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. Oh, and if you noticed, I also borrowed some of my favorite characters from a few Chinese novels that I've fallen in love with. So yea, I own no characters here. Zilch.
Thank you everyone for the likes and follows!
Thank so much for your wonderful reviews for the recent chapters! Some of your comments even made me cry a bit, it felt really great to be praised for something that I love doing :) Thank you very much from the bottom of my TeamSyaoSaku-Heart!
@EmmaleeU, @MiwaGuo, @Keila , @ Sara, @WindofSilentBell , @ ScrumptiousAngel13, @AutumnBree , @Mariko, @PaytonP16, and @Gianna.farah
Here's a the fourth chapter release this month! Be prepared for the longest chapter I have ever done so far.
I want to upload this now, I'll just check and edit later so I apologize in advance for any grammatical / spelling error or maybe name mistakes.
/(T o T)/ Ganbaremasu!!! (๑T o T๑)/ Fighting!!!
Chapter 37: Li Syaoran: National Husband
At Sakura's Penthouse Unit
September 8, 2015
12:30 noon
Transcribed conversation among the three:
AM: What?
LXL: Grandfather-In-Law, I need to speak with you about a very important and urgent matter."
AM: Oh? I think I know what this is about. I'll put you on speaker, Fujitaka is here.
LXL: Better.
Syaoran then went over by the window and looked at the horizon below him.
KF: Xiao Lang?
LXL: Hello Uncle Fujitaka. Sorry to bother you right now but I have something urgent that I need you to help me with.
He politely replied. His attitude towards Sakura's grandfather and father is almost like a complete opposite. He can't help but tease the Old General because truthfully, the old General is provocative and willful towards him first, but he could never be wayward towards Fujitaka. Kinomoto Fujitaka is a kind and reserved person. Although he always tend to be the most silent one in the group, his eyes show wisdom and once he speak, his words may be less but it'll either be a direct order or hid a deeper meaning meant to be analyzed dutifully by the listener.
KF: You know you should stop calling me uncle, right? Call me Dad. Anyway, what can I help you with?
AM: What do you want, you stinky boy. We're in the middle of having our lunch, you know.
LXL (snorts): Why then did you answer my call if you have no intention to talk to me. Old General, I am telling you this is more important than you not being hungry for days.
AMl: Why you fart! Anyway, spit it out! What do you want?
LXL: I want to give Sakura a wedding tonight. We'll get married this evening, no matter what.
(Sound of a ceramic cup breaking on a marble floor)
KF: (to the Old General) Dad, are you okay? Lift your feet up, don't get injured by your own mess. (To Syaoran) You have decided on this? Have you thought of how you'll prepare for it and where you're going to hold it? I don't want my only daughter to have a mediocre wedding.
AM (standing up on his chair while yelling at his mobile phone): yea! I want my baby to have the best and most beautiful wedding! What can you do in just a few hours??????
LXL: I have my plans, trust me on this, Dad and Grandpa.
AM: Who's your Grandpa?!?!
KF: Where do you plan to hold it?
LXL: At the Imperial Hotel (Tokyo's 7-star hotel owned by Syaoran)
KF: Don't get me wrong, but that won't be good enough for my daughter. How about you hold it here in the Manor? The family's private garden at the back is extensive enough to hold your guests.
LXL: I actually did not plan on inviting many guests, just a private wedding first for the family since it is too sudden. But I will invite Japan, Hong Kong, and China's largest media group to broadcast the wedding live in all three countries.
AM: No, no, no (he has calmed down and has finally sat down properly on his chair while sipping tea) that won't do! I will only agree to today's wedding if it will be held here at Sakura's house, and that is an order!
LXL: ……….
KF: (clears his throat) Well, Xiao Lang, then that's it.
LXL: I understand, Dad. But I will need to trouble you from this hour until tonight. I have sent a message just now to my people and they will be arriving there shortly to look at the place. I have already briefed my assistant on how I want everything to be.
AM: Good boy. You've finally learned to talk sense. I will give you 100 of my men; tell your assistant that he can freely order them around. My people will also start clearing the back garden from now. (then he yelled: "DID YOU HEAR THAT, XI (referring to the butler) MOVE, MOVE, MOVE!")
KF: Alright Xiao Lang. Do not worry about our side of the family. I will contact everyone and invite them tonight. I will relay to your assistant of the final headcount. What time do you want the wedding to start?
AM: Eight o'clock! I think that time is romantic!
LXL: …..
KF: ….
AM: Then that settles it all! You fart, make sure everything's done by seven! And you, Fujitaka! All guests must be in their seats by half past seven! Block all roads leading to the Manor by that time. What if Sakura gets suspicious when she sees such traffic nearby! And tell the guests that they are to just be dropped off, nobody's car shall be parked here or in the nearby parking lots. What if my baby girl recognizes one car and BAM! All our efforts will be destroyed JUST BY THAT ONE STUPID CAR? I must instruct Tono what to do! Where's Tono? Someone bring Tono here right this instant!
