An: Wow!! Thank you so much for all of you who reviewed the previous chapters! I really appreciate your support!! I hope you'll like this chapter because there will be a SS moment!!! Hehehehe… Well, please enjoy and submit your reviews!!! Ja!
And i would like to say big thanks to Raven213 who had been very nice to edit my grammar and spelling mistakes!
Game of Disguise chapter 3 The sweet temptation : : : : Li Residence : : Sakura was washing the dishes when Tomoyo walked into the kitchen. At first Sakura didn't realize Tomoyo was there when suddenly she heard someone humming happily. Sakura turned off the tap and dried her hands. 'Something has happened to Tomoyo.' She thought.
"Tomoyo?" Sakura called Tomoyo but it seemed that she was in outer space. Her eyes were sparkling and dreamy. Her cheeks were as red as an apple. 'Something has really happened.' Sakura mumbled. Sakura then walked towards Tomoyo who was sitting at the kitchen table still humming happily. She waved her hand in front of Tomoyo's eyes to make sure she's really there. "Hey, Tomoyo!"
"Ouw… Hey Sakura! What's up?" She said cheerfully.
"What's up with YOU? Not me. Did you come from the market?" Sakura looked inside the basket Tomoyo had brought.
"Yes…" Tomoyo sighed and then giggled.
"My, my. Look who's becoming the dreamy queen now? What happened in the market? Hmm… I smell love in the air." Sakura teased her as she pretended to sniff.
Tomoyo slapped Sakura's arm playfully. "What are you thinking? Silly." But then, she continued humming and sighing.
Sakura was just about to say something when suddenly Shiao Chin came in with Mei Lin. "Where have you been you stupid girls?" Shiao Chin snapped at both Sakura and Tomoyo.
Sakura stepped backwards and Tomoyo got down from the table. Tomoyo held Sakura's arm tightly. Being scolded was the thing that scared her the most.
"Whom are you asking?" Sakura asked with confidence. Maybe her aunt was right; learning in a personality course gave her more confidence.
"Both of you, you idiots!" Shiao Chin replied. Her voice was still as loud as before.
"For your information my work hours have been shortened by master Li. So, I worked from 10 am to 3 pm. And as for Tomoyo, she was shopping at the market." Sakura answered. Her jaw tightened in anger.
Mei Lin glared at her with hatred. She hated this girl from the day she met her in Syaoran's room. Not just because she thought she was too flirty for a maid but also had a sharp mouth. She never likes people who snap back at her.
"You idiot girl! Do you know-" Shiao Chin's words were cut off by Mei Lin.
"Thank you Shiao Chin. I think I'm the one who has to handle this." Mei Lin smiled evilly. Shiao Chin smiled and stepped backwards.
"Well, what's your name again? Tomo something? Whatever, just listen to me, your IDIOT brain caused damage to Syao-chan's mood today! How could you go shopping from 6 in the morning until now? Do you EVER think about OUR breakfast? I was freaking out looking for any food for Syao-chan's breakfast! And guess what? YOUR boss left without having any breakfast, and just so you know, he was very pissed. If I were he, I'd have fired you right NOW!"
Tomoyo looked down to the floor. Tears were welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry miss… I lost track of time…" She gripped Sakura's arm tighter. Sakura winced a little.
"What? You lost track of time? You are a total IDIOT! Look at your wrist, dumbass!" Mei Lin pointed at Tomoyo's watch. "Tell me, you can't read numbers or are you blind?" She asked sarcastically. Sakura had had enough. That bitch couldn't just insult her best friend anymore.
"No YOU tell me, are you insulting her because you couldn't find any food for Syaoran or because you couldn't impress him with serving his breakfast?" Sakura observed Mei Lin's eyes intently. She could feel anger rise inside her.
"How dare you say that you idiot!" Shiao Chin stepped forward and pierced her eyes at Sakura. Mei Lin held her out. She wanted to know what this bitch really wanted.
"Let her talk Shiao Chin. What can a poor girl say to humiliate me?" Mei Lin smiled evilly and glared back at Sakura.
"Well let's see, I can say that you're just a stupid gold digger who wanted Syaoran for his money. Or worse, you're a stupid prostitute who wanted Syaoran for his body. Or maybe you're just a wannabe who wanted Syaoran so you could become popular. Whoever you really are, you can't impress him only by your stupid spoil ness, or your body, or your sex appeal, or whatever of those girly things! Cause you know what? It won't last that long!" Sakura almost shouted but she held herself back. God, how she really wanted to say that from the day Mei Lin arrived.
Mei Lin stepped towards Sakura and slapped her as hard as she could. "You fucking maid! How dare YOU say that?! I'm WARNING you, DON'T ever try to say anything like that again or I SWEAR I'll sell you to the street!" Mei Lin's eyes were full of fire and anger. Never in her life had somebody said those kind of things to her. People always admired her. Wanted to become her friends, why would she become her enemy? She then marched out of the room.
Sakura touched her cheek. Though she really wanted to slap that idiot in return she still couldn't do it, because if she did, she'd be fired and it would ruin the plan. Her left cheek was still burning from the slap but she had control her anger. She felt Tomoyo's hand still on her arm. She squeezed it in assurance. "It's okay Tomoyo, don't let her ruin your day, okay?"
Tears were streaming down Tomoyo's angelic face. "I'm sorry Sakura-chan… it was all my fault… you wouldn't be slapped if I wasn't blown away by him…" She said between sobbing.
"No, no, it's okay… I'm okay, see?" Sakura lifted Tomoyo's chin and smiled. "So tell me about that guy!" Sakura asked with cheerful tone making Tomoyo stroke her tears away. She smiled weakly. "Well, I met him at the market."
