Balck Wolf Chhic 2 - Thanks to FlowerLover, Insane-angel-maegen, Noir Rose, Cho Ling (Her hair in meant to be red, she's in disguise) and Snow Blossom for reviewing. Herer is the new chapter.

Two days later

For two nights it never seemed to amaze her. She served behind the bar and every night, she would watch Alexis dance, occassionally joined by Leiko and Astal and she would wish that she could have come up with such choreography for her cheerleading sessions.

The club was never empty, it was always packed and full of music, and lots of paying customers. On many occassions, she'd earn a smile from Jamie or Alexis herself, when they'd catch her moving her hips to the beat as she served drinks. She'd shoot them a smile and continue doing her job.

Every night for the last two nights she would sneak back inside the apartment, minutes just after Li, fall asleep and then sneak a shower in before Li could smell the alcohol and cigerette smoke on her. She was starting to get tired, but it felt good to know that a paycheck was coming at the end of this to replenish her dwindling stash.

One morning she came out of the shower expecting to be greeted by an empty apartment, but to her surprise, Li was sitting down at the breakfast table, reading the paper and dressed casually, no sign of the badge or the aura of authority to be seen.

" Aren't you working this morning? " she asked as she tried to act casually.
" Nope. " he replied still reading the paper. " Why aren't you? " she asked dropping the facade. " You always work. "
" Do I detect seperational issues Ying Fa? " Li arched a brow and glanced over the paper to look at her.
Clearly affended, she looked at him in comical horror. Li chuckled and went back to reading the paper.
" I hope your not busy today? " he inquired.

Her back straightened and she turned to look at him masking her expression.
" Why? Got something planned? "
" Hmmm . . maybe. " he said. " How soon can you be ready? "
" What makes you think that I want to go anywhere with you? " she asked sarcastically.
" Because I doubt you want to be stuck inside all day with this mess. " he shot back calmly.
Muttering in Japanese, and wondering what he was up to, she drank her tea and walked off.
" Give me five. " she shot over her shoulder and behind the paper, Li smiled.



" An amusement park? " she asked in disbelief, when they stopped in front of it.
" Ah huh. " Li replied. " Wana go in? "
" You did this for me? " she asked surprised. The wind whipped her red hair around her face.
" Don't go and think I did you any favours. " Li said, putting his hands in his pockets.
" Oh I wouldn't dream of it Xiao Lang. " she snorted and turned her head to look at the huge crowd.
" Come on. " she shot over her shoulder, and dragged him inside.
She shot him a look over her shoulder. " I hope you're paying. " she smirked.

Li rolled his eyes.
" Mika warned me you might try that. I came fully preparred. "
" A man after my own heart. " she shot flirtatiously. " Maybe there's more to my honourable Lord Muck after all. "
" You really know how to flatter a man, don't you? " Li shook his head sorrowfully.
She playfully punched in the arm, earning a look from Li.
" Cheer up, you get to spend the day with me. You should appreciate your good fortune. " Li arched his brow and couldn't believe this kid's ego.
" You don't lack confidence do you? "
" Nope. " she shot over her shoulder as she elbowed her way through the crowd, heading towards the rides.

Three hours later . . . .

Li sagged down on the bench and watched as his wayward charge never seemed to slow down. How could she have so much energy? Twenty rides later, six hotdogs, three bags of popcorn, numerous amounts of fairyfloss, and uncountable cans of soda - Li was wondering why the hell he didn't hurl. He rested his head back against the bench and closed his eyes wondering why he'd decided to come here. It was like letting a three year old out run lose in a candy store.

" Are you sleeping? " came an inquisitive familar voice. It sounded like a curious adolescent.
" No, but it's any wonder I haven't fallen asleep yet. " he opened his eyes and met hers. " Tell me honestly, where have you got that energiser battery stored? There's no way all that energy comes from you alone. "
She smiled and flashed dimples. He'd never noticed them before.
" Come on Xiao Lang. " she pulled him up and he groaned. " I'll go easy on you. "
" Thank you. " he sighed with relief still in her grip.
She shot him a grin full of mischief.
" At least for the next five minutes. " she assured.
She laughed when he groaned and towed him after her as she plowed through the crowd once again.



