Chapter 1
In a medium sized apartment in Shanghai that was cluttered with mess, a tall boy - aged twenty - was just getting home from a two-day shift down at the local S.P.D ( Shanghai Police Dept ). He was exhausted and looked forward to nothing better than a hot shower, a pizza and a few cold beers in front of the tv. He was about to accomplish task number one when the phone rang.
" Ni-hao? " (Hello)
" Xiao Lang? " There was only a few people that called him that.
" Mother. " he greeted, wishing that he was enjoying that hot shower right now.
" You sound exhausted. " her tone held disapproval.
" It's hard work, I'm supposed to sound exhausted. " he replied hoping this wasn't a long call.
She paused for a moment and then continued.
" Your sisters send their regards. They want to know when you are coming home for a visit. "
" Mother you know how hard I work. "
" Yes I do. " she replied in that cool, elegant voice he remembered. " But I also am thinking that you're using it as an excuse not to come home. "
" Mother. " Li replied in an exasperated tone. He didn't need this, not after two days of paper pushing, phone calls, tracking down a husband accused of bigamy, and a frantic wife with a vile temper.
" All right I won't lecture about the importance of family, " she replied. " But I will get you home soon, even if I have to come down there myself. "
" You don't have to do that. I was planning on coming home soon anyway. " Li hastily put in, looking around the messy apartment.
" Hmmm. " she replied not sounding convinced. " Anyway I have a favour I want to ask of you. "
Li tensed. Oh no.
" Hmmm . . " " I have something of great importance I want you to look after for me for a few weeks. It's nothing much, but I was hoping that you would look after it for me? "
" Mother I'm busy down here. I won't have the time. What about Fanren? Or Feimei? "
" I've already asked darling and they're unavailable. That leaves you. "
Li sighed. How did he get conned into these things were family was cocerned?
" What is it? " he sighed.
" Thank you Xiao Lang. Like I said, it's nothing of great importance. I just need you to look after it and care for it. In fact it should be arriving there any moment now. "
Li loved how she always thought ahead. Never missed a detail did the great Yelan Li. But IT? What was IT?
Suddenly the door bell rang and he glanced over his shoulder. " Listen mother I have to go. Someone is at the door. "
" Very well. Remember you promised and remember your manners. I'll be in touch. " the click sounded and he frowned. Why would he need his manners?
Li trudged to the door stiffling a huge yawn. He opened the door and starred in shock at the tall, young girl with long, bright red hair styled into some crazy fashion expected of a teenager, dressed like a girl of fifteeen or younger, carrying a over night bag and chewing gum.
She popped a bubble before she flashed him a huge grin at the stunned expression on his face. She dumped the bag at his feet and pushed a scrap of paper covered in chinese writing in his face, before she pushed past him and stood gaping at the mess in the apartment.
" Oh man! " she wailed. " What kind of person can live in this dump! " she shot him a disgusted look.
" How can anyone expect me to live in a mess like this! " she muttered something in Japanese.
Li swallowed and found his voice.
" Who the hell are you! " he demanded.
Her hair swished around her as she turned back to him.
" I'm Ying Fa. " she shot him a sassy grin. " Charmed huh? "
Li blinked several times.
" Ying Fa what? "
The girl sighed exasperated. " I don't bother with such formality Xiao Lang. Just call me Ying Fa k? " she turned away and frowned. " Now which room is mine? "
Li was having trouble keeping up with this one.
" Your room? "
" What are you stupid? " she demanded angrily. " I'm talking about my room. Mou, you are slow. "
She walked off searching as she went.
" How can you live like this? How can you find anything? It's a pigsty! "
Li frowned angrily.
" Now wait a minute! Who the hell are you and why are you in my apartment! "
She shot him an unimpressed look.
" Aunty Yelan said that everything you needed to know was on that piece of paper. " She turned and walked towards the other rooms.
" Aunty Yelan? " he muttered stunned. He slowly looked down at the piece of paper she had shoved at him and looked at it like it was a snake about to strike. What had his mother gotten him into this time?
Xiao Lang, this is Ying Fa the daughter of a distant cousin of mine. Take care of her and I'll be in touch.
He looked up as she breezed into the room once again.
" Well I've found my room if you can call that pitiful excuse of a room a bedroom. At least it's clean. " she shot him an accusing glance as she picked up her bag and swung it on her shoulder. " My other stuff should arrive this afternoon. " she walked towards the room she had picked.
Li groaned. It was the room next to his.
She slammed the door and Li sighed. The door suddenly flew open once again and she stood braced for battle. Her green eyes flashed fire.
" This is the impenetrable Great Wall of China, Xiao Lang. Take one step over this door and you're a dead man. " she threatened and with that she hmphed and slammed the door closed again.
Yelan stood by and listened as her son's angry voice carried from the earpiece that Wei had placed a good distance away from his old ears. He was already going deaf, Wei thought as Xiao Lang raged on. He didn't need his young master to finalise it.
Yelan's dark eyes sparkled with mirth as she listened to Wei explain that she wasn't there at the moment, that Li had just missed her. She placed an elegant hand against her mouth as Wei cringed at the tirade that followed.
Sakura leaned against the wall near the door and listened as Xiao Lang, as she had been told to call him, raged on and on. He didn't sound too happy she thought. Well then, she allowed herself a small smile of satisafaction, she must have done a good job.
She listened as he sighed and hung up. She pushed away from the wall and started to unpack the bag. Travel had made her tired and nervous. She still felt the flutter of butterflies in her stomach as she thought about the stranger outside her door.
She allowed a small giggle to escape her mouth as she remembered the stunned expression on his face when he had opened the door. Well whatever Xiao Lang Li was expecting today, she'd bet everything that she owned that he hadn't been expecting her. She sighed and layed down on the bare bed, free of any sheets or blankets, and fell asleep.
Li shot the door another glare and made his way to the bathroom where he turned on the shower and decided to imagine that it was a terrible nightmare. The young girl with the bright red hair and childish clothes were just some part of his deranged mind from lack of sleep and from working too hard.
He grabbed the phone and called for a pizza and turned on the tv. When a commercial came on, he got up and grabbed a couple of beers from the fridge and sat down. An hour later, just when night was starting to fall asleep, he heard a noise behind him and turned to see what it was.
He lowered his raised beer and gaped at her as she walked towards him. He was certain that this was not the young girl that had appeared on his door step a few hours ago. She was dressed in boots, a denim skirt that was frayed around the edges, with a denim jacket topping off the outfit, exposing her naked stomach were a tiny green jewel twinkled from her belly buttom ring. Her hair was up in a messy bun and her eyes were darkened with mascara, her lips painted a deep red to match her hair.
" I'm going out. " she stated. " Do you have a spare key or what? " Li arched his brow. " Exactly how old are you? "
" How old are you? " she counted placing her hands on her hips arching her own eyebrow.
" Twenty. " he replied sipping his beer.
She smirked " Hmph you don't look like it. " she countered and then held out her hand. " A key? "
" Where are you going? " he asked casually watching the tv.
" Do you think I'm that stupid? " she asked smirking. " I wouldn't tell you even if you are cute. "
" Thanks for the compliment, but you're not going out until I have the details. Remember you're a guest in my house. " he stated at the look of pure rage on her face. " It's my right. "
" The hell it is! " she spat in outrage. " You don't own me! I can do the hell as I please. "
" Not under my care you won't. " Li replied calmly emptying the beer and opening another. " Really? " she purred. " Well, we'll just have to see about that won't we? " she stated softly and turned and walked towards the front door.
She gave him credit. She couldn't move that fast.
The door slammed shut in her face and she starred at the long, muscular arm that held it in place.
" Do you mind? " she asked, turning.
She met angry amber eyes.
" I think it's time we laid down some rules don't you? " he stated. Her eyes narrowed; she didn't trust his calm.
" I don't think that's necessary. " she replied and stepped away from him.
" I think it is. " he dragged her away from the door, ignoring her protests and placed her in the chair.
" If we are going to be living together, then we need some house rules. "
She sat throughout his lecture and held onto her temper. She was not going to be told by some guy who was barely older than her what to do. She waited until he was finished and rose with utter calm, not revealing anything in her expression. He watched her like a hawk trying to decipher her mood she realised and wanted to laugh. Let him wonder! She went to her room and closed the door quietly behind her.
