Disclaimer: These get really tiring, don't they? CCS belongs rightfully to
CLAMP.
Hmm, so I'm attempting to get this chapter up fast. After all, I owe it to you all. Don't I just have the greatest of timing? I finally upload the last chapter and ff.net decides to crash. =P Do I rock or what? Anyways, I need to thank my great reviewers once again.
pinklover- I would like to thank you for consistently reviewing this story, your input always puts a smile on my face. :) You're always the first too, it's as if you're always online at the right time. =D I'll be waiting for you to upload new chapters for your stories.
Sweet-Chocolate-Angel- I see you've found your way to my attempt of a story. Thanks for your review and keep updating your story. For anyone looking for a really well-written S+S fiction, 'Cruel Intentions' is the way to go. :)
Rhiannon Faylinn- A gift you say? Well I can't think of a better gift than that. I thank you for your ever supporting input, it truly means a lot to me. Thanks for your review. :)
Peonygt1004- I'm honoured you added this story onto your favourite's list. I appreciate the review. :D
Beth- Thanks a lot! :)
icicle- It's you again! Thanks for always reviewing, they are appreciated. ^.^ I'm glad you liked the charades. :)
carol - Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoy this story. :)
'No name' - Actually it was a blank space, but nevertheless. Thanks for your review! :)
Tannie- Thank you for your great review. :)
RaCHeL- Sticky caps! =O Thanks, I'm glad you like it. ^.^
sweet-cookie- Update=done! =O Thanks so much. =D
ChibiSakuraSyaoran- Lol, I'm glad I could make you laugh. =D Thanks for reviewing. :)
sweetliliacblossom - A VERY energetic review! Thanks for the encouragement! =D
Beth-chan- Thank you very much. :)
kirjava-chan - Lol, I can see you are a true Syaoran fan indeed. =D Thanks for your way cool review!
Kan-chan- Lol, maybe my stories act sadistically towards me. =P Thanks for reviewing again! And I agree with you whole-heartedly, Nelvana stinks.
Blue Heaven- Thanks so much. :)
apol- Of course I loved your story! Thanks. =D
embattledcurve- Updating is one of more undeveloped talents. =P Thanks for your review once more. :)
Yuki Arashi- Really? =O *Hop* Thanks for the review again. =D
Anonymous: Thanks!
Tk- Thanks for the encouragement and the review! =D I have major issues when it comes to updating. =P
meinien- Thank you for reviewing again! :)
Sweet Madison- Thanks! Keep on smiling yourself. :)
Sailor Earth- Okay Carolyn-san! =D Thanks for reviewing again, and perhaps you'll find out more in this chapter.
Crimson Blu- Thanks for the reviews and you should be able to figure out why he's so popular in this chapter. :)
A round of applause to all of the above, I can't thank you all enough. I also can't believe I've reached my goal of one hundred reviews... I have all of you to thank for that. :) I'd name my chapters, but unfortunately I can't think of anything except a number. =P But hey, numbers rock! Er, here's Chapter Six. Enjoy.
And Thank you to those who added me to their favourite lists. It's truly an honour. :)
Trial of Fate
By Ash Night
Chapter Six
Li Syaoran's lips lifted themselves into a wolfish grin at what Sakura had said. "You mean I have you all to myself in for the rest of the day?"
The emerald eyed girl blinked, trying to process what the man sitting in front of her had said.
"Is that a yes?" Li grinned.
"Yep, but hurry up." She smiled a little. "I don't want to waste the whole day with you." Sakura teased.
Li smirked. She can sure ruin a moment. "So where exactly am I suppose to start?"
"Try the beginning." Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"Funny." Li pretended to laugh.
Sakura smiled as she looked back down at the papers she held in her hands. She decided to give him some help since he seemed as if he was having a hard time getting started. "These are child custody forms."
Li nodded, thankful that Sakura started the conversation. "I must have custody over Mei-Fa." He nearly demanded the whole request.
Sakura couldn't stop her urge to remark on his comment. "My, aren't we demanding? You're not so great in the whole manners department, huh?"
Li stopped the little smile that almost found itself to the surface of his lips. "This is my daughter, I don't trust Jin-Jin Chin. She doesn't deserve Mei-Fa after the way she's treated her." He put his hands behind his head and slid his swivel chair back. "I think I have perfectly brought up manners, it's just that I don't tend to use them when I talk to certain people."
Sakura noticed his cocky smile and gave him one of hers. "At least you're aware of how rude you can be, I wouldn't want you walking around insulting people without even realizing why people tend to avoid you."
"Avoid me?" Sakura watched Li's face light up with mock horrid. "They love me, especially the female population." He grinned that cocky smile of his again.
The auburn haired girl made a face and shook her head. "Not even in your dreams." She muttered and continued before he had a chance to retaliate. "And I'm guessing Chin is Mei-Fa's mother, correct?" Sakura already knew how much he loved his daughter.
Sakura watched as Li's deep amber eyes flashed with anger. He pounded his fist down on his desk. "Chin is anything but Mei-Fa's mother!" His voice was full of anger that easily matched the emotion in his eyes. "Ever since Mei-Fa was born, that women has done nothing to help raise her! I won't let her near my daughter!"
