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 everyone for the likes and follows!

And your reviews? Wow they are the best! I love them! Thank you, thank you, and thank you! I always look forward to reading them!

/(T o T)/ Ganbaremasu!!! (๑T o T๑)/ Fighting!!!

Chapter 29: The Fierce Lady Boss (Part 2)

At 10 minutes before half past one, the third biggest conference room in the Amamiya Group of Companies Main Building is already filled with forty executives from twenty different top corporations in the country. Each corporation has sent one Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and either a Chief Operations Officer (COO) or a Chief Finance Officer (CFO), who in turn can only bring one secretary per company. Therefore, a total of 60 people are currently seated in the spacious room, all in high anticipation of the purpose of today's agenda.

Of the forty executives, seventeen were invited in yesterday's event so they had a gist of what today's meeting is all about. Hence these people had already prepared their cards on how to curry favor with the Amamiya and had carefully prepared overnight enticing business deals to be submitted afterwards. Being in the know of such events truly make one stay in a pedestal over the rest of the competitors.

As people look around, they noticed that twelve differently made chairs are still vacant at this hour at the front of the room. Obviously, these seats are reserved for the VIPs; but it is just too many and some people started to whisper among themselves.

Five VIP chairs were strategically placed at the very center in front of everyone, with three leather albeit simpler chairs, are behind three VIP chairs.

On the east side facing the guests were three VIP chairs with another simple chair behind one of the VIP chair. And finally at the west side of the guests, there were another four VIP chairs.

All they know is that they were only waiting for the head of the AGC, Amamiya Touya, and his COO and CFO to arrive. Who else are with him?

At 1:30 pm, the lights were dimmed a little and all the secretaries readily prepared their laptops in front of them. The executives also placed the ipads in front of them as they await for the topics to be discussed in today's agenda be distributed by the AGC personnels through airdrop. The projector has also been turned on and all they are waiting for is just for the key people to arrive and the meeting will start.

The door suddenly opened and everyone watched as three chefs wearing the uniform of the AGC presidential cafeteria entered and placed what looked like a tray with a pot of hot tea on the handsome mahogany table at the front center. The second chef then arranged a variety of bite-sized chocolate cookies and, as some gossipy secretaries squint their eyes to see, quite a few boxes of expensive truffles.

Does the AGC CEO normally have this sort of habit during a general mass assembly?

If it isn't him, who could be this demanding in front of the top executives of the country?

The third chef however, went on the west side and placed a tray filled with about eight small bowls which the gossips cannot sea what is inside. The chef also placed four cans of soda on the table before exiting the room with the two other chefs.

It sounds a bit funny, but from the guests' point of view, it looked like assorted nuts.

They looked at one another and held back their laughter.

Who would dare eat nuts in such a meeting?

After the three chefs left the room on one of the side doors, the main door suddenly opened with a loud noise and most of the guests who were discussing about the strange event almost jumped on their seats.

One by one, seven tall handsome men wearing similar-looking black western suits briskly entered the room. Each one is charming in their own way and for half of the attendees, it is their first time seeing these adonis all together in one place.

Without giving a spare glace to the other people in the room, it appeared as if they knew where they should be seated and in five seconds, each man were already seated in their seats.

Mochu, Ruka, Kitsu, and Koko occupied the four seats on the West side. The soda and the nuts are of course theirs; nobody else would dare eat such snacks except the morons. Well actually, Ruka wasn't supposed to be included but well, we knew he couldn't do anything about it.

Seated opposite them was Xiao Shi, Syaoran, and Eriol. Rachel settled behind Syaoran's seat.

As soon as everyone saw Syaoran enter the room, the room buzzed in excitement. He is a prominent figure in Japan despite doing his business here for only less than fifteen years. He and Natsume has always been voted yearly as "Hottest Men in Japan", "Asia's Most Eligible Bachelor", even in women's magazine and tabloids contests like "Men Most Women Would Like To Sleep With" and "Men Women Would Like to Get Married To". People will always either vote for either him or Natsume. And seeing him personally at this close distance in an enclosed room like this? All the female executives and secretaries in the room are getting dizzy with excitement and happiness.

And that is just when they saw THE Li Syaoran.