Li watched her leave and was suddeny suspicious. He sat down and threw cautious glances behind him. Trust his mother of all people to send him a spit fire with one hell of a temper. His phone suddenly rang and he answered it.
Below the window of the apartment, Sakura looked up and smirked. He was so pathetic. She waited unitl he answered before she spoke.
" Don't wait up for me Xiao Lang. I'll be home late. And don't worry about a key, I'll get in myself. Ja. " she slipped the phone into the top of her boot and hummed to herself as she walked down the darkened alley.
Li starred at the open window and couldn't believe it. The little minx had gone ahead anyway regardless of what he'd warned her about. She had totally disobeyed his rules. He leant out the window and tried to see what way she had gone, but there was no sign of her. How the heck had she gotten down? Fine, he thought, let the little idiot get herself killed or whatever, he was not responsible. Sure his mother would kill him if anything did happen, but he could live with that.
He closed the window and considered locking it, less it teach her a lesson, but he walked out leaving it unlocked.
The Next Day
The sun was high in the sky when Li opened the front door to his apartment and walked inside carrying the bags of groceries he'd brought down at the little supermarket. He was thankful that today nothing major had jumped up in his office. With a little luck, he'd just be paper pushing the rest of the afternoon away. He stopped when the scent of Cherry Blossoms overrode the smell of old take out boxes and stale pizza.
He set the bags on the bench after pushing everything to the side to allow him access to the bench. He was just finishing up putting the groceries on the bench when Ying Fa breezed out of the bathroom toweling her hair dry. She was dressed in her little blue pj shorts and a top that clung to her figure. Once again he noted that it exposed a lot of skin.
She spotted him and threw the towel onto the chair and walked up to him. She smirked and ran her gaze over what he had brought home. Giving a snort of disgust at what he classed as 'food' she stirred the tea she had made before she had had a shower and grabbed two cups. " Want some? " she asked sweetly.
" You're being nice this morning? " he asked sounding perplexed. " Is it a eclipse or something? " " Of course not idiot. " she shot back and chucked the junk on the table onto the floor and rose an eyebrow at him daring him in challenge to say anything.
He shrugged and noticed the small frown that appeared. Two could play this game. He sat down and noticed that she tucked her legs up underneath her as she poured the tea for them. She pushed his cup towards him.
" Having a good day? " she asked sipping her tea.
" The usual. Have a good night? " he asked shooting her a meaningful look.
She laughed and shot him a superior look.
" It was good although the clubs here are nothing compared to the ones in Japan. But, " she shot him another haughty look. " That's what you get here in this dump. "
" Some would appriciate the fact that it's something different from what they're use to. But beside that, do I even want to ask howyou managed to get into night clubs underage? "
She laughed again.
" Xiao Lang you're too simplicit, even if you are a male. "
Li shot her an irritated glance. " Do you even get tired of being so self rightous all of the time? "
She smirked over the rim of her cup.
" Guess not. I should have known better to ask you that. Your arrogance won't allow you to recognise anything other that what matters to you. " he should have noticed the narrowing of her eyes, but he didn't.
Ying Fa slammed her cup down on the table and glarred at him coldly. She leaned on the table and braced herself for battle.
" Are you implying that I'm just a stupid female with an ego! " she demanded.
Li wasn't easily intimidated, but this girl scarred him. He sank lower in his chair.
" That's that just typical coming from a male! " she spat. " At least I'm not the one living in this dump! At least I know how to take care of myself! " she slammed her fist on the table again and leaned closer to him.
" AND, " she continued narrowing her eyes dangerously. " exactly what were you doing in my room last night! "
She jumped from one topic to another Li had to wonder if he could ever keep up.
" I wasn't in your room. " he hoped he'd make it out this alive.
" Hentai! You snoop! I know you were in there I could smell your deodorant! " she accused.
Li couldn't believe that this teenager was pulling it over him. He was older and he was a cop for kami's sake. He straightned up and grasped the aura of authority.
" I only checked the window. You shouldn't have disobeyed my rules. Anyway, why should I respect your rules when you don't respect me or mine? "
Ying Fa sat back with a deadly calm that Li was already starting to recognise and be wary of. She sipped her tea watching him the whole time with those piercing emerald eyes. She sat it down and poured herself another full cup and slowly stood up.
" I hope you have a good day. " she said before emptying her cup in his lap.
He watched her stalk off and slam her door and he cursed. Memo to self: Easily insulted.
Later that afternoon . . .
In a big office room, two people sat in total silence. One of the men, Mika Osakii, tossed a ball back and forth waiting for Li to say something. The latter, sat at his desk in a mood.
" Hey weren't you dressed differently this morning? " Mika piped up curiously.
Li shot him a dark look.
" All right then, how's it going with your new house guest? Uh, what's her name? "
Li sat up and pinned him with a glare.
" How the hell did you find out about Ying Fa? "
" Ah! So her name's Ying Fa. I bet she's cute. "
" Answer the question Mika. " Li snarled. " Family grapevine. " he smirked charmingly.
Li spat something in chinese and Mika raised and eyebrow.
" That bad huh? "
" What about you? "Li demanded.
" what about me? " Mika asked perplexed.
" Can she stay with you? " Li hated that he sounded so desperate. " You like the feisty type. "
Mika raised his hands in defense. " Meilin would kill me. "
" What about Meilin? "
" She's off in england visiting a friend. Strictly no females in the house while she is gone"
Li banged his head against the desk.
" Surely she can't be that bad? " Mika asked smiling.
" You have no idea. " came the muffled response.
After he had left, Sakura sighed and came out of her room and decided to look around. Apart from the fact the apartment was so cluttered with junk and old take out it was a nice place. With a little cleaning it would look a lot better. She checked out the small kitchen and tried not to cringe at the mess that took up every space available. Growing up in a spotless house that had never seen the mess this placed had, made it hard for Sakura to adjust to the sheer grossness of it all. She checked out the laundry, the bathroom and feeling guilty, stuck her head inside Li's room for just a peep.
Later on after she had showered and changed and put her hair up, she looked around and wondered what the heck she was going to do. She hadn't gone far at all last night, in fact, if Li had gone looking for her, she didn't doubt that he would have found her in the first five minutes.
Grabbing her purse with the last of her money in it, she left the apartment and went walking around the block trying to find a supermarket. Within minutes she found one and went inside deciding to kill some time. She bought some essentials and carried them back to the apartment. She was thinking about how she was going to get back inside, when she saw the guy at the front door. Xiao Lang's apartment wasn't the only one in this building. She recognised this guy as the owner, an aging man, with white hair. She smiled prettily at him and explained that upon leaving she had left her key in Xiao Lang's apartment. She also explained that she was his cousin and was visiting for a while and he was more than happy to help her inside.
After he left, Sakura decided that she might as well have another nap to pass away the time until he came home. Then she would ask him what there was for her to do around here.
When she woke, it was dark outside. She stretched and pushing her hair out of her face, she looked around the darkened apartment and frowned.
" Xiao Lang? " she called.
There was no answer.
She noticed the red light was blinking on the answering machine and pushed the button not remembering hearing the phone ringing during her nap.
Ying Fa, it's Li. Listen, I have to pull double duty again. I won't be home tonight, order take away for dinner and don't worry if you hear me come in late. Money's in the jar on the table by the door. Bye.
So she was to be completely alone. She shivered in the darkness and pushing away dark memories, she turned on the lights and pulled out the phone directory. Not understanding how the heck the directory was written, she sighed and decided she would go for a walk. Shrugging on her coat, she straightened her hair and closed the door behind her once more.
The streets of Shanghai in this area were lit up with lights and noise came from other people also deciding to go hunting for dinner like herself. Many things smelled delicious, but she bypassed one after the other. After she had walked for a few blocks, she decided that she wasn't all that hungry and headed back the way she had come.
On her way back, she watched police cars go flying down the street past her and she wondered if Xiao Lang by chance would be in one of them. Shaking her head and calling herself stupid, she headed back home. Once again she begged the old man to open the door for her and laughed when he shook his head at her and told her she should not leave without her key again. Closing the door she muttered that she wished she had a key, but her stupid gardian wouldn't give her one, so how could she be blamed for having to rely on the services of an old man to get her into the apartment?
