Thank you very, very much to everyone who reviewed! Wheeee!!! You guys just made one weird girl happy! ::prances around the room enthusiastically:: @__@ I'm really hyper….Ehehehee..Hmmm, yeah, some guys told me I love making S+S fight. I dunno, I just found the idea of the two of them bickering really cute! ^__^;;; Weird, eh? I know I'm not really making sense but what the heck. And yes, I know some of you guys just wanted to give meany Syaoran here a good spank! ::sighs:: He's bad, ne? But don't you worry, he'll get better..eventually. Aight…Um, go read now. Or whatever. ::everybody looks at kotsch in a weird way::
CHAPTER FOUR
Sakura immediately flung herself in her bed, feeling as if all her energy is being drained because of that fight with Syaoran earlier. She couldn't help wondering if living with Syaoran on this mansion means having to put up a fight with him everytime their paths crossed. If that is the case, she doesn't know if she still has the patience to go on with it. She never was the kind of person who likes to fight, anyway. For her, she believes that everything could be talked and discussed diplomatically. Arguing like three-year-old kids is just plain silly.
She narrowed her eyes when she recalled an incident that happened earlier.
She remembered how she stupidly let her aura be revealed just before Syaoran walked out of the kitchen. It was not really intended but maybe because of such intense emotions bottled up within her, her aura just appeared like that. It's a good thing she was able to mutter a chant immediately to hide it.
She is very much cautious about revealing her powers. Even up to now, even though no more incidents about the cards had happened for about several years now, she is still wary about some people who might try to get the cards from her. She knew how great powers those cards could have. And she certainly doesn't want it to befall on the hands of a wrong person.
Sakura remembered what Kero told her before about some family who is related with Clow Reed. He told her then how that family could've learned of her appearance as a Card Mistress and the opening of the Clow Book again and it's really no wonder if anytime now, that family will send one of their men to challenge her and get the cards from her. Fortunately, years had passed but no untoward incident happened.
Too bad, Kero didn't know the family's name. He said he's been asleep for such a long time that he couldn't anymore determine the lineage of the current family whose ancestor is Clow Reed.
But if Sakura's eyes didn't deceive her, was she right to say that Syaoran felt her aura earlier?
She could still see his questioning eyes when he stopped and turned around to look at her. What's that look he gave her anyway?
= Nah. As if that brat has some powers, ne? No spoiled and irresponsible guy like him could've had such ability. =
She wrinkled her nose in dislike. Definitely, that look just meant nothing. It's just one way to show how much he distrusts her.
When her eyes laid sight upon the telephone beside her bed, she could feel an overwhelming sense of homesickness flowing through her heart. Right then and there, she decided to call up her brother, which she must've done as soon as she arrived, to check things up.
"Moshi, moshi…" A familiar deep voice answered on the other end of the line.
"Oniichan!"
"Sakura?" Touya asked in surprise. "I'm so glad to hear from you!"
"Mou, I missed you all back there! How are you doing?"
"We're okay, don't worry. Kaho is home, resting. You know how pregnant women are and their morning sickness."
"Hai. She should definitely take some rest." She nodded, even though she knew her brother couldn't see her. "I hope Kero isn't bothering you that much."
"Urk. That fluffy thing?!?" Touya almost growled. "I sent him off to Tomoyo's house to take a vacation. Kami, that monster eats too much!"
Sakura couldn't help giggling as she pictures Kero and Touya on her mind. Even when she was back in Japan, those two seems to be at each other's throats.
"You never get used to him, you know." She smothered a laugh. "Anyway, what's up with dad?"
"Still busy as before. You know how very much dedicated he is with his work in the university."
"I know."
"How about you? We really wished you were just okay there. How's the family you're living with?"
Touya's question startled her. She really doesn't know if she should tell him the truth or not. She knows how overprotective he is and if she told him how rude Syaoran's treatments were, it wouldn't be far-fetched to say that Touya could be here the next day to fetch her so she could return to Japan right away.
"Well, I've already told you about that Syaoran Li I'd be living with, right?" Sakura paused. "Well, we're still not on good terms with each other but that's to be understood." She added hastily.
"What do you mean?"
"Oh you know, the guy's mother just died. It seems like he still can't get over that fact, I guess."
"Well, he'd better be treating you nice or else…" Touya's voice took on a warning edge. "…I hope you come back soon, kaijuu."