KF: Xiao Lang, I will give you a call later. You go and do what you must do.
LXL: Thank you Dad. And Dad, I will send one of my trusted people directly to you, no need to look for him. He will help you with anything you need to do.
After 20 minutes of discussion, Syaoran hung up the phone and if one will look closely, one will see the arc forming on the corners of his sexy thin lips.
He leaned back on the chair and turned to face the window again.
Syaoran massaged his nape while staring outside Tokyo's busy and bustling streets below. It's a good thing that Fujitaka is at the Manor today or else who knows how he can get things done with only that old man to discuss things with. He may bicker with that old man but he does not plan to be disrespectful to him to the point that he won't ask for his approval of his sudden plan to hold a wedding for his granddaughter. And he genuinely wanted to work together with Sakura's family in planning her lifetime event. He knows how much she values her family and Syaoran is very much willing to do anything that will make her happy.
Thinking things through again due to the change of venue and number of guests, he finally had his revised plan laid out in his mind after 5 minutes.
After confirming that he did not miss any call from Sakura, he then proceeded to make another call.
"Eriol. I need you to contact some people for me."
"Eh? Who and why?"
"I need you to call Tomoyo that I will marry Sakura today.."
"WHAT?!"
Ignoring Eriol's reaction, he continued without pausing "... at eight in the evening tonight and it will be held at the Manor. It will be as surprise and I need to know immediately if she has made Sakura's wedding dress already. If not, tell her that I entrust the task of choosing the dress and at the same time, think of how Sakura will wear it without her finding anything abnormal with the dress and what it's for. Get it? If she can come up with something like an event we needed to attend, then she should bring her first to visit their grandfather at the Manor or whatever. Make her come up with a good and concrete fool-proof plan. She is your girlfriend after all. I expect her to easily create a web of devious plans."
"Wow, Xiao Lang. That must be one of the longest sentences I have ever heard from you, even from back when we were still kids."
"Shut up. Now that is just the first. Next is, contact Natsume. Ask him which band would Sakura want to play in her wedding day. I want her to walk down the aisle to the song Thousand Years by Christina Perri. That is memorable to the both of us--and stop snickering, you stupid ass*!"
"Alright, alright. I never thought you have it in you to be listening to those kind of songs." Eriol shamelessly snickers.
"Guess you haven't fallen in love huh?"
"You shut your mouth, Syaoran! If that reaches Tomoyo's ears, I'll kick your sorry ass!"
"Anyway,that's it for now. Go get off your ass and immediately meet up with Sakura's father at the Manor. I trust you to help him handle things at that side. The old General will give you a hundred men to utilize. Rachel will meet you there, I've briefed her of the layout I want to have and I told her to make it more romantic if what I've thought of isn't enough. Assist her if she needs anything."
"Got it. I'm on my way to my car now. Will be there in twenty minutes. I'll call Uncle Fujitaka in the car to inform him that I'm coming."
"Tomoyo?"
"Oh she heard everything already. I called her up the moment you mentioned wedding and put you on speaker phone. She already know what to do with Sakura's dress."
Syaoran paused for a moment. "Really? She has already made her wedding dress?"
Starting up his car, Eriol rolled his eyes as he told Syaoran of Tomoyo's plan. Actually, he could barely understand what she's saying because she spoke in such a rush that he himself is amazed that he got to analyze the meaning of her slurred words.
(A/N: Alright, this might look too simple for you guys but imagine that the top part has expensive pearls instead of beads and that the waist has three rows of diamonds. While I was browsing Pinterest to look for a subtle wedding dress for Sakura, I saw this and bam. I kind of felt that this suits the sweet Sakura we all know from the anime / manga :) )
"She did man. You should know her towards her little cousin. But she said she's only finished the handwork from the waist up so she just needed half an hour to change the skirt and turn it into a dress that she can make Sakura think it's the season's trend now in Paris or something. Then she had some of her people now working on a some sort of detachable long skirt which she'll make a servant wear around Sakura's waist before stepping out to the garden. The key thing is that it should be during a blackout so that Sakura won't see what the skirt looks like it else, she'll recognize that her dress looks like a wedding dress once the skirt became long. Then she dropped my call and I assume that she's calling the Manor now to tell them of her idea."
Syaoran's long, slender fingers slowly tapped the solid wood desk. What a good plan, he have to hand it to Sakura's too-crazy-for-her cousin. At least, the wedding dress and how to make Sakura wear it has been ticked off in his list.
"Tell Tomoyo I like her plan. Just call me if there's anything. If I don't answer my mobile, call Ichi."
"Alright. I'll call Uncle Fujitaka now."
Looking at the time, Syaoran only has about thirty minutes before Sakura finds him down here. And he still had to make a few more calls.
"Jing Xing."
"Xiao Lang."
"I am getting married to Sakura tonight at eight in the evening. I already sent you the address. It is a surprise to Sakura though. Can I ask you and Shen Miao for a few favors?"