There was a knock on the door and she smiled brightly when she realised the rest of the things Yelan had lent to her had arrived. She spent the next few hours sorting the boxes out and storing things away. When she was half way through it, she had to admire that now it was like her own room in a strange house.
She curled up in bed a few hours later and wished it wasn't so dark. She flung open her curtains and allowed the neon lights to reflect into the room brightening it up. She fell into a troubled sleep and wished that she wasn't so alone.
Later that morning around 3 am, Xiao Lang quietly opened the door and crept into the apartment. He noticed the stuff sitting on the bench in the kitchen and figured she must have gone out for food. He slipped out of his jacket and drapped it over the back of his chair. Grabbing a beer from the fridge, he drank deeply before heading towards his room. He paused when he heard a noise coming from the brat's room. Slowly he slid open the door to Ying Fa's room. He was surprised that she could sleep at all with all that light coming into her room. She turned over in her sleep muttering something and then settled down once more.
He closed the door quietly and then trudged to his own room and fell deeply asleep before his head hit the pillow.
The next morning Ying Fa woke up the sounds of noises in the kitchen. She pushed open her door just as Li was preparing to leave. He shot her a look.
" I'll see you later ok. Bye. "
" But - " the front door closed. " what about me? What am I supposed to do? " she whispered sadly.
The sun was setting and the night chill was starting to check in and Li shifted and leant up against the wall waiting for the man he was watching to make his move so Li could collect the evidence that was needed to end this case. So far the man was acting suspiciously. He tried to blend in and let his gaze roam.
" So how's the stakeout going? "
Li jerked and nearly choked when he looked around and noticed Ying Fa for the first time standing beside him.
" What the hell are you doing here! " he demanded.
She shrugged in the fading light.
" Came to see if you could actually pull this thing off. "
He took her arm in a painful grip and tugged her around the corner so they couldn't be spotted.
" Ying Fa! This is important! Get home. "
" I was thinking I might stick around and see how it goes. I never got to look around this part of town. "
" If you screw this up for me - " Li threatened.
" I don't have to do that. He already knows that you are watching him. " Li studyied her his eyes narrowing dangerously.
" If you like, I can salvage this for you. "
" No! " was his instant response.
She shrugged again, flipping her hair over her shoulder.
" You're loss. "
A movement caught his attention and his breath hitched as he saw the man walking towards them. He would surely be recognised.
" What? " Ying Fa pushed him trying to see what was wrong and knocked Li who was leaning unstably against the wall. She turned around again as she heard a loud splash and saw in horror that Li had landed in the fountain.
The man that Li had been watching stopped to look at them and Ying Fa thought fast. She let out a loud whoop and laughed maniacally at the drenched figure in the fountain as he came up spluttering.
" I told you it was too early to start drinking Loyd! You should have stopped at the fifth! " then she whooped again and dived in after him and managed to drag him under the water again. She came up spluttering and splashed around in the freezing water laughing.
In a quick assessment, she noted that the man had left and they had drawn a small crowd and she noted, that a policeman was rushing towards them looking angry. She grabbed Li and hauled him out of the fountain coughing and spluttering and pushed him towards the alley.
" Damn you, move your stubborn hide. " she hissed and took off, dragging him after her.
" If you don't mind I'm half drowned back here. " he wheezed.
" Well I'll leave you to deal with the legal niceties shall I! " she hissed.
Li looked behind him seeing the cop, picked up speed, and they managed to get back to the corner near the apartment unnoticed.
She hugged her hands under her arms and a ignored the water trickling down her hair and making her shiver.
" Well I hope your happy. " she muttered angrily.
Li pushed his soggy bangs off his eyes and pinned her with a glare.
" I had everything under control. "
Her eyebrow arched sarcastically and Li stiffened.
" Ok, well, did you have to draw attention to us! You could have gotten me busted! "
" The most logical course of action to take in a situation of near-discovery is to place ourselves out in the middle of the spotlight, therefore making us invisible to detection. "
Li just starred at her.
" Don't give me that look. Because of you baka, my clothes are sopping wet and clingy. " she said angrily.
She watched as his eyes slid down her figure to stare at the clingy material around her breasts and she gasped in indignation and a loud smack resounded through the alley way as her hand cracked against his cheek.
" Hentai! " she bit out and stalked off inside making sure she hit him in the face with her wet hair as she flicked it over her shoulder in agitation.
Memo to self: Agressive and tempremental.
They didn't really talk when Li came home and she missed him every morning when he left early for work. It was like that for a few days and one morning Ying Fa was determined to catch him before he left. She knew he had work and she waited patiently. The sun wasn't up yet and she was standing in the kitchen waiting for the tea to boil when she saw something move. Her eyes widened and she let out a scream that would have made an cheerleader envious, as she crashed back into a pile of mess as she tried to scramble away from one of her worst nightmares.
All Li heard was the scream and the massive crash. How could anyone scream that loud? He jumped out of bed disoriented and fell in a heap from his tangled sheets. He grabbed his gun, pushing in a clip and bolted out of his room, gun aimed.
Sakura, upon seeing the gun aimed at her head, screamed once again in fright and tipped the lounge chair, which she had been standing upon, and shrieked when she fell back and landed with a thudd. Stars burst in front of her eyes and she lay stunned on the hard floor. Li was on her in an instant making sure she was all right. He checked for concussion and asked what the hell she was doing screaming like that and standing up on the furniture. Sakura, remembering why she had been afraid before Li had managed to terrify her, yelped and scrambled up on the lounge again, holding her aching head looking towards the kitchen waiting.
" What's wrong with you? " Li asked watching her.
" There was a mouse. A big one. " she said shakily, pointing at the kitchen.
" A mouse? " Li asked incredulously. " You screamed like that because of a little mouse? "
" How can you say that? It was huge, in fact maybe it was a rat! " her huge eyes locked on his.
Li shook his head.
" For the scream you let fly I wouldn't be surprised if it were an axe murderer. "
" Aren't you going to do anything about it? " she asked trying to keep her trembling down to a minimum.
Li stood up and looked at the kitchen.
" It was only a little mouse. It won't harm us. I'll leave it for now. "
She couldn't stop the little sob that escaped her trembling mouth. He watched her for few moments and sighed.
" You're really freaked out by that thing aren't you? "
Her eyes flashed and her chin lifted.
" I'm glad you think it such a trivial matter Xiao Lang, " she snapped. " but like most people, I don't expect to see a rodent in the place that I'm living. But now that you mention it, I'm not surprised that there is one, considering the amount of mess you suply for the plague. "
Raising his hands in defense against those angry eyes. He went searching for the mouse trap and set it up. She stood back and watched him the whole time.
" What? " he asked when he stood up.
" I can't believe you're not affected by this. You have mice in your home and you couldn't care less. How come? "
" I'm a private investigator - a cop, as you may well know I don't exactly have the time for such trivial things. I'm not home long enough for me to notice such things. "
She stepped back losing the air of haughtiness he'd expected of her in only a few days.
" I've noticed that quite well. " she replied softly. She held her head high as she turned and walked away back towards her room. Maybe she'd get some more z's after all.
She stopped in mid-step when a snap and a squeek broke the silence.
" I guess you don't have anything to worry about now. " came Li's voice from the kitchen. She shivered and closed the door silently behind her.
It was after he had dialled for pizza that she spoke to him after a few days of solitude.
" You know you can't keep eating that junk. My figure will be ruined if you force me to keep eating it. "
" No one said that you had to eat it. " Li replied sipping his beer, heading towards the loungeroom.
" You inconsiderate chauvinistic pig! " she called out after him. " I'm your guest, you're supposed to be hospitable! "
" And you're supposed to be respectful and behave yourself. I guess we're both way off wouldn't you say? "
Her eyes narrowed dangerously. She grabbed the phone and stomped off towards her room spitting Japanese curses at him the whole way.
" Just because you're older! " she threw over her shoulder, slamming the door.
She dialled Tomoyo's number and waited for her to answer, still mumbling curses.
" I hope that's not directed at me. I answered the phone as fast as I could you know. " came Tomoyo's amused voice.
" Iie! It's directed at that baka that I'm living with! I've never known a stupid male to be so frustrating! How he can get away with being so arrogant and infuriating is beyond me! " Tomoyo chuckled earning her a sharp repremand from her friend.
