August 25, 2015

21:00

Syaoran

"Hey, Syaoran. You sure you're okay, man?" Yamazaki quietly asked his friend as he handed him his whiskey.

Syaoran stared at him blankly and realized he was holding out a whiskey glass. He took it from him and muttered an inaudible "Thanks."

"So what's eating you?"

Syaoran took a sip of his drink and casually glanced around them to check if no one can overhear their conversation.

"What else do you know about the Amamiyas?"

Takashi gave Syaoran a surprised look. "Well for one, they are at the top of Japan's wealthiest and oldest renowned family. They have multiple businesses." he lowered his voice so only Syaoran can hear, before adding "Both legal and the underground."

"Amamiya Masaki is the head of the family, correct?

"Yes. His son-in-law, Fujitaka handles about 40% of the business while his grandson, Touya, is in charge of the rest. That is all I know of them since they have restricted access to their family information." He frowned at this. "Does this have something to do with Sakura?" He whispered in the lowest voice he can manage.

Syaoran took another sip of his drink as he pretended to study an old music box that will be up for bidding later on in this charity auction. "I have a feeling it does. But don't tell anyone."

"Then we have a problem. A big ass problem if it does." Takashi tried to loosen his tie as he suddenly felt suffocated by their discussion.

"He is already here at the auction, Master."

"Good. Is he alone?

"No. He is with Yamazaki Takashi, CEO of the Terada Yamazaki Inc."

"Keep an eye on him. I'll be arriving in 10 minutes." Then there was a beeping sound signaling the end of the call.

"Has Eriol and Tomoyo arrived?"

"Not yet. Eriol said they'll be here in less than 10 minutes though. Why do you think the Amamiyas have something to do with her?"

"We'll discuss it later. I'll see you and Eriol at my office at 23:00. This is of urgent matter."

"Sure, man. I'll tell Chiharu I'll be home a little later than usual." Takashi left Syaoran's side as he proceeded to talk to one of their clients.

Syaoran walked around and was frequently stopped by his fellow businessmen. He was currently in discussion with Mr. Ching when a voice from behind interrupted them.

"Ah Mr. Ching. Good evening to you. And what a lovely dress you're wearing, Mrs. Ching. It is a pleasure to see you here tonight." the man brought the elderly woman's hand to his lips as she blushed at the younger man's words.

"Ah, Amamiya-san! What a lovely talker you are! Come and meet Mr. Li Syaoran."

Syaoran turned around and faced a man taller than him. That is something to say since he is 6'1" and this man is probably around 6'4". He has dark brown hair and dark brown eyes like him. People may confuse them as siblings, only if they weren't looking with hostility at each other.

But of course, Syaoran immediately reined in his emotions.

"It's a great pleasure to meet you, Amamiya-san. I am Li Syaoran, CEO of Li Corps." he offered his right hand to the older man. 'Probably mid-thirties, at the least.' he mused.

"Amamiya Touya. The pleasure is mine." he shook Syaoran's hand and smirked at him. 'So this is the brat.' he thought to himself, finding it difficult to keep his anger from showing in his voice.

"Please excuse my wife and I, I see Mr. Go trying to catch our attention." Mr. Ching said before leaving the two men.

After a few minutes of openly studying each other, Syaoran spoke up.

"Is Masaki-san coming too? I was not aware that he is in the country. The last time we talked was when we closed a business deal in Hong Kong earlier this year."

"He's been in the country since the 2nd quarter." Touya leaned over and whispered in an eerie voice to Syaoran, "He is busy overseeing a special event, as you were probably just made aware of."

Touya straightened up quickly and said "Later, Mr. Li."

'Fuck this. Fuck this. Fuck this. Fuck this.'

Syaoran snapped back to his senses when Eriol and Tomoyo appeared at his side.

"You might break the glass." Eriol told him and Syaoran relaxed his hold on the whiskey glass he was holding. He has forgotten about that.

"We need to talk, Eriol. I'll meet you and Takashi in my office at 23:00. Tomoyo, you don't have to come. I know it will be awkward for you and I understand why you have decided to keep mum all these years." Syaoran left the couple and headed towards the platform just in time to hear his name get announced by the auctioneer.

"Good evening, everyone." Syaoran flashed one of his best smiles at the audience. Cameras flashed and he looked directly at the TV reporter's video camera directed at him at the front. "I hope you are all enjoying yourselves at tonight's charity auction hosted by Li Corps. All proceeds tonight will be donated to the Children's Cancer Fund so you know what you have to do," he winked and earned a burst of laughter from the crowd, "go shop your heart out. And that is a public service. Li Syaoran do not just wink for anyone in public." He emphasized the word and more laughter was heard. "Let's get this show on the road. Thank you." he handed the microphone back to the auctioneer.

Syaoran stepped down from the platform and was quickly joined by his secretary.

"Rachel, I'll be leaving the premises in 30 minutes. You know what to do. Tell Harvey to take over and make sure nobody finds out I left early. Do not disturb me unless it is of utmost importance."

"Yes sir." Rachel made a few calls and then turned to him, "Your car will be ready by the back driveway in 5 minutes."

With that, Syaoran turned to leave the dimly lit room. All eyes were focused at the front for the ongoing bidding and Syaoran, Eriol, and Takashi left the room unnoticed.

Of course, Amamiya Touya was watching them.

"So what is this about?" Eriol asked as he sat comfortably at one of the leather chairs in the conference table at Syaoran's office. Takashi placed a bottle of Hibiki 18-year single malt whiskey at the table and poured himself a drink. They usually drink this when they expect to discuss a serious problem and are in dire need of something that can help ease the tension they'll soon be feeling. 'In layman's term, when they knew they'll soon be fucked bad and they have to remain calm as long as possible.' Takashi thought as he took a sip.

Syaoran tossed a black envelope at the center of the table. Both Eriol and Takashi was taken aback and reached for the envelope at the same time.

"What the fuck-"

"Fuck this shit-"

"I know." Syaoran said as he sank deeper in his chair. He has changed into comfortable clothes awhile ago knowing fully well he needed to relax his mind in order to process all the information thrown at him today, and wearing those fucking suit and tie won't be helping him at all.

Eriol opened the envelope and unfolded the fine paper inside. It said:

To Li Syaoran,

Masaki and his beloved wife, the late Miaka

Expects your attendance on the 5th of September 2015

To witness the official introduction to the public of the

Sole Amamiya Heiress.

This will be held at the Amamiya Manor.

Gates will be open at exactly 20:00 and will be closed at 20:30.

Absence will be taken as direct insult to the Amamiya Group of Companies.

To R.S.V.P. is unnecessary.

"Wow..." Takashi let out a low whistle.

"I'll bet you my car this heiress is Sakura." Eriol stated as he removed his glasses to pinch the bridge of his nose. This is getting messy. Now he knew why Tomoyo wouldn't speak of Sakura's circumstances no matter how he tried to have her open up to him.

Syaoran remained silent as he listened to Takashi and Eriol discuss the events unfolding before them.