"A surprise wedding? You truly are something Xiao Lang!" the cold Xie Jing Xing let out a few chuckles that almost gave one of his bodyguards a heart attack. "Wait, there you go. You're on speakerphone and my wife is listening"
"Shen Miao, can I ask you to go to the Manor right now and look for Rachel, my assistant? I have told her of my plans for tonight but I I need another female who knows Sakura's preferences more. Her female cousin is in charge of another thing, so I can only ask you of this. Can you please oversee the overall decorations? Do not worry if what you need is scarce or needed to be shipped from overseas, or if it will be laborious to prepare. I assure you that my men can handle all of it."
Shen Miao clapped her hands happily, almost bouncing off her seat. "This is just great, Syaoran! Mei Hua (AN: Sakura's name in Chinese. Because Shen Miao is Chinese so she's fond of caller her that.) and I just talked about our dream wedding when we met last time during the dinner! I know exactly what to do! Give me Rachel's number now so that I can coordinate with her. I will also get our people to purchase some of the decorations now and have it all brought over to the venue. Oh wait! I need to see the place first! Let's leave now, husband!"
(sound of heels tapping quickly on the marble floor)
Xie Jing Xing and Syaoran: ….
Xie Jing Xing cleared his throat before breaking the awkward silence, "Sorry about that. You know, that's how women react to weddings. I should know, I've been there. Is there anything else you need?"
"Contact the largest news station in China for me. I don't care how much it costs, I want our wedding to be televised live on national TV, not just on cable, in the whole of mainland China and all provinces. Let everyone know who Li Xiao Lang's wife is."
"Arrogant, are we?" Xie Jing Xing tried to hold back his snickers but failed. "Mark it as done. Our wedding gift to you and to Mrs. Li Xiao Lang."
"Thanks, man. Remember, it's a surprise. Make sure that they're at the venue at least 2 hours before the start. Earlier will be best. I'll let Toru contact you."
A servant appeared at the entrance of the living room,
"Excuse my intrusion, Master, the Lady asked me to inform you that she is already at the car and is adamant that you go there right now and leave."
When Syaoran pressed the end call button, a satisfied look came over his face. Now, to call his family and make the take the family's private plane and come to Japan.
Oh, and get Fanren to contact Hong Kong's giant media network. Well, that's a piece of cake. Who dare rejects a request for an exclusive coverage of the Li Clan head's private wedding.
--XoXoXoXo--
Hong Kong
Li Residence
14:00 (Japan Standard Time)
"Mother!!!!!!!!! Did we forget to pack anything?! We need to leave for the airport in 30 minutes! Fuutie Jie, did you call Mei Ling?" a panicked Li Xiefa (youngest sister of Syaoran) yelled as she run towards the master bedroom where Li Yelan (Syaoran's mother) is currently at.
"Of course I already did! Uncle Wei has already prepared another private jet for the Wolves. They will be arriving at the airport at the exact time as us. Did you already picked out your outfit?"
stretching her neck out to give her older sister a weird look, Li Xiefa replied, "Of course I haven't! I just asked the servants to pack all the new evening dresses and shoes Fanren Jie ("Jie Jie is older sister in Chinese) has sent us last week. She said those are the latest limited edition releases for this season in Paris. Let's just take our time to choose when we get to Japan."
"Sometimes I get surprised by the quality of brains you actually have there, Xiefa."
"Shut up! Now go and check on Feimie Jie if she's almost finished packing! Yukito Gege ("brother" in Chinese") called a while ago to say that he'll just meet us at the plane. He needed to purchase some things to bring for the wedding."
"Got it!" Fuutei rushed towards the stairs and went to the third floor of the Li manor where the two eldest of the four Li sisters' rooms are.
As Xiefa racked her memory to check if she's forgotten anything that her baby brother has ordered her to bring, she entered the main sleeping area of the spacious master's bedroom.
Yelan is sitting on the side of the four poster bed holding something with a rarely seen gentle smile on her face.
Walking up noiselessly, Xiefa called out to her mother,
"Hey mother! What are you looking at?"
Yelan faced her youngest daughter and held up a beautiful ring with an enormous emerald stone.
Xiefa excitedly ran over and picked the ring from her mother's hand. Looking closely, she recognized the ring as one her mother bought from an auction five years back. (A/N: )
It was an 18 carat emerald stone placed on a diamond-encrusted platinum band. Xiefa's eyes widened as an idea popped in her mind.
"Mother! Are you going to give this to Sakura? Oh my! This will totally look best on her, her eyes will very much complement this! Are you gonna giver her? Are you? Did Xiao Lang told you to give this to her?"
Yelan laughed affectionately at her daughter. Xiefa may already be thirty years old but she still act terribly childish most of the times.
"Your brother doesn't know yet, and I don't even know if he can still remember that I bought this. But I already have Sakura in mind the moment I saw this in the auction pamphlet I received. The moment I saw this, I remembered how Nadeshiko's daughter has eyes more beautiful than this emerald. I have always wanted her to marry in the family, I just wasn't sure if she'll fall in love with which of my sons."
