The “confrontation” beneath the tablecloth during the business gala had a lingering aftereffect.
Arthur hadn’t slept well for two consecutive nights. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Shen Yanci’s black leather shoe pressing down on his foot with indisputable force, and he recalled that final look calm on the surface, but hiding a dark fire beneath. It made his heart race, but it also made him feel a bit cowardly. Teasing was fun, but if he actually managed to incense the man, it might be terrifying.
Furthermore, Shen Yanci had reverted to his icy “robot mode.” During the project meetings over the past few days, he hadn’t granted Arthur a single extra glance.
True to the preliminary outline, the project negotiations had stalled. It wasn’t over any major matter of principle, but rather the technical standards and local adaptation details. The teams were locked in a stalemate, and two days of meetings had yielded no substantial progress.
As the lead for the royal side, Arthur was anxious. However, his reason for being anxious was a bit different from the others, he was primarily worried that if this stalemate continued, the budding flame of his flirtation with Shen Yanci would be extinguished by the cold wind of professional business!
No, I have to find an opportunity for a breakthrough!
That afternoon, after another fruitless tug-of-war, both teams began tiredly packing up to adjourn. Shen Yanci closed his laptop, his face cold and stiff, it was clear his mood was far from pleasant.
Arthur spotted his chance and caught up to him at the conference room door.
“Mr. Shen.” Arthur called out, forcing a look of measured worry and helplessness. “Regarding Parliament’s concerns about the technical standards. I might be able to try communicating with them again. However, those old-fashioned types are sometimes more receptive to ‘cultural exchange’…”
Shen Yanci stopped and turned to look at him. His gaze was questioning, yet still held no warmth. “And what does Your Highness mean by that?”
Arthur’s heart hammered like a drum, but he maintained a serious facade. “The Royal Opera House is premiering a new production of Don Giovanni next week. It’s said to be of a very high standard. Perhaps… we could watch a performance together? I could take the opportunity to discuss the value of cultural integration brought by our project. A more relaxed atmosphere might make them easier to talk to…”
Having said his piece, he watched Shen Yanci nervously, fearing a reply of “I’m busy” or “That won’t be necessary.”
Shen Yanci didn’t answer immediately. He simply stared at Arthur with a heavy gaze, as if trying to pierce through the “public-minded” disguise to see the little scheme hidden beneath. At the doorway, people came and went, with a few casting curious glances. Arthur felt his skin prickle under the scrutiny; he nearly reached the point of saying “Never mind, then.”
Just as he was about to give up, Shen Yanci spoke. His voice wasn’t loud, but it fell clearly into Arthur’s ear:
“Fine.”
Arthur felt a wave of relief and was about to cheer, when he heard Shen Yanci add in that same flat, toneless voice:
“Remember to book the ‘Love Seats.'”
Arthur: “…Huh?”
He snapped his head up, doubting his own ears. Shen Yanci’s expression remained unchanged, as if he had just said “Remember to bring the files.” However, looking at Arthur’s gray-blue eyes suddenly widened and filled with shock the corner of his mouth twitched almost imperceptibly as he provided a slow, deliberate reason:
“A private box is too formal, and standard seating is too crowded. Love Seats…” He paused, his gaze sweeping over Arthur’s suddenly exploding blush, before slowly finishing, “are quiet and convenient for discussing business. Also convenient for…”
He paused intentionally before adding with pointed meaning: “Your Highness to continue ‘stepping’ on my shoes.”
Boom!
Arthur felt a rush of blood surge to his head. His entire face, neck, and the tips of his ears turned a shade of red that looked ready to bleed! He had actually said it to his face! And in such a serious tone!
“I… I didn’t! That day was an accident…” Arthur’s tongue was tied; he was so panicked he was incoherent, wishing he could find a hole to crawl into.
Shen Yanci didn’t continue the topic. He simply gave Arthur a glance that said Keep making things up. Then, he gave a slight nod. “Send the time and location to my assistant.”
With that, he turned and left, leaving behind a cold and imposing back.
Arthur remained frozen in place like a shrimp cooked by a lightning strike bright red and steaming. The assistants and officials passing by looked at the suddenly crimson Prince with curiosity.
It took a long time for Arthur to come back to his senses, his fingers trembling as he touched his burning cheeks. Love Seats… Convenient for stepping on shoes…
“Aaaaaah!” He let out a silent scream in his heart. While the sense of shame was explosive, a massive, indefinable surge of excitement and anticipation bubbled up! He turned and charged back into his office, slamming the door and sliding down against the wood, clutching his frantic heart.
It’s over. This time, it seems I’ve played an even bigger game. But Love Seats!
Arthur buried his burning face in his knees and couldn’t help but let out a tiny, brilliantly radiant laugh.
Meanwhile, Shen Yanci sat in his car and loosened his tie. He spoke calmly to the assistant in the front seat: “Clear my schedule for next week. Prince Arthur has an engagement for the opera.”
The assistant complied. “Understood, Mr. Shen. Shall I book the tickets?”
“No need.” Shen Yanci looked out the window, his fingers tapping unconsciously on his knee as a nearly invisible curve appeared on his lips. “The Prince will book them.”
And he’ll book the Love Seats.
Recalling Arthur’s instantly flushed face and panicked eyes, his mood improved significantly. Little brat, playing these games with me. You’re still a bit green.