The auburn haired girl listened as Li expressed his anger. She had slid to the back of her chair, not expecting his sudden outburst.
Li noticed what he had caused her to do. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't carry on like this." He apologized sincerely and sat back down.
"No, it's fine." Sakura replied. She gave him a small smile.
Li was a little calmer. "Chin is Mei-Fa's mother."
"Yah, I got THAT part already." Sakura said sarcastically in a teasing manner. She watched Li grin a little. "You probably don't want to talk about this, but I need to kno-"
Li cut her off. "When I was nineteen, I thought I was in love." He shook his head in disgust. "I met Chin at a formal business party, I was such a fool..." He trailed off and looked up at Sakura who was listening intently to everything he was saying.
Sakura nodded at him, urging him to continue.
"I was a fool to believe I actually loved her. I was a fool for falling in love with somebody."
"No you're not." Sakura's spoke in a monotonous manner. She had said these words without even thinking.
Li flashed her a smirky smile. "Oh? How would you know? Have you ever been in love?"
Li's question had caught her off guard. She decided to ignore it. "So what happened after that?" Sakura asked casually.
The amber eyed man's eyes danced with amusement. Avoiding my question, aren't you? He decided to let it go, he could use this to his advantage later... "Back then, it was love at first sight. Apparently I thought she was the most beautiful women ever." Yet she looked nothing like you...
Sakura shook her head at Li's words. Typical man.
Li didn't seem to notice her action and continued. "It turned out Chin's parents wanted her to pursue a life with me so should would never have to shed a single sweat working."
Sakura could tell he was struggling with his words.
"I didn't realize that until it was too late." He paused and looked up at Sakura. "We were married a week after that..."
"A week?" This shocked Sakura, she didn't think he was the type of person who would make rash decisions like that, even though she barely knew him.
Li snorted at her reaction. "Go ahead and give me the lecture. My mother did, and you're probably dying to as well, everyone has."
Sakura smiled a little and shook her head.
Li watched her shoulder length hair swoosh back and forth as she shook her head. God, she's beautiful. Am I falling in love all over again? Don't get your hopes up, Li... She'll probably be just like the rest, like Chin.
"You mustn't know me too well if you'd think I'd do that."
"You're right, I don't know you at all." He could only stare at her and admire her beauty. But I'd like to get to know you, Sakura Kinomoto.
There was an awkward silence between the two for a few minutes as nobody spoke. Sakura was aware of how he was looking at her, she decided to step in and break the quietness.
"Um, so what happened after that?"
Not taking his eyes off of her, Li answered her question. "We got married and Mei-Fa was born a year after that. During that year, I got to know Chin for the first time. It was also when I finally realized that my marriage was a total disaster."
"You're kind of slow, aren't you?" Sakura eyed him funnily.
Li smile wryly. This was probably the only reason why he didn't want to tell Sakura about all this. He didn't want her making assumptions about him, he wasn't this stupid nineteen year old anymore. She barely knew him and he wanted to make sure he left a good impression on her. He shrugged casually. "Back then, yes. Now, I tend to be faster."
Sakura giggled. "Right, so Chin's parents weren't rich?" Sakura noticed that Li gave her a 'Are-you-stupid-or-something' look.
"It was a formal business party, of course they were rich. Actually they were filthy rich." Li smirked. "Who's slow now?"
Sakura gave him a glare. "Then why did they marry her off to you?"
Even the look of confusion on her face made her beautiful. And cute. "Well, usually if the father had a son, the inheritance would naturally go to him." Li shrugged. "That's the tradition of the Chinese."
A look of triumph plastered Sakura's face. "Oh! So you're saying Chin has an older brother."
Li laughed inside. "Great sleuthing skills, Sherlock."
"I do my best." Sakura stuck out her tongue at him.
Li raised a brow. "That's not very etiquette for a princess to do."
"Be quiet and continue." She ordered, pretending to be strict.
"Fine, order me around. I'll get you later anyways." Li looked at Sakura as he started. "So basically Chin married me for my money, we had a child together and now she wants complete custody of Mei-Fa."
"Are you two legally divorced?" Sakura rummaged through the papers but found no such papers.
"Of course, I can't stand that women. We were divorced when Mei-Fa was born."
Sakura looked up. "Then why wasn't this settled when the divorce was taking place?"
Li crossed his arms. "It was..." He looked up and smirked. "Just not legally."
"I'm not following."
He pretended to sigh deeply. "Keep up Kinomoto, will you?"
Sakura groaned. "Maybe I will if you actually decide to speak with some sense."
"Chin wanted nothing to do with Mei-Fa, therefore it wasn't necessary for any of these legalities." He stopped. "Are we understanding back there?" He pretended to speak slowly.
Sakura frowned. "Perfectly, now that you're bothering to make some sense."
Li grinned.
"You raised Mei-Fa all by yourself up until now?" Sakura would never admit it to him, but she was impressed.
Li nodded. "Just one of my many talents."
What an egomaniac... "When did Chin start this want to come back into Mei-Fa's life?"
"Nearly a year now, it started with a visit."
Sakura nodded but she didn't see why Li was so bent against keeping a child's mother away from her daughter. It didn't matter if you didn't like her, a child should have the right to be with her mother. Except my mother didn't want me... She quickly put that thought aside. "Do you agree that a child's right comes before the parent's?"
