E-Scum Gong Chapter 20
Translated by Q the Panda (ko-fi)
Chapter 20
The school gym was packed during the mornings and after school hours. Word had spread among the regular gym-goers that there was an incredibly handsome guy who came to work out at the same time every day. He was truly exceptional — his looks and aura were impeccable, and even the sweat on his brow seemed to sparkle.
This sudden crazed for working out among the students put Lin Xu under constant pressure. He was especially worried about not finding any available equipment if he arrived late.
Did they all want to sculpt their abs too?
Lin Xu was dressed in a white sports t-shirt, with a towel draped around his neck. His disheveled hair was damp from the intense workout.
However, he could manage to stabilize his breathing now. Maybe it was just his imagination, but recently, when he looked in the mirror in the morning, it seemed like his abs were beginning to take shape. Delighted, Lin Xu had treated Wu Zijun to two meals — well, to the school cafeteria.
He felt a bit guilty of this, but he thought about the city's college entrance exam reward policy and planned to treat Wu Zijun to a proper meal later.
"Brother, have you noticed? They’re here to see you," Wu Zijun teased.
Lin Xu didn’t look around. His ears turned slightly red, reluctant to be mentioned. Regardless of whether it was true, it made him feel a bit embarrassed.
So he continued to exercise with steady breathing, ignoring Wu Zijun.
“Hey, let me tell you,” Wu Zijun said, “that guy over there on the treadmill, he's the class monitor of Class 2 in senior year. We used to be schoolmates in middle school, and his grades were ridiculously good. Now he’s among the top students in the entire year. I heard he’s going to represent his class at the upcoming oath-taking ceremony. Most importantly, he seems to be gay.” And then he winked at Lin Xu, implying that the other guy might be here to see Lin Xu as well.
Since Wu Zijun had spent more time with Lin Xu after they became acquainted, his friends had also learned about Lin Xu, even though they hadn’t met him in person.
The straight guy Wu Zijun discovered a new world. It turned out that guys like Lin Xu were actually very popular among gay men. Many 0s preferred this clean and pure vibe. Furthermore, Lin Xu wasn’t effeminate and was quite tough during workouts — something that appealed to both young and old. They called it youthful charm.
He also found out that some of his friends were gay and often asked him to play matchmaker. After learning that Lin Xu was working on his abs, they urged him to teach Lin Xu properly.
Lin Xu couldn’t stand Wu Zijun’s chatter anymore. He was anxious that other students might overhear. He interrupted, “Stop talking nonsense.”
“Ah, if it weren’t for the fact that you’re taken, I would have played matchmaker for you,” Wu Zijun said. It would have been quite prestigious. Because he knew Lin Xu, he had added many people, both guys and girls. He felt really honored that people were seeking him out.
Wu Zijun was aware that Lin Xu’s partner was a male college student.
No wonder Lin Xu was a bit spellbound. Compared to little boys their age, college guys must be more charming.
As they chatted idly, Lin Xu, feeling embarrassed, decided he’d had enough. After finishing his workout, he stood still, pressing his lips together and wiping his sweat, while checking his phone.
At that moment, the boy from Class 2, after several moments of hesitation, actually walked toward them, seemingly heading for Wu Zijun.
“I heard you’re pursuing a path in sports. Keep up the good work. If you need any help, feel free to reach out,” the boy said, occasionally glancing at Lin Xu.
Lin Xu stood beside Wu Zijun, head lowered and not paying much attention. He didn’t know the boy and wasn’t inclined to believe Wu Zijun’s claims. After all, the old classmates’ conversation had nothing to do with him.
Wu Zijun was a bit taken aback. To be honest, he had been just talking offhandedly. He had never been close to this top student. Even when they were classmates, the student had never approached him.
“Sure, let’s keep in touch, class monitor,” Wu Zijun responded graciously, smiling widely.
Once the boy had left, Wu Zijun was somewhat excited. “I told you!”
As expected, he soon received a friend request from the boy.
Lin Xu paid no attention to Wu Zijun’s rambling. He leisurely browsed through today’s group chat. Although he didn’t have time to check constantly, he made sure to review everything thoroughly.
Zhizhi said he hadn’t added the man, and Lin Xu trusted that Zhizhi wouldn’t deceive him. However, knowing that this was the scumbag gong in the novel, Lin Xu was sure he’d find another way to approach him.
“You’re also preparing for the college entrance exams. It might be good for you to get to know him and become friends. His academic performance is excellent. He’s likely to get into the top 2 university,” Wu Zijun suggested, knowing Lin Xu was completely devoted to his online boyfriend.
Deep down, he envied Lin Xu. Being handsome was such an advantage, attracting excellent people his way.
“In a few days, at the oath-taking ceremony, he’ll be going on stage. You should go watch.”
Lin Xu nodded but didn’t mention that he would also be going on stage. He was, however, touched that Wu Zijun was worried that he wouldn't be able to get into a university.
“I heard that the oath-taking ceremony at our school has always been quite grand. Many people from outside the school will come to watch, and they will even live stream it online. I'm proud of my alma mater, but unfortunately, I'm a terrible student,” Wu Zijun sighed.
“?”
Lin Xu had been listening attentively until he became stunned by this information. He hadn’t checked up on these details. He thought he just had to give a speech.
“What’s wrong? We're fellow sufferers.”
