E-Scum Gong Chapter 38
Translated by Q the Panda (ko-fi)
Chapter 38
The college entrance exams were finally over. A massive wave of students poured out of the examination halls, marking the end of their three years of youth.
The students returned to their dorms to pack up, preparing to head back to their respective homes.
Lin Xu and his former deskmate, Yue Shan, exchanged well-wishes. Yue Shan was considering applying to a foreign language department with aspirations of becoming a diplomat, so she might choose to apply to her desired foreign language school.
“I’m quite confident this time. A lot of the questions were similar to the ones you helped me with. Thank you, Lin Xu,” Yue Shan said, having completely come to terms with the situation. She felt fortunate to have had such a deskmate who had helped her so much. From now on, she was ready to pursue her own dreams. This was just the beginning of her life.
Knowing that Lin Xu never faltered in exams, Yue Shan spoke to him without any reservations.
“It’s all thanks to your own hard work. I look forward to seeing you in the future, Diplomat Yue Shan,” Lin Xu said with a smile.
However, a trace of lingering worry was etched on his brow, adding an air of mystery and charm to his demeanor.
Finally, Mr. Wang came by to offer a few comforting words. Learning that Lin Xu had performed steadily eased his concerns.
Lin Xu, carrying his bag as he had come, headed home. With a sense of unease, he deliberately avoided the nearby shopping mall and hotel, taking a longer route and taking the bus home. This wasn’t his first college entrance exam, but now, as graduation approached, feelings of finality were starting to creep in.
In the three months leading up to the exams, he had experienced a mysterious adventure known only to himself. Now that the exams were over, he was ready to return to his normal life.
Upon arriving home and receiving his grandparents' concern, Lin Xu couldn’t help but ask softly, “Grandma, has anyone come by the house looking for me in the past few days?”
He didn’t even mention that it was a handsome man or provide any specific details, yet his grandmother responded with a puzzled look, “No, no one has come by. Was there someone you were expecting?”
Lin Xu smiled and shook his head. “No, Grandma. I’ll just go rest in my room for a bit.”
That was how things should be. After his unilateral withdrawal, it was best for Gu Jinzhi not to dwell on it. After all, it was just a game.
Lin Xu sat by his desk, gazing at the watch neatly placed in its box. He considered waiting a few more days to send it after confirming that Gu Jinzhi had truly left, as there would be no one to receive it otherwise.
He turned on his phone, which had been off for a long time. His WeChat account had been deactivated, so he wasn’t sure if he had received any messages. However, there were some texts from familiar contacts congratulating him on finishing the exams.
There were messages from his older brother, parents, as well as from Mao Jun and Yang Zixuan. Among them was also a text from an unfamiliar number that Lin Xu didn’t recognize.
He opened the message and found a single line: “Congratulations on your graduation! Now that the exams are over, make sure to rest for a couple of days~”
Unable to guess who it was, Lin Xu decided not to reply.
“Xiao Xu, your big brother said that once you get your results and fill out your applications, you should come to the capital to visit. You might also consider applying to schools there,” Grandma Lin said kindly as she knocked on the door and sat by his bedside.
Lin Xu didn’t immediately respond, unsure whether to agree or decline. He had been quite willing to visit and had even considered applying to a school there. Now…
“...Okay,” he finally said with difficulty. The capital was so vast, with a completely different social scene. He probably wouldn't have many opportunities to meet people. Plus, he wasn’t sure how to spend the next few days. He didn’t feel like going out.
Just then, a phone call came in. Under his grandmother’s watchful eye, Lin Xu answered. It was Wu Zijun, the student athlete.
“Xu-ge, I feel like I did well this time. With my performance in the major subjects, I should get into a good school. It’s all thanks to you!” Wu Zijun referred to the times Lin Xu had tutored him in the school pavilion.
“No problem.” Lin Xu was quite pleased that everyone around him had done well on the exam. He felt infected by their happiness.
“By the way, Xu-ge, my birthday happens to be on the first day of the college entrance exams, but I couldn’t celebrate because of the exams. Now my mom wants to throw me a proper 18th birthday party. Would you like to come? She’s really looking forward to meeting you. My family lives in a neighboring city, but it’s not far — only a two to three-hour drive. If you want to come, I can pick you up tomorrow. I can also show you around my place. You can even see the sea.”
Lin Xu hesitated. The idea of a birthday party made him uneasy, and he didn’t know Wu Zijun’s friends. He felt inclined to decline.
However, he thought it might be good to temporarily leave Jiang City at this point, especially considering it was Wu Zijun’s 18th birthday. Otherwise, some accidental encounters might be hard to avoid.
Grandma Lin noticed Lin Xu’s hesitation and assumed it was because he had never traveled far alone before. At home, he was always required to be back by ten pm at the latest.
