WAY TO THE TOP
By Freya-Wings
Chapter 2
Aloha again and welcome to the second chapter of my recent story, 'Way to the Top!' that was cheesy wasn't it?
Anyway, I appreciate the feedback you all gave me. I'm happy enough you are enjoying this fanfic. Due to lack of time, I must apologize if I update my stories way too slowly. Please be patient. I promise not to let this one go.
NOTE: I have purposely made Sakura the 'bitch' in this story. But there is a reason to that and if you continue with the story, you'll see why. I had to make Syaoran look a bit nervous because I can't make him the aggressive one in this fic. But I will eventually make him the dominator. LOL
Disclaimer: you all know CCS is not mine. If it is, I'll be a millionaire.
Chapter 2: The invitation
(Last chapter :)
'It's Li,' Syaoran replied with a happy sigh, 'Syaoran Li.'
'Syaoran Li,' Kinomoto said again under her breath and watched as Syaoran walked out of her room and followed Tomoyo to where he was suppose to work. Maybe his presence in this company might be interesting. She stopped her thoughts and rapidly typed on the apple computer in front of her.
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Syaoran could feel his chest hurting with anticipation and with each step that he took, the faster his heart beats.
The young woman in front of him was leading him to the room where Syaoran will start to photograph some real models with really good cameras and shooting lights. He had yet to punch himself or have Eriol punch him when he gets back in order to clarify what he was doing and seeing was true.
The young woman walked with graceful manners and quiet gracefully with her high heeled Prada shoes. Her long and dark beautiful hair bobbed as she turned a corner or when someone came to greet her as they pass.
Syaoran too noticed the immediate attention he got as he passed down the halls.
As if Tomoyo was reading his thoughts, she said, 'Don't worry about these women Li,' without turning to look at him, 'you will soon get used to them, especially your bosses!'
Syaoran highly doubt the possibility of not having to see them all the time because starting from today, he was officially working in a 5 star company with a great salary and an arrogant boss.
'Speaking of which,' Syaoran started as they passed a couple of young men with tight pink shirts, 'may I know what you do?'
At this question, Tomoyo stopped abruptly and turned around. She smiled at him and said, 'I have been waiting for that question.'
Syaoran raised his eyebrows, 'it just seems fair that I know who my boss is.'
Tomoyo folded her arms and frowned, 'it's quite likely you will not be working under me. But I work at the sales department, Photography specialist. I'm in charge there. Your supervisor is really hot but he doesn't smile much so you should understand not to make jokes or you'll end up being the stupid one. Most of the models too will be working for you and it seems they will most likely lick you the moment they see you.'
Syaoran gulped at this statement and yet he laughed to kill his nervousness, 'in that case, bring it on.'
Tomoyo took it seriously and leaned her head to one side, 'I would die to have you as my partner Li. But Kinomoto sets the rules and I must follow it. And so do you.'
She turned around and started to walk again. Syaoran's curiosity triggered and he asked, 'Will I be seeing a lot of this Kinomoto?'
Tomoyo stopped on her tracks and turned to face him with a shocked expression. 'It's odd you should ask that because she will be the one who will judge which photo's are acceptable to this company. So yes, you will spend most of your time with.' Tomoyo giggled and skipped through the hallway
Syaoran wasn't sure whether being too close to the head of the company was a good or bad idea. Nevertheless, at least he didn't ask why she was labeled the bitch.
They both finally reached a two way door and Tomoyo opened it and Syaoran could feel every nerve on his body tingle. He entered the room and there he was, surrounded by flashes of light and bright colors. Settings were placed in different themes. The room was humongous, filled with models and make up artists, rapidly fixing their already thick faces.
'This is just one studio; there is another one on level 26. We will begin shortly. Meanwhile…' Tomoyo trailed off and she patted a man with long silver hair. He turned around and Syaoran could feel goose bumps spreading every inch of his body.
'Syaoran, meet Sir Yue,' Tomoyo smiled and introduced the man with such fair skin and long silver hair. Syaoran was most surprised to see the depth of the man's eyes.
'Please to meet you,' Sir Yue said without a hint of smile on his face. For the first time in his life, Syaoran felt rather jealous at this beautiful man in front of him.
'Sir Yue will be assisting you with this project that our photographer was suppose to do. There is another person whom you should meet but I will let Sir Yue have you to meet her' Tomoyo continued as she flipped her silky hair from her neck. 'The deadline for this is this afternoon. When you are done, give the copies on hard and soft copy to Sakura-san.'
Syaoran nodded in understanding.
