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 Five

How can she find a way to talk to Syaoran?

Sakura was able to get Syaoran's phone number in his house. She even left some messages to his maid but still, he didn't return her call.

Sakura called his house once more, intent to find out if her message was relayed successfully.

"Have you told your Sir Syaoran to return my call because it's extremely important? Did you give to him our residence's phone number and my cellphone number?"

"Um, Miss Sakura…I wasn't able to give your number because Sir Li was not here." The maid replied apologetically.

"Do you know where he is?"

"He's out of the country, Ma'm. He went to Japan."

"Japan?" She echoed out incredulously.

"Yes, Ma'm. He'll be staying at his condo in Tokyo for a while."

"Oh well…that's good. I'll be going to Tokyo anyway. I'll just get the number of his condo, then. I'm sure he has a telephone line there, isn't it? But if you do know his cellphone number, you could also give it to me. In that way, I could talk to him for sure."

There was a long pause on the other end of the line.

"Ma'm, Sir Syaoran might get mad at me."

"Don't worry, I'll let you off the hook on this one. I will just tell him that I forced you to give his number to me, okay?" Sakura coaxed.

Due to her persistency, Syaoran's maid didn't have the chance to disagree. She ended up giving the number in both his condo unit and his cellphone.

The next day, Sakura immediately went to the airport to board a plane back in Tokyo. Fujitaka was really surprised but glad at the same time at his daughter's unexpected arrival.

"Thank God that you've decided to return here. The atmosphere in Hongkong is already very tensed, Sakura…it's good to take a break from all the chaos." He said, sounding obviously relieved.

Sakura snorted. "My nemesis is also taking a break from the heat. He's also here in Tokyo."

"You mean, Syaoran Li?"

She nodded. "I've got to talk to this man, dad. But only through phone. I'll just tell him what he did to Simoun."

Sakura briefly told his father about Simoun's gloomy disposition these past few days.

"Again, remember to take care Sakura. Syaoran might even use Simoun as an opportunity to destroy you." Fujitaka reminded his daughter gently. "Oh, I should tell you that the construction of the factory should be started soon. Our partners are already getting impatient. They couldn't wait any longer."

"As soon as our enemies saw the construction of the factory, I'm sure that they'll secure a temporary restraining order from the Court. And that will start the Court battle. In the end, they could be successful in destroying our plans or worst - stop the construction."

Fujitaka took a deep breath. He flopped down at the leather couch situated at their living room in frustration.

"Maybe that could happen. But we just have to start…somehow. Putting up against each other in the media doesn't really accomplish anything."

"You got a point, dad. So, okay. Let's start the project. But you have to make sure to prepare our partners for any possible counter measures that we'll do against the opposition." She warned.

"They believe in what you're doing, Sakura. Your campaign against Syaoran turned out to be very effective. They've told me that you've gained a lot of media mileage, especially now that some politicians are starting to understand our side."

Because of her father's praises, Sakura immediately felt all the hardwork she's been doing already being paid off. She felt so happy and proud of her accomplishments. If there's anyone she wanted to be proud of her, it should be her dad and her brother.

"I'm doing my best, dad. But I really hoped that no more innocent person like Simoun will be affected by all of this fiasco."

Syaoran on the other hand, was taking some time to rest in his condo unit. He definitely feels more relaxed, mentally, physically and emotionally, right now.

Things suddenly changed. Before, because his friends were also his business partners in three different restaurants situated in various parts of Tokyo, he felt burdened with work whenever he's in Japan. It's really no wonder because one could say that Syaoran was really hands-on with his job, just like his business partners.

Syaoran also helped on their business' inventory. He also monitors their staff while they work at the kitchen. He and his associates regularly go to the market to check on the current prices of goods that they'll be needing in their restaurants. Not also mentioning their routine which is scoping out other competitors in the restaurant business.

Whenever they heard of a newly-opened restaurant in the city, Syaoran and his friends go to the place, in low profile of course, and orders dishes that are popularly called as 'specialty of the house'. They assessed everything: from how delicious the dishes were up to the place's ambience.

Such moves were really needed in their business. Because it's important that they should know what future moves they should do and also so that they will not be left behind by other competitors.

In other words, Syaoran's schedule is indeed hectic whenever he's in this city. He feels more relaxed when he's back in Hongkong. For him, maintaining his mango orchards is far more uncomplicated compared to his other businesses.

Another factor that really relaxes him when he's in Hongkong is his hobby, which he has grown fond of: fishing.

Syaoran suddenly felt a pang of longing by just thinking about how he stopped fishing for days now.