Grandma Lin spoke up for him, “Isn’t this a friend of Xiao Xu’s? He can go. Now that the exams are over, it’s good for students to have some fun. Staying cooped up at home isn’t good for his health.” She was referring to Lin Xu’s tendency to stay at home.
“Great! Xu-ge, I’ll pick you up tomorrow morning and take you to my place,” Wu Zijun said cheerfully.
Given the situation, Lin Xu resigned himself to the plan and replied, “Okay.”
If he felt uncomfortable, he could always just sit in a corner and keep to himself. However, he would need to prepare a gift for Wu Zijun’s birthday.
Just then, his grandmother pulled out a stack of hundred-yuan bills from her pocket and handed them to him. “Xiao Xu, take this money and buy a gift for your friend. Your grandfather and I were planning to take you shopping for something you like after your exams, but we’ll do that when you come back.”
Lin Xu was momentarily touched. In his past life, he had never counted his pocket money. He could spend as much as he wanted. Now, his family wasn’t wealthy, and every bit of money was hard-earned.
But he didn’t refuse the money. After all, he was still a student and had no income of his own. He would wait for his exam results, as it seemed there might be some rewards from the city.
“Thank you, Grandma,” Lin Xu said gratefully.
He then thought of Gu Jinzhi and felt a pang of realization about their differences. He resolved not to dwell on it any longer and to focus on planning his career for this lifetime.
At eight in the morning, Gu Jinzhi was jolted awake by the incessant ringing of his phone. He had slept so deeply that he hadn’t answered it. In his dream, it seemed like Lin Xu's youthful yet indifferent face was still there, looking at him the same way, which made him very angry.
He was still too embarrassed to take the initiative to speak and felt a bit at a loss.
This anger was reflected in Gu Jinzhi's morning grumpiness. It wasn't until nine in the morning, when his sleepiness subsided, that he answered the call.
“Hello, what’s up?” He rubbed his disheveled hair, feeling mentally and physically drained from the recent emotional turbulence.
“Mr. Gu, the household you asked me to monitor — this morning, a young man with a backpack left.”
Gu Jinzhi took a moment to process, then suddenly came to his senses.
“Damn it, where did he go?” he asked, his eyes wide.
He had expected his boyfriend to be resting at home after the exams. Moreover, his mistake had left him feeling guilty and embarrassed, so he didn't disturb him right away.
To his surprise, Lin Xu had left the next day.
“I don’t know where he went. He got into a limousine, but I’ve already sent someone to track him.”
“Good work.” Gu Jinzhi hurriedly got out of bed, his urgency evident.
“When did he leave? Why didn’t you call me?” Gu Jinzhi complained, annoyed that someone with such a high salary could be so unreliable.
“Mr. Gu… I’ve been trying to reach you for the past hour…”
“Oh, really?” Gu Jinzhi felt a pang of guilt. He realized how many things he might have missed out on because of his habit of sleeping in. He resolved to change this habit.
“Alright, let me know as soon as you have any news,” Gu Jinzhi said before hanging up.
He pondered the details of the call. A limousine meant that Lin Xu wasn’t being taken out by someone from his own family.
Could it be…? Gu Jinzhi clenched his fists, his face flushing with anger.
He couldn’t believe his boyfriend might have found a new, rich partner who was around the same age. Perhaps it was some kind of campus romance.
The thought made Gu Jinzhi uncomfortable. It seemed all too plausible, given how popular Lin Xu was.
No way! He couldn’t wait any longer. He had to make a dramatic apology and convince the young man to forgive him. They hadn’t officially broken up, so they were still a couple.
Gu Jinzhi had never heard of a divorce where one party could just decide to end it.
Meanwhile, Lin Xu was nearing his destination. It was only after getting in the car that he realized Wu Zijun's family was actually quite wealthy.
Lin Xu didn’t react dramatically. After all, his own family background in the real world was also quite prestigious.
The car not only had Lin Xu but also several of Wu Zijun’s close friends. It made sense now — of course, a special birthday party like this, including a coming-of-age celebration, would involve a grand setup, unlike what an ordinary family could manage.
Wu Zijun was aware that Lin Xu preferred to stay quiet, so he made sure to keep an eye on him throughout.
Even his mother had a high regard for the young man who had helped her son with his studies. Lin Xu, with his gentle and scholarly appearance, looked every bit the diligent student.
The other boys, on the other hand, were muscular, boisterous athletes.
“You must be Lin Xu. Thank you for helping our Wu Zijun with his studies. I’m sure you put a lot of effort into it.” Wu Zijun’s mother, with her elegant and dignified demeanor, exuded a refined grace.
