The Little Prince Failed to Seduce and Got Hooked Instead - Chapter 7

The reading area of the library was brighter than the stacks. The ancient long tables were polished to a mirror-like finish, reflecting the silhouettes of those seated. The air still held that scent of old books and wood, and it was so quiet one could hear their own breathing.

Shen Yanci and Arthur chose a seat by the window. Outside, a persistent drizzle pattered against the glass, tracing long, watery veins. The agitation from the “accident” by the ladder had not yet fully subsided. Shen Yanci felt the skin on his chest and abdomen, where Arthur had brushed against him still faintly burning through his clothes, making it difficult to concentrate. He forced his attention back to the massive, heavy volume before him, the pages letting out a fragile rustle as he turned them.

Arthur sat opposite him, also pretending to look through materials, but his eyes never stayed on the book. Every now and then, he would steal a glance at Shen Yanci. Seeing the man’s stiff, serious expression—as if nothing had happened, Arthur felt like a kitten was scratching at his heart.

Again! How can this man remain so composed? Arthur felt a mix of frustration and stubbornness. The ladder had shaken that much, and he had “brushed” past him so obviously; was this man made of wood? Did he have no reaction at all?

No, I need to be more direct. He mused for a moment, and an idea blossomed.

He feigned a stiff neck, raising his head to stretch from side to side. His gaze swept seemingly casually over the documents spread out in front of Shen Yanci.

The opportunity arrived. Shen Yanci reached a page that seemed to require deeper thought; his finger tapped rhythmically on the paper for a moment before he stood up. “I’ll go see if there are corresponding map annotations over there.” With that, he walked toward a nearby index cabinet.

Now! Arthur’s heart rate accelerated instantly. Like a thief, he stole a quick look around—the area was empty, save for rows of silent bookshelves. He quickly fished a pre-prepared slip of paper from his sweater pocket. The edges were neatly trimmed, and on it, a line of beautiful cursive was written in fountain pen: his private mobile number.

His fingertips trembled slightly from nerves. Holding his breath, he leaned across the table and, with lightning speed, precisely tucked the note into the crease of the document Shen Yanci had just been reading, leaving only a tiny corner exposed.

Having completed his mission, he snatched his hand back and sat up straight. He grabbed his book and pretended to be intensely engrossed, while his heart hammered against his ribs so hard it felt like it would leap out of his throat.

He didn’t see, right? I was fast enough, wasn’t I? He felt his cheeks beginning to burn again and lowered his head even further.

A moment later, Shen Yanci returned, holding a yellowed photocopy of an old map. He sat back down opposite Arthur, his expression normal. He seemed entirely unaware of what the “little mouse” across from him had done during that one-minute absence.

He picked up the document to continue reading. Arthur’s heart leaped into his throat. He couldn’t process his own book anymore; his entire focus was on Shen Yanci’s hands, watching out of the corner of his eye.

Find it! Find it! he prayed silently, a mixture of nerves and anticipation.

Shen Yanci’s fingers paused as he turned the page. His gaze fell upon the abrupt, modern slip of paper that was entirely out of place within the ancient document. On the exposed corner, a string of numbers and traces of cursive were clearly visible.

His movements stopped.

The reading area was terrifyingly quiet, save for the faint rain and their near-silent breathing. Arthur was so nervous his palms were sweating; he could feel Shen Yanci’s gaze lingering on that slip of paper. He almost didn’t dare to breathe, waiting for a reaction. Would he frown and toss it out as trash? Or would he pick it up with curiosity?

Shen Yanci’s face remained a blank mask. He didn’t touch the note immediately, nor did he show any surprise. His fingertips tapped twice on the page beside the note as if he were deep in thought.

Then, he made an extremely natural movement.

As if preparing to close the file, his hand brushed over the page. With perfect nonchalance, he used his finger to push the exposed corner of the note deep into the gutter of the document, sandwiching it tightly between the pages. Then, without a change in expression, he turned to the next page, his eyes falling back on the text as if the note were just a common insert or as if he hadn’t seen a thing.

The entire process was as fluid as running water.

Arthur: “???”

That’s it? That’s all? He nearly blurted out the question. Did you see it or not?! That’s my number! My private number! I summoned all my courage to put that in there! Give me some kind of reaction!

A wave of massive disappointment and grievance washed over him. Like a puppy doused in cold water, his ears and tail metaphorically drooped. He really doesn’t care. He probably thought it was in the way and just stuffed it back.

Arthur pouted and slumped dejectedly onto the table, tracing the wood grain with his finger, losing the courage to even steal a glance at Shen Yanci.

Failure. Total failure! This iceberg Shen Yanci is impossible to crack!

For the rest of the time, Arthur was completely wilted. He spoke less, sitting there listlessly, occasionally casting a resentful glance at the man focused on his work. Shen Yanci seemed oblivious to the shift in mood, continuing to read earnestly and occasionally taking notes.

Eventually, the rain stopped and the sky began to dim. Shen Yanci closed the last document and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “That should do. Today was very productive. My thanks for your help, Your Highness.”

His tone was steady and flat, no different from when they arrived. Arthur gave a listless “Mmh” and stood up slowly. “As I should.”

They walked out of the reading area to return the materials. Arthur trailed behind, looking at Shen Yanci’s straight, cold back with a sour feeling in his heart. By the time they reached the library entrance, the rain had stopped. The crisp, cold air hit their faces.

Shen Yanci’s driver had already pulled the car around. Arthur stood on the steps, watching Shen Yanci walk down, preparing to get into the car. He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but didn’t know what was left to say. If I can’t even give him a phone number, what else can I do?

Just as Shen Yanci pulled open the car door and placed one foot inside, he suddenly stopped. He turned around and looked at Arthur, who was still standing on the steps with a gloomy face.

Then, under Arthur’s confused gaze, Shen Yanci raised his hand and used his finger to lightly tap the chest area of his suit jacket right over the internal breast pocket. His gaze was deep. As he looked at Arthur, the corner of his mouth seemed to curve upward almost imperceptibly, so fast it might have been an illusion. Then, without a word, he ducked into the car.

The door shut with a heavy thump. The black sedan pulled away smoothly, disappearing at the end of the wet street.

Arthur remained frozen on the steps, his mind replaying that movement and that look over and over.

Tapping the internal pocket? The internal pocket? The internal pocket?! Arthur’s eyes widened to saucers. The next second, a massive, indescribable wave of joy exploded in his heart like fireworks!

He… he… he saw it! Not only did he see it, he kept it! He put it in his inner suit pocket, right against his chest! That movement! That look! He was telling him: “I received it.”

A massive surge of happiness made Arthur feel lightheaded. He covered his face and hopped twice on the spot, finally unable to suppress a laugh. He was like a child who had finally received the candy he’d been longing for.

So it’s not that he didn’t have a reaction! He’s just, a closet flirt! A total “Mao-sao” (quietly passionate) type!

Arthur stood alone at the library entrance and smiled foolishly in the direction Shen Yanci had gone for a long time.

The air after the rain was fresh and sweet.