Xiefa wiped a tear in her cheek. "OH MOTHER! How do I not know you have such a heart!"
Yelan slapped the back of Xiefa's head, "Silly child! What do you think of your mother!"
"A bit like Maleficent~~ OUCH MOTHER! The second one genuinely hurts!"
"Come on, we need to get moving." she snatched the ring back from her daughter's hand and placed it back inside the handsome black velvet box. "Don't forget to bring the tablet your Fanren Jie sent together with the clothes and shoes. She said that she has sent there the entire collection so that we can pick our outfits during the flight."
"Fanren Jie sent 4 tablets for each one of us. I've already instructed Auntie to place all of them in the hand carry we'll bring inside the plane."
"Alright. Let's get moving now. Let us not make your sister's boyfriend wait for us too long at the airport."
--XOxOxOxO--
"Yukito Gege!!!" a lively Xiefa scrambled out of the black stretch limousine to give Yukito Tsukishiro, her older sister's boyfriend, a hug.
"Hello there little Xiefa!" Yukito fondly rubbed her head after giving her a quick hug. "Here's a a slice each of the six cakes I ordered to bring to the wedding. Eat it once we've settled in the jet." he handed a large cake box to her.
"Oooooh I remember that Auntie Nadeshiko used to bring us cakes from this shop when we were younger. Does Sakura still remember it?"
Yukito nodded. "Touya called me up and told me to purchase it all. Xiao Lang has also ordered another 6 cakes in Japan, but since it won't risk transit, those cakes will be much bigger and taller, although he has specifically instructed them to try and make the flavors similar to these six cakes that Sakura's mother love."
Feimei reached the two and Yukito quickly turned towards her and lifted her in his arms before giving her a quick kiss on the lips.
"Hey baby, I missed you. Ready to meet with my grandmother back home?" Yukito and Feimei has just started going out six months ago and since they both have busy schedules and Yukito's only relative, Mina Tsukishiro, is seventy years old and didn't like to take a long haul flight to Europe where the two permanently live in together, it will only be this time that the elderly Mina will finally get to meet her grandson's girlfriend. Although they've constantly talked to each other through video calls and Feimei has been used to talking to her and the two nurses who looks after her every day, she still feel quite nervous for the first meeting.
"Yes. But oooh, I am still worried that she might not like me back, babe."
Yukito laughed and bit her nose. "Don't be stupid. Although I am sure that she won't like you." Feimei frowned. "Because she will love you. That I am sure." Yukit placed her back down on her feet when he saw Li Yelan finally getting out of the car.
"Yukito-san! How was your flight? It's good that you were actually scheduled to arrive here in Hong Kong today or else my impulsive son would have had married your cousin without you." (A/N: Yes, I am one of those who didn't like Sakura having a long-time crush other than Syaoran LOL! So they're cousins here.)
"Yes, Auntie. I was asked by grandfather to attend a business party on his behalf at the Yue Family's estate at the Peak. It will be held on the day after tomorrow so I'll just have to return by then."
"Will you bring Feimei with you?" Yelan asked as they ascended the stairs leading to the the private jet.
"Yes, Auntie. But we will immediately return to Tokyo the next day, and since I'll be using the family's jet, it'll be quicker and we can join you for the rest of the festivities."
"I am glad to hear that. I actually declined the invitation two weeks ago but I will call Elder Yue later to inform him that Feimei will attend in my behalf. Oh, and we'll be staying in Tokyo for two weeks so I hope you can do too. It will be best for our family to spend more time together especially now that the first wedding between the Amamiyas and Lis will take place." she gave Yukito a meaningful look.
Blushing from the neck up, Yukito covered his face with his large hands. "Auntie, you're making me feel shy, it's too unmanly! Don't worry, Feimei and I have already talked about it and we're just trying to clear our schedules so that we can finally set our wedding date."
Yelan leaned over and gave the young man who is still a head taller than her despite of her being too tall for her gender as a Chinese. "Good boy. I look forward to officially making you my son-in-law."
"Mistress Li, we are ready to take off." the flight attendant walked over to them and helped them settle back comfortably on their spacious seats. Their private plane has couches, oversized single seats like lazy boys, and even has 2 separate bedroom with a queen size bed each.
"Alright. Is the other jet also ready?"
"Yes, Mistress Li, they'll take off after us. All one hundred twenty of the passengers has already settled in."
"Good. Let us leave now."
--XoXoXo--
Ginza, Tokyo
Imperial Mall
14:00 (Japan standard time)
"Master Li, welcome! It is our honor for you to visit the Imperial Mall amongst all the Li's other malls. Let me serve you today as I aid in your search."
The man tried to maintain his calm despite his overwhelming excitement to have such a huge opportunity.
Syaoran glanced over the man and nodded. "Lead the way, Vice President Ang. You've been briefed of what I'm looking for."
The man nodded vigorously. "Yes, Master Li. We've also closed the whole floor, no one is to disturb the master as you look for the best. I've also instructed each store to put on display only the top collections that are worthy of the young Madame."