They had left the amusement park after Ying Fa had declarred herself well and truly bored. They found themselves walking down the quieter streets and enjoyed the scenery. Ying Fa's eyes lit up and Li paused coming to know that look.
" Lookie! " she cried pointing. " Ice-cream! "
Li held his head in his hands. " Please not again. " he groaned.
" Hey! " she yelled as the truck kept driving past. She glarred when it didn't stop.
" HEY YOU! " she yelled and growled when it kept going.
" Ying Fa give it up, although I'm now deaf, I don't think he heard you. "
" Hmph. " she shot him an irritated look. " Well, " she bit out. " I guess we'll have to change that won't we? "
" Hey - wha -? " he tried but she took off running after the ice-cream.

He'd give her credit. That girl could run. He sighed and took after the minx.

She managed to get in front of the ice-cream truck and glarred in determination. She'd get him to stop one way or another. The fact that Li was closing in on her as well as the on-coming truck didn't even faze her.

She lifted her top and flashed the ice-cream truck and smirked when she heard the slam of breaks. She ignored Li's horrorfied gaze and flashed a stunning smile at the ice-cream guy.

" Sorry, but I couldn't keep shouting out to you all day. " she smiled and asked for two cones. Handing one to Li after he'd payed.
" Well, " she stated licking her ice-cream. " that sure was one way of stopping traffic. "

Suddenly her arm was in his grip and she met angry amber eyes.
" Ying Fa I swear if you ever pull a stunt like that again - "
" I didn't harm no body. " she replied innocently. " It's not like he could see anything, I had a top on underneath. "
" No, but that guy got more than the days tips. If you ever do that again I'll - "
" You'll what? " she challenged.
" I'll throw you in the overnight cell. "
" Like to see you try. " she licked her ice-cream.
" I'll do it. "
" No you won't. "
" Yes I will. "
" Won't. "
" Will. "
" Won't. "
" WILL. "
" You couldn't hurt a fly let alone a girl. " she shot him a knowing look. " Don't push your luck Ying Fa. " he grated out. He hadn't had this sort of childish banter since he was a kid.

She opened her mouth for an angry retort but his glare stopped her.
" Don't push it. " he said slowly.
" Hmph. " she tossed her head angrily and jerked out of his grip. " Manuke." she muttered and continued walking.
( AN: Jerk )

Li couldn't believe the audacity of this kid. Was there anything that she didn't or wouldn't do? He took her arm when had finished their treats and ignoring her withering look, he gently steered her into another direction. The day wasn't over yet and he was determined to get rid of this enmity between them.

Later in the afternoon

The sun was in the last quadrant of the sky, and it wouldn't be long before it started to get dark out. Ying Fa sighed as she rested her head on the backboard of the train's seat. What a day! she thought closing her eyes against the headache that had made itself known not too long ago, as the train joustled them along.

Beside her, Li sat back with a tired sigh. It had been a long, fruitful day. Not only had he managed to get that twinkle back in his charge's eyes, they had actually enjoyed one another's company. He thought it was nothing short of a bloody miracle. Thinking of her, he shifted so her could look at her and a small frown came to his face. He'd noticed the strain on her face not long ago and hadn't paid much attention to it, but he noticed it was still there.

" Headache? " he inquired quietly. She nodded.
" Uh hmmm. " she muttered.
" Bad one?" He watched as her eyes flickered open and squinted against the glare of the fluorescent lights above them and then turned her head in his direction.
" I can deal with it. " she smiled and turned her head to look out the window opposite them.

She tensed when she felt his hand gently touch her shoulder in comfort. She turned to him curiously.
" Here, " he settled back a bit . " Lean back on me and close your eyes. Give them a little rest. It'll help. "

She studyied him for a brief moment, before she stiffled a yawn and then taking up on his offer, she leaned back gently against him and closed her eyes. He shifted his arm around her a bit, making her eyes fly open and stare up at him, only to settle back down when she saw no threat. Li leaned down and murmured in her ear:
" Just relax Ying Fa. Don't be afraid to fall asleep, I'll wake you near our stop. Promise"
Settling down she shifted into a more comfortable position and fell asleep.