He even stopped fetching Simoun, so that they could venture out in the sea.

Come to think of it, he even stopped going to the sea now.

Syaoran definitely missed those soothing days which enjoys and relaxes him. His hobby really helped to put his mind at ease…

His thoughts were suddenly interrupted when he heard the loud ringing of his telephone in his condo unit.

"Hello…"

"Mister Syaoran Li?"

Syaoran immediately distinguished the owner of the voice on the other end of the line.

"Where did you get my number?" He exclaimed angrily. Even here in Tokyo, Sakura will still find some way to bug him?

"Don't get mad at your maid. I persuaded her to give to me your phone number." Sakura said irritably.

"Look, I had enough of it in Hongkong that's why I'm looking forward to a little mental and emotional rest here in Tokyo. And your voice is the last thing I really wanted to hear over the phone." He couldn't help remarking sarcastically.

"I also am not dreaming to talk to you, Syaoran Li! If only Simoun was not affected by your actions then I will not even dare utter a word to you! Is that how you treat your friends? You're hurting your friends without even considering their feelings. Why aren't you stopping by at the house anymore? Have you gone fishing alone? Or did you replace Simoun now with your new pal?"

He gritted his teeth in annoyance. He is definitely fuming now.

"Why are you blaming me? Why don't you take some time to think who's really to blame here? Maybe it's you! How could I go fishing with your loyal caretaker now that our argument is getting all heat up! I've taken too many insults from your group already! What does your placards says? 'Are you running for politics that's why you're stealing some limelight?' I mean, that's the worst accusation you can think of about me!"

"What about me? Don't your rallies speak of against me? You're ruining me and my father's reputation! You're calling us greedy and other derogatory names you and your group could think of! You are complaining, I am complaining!" Sakura hissed. "But those things you're saying to us are far more worse than what we say to you!"

"Back off, Sakura. You have lots of successful businesses already. What's the hurt of letting go of just this one project? A lot of people in Hongkong are hurting, you know. That place used to be one beautiful and peaceful place but now…" He paused. "If you will have your way, that place will be destroyed. Your factory will be the biggest dirty dot in our town, if ever."

Sakura winced slightly at the sound of his cold voice.

"We're not shallow, Syaoran." She answered back, as cold as she could possibly get. "We're not fighting like this if money is the only one at stake here. You're the one who said that we have many successful businesses already, so who needs one additional factory that is giving us a lot of headache? Principle is what we're talking about here. We only want to prove our point. We want to show to you guys how very wrong you all were in saying that we'll become irresponsible factory owner in Hongkong. And what we first and foremost want is to help people in that place who badly needed jobs. There are just only few responsible manufacturers and yet, you're destroying our reputations?"

"Please, give me a break!" Syaoran answered hotly.

"Then don't include Simoun in this!"

"I'm getting awkward with him already! I'm having a hard time knowing that Simoun knows how much we hated each other! Can't you understand that? You're not in my situation that's why you don't understand me!"

"Oh, come on! Maybe the way you're trying to make Simoun suffer is just part of your scheming plans to pressure me!"

"I'll never do that to the old man. I've got lot of respect for him. I'm not a user, especially with people as good and as credible as he is. Don't you know that I've already quit fishing for about a few days now?"

Sakura was silence by his revelation for a minute.

"Y-you've stopped fishing already?"

"Yes. I've already stopped. I'd rather quit the whole thing rather than go with somebody else, as what you've accused me of, other than Simoun."

With that fact, Sakura felt her anger towards him subside a little. At least, she found out the truth about why he is not fetching Simoun now.

"Well, I just thought you've gone fishing with somebody else already. Or that, you go out in the sea all by yourself."

"What difference does it make to you?" Syaoran replied sarcastically.

In an instant, she felt all her anger rising up again.

"You are such a snob!" she exclaimed.

"Look who's talking!"

With that, Sakura felt like she couldn't take it anymore. She just suddenly slammed the phone as hard as she could. She really doesn't care if Syaoran's ears gone deaf with her act.

That man is hopeless! She frowned, feeling a bit perturbed with how complicated it was to talk to him.

If only she really didn't care for Simoun, then she wouldn't even think of calling that jerk. But at least, knowing that Syaoran was also deprived of his hobby, just like the old man, gave her a little piece of mind. For her, it's also good that Syaoran Li was also suffering.

Sakura could feel the stress creeping up to her body. She feels so tired already.

Too much thinking is really bad for your health.

She decided right then and there, that while she's back in Tokyo, she's going to have some break away from her problems in Hongkong. She will take some time to rest and enjoy. And she will indulge herself once again in her favorite pastime whenever she's in the mood to pamper herself.