"That's obvious." Sakura replied. Tomoyo's cheeks blushed deep red.
"His name is Eriol, Eriol Hiiragizawa. He had this midnight blue hair, with soft eyes under his glasses… he's so cute!" Tomoyo said excitedly. Sakura on the other hand didn't feel the same way. She knew this Eriol guy Tomoyo met. He must be the one Ashley had mentioned before. How many people in Japan had that same name? And after all, Tomoyo described his figure exact the same like Ashley had said, midnight blue hair with glasses.
"Tomoyo, what did he do to you? Did he touch you or do anything immoral? Like kissing you in force or something?" Sakura asked Tomoyo with serious tone as she eyed her intently.
Tomoyo felt very strange. "Sakura, what's wrong with you? Of course he didn't do anything. I'd have freaked out if he did."
Sakura let out a long breath. "Thank God! Tomoyo, stay away from him, he's not like what you think he is." Sakura warned her.
"Why? He seems like a very nice guy, really. Sakura-chan, I know how to recognize good people from bad ones; I'm twenty just like you. But thanks anyway." Tomoyo smiled reassuringly. She had been friends with Sakura for so long that they actually saw each other as sisters. So if Sakura worried about her, it wasn't unusual.
"No, no! Listen to me Tomoyo, he's bad, really bad. If you don't want your heart to be broken, you must stay away from him, okay?"
Now Tomoyo became suspicious. The Sakura she knew never judged someone in the first meeting. She always had been very kind and generous. So now why was she so sure that Eriol was a bad guy?
"Tell me the reason why you think he's bad? Sakura-chan, you've never met him, have you?" Tomoyo amethyst eyes looked at Sakura's deeply.
"No, no of course I haven't met him, but you know, rumours spread."
"Since when did you listen to rumours?" Tomoyo's eyes still didn't leave Sakura's.
"Well, since it's connected to you." Sakura said, still with unsure voice. She tried her best to broke Tomoyo's eye contact.
"Okay then, I'll just find out myself whether he's good or bad." Then, Tomoyo left the kitchen. Sakura still stood there with a blank face. 'Since when had Tomoyo become that strong?' : : : Ashley's HUGE mansion… : : "Are you ready?" Ashley asked the girl who was watching herself in front of the mirror. Her honey brown hair fell gracefully under her shoulder. The hair stylists already made it a little curly at the end. Her beautiful emerald poles were now covered with dark blue soft lenses matching with her amazing baby blue dress that was backless so it showed her smooth back. Her angelic face now covered with makeup. Soft blue eyeshades, pale pink blush on, and her cute lips were glossy pink.
Sakura looked at herself again in the mirror. She now understood that makeup could change someone so much. And she was one of them. People wouldn't recognize it was her, Sakura Kinomoto. "Yes aunt Ashley, I'm ready to become Ying Fa."
The two of them then left the room. They were heading to Yamazaki Takashi's party. He was one of Japan's richest businessmen even though he was only 24 years old. And everybody knew that Syaoran Li, was one of his best friends. Soon, they arrived at his mansion. Though it was not as big as Syaoran's but still capable for a huge party with hundreds of people. Ashley got out from the limo first followed by Sakura. The two of them walked through the front door and saw the owner of the house, Yamazaki Takashi.
"Good evening Mr. Yamazaki." Ashley called the man who was busy talking to his colleagues.
The man then turned around and smiled kindly. "Good evening too, miss…"
"Zhang, Ashley Zhang."
"Pardon me, Miss Zhang. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. Too many colleagues is not good I suppose." Yamazaki laughed jokingly. Ashley smiled in return. "It's okay Mr. Yamazaki, it's understandable for a busy person like you. Well, I'd like to introduce my niece if you do not mind."
Yamazaki then looked at the young woman who was standing besides Ashley. Her beauty caught his breath. He never had seen her before, with beauty like that she must be an actress or a model. "Who would mind being introduced to such a beautiful lady? It's a pity I already have a fiancé." He laughed again. But he didn't realize that his actual fiancé was standing behind him.
"I never knew that you regret having me." Chiharu said in disbelief.
Yamazaki turned his head and saw his fiancé. Her face was very pissed. "My. My, I'm sorry dear. I was just kidding. Of course I'm proud to have you, I'm happy." He assured her by kissing her cheek. Chiharu's cheeks went red.
"Well Miss Zhang, this is Chiharu, my fiancé." Chiharu smiled and shook Ashley's hand.
"So, Mr. Yamazaki, Miss Chiharu, I'd like you to meet my niece, Ying Fa." Sakura smiled and shook their hands. She prayed that they didn't feel the coldness of her hands. She had been very nervous since she left the house.
"Nice to meet you, Ying Fa. You're so beautiful, how come I've never seen you before?" Chiharu asked nicely while handing a glass of champagne to Sakura.
"Well, I was studying in France. I just came back to Japan last week." Sakura said before sipping her champagne. Never in her life had she drank such a delicious drink.
"I see, France, that's great. I was in Germany." Chiharu replied. "Why don't we go to my friends, maybe you want to add some friends in your social life?"
Sakura turned her head to Ashley and saw her nod. She then shook her head and followed Chiharu. 'God, what should I do? What if I can't answer their questions?' Soon she saw Chiharu talking to two women. They both looked beautiful and astonishing with their dresses. Then, both of them looked at Sakura with curiosity. "Ladies, let me introduce you to Ying Fa, she's one of my fiancé's colleagues niece. She just got back from France." Chiharu said to her friends. Sakura gave them a polite smile and bowed.
"Hello Ying Fa, my name is Rika and this is Naoko." Rika said excitedly. "It's really nice to see you." Naoko added.