"Absolutely, but what are you getting at?"
She couldn't believe Li wouldn't let Mei-Fa see her mother just because he hated her, there had to be another reason. And I bet it has to do with why Mei-Fa pleaded with me not to let her see Chin again.
The amber eyed man watched the emerald eyed beauty deep in her thoughts.
"What did Chin do to Mei-Fa that's making you keep her mother away from her?" Sakura stopped and searched for the right words. "I know it's more than Chin not wanting anything to do with her daughter for the first three/four years and the fact that you dislike her so much."
"Why do you assume there's another reason?" He was clearly amused.
"Because..." Sakura smiled. "Just tell me."
Li smiled inside to himself. You really are something else, Princess. "This is the worst part... Chin is an alcoholi-"
"What!?" Sakura cut in, a look of horror on her face. "Don't tell me she drank when Mei-Fa was developing."
Li nodded angrily. "She was hooked on some drugs too, during her labour period."
"Didn't you talk to her or anything?"
"Of course I talked to her! Did you actually think she'd listen to me? Our relationship together was probably long gone by then. She even fed me this shit claiming it was her body and she could do whatever she wanted with it."
Sakura spoke quietly. "Is Mei-Fa okay?"
Li could see the concern in her beautiful eyes. He smiled. "I don't understand this myself but the doctors told me Mei-Fa was a hundred percent healthy."
Sakura smiled brightly. "That's absolutely wonderful!"
Li couldn't believe this girl. Did she care about Mei-Fa? She barely knows her, yet she cares so much. He decided he wanted to get to know Sakura better, there was so much he wanted to know about her. "I don't think we were ever introduced to each other properly." He grinned.
Sakura thought for a moment. "Now that you mention it, I don't think we were either." The same smile appeared on her face again. "I'm Sakura Kinomoto, your lawyer."
Sakura Kinomoto, MY lawyer. That sounds strangely perfect... "And I'm Li Syaoran, your client." He flashed her a melting smile.
Sakura felt her heart flutter, something she had never felt before. "Great to meet you, Li." But there was something else on her mind. Why was Chin so determined to get her hands on Mei-Fa?
***
"I just can't stand this place." The black haired women whined.
"Patience, sweetheart." Zing Cheng called the waiter over. "Excuse me! Waiter!"
The waiter from the expensive restaurant walked over to the couple's table. "What can I get you two?" He jotted something down in his notepad and looked up at the man. "You're Zing Cheng!" He stuttered.
Cheng grinned, he loved the attention he received whenever he was in public.
"Oh my god!" The young waiter exclaimed. "I can't believe it's you! It's an honour!"
"Oh, you've heard of me?" Cheng loved this act.
"Heard of you!?" He was practically freaking out, actually he was freaking out. "You're Hong Kong's greatest lawyer! You've never lost a case, how can anybody NOT have heard of you? You're absolutely brilliant!"
Cheng's grin stretched a little wider. I'll have to give this one a bigger tip.
Jin-Jin Chin groaned. This always happened when she goes out with him. He got all the attention while they completely ignored her. "Ahem." She coughed. "Would you mind talking our order now?" Her voice was full of annoyance.
"Oh," The waiter smiled and turned to Cheng. "What can I get you, Mr. Cheng?"
Jin-Jin growled.
"The special for me, please." He smiled charmingly and ignored the women sitting across from him's behaviour.
"Excellent choice, sir." He was clearly sucking up.
What a pathetic little boy, Jin-Jin thought bitterly.
"And you, ma'am?" He finally turned to the brown eyed women.
"It took you long enough!" She bit out. "Just the house salad and soup." She said rudely.
He nodded and wrote it down.
"And make it fast!" Jin-Jin snapped.
The young waiter walked quickly away, ignoring her.
"If it were up to me, I'd have him fired." She was boiling with anger.
"Temper, my love." Cheng said soothingly.
"I'm calm!" She nearly shouted.
Cheng frowned. A women like her could really ruin his reputation, people were already staring... and eavesdropping. Damnit, I better do something fast. "Please tell me more of your case, Ms. Chin." I'm so good. I'll also find out more information, and I'll win this case as well.
The women frowned. "Call me Fiona." What game was he playing?
"Please continue, Ms. Chin." He replied firmly.
"Like I said, I want my daughter."
He thought back to the custody papers. He didn't recall reading as to why she wanted her daughter after neglecting her for nearly five years. "Why is it that you want your daughter, Ms. Chin?" He asked curiously, he took his job as an attorney very seriously.
She simply stared at him, a seductive smile forming on her face. "Can I trust you with a secret?" She whispered.
"Does this pertain to the case, Ma'am?" He was aware of the fact that people were still listening, not that he didn't take his cases seriously. He just usually wasn't this formal...or moral.
"It has everything to do with it, Cheng." She breathed.
This women is out to ruin me... Stupid girl. "Then tell me." He said calmly, hopefully no one would be listening.
"My daughter is special," She grinned maliciously. "I must have her."
Special? Who the hell would want a five year old brat running around the house for? "How so?"
"She can make me awfully happy, Cheng."