She woke when she felt Li calling her name. It was dark out and her reflection shone back at her when her eyes met the window. They were pulling into their station.
" Time to wake up sleeping Beauty. " Li smiled.
" Without a kiss? " she murmured. " No freakin' way. "
" If we weren't about to miss our stop young lady, I'd lecture about that bad mouth of yours. " Li scolded, making her smile drowsily.

They hopped off the train and started walking up the stairs across the bridge. People milled about them, some coming home from work, others just going home after a day out. Li tucked her arm around his to keep her next to him as they departed the station.
" What do you think? " he asked shooting her a look. " Think I should be cruel and make us walk all the way home? "
He was answered by a groan, making him laugh outloud.
" Don't worry brat, I won't be that cruel. Just seeing if you were still with me. " he signalled a cab.
" Li if I wasn't so bone weary at this moment, I would not be held responsible for the damage I would cause you. "

He smirked and helped her get into the cab.



She woke again and was silenced by Li as he gently layed her down in her bed.
" Where are we? " she asked sleepily. " Are we home? "
" Yeah, we're home. " Li replied quietly. " You fell asleep again. "
She muttered something and snuggled deeper into her blankets. Li got up and tucked the blankets around her.
" Li-kun? " she yawned.
" Yeah? " she heard him say.
" Thank you for today. " she mananged. " I had fun. " she was falling into the darkness quickly.
" Your welcome Ying Fa. Guess it goes to prove that we can get along together. "
She yawned again.
" If I wasn't so sleepy, I'd probably argue that. " she turned over and Li shook his head.

" Li-kun? " He stopped in his tracks, about to leave her side.
" Hmmm? "
" You make a comfy pillow. Even if you are an stubborn and ifuriating male. "
She faught back the edges of sleep, hearing his soft chuckle of amusement. He leant over, going on protective instinct, and kissed her forehead before wishing her goodnight.

He fell alseep as his head hit the pillow.

The sun had been up for some time now. The breeze wafted in through his windows stirring his long bangs as he slept.

Li had just rolled over for a third time and was just starting to drift off again, when something landed on him, waking him instantly. He turned slightly and came face to face with bright, emerald green eyes. He groaned and stuck a pillow over his head. He felt the edges of the pillow being lifted before an angelic voice stirred away the last cobwebs of sleep.

" Rise and shine morning glory, it's beautiful day outside, and the temperature is cool and not a sign of a shower anywhere. "
He groaned again.
" Oh come on! " her heard her huff. " It's not that bad. "
" Depends on the point of view now doesn't it? " came his muffled response.
He felt her crawl up further on the bed beside him and curl up against him.
" Well then, if you want to stay in here all day, I'll just have to wait here with you. I could quite easily fall asleep again. " Ying Fa supplied.
He felt her chin rest on his shoulder.
" You do that. " he said starting to drift off again.
" But then your breakfast will be cold. " he sniffed and smelt the sweet aroma of the elixir of life.
" Are you deliberately wafting that under my nose? " he growled smelling the coffee.
" Yep. " she fired back cheerfully.

Groaning, he sat up and ran his hands over his face, before running his hand through his hair making it stick up on end. He blinked wearily at her and she sat the tray with his breakfast on it on his lap. She sat back and smiled. He drank his coffee and then eyed her cautiously.

" Is it this coffee or are you exceptionally friendly this morning? "
" Exceptionally? " she arched a brow. " Wow that's a big word for this time of the morning. I'm proud of you. You can think on your own only after five minutes of being aroused from sleep. I'm impressed. You must share this extrordinary secret of your success with the rest of us early risers. Especially the male population. I'm sure their girlfriends and wives would be mightily impressed to have a decent conversation in the morning."

He drank his coffee shooting her a look over the rim of the cup. Why did he bother?
" Minx. " he murmured into the cup.
" Oh dear, " she smiled brightly. " I think I made it grumpy. " she shot him her cutest pout.
Li sighed and then shot her a exasperated look.
" I'm sorry Xiao Lang, " she pouted still. " I know it's too early in the morning and you're trying to function. Am I going too fast for you? "

He drowed the last dregs of his first cup and put it down on the tray.
" So? " he ignored the last comment and looked at her. " What do I owe the pleasure of breakfast in bed and the wake-up call? "
She shrugged her slim shoulders and flipped her flowing hair behind her shoulder. She leant forward and took the tray and jumped off the bed and walked back out into the kitchen humming to herself.