" Gomen Ying Fa. " Tomoyo replied humour clear in her voice. " So? How have you been? "
Sakura sighed and banked her anger.
" I haven't really thought about it. This baka requires most of my time. " On the other end, a bright, knowing smile adorned the young woman's voice before she fell serious again.
" Are you safe? " Tomoyo whispered concerned.
Sakura paused and thought.
" I . . think. . . so. " she spoke slowly hoping it was so.
" You don't sound too convinced. "
" I can't be sure. "
" Are you using your cell? " Tomoyo suddenly asked.
" No. I'm using the house phone. Why? "
" Well it's going to cost a fortune. International calls always do. I don't think, Xiao Lang was it? Would be very happy if you ran up his bill. "
A small smirk appeared.
" No, I dont think he would be. " she purred. " Oh Ying Fa you're evil. " Tomoyo giggled. " I should go. I don't want to be a part of this newest scheme of yours. "
" Oh come on Tomoyo, " Sakura pleaded. " Help me out here. Tell me all the goss. Tell me what I've been missing. "
45 Minutes later, Ying Fa walked out of her room and placed the phone gently on the table and looked over at the sleeping Li. Another smirk appeared on her beautiful face as she brushed red hair out of her eyes and watched him sleep for a few minutes, a plan forming in her head. She'd make him respect her needs as a woman, even if she had to break him in slowly to accomplish it.
An empty beer bottle, a shaker of salt and an empty bottle of soy sauce later, Sakura walked out the door humming to herself wishing she could be there to see the reaction when Li reached for his 'beer'.
Later that night . . . .
Ying Fa slipped the hairpin back into her hair as she opened the apartment door and closed it silenty behind her. She slipped off her shoes, adorning the slippers that she had left when she had gone out earlier and walked down the hall. She knew she was in trouble the moment she came into the lounge and saw him waiting for her, a dark, foreboding expression on his face that told her he was not amused.
She played the act of total innocence. Well she hadn't been found guilty yet had she?
" This doesn't look promising. " she started. " What have I supposedly done officer? " she asked, quickly pushing a strand of hair behind her ear.
His expression only darkened. Wow, looks could kill. Ying Fa took a step back. He was really angry. She had never thought to get a rise out of him like this. Guess the guy could get totally miffed after all. " You may think that you are funny, " he said raising the empty bottle of beer she had filled. " but let me assure you Ying Fa - " his eyes grew cold with fury. " I am not amused. "
" You - " she started but was cut off.
" I admit that you're the first person that I've come across that totally rubs me the wrong way and makes me do and say things that I wouldn't normally do, but you are by far the most spoilt and rotten little girl I've ever had the misfortune of being stuck with. " he stepped forward glarring coldly at her. " I understand now why my sisters or nobody else would take you, " he spat. " they probably wouldn't have been able to handle you either. And believe me, I don't blame them. "
Ying Fa frowned. What he was saying actually hurt. How could he judge her so badly after only knowing her for a few days? Ok, she must admit, she hadn't been an angel, in fact she had been far from it, but he could have given her a chance. She guessed you never came between a guy and his beer. Ok, walking into the apartment last week hadn't done anything to lighten her opinion of him either, so she guessed that that made them even on that score. She didn't know him and he thought she was a spoilt brat. Usually when some guy tried to tell her how she was supposed to act, she usually creamed him and relished watching the bruises show. No one told her who or what she was. She knew who she was, and there was no way in hell she was letting this little decetive from China see who she really was. Too much depended on it.
" Ok you've had your say, now get off that damn pedestal you've jumped up on and let me say that maybe it wasn't me that's done whatever I'm being degraded over. " she snapped back, eyes flashing.
" Oh I know it was you Ying Fa, " Li said and walked closer. " it had your name written all over it. It's only the childish sort of thing that one could expect of you. "
She crossed her arms over chest and met his gaze.
" Ok, you deserved it. " she admitted. Li clenched his fists and wished he could get away with murder. That damn beer had been the worst in his life. He was lucky if he would be able to drink another in his life.
" Don't you think you owe me an apology? " he ground out between clenched teeth. He was furious and the little minx stood there and told him he'd derserved it. All because he wouldn't order anything other than pizza for her delicate needs.
She uncrossed her arms and lifted her chin in challenge.
" Yeah, I owe you one. " she said and met his gaze squarely. " I'm just sorry I didn't think to do it sooner! " with that she stuck her tongue out and whirled around and headed back to the door. It slammed behind her.
Li opened it a second later and looked after her retreating back.
" Where the hell are you going! " he demanded angrilly.
" Anywhere that's away from you! " she yelled back, storming past the other doors. " Get back here! " Li yelled angrily. " It's too late to be going out by yourself. "
She turned around, red hair flashing in the overhead light, to look up the stairs at him.
" I'm sixteen years old Xiao Lang, not twelve. " and with that she turned, her hair flowing out behind her and walked out.
" Fine! " he seethed and watched her go. Let the little witch go. He turned back around and slammed the door.
Just maybe he'd be able to get the taste of soy sauce and salt out of his mouth. . . .
Ying Fa kicked the wall and cursed. Ok, so she had been childish and her revenge had backfired, these things happened. But that did not mean that he had to put her character down so cruelly. She hadn't deserved the things that he had said. She was new here, and she was just trying to adjust. It didn't help that no one was helping her settle in, except maybe Yelan, but she was hours away. She looked up at the building an evil gleam coming to her eyes. She'd get him back. Her pride demanded that it be so.
She went below to the garage and looked around. There were several cars and she frowned. Which one was his? Then she noticed it. A sleek, black thing that drew the eye. That had to be Xiao Lang's. It made a statement just like its owner. Humming to herself, she moved around it and made note of every detail. If she could just get inside and pop the bonnet - she paused and then with the edge of her toe, tapped the tyre.
The alarm shrieked through the car park and she cringed. She looked around and decided that she'd bank on her anger for the moment and deal with it later - after she could get the keys. Smiling to herself, she walked out of the garage thinking about the lovely joy ride she could take, or the disconnection of his precious sub system from what had seen before she had triggered the alarm, or maybe a flat tyre of two. Ah the possibilities!
But for now, she'd do some more exploring . . .
The bedside clock had just turned 3 O'clock when Li was startled awake by his beeper going off. He rubbed the sleep from his eyes and yawning, switched on his bedside light to see who it was.
" Mika . . " he groaned and reached for the phone.
It rang a few times before it was answered.
" Good morning sunshine isn't it a beautiful morning? "
" Mika give me one good reason why I shouldn't come down there and do you serious injuries that not even health insurance won't cure. " Li snapped.
" You really aren't an early person are you? "
" Mika . . " Li warned.
" Ok, ok. I called because we have something down here that belongs to you. "
" What? " he asked stiffling a yawn. " Mika if this is one of your funny jokes I swear - "
" It's not. Do you think I like getting my head bitten off after a twenty-four hour shift? "
Li groaned.
" Ok give me a minute and I'll be down there. "
" Ok, it's not going anywhere. " he clicked off.
Li ran a hand through his hair as the security guard opened the huge glass doors for him. He nodded, acknowledging the man, and then was met by Mika near the reception desk. Mika smiled a secret smile and lead Li to the elevators were they proceeded down to one of the lower levels.
" So what is this about? " he asked shooting Mika a look.
" You'll soon see. No explanations needed, well except maybe for a few. "
The doors opened and they proceeded towards the detaining cells.
" Thought you might want this back. " Mika said and indicated for Li to see for himself.
He caught a flash of red before he groaned.
" I should have known. "
Ying Fa looked up from her little bench and jumped up and wrapped her hands around the bars.
" See, " she flashed Mika a sassy smile. " I told you he'd come for me. "
Mika smiled in return dipping his head. " Yes ma'am, you certainly did. "
" Please Mika, could you not encourage her. " he begged his partner and cousin. He sighed before turning back to her.
" You just couldn't stay put could you? No, " he sighed and starred at the ceiling. " you have be out at all hours of the night doing god-knows-what, and causing me grief. "
Ying Fa turned to Mika and flashed him that radient smile, before whispering confidently.