Lin Xu felt uneasy as soon as he got into the car. Facing the elder’s questions, he could only humbly reply, “I didn’t put in much effort. He’s just very smart.”
Besides, Wu Zijun had helped him a lot as well.
Reflecting on the past and the shyness he felt when sending Gu Jinzhi photos of his abs, Lin Xu fell silent again.
After a few words with Wu Zijun’s mother, the boys were left to their own devices.
Worried that Lin Xu might feel bored, Wu Zijun took the initiative to bridge the gap and help everyone get acquainted.
The friends he invited were all very friendly and had a good relationship with him.
Wu Zijun said, “Don’t be fooled by how bookish Xu-ge seems. His physique is actually amazing. He got those abs in less than two months, and he hardly ever worked out before. He’s incredibly determined and still managed to keep up with his studies!”
“Wow, we all know about Xu-ge’s top spot on the honor roll. It’s impressive that you know someone like him!”
The atmosphere grew lively as the other boys jokingly tried to feel Lin Xu’s abs.
Lin Xu found them to be quite good-natured but still smiled awkwardly and gently pushed them away, not allowing them to touch him.
Rejecting their advances was a bit embarrassing.
Wu Zijun suddenly remembered and whispered, “Don’t touch Xu-ge… He has a boyfriend. Those abs are only for him.”
He didn’t want his mother to hear, but Lin Xu could read his lips and understood.
Lin Xu lowered his gaze, not bothering to explain. Wu Zijun probably didn’t want to make the atmosphere awkward.
Knowing that Lin Xu was gay and had a boyfriend made it clear that touching him was inappropriate. After all, it might make his boyfriend jealous.
The conversation quickly shifted to other topics to avoid any further discomfort.
However, everyone was curious about Lin Xu’s boyfriend. What kind of person could he be?
Wu Zijun’s coming-of-age party was grand, featuring a formal dinner with family and relatives, as well as a birthday party for friends.
Being young, they chose the most expensive bar nearby for an all-night party.
Lin Xu was accommodated in a seaside room and was well taken care of by the Wu family. Wu Zijun didn’t require him to socialize, allowing him to enjoy a relaxed time.
During the day, Lin Xu went shopping on his own and picked out a gift, which he would give in the evening.
This was one of the rare times Lin Xu had visited a bar. He reflected on his two lifetimes, realizing that every visit had been due to unavoidable group gatherings.
Despite no one paying him much attention, he felt quite at ease.
Lin Xu sat in a corner of the club, which was crowded with people, including their group and a mix of other social types. They had considered booking a private room but decided against it, as everyone preferred the lively atmosphere. The club featured a very attractive and stylish female DJ.
Among Wu Zijun’s friends were many from well-off families who didn’t know Lin Xu, so they largely ignored him. In reality, although Lin Xu was handsome and a top student, wealthy families typically valued social status and family background, making him less of a focus.
After discreetly inquiring about Lin Xu’s background, they chose not to discuss him further to avoid making him uncomfortable.
Wu Zijun genuinely considered Lin Xu a good friend and was eager to receive the first gift from him.
Lin Xu reluctantly left his corner and approached with his gift in hand.
Tall and strikingly handsome, Lin Xu stood out in the crowd. As he approached the center where Wu Zijun was, he felt the gazes of the crowd and awkwardly presented his gift.
“Happy birthday. Keep up the hard work in college,” Lin Xu managed to say, sticking to a simple yet heartfelt blessing.
Wu Zijun was deeply touched. He knew Lin Xu didn’t have many friends, so his presence was a meaningful gesture. Overcome by the moment, Wu Zijun’s eyes glistened with tears as he couldn’t help but give Lin Xu a bear hug.
“I know, thank you, Xu-ge. Let’s keep in touch,” he said, patting Lin Xu on the back.
Lin Xu nodded. As he tried to pull away, he glanced around nervously, uncomfortable with the attention from Wu Zijun’s friends.
Suddenly, he caught sight of a figure in a dark corner, lounging in a hoodie. The booth there was empty.
The figure’s face was obscured by the shadows, but Lin Xu could feel the intense gaze directed at him.
Then the person slowly sat up straight, looking at him with extremely cold eyes. Who else could it be but Gu Jinzhi?
Lin Xu instinctively pushed Wu Zijun away, his heart racing as he felt a surge of panic. It was as if he were doing something shameful behind someone's back.
How could it be such a coincidence to meet him here? It couldn't be a coincidence, could it?
“What’s wrong, Xu-ge? Afraid your boyfriend might get jealous? Why would he worry about this big guy? Besides, he’s not even here. What’s there to worry about?” Wu Zijun joked.
He found Lin Xu’s startled reaction amusing.
Lin Xu stiffly shook his head, realizing that this was no laughing matter. Gu Jinzhi was really here.