Sakura smiled slightly. "You know Oniichan my purpose why I'm here…"
"I know. It's just that, all of us here miss you."
"Mou, don't make me cry early in the morning!" She faked a laugh. "I'd be back as soon as I'm completely healed emotionally. But as of now, I just need some time for myself."
"Fine. If you say so." Touya chuckled softly, his voice echoing to her ears.
"Well, Oniichan I guess I have to go now. I still really wanted to talk to you but it seems like I have to go fix myself up cause I still have to go out and look for a job. Besides, this conversation could be costly."
"You're right, kaijuu. Anyway, just take care there, okay? And good luck about finding a job in Hongkong."
"Arigatou. I'll call you guys again, okay?"
"Hai. We'll be waiting."
A small smile is plastered on Sakura's face as she puts the phone down to its cradle. Somehow, that small talk with her brother eased her longing just a little bit. Kami, if it weren't for that incident with Aki, she shouldn't even be here, enduring all this pain in her heart.
= But this is for the best. = A small voice said to her.
Sakura went downstairs with a newfound determination. She wanted to prove to everyone, not just to Syaoran, but also to herself, how strong-willed she really is. Once she sets her mind on something, she will definitely try her best to achieve it.
"Hi. So you're that famous Sakura Kinomoto!"
She was startled when a voice spoke from behind her. She was so preoccupied with her thoughts that she didn't notice a woman, probably about the same age as her, leaning casually on a wall near the stairs.
"Uh.." Sakura mumbled, unsure of what to say. "Yes. I'm…Sakura Kinomoto."
"Syaoran didn't told me you arrived already! If I hadn't decided to drop by this house then I probably wouldn't have learned of your presence!"
Sakura just stared amusingly at the vibrant dark-haired girl infront of her, wondering who could she be. Syaoran's girlfriend, perhaps? But she's too friendly as opposed to his cold attitude…
"Oh my, I forgot to introduce to you myself. Sorry about that. By the way, I'm Meiling Li."
"Meiling…Li?"
"You're surprised, huh?" Meiling laughed heartily. "Yes, I'm related to Syaoran. We're cousins, if you believe that, and we do not act the same."
"I guess so." Sakura smiled, relaxing a little. "Nice to meet you, Meiling."
"Yeah. Nice to meet you too." Meiling answered back. She glanced at Sakura and noticed she is all dressed-up. "Are you going somewhere?"
"Yes. I'm going out to look for a job."
"What?!?" Meiling's eyes grew large exaggeratedly. "Finding a job here in Hongkong is soooo tough, you know. Too many employees looking for a job. Unless you've got some credible working experience, then you might have a good edge against the others. And besides, you still haven't stayed in Hongkong for that long yet. Employers here prefer those people who have lived for at least six months in the country already."
Sakura felt her heart sank. How is she going to find a job now?
"I didn't know that…"
"But don't you worry, maybe I can help you." Meiling winked at her. "I know a certain company where you could just apply for a good job."
~~~~~~~*OoO*~~~~~~~~
"I hate this." Syaoran muttered under his breath. "I am absolutely hating this."
It is only past half the working day and Syaoran felt so bored out of his mind that he really wanted to get away from the office as soon as possible. There are too many documents suddenly turned in his hands that somehow, he felt so pressured and lost from all the work. It's only his second day at his job, being the CEO of their corporation, and yet, there are already too many things that need to be done.
"Aaarrrrgh! Where the heck is Eriol?!? He should be here now!"
Because Syaoran is still not familiar with his family's business, Eriol decided to offer a hand to help him in running the Li Corporation. As what they've agreed, Eriol is supposed to work for the company as his assistant, or more so like the second-in-command, until he finally get to learn EVERYTHING about the business. Running a very big and successful company is certainly no joke, and Syaoran knows that. He couldn't afford to lose the company because it would certainly be a shame to his family.
Syaoran fumbled with his coat and decided to loosen it up a bit. He felt suffocated.
= I never was the type of person who likes to sit around in an office and work. = He frowned. = I hate blue-collar jobs! Somehow, I imagined myself working outside, somewhere adventurous; not here, confined in this damn room! =
"But, Miss—you didn't have an appointment with Mr. Li. He firmly said that only those---"
"I don't care!" A woman's voice exclaimed from the outside which caught his attention. He immediately sat up straight and wonder what the hell is going on. His secretary seems to be arguing with somebody.