Imagine when the door opened once again with a bang and THE Hyuuga Natsume entered arrogantly and walked towards his seat at the far left on the remaining five vacant seats at the front center.

A few females even let out a faint scream when she realized the two top bachelors of Japan is here. AGC personnels went around to remind everyone to remain properly seated and that the meeting will be starting soon.

From left to right, the front center VIP seats were occupied by Natsume, Touya, Tono, Sakura, and Andou. Their secretaries occupied the seats behind Natsume and Touya, while Toru settled himself protectively behind Sakura. Two tall men also wearing tailored all black western suit with ear pieces walked inside the room and stood on separate corners near the VIPs.

Wait, who is the woman at the front?

Before anyone can ask anything, the tallest man of the whole brood stood up and looked towards the sixty guests seated in front of him.

"Good afternoon everyone. Let's begin the meeting."

Immediately after Touya spoke, the screen in front of them lit up and a presentation of the quarter's progress for the AGC's sales and stock shares was shown. After this, Touya gave fifteen minutes for the top executives of the twenty companies who have current partnership with AGC to raise questions and some issues they needed Touya to urgently answer to or look into afterwards. As the CEO of such a conglomerate, it is very difficult to set a meeting with Touya and today was a treat to them as Touya magnanimously directly answers them and in some complicated (luckier for the executives) cases, even agrees to set a private meeting.

"That settles it all." Touya's low voice boomed from the surround speakers as the lights turn on. "I would like to get on to the next agenda of this meeting. From today onwards, my sister will be working in this company as the Chief Executive Officer. She will be handling AGC's cosmetics, fashion, and automotive. Everyone, the lady of our Amamiya-Kinomoto clan, Sakura."

Of course, Touya put on emphasis on the two clan names.

Sakura stood up and bowed gracefully to the people in front her. Her sonorous voice filled the room

"I am Amamiya-Kinomoto Sakura. To save everyone from researching about me," she gave a smile (that is not really a smile) that shows her deep dimples making her appear totally adorable "I graduated in 2012 from The Wharton in the United States of America with a double degree in Economics and Business Administration. I was 22 then; and right after graduation until this year, I have been undergoing strict training under CEO Touya's guidance. For those who doubt my capabilities and credibility, I assure you that I am given this position because I am more than capable of bringing excellence to my grandfather's company. I would never dare to bring all of these" she spread her arms "to fall into destruction. I look forward to our smooth business together."

And with a final glance around the hall, she sat back down and elegantly took a sip of her tea.

There was a slight curve at the corners of Syaoran's mouth as he watch Sakura who was docilely sipping her favorite brewed tea.

"Automotive? Does that mean that Miss Sakura will be working directly with Hyuuga Natsume? Does she know anything at all about engines and car production?" the handsome young male CEO from Shen Corporation inquired. He needed to be assured right now of this move by AGC since their current biggest business with AGC is the car production for the year 2014-2017. If this girl is ignorant, then their 3 year business deal tie up will suffer for the remaining two years.

"Yes." Hyuuga Natsume answered his question with just one word.

Shen Qiu gave Natsume a nod. He knew Natsume for years and his assurance is enough for him to accept this new assignment.

"CEO Shen, CEO Hyuuga, please clear your schedule two days from now. My secretary will call you tomorrow to inform you of the time of our meeting." Sakura looked over at both Shen Qiu and Natsume who in turn acknowledged her request.

"But isn't automotive too different from cosmetics and fashion? Granted that you are an expert on such masculine stuff, then are you sure you have the knowledge on the current fashion trends? I see you are wearing the newest piece from Chanel, but that may have been just chosen by your stylist and not by you personally." a beautiful lady with long black hair that falls down to the middle of her back suddenly spoke up. With her hand supporting her chin, she looked like an adorably pampered lazy cat.

Toru leaned forward to whisper, "She is Zhuang Xi, granddaughter of General Zhuang Zhongren. You will work with her in the fashion branch."

Without batting an eyelash, Sakura looked straight into the lady's eyes and answered back, "Is it not possible for one to excel in both gun shooting and brewing tea?"

The two ladies stared at each other's eyes for almost a full minute before an elegant laugh was heard.