Syaoran gave a nod of approval before walking briskly to the nearest jewelry shop.
"Welcome, Master Li!" All six store employees including the shop manager bent from their waist and almost shouted in unison when they heard the door to the shop being opened by the guards.
Uniformed footsteps resounded in the silent shop as if the ones who enter are from the military.
Everyone looked up as soon as they saw a pair of expensive-looking black leather shoes passed by and not just the female clerks, but also the two male ones, looked at the tall handsome man, with admiration in their eyes. Although all they can see is his back, they all knew that he must be extremely good looking since they already saw him in the television and magazines.
Still caught up in their dreamy state, the tall man turned around and sat down on the single chair, especially placed for his visit, right at the center of the shop with a rectangular glass table in front of it.
The employees sporting bright smiles suddenly froze in their place, clearly frightened by the cold, domineering man waiting to be served by them.
This is the Li Syaoran?!
Goodness! And he is engaged?! The poor woman!
They saw her once during the live interview at the AGC office and the noble lady looked gentle and kind. How could she have agreed to be married to such a cold, unfeeling man?
"Not yet moving?" the man's cello-like voice would have been beautiful to their ears if only it wasn't dripping with coldness and clear impatience.
The manager snapped back to reality and quickly ordered his people to place their most expensive and most treasured collection that is not even available for public viewing. They only present such collections to the most prominent people of the nation and they should also have the approval of the brand or the designer itself.
Looking at the six piece collection of exquisitely handcrafted jewelries placed in front of him, Syaoran held the ring, necklace, pair of earrings, bracelet, and watch one by one and turned them over his palm, appearing deep in thought.
All the people inside the shop held their breath as they watch the sinfully beautiful man with devil-like aura stare at each jewelry.
Since his head is bent down, one can only see the cold man's eyebrows were slightly furrowed and his pursed thin lips set in a straight line while his long, slender fingers slowly graze the elegant golden chain of the necklace.
Could he be thinking that the jewelry is not good enough?
--XoXoXo--
Syaoran slightly pinched the gold chain in between his fingers, his long and thick lashes hiding the emotions in his eyes.
What could the devil be thinking?
He is wondering if these jewelries is good enough to touch his queen's soft, white, and supple skin.
Would this necklace make Sakura's elegant swan-like neck more irresistible for him to kiss and gently bite into? Would this 22-carat Kashmir sapphire pendant set at the center of 20 European-cut diamonds triple its brilliance once settled against his Sakura's sexy clavicle?
Syaoran's eyes darkened as he recalled Sakura's graceful neck.
A few seconds after, his eyes wander to where the bracelet was placed.
Would that mere bracelet with alternating 10 carat sapphire and 5 carat diamond look a hundred times its worth when worn around his wife's fragile-looking wrist.
Oh those slender wrists that feels like it will break any second whenever he holds it above her head or on both sides of her head as he worship her body.
Syaoran felt his breath hitch subtly and he tried to stabilize his breathing as he bent his head a bit lower towards the table to keep others from noticing the strangeness of his behaviour.
Truthfully? This did not go unnoticed to the other people inside the shop who are watching his every move.
Did they find it strange? Of course not.
Frightening is more like it. Both the manager and Vice President Ang are sweating profusely that despite the cool air conditioning of the store, they kept wiping the sweat off their forehead and neck.
Why did the temperature seem to rise then drop then rise again? Did the Master see anything wrong with the collection?
But it is at the top of their store's collection, and none of the previous five person who were allowed to see them previously could afford it. Well, they actually could, but the price is too high for them to spend on jewelries even if it's for their wives.
Oh, and the designer of this collection has another strict rule in order to approve the sale. The collection has to be given strictly to the wife; not a fiance, not a daughter, not even to the buyer's mother. Before the sale is finalized, the buyer will sign a contract with the designer that he has met the requirement of the designer and if he lied in any way just to get the collection, the designer has the right to file a lawsuit against him.
Syaoran picked up the pair of earrings and held it against the light. ( )
Good, this will go perfectly against his wife's emerald eyes. Of course he loves green on Sakura most, like emeralds, but he also loves how deep blue sets off the beauty of her eyes and makes it stand out in a unique way for him.
"Change these ear clips into actual earrings for me. I don't like clips." Like hell would he want his wife to suffer from pain and discomfort after hours of wearing such a thing.
"Yes, Master. Um, so… um…" the manager stuttered in fright as he reached out his hand to receive the earrings from Syaoran.
Syaoran raised his head and gave him a cold look that almost made the manager fall on his knees.
"What are you trying to say, Manager Mo?" Syaoran's top bodyguard, Ichi, spoke in behalf of his master.
'Has the Master approved of the collection? Shall we contact the designer now to close the deal?Oh, and has the Master brought his and the Young Mistress' marriage certificate?"
The manager dare not to ask the Master if he has already married his fiance in secret. He is wise enough to assume that the Master already held a private ceremony prior today.
Syaoran lazily leaned back at the chair and crossed his long legs. He can't stand up right now because well, he has a bit of uhm, inconvenienced down there.