"Nice to see you too." Sakura replied. She was relieved that they were not like she had thought they would be.
"So tell me Ying Fa. What were you doing in France?" Naoko asked as the four of them walked towards the dance floor. Sakura answered most of their questions easily. She thanked God they asked her some things she had predicted. A few minutes later, they arrived at the dance floor. Chiharu then was asked by her own fiancé to dance. Rika and Naoko giggled excitedly looking at their friend. "Hey Ying Fa, do you know a guy here? I mean we already have our partners but if you don't have one yet we're not going to dance. We don't want to leave you dazed alone here." Rika said with sympathy.
"It's okay, I'll just wait for you here. Maybe I'll get some drinks or something." Sakura replied. It's very nice to know that they were really thinking about her. : : : Syaoran : : 'God, this party stinks! I should complain to Takashi later.' Syaoran thought to himself. Mei Lin on the other hand was still clinging to his left hand. 'Plus with this annoying girl on my left hand, I'd give up everything just to get rid of her here and now.' Although he must admit that Mei Lin was one of the hottest girls he ever met, she was very annoying. It seemed that she always wanted to get his attention and that made him really bored. Unfortunately his uncle had not let him push her away.
"Syao-chan, why don't we go dance?" Mei Lin said, her eyes fixed at the dance floor beneath her.
"No, you go, I don't feel like it." Syaoran replied coolly.
"Why? You always love to dance! Come on Syao-chan! How could you leave me dancing on my own?" Mei Lin begged as if she was a little girl. She didn't have any idea that it was only adding to Syaoran's sour mood.
"I said no, ok?" Syaoran glared at her. Mei Lin must admit that she didn't like it when Syaoran gave her those looks. So she only nodded.
A few minutes later a guy came over and asked Mei Lin to dance. Mei Lin asked Syaoran for permission even though she was rather hesitant. Syaoran on the other hand was very relieved. He felt like he wanted to thank that guy. Soon as Mei Lin went to the dance floor, he went for some drinks.
He asked the bartender for some vodka when suddenly a figure caught his breath. She walked pretentiously towards the bar. Her dark blue eyes seemed to be glowing. Her honey brown hair fell perfectly under her shoulder. Her rather petite figure seemed to fit her baby blue dress so well. He swore he never saw such a beauty before.
"Excuse me, do you have any non alcoholic drinks?" She asked the bartender as her body stood against the counter next to Syaoran's.
"Yes miss, do you want juices or sodas?"
"One orange juice please." She answered. Her eyes travelled around the room when suddenly she was struck by intense amber eyes next to her. She knew right away whose eyes were those. She could feel chills running down her spine. Syaoran gave her a charming smile. Her cheeks went red. 'God, I must control myself. Come on Sakura, be charming!' She scolded herself as she returned his smile.
"Good evening, miss. May I have the opportunity to know your name?" Syaoran asked as he took Sakura's hand and kissed it.
Sakura blushed even deeper. "Why not, kind sir. My name is Ying Fa, Zhang Ying Fa. And you are?" Sakura took away her hand immediately.
"I'm Li Syaoran. It's a pleasure to meet you miss Zhang." Syaoran eyes still didn't leave hers.
"Pleasure's all mine Mr. Li." Sakura answered as she broke eye contact and sipped her orange juice.
"So miss Zhang, I suppose I've never seen you before, are you new here?"
"I was studying in France for the past three years. My my Mr. Li, you're a very outgoing person aren't you?" Sakura smiled elegantly.
Syaoran chuckled lightly. "I suppose I am miss Zhang. We need some social life don't we? May I know what you were studying there?"
"Well, I was studying French literature. Are you a student too Mr. Li?"
Syaoran shrugged. "Yeah kind of." He never thought his study as a pleasant topic in any conversation, especially with such a beautiful lady. It was because he hadn't graduated from his college. Not because he's dumb or something, but he knew as soon as he finished his study his mother would call him back to Hong Kong to rule his company. He didn't want to, he always wanted to live his life without anyone's order.
"I suppose you don't like to talk about your study Mr. Li. Well, please excuse me, I don't want my aunt to be worried. It's really nice to see you Mr. Li." Sakura extended her hand for a shake but Syaoran took her hand for a different reason.
"Wait miss Zhang. May I have another opportunity for a dance? Just one dance?" Syaoran gave her a begging look she knew she couldn't resist. She nodded her head. Then Syaoran led her to the dance floor. Many young ladies and men looked at them with dreamy look and curiosity. They thought what a cute couple they were.
Sakura realized that many people watched them. She could feel some jealous looks from the ladies. Somehow she felt very proud inside and of course, happy. As soon as they arrived at the dance floor, Syaoran took her hands and put them on his shoulder. He then put his hands on her waist. Josh Groban's song 'Mi Mancherai' was heard around the room. Sakura could feel her heart beat twice as fast as usual. She had been dreaming for this moment from the day she fell in love with him. She then realized that his eyes were observing her face intently. She knew she couldn't look into his eyes or she would lose her mind.
"What are you looking at Mr. Li, is there something on my face?" Sakura asked him but her eyes stayed fixed on his chest.
"I'm sorry miss Zhang. I just think that you're very beautiful." Syaoran answered honestly. Sakura couldn't help herself not to blush. 'If only you know who I am, would you say those words?' She thought to herself. Sadness rose inside her body.
The song suddenly ended. Sakura drew her hands and stepped backwards. "Thank you for the dance Mr. Li. I have to go now, it's very nice to see you." Just as soon as Sakura turned to another direction, Syaoran caught her hand.
"Please miss Zhang, when can I see you again?"