Cheng looked around. Some people were watching, this wasn't the time. He had a feeling that whatever she was about to tell him wasn't meant for public knowledge. "I see," He had to ask another question, and fast. "I've been meaning to talk to you about the witnesses, Ma'am."
Chin must have caught on to the fact that people all around them were eavesdropping, she smiled and nodded.
"Who do you think can help you win custody over your child?" The black haired man decided it was time to get down to business, he didn't know much about case... Which wasn't like him at all. He cursed himself for slacking.
"Call me up to the stand," Chin grinned. "Everybody knows a child needs her mother, after my testimony, they'll be sure to hand her over to me."
Cheng frowned. "Were you not out of her life for the past five years?"
"I was, but a growing girl does need a female influence."
"Is that what you plan to win by?" Cheng challenged.
"Is it not good enough?" She snapped. "You're the lawyer, you think of something!"
I'll think of something alright, but not because I want you to have custody over your child... But because I always win. I need to go over the case papers! Damn, why didn't I do this earlier? Stupid slut and her stupid daughter. He couldn't see why she wanted Mei-Fa so badly, she obviously didn't seem like motherly-type. It looks like I have my work cut out for me...
"Here you are Mr. Cheng," The waiter was back with their meals. "And for Mrs. Cheng, your salad and soup."
Chin smiled to the waiter for the first time. I'm going to be Mrs. Zing Cheng soon enough.
"She's only a client, boy." Cheng stated and turned to see the reaction on Chin's face.
"I'm terribly sorry, forgive me." He bowed and left.
Just a client? She glared at him. I will marry you, Cheng. After I get my hands on my daughter, she'll make me plenty of money. And by being your wife, I'll be famous as well.
Cheng saw the evil smile that made its way to Chin's face, he didn't like it at all. The sooner I win, the better. He couldn't wait to go home and review the case.
***
"It's nice of you to show me around town, Eriol-Kun." Tomoyo smiled cheerfully. "But you really didn't have to."
"It's my pleasure, Tomoyo." Eriol grinned and opened the car door for her.
Tomoyo thanked him and stepped out.
"This is one of my favourite places in Hong Kong." Eriol smiled.
Tomoyo's eyes widened as she looked up. "This is the biggest museum I've ever seen."
"It's even better inside," Eriol intertwined his hand with hers and pulled her along. "Let's go, shall we?"
The amethyst eyed girl giggled. "It doesn't seem like I have a choice."
"Eriol!" The man at the ticket booth said happily. "Back again?" He turned to Tomoyo. "But I see you've brought a friend." He smiled at the girl.
Tomoyo greeted him politley.
"Don't tell me you share the same interests as this lunatic here." The man laughed.
"Don't listen to him, he's not educated like we are." Eriol smiled charmingly at Tomoyo.
He's a lunatic? Tomoyo smiled. Well he's a cute lunatic though.
"Nah, I'm just kidding you," The man smiled warmly. "Eriol's just passionate about his feelings towards the world of science. He a good guy, but maybe you can turn some of that passion towards women." The man winked.
Tomoyo found herself heating up, she nodded and looked away.
"Shut up Kent!" Eriol face turned crimson.
"Fine, enjoy the displays you two!"
"Let's get out of here, Tomoyo."
"Sure, I'll follow you." She smiled.
"What do you want to see first?"
Tomoyo was curious as to why Eriol came here so much. The man had given her the impression that Eriol came here pretty often. "You pick something."
"Um," He looked around. "Okay, I'll show you my favourite booth."
They walked by some alien displays and historical ones as well.
"Well here it is..." He looked over at Tomoyo to catch her reaction. Was he crazy? What if she did think he was a lunatic and runs off?
Tomoyo's eyes lit up. "It's a fortune teller stand!"
"Yah..." He waited for her to say more.
"I remember going with Sakura to one of these at the carnival when we were seventeen!"
Uh-Oh, did she think he was childish?
"You like fortune telling?" She turned to him.
He grinned. Fortune telling, so innocent... "I've always been intrigued by parapsychology. I think it's great they have this booth here, not all museums do."
"Really? Do you study it?"
"I work with some of the professors at the local University sometimes. The rest of the time I spend working at Li's cooperation." He laughed. "You must think I'm crazy, huh?"
The violet haired girl shook her head. "I don't think you're crazy." She smiled. "Do you really believe in fortune telling?"
"Really?" Eriol looked at her, surprised. "Fortune telling is just one kind of parapsychology, but yes, I believe it really does exist somewhere out there. All cases of the extrasensory perceptions are somewhere out there." Great, now I'm probably scaring her.
Wow, he really was into all this. "I've never met anyone who studied this before." She walked towards the booth. "Let's get our fortunes told!"
Eriol grinned and followed her lead.
To be continued...
So what does Chin want Mei-Fa for? Perhaps you know where this is headed...:) If you don't, all will be revealed next chapter, I hope it's a little bit surprising. I don't know when I'll be updating again, so I won't give you guys any false hopes. I have finals this upcoming week and it would be nice to do well. =P. Thanks for reading. :) If you'd like to be notified when I update, leave your e-mail. :D And Kan-chan! I'm not in any physical pain! =O -Ash
©Shadow Productions Inc. 2002
Hmm, so I'm attempting to get this chapter up fast. After all, I owe it to you all. Don't I just have the greatest of timing? I finally upload the last chapter and ff.net decides to crash. =P Do I rock or what? Anyways, I need to thank my great reviewers once again.
pinklover- I would like to thank you for consistently reviewing this story, your input always puts a smile on my face. :) You're always the first too, it's as if you're always online at the right time. =D I'll be waiting for you to upload new chapters for your stories.