He could here her cluttering around in the kitchen while he got dressed. He splashed water on his face and brushed his teeth and then went out to join her. He leant on the counter as she washed up. Still humming to herself, he wasn't sure if she knew he was there.

" You know, " he started. " Yelan or yourself never told me what I was meant to do with you when you got here. "
Her shoulders had tensed and she turned to look at him.
" Do you feel you're supposed to 'do' something with me? " she asked.
He shrugged.
" What about school? Aren't you supposed to be going? " he asked.
She stuffed the tea towel between the handle on the oven. " You don't have to worry about school. Aunty Yelan made sure I was doing it by Distance Ed. " she lied.
" I've never seen you do any work. "
" That's because I get it all done before you manage to get home. " she replied casually.
" What about report cards. Do I recieve those? "
" No. Aunty Yelan does. If you want to know anything, you'll have to deal with her. "
" What about your parents Ying Fa? You've never mentioned anything about why you are here. "

She swallowed the lump in her throat as she thought about Aiden and Tori.
" I - ah - never mentioned them before because I didn't think it necessary. " she said and busied herself tidying the kitchen best she could.

Li stood back and watched her. Something was going on here.
" So why are you put here with me? "
" What's with the twenty questions Xiao Lang?" she asked pinning him with her emerald eyes.
" Just curious. " he watched her.
" I see. " she replied masking her face. " I'm going to take the trash out. " and he watched her walk out in her pj's to do exactly that.

Maybe it was a family break up that brought her here he thought. Maybe it was several other reasons too. The detective in him stirred and he had to bank down on it. Ying Fa was family and he wouldn't go behind her back or his mothers' to satisfy his own curiousity. He busied making his own breakfast and waited for her to come back inside.

When she walked back in, he offered her a cup of tea and she took it, nodding her head in thanks. She walked over to where his balcony doors were. He hadn't been out there in a while. She forcefully kicked at the junk blocking her way. That's why, he thought to himself. She disappeared outside and he followed.

" Ever thought of going into demolition? " he aksed curiously.
" Every heard of going to hell Xiao Lang Li? "
" Not sure I deserved that. "
" You deserve that and much more. " she shot back and sipping her tea.
" I guess this is what happens when I snoop right? " he asked casually watching the world go by. " I think a simple ' back off ' would suffice. "
She growled low in her throat and he shut up.
" You don't know when to back of. " she threw back. " That's the detective side of you. Like a pitbull with a bone. He won't give up or let go. "
" Can't help who I am. " he replied lifting the cup to his mouth.

It stopped half-way when she turned her head slightly towards him and the breeze picked up her long stands and blew them out behind her like a blood-red banner. Her emerald eyes looked at him with a emotion he couldn't describe.
" And I can't help who I am. " she replied softly. So softly, he thought it was the wind.

She looked away and closed her eyes and lifted her head to the wind as if listening to it's secrets. He starred at her, coffee forgotten and wondered what the heck that had been about.



The office was busy as always. He ignored the photocopiers, faxes and telephones as usual and focussed his attention on his cousin. At the moment his eyes were wide and his expression spoke volumes of incredulity.

" She flashed Mr. Whippee? " his mouth stood agape. Li leaned back in his chair and sighed.
" Yep. " he confirmed.
Mika was silent for a few seconds.
" You lucky kusuyaro. " Li's eyes flew open. " Excuse me! " he burst out shocked.

Mika shot him an envious look.
" It always happens to you cuz. I think I'm going to have to start dogging you man. "
" I can't believe you! " Li burst out. " A sixteen year old flashed a ice-cream truck. It didn't even faze her! "
" I just wish I could have been the driver. " Mika replied.
Shooting his perverted cousin a disgusted look, Li looked at the folders on his desk. He really should take these home.

The secreatary dropped in and flashed a smile to them both. She gave a message to Mika and then was gone. Mika sighed and doned his jacket and saluted Li as he walked out to do his job.

Li starred out into the blue sky outside and then swung around in his chair reaching for the phone. He swung back to the beautiful blue sky as he dialed Yelan's number. She answered instead of Wei.