" I told you he would proabably be cranky. I think he needs a holiday. " she winked. " maybe you can put in a good word with your boss, you know, give this poor civilian a break. I swear he blames me for everthing! "
" Don't try and charm Mika into your little games brat. " Li snapped. " If you hadn't have poured soy sauce in my beer, I wouldn't have had to yell at you. "
Mika blinked. " She did what - ? "
" Oh! " she cried in outrage swinging back to Li spitting fire. " Well maybe you shoudn't be such a pig and consider the needs of others! "
" Oh yeah, sure, " Li snapped back. " I'm really going to give a wayward brat a break! "
" Well you expect me to live in that dump you call home? Puh-lease! " she spat disgusted. " No wonder you're not married! Your poor mother would die if she knew the real reason her baby boy wasn't married and blessing her with grandkids. "
Li eyes flashed fury.
" My personal life has nothing to do with you! "
" Hmph. " she tossed her red curls. " Of course it's my business, I'm family. "
" Family my ass! " Li snapped angrily. " I don't recognise you as my family. There's no way I'd be related to a little - "
" Li - " Mika warned glancing behind them at the curious looks they were getting.
Ying Fa turned on Mika with tears in her eyes.
" Do you see how he treats me! " she demanded stiffling a sob. " It's no wonder I'm so horrible to him! He doesn't even want me! "
" Who would! " Li raged. " And don't drag Mika into this. He's not your concern. God help me, but I am. "
" I refuse to have anything to do with you! " Ying Fa snapped, tears forgotten. " You hate me! " she looked at Mika. " Please let me out of here. "
Li held up his hand.
" First Osakii, tell me why she's in there in the first place. "
" You can't be serious? " Ying Fa demanded. " I didn't do anything! I was in the wrong place at the wrong time! "
" Likely story. " Li said eyeing her suspiciously. " Osakii? "
" Well, " he looked uncomfortable. " she was picked up on the street near where a deal was going down. She was clean and swears she knew nothing, but we thought we'd hold her and see what you'd say. "
" Oh please don't ask him for his opinion. " Ying Fa pleaded desperately. " He'd love nothing but for me to stay behind bars. "
" Shut up minx. " Li snapped. " She was clean? "
" That's it! " Ying Fa demanded kicking the bars. " You let me out of here right now or I'll curse your names to Aunty Yelan! When I'm through with the both of you for your poor treatment of me, I'm sure you'll be singing a different tune when she's through with you! "
" Sorry cuz, " Mika said opening the door on the furious spitfire. " You know I don't need Aunt Yelan coming down on my back. And I think we've stirred poor Ying Fa up enough. "
" Oh Mika! " Ying Fa cried and wrapped her arms around his neck sounding terribly upset.
" WHAT THE HELL IS GOING ON DOWN HERE! " someone roared.
Ying Fa's eyes widened and her mouth fell open. If Li hadn't been cringing himself, he would have laughed at the fact that someone was meaner and scarier than the little brat herself.
" Sorry sir, " Mika spoke up stepping back from Ying Fa. " Just a little disagreement. "
" Disagreement my foot. " the man snapped. " I could hear that arguement coming down in the elevator. "
" I'm sorry sir, it shouldn't have happened. I forgot myself. It won't happen again. " Li assured.
The man's dark eyes landed on Ying Fa.
" And who are you? " he asked.
" Family. " Li responded. Might as well get it over with. " Got into some trouble and we were sorting it out. She disapeared when she was supposed to be home. She left without my consent. "
Ying Fa crossed her arms over chest and stuck her nose up in the air.
" Well I don't know about you, " she said haughtily looking at the tall man out of the corner of her eye. " but do you train all your men to be absolute brutes? " she demanded.
Fu Jiang looked beweilded. " Excuse me? "
Ying Fa pinned him with a frosty look.
" You heard me. " she snapped. " Tell me sir are your officers supposed to conduct themselves as this oaf does! " she pointed accusingly at Li who starred at her in horror. She siffed angrilly.
" Believe me, I'm thinking of taking this matter to the council! He shouldn't have been able to treat me like that, as if I had done the crime! " she looked at Li angrily. " Me, I total innocent bystander, hauled into jail because she was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and this idiot questioning my honour! My HONOUR! Not to mention my pride. An injustice has been done and I want to know if he can get away with it! "
Li gabbed her arm and hauled her around so she had to face him. He spoke coldly and with underestimated fury.
" Stop it right now! If you want to get your digs at me, you will do it at home do you hear me! " he demanded softly. His fingers dug in painfully.
" The only one you're making a fool of is yourself. I will deal with you later. Now get in the car. It's outside waiting. No arguement. " he snapped when fury flashed in her eyes.
" I'm not moving. " she snapped.
Li looked over her head and bowed his head slightly in apology.
" Excuse me sir, Osakii. " he picked Ying Fa up and drapped her over his shoulder, ignoring her screech of protest.
" YOU IDIOT! PUT ME DOWN! I SWEAR YOU'LL PAY! "
Mika sighed and waited until the commotion died down.
" That one is a real hellcat. She doesn't come from my branch of the family tree. "
The next morning was quiet. After the heated arguement of the night before, Ying Fa had waited until Li had gone for the morning supplies before she emerged from her room and started the morning ritual of tea. The fact that she had several small dark bruises on her arm where Li had grabbed her hadn't escaped her attention either.
She'd emerged from the bathroom clean and dressed when Li stumbled into the kitchen nearly dropping some of the bags he had. He swore when he dropped his wallet and dumping the bags on the counter, he bent down and scooped up his wallet, shoving it in his back pocket of his jeans.
Although she didn't want to admit it, he looked good in jeans and a black shirt, his hair all messy and wayward. She didn't say anything to her gardian as she went into the kitchen to pour her tea and butter her toast for the morning. He packed away the groceries and watched her for a moment waiting for her to say anything. It was a pity, he thought, that she looked so pretty. He guessed it hid the evil within.
Sighing he went into his room to get ready for work. He didn't know how long he was going to be in for today. Mrs Rokoma was desperate to find her missing daughter, and was prepared to pay any sum to find a shred of proof of her existance. He whipped off his shirt and walked out of his room to the bathroom. He started to shower and waited til it warmed up before he got in. He was reaching for the soap when he started to wonder what he was going to do about Ying Fa. It was clear that they couldn't live together. They rubbed each other too much. Sighing, he reached for the shampoo and started washing his hair.
Sakura had listened to Tomoyo tell her the latest goss and was pouring her tea down the sink when she turned and starred at something on the floor.
" Hang on a sec Tomoyo. What's this? " she mumbled as she bent down and picked up the item. She snickered evilly.
" Oh you'll never believe what I just found. "
" It must be good if you sound that happy. " came Tomoyo's voice.
" I just found the monster's credit card. "
" Ying Fa. " Tomoyo warned.
" Tomoyo, don't try and talk me out of this one. It's not going to work. Do you know how many bruises he left on me? " she demanded. " Five! He left all his fingerprints on me. "
" Well, you did make him angry. " Tomoyo conceded. " Whose side are you on exactly? " Sakura asked thinking of all the ways she could use this to her advantage.
" Look I have to go now ok. Big day in the office. Ja. "
" Ja. " Sakura hung up and looked towards the bathroom.
She quickly tidied up and humming to herself, she turned the cold water on in the kitchen sink, listening to the started howl that quickly came from the bathroom, she switched it off, and considered debt number one to be paid off. She smirked at the curses sprewing from the bathroom as she walked out of the kitchen.
Pausing slightly, she grabbed Li's keys from the bench. She slipped off her slippers and ran down the stairs and entered the garage. She turned off the alarm and walked over to the car. Opening the car, she slipped inside and sat for a moment just looking around and getting the feel of it. It was a nice car and she was a sucker for a nice car. Better to play it safe and do something rational. She leaned over and popped the bonnet and slid out of the front seat and lifted the hood. She peered inside and smiled. What the hey? She reached in and pulled out several cables and left them hanging. Let him ponder she smirked.
Dropping the keys off at the front desk, she walked out into the morning light and hailed for a cab. She decided that maybe it was time to some sight seeing to get the gist of where everything was instead of relying on a stupid directory that was of no use to her. She waited until the taxi drove off before she pulled out her cell and asked for the S.P.D. It rang a few times and then a yougn woman answered.
" Good Morning. " Ying Fa said in Chinese. " I'm just ringing to let you know that Xiao Lang Li will be unable to come in this morning. He's having a few - " she paused and smiled. " Car problems. Is that a problem?" " Ah, no that shouldn't be. May I ask who's - "
" Good. Bye. " and with that she hung up.