Sweet-Chocolate-Angel- I see you've found your way to my attempt of a story. Thanks for your review and keep updating your story. For anyone looking for a really well-written S+S fiction, 'Cruel Intentions' is the way to go. :)
Rhiannon Faylinn- A gift you say? Well I can't think of a better gift than that. I thank you for your ever supporting input, it truly means a lot to me. Thanks for your review. :)
Peonygt1004- I'm honoured you added this story onto your favourite's list. I appreciate the review. :D
Beth- Thanks a lot! :)
icicle- It's you again! Thanks for always reviewing, they are appreciated. ^.^ I'm glad you liked the charades. :)
carol - Thanks so much, I'm glad you enjoy this story. :)
'No name' - Actually it was a blank space, but nevertheless. Thanks for your review! :)
Tannie- Thank you for your great review. :)
RaCHeL- Sticky caps! =O Thanks, I'm glad you like it. ^.^
sweet-cookie- Update=done! =O Thanks so much. =D
ChibiSakuraSyaoran- Lol, I'm glad I could make you laugh. =D Thanks for reviewing. :)
sweetliliacblossom - A VERY energetic review! Thanks for the encouragement! =D
Beth-chan- Thank you very much. :)
kirjava-chan - Lol, I can see you are a true Syaoran fan indeed. =D Thanks for your way cool review!
Kan-chan- Lol, maybe my stories act sadistically towards me. =P Thanks for reviewing again! And I agree with you whole-heartedly, Nelvana stinks.
Blue Heaven- Thanks so much. :)
apol- Of course I loved your story! Thanks. =D
embattledcurve- Updating is one of more undeveloped talents. =P Thanks for your review once more. :)
Yuki Arashi- Really? =O *Hop* Thanks for the review again. =D
Anonymous: Thanks!
Tk- Thanks for the encouragement and the review! =D I have major issues when it comes to updating. =P
meinien- Thank you for reviewing again! :)
Sweet Madison- Thanks! Keep on smiling yourself. :)
Sailor Earth- Okay Carolyn-san! =D Thanks for reviewing again, and perhaps you'll find out more in this chapter.
Crimson Blu- Thanks for the reviews and you should be able to figure out why he's so popular in this chapter. :)
A round of applause to all of the above, I can't thank you all enough. I also can't believe I've reached my goal of one hundred reviews... I have all of you to thank for that. :) I'd name my chapters, but unfortunately I can't think of anything except a number. =P But hey, numbers rock! Er, here's Chapter Six. Enjoy.
And Thank you to those who added me to their favourite lists. It's truly an honour. :)
Trial of Fate
By Ash Night
Chapter Six
Li Syaoran's lips lifted themselves into a wolfish grin at what Sakura had said. "You mean I have you all to myself in for the rest of the day?"
The emerald eyed girl blinked, trying to process what the man sitting in front of her had said.
"Is that a yes?" Li grinned.
"Yep, but hurry up." She smiled a little. "I don't want to waste the whole day with you." Sakura teased.
Li smirked. She can sure ruin a moment. "So where exactly am I suppose to start?"
"Try the beginning." Sakura raised an eyebrow.
"Funny." Li pretended to laugh.
Sakura smiled as she looked back down at the papers she held in her hands. She decided to give him some help since he seemed as if he was having a hard time getting started. "These are child custody forms."
Li nodded, thankful that Sakura started the conversation. "I must have custody over Mei-Fa." He nearly demanded the whole request.
Sakura couldn't stop her urge to remark on his comment. "My, aren't we demanding? You're not so great in the whole manners department, huh?"
Li stopped the little smile that almost found itself to the surface of his lips. "This is my daughter, I don't trust Jin-Jin Chin. She doesn't deserve Mei-Fa after the way she's treated her." He put his hands behind his head and slid his swivel chair back. "I think I have perfectly brought up manners, it's just that I don't tend to use them when I talk to certain people."
Sakura noticed his cocky smile and gave him one of hers. "At least you're aware of how rude you can be, I wouldn't want you walking around insulting people without even realizing why people tend to avoid you."
"Avoid me?" Sakura watched Li's face light up with mock horrid. "They love me, especially the female population." He grinned that cocky smile of his again.
The auburn haired girl made a face and shook her head. "Not even in your dreams." She muttered and continued before he had a chance to retaliate. "And I'm guessing Chin is Mei-Fa's mother, correct?" Sakura already knew how much he loved his daughter.
Sakura watched as Li's deep amber eyes flashed with anger. He pounded his fist down on his desk. "Chin is anything but Mei-Fa's mother!" His voice was full of anger that easily matched the emotion in his eyes. "Ever since Mei-Fa was born, that women has done nothing to help raise her! I won't let her near my daughter!"
