Author's note: If you'll notice, some chapter will be short while some are long. I've already layed-out the plot for every chapter and I eventually found out that some are shorter than what I expected. If everything will be followed, this story will go for about ten chapters.

DISCLAIMER: I don't own CCs and never will I. Sad, but true.

Clear Skies

by: kotsch

Summary: Sakura: The succesful businesswoman. Syaoran: The devoted environmentalist. Two people w/ different principles and ideals. But if love will intercede between them, can they put their differences aside?

Chapter Three

Syaoran walked silently inside his room, feeling very much confused at the moment.

He paced back and forth at the ample space beside his spacious brass bed.

He never acted this way before. Never.

Don't be funny, Syaoran! You are attracted to THAT woman? He scolded his self mentally.

Okay. So you've seen her before or read and watched her a few times. Isn't it that Sakura Kinomoto is a very elegant and powerful woman?

People say that Sakura was the youngest tigress of the business community. She's really good at handling various businesses that were owned by her dad. Definitely, she is the largest and most important asset of Fujitaka Kinomoto.

It's no surprise if she's the favorite guest of most intellectual talk shows on television. And also a favorite subject to feature in the leading magazines.

On photographs and even on television, Sakura is definitely one attractive woman. All the more so when you get to see her in person.

Syaoran slapped his forehead deliberately. With an annoyed look, he glanced at his own reflection on the mirror.

"Not with her! Anybody but her, Li Syaoran!" He snarled, looking like a lunatic who's talking to his self.

Still not contented, Syaoran continued to brainwash his mind with discouraging thoughts.

You don't like her! She's not even your type of woman!

After that mental exercise, Syaoran calmly sat on the edge of his bed. He's very much decided to prove the fact that the heart is placed below the head that's why the mind should always reign supreme in controlling a person's decision.

He knew that the fight between the Green Lovers and the Kinomoto family is just starting and will continue for quite some time.

It will only be over if both Fujitaka and Sakura Kinomoto will concede.

But he also knew very well that the Kinomotos have a reputation for being firm with their decisions.

Well, they should definitely prepare this time because he the Green Lovers will not give up a fight easily. Especially if the welfare of their environment is at stake.

Now that Syaoran saw Fujitaka's famous daughter, Sakura Kinomoto, he already met the face of his adversary. Never did he expect that he will someday meet one of the Kinomotos whom Simoun is working for.

Besides, Syaoran was at ease being friends with Simoun. Since that 'old man', as what he fondly calls him, was not fond of talking about the Kinomoto family.

As for him, he didn't ask any questions. He believed that Simoun's job as the caretaker of his enemy's house must be separated and different from their hobby. Their relationship as fishing partners shouldn't be affected. And because of that, he would still continue to fetch him to go fishing in the sea. Tomorrow.

Sakura shouldn't dare make a move that will ruin the bonding between him and his fishing partner. He will surely fight for the paternal friendship that connects the two of them.

So what if we're already arguing over two issues?

Syaoran was all praises from Grace and Simoun because of his 'heroic act' in saving their young Ma'm.

For the couple, they only knew Syaoran as the very nice and helpful fishing partner of Simoun.

They were not very much informed with regards to other news in Hongkong that's why they still don't know the growing rivalry existing between Sakura and Syaoran.

"Thank goodness and Xiaolang's there, Sakura. Oh, what if he wasn't there? What will we say to your father? You're his only daughter and utmost care should be given to you. So please Sakura, take care of yourself." Grace said with such nervousness, her voice even wavering as she talks.

"Don't worry. From now on, I'll make sure to be very careful."

"It's a good thing that you ended up at that part of the sea where Xiaolang loves to go fishing. But he told me that he's not anymore fishing when he saw you. Xiaolang's already having a walk, just enjoying the scenery. Anyway, he's usually like that. He really respects and appreciates the environment here." Simoun said proudly, the tone of his voice similar to that of a father who's proud of his son.

"I thanked your friend already Simoun, for saving my life. And here's the jacket that he lend to me, please don't forget to put it in the laundry as soon as possible so that I could return it back to him." Sakura said, carefully making sure that her disgust towards Syaoran Li would not be very obvious in her voice.

"Tomorrow, Grace…I'm sure that Xiaolang will go back here. I think he will ask me to go fishing with him." Simoun glanced shyly at Sakura. Obviously, he's asking her permission indirectly.