Sakura looked at his amber poles. She could see necessity in it. "Well, if you're an outgoing person like you said, you'll see me in no time Mr. Li." Sakura drew her hand and walked away.
'Who the hell is that girl?!' Syaoran murmured. He never felt that kind of attraction before. And somehow, her face was very familiar... : : : Eriol : : : He was sipping his champagne when somebody poked his shoulder. He already knew who the person was.
"What's up uncle Ryu?" He asked without even looking at the person he spoke to. His eyes travelled around the room.
"Hey nephew, what's up with the bad mood? Look at all the pretty girls here. If I were your age, I would have taken one and bring her to bed. Wow! Look at her ass!" Ryu Hiiragizawa answered as his eyes observed a girl's body intently.
Eriol took another sip. "Remember your age uncle."
Ryu turned his head and looked at Eriol with disbelief. "God, what's wrong with you? Are you sick or something?"
"Nope, I've never been better." Eriol's eyes were still travelling around the room. He wished he could meet Tomoyo here. He knew the changes were small, but he still hoped for the best.
"Great! Cause I have good news. Listen, that Li bastard already got Mei Lin, right? I heard he asked her to stay with him so he must be head over heels with her. So, he won't bother us anymore. And as for now my nephew, there's a girl in this room whom people was talking about. I heard her name was Ying Fa, people said she was very pretty and elegant. She just got back from France. That's a great catch man!" Ryu said with excitement. But Eriol didn't seem to be interested. His eyes still travelled around the room.
"I'll pass uncle. Don't feel like chasing girls now." Eriol answered.
Ryu was very surprised. The Eriol he knew was always loved to chase girls. But now, he didn't even seem to be interested. "Hey, are you still pissed with that Mei Lin incident? It's okay Eriol, there are still plenty of hot girls to be chased. And Ying Fa is one of them."
Eriol then turned his attention to his uncle. "I know, I just don't feel like chasing girls anymore. See, I met this fabulous girl, and I think… I think… well, I don't know what to say but she made me anxious. She made me feel like I want to know her better, and made me forget that there are other girls in this world."
"What?! Are you crazy? You can't do that Eriol! It will ruin our reputation." Ryu then realized that people around them were now looking at them. He then lowered his voice. "We are players. And players never fall for one girl." He glared deadly at Eriol.
Eriol furrowed his eyebrows. "I never said that I fell for her."
Ryu poked Eriol's head. "You dumbass. It's obvious by the way you talked about her. Listen Eriol, whoever this girl was, do not falling in love with her. It's your business to take her to your bed or not but never involve any feelings, okay?"
"Why? It's my business whether to fall in love or not." Eriol looked at his uncle intently. He always obeys his uncle but now, he wanted his life.
"Because it will ruin our reputation. Listen, you have decided to be a player, and it's something you have to go through all your life." Ryu tried hard not to shout at his stupid nephew. He had trusted him to follow his path. But now, he decided to quit only because of one girl.
"Dammit! Can't I just have my normal life back? I'm tired of this uncle!" Eriol clenched his fist.
"Okay, let's make a deal. I'll allow you to quit if this girl is rich, popular, beautiful and so on. If I think this girl is a proper girl for you, I'll allow you to be with her. So, tell me who is she? A supermodel? An actress? Or a daughter of a popular family?"
Eriol frowned. He knew Tomoyo wasn't a supermodel or an actress, and he never heard about Daidouji family before. But he knew, whoever she was, she made him breathless. "I'm out of here." Then, Eriol left Ryu who cursed under his breath. : : : Sakura : : "So you've met him?" Ashley asked inside the limo. They were in their way home from the party.
"Yes."
"Both of them?" Ashley asked again feeling unsatisfied with her answer.
"No, only Syaoran." Sakura's eyes fixed on the lights along the road.
Ashley looked at her. She knew perfectly that it was hard for her to be cold to him. But it was her decision. She had agreed to join in the plan.
"And what did he say?"
Sakura's eyes still looked out of the car's window. "Not much. We danced."
Ashley was very startled. She never thought that they would act so soon. "You were dancing with him? You didn't say anything-stupid right? You didn't lose your mind right?"
Sakura turned her head and looked deeply into Ashley's lavender eyes. "You didn't trust me, did you? I know I love him but I had promised you, so please don't ever think that way again."
"I'm sorry Sakura, of course I believe you. Well, tell me what he said about you." Ashley was rather surprised hearing Sakura's words. She couldn't believe that her words would have hurt her that way.
Sakura turned her attention outside the road once again. "All the things I have always wanted to hear."
Ashley patted her shoulder. "Well, at least our first move has succeeded. You mesmerized him, right? Unfortunately you haven't met Eriol, but with your appearance in the high class socialization tonight, sooner or later he will come to you."
Sakura only nodded. She was busy thinking that she was becoming a Cinderella that night. And just like in the story, she had to go home with the fairy Godmother. She smiled a little, now she knew how Cinderella really felt when she had to leave the party. But in her story, she couldn't fall in love with the prince; she had to seduce the prince but not to fall in love. How she wished she were Cinderella that night. So that she could love the prince just like she wanted.
To be continued
AN: Well, another chapter!!! I'm glad I could finish it with all the pressure on my shoulder… Well, I hope you all liked it! Please submit your reviews so that I'll know what all of you think about this story. Comments and criticism are welcome!! Have a good day everyone!!!