Hello? came her beautifully cultured voice.
" Mother. "
Xiao Lang? What are you doing calling me? she sounded puzzled.
" I had a moment and thought I might say hello. You made it loud and clear that I had much to redeem remember? "
Ah, yes. he could hear the smirk all the way on this end of the phone. How is she? Li paused as he thought for a moment.
" Disturbing. " he finally replied.
Yelan laughed out loud.
Xiao Lang. she chided.

" Listen, there was a reason I wanted to talk to you. "
Mmmm. " Exactly why did Ying Fa come here? " he asked. " Why haven't I heard anything of this cousin before now? "
There was dead silence on the other end.
" Mother? "
I'm still here Xiao Lang. she paused again. What has Ying Fa told you? " Nothing. I got the message loud and clear that it was a total back off situation. "

Well if Ying Fa wants her business to remain private, then respect her wishes Xiao Lang. " But you know don't you? " Li persisted.
I know a little, yes. Why are you so worried about her? " Because she shows up out of the blue, my mother dumps her on my doorstep when she knows how busy I work and that I can't look after a goldfish, let alone a human girl - a sixteen year old girl for that matter. And I know nothing about a cousin Ying Fa. "

Listen, it was just some family problems. That goes no further than you understand? " Family problems "
Yes. Now when are you coming up here to see me and your sisters? Li blinked at the change of topic.
" I- ah - "
Xiao Lang. " I've been meaning to put in some gate leave for a while, I guess now would be a good time to ask for it. "
Li ran his hand over his tired face.
Make sure it's soon ok? I won't be around forever you know. I am not the young woman I used to be. Sickness is a great risk factor now for women my age. I want to see my son before I go.

Li sat up.
" Mother, are you sick "
Oh so now you pay attention. " she huffed. " It takes an old woman to say she is sick before her son pays any attention to her. " Mother. "
I'm not sick Xiao Lang. Rest assured I am healthy as I ever was. " Hmmm . . . "
She laughed again.
Just hurry up and come home. I miss you. " she hung up and Li replaced the receiver.



Later that night as Ying Fa came out the steamy bathroom, she heard lowered voices and she crept towards Li's door where it was slightly ajar.

" I know Mika, she assurred me she was fine, but you know how she likes to keep secrets. "
" Yes, yes, I know that. But she's right - mother isn't as young as she used to be. I guess I just never imagined her growing old. I mean what kid does? "
" But it got me thinking. I need to spend more time with her. She could go any day you know?

Ying Fa flew up against the wall, her hand clasping against her mouth in horror. Yelan sick? Kami no!

Eyes wide in terror, and her stomach clenching in sudden anxiety, Ying Fa crept passed Li's door and starred blindly around her room.
" Yelan can't be sick. " she whispered. " She's the only one that knows what happened. She can't die! "

Chucking clothes in her overnight bag, she hurriedly got dressed and jumped out her window, slid down the drainpipe and ran for the train station. It would take a few hours, but she could be there by nine if there were no delays. She bought her ticket and hopped on the train and only wished with impatience born of desperation, that the train would go faster.



Wei opened the door to a frightened and scared girl, cluthing the strap of her overnight bag. She had tears in her eyes as she looked up at him.

" Ying Fa- "
" Is Yelan here? " she asked miserably.
" Yes. But do you know what time it is? "
Nodding, she walked passed him and went into the dinning room, where Yelan herself and Feimei, Fuutie, Xiefa and Fanren were just finishing dinner.

Yelan looked up in shocked surprise.
" Ying Fa! Good lord, don't tell me Xiao Lang sent you back again? "
Ying Fa shook her head, tears falling freely down her cheek.
" Ying Fa? " Yelan asked wondering what was wrong.

Suddenly Ying Fa was hugging her and crying softly.
" Why didn't you tell me that you were sick? " she cried brokenly.
" Sick? " Yelan asked in disbelief.
" I heard Xiao Lang saying that you were sick and that you weren't as young as you used to be and that you could go any day now! "

Feimei, Fuutie, Xiefa and Fanren took one look at each other before bursting into miserable sobs. Yelan looking at the five wailing, miserable girls. She hadn't dealt with this kind of catastrophe since Xiao Lang had stolen one of their teddy bears and had unstuffed it.