"I like you. I think it will definitely be a pleasure working with you, Miss Sakura. This arrogant lady is Zhuang Xi of the Zhuang Corporation." with mirth-filled eyes, the young CEO stood up and gave a slight bow.

Sakura laughed and told her to just sit down. "My secretary will contact you tomorrow to set a proper meeting with you. I too, look forward to doing business with you, Miss Xi."

"I guess that just leaves me. I look forward to doing business with you, Miss Sakura." another lady spoke up and Sakura turned to look at who the speaker was.

Koko and Kitsu exchanged a look which Xiao Shi didn't fail to notice. He sent a questioning look at his brother. Syaoran glanced at him and gestured for him to shut up.

Xiao Shi turned his attention back to the woman. Her small face is exceptionally beautiful. The dark navy dress did not just perfectly hugged her curves, it also made her skin appear fairer.

The lady who just spoke also stood up as greeting to Sakura, but she did not bow like the Japanese normally does as a sign of propriety in first time meetings. "I am CEO Su Ziyao of the Su Corporation, handling the partnership with AGC on cosmetics both locally and internationally."

Sakura quickly assessed this woman before giving her a curt nod and informing her to wait for her secretary to contact her.

She felt differently towards this Su woman. Unlike Zhuang Xi, who she felt instantly comfortable with, this Ziyao sent warning bells off her head. She took note of this and told herself to keep guarded against this person.

Toru took out his white handkerchief and wiped the sweat off his forehead. He can feel Sakura's hostile aura from where he was sitting.

And so does every male surrounding her. Ruka took a sip of his cola to calm his nerves down.

Xiao Shi looked at his brother from the corner of his eye and smirked. He already figured it out himself. Tut! His brother might be in trouble once this is over. He snorted and disguised it as a cough which made Mochu who is sitting in front of him snigger. Ruka elbowed him and he quieted down.

Touya cleared his throat and everyone turned their attention back to him.

"I would also take this time today to announce to all our business partners the engagement of Amamiya-Kinomoto Sakura to Li Syaoran."

Murmurs erupted in the Sapphire Room.

Touya raised his hand to quiet them down. "Yes, this means that we, the Amamiya Group of Companies, will be merging with the Li Corporation from today. Due to this merging, Li Syaoran will be handling over some of his work to the new second CEO of Li Corps, Li Yu Shi."

Eyes rested on the beautiful man sitting beside the famous Li Syaoran.

People will describe Syaoran as elegantly handsome with the ultimate perfect body. He is tall with long powerful legs which the public feasted on during a national soccer game where Li Syaoran made the opening kick.

He has wide shoulders, narrow hips, and a small waist with abdominal muscles which made the public unconsciously lick their lips when they saw in a tabloid a paparazzi shot of him changing his shirt after a basketball match with his friends. Unlike Natsume, he had a good temperament. Because after the tabloid released the paper, he sent them a first and final warning. And in exchange of not filing a lawsuit against them, he requested for the paparazzi's name and for the tabloid to pull all issued papers back. Syaoran filed a lawsuit to the paparazzi, but not to the tabloid. Yet this was a good lesson to everyone and they learned not to publish any more photos of Syaoran that he did not approve of.

On the other hand, whenever an uncertified photo of Natsume appears on any publication, expect his lawyers to come knocking at your door. He is a very scary figure in the everyone's eyes. No warnings, no nothings.

And that is what everyone is thinking of Li Yu Shi as of this moment.

He appears lazy and nonchalant seated in front beside his brother, but his long hair and multiple pierced ears make him look dangerous. Whenever he glances at the people in front, his piercing amber eyes give them goosebumps and they couldn't help but look away.

Is this person capable to take over the Li Corporation?

But unlike what happened previously, no one dared to question Xiao Shi. After all, this is a general meeting hosted by AGC. They can just raise their questions later if Syaoran plan to hold one for the Li Corps later on.

As Touya discussed some other things with everyone else, Sakura lowered her eyes as she continued to eat the pastries specially made for her. She's been feeling some people's heated glares directed at her after Touya's announcement of her engagement with Syaoran. She laughed in her heart, let them die of jealousy. She has sacrificed so much already, she wouldn't mind biting back at anyone who dare take her husband away from her.