"I don't need any appointments with him." The woman said haughtily just before the room adjoining to his private office opened wide.
"Grace?!?" His eyebrows raised in surprised. "What on earth are you doing here?"
"Haven't I called you up and told you I'd be arriving back in Hongkong any time now?" Grace smiled sweetly at him, flipping her long, dyed-blond hair exaggeratedly. She took a seat and looked around. "God, I never imagined you in that kind of clothes and well, working in an office! The last I saw you in was in your car-racing clothes!"
"How'd you learned that I am here?" He asked her sharply. He certainly was not in the mood for any socializing with his ex-girlfriend. In fact, he wanted to get away from women, if he could believe that, for now.
"I called up your house and Wei told me you were here." Grace giggled. " I could have laughed you know! I was expecting you to be outside, racing your car, riding your horse or whatever but not actually, working! This is such a very entertaining situation you're in!"
Syaoran groaned inwardly. How did he forgot to inform Wei not to tell anybody he's here?
"There's nothing amusing about my situation, Grace." He replied sarcastically. "My mother just died. I know you know that."
Embarrassed, Grace suddenly stopped giggling and tried to compose herself. She knew from experience not to mess up with Syaoran when he's in a bad mood. Just like the state he is now.
"Um, y-yeah. I'm really sorry about that."
Syaoran just look at her and wave his hand dismissively, as if saying that it's no big deal. He placed his hands on his table and gave her a thorough glance.
"So what brought you here?"
"Well, I got a nice modeling job here." Grace smiled, returning back to her old self. "The pay's really good so my agency booked me in the next flight to Hongkong, right away."
"Uh-huh." He nodded passively. "You look great."
"Really?" Grace giggled flirtatiously. "You look not bad yourself, Syaoran. In fact, your new business look suits you just fine. You look totally hot."
Syaoran couldn't help laughing inwardly at her actions towards him. It seems like she never change at all. Grace is still a total flirt. Despite how irritated he is that a woman barged into his room just like that, he suddenly felt that all too familiar irresponsible attitude of him creeping back. Of course, he still doesn't want to get involved with anybody, but it means that he doesn't want to get involved seriously with anybody. Besides, flirting with her is kind of not a bad idea. In fact, it helps him got entertained and be amused, at the same time, relieving him of some of his stress at work.
Grace stood up and made her way towards him, then ended up sitting in his arm rest afterwards.
"Do you have plans afterwards?" She pouted. "I think I don't have anything to do for the rest of the day. It's certainly going to be a bore."
He cleared his throat, fighting the urge to roll his eyes. "Well—"
"Li Syaoran." Eriol said authoritatively, as soon as he opened the door without any warning.
Grace and Syaoran was so startled that Grace was practically knocked out of the chair and she might've ended falling face-down at the floor if Syaoran was not fast in catching her up.
"God, Eriol! Don't you know how to knock?" He exclaimed, standing up and arranging his suit.
"I have an appointment with you. Or did you forget that?" Eriol smirked.
Syaoran narrowed his eyes at him. " I know that."
"Ummm…hey, Syaoran. I think I have to go now." Grace said quietly, her face as red as a tomato. "Call me later if you don't have anything to do, okay? Hmm, excuse me." She said in a jiffy before hurrying out of the room.
"What exactly was that?" Eriol asked him before taking his seat next to him.
"Nobody." He replied. He certainly doesn't want to get into his own personal affairs with Eriol.
"I hope you don't mind Syaoran, but you're here for work and not for anything else." He said sternly.
"I'm not doing anything okay?" He slumped down to his seat recklessly and looked at Eriol in annoyance. "That woman just happened to barge into my room without any permission!"
"And ended up almost sitting in your lap?" Eriol stated, his glasses practically sparkling out of amusement.
"If you don't shut up, I swear I'm going to get you out of the room in an instant." Syaoran shook his head in frustration.
"You can't do that cause you need me around." He chuckled softly. He opened his briefcase and took out some papers. "How's it going?"
"Great. Just great." Syaoran shot back, his voice dripping with sarcasm. "There are a lot of paperwork that needs to be done and I haven't finished them yet. And if things couldn't get any worse, that Sakura Kinomoto already arrived at the mansion last night."