'Now, I should be going,' Tomoyo sighed and looked at Sir Yue, 'He's all yours,' and winked.
Sir Yue didn't mutter a word but his eyes were determined and all Syaoran could do, was drowning in that light pool of his eyes.
'I should warn you that I am very strict with deadlines. All of us are strict with deadlines.' Sir Yue said as he gestured Syaoran to follow him. 'I should warn you too that making Miss Kinomoto upset of angry will just be a disadvantage to you. Never,' then he turned around to face Syaoran, 'never ever let her down.'
I think I know the consequences if I do that, Syaoran thought.
'You have your own camera?' Sir Yue asked as they stopped in front of a small door.
'Yeah,' Syaoran said, 'it's quite old but it still takes great shoots.' He took out his camera from his bag and showed it to Sir Yue.
As arrogant as he is, all he said was, 'that's crap.'
Syaoran looked at Sir Yue with utter astonishment. 'What do you mean this is crap? I have used this camera for a long time but it's not crappy.'
Sir Yue didn't answer back but he opened the small door with his keys and unlocks what Syaoran would call, a hidden treasure.
Inside were instruments of all kinds. There were tripods, lights and what Syaoran came to find in awe, was a camera that Sir Yue was handing him and made Syaoran render speechless.
'Use that camera as much as you want. It is yours now.' Sir Yue said to the dumbfounded Syaoran as he led him out of the room as quickly as he can, 'come on, let's go. We don't have much time until lunch.'
Syaoran knew he was in between the joy of his life. He nodded and followed him like a good boy. Sir Yue locked the door and walked straight into the crowd and clapped his hand, 'everybody! Listen up.' The crowd stopped their activities and looked at their superior. Sir Yue scanned the crowd before him with his ultimate intensifying eyes and spoke with serene grace, 'I'm afraid our dear Chris won't be joining us today. But meet our new photographer, Li Syaoran.'
Suddenly, every one eyes fixated on Syaoran and he was startled at the empty expressions on their faces. Some of the models looked at him and whispered and giggled to each other. Syaoran knew his manners and immediately nod his head and smiled courteously.
Then, as if the volume had been turned up and a remote had been shifted to play, the crowd started to chat and move again, continuing their work.
'Okay Syaoran, let's get it started,' Sir Yue walked closer to an area of set and pointed at the set before him where there lay a half naked model in front of him.
'I shall leave you with this,' Sir Yue said huskily, 'you can ask me any questions later.' He finished and walked off, leaving Syaoran stranded in the middle of questionable looks.
'Hi, my name is Syaoran Li,' Syaoran nervously said. One of the make up artist snickered at him and pointed to the set and said 'quit chatting. Go set upon stage, the models are ready.'
Syaoran was a bit taken aback by the response but he guessed the woman was right. He immediately started setting up for the photo shoot.
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Later that afternoon
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'How is the session?' Sakura asked as she stepped into the studio. Lights were blaring everywhere and she was rather used to it. Everyone who saw her managed to force a smile. If you don't want to smile at me then don't smile, Sakura thought frustratingly and turned to Sir Yue.
Sir Yue wasn't the smiling person but he indicated his eyes to the young man whom she had just met. 'He's pretty good,' Sir Yue said and nodded his head. Sakura became curious and stared at the man. He was gleaming with sweat and he eccentrically photographed the models. He showed them what to do and the models did what he said.
'I think this one is a head turn,' Sir Yue teased without much facial expression, 'don't you think so Miss Kinomoto.'
Sakura didn't reply but she licked her upper lip and smiled sarcastically at Sir Yue, 'and how about you Sir Yue? What do you think?' He looked at Sakura and lifted one eyebrow. Sakura smirked and walked away. 'Tell him to come to my office as soon as the photos are ready.'
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Syaoran was walking through the hallway where he once went through and brought along his photographs in his arms. The hallway looked the same to him and he once had to ask where Kinomoto's office was. The ladies behind their desks have been really helpful to him, or so he thought.
He finally reached his destination and opened the door to see Naruku on the phone. She was giggling to the telephone and examined her long purple nails. She saw Syaoran and she directed him to come inside. Syaoran walked in as Naruku said goodbye to the telephone. Then she got up and led him to Kinomoto's door.
'I have to warn you,' Naruku said with a serious tone before she opened the grand glass door, 'she may come off a little stingy and rude. But you just have to keep up with what she says, you hear me?'
Syaoran nodded in despair. Who's boss isn't, he thought as Naruku opened the door and he followed her in.
Syaoran saw Kinomoto leaning back against her chair and was reading a few articles with her glasses on. She looked different with those glasses on, Syaoran thought. Kinomoto didn't look up when he entered, as though she knew he would be arriving and didn't need the courtesy to show him any sign of his existence.
