Author's note:
This story is a figment of my (er dark) imagination. Similarities to any situation is absolutely coincidental. Please Follow and Review! Thank you.
Disclaimer: I do not own CCS, Clamp does. I do not own the song Ever After, Bonnie Bailey does.
Thank you for the likes and follows. (_~)_v
Chapter 22: The First Banquet
September 5, 2015
19:45
"Good evening minna-san! Thank you for tuning in to the number one News channel in the whole Japan, TVN 02! I will be your host for tonight, Nagano Kousuke, and we are now reporting live right outside the gates of the Amamiya Manor where we see a long line of private vehicles awaiting for the opening of the manor's gates at exactly 20:00! Tonight is one of the most awaited and talked-about events for the Japanese business world because the prestigious Amamiya Group of Companies, or AGC, will finally introduce to the world the only heiress to their company! Now, for a further background of what exactly AGC is and how big their enterprise is, the beautiful Fumi-san has prepared an informative presentation which we will show on air right after a short commercial break!"
"Good evening everyone! I am Emily and this is my partner for tonight, Justin, and we will be your ENTV hosts for tonight's coverage of the Amamiya Group of Companies or AGC's coming out party of their lone heiress, presumably a granddaughter of the esteemed magnate of the business world of Japan, Amamiya Masaki. Who is Amamiya Masaki, you ask? He is the eldest son of Amamiya Atsuki and Amamiya Kimiko, who started AGC in the early 1900s. AGC started as a small shop specializing in agricultural trade since the old Amamiyas back then have a few farms of their own. When their trading shop gradually grew, Kimiko focused on handling the trades, while Atsuki spent most of his time and resources in the improvement of the technological innovations in the agricultural field. Eventually, AGC grew and expanded its branches to different fields, especially when Masaki graduated from the university and joined the company. Under his wing, AGC created tight and valuable relations with other countries like the United States, Korea, China, England, and Germany for AGC's technological innovations like artificial intelligence, communications, and automobile industries. Currently, AGC has expanded to……."
Inside the Manor
19:50
"Tono-sama."
AGC COO Tono turned to see Ye Mei approaching him. "How is everything in Natsume's side?"
Ye Mei gave a customary bow before replying to him.
"Everything is going according to plan, Tono-sama. The Kuro Neko is waiting patiently as of this moment at the room right beside the Kuro Hime. Toru san is accompanying the princess (A/N: Kuro Hime is roughly translated as Black Princess) inside the waiting room while all of the princess' eight personal bodyguards are guarding her door. On the other hand, the Kuro Neko is alone in his room with Sakura Mikan san and they will enter the banquet together at exactly 20:00. "
"The others?"
"The rest of the young masters are already seated in the banquet hall. We have also seated the Lis on their designated table, with the exception of young master Xiao Shi. He is currently staying in one of the guest rooms with Koko sama and others where they can still watch the livestream of the banquet."
"Alright. You guys have done well. It is already 20:00, go and tell the rest of your team to make sure everything goes perfectly well."
After Ye Mei left his study, Tono headed out to where the banquet is held. The first event is a short one, it is a direct and abrupt introduction of Sakura to the guests and everyone are to leave the premises at 21:30. Everyone who are not invited to the second banquet, that is.
The "banquet hall" is actually an outdoor hall specifically constructed for this night. It was located outside, in the spacious lawn of the manor with different flowers and trees surrounding the hall. The roof was made of transparent material which provides a beautiful star-filled sky scenery for the guests and at the same time, will also serve as protection if there is sudden outpour.
The entryway of the hall is made of a huge arch covered with sheer cloth like muslin, and real vines intertwined with white flowers. The walls inside was covered with the same white cloth, now both of sheer muslin and silk, and with the help of the warm lightings around the place, it has created a calm and ethereal space as if awaiting for some deity to arrive. White flowers of different kinds-majority of roses, lilies, and tulips, were placed strategically all over the venue. This actually perfected the whole calming effect and the guests truly loved it as they look around before settling down to their assigned seats.
As he entered the hall, he seated himself right beside Touya. They are seated at one of the front tables together with Fujitaka, Hyuuga Inc. CEO Natsume Hyuuga, and Natsume's long-term girlfriend, international model Sakura Mikan.