So far the morning had been the worst one of his entire life and it looked like it was going to get worse. His back still itched where the scalding water had hit him dead on when he had been in the shower. He had started out running late and then had discovered that he couldn't find his keys. Suspecting Ying Fa to be up to fowl play, he had decided to break into his car, only then to have Mr Downry knock on his door and say that he had his keys, that the young girl with the pretty eyes had dropped them in. Thanking him and seething inside, Li had then bolted to the garage to find that the car wouldn't start. He wheedled, begged, but the damn thing was silent.
He jumped out and kicked the tyre and then a thought struck him. He lifted the bonnet and his temper hitched another notched.
Ying Fa.
Spending another 10 minutes putting the spark plugs back in, and cursing his charge, he looked down to find that his hands and his clothes were covered in oil. He'd have to change. Again.
10 Minutes Later . .
Finally ready, he ran back down to his car and sighed in relief when it started. He was already over an hour late and he couldn't wait to get his hands on Ying Fa. He'd wrap his hands around her throat and choke her. He drove down a block and then turned and headed towards the road that would lead him down town and swore when he saw that the road was blocked. He backtracked and took the highway and then got stuck in traffic. Knowing he wasn't going to get anywhere soon, he reached for his phone to call in and realised thast he had left it in his apartment after he had gone up to change.
He wanted to scream.
Two Hours Later
Li finally walked into the foyer and kept his temper banked - barely. He scowled and ran up the stairs not trusting the elevators. He went to walk into his office but his secretary forstalled him.
" Oh, good afternoon Mr Li. " she said and his scowl darkened. " We didn't think you'd be coming in today with all the car trouble. "
Li's dark gaze pinned hers.
" And let me guess, a young woman rang in to tell you that. " it wasn't a question, but a fact, he knew.
The secretary blinked.
" Yes, she did, but we didn't get her name. Mary downstairs just said that you wouldn't be in today. "
" Well I'm here despite the fact that the Devil's Spawn tried to stop me. "
She blinked and looked confused.
" Just give me any messages and call my client and get her in here. " " But that's not neceassary. "
" Why? " he demanded angrily.
" Because it's already been taken care of. Mr Osakii handled it this morning and then he and Mr Tsuitskiro went out to deal with the case that came up. There's no need for you to be in today Mr Li. I'm surprised that you bothered coming in at all. Mr Osakii is doing fine. Go home and take a break. " she smiled and then walked off.
Swearing, Li forgot his earlier premonition and entered the elevator and pushed the button for the main floor. He got half way down when the power cut and he was left in the dark. He blinked and then growled and banged his head against the wall. Life was a bi.tch and When you were down she kicked you harder. He should of known.
The people on the main floor paused what they were doing when they heard the outraged yell coming from the vicincity somewhere between the first and second floors. . . .
Ying Fa walked in humming to herself and dropped the bag that had all the things that she had bought in it on the floor.
" Give me one good reason why I shouldn't kill you. " came the tired voice.
" Huh?" she blinked and looked around her. She took a step back and looked down at the figure laying down on the lounge with a face cloth over his eyes.
" What did you say? " she asked curiously."
Li reached up and tiredly removed the cloth from his face and amber eyes starred up at her.
" I said 'Give me one reason why I shouldn't kill you?' "
" Ummm, because you look like hell? What happened? " she tilted her head to the side in the cute way that made her look completely innocent.
" You happened. " he said and placed the cloth back over his eyes.
" What did I do? " she asked.
" Ying Fa. " came the warning and she sighed.
" Fine. I'll leave you to your mood Mr Cranky. Mou. " she walked over to the fridge and pulled out a beer.
She guzzled it and then walked over to the lounge and picked up her bag. Li's nose twitched and then he yanked the cloth off his face and he sat up.
" Are you drinking one of my - " the question died when he saw her lift an eyebrow and scull some more.
" Want some? " she asked. " But if you have a headache, it's best if you don't. "
" Give me that. " he grabbed it out of her hand and put it on the table. " You're too young for that. "
She rolled her eyes and walked off towards her room.
She came back out and sat down and switched on the tv. She looked at Li and then turned the volume down. She made herself comfortable and started channel surfing. She was watching it for a while before he spoke up.
" You caused me a lot of trouble today. "
" Yeah? " she asked still watching the tv.
" Yeah. " he pulled the cloth away and turned his head to look at her. " Shall I fill you in? "
" If you must. " she replied still watching.
" I was late for work because someone stuffed around with my car which is an offense on it's own, but then I got dirty and I had to change and that took up more time, then I hit a road block and had to travel down the highway and guess what? I got stuck in traffic for two hours. I forgot my phone because I was running late and then when I finally managed to get to work, my secretary sweetly tells me that they weren't expecting me because someone rang in this morning telling them that I was having car trouble and not to expect me, so then she tells me that Osakki and some nit, had taken over my job and I was to go home because I wasn't needed for the rest of the day.
" But it didn't stop there. Oh no. Then I get stuck in the elevator for and hour and half and by the time I managed to get in my car and come home, I run out of petrol half way there because some punk had siphoned my tank and I had to walk two blocks to get petrol and take it back to my car. And when I finally think that it's over, I get a migrain that lands me flat on my back and unable to yell at you like I wanted to. "
She finally turned to look at him and then knelt up on her knees so she could look down at him. Her eyes searched his for a moment and he returned her gaze. She placed the cloth on the table and brought her hands up to rest softly on his temples.
" I feel sorry for you Li, " she said as she started to massage his temples gently and with expertise. " But I have to be honest with you and tell you that I secretly relish the horrible day you had. It's not in my nature to forgive you yet. Now close your eyes and relax. "
Li had to admit that her cool fingers were working wonders on his temples and his pounding headache. He sighed and relaxed as she continued to rub away the pain.
" Where'd you learn to do this? " he asked.
" No where important. " she replied and then started to trace the lines of tension on his forehead. " Just rest. "
She looked down at him as he fell asleep and had to admit that he was cute. With that thought running through her mind and her face burning pink, she got up and started making dinner.
Few Days Later
Sakura pulled the few notes from the ATM and sighed. She was drawing on the last of her reserves and she knew that if she didn't do something about it soon, the money Aiden had placed in her bank account would soon be gone. It was risky doing this, she knew that, but at this stage, she was cornered. She had no choice. Sakura Avalon still had to exist.
She tucked the money in her wallet and tucked it safely inide her jacket - close to her. She looked up and scanned the crowd and then walked off taking in her surroundings. She walked down the crowded streets and window shopped. She was walking past one shop in particular and had to stop. A evil smirk adorned her mouth and she backtracked a few steps and pushed opened the door, smiling fully when little bell chimes anounced her presence.
" May I help you? " the man behind the counter asked.
" Perhaps, " Ying Fa smiled scanning the glass containers and then her gaze landed on something and her eyes lit up mischiefly.
" I think maybe I'd like to learn about that. " she said pointing, placing all her charm in her smile. " Is it poisonous? "
In his room, Li threw his jacket on the floor out of his way, took his wallet out of his back pocket and threw that on his bedside table and then unclipped his gun from it holster under his arm and carefully tucked in away in his draw beside the bed.
A knock sounded on his door and Ying Fa's voice carried through it.
" I'm taking this disgusting rubbish down for collection tomorrow, though it's supposed to be the male that does these sorts of things, mou. " she muttered and he heard her stomp towards the front door.
Shaking his head he walked out of his room and went to take a shower. Things it would seem were back to normal.
By the time she got back, he had showered and was doing something unordinary. . . . Making dinner.
By the time she had placed the trash out to be collected the next morning, Mr. Downry, (the old guy who owns the building) had come over and started talking to her. Out of politeness for the old man, Ying Fa shifted slightly and listened half-heartedly while he told her about his deceased wife, his sons and his daughter. By the time she got away, it had already been over forty minutes.
When she stepped into the apartment she sniffed. She ditched her shoes and slipped into her slippers and came into the open loungeroom and steered to the right to the kitchen. Her mouth fell and cluttered to the floor.
" You actually cook? " she asked shocked.
He turned to look over his shoulder as he shifted the hot frying pan over the flame.