" Girls, girls " she tried soothingly. " I'm not sick. Please, I'm not sick. "
Wei stood by and watched amused. After a few minutes, Ying Fa dried her tears and looked up at Yelan.
" Promise you're not sick? "
" I swear. I was trying to get Xiao Lang to come and see me. I was just saying that I'm not as young as I used to be. "

Ying Fa hiccupped and swallowed, all her misery swarming up to meet her once again. Yelan stroked her bright red locks and shot her daughters a brilliant smile. She looked down at Sakura and smiled reassuringly.
" You came out all this way to see me? "
She hiccupped again and nodded.
" Does Xiao Lang know that you are here? "
" No. " she said softly, sniffing loudly.
Yelan raised her eyes to the ceiling in prayer. " Oh dear. " she looked down at Ying Fa again and her heart filled with love and warmth.
" We'll set up a room for you, that ordeal must have had it's toll on you. Wei will take you up there and get you settled. "
Ying Fa nodded and let Wei escort her upstairs.



It was hitting half past nine when Li walked out into the dinning room to turn off the lights for the night. He closed the windows and yawned widely. Li heard the phone ring, and he answered it.

" Xiao Lang? "
" Mother?" he asked shocked. " What's wrong? "
" It's Ying Fa. " he heard her say.
" Ying Fa? " he shot a look at her door. " Yes, she's here. "
" What? " Li asked puzzled.
" She's here . . . with me . . . "



Li stood next to the bed and watched his wayward charge sleep. She tossed and turned and murmured in her sleep before she settled down again. He shot his mother a look over his shoulder. She was standing in the doorway, the light flooding in, casting her silhouette in shadow.

He walked out and Yelan closed the door behind her. Li jangled the car keys in his hand and shot her a sympathectic look.
" I'm sorry for you having to deal with that. I had no idea she had heard me. "
Yelan shot him a look and they walked down the hallway and down the stairs and into the dinning room. The girls had gone to sleep ages ago and didn't know that Li was there.

" Let her sleep tonight Xiao Lang. She was very distraught. Stay here tonight and rest up. I'm sorry you had to drive out here at such short notice. I wish you had waited until morning to come out here. I was worried you might have had an accident. "
" I wouldn't have been able to sleep anyway. " Li replied frowning. " I would have been worse off in the morning. "
Yelan nodded understanding.
" Well while you're here, you might as well stay for the weekend. " Yelan smiled at his stunned expression. " After all you did say that you were putting in for that gate leave. "
" I - "

She smiled at him and patted his hand.
" It's good to have you home again Xiao Lang. It gives my heart warmth to see you back where you belong. "
" Thanks. " he smiled shyly back at her.
She kissed him on the forehead.
" Goodnight. " she said and walked off up to her room.



The sunlight streamed in through the window and woke her. She starred miserably at the morning light and tried to pull the blanket up over her head. It didn't work. Sighing, she threw back the blankets and stood up. She walked to the balcony and stepped outside.

The breeze played with her hair and she leant against the railing and enjoyed the fresh air. She heard squeals from downstairs and wondered what was up with the four sisters. They were delighted with something. She didn't feel like facing anyone yet. She pushed awzy from the balcony and headed towards the bathroom and stayed as long as she dared under the running water.

Below her, Li looked towards the doorway and wondered where she was. Yelan didn't miss his looks and she fought back an endearing smile.

" She should have been up by now. " she said watching him. " I wonder why she didn't come down to breakfast? "
Li sipped his coffee and didn't say anything.
" Why don't you go and see if she is up? " Yelan suggested. Li lowered the cup and frowned in thought.
" She'd probably skewer me alive if I go in there and envade her space. " Yelan laughed lightly and smiled warmly at him.
" I doubt it Xiao Lang. The wind has swept the land clear on any lingering evil, the sun is bright, warm and strong and the earth is alive with the beauty of the day. My family is restored and chi has returned to our lives. Nothing could go wrong on a day like today. I am happy. "
Li remained silent.
" There's no point in brooding. " she chided. " Go and see if she is all right. "

He didn't need to go to her room, she met him half way there.