Since it is just a short event, there were no big round tables but instead the chairs are arranged properly in groups of five with a small circular table at the center where the guests can place their drinks and the hors d'oeuvres of their choice. Although it was just an almost one-hour event, the event wasn't short of luxurious. Each table has a white-uniformed waiter that the guest can tell their requested drink and snack from. On their table, there is a long list of freshly-squeezed fruit drinks, aged wines, expensive whiskys, and around fifty types of bite-sized snacks/hors d'oeuvres that every guest can order. Numerous waiters are walking around and distributing glasses of champagne for everyone while waiting for Amamiya Masaki's arrival.
Also at the front table right beside AGC's CEO Touya's table is the Amamiya's close family friend and frequent business partner, the prominent Lis of Hong Kong. Head of the Li Clan's Li Yelan, Li Corps. CEO Li Fanren, Li Corps. CFO Li Feimei, Li Fuutie, and Li Xiefa are seated together.
Right beside them is a table for only three men; Li Corps. CEO Li Syaoran, who is the eldest son of Li Yelan, AGC CFO (Chief Finance Officer) Amamiya Tsubasa, and Hyuuga Inc. CFO Ruka Nogi.
As expected, these three young business czars are getting the most attention from the media and the female guests. Everyone knew that The Natsume Hyuuga has been tied down by the beautiful model, but these three bishounen (A/N: Japanese terminology for beautiful men) are known to be single and has never been in a serious relationship. It may not be an exaggeration to say that every female in Japan have a crush on them, disregarding the fact that it is very unlikely for these three men to even know their name.
And of course, since this is the "official business world", Kitsuneme, Mochu, Koko, and Xiao Shi are not required at all to show their faces.
These four young masters are all hanging out together in the same room while waiting for the second banquet to start.
By hanging out, it means that they are all drinking booze and playing computer games.
"Hey, Xiao Shi! What did your mother say about us saving you?"
Koko suddenly asked while he and Xiao Shi were battling against each other in a martial arts game.
Xiao Shi rolled his eyes at him "Of course she immediately called up the old man and Natsume. Man, she was bawling and laughing at the same time. It was really weird, I mean you know how scarily cold my mother is."
"Eh. Is she planning to give us some prize of some sort?" Mochu asked him.
"Probably. Why don't you guys ask her?"
"No shit, man. I am willing to face any gang leader in any country, but I don't have the balls to ask your mother for something like that!" Mochu felt the hair at the back of his neck stand up.
"Yea man, your mother is the scariest person alive in the planet. She can make me piss my pants without saying anything at all." Koko remembered how Li Yelan has been to them when they were in their teens. He, Mochu, Kitsu, Xiao Shi, and Mei Ling would always get into gang troubles whenever they are in Hong Kong.
Xiao Shi laughed as they recall the mischiefs they've done before. The hour went by fast and before the four foolish young men knew, Ye Sha knocked on the door and asked them to get ready for the main event of the night.
--XoXoXo--
While the younger Amamiyas and Xiao Shi were waiting in their room, the first party finally started at exactly 20:15.
The lights were dimmed and the music was suddenly turned off. The loud chatters around the banquet hall was silenced and everyone turned around to look toward the hall's entryway.
Syaoran also turned his head a bit to look, but he still appeared unfazed and his eyes reflected no emotions at all. As he remained seated on his VIP seat, he held a glass of whisky on one hand and kept his other hand inside the pocket of his suit, looking like he did not give any care of his surroundings.
But inside, his mind has blanked.
His emotions are in a turmoil.
His hands are actually clammy.
He couldn't even taste the expensive Yamazaki whisky he took a sip of.
Finally, he is going to see his Sakura.
Yes. She is still his despite of her mysterious disappearance from his world for three years. He has sought for her high and low, in all nooks and corners he can think of yet she remained hidden from him all these painstaking years
He twisted his ring as he try to calm his heart and mind. She is near.
He can sense her presence.
Damn it! Li Xiao Lang! Calm down!
A voice boomed from the surround speakers,
"Ladies and Gentlemen, please remain seated as we welcome the 'General of the Amamiya Group of Companies', Amamiya Masaki-sama and the pearl of his palm, his granddaughter Amamiya-Kinomoto Sakura-sama."
Everyone started clapping once the announcement was done, but as soon as Masaki stepped inside the hall walking side by side a beautiful lady whose right hand gently holds onto his left arm, the crowd suddenly became silent.