She will eat in any restaurants that she decided to like.

But she needed someone to accompany her. It will certainly be a bore if she's going out alone. So she decided to call her bestfriend, Tomoyo Daidouji, who's also on vacation like her, to go with her around town.

"Tomoyo, are you busy?" She asked the other girl on the line.

"Just busy being lazy around the house. Why?"

"I'm taking a break from work for a few days here in Tokyo. Let's visit all the restaurants that we'll fancy, okay?"

"Hmmm, it seems like you're going to put all your frustrations for Syaoran into eating, huh?" Tomoyo chuckled.

Tomoyo was also updated about what's happening between her and Syaoran. Not to mention that she also reads the newspapers and that Sakura calls her regularly back in Hongkong.

"That brute is also here in Tokyo. It's a good thing that this city is big. There's a very slim chance that we'll meet."

"I'm okay with your plan. So where will we start eating? There are a lot of new stuffs around these days. How about trying all these new restaurants?" Tomoyo suggested. "I'm hoping that before you go back to Hongkong, we could try all these places so we could see how great they are for ourselves."

"Why not?"

Because their restaurant, which is the latest addition to the chain of restaurants managed by Syaoran and his friends, is just newly-opened, Syaoran decided to concentrate in this place most especially in monitoring the staff and the customers.

Because the restaurant's motif is different, fusion, which is a combination of different cultures around the world, one could see that it already become a favorite among the AB crowd.

The name of the restaurant is rooted on its concept. Fusion.

Its sitting capacity is for three hundred people. And their tables rarely get vacant. Because different food cultures were offered here, a lot of foreign customers also decided to check out the place. And just like the others, they also fell in love in it.

Another good thing about Fusion, even though it has a large sitting capacity, the ambience still remains cozy. Mood music could be heard, once you enter the place, from their fine sound system.

That's why when Sakura and Tomoyo first entered the restaurant, they instantly marveled at it and loved it. Most especially when they tasted the food, not to mention the very efficient service of the crew.

"If I were a restaurant critic, I'll give this one an A." Sakura commented. Even the brewed coffee of Fusion, tasted great for her.

"Same here. This one goes to my list of favorite restaurants. I certainly admire the concept of this place. Are you updated regarding the restaurant business, Sakura? Do you know who owns this place? Or this could be run by a corporation or partnership, but I really know nothing about who built this." Tomoyo stated, casually sipping some herbal tea as her after dinner drink.

"I know little. But it's about those old folks in the business. But I know nothing of the new players in the restaurant industry." Sakura admitted. "But you know what, Tomoyo…this place really relaxes me. Good food, good service, nice place and good coffee. I could feel all my worries being left behind in Hongkong."

"This is the third new restaurant we have sampled, and this is the best. I think this is the best among the newcomers."

"We'll be back here for sure, before I went back to Hongkong."

Tomoyo made a move to nod but her eyes suddenly widened when she looked at the direction of the restaurant's bar.

"Uh-oh! You're so wrong in saying that Tokyo is so big and that there's a slim chance that you will meet him! He's here, my goodness! It's Syaoran Li, definitely!"

Sakura suddenly looked at the direction her friend was looking at.

When she saw Syaoran, she almost dropped the cup of coffee that she's holding. Even if she rubbed her eyes a hundred time, Tomoyo was still right. It's really none other than Syaoran Li standing and talking to the bartender.

Sakura couldn't believe her bad luck! Here she is, in a beautiful restaurant, trying to relax…and then she saw him!

Syaoran, on the other hand, could sense someone staring at him. He casually glanced around the place to check out.

That's when their eyes met.

Both couldn't believe what they're seeing.

Both suddenly felt irritated.

However, Syaoran knew that as one of the owners of the restaurant, it would be unprofessional of him if he will let his anger rule him.

And another thing, he could not deny the fact that Sakura is looking so beautiful and elegant today. It will certainly be a pity if she'll get into an argument with him.

He decided to walk to their table casually. He even smiled at Sakura's friend, whose face seems to also drain of color.

"What a surprise! But what a small world indeed!" He smiled brightly.

Sakura could feel her muscles getting tensed. She saw how Syaoran walked so smugly to them, feeling as if he owns the place.

This jerk really feels at home in this place! She raised an eyebrow.

"I thought this restaurant is perfect until I saw you."

Syaoran laughed heartily at her comment.

"Why did you come up here to our table? Why don't you go back to your own place?"

"I don't have my own table." Syaoran shrugged.