She paused on the stairway and looked down at him. He couldn't read her expression but he thought he could see confusion lingering in the back of her eyes.
" Yelan isn't sick. " she said softly.
" No, she's not. " Li replied placing his hands in his pockets.
" Then why are you - ? "

Yelan appeared at the bottom of the stairs, the four sisters following her, before he could answer.
" I called him home. "
Ying Fa lifted her gaze from him to her.
" It was about time that my son returned home. He had been away from me for too long and I missed him. " she smiled.
" Come, it is a beautiful day and we should be out in and enjoy it. We are going shopping. "
" I - ah - don't think I could. " Ying Fa murmured and looked down embarrassed.
" Nonsence. " Yelan replied and walked toward the front door. " If we do not embrace what is given to us, then we bring bad chi into the home.
Knowing she couldn't argue with that, Ying Fa sighed and walked to the front door with the others.



Ying Fa kept her hands in her pockets and walked beside Li as they walked down the steets of Hong Kong. It was the only way she could keep herself from touching everything. Stalls lined the pavement and things sparkled and glittered in the sun drawing her attention and she had to keep her control if she didn't want to go balistic like a Bower bird, and hoard everything and stash it away for later.

She had remained quiet all morning with the occassional smile when she was included in the converstaion at present. Li had noted this and wondered why she was acting so strange. She knew Yelan wasn't sick, but did she still feel threatened by the idea as he had been?

He nudged her arm and she looked at him startled.
" You're unusually quiet today. Cat got your tongue? "
She glowered at him and he smiled charmingly at her. She poked her tongue out at him.
" Does it look like a cat's got my tongue? " she shot back.
" I don't know. " he murmured loud enough so that only she could hear. " Looks can be decieving, maybe I better check just in case. "

Her eyes narrowed dangerously and he continued to smile.
" There is no way you are looking inside my mouth. " she snapped back.
" Oh don't be afraid, it's not like I haven't seen inside one before. "
" I do not need to hear personal experiences Xiao Lang. " she whispered furiously, her face going red.
" Don't be shy, " he teased. " After all, if there a cat in there, I'd hate for you to get a furball. It would make your temper even more horrorfying than it already is, and since I had to help Mika get his fist out of his mouth so often when we were kids, I know what I'm doing. "

She stopped and simply starred at him and he smiled that charming smile - one like Mika's personal best.
" Are you attempting to be funny? " she asked.
" What gave you that idea? " he asked innocently.
" Xiao Lang? "
" Yeah? " he smiled again.
" Don't ever try to become a comedian k? " she tossed her head and walked passed him, hands still in her pockets.
Li's smile grew brighter. " K. " he mimicked her childish saying.

He'd seen her smile.



" Oh Ying Fa this will looked beautiful on you. " Fanren exclaimed holding up the scrap of clothing.
" Umm . . I guess so. " she replied looking away.
" Why don't you try it on? "
" No thanks. " Ying Fa replied, a pink tinge forming on her cheeks.
" Why not?" Fanren asked startled.
" I don't feel like it. " she replied. " I'm going to go outside for some fresh air. Shopping really isn't my thing, sorry guys. "
Li watched as she disappeared through the crowds.

Stepping onto into the sun, Ying Fa tipped her head back and let the sun fall on closed eyelids. She breathed in deeply and then looked around her. She shouldn't have come. But who could resist Yelan's authority? Her bank account had almost hit rock botom and she needed that paycheck from Leiko desperately. She couldn't afford a scrap of clothing, let alone anything here.

Thinking of her boss, she realised she needed to call in. She was about to do that when she sensed him behind her. Wondering if she was ever going to have five minutes to hersef, she turned and let the wind catch her lose hair and looked at Li.

" Problem? " she asked casually.
Li crossed his arms and sat down on the bench in the sun.
" Nope. "

She flicked out her cell and shot Li a look before she walked off a safe distance away and dialled Leiko's number. She sat down on a cafe wall keeping Li in front of her. He wasn't going to sneak up on her and easedrop.

Ying Fa babe where are you? came Leiko's voice.
" Sorry Leiko. " she said as quietly as she could with all the noise around her. " Listen, a family thing came up and I don't think I'll be coming in this week. I'm really sorry. "
Hey don't sweat it. I'll just work the bar. Alexis and Astal will just have to put on an extra good show. " I really am sorry. "
I know you are babe, hey and while I think of it, your paycheck went in. " But I didn't work many nights. " she replied surprised.
I pay if the work is good. And you are good. Go spend it or something. Celebrate. Gotta go now. Bye. " Bye. " she said stunned and hung up.

