Author's note: I would just like to stress this very important note: I'm not really familiar with the political system of both China and Japan so I am not pretending to know anything about it. So to those historical obsessed people, I hope you understand that. I came from a democratic country so basically I employed that system here that's why I mentioned Yelan Li being a congresswoman in their place. And because I am also not too familiar with the places in both these two countries, I decided to employ the usual Japan and China system here. I've decided to let Hongkong be a sort of a simple province (not the big city that it is today) which is still in the process of being developed into a modernized city. And I allowed Sakura to live in Tokyo because I've decided that the place is the center of businesses in Japan, where the Kinomotos are from.
February 26, 2006 – Fic is currently undergoing re-editing to enhance storyline and correct grammatical errors
DISCLAIMER: I don't own CCs and never will I. Sad, but true.
Clear Skies
by: kotsch
Summary: Sakura: The succesful businesswoman. Syaoran: The devoted environmentalist. Two people w/ different principles and ideals. But if love will intercede between them, can they put their differences aside?
Chapter One
The well-respected industrialist Fujitaka Kinomoto is very much troubled. And Sakura Kinomoto, the youngest and only daughter of Fujitaka, knew the exact reason.
At her young age of 26, Fujitaka already had her daughter in mind as the next president of their company. Although he has an older son named Touya, this son of his clearly made sure that he was not interested on business matters. Touya said he would just gladly like to concentrate more on his passion for painting on which, nevertheless, he is successful and well known for.
Sakura already knew the ins and outs of their family business. And only a few years more are just needed for her to replace the position of her father in Kinomoto Holdings - as the Chief Executive Officer. As of present time, Sakura holds the second highest and one of the most respected positions in Kinomoto Holdings. She was assigned as the vice-president of the company's Operations.
But now, the biggest problem yet that both Fujitaka and Sakura encountered in their business involves the manufacturing plant that they are planning to construct in China. It seems that the plans for this big project are becoming hazy even though they've already prepared everything: from obtaining their foreign counterpart investor up to the labor requirements and marketing strategy. The main reason of their problem was: the place in China, known as Hongkong, where they will construct the factory, have a very active organization of environmentalists that objects at the idea of having ANOTHER factory that will pollute their place.
If only the leader of this certain organization was not popular, this problem will only be just plain and simple to the big business groups such as the Kinomoto Holdings.
But unfortunately, that was not the case. The leader of the organization is none other than Syaoran Li.
Syaoran was one of those who owned those big mango farms in Hongkong. And he's even the president of the organization on agricultural sector of the said province. Syaoran Li is the only son of the late Congresswoman Yelan Li. His mother was already seated on the congress three times. And she was also well-known for being clean, honest and a devoted environmentalist; traits that her son probably inherited. Both mother and son believes that their place will prosper in aspects of agriculture and in aquatic resources that's why their family is very much active in their province in terms of protecting its environment.
How many factories have already been closed due to evidences of polluting the place and harming the residents of the local natives in China? Definitely, a lot. And of course, the persons leading these campaigns were none other than Syaoran Li and Yelan Li, when she's still alive. And how many factories weren't able to continue with their operation in China all because of that certain organization? Definitely, a lot, too. And the Li's were also the hindrance to all of these.
And now, it also seems that the Kinomoto Holdings will be included too in the statistics of those who lost in the fight to build a factory in that place.
Because of the very clean and good record that the late Yelan Li has established, the influence of her son Syaoran is still very strong. He's even able to lobby against congressmen and senators whenever there's a very important issue. Also, Syaoran Li is very influential in media. Every word that came out from his mouth, that has anything to do with the factory that the Kinomoto's were going to build, even manage to reach the newspapers. Not to mention the fact that this guy is also popular in TV and radio. In other words, he had the press all in the tip of his fingertips. Any word that he utters against Kinomoto Holdings serves as an attack which gradually shatters their dream of building a factory that will manufacture soaps and shampoos in Hongkong.
"That Syaoran Li already has his mind closed! He thinks all factories are pollutant to the environment. Our company is different from them, isn't it? We are very careful in abiding with the environmental regulations. And we never even had a single case of negligence in the past!" Fujitaka said, eyes closed tight, looking as if in deep concentration.