"So when will the wedding be, Mr. Li?" Sakura was brought back from her thoughts by a male CEO's question.

Syaoran turned his head towards Sakura and gazed at her dotingly. She gave a small laugh and silently mouthed "Up to you."

"As soon as possible." Syaoran answered solemnly but it earned a few chuckles in the crowd.

Ziyao clenched her fist as she watched the exchange in front of her. She narrowed her eyes and furiously glared at the petite girl sitting at the center, her mind brewing schemes on how to stop the wedding.

Her actions were subtle, but this of course, did not come unnoticed by Ye Sha, Ye Mei, and all the twelve people in front including Sakura.

She raised an eyebrow at Syaoran. Syaoran shrugged his shoulders.

Sakura took a sip of her tea and nibbled on another cookie. She leaned toward Andou and whispered "I knew these cookies aren't here just to ease my boredom."

Andou took a cookie and bit on it. "I heard this has alprazolam in it." he whispered back at her.

Sakura giggled "Like Onii-chan would allow you to."

The meeting continued for a few more minutes before Touya finally ended it. Sakura stood up as soon as her brother did and she followed him out when Syaoran appeared at her side. He placed his arm around her waist and bent down to whisper in her ear, "You did amazing, honey. We were all worried you might lose your patience when asked stupid questions."

"I was lucky no one did."

"Well, let me handle the media later. You have no obligation to answer them anyway unlike towards our business partners."

"Are you trying to coax me because I found out something about you just now?" she tried to pull herself away from his arms as they walk towards the VIP elevator.

Syaoran pulled her closer to his body and encircled both his arms around her waist this time.

"I love only you, Sak."

Silence. She did not even look up at him.

"Come on, sweetheart. What do you want me to do? Want me to catch her for you so you can play with her?" he whispered playfully at her ear. He nibbled her earlobe slightly which suddenly made her laugh and everyone else who are walking towards the VIP elevator turned to look at them.

"Come on guys, this is gross." Mochu made a face and almost jogged towards the elevator door. All the other men echoed their protest. Touya even slapped the back of Syaoran's head which made him curse a little and Sakura laughed again. She then pulled his hand and dragged him towards the lift where everyone else is waiting for them inside.

Before the door closed, Sakura caught Ziyao standing in front of the ordinary lifts watching them with an emotionless face. When their sights collided, Ziyao gave her a nod while Sakura gave her a smile.

A smile? Ziyao thought to herself. That slut's eyes were as cold as ice, and I can feel the chill up to here. She's not simple as she seems, I think I need some help on this.

--XOXOXO--

After the press conference, the engagement between the two families were immediately broadcasted all over Japan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. It even made the international business news all over the world. This merging is huge, and this mere announcement has greatly affected the stock rates of both conglomerates.

The women are grieving for the loss of their favorite bachelors, while the men who understand business are celebrating for the anticipated boom in the business sector.

Anyway, drink bars nationwide are busy tonight mainly due to this afternoon's breaking news.

While Syaoran and Natsume left the building together to attend to the continuous appointments until past midnight, Sakura stayed behind to check her own office.

Her office is located right in front of Touya's. So basically, half of the 55th floor is Touya's while the other half is hers. And it basically means that her brother can check on her anytime he wants to.

Sakura rolled her eyes. This is just so like her brother.

As she entered the lobby of her office, a lady of about 28 years of age and is taller than her despite of her (Sakura) wearing 3 cm heels right now, stand up and bent her waist as she politely greeted her.

"Good afternoon, Sakura-sama. I am Su Wanwan and I am one of your secretaries."

Sakura tilted her head as she stare intently at Wanwan's face. "Su? Do you know Su Yue and Su Mei?"

"Yes, Sakura-sama. I was adopted in their family back in China." she said only this but Sakura understood. It means that she too, possess of high martial arts like the twins. She gave her a nod of approval and smiled warmly at her. "This is good. I remember Onii-chan telling me to get two secretaries, therefore only you will be my personal secretary and will always stay at my side like Toru."

"Yes, Sakura-sama."