Sakura nodded. There's no need to drag him into the issue. Why would she need to interfere with Simoun's hobby? The man lives a simple life and view things simply. No need to take something away from him that will make him unhappy.

"No need to worry, Simoun. You may go fishing with - uh, - Xiaolang tomorrow."

"Thank you very much, Miss Sakura –"

"Sakura." She insisted.

"Um…Sakura." Simoun smiled meekly. " I'm just glad that you and my friend already met!"

"Hey, Simoun…just don't forget to make sure that you will thank Xiaolang again for saving Sakura's life, huh?" Grace reminded him gently.

At that, Sakura discreetly rolled her eyes.

Oh my God! If they only knew that their 'Xiaolang' is the last guy on earth whom I wanted to save my life!

Later that night, Fujitaka Kinomoto called up his daughter to check her up and ask her about the incident that occurred to her at the sea.

"What's this thing that Grace told me about you almost drowning in the sea? Some guy named Xiaolang saved you. Is that name correct? Hmmm…Yes, I'm sure. The name's Xiaolang."

At the mention of the guy's name, Sakura couldn't help rolling her eyes again.

"Yes, dad. It's true."

"Thank god you're still alive! We definitely owe a lot to that Xiaolang! Did you give him reward in return? Oh wait…I'll just give it to him. I could go there and give to him his reward personally. Now that's a good idea!"

"Don't bother, dad. He doesn't need it anymore. Xiaolang's family is very rich."

"Oh, he's rich? From what family did he come from? What's his family's name? We knew almost every influential family in Hongkong!"

"Dad, you won't like knowing it…" She warned him uneasily.

"Why? This man saved your life and I shouldn't get to know him?" Fujitaka wondered out loud.

"Dad, this Xiaolang is…Xiaolang is also -- Syaoran Li. That's his Chinese name and is only used by his closest friends. I found out that he and Simoun are fishing partners. Their closeness is different, dad. Even though their relationship is only limited in fishing, it's still…unshakable. "

A few seconds passed before Fujitaka could speak.

"Are you still there, Dad?" Sakura asked worriedly. She was actually already expecting the same reaction from him as soon as he heard what really happened back there.

"I can't believe it!" Fujitaka exclaimed on the other end of the line.

She sighed. "So do I."

"What happened?"

"We still fought even though I know I owe to him my life. I stood my ground, dad. What he wants from us is to not anymore pursue our plans. What does he think? Just because he saved my life, I should change my principles? He's the one who should change his views. He's very narrow-minded! He doesn't want to believe that there's still responsible businessmen who makes sure not to harm the environment. That Syaoran Li doesn't believe in what we call, anti-pollution technology. And he even insulted me!" She breathed deeply before continuing. "He said that he's not sure if we can maintain our anti-pollution devices. Isn't that a pre-judgment? What's his right to judge? Did he study the track record of Kinomoto Holdings? We never had a business which will have a bad consequence with the people and the environment!"

"That's right, Sakura. What happened is not enough for us to say that we're wrong. Because we're not. But still, you must be thankful that you're safe."

"Well, I have good news for you dad. I already made some friends here and I think, a few days more are only needed before I could build my own group to fight against them." She said enthusiastically.

"Good! I trust you, Sakura! Just be careful…always. Don't worry, dear…when I have some time, I will go there to be with you."

Sakura couldn't help but chuckle at the protective voice of his dad. She always knew that tone.

"Dad, I'm not on vacation. Day and night, my mind's still working. My group is not yet formed that's why I still don't feel any resistance against Syaoran's group. Just you wait and see when they found out what I'm up to. That's when the real battle begins."

"Again, Sakura…be careful."

"Don't worry. I've already talked to Syaoran and even though he's just as stubborn as I am, he certainly doesn't look like a killer to me. He's only a cocky and a really overconfident guy. Anyway, what does he goes on bragging about? His looks? His state? His image? Oh, how I really hate that guy!"

"Sakura, don't stare at him for too long! I don't want you to be more attracted to that guy!" His father warned her, to which Sakura doesn't understand if he's only joking or not.

….

kotsch

A/N: Author's love reviews! So, suggestions and reviews are very much welcome. As well as constructive criticisms too.