The auburn haired girl listened as Li expressed his anger. She had slid to the back of her chair, not expecting his sudden outburst.
Li noticed what he had caused her to do. "I'm sorry, I shouldn't carry on like this." He apologized sincerely and sat back down.
"No, it's fine." Sakura replied. She gave him a small smile.
Li was a little calmer. "Chin is Mei-Fa's mother."
"Yah, I got THAT part already." Sakura said sarcastically in a teasing manner. She watched Li grin a little. "You probably don't want to talk about this, but I need to kno-"
Li cut her off. "When I was nineteen, I thought I was in love." He shook his head in disgust. "I met Chin at a formal business party, I was such a fool..." He trailed off and looked up at Sakura who was listening intently to everything he was saying.
Sakura nodded at him, urging him to continue.
"I was a fool to believe I actually loved her. I was a fool for falling in love with somebody."
"No you're not." Sakura's spoke in a monotonous manner. She had said these words without even thinking.
Li flashed her a smirky smile. "Oh? How would you know? Have you ever been in love?"
Li's question had caught her off guard. She decided to ignore it. "So what happened after that?" Sakura asked casually.
The amber eyed man's eyes danced with amusement. Avoiding my question, aren't you? He decided to let it go, he could use this to his advantage later... "Back then, it was love at first sight. Apparently I thought she was the most beautiful women ever." Yet she looked nothing like you...
Sakura shook her head at Li's words. Typical man.
Li didn't seem to notice her action and continued. "It turned out Chin's parents wanted her to pursue a life with me so should would never have to shed a single sweat working."
Sakura could tell he was struggling with his words.
"I didn't realize that until it was too late." He paused and looked up at Sakura. "We were married a week after that..."
"A week?" This shocked Sakura, she didn't think he was the type of person who would make rash decisions like that, even though she barely knew him.
Li snorted at her reaction. "Go ahead and give me the lecture. My mother did, and you're probably dying to as well, everyone has."
Sakura smiled a little and shook her head.
Li watched her shoulder length hair swoosh back and forth as she shook her head. God, she's beautiful. Am I falling in love all over again? Don't get your hopes up, Li... She'll probably be just like the rest, like Chin.
"You mustn't know me too well if you'd think I'd do that."
"You're right, I don't know you at all." He could only stare at her and admire her beauty. But I'd like to get to know you, Sakura Kinomoto.
There was an awkward silence between the two for a few minutes as nobody spoke. Sakura was aware of how he was looking at her, she decided to step in and break the quietness.
"Um, so what happened after that?"
Not taking his eyes off of her, Li answered her question. "We got married and Mei-Fa was born a year after that. During that year, I got to know Chin for the first time. It was also when I finally realized that my marriage was a total disaster."
"You're kind of slow, aren't you?" Sakura eyed him funnily.
Li smile wryly. This was probably the only reason why he didn't want to tell Sakura about all this. He didn't want her making assumptions about him, he wasn't this stupid nineteen year old anymore. She barely knew him and he wanted to make sure he left a good impression on her. He shrugged casually. "Back then, yes. Now, I tend to be faster."
Sakura giggled. "Right, so Chin's parents weren't rich?" Sakura noticed that Li gave her a 'Are-you-stupid-or-something' look.
"It was a formal business party, of course they were rich. Actually they were filthy rich." Li smirked. "Who's slow now?"
Sakura gave him a glare. "Then why did they marry her off to you?"
Even the look of confusion on her face made her beautiful. And cute. "Well, usually if the father had a son, the inheritance would naturally go to him." Li shrugged. "That's the tradition of the Chinese."
A look of triumph plastered Sakura's face. "Oh! So you're saying Chin has an older brother."
Li laughed inside. "Great sleuthing skills, Sherlock."
"I do my best." Sakura stuck out her tongue at him.
Li raised a brow. "That's not very etiquette for a princess to do."
"Be quiet and continue." She ordered, pretending to be strict.
"Fine, order me around. I'll get you later anyways." Li looked at Sakura as he started. "So basically Chin married me for my money, we had a child together and now she wants complete custody of Mei-Fa."
"Are you two legally divorced?" Sakura rummaged through the papers but found no such papers.
"Of course, I can't stand that women. We were divorced when Mei-Fa was born."
Sakura looked up. "Then why wasn't this settled when the divorce was taking place?"
Li crossed his arms. "It was..." He looked up and smirked. "Just not legally."
"I'm not following."
He pretended to sigh deeply. "Keep up Kinomoto, will you?"
Sakura groaned. "Maybe I will if you actually decide to speak with some sense."
"Chin wanted nothing to do with Mei-Fa, therefore it wasn't necessary for any of these legalities." He stopped. "Are we understanding back there?" He pretended to speak slowly.
Sakura frowned. "Perfectly, now that you're bothering to make some sense."
Li grinned.
"You raised Mei-Fa all by yourself up until now?" Sakura would never admit it to him, but she was impressed.
Li nodded. "Just one of my many talents."
What an egomaniac... "When did Chin start this want to come back into Mei-Fa's life?"
"Nearly a year now, it started with a visit."
Sakura nodded but she didn't see why Li was so bent against keeping a child's mother away from her daughter. It didn't matter if you didn't like her, a child should have the right to be with her mother. Except my mother didn't want me... She quickly put that thought aside. "Do you agree that a child's right comes before the parent's?"