'Here are the photos miss Kinomoto,' Naruku said and walked off. She waved a sign of good luck as she passed Syaoran and winked. Syaoran would need much more than luck if he wants to get through with her.
Kinomoto took her eyes off the article and paused as she glanced at the brown envelope of Syaoran's pictures. Syaoran noticed just how young and yet wary she looked. As if she hadn't had a good sleep at night.
'Those are the photographs you wanted,' Syaoran meekly replied. It was very different to him that he has to act all refined and genteel. He might be a gentleman but sucking up to his superior was something he wasn't used to. He had to be more convincing. Don't let your superior know your weakness.
Kinomoto placed the article softly onto her desk and picked up the brow envelope. She took the photographs and skimmed through it. She suddenly frowned and Syaoran couldn't make out what she thought about the work he had done.
'How is it?' Syaoran asked bravely and Kinomoto bit her lip. She stood up from her chair and walked to another higher table which she then placed his photographs and lined them neatly. She placed one hand on her hips and the other to her mouth and frowned as if she was in deep thought.
'I personally like this one,' Syaoran said and pointed at a young woman with red, white and yellow clothing. Kinomoto had barely spoken a word and Syaoran was starting to get nervous.
'It's…' Kinomoto finally said, 'rather sophisticated. I believe you could do a much better job with the lighting with this one.' She pointed to a picture and continued, 'this one is dreadful. Take it out of my sight before I rip it to shreds.' Syaoran was taken aback by the remark but she kept continuing, 'this one also. Is it just me or do you like to see this women twist in every direction?'
Syaoran didn't know what to say. He knew he wanted to be a little eccentric and risked his decision, 'I just didn't want them to have the same poses all the time. I wanted them to look different.' Yeah, like their poses are always so boring.
'You may be talking about art here,' Kinomoto took her glasses off her eyes and sighed, 'but this is not art, this is fashion. Fashion follows trend.' Come on woman, fashion is art.
'Which is a good reason for you to be a trend setter,' Syaoran interrupted and Kinomoto glared at him, 'are you talking back to me?'
Syaoran snorted, 'yeah, I am.' Then he realized his mistake and bowed his head. Idiot, you are such an idiot! Those words just came out from his mouth. 'I'm sorry,' Syaoran apologized but he bit his lips and thought hard. I have to be tough here. If she thinks she can just disrespect her personnel like this then he was not going to go with it.
'All I mean is,' Syaoran said again with a focused expression and Kinomoto still stared at him, 'these girls have a talent of shining themselves among the others. If you want to be different, I can give you different.' Give me a chance.
Syaoran examined her face and noticed how alive the skin on her face was but she had such tired eyes. Kinomoto sighed and rested her eyes on the pictures and glance at them again. Syaoran studied the way her eyes moved as she skimmed through his work. He liked the way she blinks gracefully, as if her eyelids were created like velvety curtain. Her light brown hair draped her head with infinite beauty, making her look like a doll than an arrogant boss.
Then to his surprise, she looked straight at him and caught him off guard. He quickly averted his eyes away from him and blushed. Sakura noticed she was being watched and for some reason, she couldn't help but also blush as the man in front of her examined her. She was rather irritated at her own plain embarrassment. She was confused when her heart beats faster when Syaoran faced her again. She looked away, feeling heat spread through her face.
'I didn't say I didn't like it,' Kinomoto said, forming back her usual mask and pointed at several photographs, 'I want these delivered to Miss Tomoyo in soft copy.'
Kinomoto went back to her desk as Syaoran gathered the photos together. 'Oh yes,' Sakura said, as if remembering something, 'I need you to come with me to a restaurant downtown. We have to meet with a long time sponsor of ours. He will be coming back from Paris this evening and don't ask me why I am inviting you.'
Syaoran was rather intrigued at this invitation. He was planning on going home and rest from this entire work. But then he thought again, maybe he can lighten things up with her. 'Of course I'll come,' Syaoran said and smiled. For some reason, Kinomoto turned her eyes away from him and said, 'just meet me at the Four Seasons Hotel at 7 p.m.'
Syaoran just nodded and walked away from her office. Maybe she does hate me, he thought to himself.
Sakura leaned back against her chair and sighed. What is up with her, she thought to herself. When she looked into his eyes, they seem to bore deep into her like he was searching for a lost light. She needed to get a grip of herself. She ignored the feeling of eagerness to be seeing him again tonight and continued with her work.