"Really?" Eriol leaned closer interestedly. "So what happened?"
"I told her to get out of the mansion as soon as she can."
"You can't possibly say that." His eyes grew large.
"Oh, yes." Syaoran smirked. "I just did."
"Poor girl." Eriol shook his head. "She doesn't know she's in for a fight with you. I do hope she has the superhuman patience to put up with your attitude."
Syaoran glared at him and crossed his arms impatiently. "Enough talk about that girl. We're here for work."
"I never thought I'd hear that from you."
"Quit it with your smart comments, Eriol. I need help here, you know."
Eriol tilted his head to one side and smiled knowingly at him. He pointed at the papers he placed earlier at his desk.
"There are the paper works you've finished yesterday. I've already checked them out already and I might say, I am impressed. You learned really fast, Syaoran."
"What do you exactly mean by that?" He glanced up to him curiously.
"I don't think you'd be needing much of my help anymore. Handling your company all comes out naturally for you, Syaoran." Eriol grinned at him good-naturally. "You looked like you know what you are doing."
Syaoran felt an odd feeling of accomplishment at that news. He suddenly felt proud of what he was able to do. He never thought he could actually do those papers but from what Eriol told him, it seems like he successfully did his work.
"That's a…relief to hear." Syaoran said slowly, still not believing what he just heard. "But you see, I still have new papers to do. Mostly about checking up on the finances of the company and its market share for the coming year. There are so many things to do and I feel so overwhelmed with it!"
"Finances, you say? Oh geez…you're an Economist, Syaoran! Then that wouldn't be any harder for you!" Eriol stood up.
"Hey, where are you going?" Syaoran asked curiously when he noticed him standing up.
"I still have some appointment to do. I'm running a business too, you know."
"I thought you're going to help me."
"I do! Isn't it that I'm here to supervise your work?" A look of amusement is plastered across Eriol's face. "I'm here to just give my advice Syaoran, and not do your work for you. Remember that."
"Whatever."
"Well, I'm going now. Call me if you have serious problems with the company."
Syaoran could only stare at his retreating back. When Eriol finally closed the door behind him, he couldn't help but sigh loudly. He closed his eyes and slumped deeper in his seat, still feeling stressed out.
Syaoran must be in the same position for almost thirty minutes now that he was startled once more when the door opened loudly, as if somebody who entered it just carelessly opened the door aside, without any warning.
"But, Ms. Meiling—" His secretary's whiny voice echoed out once more.
Syaoran cleared his head off and stood up straight. How many times will he have to be distracted today? And his secretary is certainly not doing a good job in keeping unwanted people away. Didn't he firmly tell her not to let anybody in without his permission?
= I better get a new secretary. Fast. =
"HEY, SYAORAN!!!" Meiling shouted exaggeratedly and Syaoran couldn't help but wince at the sound of her voice.
"What do you want?" He growled threateningly.
"Oh, nothing. Just checking to see things here." She shrugged nonchalantly.
"Cut it off with your antics, Meiling. I know you want something from me." He rolled his eyes. "What is it?"
"You know your secretary is so lame! She doesn't even know how to handle any of your guests!" Meiling replied instead, her eyes sparkling.
"Answer my question, Meiling." He said coldly, looking at her in annoyance.
"Oh fine. I'm just hoping to have a little chat with you." She huffed. Meiling went back to the still opened-door of his office and signaled something to someone. "Hey, come on!"
Syaoran raised an apprehensive eyebrow at the way Meiling is acting. Somehow, his cousin seems to have something up her sleeve.
When the person Meiling was calling out for entered his office, Syaoran's jaw actually dropped.
Meiling smiled sweetly at him. "Syaoran, meet Sakura Kinomoto. Your new secretary."
~~~~~~~
kotsch
A/N: I bet some of you are confused with the magic thing…but I'm hoping that some questions in your mind would be answered with the upcoming chapters. Some of you might be wondering why Syaoran's aura is not visible to Sakura…well, it's because he also chants some spell to cover it up. Why do they do that?—you might ask, but really, it's going to be explained in some of the chapters. I really don't want to say everything now coz I might give away something that is important to the plot. Well, the story really doesn't center on their magics or anything, but it does play a role in revealing their real identities to each other. I hope you get what I mean..^__^;;;; Anyways, thanx for reading the chapter. Til next chappy!