"Absolutely, but what are you getting at?"
She couldn't believe Li wouldn't let Mei-Fa see her mother just because he hated her, there had to be another reason. And I bet it has to do with why Mei-Fa pleaded with me not to let her see Chin again.
The amber eyed man watched the emerald eyed beauty deep in her thoughts.
"What did Chin do to Mei-Fa that's making you keep her mother away from her?" Sakura stopped and searched for the right words. "I know it's more than Chin not wanting anything to do with her daughter for the first three/four years and the fact that you dislike her so much."
"Why do you assume there's another reason?" He was clearly amused.
"Because..." Sakura smiled. "Just tell me."
Li smiled inside to himself. You really are something else, Princess. "This is the worst part... Chin is an alcoholi-"
"What!?" Sakura cut in, a look of horror on her face. "Don't tell me she drank when Mei-Fa was developing."
Li nodded angrily. "She was hooked on some drugs too, during her labour period."
"Didn't you talk to her or anything?"
"Of course I talked to her! Did you actually think she'd listen to me? Our relationship together was probably long gone by then. She even fed me this shit claiming it was her body and she could do whatever she wanted with it."
Sakura spoke quietly. "Is Mei-Fa okay?"
Li could see the concern in her beautiful eyes. He smiled. "I don't understand this myself but the doctors told me Mei-Fa was a hundred percent healthy."
Sakura smiled brightly. "That's absolutely wonderful!"
Li couldn't believe this girl. Did she care about Mei-Fa? She barely knows her, yet she cares so much. He decided he wanted to get to know Sakura better, there was so much he wanted to know about her. "I don't think we were ever introduced to each other properly." He grinned.
Sakura thought for a moment. "Now that you mention it, I don't think we were either." The same smile appeared on her face again. "I'm Sakura Kinomoto, your lawyer."
Sakura Kinomoto, MY lawyer. That sounds strangely perfect... "And I'm Li Syaoran, your client." He flashed her a melting smile.
Sakura felt her heart flutter, something she had never felt before. "Great to meet you, Li." But there was something else on her mind. Why was Chin so determined to get her hands on Mei-Fa?
***
"I just can't stand this place." The black haired women whined.
"Patience, sweetheart." Zing Cheng called the waiter over. "Excuse me! Waiter!"
The waiter from the expensive restaurant walked over to the couple's table. "What can I get you two?" He jotted something down in his notepad and looked up at the man. "You're Zing Cheng!" He stuttered.
Cheng grinned, he loved the attention he received whenever he was in public.
"Oh my god!" The young waiter exclaimed. "I can't believe it's you! It's an honour!"
"Oh, you've heard of me?" Cheng loved this act.
"Heard of you!?" He was practically freaking out, actually he was freaking out. "You're Hong Kong's greatest lawyer! You've never lost a case, how can anybody NOT have heard of you? You're absolutely brilliant!"
Cheng's grin stretched a little wider. I'll have to give this one a bigger tip.
Jin-Jin Chin groaned. This always happened when she goes out with him. He got all the attention while they completely ignored her. "Ahem." She coughed. "Would you mind talking our order now?" Her voice was full of annoyance.
"Oh," The waiter smiled and turned to Cheng. "What can I get you, Mr. Cheng?"
Jin-Jin growled.
"The special for me, please." He smiled charmingly and ignored the women sitting across from him's behaviour.
"Excellent choice, sir." He was clearly sucking up.
What a pathetic little boy, Jin-Jin thought bitterly.
"And you, ma'am?" He finally turned to the brown eyed women.
"It took you long enough!" She bit out. "Just the house salad and soup." She said rudely.
He nodded and wrote it down.
"And make it fast!" Jin-Jin snapped.
The young waiter walked quickly away, ignoring her.
"If it were up to me, I'd have him fired." She was boiling with anger.
"Temper, my love." Cheng said soothingly.
"I'm calm!" She nearly shouted.
Cheng frowned. A women like her could really ruin his reputation, people were already staring... and eavesdropping. Damnit, I better do something fast. "Please tell me more of your case, Ms. Chin." I'm so good. I'll also find out more information, and I'll win this case as well.
The women frowned. "Call me Fiona." What game was he playing?
"Please continue, Ms. Chin." He replied firmly.
"Like I said, I want my daughter."
He thought back to the custody papers. He didn't recall reading as to why she wanted her daughter after neglecting her for nearly five years. "Why is it that you want your daughter, Ms. Chin?" He asked curiously, he took his job as an attorney very seriously.
She simply stared at him, a seductive smile forming on her face. "Can I trust you with a secret?" She whispered.
"Does this pertain to the case, Ma'am?" He was aware of the fact that people were still listening, not that he didn't take his cases seriously. He just usually wasn't this formal...or moral.
"It has everything to do with it, Cheng." She breathed.
This women is out to ruin me... Stupid girl. "Then tell me." He said calmly, hopefully no one would be listening.
"My daughter is special," She grinned maliciously. "I must have her."
Special? Who the hell would want a five year old brat running around the house for? "How so?"
"She can make me awfully happy, Cheng."