Tsk. I miss my wife.
Ignoring the manager, Syaoran turned to look at Vice President Ang. "Call him for me."
Bobbing his head like a chicken, Vice President Ang took out his mobile phone, searched for a specific contact, and made a call.
"Put him in speaker." Syaoran had no intention of placing his phone on his ear. Too far off the bottom branch of his subordinate tree. Syaoran's mysophobia doesn't apply only to very few of his close friends and trusted people.
Nodding, Vice President Ang pressed the speaker and then a low male voice answered the call.
"Yes. Has Master Li seen the collection?"
Syaoran propped his chin lazily on hand. "I did. I want you to engrave the words semper fidelis (A/N: "Always Faithful") in every piece, I don't care how small it'll be or how difficult it is. Just do it."
"Not difficult."
"Good."
"Marriage certificate?"
Syaoran let out a chuckle that sent chills down the spine of everyone present. Even his bodyguards back stiffened. They are very much familiar of this reaction of their Boss.
"Ichi." Ichi stepped forward. "Deposit the 20 million US dollars payment for the the Yue Family's Antique Kashmir Star legendary collection right now."
"Yes Boss." Ichi took out his mobile and made a call to make the transfer.
Syaoran turned his attention back to the person at the other line. "I have added another 2 million US dollar for the engraving fee and as an assurance fee that I will be meeting your requirements within the day. To make sure that we are both honest in our transaction, I'd like you to bring the jewelries tonight at my wedding. Come up the stage and present it to my wife."
Pausing a for while, he continued. "Make sure you dress appropriately. Don't just go there in your stupid usual clothes."
Everyone was shocked when they heard his last statement. This is the legendary X of the great royal family of Europe their Master is talking to! He may be in par with the Li Syaoran but still, he is still of a royal bloodline!
"Hey, LI! What do you mean by that? I dress perfectly well, thank you very much!" the previously enchanting voice became a bit high pitched and is full of annoyance right now.
Syaoran glanced at Ichi and he proceeded to usher the shops employees even Vice President Ang out of the shop.
The only ones remaining inside is Syaoran and his other two bodyguards, Go and Roku.
"Don't wear those stupid clothes with ruffles and lace. You are in China, dimwit. And it's my wedding so you better wear a normal suit. I don't care if you wear a gold one, just make sure I don't see any ruffles on you or else I'll kick you out of the manor."
"LI SYAORAN! Those ruffles are normal and it isn't that ugly as you make it sound like, you stupid man!" clearing his throat, he lowered his voice a notch and continued. "Alright, alright. I'll be the one to bring the collection. Anyway, why should I be the one to present it though?"
Massaging his temples as if he is experiencing a very bad headache.
"I remembered that my wife told me years ago that she saw one of your designs in an auction. She found those jewels beautiful but what made her fall in love with it was the story you had while you were creating the whole collection. From then on, she told me that her most favorite custom jewelry designer is a man called X of the Western Europe. When I heard a few weeks ago that you have agreed to place one of your collections here and then my staff relayed to me of the strict requirement and the reason behind it, I knew that you and that X my wife admired then are the same person."
"O-ho! So your wife admires me huh." crazy laughter sounded at the other line and then stopped abruptly.
"Wait, wait, wait. So are you really going to marry that Amamiya heiress? And tonight? I didn't even know that you were engaged."
"You didn't watch the news?"
"No. Gramps, grandmother, and Ze gege just arrived a few days ago from Europe and we've been busy at home. They brought over my younger brother so you can imagine how crazy it is at our home right now."
"How can you have a younger brother?"
"Adopted brother. It's actually a long story, you know."
"Is it? Wait, I'll call you in my own phone. I need to go fit my suit in ten minutes."
Syaoran couldn't put his finger on it but he wanted to hear the story.
"Alright. Return Uncle Ang's phone to him. I'll also tell him to wait for my people to pick up the collection."
As soon as everything was settled, Syaoran walked towards the fifth level where he is to fit his wedding suit. Placing the bluetooth in his ear, he called Yue Xu up and listened patiently as he rattled on his story.
"Ze ge and Bei Jei ge are still trying to figure out this case that's why I stayed in Europe for the past two years. During one of the secret missions Gramps forced me to go, the Yue team was to assist the Chinese team to infiltrate this Red-tagged camp somewhere in Finland. You remember that the most dangerous mission is the red type so Ze ge and cousin Han Bei Jei ge led both teams. I found it weird that the Chinese team didn't have any leader but then when I asked Ze ge about it two days ago, he told me that the son of General Xie was actually the one who has been trying to catch that syndicate for the past two years and he specifically trained his Chinese team for that mission.
But two weeks before the attack, he got into an accident in Beijing and was comatosed for months. So to make sure that the mission will have a higher chance of success for the sake of his son, General Xie called Gramps and asked for back up assistance. So Gramps let Ze ge lead our team together while he sent my older cousin, Han Bei Jei to lead the Chinese team.