PS: Hey all! I just want to inform you that there are two great stories I'm reading and I want to promote to all of you. First one is called The Deadly Duet by Amano-Hikari LJ (PG13, SS, Action/Adventure/Romance). This story has great action for those action fans! And the second one is called Midlife Collision by Okabe-Angel (PG13, SS, Action/Adventure/Romance). This one is also packed with action! So if you want another genre of CSS story, I really recommend these. Garnette Lovegood
Game of Disguise chapter 3 The sweet temptation : : : : Li Residence : : Sakura was washing the dishes when Tomoyo walked into the kitchen. At first Sakura didn't realize Tomoyo was there when suddenly she heard someone humming happily. Sakura turned off the tap and dried her hands. 'Something has happened to Tomoyo.' She thought.
"Tomoyo?" Sakura called Tomoyo but it seemed that she was in outer space. Her eyes were sparkling and dreamy. Her cheeks were as red as an apple. 'Something has really happened.' Sakura mumbled. Sakura then walked towards Tomoyo who was sitting at the kitchen table still humming happily. She waved her hand in front of Tomoyo's eyes to make sure she's really there. "Hey, Tomoyo!"
"Ouw… Hey Sakura! What's up?" She said cheerfully.
"What's up with YOU? Not me. Did you come from the market?" Sakura looked inside the basket Tomoyo had brought.
"Yes…" Tomoyo sighed and then giggled.
"My, my. Look who's becoming the dreamy queen now? What happened in the market? Hmm… I smell love in the air." Sakura teased her as she pretended to sniff.
Tomoyo slapped Sakura's arm playfully. "What are you thinking? Silly." But then, she continued humming and sighing.
Sakura was just about to say something when suddenly Shiao Chin came in with Mei Lin. "Where have you been you stupid girls?" Shiao Chin snapped at both Sakura and Tomoyo.
Sakura stepped backwards and Tomoyo got down from the table. Tomoyo held Sakura's arm tightly. Being scolded was the thing that scared her the most.
"Whom are you asking?" Sakura asked with confidence. Maybe her aunt was right; learning in a personality course gave her more confidence.
"Both of you, you idiots!" Shiao Chin replied. Her voice was still as loud as before.
"For your information my work hours have been shortened by master Li. So, I worked from 10 am to 3 pm. And as for Tomoyo, she was shopping at the market." Sakura answered. Her jaw tightened in anger.
Mei Lin glared at her with hatred. She hated this girl from the day she met her in Syaoran's room. Not just because she thought she was too flirty for a maid but also had a sharp mouth. She never likes people who snap back at her.
"You idiot girl! Do you know-" Shiao Chin's words were cut off by Mei Lin.
"Thank you Shiao Chin. I think I'm the one who has to handle this." Mei Lin smiled evilly. Shiao Chin smiled and stepped backwards.
"Well, what's your name again? Tomo something? Whatever, just listen to me, your IDIOT brain caused damage to Syao-chan's mood today! How could you go shopping from 6 in the morning until now? Do you EVER think about OUR breakfast? I was freaking out looking for any food for Syao-chan's breakfast! And guess what? YOUR boss left without having any breakfast, and just so you know, he was very pissed. If I were he, I'd have fired you right NOW!"
Tomoyo looked down to the floor. Tears were welling in her eyes. "I'm sorry miss… I lost track of time…" She gripped Sakura's arm tighter. Sakura winced a little.
"What? You lost track of time? You are a total IDIOT! Look at your wrist, dumbass!" Mei Lin pointed at Tomoyo's watch. "Tell me, you can't read numbers or are you blind?" She asked sarcastically. Sakura had had enough. That bitch couldn't just insult her best friend anymore.
"No YOU tell me, are you insulting her because you couldn't find any food for Syaoran or because you couldn't impress him with serving his breakfast?" Sakura observed Mei Lin's eyes intently. She could feel anger rise inside her.
"How dare you say that you idiot!" Shiao Chin stepped forward and pierced her eyes at Sakura. Mei Lin held her out. She wanted to know what this bitch really wanted.
"Let her talk Shiao Chin. What can a poor girl say to humiliate me?" Mei Lin smiled evilly and glared back at Sakura.
"Well let's see, I can say that you're just a stupid gold digger who wanted Syaoran for his money. Or worse, you're a stupid prostitute who wanted Syaoran for his body. Or maybe you're just a wannabe who wanted Syaoran so you could become popular. Whoever you really are, you can't impress him only by your stupid spoil ness, or your body, or your sex appeal, or whatever of those girly things! Cause you know what? It won't last that long!" Sakura almost shouted but she held herself back. God, how she really wanted to say that from the day Mei Lin arrived.
Mei Lin stepped towards Sakura and slapped her as hard as she could. "You fucking maid! How dare YOU say that?! I'm WARNING you, DON'T ever try to say anything like that again or I SWEAR I'll sell you to the street!" Mei Lin's eyes were full of fire and anger. Never in her life had somebody said those kind of things to her. People always admired her. Wanted to become her friends, why would she become her enemy? She then marched out of the room.
Sakura touched her cheek. Though she really wanted to slap that idiot in return she still couldn't do it, because if she did, she'd be fired and it would ruin the plan. Her left cheek was still burning from the slap but she had control her anger. She felt Tomoyo's hand still on her arm. She squeezed it in assurance. "It's okay Tomoyo, don't let her ruin your day, okay?"
Tears were streaming down Tomoyo's angelic face. "I'm sorry Sakura-chan… it was all my fault… you wouldn't be slapped if I wasn't blown away by him…" She said between sobbing.
"No, no, it's okay… I'm okay, see?" Sakura lifted Tomoyo's chin and smiled. "So tell me about that guy!" Sakura asked with cheerful tone making Tomoyo stroke her tears away. She smiled weakly. "Well, I met him at the market."
"That's obvious." Sakura replied. Tomoyo's cheeks blushed deep red.