" Never would have guessed right? " he shot her a smirk and returned to his work.
She stood back and leaned her hip up against the counter and watched him silently. " You gonna stand there and gape at me all night? "
" Hmph. " she snorted in disgust. " As if I could find anything slightly amusing about you. But there's nothing else to do in this dump, " she accused. " I can't believe how far I've fallen. " she sighed " Resorting to watching simplicit males for fun. " her cheeks flames red. " I'm so ashamed! "
Throughout the whole tirade, Li had crossed his arms over his chest and simply watched her.
" What are you starring at baka! " she demanded, eyes flashing.
He simply continued to watch her.
" What! " she demanded again, looking down at herself and making sure everything was in order. " What are you starring at! " she freaked.
Suddenly his eyes lightened with mirth before he laughed.
" Nothing brat. I knew I could make you squirm. "
" You jerk! " she spat and stuck her nose up in the air before she walked off muttering something about men.
Li couldn't help the small smile that played on his lips as he continued cooking. That would have to be another of his victories however how small.
She eyed him warily over the table and Li kept his expression blank. She continued to eat, but she never took her eyes off him. She was waiting for the attack that wasn't going to come. He gulped down his beer and rested it back on the table and ate some more.
" Problem? " he asked casually.
" I'm not sure . . " she replied slowly. He arched his brow at her and she glared back. Sensing no attack for now, she dug into her food, finally taking those probing eyes off him.
When they were done, Ying Fa was hit with accute guilt as Li picked up their plates. No, no! she thought turning her head away from the thought as she heard the water running in the kitchen. I won't feel guilt. She felt the burn from the bruises on her arm and she shook her head firmly.
Besides how could she sneak into his room without being suspicious? She'd done the deed just seconds before he had walked through the door. She heard him yawn and she smirked. She got up and grabbed the phone and ducked into her room and dialled Tomoyo.
She had hung up from Tomoyo over an hour ago and she layed in the darkness waiting, darring not to breath. She had just started to fall asleep when the scream woke her. She clutched her hands over her mouth and tried desperately not to laugh. Oh this was delicious!
She rolled over, her back facing the door and pulled the blankets over her head composing herself as she heard his footsteps running for her room. The door slid back and he was standing over her.
" Ying Fa! Wake up this minute! "
She rubbed sleep from her eyes and then seemed to notice who was in her room.
" Ah! " she screamed. " Hentai! Pervert! You're in my room! Get out! " she screeeched angrily flinging a pillow at his head.
" OUT! " she went to fling another pillow and he ducked.
His eyes glarred fury at her.
" Wait a damn minute! " he yelled and she sat stunned. " You put that blasted thing in my bed didn't you! "
Her eyes narrowed. " Exactly what am I being accused of now? " she demanded.
" Are we going to go through this every time? " he demanded. " You put that bloody snake in my bed didn't you! "
" Snake?" her eyes widened in innocence.
" You know exactly what I'm talking about. " he grated out. " Go and get it and get rid of it. "
" Xiao Lang, I didn't do anything. " she clutched the sheet to her chin.
His eyes narrowed and then he noticed the glint in her eyes that gave her away.
Swearing in Chinese he dragged her out of her room and into his. There on his sheet was a tiny, little, green tree snake.
Sakura knowing she couldn't draw her revenge out anymore, reached over and picked it up and let it slither over her hand.
" Is it poisonous? " Li demanded.
" Of course they are. " she said and crooned to it. " But it's fangs have been removed. It's completely harmless. "
" You take it back to wherever you got it so you hear me! " Li demanded.
She sighed and nodded.
" What would make you do something so horrible " he asked banking down on his anger.
" I don't believe I'm under any oath to answer that officer. " she said and winked at him, striding out of his room and humming to herself.
Li ran a hand through his hair and sighed. Why was she doing these awful things?
Maybe she wants attention? Mika's voice came over loud and clear on his cell.
" God knows she gets enough of that already. " Li replied quietly.
Maybe she only wants your attention? Mika supplied.
" My attention. She gets heaps of that already as well. After she's done whatever scheme she's concocted. "
Look maybe she's just bored. God Li we could never figured out the girls that age when we were that age. It's been a few years since then and they change all the time, trust me. " So what can I do? " he sighed.
Bring her to the station tomorrow and let her do some stuff. Maybe that might get her off your back. " Yeah, after she's taken that bloody thing back. "
Mika laughed and Li snarled and hung up.
Ying Fa stood uneasily in front of the scrutiny of the pet shop owner. Li was watching her from the car.
" I'm really sorry, " she mumbled looking downcast. " I thought he'd love it, but my uncle nearly bit my head off. I thought he'd like it I swear, but I guess I was wrong. Can you take him back? " she asked contrite.
Li watched her hand the box over again and finally managed to breathe easier.
She jumped back in the car and he pulled off towards the S.P.D.
Ying Fa acted like an addicted kid on an overdose of sugar. She zipped around the office firing off a million questions all at once which soon drove Mika and himself to exhaustion. If she could have climbed the walls for a different point of view, he seriously believed she would have.
" Oooh, What's this do? " she played with the item in question and giggled, before ditching it and searching through the draws.
" Do you guys stash guns in here like Li does at home or what? "
Li nearly shut the draw on her fingers and glarred at her. " How do you know about that? "
" I saw you put it in there baka. " she rolled her eyes and hopped up on the desk. " So what's on the schedule today boys? Are we going to play Sherlock and Watson? what drug lord are we going to put behind bars? What - "
She looked at Li while he held up his hand to stop the barrage of questions.
" First of all, you are here to observe and watch, not participate. "
" Oh, but that's no fun! " she pouted.
" Unless you have a degree and a diploma hidden somewhere, you're not participating in here. "
" Give me five minutes and I can forge the best one in China. " she shot back.
" That ..is not even funny. " Li replied slowly.
She shot Mika a winning smile when he chuckled despite what she had said.
" See Mika has faith in me. " she pouted.
" Well Mika doesn't know any better. " Li replied. " That's why he was partnered with me. "
" Oh that the biggest load of crap. " she said before Mika could snap at Li. She pinned Li with a look.
" Mika has more brains than you could ever muster Xiao Lang. I think you have more tumble weeds in there than brain cells. "
" Oh I like her. " Mika sat back in his chair and tossed his ball from hand to hand.
" And just how do you figure that Miss Brat? " Li asked calmly.
" Why it's elementry my dear Watson, " she blew him a kiss and jumped off the desk and dashed over to the door. " It's obvious. "
" Hey are those doughnuts! " she called out from the door. The guy turned and nodded.
" Them let me at 'em! " they heard her call before she disappeared.
" You had that one coming. " Mika smirked. " Shut up Osakii. " he stood up and stretched. " Better get out there and stop her from taking any more glucose into her system. God knows she hyper enough as it is. "
They approached the door only to see Ying Fa sitting on a desk surrounded by their fellow workmates. She was smiling and flirting outrageously. Li sighed and made his way over.
" Show's over guys, she's underage, move along now. "
It didn't even faze her. She smiled and was raring to go.
" What now? "
" I suppose we could show her the cars. " Mika said softly. " It'll get her out of the office. "
" Good idea. "
They looked up in time to see her sit up on the photocopier and press go.
She stood by and listened as Mika talked about the cars and what they were capable of. He threw in some stories of massive crashes and funny stories he'd heard just to make her laugh. Li stood back and watched the two. He nodded when Mika asked him for comfirmation on something and watched how her eyes lit up and sparkled. It was the first time in over two and a half weeks that he actually seen her happy. This bothered him.
They were called away for a moment and left her to wait for them both. They came running back a few seconds later as the car and the teenager sped off down the street, sirens piercing the busy Shanghai streets.
30 minutes later
" We're dead, we're dead. " Li had his head between his knees, his breathing shallow. He didn't believe you could suffer from a cardiac arrest at his age, but he was having one now damn it! Mika paced back and forth trying to remain calm.
Suddenly a heavy engine could be heard gunning it down the street, sirens blasting. Li's head snapped up and Mika turned to look as the missing vehicle came tearing down the road, making other officers stop and watch. It spun around in a 360 degrees, and came to a stop in the exact place that it had been parked. The sirens stopped and they gaped as Ying Fa half-climbed out of the open window and smirked at them.
