E-Scum Gong Chapter 44 (Part 1)
Translated by Q the Panda (ko-fi)
Chapter 44 (1/2)
For all students waiting for their college entrance exam results, the days seemed excruciatingly endless. Even long after the exams were over, many would find themselves waking up in cold sweat, dreaming that they were still sitting in the exam hall, scribbling on unfinished test papers.
In his previous life, Lin Xu never worried about such things. During the summer break, he had already found a renowned professor in his chosen field as a mentor, feeling fulfilled and content.
This summer, Lin Xu felt a bit ashamed to admit that he had been somewhat decadent.
Take today, for example. He had agreed to meet Gu Jinzhi at the sports center for a game of basketball. Lin Xu wasn’t particularly skilled at the sport, mainly because he had never invested much time in it. Nevertheless, when Gu Jinzhi invited him, Lin Xu had calmly accepted.
Basketball was a great way to get in shape, tightening the muscles and providing a good workout, even if it meant embarrassing himself in front of Gu Jinzhi.
Lin Xu had to comfort himself that this wouldn’t be the first time, nor would it be the last.
Zhizhi was just the athletic type.
Lately, whenever they went out, Gu Jinzhi, being the one with a car, naturally took on the role of chauffeur for his boyfriend. However, Lin Xu didn't dare let him drive his flashy sports car into the neighborhood anymore. It just felt too out of place.
As soon as Lin Xu got into the car today, he sensed something different.
Gu Jinzhi was dressed in a black basketball jersey, with a pair of vibrant red basketball shoes on his feet. The show-off even lifted his foot and waved it in front of Lin Xu, wiggling his eyebrows.
Of course, Lin Xu recognized the shoes immediately. They were the very ones he had bought as a gift for Gu Jinzhi. He hadn’t expected him to bring them all the way to Jiang City.
Lin Xu habitually pressed his lips together, his bright eyes glancing at Gu Jinzhi. He felt genuinely touched. He didn’t know why relationships were so strange, how just seeing the other person cherish his gift could make him so happy, especially when Gu Jinzhi was such a domineering CEO, completely different from him.
During the drive, Gu Jinzhi casually asked, “When do your results come out?”
Although Lin Xu had assured him that he wasn’t stressed about it, Gu Jinzhi wasn’t convinced. In fact, he had been researching options for repeating the year, asking friends if they knew of any good tutors or efficient study methods for retaking the exams.
For someone who had struggled academically, doing all this research was quite exhausting.
“In a few days, I think,” Lin Xu replied, completely unaware of how worried Gu Jinzhi was.
Gu Jinzhi, however, didn’t dare show his concern, fearing it might upset Lin Xu. He remembered how, during his own college entrance exams, he would explode if anyone in his family so much as mentioned his results.
“That’s soon.” Gu Jinzhi nodded, thinking to himself that they should enjoy these few days together. Once the results were out, Lin Xu might have to prepare for a repeat year, and Gu Jinzhi wouldn’t dare disturb him then.
He pictured himself like a loyal dog, staying in the hotel or various other places, silently supporting Lin Xu through another round of exam preparation.
After parking the car, Gu Jinzhi took Lin Xu’s arm as they walked inside together. He looked like an older brother taking his younger brother, fresh out of exams, out for some fun. The age difference was evident, after all. Gu Jinzhi had even gone through several hairstyles at the salon, trying out those popular with students. But no matter what he did, he couldn’t quite shed the refined, fashionable aura he carried. He simply didn’t look the part of an innocent young student.
Compared to Lin Xu’s naturally tousled hair, Gu Jinzhi’s meticulously styled look made it obvious that he was someone who kept up with the latest fashion trends.
The basketball court was filled with groups of young guys playing, which stirred Lin Xu’s social phobia. His expression grew even more reserved, with just one thought running through his mind: So many people here…
But if he wanted to be with Gu Jinzhi, this was something he had to overcome. Gu Jinzhi was the complete opposite — fearlessly social, always at the forefront of any activity.
True to form, as soon as they arrived, Gu Jinzhi confidently approached one of the hoops and asked with a hint of swagger, “Mind if we join in?”