"His name is Eriol, Eriol Hiiragizawa. He had this midnight blue hair, with soft eyes under his glasses… he's so cute!" Tomoyo said excitedly. Sakura on the other hand didn't feel the same way. She knew this Eriol guy Tomoyo met. He must be the one Ashley had mentioned before. How many people in Japan had that same name? And after all, Tomoyo described his figure exact the same like Ashley had said, midnight blue hair with glasses.
"Tomoyo, what did he do to you? Did he touch you or do anything immoral? Like kissing you in force or something?" Sakura asked Tomoyo with serious tone as she eyed her intently.
Tomoyo felt very strange. "Sakura, what's wrong with you? Of course he didn't do anything. I'd have freaked out if he did."
Sakura let out a long breath. "Thank God! Tomoyo, stay away from him, he's not like what you think he is." Sakura warned her.
"Why? He seems like a very nice guy, really. Sakura-chan, I know how to recognize good people from bad ones; I'm twenty just like you. But thanks anyway." Tomoyo smiled reassuringly. She had been friends with Sakura for so long that they actually saw each other as sisters. So if Sakura worried about her, it wasn't unusual.
"No, no! Listen to me Tomoyo, he's bad, really bad. If you don't want your heart to be broken, you must stay away from him, okay?"
Now Tomoyo became suspicious. The Sakura she knew never judged someone in the first meeting. She always had been very kind and generous. So now why was she so sure that Eriol was a bad guy?
"Tell me the reason why you think he's bad? Sakura-chan, you've never met him, have you?" Tomoyo amethyst eyes looked at Sakura's deeply.
"No, no of course I haven't met him, but you know, rumours spread."
"Since when did you listen to rumours?" Tomoyo's eyes still didn't leave Sakura's.
"Well, since it's connected to you." Sakura said, still with unsure voice. She tried her best to broke Tomoyo's eye contact.
"Okay then, I'll just find out myself whether he's good or bad." Then, Tomoyo left the kitchen. Sakura still stood there with a blank face. 'Since when had Tomoyo become that strong?' : : : Ashley's HUGE mansion… : : "Are you ready?" Ashley asked the girl who was watching herself in front of the mirror. Her honey brown hair fell gracefully under her shoulder. The hair stylists already made it a little curly at the end. Her beautiful emerald poles were now covered with dark blue soft lenses matching with her amazing baby blue dress that was backless so it showed her smooth back. Her angelic face now covered with makeup. Soft blue eyeshades, pale pink blush on, and her cute lips were glossy pink.
Sakura looked at herself again in the mirror. She now understood that makeup could change someone so much. And she was one of them. People wouldn't recognize it was her, Sakura Kinomoto. "Yes aunt Ashley, I'm ready to become Ying Fa."
The two of them then left the room. They were heading to Yamazaki Takashi's party. He was one of Japan's richest businessmen even though he was only 24 years old. And everybody knew that Syaoran Li, was one of his best friends. Soon, they arrived at his mansion. Though it was not as big as Syaoran's but still capable for a huge party with hundreds of people. Ashley got out from the limo first followed by Sakura. The two of them walked through the front door and saw the owner of the house, Yamazaki Takashi.
"Good evening Mr. Yamazaki." Ashley called the man who was busy talking to his colleagues.
The man then turned around and smiled kindly. "Good evening too, miss…"
"Zhang, Ashley Zhang."
"Pardon me, Miss Zhang. I'm sorry I didn't recognize you. Too many colleagues is not good I suppose." Yamazaki laughed jokingly. Ashley smiled in return. "It's okay Mr. Yamazaki, it's understandable for a busy person like you. Well, I'd like to introduce my niece if you do not mind."
Yamazaki then looked at the young woman who was standing besides Ashley. Her beauty caught his breath. He never had seen her before, with beauty like that she must be an actress or a model. "Who would mind being introduced to such a beautiful lady? It's a pity I already have a fiancé." He laughed again. But he didn't realize that his actual fiancé was standing behind him.
"I never knew that you regret having me." Chiharu said in disbelief.
Yamazaki turned his head and saw his fiancé. Her face was very pissed. "My. My, I'm sorry dear. I was just kidding. Of course I'm proud to have you, I'm happy." He assured her by kissing her cheek. Chiharu's cheeks went red.
"Well Miss Zhang, this is Chiharu, my fiancé." Chiharu smiled and shook Ashley's hand.
"So, Mr. Yamazaki, Miss Chiharu, I'd like you to meet my niece, Ying Fa." Sakura smiled and shook their hands. She prayed that they didn't feel the coldness of her hands. She had been very nervous since she left the house.
"Nice to meet you, Ying Fa. You're so beautiful, how come I've never seen you before?" Chiharu asked nicely while handing a glass of champagne to Sakura.
"Well, I was studying in France. I just came back to Japan last week." Sakura said before sipping her champagne. Never in her life had she drank such a delicious drink.
"I see, France, that's great. I was in Germany." Chiharu replied. "Why don't we go to my friends, maybe you want to add some friends in your social life?"
Sakura turned her head to Ashley and saw her nod. She then shook her head and followed Chiharu. 'God, what should I do? What if I can't answer their questions?' Soon she saw Chiharu talking to two women. They both looked beautiful and astonishing with their dresses. Then, both of them looked at Sakura with curiosity. "Ladies, let me introduce you to Ying Fa, she's one of my fiancé's colleagues niece. She just got back from France." Chiharu said to her friends. Sakura gave them a polite smile and bowed.
"Hello Ying Fa, my name is Rika and this is Naoko." Rika said excitedly. "It's really nice to see you." Naoko added.
"Nice to see you too." Sakura replied. She was relieved that they were not like she had thought they would be.