When we arrived at the targeted location, it was actually a combined facility of hospital, research laboratory, torture chambers, and underground prison. Mixed nationalities were held captive there and when we took down all the soldiers and psycho scientists situated there, we checked out the whole place.
There were like about five pregnant women who have their tongues and both hands cut off. They were even tortured to have blurred up to blinded vision. Serious shit man, so there is no way they can tell us what happened to them or who held them captive. We can only assume their nationalities and then send them to our private hospital back home. When they have recuperated enough, we contacted their embassies and they were picked up at our hospital.
Only one woman remained, she was Chinese. Her condition's the worst among the five and we Grandma decided to let her stay in the hospital and she worked it out with the Chinese embassy. Sadly, the woman's body reached its limits and the doctor was forced to take out the baby from her stomach before she finally breathed her last. The baby boy was born prematurely at seven months and he was placed in an incubator until he was finally in a good enough condition to be sent to an orphanage.
But when Ze ge randomly visited the hospital that day to retrieve the Chinese woman's medical and autopsy records, he saw the kid and instructed the doctor to send it to our home. He told gramps and grandma to keep the baby for a while since it is too pitiful to send it to an orphanage at such a newborn state.
The, after a few months, the baby grew into this cute little bundle of fats and we couldn't afford to send him off. Just when we were about to officially adopt the little soft bun, the Finland case finally had a breakthrough. All that was left is to set a private appointment the soonest with the son of General Xing the soonest to confirm if what my brother's team's research matches with what he has initially been suspicious about. "
"What kind of breakthrough?" Syaoran prompted Yue Xu.
"Master Li, please relax your body as we try to adjust the fit on you." the tailor nervously reminded the brooding man who has gotten stiffer and stiffer for the past few minutes and was unconsciously clenching his right fist.
"Ah." Syaoran nodded and tried to relax. Why on earth was he tensed?
"It was --Oh hey! My people from the shop is calling me. I'll tell you the rest later, I'd better watch over the engraving or else I'll lose face to your wife. I wouldn't do this much if you didn't tell me that she idolizes me." Yue Xu proudly told Syaoran.
"Stupid. Anyway, don't forget to come at the venue on or before six this evening. You can bring your Elder Yue, Old Madam Yue, and even your two brothers too. I have a nice surprise for you, take it as a bonus as payment for you to tell the story behind your collection to my wife."
Curiosity tweaked, Yue Xu asked, "What kind of surprise?"
"The son of General Xing is my best man."
--XoXoXo--
Roponggi, Tokyo
The Nuvola Nera
15:00 (Japan standard time)
(Diiiiing~~~Doooong)
Looking at the door security monitor, Ruka saw that it was Toru and Natsume followed by a few of their men carrying large rectangular boxes.
He opened the door and greeted them cheerfully,"Oh! Are those our suits?"
Ignoring him, Natsume went past him and immediately yelled,
"You morons! Come out here!"
Ruka gaped at Natsume. He just arrived and he's already fuming mad. What could those four idiots have done this time?
Slowly emerging from their rooms, four grown men with messy hair and wearing nothing but boxers came into view.
They've obviously just woken up.
And the obviously don't know yet that their precious little cousin (for the reigning top three idiots: Mochu, Koko, and Kitsu) and older twin brother (Xiao Shi: the fourth idiot decided to live here) are getting married in five hours.
"Why are you yelling so early, Nattie?" Mochu grumbled as he took a glass from the kitchen and poured himself a glass of fresh orange juice.
"WHAT. AM. I . YELLING. ABOUT. THIS. EARLY." Natsume said between gritted teeth.
Koko rubbed his eyes as he yawned loudly. As his eyes clearly focused on Natsume's body, he saw his tightly clenched fists and he suddenly lost his previous drowsiness.
"Whoa, whoa, Natsume, why don't you tell us what we did wrong to anger you this time?"
Kitsune turned to look at where Koko was looking at and he took a step further from Natsume while waving his hands slowly. "Calm down. Natsu Nii-san" he politely called him older brother (A/N: In Japanese. "Ge or Gege" is older brother in Chinese while "Nii or Nii-san is older brother in Japanese) "You know that we always tend to do more stupid things than sensible things so really, it will take years for us to come up with whatever is it that you are thinking of right now."
Nodding his head in agreement, Xiao Shi decided not to even let out a squeak. Memories of an fuming mad, fiery red hot Natsume from their younger years popped in his mind.
Wow. These memories he easily remembered. And the important things he wanted to remember couldn't even be cleared than a smoggy and foggy day with a thousand people smoking cigars all at once.
Tsubasa suddenly came in from outside and held Natsume's arm as he tried to calm him down and sat him on the sofa opposite where the four idiots are now sitting.
"Calm yourself first Natsume. Let's talk to them about this first then afterwards, once we have verified their utmost stupidity, I swear, I will tie them up for you so you can hit them until they're crying out for their mommies."
All four shivered as they think of choosing on their own to be with their scary mothers.
If Li Yelan can give the whole Hong Kong a scare, don't underestimate the Japanese mothers of the three. All are married to Oyabuns, so what do you expect?
