."
Sakura flushed shyly.
"Thank you so much."
Syaoran accepted the boxes for her and loaded them into the car. Her brother and father exchanged farewells with the Li's and Sakura felt relief that nothing unpardonable had taken place during the days they were there.
Song approached her and she steeled herself for the onslaught. Syaoran came over as well, arms folded.
"Miss Kinomoto," he said. "When you arrived, I was quite inebriated. What you saw was not me at my best. In truth, I will miss my nephew while he is in Japan but I look forward to the day you two return to China... to live. Please accept my invitation for a weekend stay at my home after your wedding. And honeymoon of course. Judging from my nephew's rigid expression, he's in dire need of it and who am I to delay his gratification?"
Sakura could feel the heat from Syaoran's face burning her back and she knew her face was equally as hot.
"Suggestion for the registry?" said Song, in a most helpful tone. "Copious amounts of lubricant."
"Okay, thank you Song," said Lin, loudly. "Your wife and children are waiting. Bye Bye now!"
She hastened him away and Chao smirked.
Sakura and Syaoran dared not look her father and brother in their faces as they climbed into the SUV. Shiefa came running up to them and hugged Sakura through the passenger window.
"We'll have brunch with Fuutie before the wedding," she said. "And I've already contacted Tomoyo-chan. We'll be throwing you a little bachelorette partaaayyyy!"
Syaoran's head whipped around.
"No you won't."
"As I was saying Sakura," she said. "I'll text you a time for your last single gal hoorah! Have you ever heard of Chippendales?"
"No she hasn't and she never will!" said Syaoran.
"What's that?" asked Sakura.
Shiefa winked.
"You'll see."
"Shiefa. I am warning you."
"Bye bye little brother. Goodbye Kinomoto-sensei's!"
She ran off to hug a pair of twin boys. Yelan came and promised to help Sakura out in the following months with the wedding plans and they agreed to have tea in Japan the following Saturday. As they drove out of the estate, Sakura looked back at her family.
"It was a rocky start but it all turned out okay, right?" she asked them.
Fujitaka smiled.
"Indeed."
"I'm surprised you noticed," said Touya. "You were talking to Li Yelan the entire time."
"We had to discuss wedding details."
"For three days?"
"Without us?" asked Sakura.
"They were boring details," chuckled Fujitaka, though he looked a bit guilty.
He reached over and grabbed Syaoran's shoulder.
"Thank you for inviting us. And looking out for my daughter."
"Thank you for coming," said Syaoran, in high spirits.
"I enjoy watching you two together," mused Fujitaka, as he stared out the window at the passing scenery. "It was a heartwarming sight."
Sakura relaxed in her seat and smiled across at Syaoran. He smiled back as she reached for the radio dial. She might have been mistaken but before the pop music came on, she could have sworn she heard Touya quietly say, "It was."
A/N
Hey Tomodachi!
Yes again, I'm horribly late. I put some new information and backstory into this chapter so that if there is a sequel I can read this and remember my intentions.
I already wrote a completed first draft of the final chapter. I was having writer's block but I listened to Rose's Theme on repeat and wrote PART V in one day which will drop as soon as it's properly edited. PART V starts on the day of the wedding.
I really hope you all are well.
Until Next Time,
Ja ne! ^_^