"So tell me Ying Fa. What were you doing in France?" Naoko asked as the four of them walked towards the dance floor. Sakura answered most of their questions easily. She thanked God they asked her some things she had predicted. A few minutes later, they arrived at the dance floor. Chiharu then was asked by her own fiancé to dance. Rika and Naoko giggled excitedly looking at their friend. "Hey Ying Fa, do you know a guy here? I mean we already have our partners but if you don't have one yet we're not going to dance. We don't want to leave you dazed alone here." Rika said with sympathy.
"It's okay, I'll just wait for you here. Maybe I'll get some drinks or something." Sakura replied. It's very nice to know that they were really thinking about her. : : : Syaoran : : 'God, this party stinks! I should complain to Takashi later.' Syaoran thought to himself. Mei Lin on the other hand was still clinging to his left hand. 'Plus with this annoying girl on my left hand, I'd give up everything just to get rid of her here and now.' Although he must admit that Mei Lin was one of the hottest girls he ever met, she was very annoying. It seemed that she always wanted to get his attention and that made him really bored. Unfortunately his uncle had not let him push her away.
"Syao-chan, why don't we go dance?" Mei Lin said, her eyes fixed at the dance floor beneath her.
"No, you go, I don't feel like it." Syaoran replied coolly.
"Why? You always love to dance! Come on Syao-chan! How could you leave me dancing on my own?" Mei Lin begged as if she was a little girl. She didn't have any idea that it was only adding to Syaoran's sour mood.
"I said no, ok?" Syaoran glared at her. Mei Lin must admit that she didn't like it when Syaoran gave her those looks. So she only nodded.
A few minutes later a guy came over and asked Mei Lin to dance. Mei Lin asked Syaoran for permission even though she was rather hesitant. Syaoran on the other hand was very relieved. He felt like he wanted to thank that guy. Soon as Mei Lin went to the dance floor, he went for some drinks.
He asked the bartender for some vodka when suddenly a figure caught his breath. She walked pretentiously towards the bar. Her dark blue eyes seemed to be glowing. Her honey brown hair fell perfectly under her shoulder. Her rather petite figure seemed to fit her baby blue dress so well. He swore he never saw such a beauty before.
"Excuse me, do you have any non alcoholic drinks?" She asked the bartender as her body stood against the counter next to Syaoran's.
"Yes miss, do you want juices or sodas?"
"One orange juice please." She answered. Her eyes travelled around the room when suddenly she was struck by intense amber eyes next to her. She knew right away whose eyes were those. She could feel chills running down her spine. Syaoran gave her a charming smile. Her cheeks went red. 'God, I must control myself. Come on Sakura, be charming!' She scolded herself as she returned his smile.
"Good evening, miss. May I have the opportunity to know your name?" Syaoran asked as he took Sakura's hand and kissed it.
Sakura blushed even deeper. "Why not, kind sir. My name is Ying Fa, Zhang Ying Fa. And you are?" Sakura took away her hand immediately.
"I'm Li Syaoran. It's a pleasure to meet you miss Zhang." Syaoran eyes still didn't leave hers.
"Pleasure's all mine Mr. Li." Sakura answered as she broke eye contact and sipped her orange juice.
"So miss Zhang, I suppose I've never seen you before, are you new here?"
"I was studying in France for the past three years. My my Mr. Li, you're a very outgoing person aren't you?" Sakura smiled elegantly.
Syaoran chuckled lightly. "I suppose I am miss Zhang. We need some social life don't we? May I know what you were studying there?"
"Well, I was studying French literature. Are you a student too Mr. Li?"
Syaoran shrugged. "Yeah kind of." He never thought his study as a pleasant topic in any conversation, especially with such a beautiful lady. It was because he hadn't graduated from his college. Not because he's dumb or something, but he knew as soon as he finished his study his mother would call him back to Hong Kong to rule his company. He didn't want to, he always wanted to live his life without anyone's order.
"I suppose you don't like to talk about your study Mr. Li. Well, please excuse me, I don't want my aunt to be worried. It's really nice to see you Mr. Li." Sakura extended her hand for a shake but Syaoran took her hand for a different reason.
"Wait miss Zhang. May I have another opportunity for a dance? Just one dance?" Syaoran gave her a begging look she knew she couldn't resist. She nodded her head. Then Syaoran led her to the dance floor. Many young ladies and men looked at them with dreamy look and curiosity. They thought what a cute couple they were.
Sakura realized that many people watched them. She could feel some jealous looks from the ladies. Somehow she felt very proud inside and of course, happy. As soon as they arrived at the dance floor, Syaoran took her hands and put them on his shoulder. He then put his hands on her waist. Josh Groban's song 'Mi Mancherai' was heard around the room. Sakura could feel her heart beat twice as fast as usual. She had been dreaming for this moment from the day she fell in love with him. She then realized that his eyes were observing her face intently. She knew she couldn't look into his eyes or she would lose her mind.
"What are you looking at Mr. Li, is there something on my face?" Sakura asked him but her eyes stayed fixed on his chest.
"I'm sorry miss Zhang. I just think that you're very beautiful." Syaoran answered honestly. Sakura couldn't help herself not to blush. 'If only you know who I am, would you say those words?' She thought to herself. Sadness rose inside her body.
The song suddenly ended. Sakura drew her hands and stepped backwards. "Thank you for the dance Mr. Li. I have to go now, it's very nice to see you." Just as soon as Sakura turned to another direction, Syaoran caught her hand.
"Please miss Zhang, when can I see you again?"
Sakura looked at his amber poles. She could see necessity in it. "Well, if you're an outgoing person like you said, you'll see me in no time Mr. Li." Sakura drew her hand and walked away.