Lin Xu looked a little dejected. He had actually experienced many similar events in his past life, including opening and graduation ceremonies and various speeches. Though he had navigated them smoothly, he found it hard to overcome his inner anxiety.
The last time he had felt such anxiety was many years ago.
Lin Xu shook his head. “I need to take a shower and head home.” The newcomer would definitely seek out Zhizhi. He needed to keep an eye on things.
With Zoe’s addition, the group chat had never been quiet. They only occasionally complained about Zoe not accepting their friend requests.
Yan Yang hoped that Gu Jinzhi would see thee comments and realize that he was special.
As for Lin Xu, he still needed to find out more about him.
He then asked in the group chat, “I heard Zhizhi is a college student majoring in business administration? I have a cousin studying business management at Peking University who wins national awards every year. If you have any questions, I can ask him for you.” He tagged Gu Jinzhi.
Yan Yang didn’t know why Gu Jinzhi claimed to be a college student, but since he was Zoe now and wasn't supposed to know Gu Jinzhi, he naturally had to believe it.
This message was completely made up. Yan Yang’s family had never had any university graduates. They had all been uninterested in studying in high school. Yan Yang was also too lazy to keep in touch with these relatives, who all lived in their small hometown, leading lives like ants.
Gu Jinzhi, who was busy sharing about his day with Lin Xu in private messages, couldn’t be bothered to reply. First, he was worried about revealing any inconsistencies in front of Lin Xu. Secondly, he had no need of a tutor. He himself had forgotten almost everything a long time ago.
Gu Jinzhi didn’t like that Zoe, knowing he had a partner, was still trying to chat him up, even though this person was very tactful in their speech.
“Gege~ doesn't this watch look good? I feel like it's nicer than the one I gave you last time. Do you like it?” Gu Jinzhi asked Lin Xu. The previous watch had been a casual gift. He hadn’t put much thought into it because he knew Lin Xu was just looking for an excuse to get a valuable gift from him.
He had found this new watch while browsing his phone and thought it suited Lin Xu perfectly, even though Lin Xu had only shown his wrist to him once.
Naturally, something that could catch his eye wouldn't be cheap. But since he had a salary from his job now, he felt no guilt spending money. He was also not afraid of his older brother accusing him of keeping a man later on. After all, he had come to work obediently, so why couldn't he keep a man?
Before Lin Xu could reply, he made a rare appearance in the group chat: “No need to trouble yourself. Zhizhi will contact me.”
Lin Xu had been keeping an eye on Zoe, worried that Zhizhi might quickly respond to him. After all, Zhizhi hated studying. What if the name Peking University really tempt him?
Although he wasn’t arrogant, he felt confident enough to assert that Gu Jinzhi wouldn’t need to seek help from anyone else with him around.
“?” Why are you replying to the group chat and ignoring me?
Gu Jinzhi was stunned.
“Why didn’t you reply to me first? (angry)” Gu Jinzhi pouted, feeling slightly upset. Was he competing with Zoe? Or was he unhappy about his reduced status in the group? Either way, he was a bit annoyed.
He no longer wanted to buy Lin Xu a watch anymore.
“He called you Zhizhi.” Lin Xu, still nitpicking, thought Zoe’s every word was ill-intentioned. Why wouldn’t he use the full name if he was just a online acquaintance?
“?”
Gu Jinzhi licked his lips, his eyes brightening. Was this older man… jealous?
He rarely saw Amour lose composure like this.
So, propping an ankle on his opposite knee, he responded in the group chat to Zoe: “Please call me by my full name, thank you. We don't seem to know each other very well.”
He didn’t care if his response seemed unreasonable. After all, Zoe was being considerate and had a good attitude.
Gu Jinzhi only felt that approaching him despite knowing he had a boyfriend and sending a friend request was simply shameless.
But at least it made his partner jealous, so it still had its uses.
Group members began to feel sympathetic toward Zoe, thinking Zhizhi Mangmang was being very rude. After all, Zoe meant well. On a deeper level, their dislike stemmed from the fact that even though Zhizhi Mangmang already had a cp, the newcomer was still showing interest. Was Zhizhi Mangmang really that impressive?
Zoe wasn’t angry. He only spoke up for Gu Jinzhi: “Sorry if I was being intrusive. But I didn’t expect Amour, after working in real estate for so many years, still helps his boyfriend with tutoring?”
Lin Xu felt a jolt but responded calmly, “Yes.”
Then, he privately explained to Gu Jinzhi, “Zhizhi, my memory is quite good. I studied the same major in college and still remember it.”
Gu Jinzhi's heart skipped a beat. “Okay~”
“If you have any questions, come to me, not him,” Lin Xu added.
Gu Jinzhi was both happy and inexplicaby troubled. “Okay, thank you, gege~ By the way, check out the link to the watch I sent you! Don’t worry about my studies.”
Lin Xu looked up at the sky and took a while before saying, “No need, Zhizhi. I really liked the previous watch.” It hadn’t even been a month yet. He hoped there wouldn’t be any more anniversaries. With the college entrance exams coming up, he was really struggling to catch up.
His thoughts about repaying the previous watch had quietly vanished. He needed to find a way to get the watch back. Otherwise, if Zhizhi found out that his carefully chosen gift had been sold, he would surely be upset.
Zoe asked, “Does anyone know which company Amour works for? Maybe I know it.”
This time, both Lin Xu and Gu Jinzhi ignored him. They each had their own concerns and needed to find a way to chat with their partner without giving anything away.