"Oh…so you're only here for the bar huh? It's still too early to get drunk! So why don't you go back to the bar and let me enjoy my last few days remaining here!"

Syaoran just looked back at her intently.

Sakura must admit that the brute looks really appealing in any angle that one would see. She noticed him wearing city casuals today. Cotton slacks, cotton shirt and loafers. She really wondered how such face could be so handsome and so irritating at the same time.

"Before I leave you ladies, let me just ask you…did you liked the food here?" He asked them politely.

"Superb!" Tomoyo answered without any hesitation.

"How about the service? Was it okay?"

"Very much okay," Tomoyo continued to reply.

"How about the ambience, do you guys also like it? Sakura, it's your turn to answer now. Just be honest." Syaoran asked her gently. Sakura couldn't help scowling as to where this conversation is leading to.

"Why do you care? Is it your job now to survey the people eating in this place? How much is the restaurant paying you?" She replied sarcastically.

"Please? I'm asking you a favor. Just give me an answer. It's really important."

Sakura couldn't imagine how he looks so pleading right now.

She couldn't help thinking that maybe the owner of this restaurant was Syaoran's friend that's why he's checking out the customers.

But because Sakura really enjoyed the place, she eventually found herself answering Syaoran's question.

"The ambience is very good. Tomoyo was right, this is definitely an 'A' restaurant. One will certainly admire all of its factors. Most especially its concept. Not to mention the name. It speaks of what it is. The merge of different cultures around the globe." She nodded. "Very timely and very global."

Syaoran's face definitely look flattered at her remarks.

"Thanks. Aren't you going to ask who thought of the restaurant's concept?"

"Do you know the person?" Tomoyo butted in.

He smiled. "Of course."

"Who? Is it a guy or a girl?" Tomoyo asked once more.

"Guy."

Tomoyo couldn't help smiling at that fact. "Wow! He's so great! Who is he?"

Syaoran bowed slightly.

"Yours truly."

Sakura's mouth gaped slightly.

Tomoyo's eyes widened in disbelief.

"No! That's not true!" Sakura said angrily. Who is he trying to kid, anyway?

Syaoran didn't reply but instead, he called one of the waiters walking around the area.

"Yes, sir?" The waiter stopped to ask him politely.

"Our briefing with our important visitors from Thailand, later in my office…don't forget that." He said authoritatively.

The waiter nodded. "Yes, sir. We won't forget that. You could be sure, sir that all of us here are doing our jobs."

"Good. Okay, go on with your job."

At his command, the waiter parted respectfully.

Syaoran turned around to look back at the two women.

"Now, I hope I have convinced you ladies. Actually, me and three of my friends built a chain of restaurants around Tokyo. And this is the latest. And my baby. Most especially because it is my concept." He said casually.

Sakura opened her wallet and fished out a couple of bills amounting to more than what they ate for.

She placed the money on the table and stood up angrily. She wanted to get away from the restaurant as soon as possible. With one last glare at Syaoran, she scrambled to walk out on him. Tomoyo immediately followed her until they were out of the restaurant.

"If I only knew!" Sakura exclaimed softly.

"Sorry, Sakura…we really have no idea that he owns the place, isn't it?"

"He made me look stupid infront of you!"

"I'm your friend, Sakura. I would never laugh at you." Tomoyo replied to calm her down.

"But it's funny wasn't it? We even admired the place sooo much! I even praised it right at his own face. And then he smugly told us how he owns it?"

"But I must admit that he is really handsome, huh? His appeal is really oozing especially when you get to see him up close and personal!"

Sakura's eyes almost bulged out of its sockets. "Tomoyo!"

"Hey, I'm not saying anything! I'm not saying that he's your crush." Tomoyo giggled. 'But boy, the media sure is right to pair you both. You look so darn good for each other!"

"Don't be silly, Tomoyo!"

Tomoyo giggled even more. "Okay, fine."

"There's no reason for me to get such bad luck! Today is too much, Tomoyo! I've never felt so embarrassed in my whole life! He's a restaurateur! Can you imagine that? Syaoran Li is only good for planting mangoes in his stupid mango farms and fishing out in the sea! Oh, how I hate him!" Sakura fumed, her face reddening with anger.

Tomoyo just smiled knowingly. The truth is, she's beginning to like the whole story between Sakura Kinomoto and Syaoran Li.

kotsch

A/N: Aren't they sweeet? LOL. But Tomoyo is definitely right. I'm beginning to see love in the air. :winks:

Authors love reviews! So, suggestions and reviews are very much welcome. As well as constructive criticisms too.