'Who the hell is that girl?!' Syaoran murmured. He never felt that kind of attraction before. And somehow, her face was very familiar... : : : Eriol : : : He was sipping his champagne when somebody poked his shoulder. He already knew who the person was.
"What's up uncle Ryu?" He asked without even looking at the person he spoke to. His eyes travelled around the room.
"Hey nephew, what's up with the bad mood? Look at all the pretty girls here. If I were your age, I would have taken one and bring her to bed. Wow! Look at her ass!" Ryu Hiiragizawa answered as his eyes observed a girl's body intently.
Eriol took another sip. "Remember your age uncle."
Ryu turned his head and looked at Eriol with disbelief. "God, what's wrong with you? Are you sick or something?"
"Nope, I've never been better." Eriol's eyes were still travelling around the room. He wished he could meet Tomoyo here. He knew the changes were small, but he still hoped for the best.
"Great! Cause I have good news. Listen, that Li bastard already got Mei Lin, right? I heard he asked her to stay with him so he must be head over heels with her. So, he won't bother us anymore. And as for now my nephew, there's a girl in this room whom people was talking about. I heard her name was Ying Fa, people said she was very pretty and elegant. She just got back from France. That's a great catch man!" Ryu said with excitement. But Eriol didn't seem to be interested. His eyes still travelled around the room.
"I'll pass uncle. Don't feel like chasing girls now." Eriol answered.
Ryu was very surprised. The Eriol he knew was always loved to chase girls. But now, he didn't even seem to be interested. "Hey, are you still pissed with that Mei Lin incident? It's okay Eriol, there are still plenty of hot girls to be chased. And Ying Fa is one of them."
Eriol then turned his attention to his uncle. "I know, I just don't feel like chasing girls anymore. See, I met this fabulous girl, and I think… I think… well, I don't know what to say but she made me anxious. She made me feel like I want to know her better, and made me forget that there are other girls in this world."
"What?! Are you crazy? You can't do that Eriol! It will ruin our reputation." Ryu then realized that people around them were now looking at them. He then lowered his voice. "We are players. And players never fall for one girl." He glared deadly at Eriol.
Eriol furrowed his eyebrows. "I never said that I fell for her."
Ryu poked Eriol's head. "You dumbass. It's obvious by the way you talked about her. Listen Eriol, whoever this girl was, do not falling in love with her. It's your business to take her to your bed or not but never involve any feelings, okay?"
"Why? It's my business whether to fall in love or not." Eriol looked at his uncle intently. He always obeys his uncle but now, he wanted his life.
"Because it will ruin our reputation. Listen, you have decided to be a player, and it's something you have to go through all your life." Ryu tried hard not to shout at his stupid nephew. He had trusted him to follow his path. But now, he decided to quit only because of one girl.
"Dammit! Can't I just have my normal life back? I'm tired of this uncle!" Eriol clenched his fist.
"Okay, let's make a deal. I'll allow you to quit if this girl is rich, popular, beautiful and so on. If I think this girl is a proper girl for you, I'll allow you to be with her. So, tell me who is she? A supermodel? An actress? Or a daughter of a popular family?"
Eriol frowned. He knew Tomoyo wasn't a supermodel or an actress, and he never heard about Daidouji family before. But he knew, whoever she was, she made him breathless. "I'm out of here." Then, Eriol left Ryu who cursed under his breath. : : : Sakura : : "So you've met him?" Ashley asked inside the limo. They were in their way home from the party.
"Yes."
"Both of them?" Ashley asked again feeling unsatisfied with her answer.
"No, only Syaoran." Sakura's eyes fixed on the lights along the road.
Ashley looked at her. She knew perfectly that it was hard for her to be cold to him. But it was her decision. She had agreed to join in the plan.
"And what did he say?"
Sakura's eyes still looked out of the car's window. "Not much. We danced."
Ashley was very startled. She never thought that they would act so soon. "You were dancing with him? You didn't say anything-stupid right? You didn't lose your mind right?"
Sakura turned her head and looked deeply into Ashley's lavender eyes. "You didn't trust me, did you? I know I love him but I had promised you, so please don't ever think that way again."
"I'm sorry Sakura, of course I believe you. Well, tell me what he said about you." Ashley was rather surprised hearing Sakura's words. She couldn't believe that her words would have hurt her that way.
Sakura turned her attention outside the road once again. "All the things I have always wanted to hear."
Ashley patted her shoulder. "Well, at least our first move has succeeded. You mesmerized him, right? Unfortunately you haven't met Eriol, but with your appearance in the high class socialization tonight, sooner or later he will come to you."
Sakura only nodded. She was busy thinking that she was becoming a Cinderella that night. And just like in the story, she had to go home with the fairy Godmother. She smiled a little, now she knew how Cinderella really felt when she had to leave the party. But in her story, she couldn't fall in love with the prince; she had to seduce the prince but not to fall in love. How she wished she were Cinderella that night. So that she could love the prince just like she wanted.
To be continued
AN: Well, another chapter!!! I'm glad I could finish it with all the pressure on my shoulder… Well, I hope you all liked it! Please submit your reviews so that I'll know what all of you think about this story. Comments and criticism are welcome!! Have a good day everyone!!!
PS: Hey all! I just want to inform you that there are two great stories I'm reading and I want to promote to all of you. First one is called The Deadly Duet by Amano-Hikari LJ (PG13, SS, Action/Adventure/Romance). This story has great action for those action fans! And the second one is called Midlife Collision by Okabe-Angel (PG13, SS, Action/Adventure/Romance). This one is also packed with action! So if you want another genre of CSS story, I really recommend these. Garnette Lovegood