"Dad, maybe it's just his image that he wants to protect. We are both aware that Syaoran Li has been self-proclaimed as the guardian of the environment in China, so in these kinds of situations, whenever he has the chance, he immediately steals the limelight. Of course, it adds more to his popularity! And it's not far-fetched to say that he wants to follow his mother's footsteps: to be a congressman too. He is a sure winner if he's ALWAYS on the news." Sakura said haughtily.
Naturally, being a daughter of an industrialist, Sakura doesn't believe that all because of the environment, the growth of the industry should be hindered. What will happen to those people who need jobs? How about the families of those who are working on the factory, will the Li's be able to support and feed them?
Sakura doesn't believe on the interest that this certain Syaoran Li claims. For her, he was already popular enough; maybe because of his glamour image, handsome face and single status. And this guy certainly looks like a player to her. Isn't it that Sakura had read of him a dozen times in the society columns of the leading newspapers, being associated with different women?
"He can be anything, Sakura. Syaoran may be true to his intentions and principles. He may also have a hidden agenda to it. But the fact remains that he is a guy who is very much decided to stop our expansion in China, through his own efforts along with the organization that he leads, the Green Lovers. And as you can see, they are very effective. We are already receiving lots of pressure from the Congress and Media. They see us as some sort of opportunists and money-mad businessmen." Obviously, Fujitaka is very much hurt by these accusations judging from the tone of his voice.
And because Sakura loves her father very much and she respects him a lot, her irritation rose up even more.
"We're going to fight, Dad." Sakura said with conviction. Her eyes scanned the familiar office of her father, his authoritative aura quantifying itself on the furnitures and design surrounding his workplace. She loves being in his room for it reminds her just how far one could achieve when you work hard for it. "Of course, it's not only the money and the capital that we're after at. One of the objectives of this project is to give jobs to the people and aid in the industrial progress of our country. We always believe that industrial progress stand side by side with agriculture and environmental preservations." She added, her beautiful face registered strength and determination when she spoke.
"What is your plan, then?"
"I'm going to stay in China, Dad. Besides, we already owned the large area of the place where our factory is supposed to be built. And isn't it that we have a vacation house, there? I might stay there long enough so I could establish a rapport with the local residents of the place." Sakura replied. "I mean, if we're going to build the factory, I'm sure that a lot of the locals will work for us. These same people are the ones I'm hoping to cultivate so that they'll be in favor of us. If the group of Syaoran will rally against us, then, my group will also rally against them to answer their accusations. If people from the Congress and media will notice the supporters on our side, they will not pressure us that much anymore. They will finally listen to our side of the story. People will not anymore decide without any objectivity."
Fujitaka glanced up to his child, his face a mixture of awe and proud, with the way she is able to handle things. He can immediately sense the fighter in Sakura. And he must admit that he's really very happy with her. Even though she's a woman, Sakura is definitely one tough person. Not to mention, very intelligent too.
"Can you really do it, Sakura?" He asked, confirming her answer. But Fujitaka knew for sure that once Sakura has her mind already set on something, there's nothing that can change that. Or nobody else, for that matter. Even her own father.
"I can concentrate on this project. Anyway, there's still no problem with our other businesses. I've decided not to push through with my vacation in Europe anymore. I will go to China and settle this problem instead."
Fujitaka suddenly felt pity for her. His daughter always has work on its mind. And Sakura's one month-long vacation in Europe is really well deserved, to say the least. He couldn't help but be troubled at how Sakura has grown up to be a very workaholic type of person.
"Why don't you just settle this problem sometime, after your vacation? So that you can relax, Sakura." He said worriedly. "You're already stressed out with work and this problem is not that easy to solve. Syaoran Li is not that easy to mess with. He's very powerful and influential."
However, Sakura only became more challenged because of that.
"Dad…anytime, I will gladly choose those kinds of challenge rather than resting and doing nothing in Europe. I have already visited the corners of the world, anyway."
He sighed defeatedly. "Oh well. It's your decision. And good luck, Sakura."
Sakura smiled, eyes sparkling with another idea.
"I heard that Syaoran has established his charm to the press especially to the female sector. I can also establish my charm especially to the male ones. I will also play the game that Syaoran is playing too….and then he'll see that it's futile to mess with us."
Immediately, the Kinomoto family called up their caretakers to prepare their vacation house for Sakura's arrival. Especially that she might be staying for a long time there, with all the problems and everything that's needed to be settled.