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Syaoran crashed onto his sofa and sighed. He was tired and he was agitated. He had only 4 hours before he had to go to meet her at the restaurant.
Eriol suddenly came into the front door, along with Chiharu and an old friend, Rika. They were all talking excitedly and saw stopped when they saw Syaoran lying face down on the sofa.
'Man,' Eriol said, 'you look beat.' Syaoran didn't say anything but groaned.
'Syaoran, what's wrong,' called a sweet voice. It was Rika. She softly sat down next to him and touched his cheek with her hand. Chiharu knelt beside him and half smiled, 'how was your job? Did you get it?'
'I got it,' Syaoran said, not getting off of the sofa, 'it's just one of those companies that has the big arrogant and supercilious boss.' Rika smiled and patted his head, 'dummy, every company has that.'
'But your boss doesn't say crappy or dreadful to what you do,' Syaoran simply stated as he raised himself from the sofa. 'I have to meet her again at this restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel. But I don't want to whine like a baby. At least I got the job right. I'm there only for the money.'
Rika leaned her head to one side and examined him, 'Syaoran, there's something different from you.' Syaoran frowned and said, 'it's probably frustration painted on my face.' Rika shook her head, 'No, it's more like…' Rika paused as she thought of the word she wants to explain with.
Chiharu followed studying his face and after a few seconds later she gasped. 'Yes!' She placed her hand on her mouth, 'I see it too Rika.'
'What is it?' Syaoran asked in frustration.
Rika only giggled and smiled to Chiharu, 'it's quite deep isn't it Chiharu?' Chiharu nodded and giggled too. 'I want to see this boss of yours. Is she a woman?' Rika smiled playfully. Syaoran nodded, 'yeah, a big headed bitch.'
Rika passed a look at Chiharu and Chiharu seemed to understand. 'Why don't you sleep a while before heading off again? You look so tired. Your panda eyes won't do you good if you have to see your boss again tonight.'
Eriol sat down on another sofa next to them as he carried with him a pack of chips, 'You're meeting your boss tonight? How was he?'
'It's a she Eriol. She wants him to come over for dinner tonight.' Rika said to Eriol. Eriol looked dumbfounded, 'I thought we were going to watch the game tonight?'
'Sorry,' Syaoran said as he stood up, 'no can do buddy. Sorry about that.' And he kissed Chiharu and Rika goodbye as he headed to his bedroom for a little shut eye.
Rika and Chiharu laughed when they passed each other looks. Eriol just sat there in confusion.
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Syaoran walked through the grand hall of the hotel as he passed several old men with expensive suits, holding the arm of their young ladies. What old geezers, Syaoran thought when they finally passed them. He finally reached the French restaurant and walked in.
'Reservations for Kinomoto please,' Syaoran said to the waiter and he led him to the table. Kinomoto was not there yet but it was better to be early than late. He looked around the area as he sat down with embarrassment. He was all alone while chatter of couples or families or business partners reached his ears.
Gratefully, Syaoran wore his best suit so as not to look diminutive than the rest of the group. He heard a sound of a woman's laughter as he watched the pair of husband and wife laughing at each other. When was the last time I saw something so rare like this? Syaoran thought and realized he wanted to take the picture, just that natural laughter between two people in love.
'You seem to be in a trance Mister Syaoran Li,' a sweet voice said behind Syaoran's back and he turned around to see the most remarkable sight before him. Sakura was wearing a long white gown, her short hair was raised up in a bun and she wore natural make up and a tint of pink blush on her fair cheeks. Syaoran blushed deep red and felt his heart paced.
He stood up to acknowledge her and took her hand and kissed it. Syaoran didn't notice the flush on Sakura's cheeks when he pressed his lips onto Sakura's soft hand.
'There's no need to be so genteel,' Sakura said crisply, forcing back the intense heat that slowly began to stir inside her and she sat down gracefully.
Syaoran couldn't help notice how beautiful she looked if she wasn't in her work clothes. 'I'm sorry Miss Kinomoto. But I can't help but say you look beautiful tonight.'
Sakura smirked, 'are you sucking up to me?'
Syaoran quickly shook his head and laughed, 'no of course not. But I have to I want to stay in your company.'
Sakura glanced at Syaoran and said, 'I also cannot tolerate leeches in my company.'
'You have a way with metaphor Madame,' Syaoran shot back. He was enthralled by the way she liked to be so sarcastic.
'Are you calling me a cynic?' Sakura stared back with those dazzling emerald eyes and for a second, he could feel electricity jolts passing between their eyes.
Syaoran ignored the feeling and replied back, 'well, as far as I know you have barely said a compliment to any of my work or of others.'