"Gather all resumes who are applying for the second position and research on their background. Once you have chosen the top 5 who are most qualified, hand it over to me."

"Will do, Sakura-sama." she went back to her desk and started working on the thick file.

Sakura walked towards the entrance to her office and saw that the layout is almost similar to Touya's. She instructed Toru to get her a designer since she wanted to make some aesthetic improvements to her place. Toru immediately left her and went down to the Engineering Architecture department to personally choose a designer for her.

Sakura continued to look around and she coincidentally walk near her desk. As soon as she approached it, she caught sight of a handsome rectangular box at the center of the huge mahogany table.

She reached towards it and saw a handwritten note that says, "Everything you do makes me the proudest man. 'sketch of a heart, a heart, and another heart' "

She laughed out loud. He did not even drew the hearts! That was too funny of him!

When she opened the box, she gasped in surprise. It was exactly the Patek Philippe rare handcrafted watch she was eyeing during their car ride this morning! How did he know which one she wanted?! Tears gather at the corner of her eyes as she lifted the exquisite watch from its case. Oh Xiao Lang!

Not caring if she is disturbing their meeting or not, Sakura took out her mobile and quickly dialled Syaoran's number. He picked it up right after the first ring.

"Yes, sweetheart?" his low, almost husky voice melted Sakura's heart right then and there.

"I love it so much. Thank you Xiao Lang."

"Did you just cry?" Syaoran panicked a little.

"Why did you think so?"

"Your voice sound a bit off. Is anything wrong?"

Sakura let out a melodious laugh. Syaoran breathed out a sigh of relief. "I cried a bit when I saw your gift. I was really touched, Xiao Lang. You really surprised me! And you know I hate surprises! It's a good thing you got it exactly right!"

Syaoran laughed too "It's good you liked it then, that is all that matters. I am sorry I couldn't give it to you personally, I thought of giving it to you tonight when I get home but I decided that I want to give you a present as soon as you walk in your new office. Are you wearing it now?"

Sakura placed the watch on her wrist and admired it. "Just put it on. I'll send you a photo. Alright, get back to your meeting. I love you my Xiao Lang. Thank you." she felt her face heating up. It's a good thing he wasn't here to see her like this.

"Alright Sak. I'll see you tonight alright. I'll go to your place as soon as we wrap things up. I love you."

Sakura took a photo of her wrist and immediately sent it to Syaoran.

After a minute, she received a message.

"Just the wrist? I demand a selfie."

She giggled as she sat comfortably on her chair.

"Silly boy. Go focus on the meeting or else my cousin will punch you as soon as you leave the hotel."

After she sent the text message, Toru appeared with a female employee behind him.

"Sakura-sama, this is the lead Architect of one of our projects, Kouno-san."

This female has short black hair up to her chin and her full bangs reach the top of the rims of her black framed eyeglasses. She has the same height as Sakura but she looks like she prefer to wear flat pumps over heels. Sakura studied her for a while before speaking.

"Which project are you in charge of?"

"I am currently working on the Twin Tower Palace, but previously I was also in charge of the renovation of the Hyatt Regency Villas and Platinum Palace Villas."

Sakura gave her a look of approval. "Those are well-acclaimed projects we recently had and I had personally visited some of those villas. Toru must've realized you can understand what my personal preferences are and finally bring life to this boring office."

She smiled warmly at her as the girl bent her waist a little to courteously acknowledge what she said. Ah, such a difference when working with a Japanese.

"By the way, what is your name? Why did you just introduce your family name?" Sakura was curious.

The young girl in front of her blushed a little as she kept her head down. "It is also Sakura that is why I did not mention it. Miss Sakura should just call me Kouno-san."

Sakura let out a gentle laugh as she stood up and walk towards the girl. She patted her head. "Alright, since it might create a bit of confusion while we are working together. I like your personality. I look forward to working with you. Come back here tomorrow so we can discuss about the renovation. Toru will discuss this matter to your superior as I presume that the Twin Tower project is still at its structural stage and the architectural department will resume its main work after three months. Is that right, Toru?"

"Indeed, Sakura sama. Kouno-san can work for you for two months at most."

She nodded her head. "Then it is done. You will be reporting to me from tomorrow until we get my office perfectly suited to my taste. Alright, Kouno-san?"