All guest present, may it be female or male, a business tycoon or the spouse, an attendant or a media personnel, each one was staring silently at the lady walking down the aisle towards the elevated platform at the front. This Amamiya is truly a lady of the upper class; her height of about 165 cm is just perfect for her elegantly carved palm-sized face. Her small nose complements the shape of her eyes which is neither too big nor too small, unlike the size and shape of the common Japanese.
And speaking of those eyes!
Everyone couldn't help but stare openly at Sakura's lovely face, especially at her enchanting emerald eyes that is currently being shown in multiple wide screen televisions around the hall.
This Amamiya lady is wearing a simple taupe-beige long dress with a high neckline. Whenever she moves and a spotlight hits her dress, it will become a dazzling golden color. It was really beautiful and matches her auburn hair that she wore high on top of her head in a simple bun.
Sakura wore only a pair of golden drop earrings with a small but clear cut emerald at the end. She had on a thin golden watch on her left slender wrist and one simple golden bangle with a few tiny emeralds embedded on it, on her right wrist.
Syaoran felt like his heart stopped.
He saw her wearing a simple platinum band on her left finger, together with a golden ring with a princess cut emerald of about 3 carats.
If one sees the platinum band, it will definitely raise suspicions since it clearly did not match the set of emerald jewelries she is wearing.
But, like she cares.
There is no one in this world who can keep her from wearing that ring. It is the ring that has kept her going on until this day.
'Xiao Lang….'
Sakura walked elegantly, her strong yet small chin raised a bit upward, back straight, shoulders relaxed, her eyes showing that although this lady appears like a gentle deity beside the strong and domineering Old Man Masaki, she is not someone you can easily approach. Her emerald eyes are cold and has a steely glint in it, her small mouth curved into a tiny proud smile as she allow the media to take her photos and release it to the public. She is saying farewell to her privacy, it was supposed to be a sad day for any woman who loved her privacy, yet Sakura's facial expression appears to be like a taunt to anyone who dare to cross the line she is publicly drawing as of this moment.
As she neared the front, her eyes automatically settled on one of the three figures looking right back at her.
Tsubasa and Ruka both gave her an assuring smile as they raised their glass of whisky to her.
She smirked at them before turning to look at the other man with them.
She stopped walking.
Masaki felt her stop and saw that they were near Syaoran. To cover Sakura's action, Masaki looked over at Li Yelan and gave her a nod. Li Yelan understood so she raised her champagne glass towards Masaki and took a sip.
This bought Masaki some time to softly whisper to his granddaughter and remind her that she must continue to walk towards the platform.
Sakura looked away from Syaoran and quickly looked over to where she knew Natsume will be sitting at.
When their eyes met, her mind slowly calmed down and she tried to slow down her heartbeat. Natsume raised his glass of whisky and drank from it without taking off his eyes off hers.
Sakura understood her cousin's message.
She is his equal. She need to build her image from today onwards. She will stand beside Natsume-nii and her Xiao Lang. She slightly raised her chin up again and continued to walk and in a few seconds, she and Masaki san are finally standing at the center of the platform.
Masaki took the microphone from an attendant and greeted his guests.
"I would like to send everyone my heartfelt gratitude for your taking time to attend to tonight's event. Due to multiple clashing schedules, tonight's party will only take one hour. But be assured that this is only one part of the event! My AGC will be sending you another invitation for another day for us to continue my beloved granddaughter's coming out party! I hope that you can take your time again to join us by then." Masaki's cheerfulness was greeted by a loud clapping of the crowd signifying their compliance to his request.
One must not get into AGC's bad books. No company, whether small or big, would like to clash with a giant enterprise for a mere attendance of a party.
"And now, I officially announce tonight, that my granddaughter, Amamiya-Kinomoto Sakura, the only daughter of Kinomoto Fujitaka and my darling Nadeshiko, will now join the Amamiya Group of Companies. She will work together in equal footing with her oldest brother, Amamiya-Kinomoto Touya."
A murmur erupted in the crowd.
"In equal footing? She has the same authority and power as the CEO?"
"I knew that she will be an heiress, but I wasn't expecting her to be CEO Touya's equal just like that!"
"The General truly dotes on his granddaughter! How lucky!"
As the crowd buzzed around, Sakura stepped forward and took a microphone handed by another assistant.