'And what do you know, you have only worked here for a day,' Sakura simply said as she ordered herself a glass of Cabernet Sauvignon.
Syaoran was flabbergasted and found no reply to that. He sipped on his Evian water before asking, 'don't you get tired of that?' Sakura looked at him with a questioning look. 'I mean, with that mask of yours.'
Syaoran expected Sakura to get angry but surprisingly, she looked rather poignant. 'Do you think it is okay for you to judge me this way?' Sakura said softly, the candlelight softly caressed her face.
Syaoran leaned forwards and spoke with an audible tone only for Sakura to hear, 'you cannot judge a book by its cover is that famous saying my father always taught me when I was a young boy. Behind every person's behavior, their attitude and their manner, there must have a reason. I am a photographer. I had countless pictures and photographs that I take with my camera. I have always loved photography because it captures that one moment, even the tinniest moment when you see a person's true feeling. That person's true personality caught in that one second a person naturally opens up and if we can find that one second…'
Syaoran paused as Sakura's expression began to change. She was listening to him intently and for that one moment Syaoran could see her inner personality.
'… an old man may look young,' Syaoran whispered as he continued, 'a woman with scars may look happy… a hungry young girl may look blissful… a spoiled boy may look gloomy…'
Sakura didn't say anything for a moment as she looked deeply into Syaoran's dark eyes, tasting the essence of his liberal and casual thoughts as they lingered in her mind. She gulped and sighed, 'so what do you make out of me?'
Syaoran could sense her mask falling momentarily from her face and he saw a split second of inner thoughts in her mind and he spoke very gently, 'Madame, you are unhappy… aren't you?'
Sakura parted her lips and felt it dry. She could feel her chest tightened and a whole part of her body seem to shiver as she stared at a young man's eye. Those dark pool eyes seem to grasp her soul, searching inside of her, as if understanding who she really is. She could feel tears started to form in her eyes. Syaoran wasn't moving. Their surroundings seem to be oblivious to them. They could see nothing, hear nothing, and taste nothing but their own.
Suddenly a phone rang and both of them awoke from their trance. Sakura felt her heart beat quickened as she quickly answered the phone, 'hello.' Syaoran took that moment to breathe a sigh of relief. That was pretty tense, he thought as he watched Sakura stood up and walked away from him to privately talk on the phone.
Syaoran was curious at his own behavior. He had never felt as deep in contemplation as he was today.
Sakura came back to their table with a frustrated look on her face. She sighed as she sat down on her chair and said, 'I get angry every time he does this.'
Syaoran was confused but Sakura explained, 'He's not coming today. He did this on purpose. Just because he knew we owe him one doesn't mean we have to be a servant for him.' Sakura drowned the wine quickly and asked the waiter for the bill.
'Wait,' Syaoran said in confusion, 'so he's not coming?'
'What have I been saying for the past minute?' Sakura shot back, her mask already taped on her face again. The waiter came and she signed the bill. 'He is one of the major shareholders of the company. Without him, this company wouldn't even exist. But what he likes to do is making up meetings and deadline for me to meet and made me work my ass off for it and suddenly, in the last minute he decided to cancel everything off.'
Syaoran could feel Sakura's anger and he accepted her annoyance. They both got up and Sakura said, 'well, I'm sorry for keeping me company today, I will see you tomorrow.'
Sakura was about to walk away but Syaoran took her hand and she looked at him in surprise. 'Wait,' Syaoran said, 'since we're here. And I know I am hungry. Why don't we go grab a bite to eat?'
Sakura smirked, 'company doesn't pay for your meal if we don't actually have a meeting.'
'Who said anything about eating here?' Syaoran simply said. Sakura looked carefully at him, wondering whether he was being serious. When he didn't reply back, she laughed, 'where do you plan on going then?'
'Well, since we're dressed up for the occasion, I know a good Italian place,' Syaoran smiled and Sakura momentarily felt a wave of heat all over her face.
Feeling the wine twisting inside of her, she sneered, 'well… lead the way.'
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Ooch,
I have to say the beginning of the story isn't that catchy. I have planned the rest of the story and more interesting stuff will be on your way. I'm sorry for not commenting on reviews for this one. But I will on the next chapter. Thank you very much for my reviewers… come back again and read the next story. Love you all. Ehm... I'll be really happy if you give me more than 6 reviews to top the first chapter, 'grins.'
Cheers
xXx oOo
P.S. here's a poll…. What sort of pet do you like to have or already have?
dog, cat, guinea pig, rabbit, snake, spider, turtle, fish, others?