Chapter 5: The Upper Study

Chapter 5: The Upper Study Room

Chen Shuoan was taken aback by how blunt he was, but since he couldn't recall who he was, he felt awkward about trying to buddy up to him, so he just laughed along from where he sat.

He looked up and scanned the study room, feeling that the young gentlemen in the front row had this standout vibe, like they were in a whole different dimension from the back row.

So he ducked down in the back and patted Zheng Yuanzhi on the shoulder, saying, "Bro, are those all princes up front? Why do they all look so handsome?"

Zheng Yuanzhi turned around and waved him closer, gesturing for Chen Shuoan to lean in.

Chen Shuoan bent over and scooted toward him, hyped like a little monkey.

"They're all princes and heirs. The closer their relationship, the nearer they sit. The Crown Prince is right in the middle—so good-looking he stands out like a crane among chickens." Zheng Yuanzhi gazed at Yuan Qi up ahead with admiration.

Chen Shuoan was totally speechless, thinking this dude's cultural knowledge was even more lacking than his.

But then a boot with silver trim swung past, grazing Chen Shuoan's leg, which was sticking out from under the desk, and nailing Zheng Yuanzhi right in the butt.

Dude, that was close! You almost hit an innocent bystander!

"Who you calling a chicken? You calling all the princes chickens?" Qin Zhonglian pulled his long leg back and flashed Zheng Yuanzhi a creepy grin.

Zheng Yuanzhi shook his head frantically, looking like he'd seen a ghost: "I didn't say that—you did."

With that, he rubbed his butt and turned back, looking like he'd been kicked into a mood.

Chen Shuoan couldn't help but laugh at his miserable state.

Guys, you feel me? This whole novel is a bunch of comedians.

Qin Zhonglian: "..."

Chen Shuoan stretched his neck to sneak a peek at the so-called male lead, wanting to see just what the alpha Crown Prince who had countless girls swooning actually looked like.

The guy in the center stood tall, his fancy robes screaming luxury, only giving Chen Shuoan a look at the back of his head.

Tsk.

Can't see his face.

But he's giving off major hunk vibes.

Chen Shuoan got excited, feeling the male lead's kingly aura even from the back row.

He scanned the front row one by one, stopping on Yuan Rang at the far right.

His Highness the Sixth Prince was still ice-cold as always, the air around him below freezing.

Then he caught a flash of a gray robe hem slipping past the door.

Chen Shuoan immediately went on alert—over a decade of school had given him a sixth sense for this.

He quickly jabbed Zheng Yuanzhi in the back to wake up his sleepy deskmate: "Teacher's here!"

"Ow!" Zheng Yuanzhi let out a pained yelp.

That yell was like a firecracker in the otherwise quiet room.

Everyone turned to stare.

Chen Shuoan locked eyes with Yuan Rang, who was giving him a curious look.

Looking at Yuan Rang's sharp, cold profile, he shrugged innocently, fully planning to throw Zheng Yuanzhi under the bus.

He pointed at Zheng Yuanzhi, who was dying of embarrassment and wishing the ground would swallow him up, and mouthed, "What an idiot."

Yuan Rang watched Chen Shuoan making faces at him from across the room and couldn't help but find it funny.

He kept a straight face, gave a slight nod, and turned back to his books.

That little move from Yuan Rang was so cool it made Chen Shuoan's heart race.

Times change, girls dig older women. Society evolves, and attitude is everything.

This wasn't a study room—it was a paradise for people who love pretty faces.

Chen Shuoan thought, feeling blissful.

"What's going on? Why all the yelling?" The teacher walked in, looking puzzled. "Yesterday you called in sick and skipped my class, but today you're full of energy. Feeling better?"

Zheng Yuanzhi wiped his face and stammered, "I'm young and can take a hit. I was pretty much better by yesterday afternoon. Thanks for asking, teacher."

Zhang Zhi chuckled warmly, stroking his gray beard, and said, "Youth is great—youth is still great. What a loud voice, so full of energy."

Zheng Yuanzhi shut his eyes in pain, feeling totally humiliated.

————

By the time classes ended, Qin Zhonglian hadn't come after him, which Chen Shuoan found somewhat surprising.

He recalled the force of Qin Zhonglian's fists landing on his body and shuddered.

I'm a righteous young man now, a flower of the motherland. Please, big bro, spare me.

Chen Shuoan silently recited this a hundred times, with utmost sincerity, praying for divine intervention.

"What are you mumbling about all mysteriously? Let's go eat lunch." Zheng Yuanzhi walked over, grabbed Chen Shuoan, and shoved him toward the door.

Chen Shuoan, under Qin Zhonglian's murderous glare, wished he could bury himself entirely in Zheng Yuanzhi's arms.

"What is the Sixth Brother looking at?" Yuan Wu followed Yuan Rang's gaze and spotted the tangled mess of people blocking the doorway, letting out a helpless chuckle. "They are a bit rowdy."

Yuan Rang gave a slight bow and spoke coolly: "Third Imperial Brother."

"The Crown Prince will be heading south to Jiangnan soon. Would you like to go along?" Yuan Wu rubbed the jade pendant at his waist, his hawk-like eyes fixed on Yuan Rang's face, as if searching for any crack in his composure.

"When?" Yuan Rang acted as if he knew nothing.

Yuan Wu's hand paused on the jade, seemingly shocked that he didn't even know about such matters. He weighed his words before speaking: "After the spring hunt."

"Your younger brother is still young and fond of play," Yuan Rang said softly, no emotion showing on his face. "Naturally, I would not wish to accompany the Crown Prince."

Yuan Wu pondered for a moment, as if gauging how much of Yuan Rang's words was truth and how much was pretense.

Then he let out a hearty laugh, satisfied with his tactfulness, and said, "The Sixth Brother is still young—it's only natural to enjoy playing around. Since Father Emperor has tasked the Crown Prince with this mission, it's best for the rest of us to stay out of the way."

With that, he headed toward the door, his posture carrying a hint of smugness.

Yuan Rang's face suddenly turned cold, his sharp aura sending a chill through anyone nearby.