Kouno lifted her head and looked straight into Sakura's beautiful eyes. She gasped in her heart when she saw clearly how beautiful their new CEO is. She has a palm-sized face, a small nose that is a bit upturn in an adorable way, and her eyes were a beautiful brown color which is shining with warmth while looking back at her. Her skin is clear and fair, it is almost jade-like that she wanted to reach out and touch to check if she is a real person or a porcelain doll.

"Is anything wrong, Kouno-san?"

Kouno's face heated up as she felt embarrassed for staring directly at the CEO. "No, nothing is wrong, Miss Sakura. I will leave now and wrap up my current work so I can report to you first thing in the morning." she kept her head so low her chin is almost pressing on her chest. Sakura bit her lower lip to refrain from laughing at the cute girl.

"Alright. You may go."

As soon as Kouno left, Sakura turned to Toru and praised him. "Great job on choosing that girl! I like her!"

Toru rolled his eyes at her "When Touya-sama showed me this office a few days ago, I knew right then that you will request for a personal designer so I did my research. Despite her young age of 27, Kouno is bright and has showcased her talent in big renovation projects we had."

"Did you just roll your eyes at me?"

"Yes."

"Har har Toru."

"What do you plan to do with the Su lady?"

Sakura walked over to the glass wall and looked over the Tokyo scenery below. "Ask our men for a background report on her. She doesn't look like just an ordinary business woman. Plus, being a CEO of the Su group, I bet she is a direct descendant of the Su clan from Beijing. If she is, then there is more trouble brewing for me and not just a simple jealousy issue over Syaoran." she smirked at Toru when she turned to face him. "I bet you half a mil that she's got a connection with someone from the underground and she'll instruct them to f* me over."

Toru smiled at Sakura. An evil glint showing on his dark brown eyes. "Like hell they can do that."

Sakura laughed and she turned her back on Toru to look over the scenery again. "Is there any more work I need to do today?"

"No more. Do you want to go home?"

She shook her head. "I think I'd like to walk around. Accompany me to the Automotive department." her face faintly brightening up.

Before leaving her office, Sakura checked on Wanwan. She is impressed that she is already halfway done with her work and her computer skills are excellent. She learned that Wanwan is also a computer hacker before hence, her background research were on point. There were currently 50 people applying to be her secretary, and of the 25 that Wanwan has gone through, 10 of them were spies intended to be planted by AGC's major competitors. She also found another 3 female who were in one way connected to 3 mafias in China. She placed them in a separate file and planned to look more into them after she finish going through the rest of the file.

Sakura is clearly impressed. She reminded Toru to make sure that Wanwan's computer is of the latest and highest specifications and no one should ever have any access to it except Wanwan.

"Do you think it is best to keep her at the lobby or inside with me?"

Wanwan spoke up this time. "Sakura sama, I think it is best for me to stay here in order to make sure that the second secretary is neither a spy or is slacking off. Please also do not worry, I will make it sure that no one but me can access my computer, whether physically or remotely."

Sakura clapped her hands happily. "Alright! I trust you Wanwan! Do what you must. And if you need anything, work related or not, do not hesitate to tell me or Toru."

Wanwan stood up and gave Sakura a salute. She waved it off and reminded her to take some breaks every now and then.

As soon as Sakura and Toru exited the lifts at the ground floor since the automotive department is located at the building beside the main one, they heard some people chatting outside.

The main building and the annex is separated by a small park, and right outside the two buildings was a small smoking area for the employees.

"I heard that the new CEO is Touya-sama's younger sister."

"Pays off to be born in a wealthy family. All you need is to age a bit and boom, you get to be the CEO."

"Bastard, that is too much! Maybe she has the capabilities. You don't know her anyway."

"Then why does she need to be a CEO immediately? If I was her, I would ask my brother to make me 5th rank employee first then I will gradually work my way up. Then no one can question my abilities."

"Oh shut up, we don't know what she's gone through before this. Hey, break time's over, let's get back in."

As the two male threw their cigarette butts inside the cigarette bin, they found themselves blocked by a female. Behind this female was a tall male, probably 6'1" in height.