Sakura's plan was not to bring her personal secretary in China. She doesn't want to look business-like whenever she makes friends with people. She doesn't need any people to call her Ma'm or Miss Kinomoto. If possible, she wanted to be friends with the locals first before they found out that their family were the one responsible for the new factory that would be built in their place.
Her approach would be low profile. No publicity until she can form a group to oppose those environmentalists that Syaoran was in charge of.
When her car first entered the small town of Hongkong, Sakura couldn't stop herself from admiring the place.
Every place that she passed by was very clean and organized. She could even see that every backyard was well maintained and the road was lined with large trees which were probably centuries old already. Obviously, when this town was designed, they made sure that there were no precious trees that would stand in the way so that it need not be brought down. And the discipline of the people can be seen in the cleanliness of the place. Sakura didn't even see a single piece of candy wrapper in the road!
Sakura couldn't help asking herself if Syaoran Li played a huge part in maintaining the cleanliness of this place.
Of course, he does! She answered silently to herself. I've read about him a lot of times how he successfully managed to implement his environmental projects!
Sakura couldn't help frowning as she wondered briefly what Syaoran Li thought of their family.
As soon as she reached their vacation house, which is located at the highest place in Hongkong, overlooking the sea, she immediately went out of the car due to excitement. Seeing the beautiful sight around her, she couldn't help but sighed. She was disappointed as to why she decided not to visit the place often.
The couple, already in their late forties, namely Simoun and Grace, is the current caretakers of their house. As soon as they've seen her, they were very much happy that she decided to stay and visit their vacation house again after such a long time.
"Miss Sakura, we're so happy that you'll be staying here for quite a long time. We've really missed your family." The outspoken Grace immediately talked while she walked inside the familiar house, her eyes appreciating the fact that their caretakers had dutifully maintained their house and kept it just the way it is when they left it.
Simoun, on the other hand (the introvert of the two – Sakura mused silently), just wordlessly carried the luggage upstairs to Sakura's room.
"Grace, make sure to give me fresh sea foods, ne? Those are my favorites!" Sakura's voice echoed cheerfully, breaking the silence of the mansion, that Grace couldn't help but smile at the warmth that was evident on her voice.
"Don't worry Miss Sakura, I'll make sure that I will give you only the best foods during your stay here." Grace chuckled. "If you have any problems, just tell it to me and I will gladly resolve or do it for you."
"Thanks, Grace. I do have one problem, though."
"What is that, Miss Sakura?" The older woman frowned, her forehead creased with worried lines.
"I'd be more comfortable if you will call me Sakura rather than Miss Sakura. I'm not really into formalities," Sakura smiled affectionately. "And besides, we consider both Simoun and you already a part of our family."
"But, Miss Sakura—"
"Sakura." Sakura interjected firmly. She stopped to look at the elder woman standing beside her. "Please Grace? Would you that for me?"
Grace smiled timidly. "Whatever you say, Miss Sa - Sakura."
After their short talk, Sakura immediately went to her room which is still very much maintained and well kept. As what she expected, the windows in her room were opened wide to let the fresh air coming from the sea circulating inside. Since their home is patterned to those old houses, air-conditioned units cannot be found. And this is also basically the same with other houses around the area as well.
Sakura took some steps closer to the window as if drawn by some invisible force. The beautiful scenery outside seems to invite her and she didn't dare argue with that. As soon as she saw the vast sea, exposed to her tired and stressed eyes, Sakura couldn't help closing her eyes, savoring every little detail around her.
Xiaolang looked up and was surprised to see an attractive woman standing near the window, her eyes closed as if in deep concentration.
He was standing at the gate of that big backyard, not too far from the pick-up that he drives. He was supposed to fetch his constant companion in fishing, who is Simoun. However, the old guy suddenly asked for an apology and declined his invitation at the last minute. Simoun had said that he won't be able to go with him because their young Ma'm arrived today.
"I guess we could just go fishing tomorrow, Xiaolang. It's embarrassing for Miss Kinomoto if I will go out of the house today especially when she'd just arrived for her vacation."
"Don't worry, Simoun. I perfectly understand your situation. I'll just drop by again to fetch you tomorrow. I hope you could go with me." He answered. "It's lonely to go fishing alone in the sea. It's nice if you have someone to talk with while you're waiting for a fish to bite into your bait."