She sat there in a stupor for a few seconds and pulled herself back together. It looked like she might have landed safely on her feet for a while. She just hoped it lasted. She looked over and saw him sitting on the bench that was provided for busy shoppers and her head tilted to the side as she watched the wind play with his long bangs. He really needed a haircut she mused, a small smile forming on her lips as the thought came to her.

It was still so strange to be living with him. She, who had lived with two males all her life, felt at a loss with this one. He was the same as Tori or her father, but why didn't it feel the same with this male? She knew she could trust him. That day at the amusement park had proved his loyalty to her, and for Sakura, that was something that she depended on more than any necessity.

- Flashback -

Sakura gulped as the ride tipped near the peak. Her nails bit into the rail that was keeping her secure. Why did she insist on coming on this ride! She looked up at the sky and felt the ride lurch. She must have made a sound because Li's hand covered hers and she looked up at him startled. He smiled one of his rare smiles and squeezed her hand in comfort.

" Don't worry. " he said just so she could hear. " You'll be fine. Just go with it and don't fight it. Enjoy it. Never forget, I'm here with you. "

She had cried out as the ride sailed down the otherside, but then to her surprise, she opened her eyes and embraced he feeling. She yelled in joy and laughed along with Li.

- End of flashback -

At such a dangerous time in her life, she needed someone she could turn to. And thankfully, she had Xiao Lang.

She went back to Li and the others as they emerged from the shopping centre. It was lunch time and so they decided to go to lunch. They found a nice little place away from most of the noise and bustle and looked at the menus. Li opened his wallet and pulled out his credit card. Yng Fa looked away qiuckly. She had slipped it back into his wallet when he had been sleeping. She felt the piece of paper with his details on it in her pocket. She made sure to keep it on her at all times. You never knew when you needed revenge fast and sweet or a quick escape route.

" I'll pay for lunch, my treat. " Li said.
" Fine. " Ying Fa replied casually closing her menu. " I was getting you to pay for mine anyway. "
Feimei and the others giggled; Yelan with a smile on her face. Li shook his head and told the waiter what they wanted.

They returned home and Ying Fa bounded up the stairs leaving the others to haul their own bags and bits and pieces. She was dashing up the stairs inside when a cold voice called out:

" Who the hell are you? "

Ying Fa stopped and looked down into angry, ruby eyes. She blinked and looked at the black haired girl who was starring at her in contempt. Her defense flarred up and Ying Fa returned the look. She had never seen this girl before. She placed her hand on her hip haughtily and met ruby red.

" Who the hell are YOU? " she demanded haughtily.
" I live here. " the other girl answer coldly. " What about you? "
Ying Fa arched her brow and smirked.
" Well isn't that funny. I live here too. " she said sarcastically.

Clenching her teeth and fists together, Meilin glarred at the tall red head.
" I don't know you. Get out before I call security. "
" Maybe you should ask me my name honey before you decide to kick my booty. "
" I'm Meilin Rae. " Meilin seethed. " And I don't care who you are. I've never seen you before. Get out. "
" Well I'm Ying Fa. " Ying Fa replied calmly not liking this little cow one bit. " I'm Aunty Yelan's niece. "

She smirked when she saw the other girl's mouth drop open.
" But - that's impossible! " Meilin exclaimed. " I know all Aunty Yelan's nieces! I'm one of them! Not once has she mentioned you! "
" Awe . . " Ying Fa pouted. " Maybe I'm the favourite. Maybe she didn't want to upset your ignorant hide by revealing the truth about me. "
Meilin cursed in Chinese and Ying Fa raised her eyebrow.
" No need to get so explicit. I'm sure you'll still be loved - after me that is. "

That's when the others walked in and Li stopped when he saw the dead fury in both girls eyes. They were ready to kill.

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BW2 Please review! I love to get reviews and I hope you like this. Things are definitely heating up now! Will Meilin and Ying Fa have an all out war or will they simply become chum buddies? Keep reading and find out!