Cheng looked around. Some people were watching, this wasn't the time. He had a feeling that whatever she was about to tell him wasn't meant for public knowledge. "I see," He had to ask another question, and fast. "I've been meaning to talk to you about the witnesses, Ma'am."
Chin must have caught on to the fact that people all around them were eavesdropping, she smiled and nodded.
"Who do you think can help you win custody over your child?" The black haired man decided it was time to get down to business, he didn't know much about case... Which wasn't like him at all. He cursed himself for slacking.
"Call me up to the stand," Chin grinned. "Everybody knows a child needs her mother, after my testimony, they'll be sure to hand her over to me."
Cheng frowned. "Were you not out of her life for the past five years?"
"I was, but a growing girl does need a female influence."
"Is that what you plan to win by?" Cheng challenged.
"Is it not good enough?" She snapped. "You're the lawyer, you think of something!"
I'll think of something alright, but not because I want you to have custody over your child... But because I always win. I need to go over the case papers! Damn, why didn't I do this earlier? Stupid slut and her stupid daughter. He couldn't see why she wanted Mei-Fa so badly, she obviously didn't seem like motherly-type. It looks like I have my work cut out for me...
"Here you are Mr. Cheng," The waiter was back with their meals. "And for Mrs. Cheng, your salad and soup."
Chin smiled to the waiter for the first time. I'm going to be Mrs. Zing Cheng soon enough.
"She's only a client, boy." Cheng stated and turned to see the reaction on Chin's face.
"I'm terribly sorry, forgive me." He bowed and left.
Just a client? She glared at him. I will marry you, Cheng. After I get my hands on my daughter, she'll make me plenty of money. And by being your wife, I'll be famous as well.
Cheng saw the evil smile that made its way to Chin's face, he didn't like it at all. The sooner I win, the better. He couldn't wait to go home and review the case.
***
"It's nice of you to show me around town, Eriol-Kun." Tomoyo smiled cheerfully. "But you really didn't have to."
"It's my pleasure, Tomoyo." Eriol grinned and opened the car door for her.
Tomoyo thanked him and stepped out.
"This is one of my favourite places in Hong Kong." Eriol smiled.
Tomoyo's eyes widened as she looked up. "This is the biggest museum I've ever seen."
"It's even better inside," Eriol intertwined his hand with hers and pulled her along. "Let's go, shall we?"
The amethyst eyed girl giggled. "It doesn't seem like I have a choice."
"Eriol!" The man at the ticket booth said happily. "Back again?" He turned to Tomoyo. "But I see you've brought a friend." He smiled at the girl.
Tomoyo greeted him politley.
"Don't tell me you share the same interests as this lunatic here." The man laughed.
"Don't listen to him, he's not educated like we are." Eriol smiled charmingly at Tomoyo.
He's a lunatic? Tomoyo smiled. Well he's a cute lunatic though.
"Nah, I'm just kidding you," The man smiled warmly. "Eriol's just passionate about his feelings towards the world of science. He a good guy, but maybe you can turn some of that passion towards women." The man winked.
Tomoyo found herself heating up, she nodded and looked away.
"Shut up Kent!" Eriol face turned crimson.
"Fine, enjoy the displays you two!"
"Let's get out of here, Tomoyo."
"Sure, I'll follow you." She smiled.
"What do you want to see first?"
Tomoyo was curious as to why Eriol came here so much. The man had given her the impression that Eriol came here pretty often. "You pick something."
"Um," He looked around. "Okay, I'll show you my favourite booth."
They walked by some alien displays and historical ones as well.
"Well here it is..." He looked over at Tomoyo to catch her reaction. Was he crazy? What if she did think he was a lunatic and runs off?
Tomoyo's eyes lit up. "It's a fortune teller stand!"
"Yah..." He waited for her to say more.
"I remember going with Sakura to one of these at the carnival when we were seventeen!"
Uh-Oh, did she think he was childish?
"You like fortune telling?" She turned to him.
He grinned. Fortune telling, so innocent... "I've always been intrigued by parapsychology. I think it's great they have this booth here, not all museums do."
"Really? Do you study it?"
"I work with some of the professors at the local University sometimes. The rest of the time I spend working at Li's cooperation." He laughed. "You must think I'm crazy, huh?"
The violet haired girl shook her head. "I don't think you're crazy." She smiled. "Do you really believe in fortune telling?"
"Really?" Eriol looked at her, surprised. "Fortune telling is just one kind of parapsychology, but yes, I believe it really does exist somewhere out there. All cases of the extrasensory perceptions are somewhere out there." Great, now I'm probably scaring her.
Wow, he really was into all this. "I've never met anyone who studied this before." She walked towards the booth. "Let's get our fortunes told!"
Eriol grinned and followed her lead.
To be continued...
So what does Chin want Mei-Fa for? Perhaps you know where this is headed...:) If you don't, all will be revealed next chapter, I hope it's a little bit surprising. I don't know when I'll be updating again, so I won't give you guys any false hopes. I have finals this upcoming week and it would be nice to do well. =P. Thanks for reading. :) If you'd like to be notified when I update, leave your e-mail. :D And Kan-chan! I'm not in any physical pain! =O -Ash
©Shadow Productions Inc. 2002