Xiaolang took another furtive glance at the window. As much as he wanted to inquire Simoun about the woman he'd just saw, it's not really his characteristic to ask Simoun on more personal matters. The old man is just his companion in fishing and Simoun doesn't bother to ask him about personal stuffs, either. The only thing they got to talk about were fishes and their hobby, which is, fishing.
The two were partners in fishing for quite a long time now. They became friends when they've seen each other fishing in the sea. Before, they even brought separate boats but they soon decided to just go fishing together in one boat. They exchange boats everyday; if they're going to use Simoun's boat today then, tomorrow it will be Xiaolang's.
And the way Simoun wear clothes sort of influences Xiaolang's get-up too whenever they go fishing. Just like today, both were wearing sneakers and a wide-brimmed straw hat (for guys) to cover their faces from the hot sun. They are also wearing jeans and long-sleeved polo shirts which are tucked out loosely and the sleeves all rolled up.
Xiaolang hesitantly asked Simoun. "Um, Simoun…that woman standing near the window…is she that Miss Kinomoto you're telling me about?"
Simoun glanced at Sakura's room. "Oh…yes. It's her, Xiaolang. She's really beautiful, isn't she? You know, it's rare that she visits this place often. Rich people were usually like that; maybe because they have lots of vacation houses to choose and spend time with. All I know is that, they also have one back in those provinces in Japan. Of course, since it's obviously nearer, they usually spend their time there."
Xiaolang took another short glance at her room but only for a few seconds. He wanted to ask more but he just decided to bid his goodbye to Simoun.
"So tomorrow it is then?"
"Sure. Hey, Xiaolang, make sure that you catch a lot of fish today, okay?" Simoun chuckled.
"I'll try." He waved his goodbye to the old man before going back to his old but well conditioned pick-up.
Still very much intrigued, Sakura's eyes followed the pick-up which is now driving slowly away from her sight.
She saw Simoun talking earlier to the one who's driving the old automobile. However, she wasn't able to see the face of the guy since, his wide-brimmed hat nearly covered his whole face.
And she knew that the guy keeps glancing at her.
Sakura was still busy staring thoughtfully in the sea when Grace went inside her room a few minutes after to check if her bathroom is full of fresh towels and face towels.
"Sakura, just tell me if you need more towels up here in your room,"
She smiled back appreciatively in response. "That would be enough, Grace. Thank you very much. Oh Grace, what does that guy needs from Simoun anyway? I saw them talking earlier."
"You mean to say, Xiaolang? Well, nowadays Simoun seems to be engrossed into his newfound hobby which is, fishing. And Xiaolang is that guy who accompanies him in all his fishing trips."
"Is that guy nice?"
"Yes. Simoun says all they get to do is talk about fishing." Grace laughed softly. "What can you expect if you put two soft spoken people together?"
"I guess so. But why did Simoun didn't go with him today?"
"Maybe he's shy since, you've just arrived here."
Sakura shrugged. "I'm not that strict, Grace. Of course, if he asked permission from me, I will allow him to go fishing today."
"Don't worry, Sakura." Grace assured her. "I'm sure Xiaolang will pick him up again tomorrow."
At the mention of the guy's name, Sakura couldn't help laughing inwardly. She doesn't know why the name Xiaolang suddenly became so amusing to her. She found the name childish, knowing what its exact meaning was: LITTLE wolf. Maybe because the owner of this name doesn't exactly fit the description, 'little'?
Xiaolang. Sakura smiled. I'm sure it's just a pet name.
Sakura could already picture this guy's face. Maybe he looks like an overgrown boy next door. Meek. Cute. Harmless. One whom you will not be afraid of.
Maybe he's really friendly. How could Simoun be friends with him if he's not like that in the first place? And maybe, Simoun even served as a father figure to him.
Sakura shook her head gently.
As soon as she observed the afternoon getting a bit cold and suitable for a walk, she immediately prepared herself to go out. She took a quick shower and wore a simple jeans matched with a simple blouse. She then completed her look by capping it off with her favorite trainers.
Grace was surprised when she went down.
"Where are you going, Sakura? You didn't even take the time to rest!"
"I'm already excited to take a walk around. Don't worry, I'll be back before supper."
"Do you need me to accompany you? I know, you're not that familiar around the place."
"I can take care of myself, Grace. And I'm sure that people around here are nice and friendly."
After assuring Grace that she doesn't need someone to accompany her, she immediately ventured outside.
…
kotsch