Lin Xu: Stay calm, it’s just a game with strangers…
It had to be said that whether male or female, people were naturally drawn to good looks. These days, homosexuality and heterosexuality were just orientations, with society gradually becoming more accepting. On this basketball court, Gu Jinzhi and Lin Xu were undeniably the most attractive pair.
The boys playing were momentarily taken aback by Gu Jinzhi’s commanding presence. But seeing the tall boy, who looked like a manhua character, standing beside him, they happily agreed.
“Sure, come join us, brothers.”
Lin Xu knew he couldn’t keep isolating himself. In fact, under Gu Jinzhi’s influence, his social phobia had already improved a bit. Every time Gu Jinzhi interacted with others, even when Lin Xu felt secondhand embarrassment for him, Gu Jinzhi remained completely unfazed and confident.
In this regard, Lin Xu admired and envied him, so gradually he began to think that he should open up more.
So, without saying a word of refusal, Lin Xu set down his bag and joined the game.
Since he was playing with others, Lin Xu didn’t want to drag Gu Jinzhi’s reputation down with his own lack of skills. Looking at everyone, he took the initiative to explain, “I’m not very good at basketball.”
His sincere and serious expression, combined with his handsome features, made it impossible for even the toughest guys to hold a grudge against him. In fact, with him around, no one even wanted to curse, as if doing so would somehow pollute the atmosphere.
“No worries, it’s just for fun,” the others quickly assured him.
They were local college students, spending their summer break playing some casual basketball. Seeing Lin Xu’s tall but still youthful appearance, one of them curiously asked, “Are you a high schooler, brother?”
Gu Jinzhi felt so strange on the side, as if he was missing a screw somewhere.
“Just finished my college entrance exams,” Lin Xu replied politely, glancing at Gu Jinzhi as he did so.
Zhizhi gave him strength.
“Wow, so you’re really young, huh?”
As they spoke, they tossed the ball to Gu Jinzhi, who clearly looked like someone who knew his way around the court.
Gu Jinzhi dribbled the ball skillfully and shot his boyfriend a triumphant look. Lin Xu smiled helplessly at him. Zhizhi really loved to show off.
They split into teams, with Gu Jinzhi and Lin Xu on opposite sides, making the game even more interesting.
Lin Xu wasn’t being modest. His skills were indeed raw, like someone who didn’t play often and only knew the basic rules. In contrast, Gu Jinzhi was clearly a pro. He quickly scored several points, earning loud applause from his teammates.
“Brother, you’re incredible!” Gu Jinzhi smirked and subconsciously glanced at Lin Xu.
Gu Jinzhi was really naive. During their online relationship, he knew that 1s generally liked obedient, well-behaved boys. But now that they were together in person, convinced that Lin Xu wouldn’t leave him, he didn’t bother hiding his true nature. As a 0, he thought he could attract the person he liked by showing off as much as possible, hoping Lin Xu would see how impressive he was.
More than once, he even snatched the ball right out of Lin Xu’s hands.
But Lin Xu didn’t mind at all. In fact, he joined the others in clapping for Gu Jinzhi after each impressive play.
One of his teammates lightly patted him on the back and teased, “Whose side are you on, anyway? You’ve lost us several balls, and we haven’t even called you out on it, you little rascal.”
It was the first time Lin Xu had interacted with others in such a casual, informal manner. With his cold personality, no one would dare touch him, let alone call him a rascal just because they were older than him.
He felt a bit uncomfortable, but also realized that he should embrace the goodwill around him. After all, Gu Jinzhi was having a great time too.
“Zhi… He’s really good,” Lin Xu said, his gaze fixed on Gu Jinzhi. Since they were just casual acquaintances, and Gu Jinzhi’s image was more mature than his own, Lin Xu decided not to call him “Zhizhi” in front of them. It would have diminished Zhizhi's authority.
After all, Gu Jinzhi was someone who cared a lot about his image.
“Come on, brother, you can’t slack off! Don’t pass the ball to that guy anymore, or our team’s going to lose badly,” Lin Xu’s teammates teased him, though it was all in good fun.
Meanwhile, Gu Jinzhi watched from across the court as the other team chatted casually with Lin Xu about their strategy. Because of this team division, he suddenly felt like an outsider. He was starting to feel jealous without realizing it.