The two male employees got awestruck by the female's beautiful face. They were staring at her smiling face in a daze that they fail to notice that her smile did not reach the eyes.

"You are both employees of AGC?"

Ah, such a sonorous voice. Could it be she is a goddess or an angel?

One of the men got back his wits quicker than the other one. "Yes we are. Are you?"

"En. You are from which department?" two dimples appeared on both sides near her small mouth.

"I am from Engineering, this one here is from the Architectural."

The goddess must've noticed some dirt on her right nails so she played with it for a while. The two male employees were curious about her but they couldn't ask her who she is. They wanted to excuse themselves but before they could speak, the lady spoke first.

"So what are your names?"

The first male from Engineering replied "I am Sengoku Kakeru and he is Iura Shu."

"Hmm~~"

"If there is anything else, ~"

"What are your employee ranks?"

Sengoku frowned a bit but his instinct is telling him to just answer the lady's questions. He opened his mouth to reply but Iura beat him this time.

"What is it to you? Are you taking surveys?"

Sakura let out a short laugh and both males felt their ears get a bit warm. This lady's laughter is like music to their ears, can she be any more perfect?

"So what is it?" this time, she looked directly in their eyes.

Iura blurted out "We are both 3rd rank since we entered the company at the same time four years ago."

"Good." Sakura softly said.

She turned to Toru and instructed him. "From tomorrow, Iura Shu of the Architecture department will drop back to the 5th rank while Sengoku Kakeru of the Engineering will rise to the 2nd rank."

Iura almost fainted when he heard her "What the f* are you saying? Who are you to push my rank to the bottom? Why would you do this to me? Have I done you wrong? Do you want to die?"

Sengoku was as shocked as Iura. Even if his was a positive change, he too want to question the lady who she is and why she is doing this to them.

"Did you not just say a while ago that if you were me, you would prefer to start at the bottom and gradually rise up so that no one can question your abilities? Well I am curious as to why someone of your brains got qualified to enter my company so I want to personally see how capable you are."

Iura's heart plummeted down to his feet. His knees lost strength and he powelessly sat on his heels with his head bent low. "Shit. You are the CEO Sakura-sama."

Sakura looked down at him. "Yes. And to answer your other question, I do not want to die. Do you want to die?"

Chills ran down Iura's back. He kept his head down as he placed his arms on his knees. He took slow breaths to calm himself down and refrain from crying before replying to Sakura. "No, ma'm I do not want to die." His voice cracked a little.

"It is good that you cleared that up. Toru, take note that this boy values his life."

Sakura turned her heels to leave when Sengoku suddenly spoke up.

"Miss Sakura, we apologize for speaking ill about you behind your back."

Sakura paused. She turned back to face him. "You did not. He did."

Sengoku bent his waist in a perfect 90 degrees angle which surprised Sakura and Toru. "But I was part of the conversation, and I did not do my best to stop my friend. Please forgive us, Miss Sakura. Please do not push my friend back at the bottom of the ranks. Both of us truly did you wrong and we do not have any excuse for our rude behaviour."

Iura stared at his best friend. He too got up and copied Sengoku's perfect bow. "I deeply regret what I have done and I accept my punishment. Please do not heed my friend's request, I understand why I lost my ranking. At the very least, I am grateful I still get to stay in the company so I still have a chance to regain my position. Please forgive my rude behavior, Miss Sakura."

Sakura crossed her arms and watched the two employees before her. She exchanged looks with Toru and remained silent for 15 minutes. Since they weren't told to rise, the two male remained their position for 15 minutes. No movements, no sounds, no complaints. Impressive.

Hence, Sakura forgave them.

"Alright. Be at ease."

Sengoku and Iura straightened up and expressed their gratitude to Sakura.

"Sengoku, you will still rise to the 2nd rank. You will receive your new Identification Card some time tomorrow. On the other hand, Iura will remain at the 3rd rank but you will be on probation. Report to my office first thing tomorrow." with that, she finally turned her heels and walked away from them. Toru gave one final warning look at the two before following Sakura.

"Thank you, Miss Sakura." the two employees shouted from where they were standing.

Sakura smiled as she walk towards the Automotive Building. Well, that was fun.