"What did we do this time?" Koko asked Tsubasa meekly.
Kitsu cowered behind Koko and peeked at Natsume from his shoulder.
Mochu remained standing behind the sofa where the three is sitting, thinking of running as fast as he can outside as soon as chaos break. He doesn't even care if he will lose his dignity since he is just donning his boxers, nothing more, nothing less.
Xiao Shi sat with his two feet flat on the floor, with his back straight as a rod, and was looking straight at Natsume. Ruka was actually worried that he was frozen in place and wasn't breathing anymore.
"Senior year. Fraternity drinking party. Three in the morning. Hospital. Sperm bank."
Natsume can't believe he is saying such things in this lifetime. How stupid can these cousins of his be!
If there was a competition on the fastest jaw drop, these four would have made it in the finals.
With pale face, eyes opened wide, and mouth hanging open, all four idiots gawked at Natsume.
"How did you find out?"
"I don't fkng want to know why and how you four did it. I actually won't be this angry if it was just you morons. What I want you to explain is, how did you dragged Syaoran into this shenanigan?" Natsume's voice was so loud, Ruka covered quickly covered his ears and almost cried at the uncomfortable buzzing in his ears.
Xiao Shi couldn't hold it back anymore and he laid horizontally on his back, closing his eyes. "Damn. What happened to my brother?"
"TELL ME WHAT YOU GUYS DID AND HOW YOU DID IT!"
Koko felt warm liquid on his cheeks. Tough as he is, he is undoubtedly scared of Natsume the most. More than his grandfather, father, and mother combined altogether. "Well, we have been planning to anonymously put our sperm cells in Yue Xu's private hospital when we were just third year seniors in the university." his voice was shivering in fear and nervousness as he saw Natsume's eyes getting a darker shade of crimson. He subconsciously shrinked back at the sofa. "Well, not like we will never be able to know which is ours. We had like, pen names, you know." when his voice got a bit excited, Natsume took a step closer and Koko tightly shut his mouth and tried to move further away from Natsume.
"So?" Natsume's ice-cold voice made Kitsu also break into tears. He knew it is best to speak up now, it will lessen Natsume's anger for him...well, maybe?
"Syaoran did not want to so he left us and went back to his room. But since we are brothers, how can we let him not do what we'll do, right? So we uhm, spiked his drink and when he got too drunk and lost all his senses, we sent a girl and you know, gave his little brother some pumping."
This time, Tsubasa stood up and threw an empty beer can at the spot between Koko and Kitsu. He did not intend to hurt them physically, he'd rather torture them mentally.
And he successfully did because when he threw the empty can, the two actually cried harder and Mochu jumped at least a three feet high. Xiao Shi sat up straight again and one can see his suddenly bloodshot eyes.
"You actually agreed to do that to your own brother?!" Natsume took another empty can from the floor and threw it at Xiao Shi. Xiao Shi actually thought he's gonna be hit this time because Natsume's accuracy was great that he stopped breathing to brace himself for the impact. It may be an empty can but Natsume is a martial artist. Anything can be dangerous weapon for him.
Yet at the final seconds before it hit Xiao Shi's forehead, the can swerved a bit upward, missing his head by a fraction of a centimeter, and directly hitting Mochu's right arm.
Xiao Shi felt his heartbeat stop and he cried again, this time, he was sobbing like a kid.
Mochu felt his right arm wasn't hit by a can, it felt more like a gunshot and he yelled in pain.
"Waaaaa~~~~ Natsu-nii is so scary" All four idiots wailed loudly in the room.
"I can't believe I know stupid people like you!" Natsume fell back to the sofa in exhaustion. He pressed his nose to calm himself down.
One. two. Three. Four. Five….
"Natsu-nii, why, what disaster have we caused?" Xiao Shi gathered up the remaining 5% of his courage to ask Natsume,
Seeing that Natsume hasn't stabilized his emotions yet, Tsubasa took it upon his shoulders to tell the four idiots and Ruka of what just happened.
"Someone just sold us a 5 million US Dollar information that the girl who you sent to Syaoran to do the most stupid thing in the world, was a person of a powerful syndicate who buys and sells these things.
Why? I can see from the idiotic looks in your faces that you don't know your position in this society. Nor have your brains absorbed the power your family has."
Looking at the four kids till staring at Tsubasa with blank looks on their faces, Ruka swore loudly and walked over to the nearest chair.
"They sold Syaoran's sperm cells to someone who had insidious plans towards the Li Family. The ones who bought it can either use Syaoran's specimen to have a baby" Ruka did an air quote on the word "baby" "with one of their family's women and make it look like Syaoran had a child outside marriage or during a drunken stupor. Then they will have a leverage over the Li clan since they finally have Syaoran's child even if he did not know anything about it. Even if the Lis demand a paternity test, it will result to a hundred percent match and Syaoran will have a difficult to zero chance of proving his innocence."
Ruka can almost see the four idiot's souls leave their bodies.
Really, really, truly a bunch of idiots.