" I've so gotta get one of these! " she called giving them the peace sign. " I love how it parts traffic! It's every girls dream! "
She jumped out and ignored the long, black skid marks along the white cement parking lot. She tossed her long red hair and smirked at all the attention she was recieving. Someone clapped and cheered, and called for her to do it again. She tossed the keys to a guy standing nearby and walked over towards Mika and Li, leaving the stunned rookie behind her.
" Hope you didn't get too worried. I just wanted to take her for a spin. No harm done at all. Good as new. "
When she was certain that Li was about to wring her scrawny neck, she danced out of the way and saluted them both.
" Well thanks for the entertainment, but I'm booking it. "
" You're leaving?" Mika asked.
" Yep. No affense, but apart from the joy ride, there's nothing more here to do. So I'm going hit the streets and see what I can find. Bye. " she was gone before Li could gather his wits enough to chase after her.
" That's it! " Li said furious. " As soon as that little minx gets back home, she's going back! "
" To Aunt Yelan? "
" Damn right! There is no way, that little witch is staying under my roof! " Amber eyes flashed fury.
On many of her little escapades during the night, Ying Fa had been at the attention of a small group. She had been aware of their undivided attention on serveral occassions, but she had just ignored them, but now she starred back at them without concern. They wanted to stare, then she'd stare back. She had found this little club and she had gone inside wondering at just how angry Li was going to be when she did get back.
One of them, the girl, who had mahogany hair and sky-blue eyes got up and walked towards her. Sakura went instantly wary. She greeted her and held out her hand.
" Ni hao. Ni hau? " Hello. How are you?
" Fine thank you. " Ying Fa replied in chinese.
" My name is Mitsu, Leiko. You are? " AN: Yeah, she's back.
" Ying Fa. "
" Last name? "
" Don't do formality. " she replied casually.
A tall guy came over and drapped an arm around the tall girl's shoulders. He had brown hair and green eyes like her own. He smiled at her and she tensed even more.
" Guess what Jamie, " she smirked. " She doesn't do formality. "
" Sounds like my kind of girl. " he smiled at her again and Ying Fa eyed them warily.
" So what's your name? " he asked still smiling.
" Ying Fa. " she repeated.
" Cool. " he hugged the girl closer to him.
" You come here often? "
Having had enough, she got to her feet.
" Look, I don't know what game you're playing, but I don't want any part of it. If you're only doing this to bug me, considered me bugged. Now go annoy someone else. " her hair flashed as she turned and went to leave.
" She's fiesty I like that. " Leiko said from behind her. " She'd be perfect. "
Ying Fa turned around arched her brow and adapted her air of haughtiness.
" You got a point here? Or are you gonna waste my time? "
The man beside her smirked. " Yeah, she's the one alright. "
Ying Fa placed her hands on her hips and waited.
" We run a club not too far from here. " Leiko spoke up. " Our bartender walked out on us a few days ago and we've been watching you. You look good enough to take her place if you want the job. "
Ying Fa blinked and then frowned.
" You want me to work for you just because you've watching me for a few nights? "
Leiko flicked up a card and gave it to her.
" The nights are long, but we can work out all the details later. You interested? "
" How old do you think I am? " Ying Fa asked curiously.
Doubt flicked through their eyes. Leiko spoke first. " You are eighteen aren't you? "
A small smirk appeared on Ying Fa's mouth. " Of course I am. " she purred. " Do you think I would be in here otherwise? " she asked haughtily.
" Good, come by that address tomorrow and we'll sort out the details. "
" I look forward to it. " Ying Fa replied and saunted out of the club.
Walking home, she sighed. Money troubles may be a thing of the past . . . . she hoped. . .
The next day, things didn't look so good. . . .
She sighed as the door swung back and revealed a very surprised Wei. Her over night bag sat next to her feet. She looked miserably into his surprised eyes.
" He sent me back. . . . "
Later that Night . . .
Li's phone rang as the doorbell went. He answered the phone just as he opened the door to two familar green eyes glarring coldly at him. She pushed her overnight bag into his gut and shoved past him, ignoring his grunt of surprise and walked into her bedroom and slammed the door. Li starred in total shock. It was then that he heard the voice in the phone. He cringed when he got his ear chewed off.
How dare you send her back! Yelan's voice filled with rage and fury shouted at him. You dare disgrace me with turning your back on family, your shame me! Not even your sisters would dare do something like that! You're lucky young man that I couldn't make it down there today, but if you ever pull a stunt like that - I ask you to take care of her for me and what do you do? Traumatise the poor girl with your coldness!
Li cringed and knew he was in big trouble.
" But - "
You have much to redeem young man. Yelan's voice dripped ice. I will discuss it later. she hung up.
Li sighed and hung up the phone.
He knocked on her door.
" You didn't tell her about the snake or the car did you? " he sighed.
He was rewarded with a stream of Japanese. It was like having adding gasoline to a raging fire. He'd made it worse for himself, and he knew he was in for it. If she didn't kill him this time, he considered himself lucky. Very, very lucky.
He left the apartment and went to work with a heavy heart. When he saw the look on Mika's face when he walked into their office, he knew he'd been chewed and spat out too. Didn't you just love the family grapevine?
Sakura waited until he was well and truly gone and then ditched her travel clothes and changed into some of the clothes Tomoyo had sent her and quickly added makeup and smiled at the end result. She left and walked the three blocks to the club that Leiko had told her about. She knocked on the front door and waited. It was only eight, but already the sun had set and it was starting to get dark.
Leiko smirked when she saw her and opened the door for her. She let her gaze roam over her and then smirked again. She hauled her inside and called out to the others. Ying Fa noticed five others emerge. One of them was Jamie, the one that she had met the night before. She didn't know the others.
" Ying Fa this is Astalte. Like you babe, she doesn't care for formality either. "
Ying Fa looked at the tall girl with long black hair and cold grey eyes. She felt intimidated.
" This is Trenor, Alex. He's a charmer, so watch it unless you're looking for a one-night stand. He works his charm on anything with legs and pretty eyes. "
Ying Fa shot the tall guy with dark,brown hair and hazel eyes a look and then smiled despite herself. What the hey, he was cute afterall.
" And this gorgeous young lady is Fardell, Alexis. She's a dancer here and a charmer too. Lexi meet Ying Fa. " Ying Ya starred at her. She had long, dark purple hair and golden, yellow eyes. She was pretty.
" Ah, hi everyone. " Ying Fa replied.
Jamie wrapped an arm around Ying Fa and smirked. " She's over whelmed all ready. Our job here is done! "
" Get real James. " Leiko shot back arrogantly. " Don't you have tables to set up? "
" Ok, ok. Babe you sure know how to kill someone's fun. "
" Book it before I kill something else. " she shot back and then smiled. It was always play.
Leiko steered Ying Fa towards the bar and started introducing her into her tasks. They discussed works schedule's and Ying Fa told them she had to work around her guardian's. Leiko was cool with it, and grabbed all her details while she could. They laughed at the boys antics and within minutes, Ying Fa felt at home. Leiko was about to leave when Ying Fa remembered something.
" Leiko? "
" Yeah babe? "
" Absolutely no photographs. "
" Huh? " Leiko blinked confused.
" I don't want any pictures of me taken got it? None. " Ying Fa said firmly.
Leiko watched her carefully for a moment and then nodded.
" Ok babe. I'll let the others know about it. Good luck. "
Sakura turned around and starred at her reflection in the bar mirror. Here, she was hoping, she could achieve something.
Li had just come home when Ying Fa snuck in the door half an hour later. She placed the hair pin back into her hair and crept into her room. Nothing stirred and she sighed. She fell into her bed and instantly fell asleep despite the full sunlight outside.
Black Wolf Chic 2
Hey everyone! I hope you are liking this. And hi to V Wan. Hey girl, how's it goin? Please review. I want to know what you think. You're probably wondering at a few things here in this chapter. I'm not going to explain them all to you, you'll just have to wait and see in the upcoming chapters. I wasn't mistaken when I said that Tomoyo was a young woman. This may be misleading, but Tomoyo is not older than Sakura. If you're smart enough, you may just figure out what I've done here. I know my sister, once she reads that, she will have half of my storyline in one go. Don't you sometimes hate older sisters?
Disclaimer : I don't own CCS or it's characters. They are trademarks of Nirvana and Clamp.