"Every businessman here has the right to the information regarding this new CEO. I, Amamiya-Kinomoto Sakura, graduated from The Wharton in the United States of America in 2012 with a double degree in Economics and Business Administration at 22 years old. I have been working under the strict training of CEO Touya right after graduation and it may not look like it, but I have earned my right to be the second CEO of Amamiya Group of Companies. I am only twenty five, but I assure each and everyone of you that having me control the ship under CEO Touya's and the General's guidance, will only make AGC continue moving forward, never backward."
Masaki proudly smiled at his granddaughter. She is simply a genius, with an IQ of 200. She has always been at the top of her class since kindergarten. Everyone is always easily enamored by her looks, thinking that that is all that she has but once she gets into action and starts doing her task, they will finally see what magic Sakura truly possesses. Her brains, her athletic yet lithe body, and her beautiful face; she is his perfect little granddaughter that he will forever cherish.
Masaki called on Touya and Fujitaka to join them on the platform.
Fujitaka proudly announced that from today onwards, Sakura will be handling the three industries under the AGC: Cosmetics, Fashion, and Automotive.
Touya further informed everyone that instead of him, Sakura will be the one directly working with Natsume of the Hyuuga Inc. in terms of their Automotive innovations and dealership
"Automotive?! Are they sure she can handle that?"
"Does she even know anything about automobiles?"
"Directly working with the Natsume Hyuuga! What a catch!"
"I thought she have a degree on Economics and Business Administration. What does that have to do with cars?"
"What a risky move for the Amamiyas!"
As the crowd broke into whispers again, Syaoran laughed inwardly.
Now that is the Sakura he knew. Elegant but with a touch of wildness in her. He faintly remember a childhood memory where a young Yang Fa (A/N: The Lis pet name for Sakura) telling him that she will join a car race when she gets old enough. Syaoran chuckled quietly at the sudden memory and both Tsubasa and Ruka gave him a look and chuckled themselves.
Leave it to Syaoran to find a time like this amusing.
The top honchos of the Amamiyas did not bother to clarify the crowds doubts, they will just let them find out themselves Sakura's racing skills and how obsessed she is with cars and engines under her favorite cousin's (Natsume) influence.
Masaki looked around the crowd and stepped forward. The whole banquet hall fell into complete silence as he announce that the banquet has finally ended.
"Again, my family and I are very much grateful for your attendance to this short banquet. Please do not leave your seats yet, your personal attendant will give you a token of our appreciation and then they will escort you outside once our valets has brought your car to the front. Have a good night!"
Tono and Toru came up with this plan in order to properly disperse the crowd and at the same time, make sure that everyone who is not invited to the second banquet will leave the premises by 21:15.
The two of them walked away to check on their security personnel, including the leaders of the hundreds of men from the Black Diamonds that they have assigned to watch over the 20-meter radius of the manor.
As Fujitaka and Touya escorted Sakura out, she glanced to where Syaoran was sitting and she caught him staring at her. They looked at each others eyes and Sakura unconsciously bit her lower lip. Syaoran frowned, he do not understand why he saw a flicker of fear in her eyes.
Why does she appear like her death is suddenly near?
As they finally passed by his table, Sakura and Syaoran broke their eye contact. Syaoran finally saw Masaki walking towards his table.
Tsubasa, Ruka, and Syaoran all stood up as Masaki reached them.
Masaki directly went to his business.
"Xiao Lang, are you willing?"
Syaoran looked at the old man curiously.
"Willing to do what?"
Natsume suddenly appeared by Syaoran's side and spoke in a low voice.
"Are you willing to be with our Sakura, whatever heaven and hell you and her might go through? Are you willing to be with her, never leaving her side, no matter what circumstances she is now, has been under, and will be in the future?"
As the crowd slowly dispersed, no one noticed that the few people at the front were all standing close together.
Li Yelan and her daughters await anxiously for Syaoran's answer. They knew how much in love Syaoran is with Sakura, but what if he find this abrupt questioning annoying or suspicious and suddenly say the wrong things?
Masaki repeated his question.
"Li Xiao Lang of the Li Clan, are you willing to be my Amamiya-Kinomoto Sakura's husband?"
He clearly emphasized the families involved in this single life-changing decision.
The Li Clan, the Amamiyas, and the Kinomotos.