E-Scum Gong Chapter 48 (Part 1)
Translated by Q the Panda (ko-fi)
Chapter 48 (1/2)
On July 2nd, a new male idol group named Mheart burst onto the entertainment scene, heavily promoted by Chenhong Media.
Their debut stage was going to be broadcasted on a certain satellite TV variety show. Although it wasn’t a top-tier program, given the current oversaturation of boy groups in the entertainment industry, their debut conditions were already quite impressive.
Moreover, the stage for their first album’s lead single was choreographed by a renowned industry choreographer. This significant investment showed how much the company valued the group.
Naturally, the most talked-about member of this boy group was their leader, Yan Yang.
He was the oldest among the group members, but even in a team full of pretty boys, he stood out as a refreshing hunk.
On a popular music platform, Mheart’s single had already been released, and the cover had received considerable attention, creating a huge buzz.
When members of the group chat saw the leader’s appearance in the center position, it sparked a lively discussion. Quite a few had attended the offline gathering, and while no photos had leaked, they remembered Yan Yang’s face very clearly.
“Damn, I just went to check out some new songs and found out that a new boy group debuted. Guess what? I saw Zoe!” an excited group member who had been present at the offline meeting reported back in the chat.
“I saw it too! The leader of Mheart? And those promo photos are so good!!! He’s even better-looking than when we saw him offline! As expected, the styling and makeup of celebrities really makes a difference.”
“Our group actually has a star now! How amazing is that! I always said Zoe is a heavenly dish, and I wasn’t wrong. I think he’s going to be big in the future. It's a pity I didn't go up to him back then.”
The group chat was abuzz with discussion. Many members who had only heard about Yan Yang but never seen him in person rushed to search for more information.
Having a member of a boy group in their small circle was extremely rare.
Although they had previously discussed how ordinary-looking male idols were, the feeling was completely different when they actually knew someone who had become a star.
“It seems like tonight is their debut stage. Should we all tune in?”
Their expectation for Yan Yang was high. Back when he was part of the group, he had been quite sociable. Now that he had become an unattainable figure in the entertainment industry, everyone was in awe. Besides, the photos of Yan Yang looked incredibly handsome.
“I just noticed that Yan Yang has deleted his account and left the group. He must have been preparing for his debut back then.”
The group members checked, and indeed, it was as they had said. Although they understood that he had moved on to a different circle and changing accounts was normal, they couldn’t shake a feeling of discomfort.
“Maybe he knows he's about to become famous, so he's hastily cut ties with the past. Maybe he's afraid that everyone will find out he's gay,” one member remarked sarcastically.
In reality, they were just bitter that they couldn't reach Yan Yang's level.
Since most of the group admired Yan Yang’s looks, they retorted, “Of course he's busy with his career now that he's about to debut. With your face, you don't have what it takes to be an idol.”
Now that Yan Yang had become the center of attention, everyone regretted not having gotten to know him sooner.
For a time, the people in the group praised Yan Yang to high heavens.
Yan Yang was aware of their comments. Even though he had left the group, his boyfriend remained, albeit temporarily inactive in the chat.
The buzz in the group brought a sense of satisfaction to both of them. Zhao Tao felt proud that his boyfriend was gaining recognition. Yan Yang, on the other hand, felt vindicated, especially since many group members had doubted him, daring to compare him to people like Amour.
Living in Zhao Tao’s luxurious mansion, Yan Yang felt very content. Had he known it would be like this, he wouldn’t have wasted so much of his youth on Yu Song.
The show had already been recorded. Since Zhao Tao had established good relations with the director, Mheart would be well-promoted, especially Yan Yang, who would have significant screen time.
“Look how pathetic they are,” Zhao Tao said, laughing as he showed Yan Yang the group’s reactions. He felt very smug, knowing he was the only one who could enjoy Yan Yang.
Yan Yang simply smiled and maintained his best image in front of Zhao Tao.
“Thank you for your help.” He kissed Zhao Tao very sweetly, his voice low and tender. Zhao Tao always enjoyed it when he was like this.
Whenever Zoe was mentioned in the group chat, it inevitably led to discussions about Zhizhi Mangmang. After all, everyone knew that Zoe had previously extended an olive branch to Zhizhi Mangmang. Unfortunately, the latter missed out the opportunity.
Now, it seemed the group admin must be regretting it. They had all watched Zoe’s music video, which was explosively charismatic and truly captivating.
While the group members were tagging the group admin, lamenting about missing out on such a quality guy like Zoe, Gu Jinzhi was selecting a formal outfit for his boyfriend’s graduation banquet at school.
Gu Jinzhi was stunned when he read the group chat.
He hadn’t expected that the Zoe in the group chat was actually a former trainee from his company. No wonder he had felt something off about Zoe from the start. Now that he thought about it, Zoe’s interest had clearly been directed at him. Gu Jinzhi was pretty confident about that.
The group members expected Gu Jinzhi to feel regret, but instead, he seemed even more dismissive.
These people really hadn’t seen much of the world.
The company had many trainees, and there were plenty of good-looking ones. Gu Jinzhi had seen the trainees of MA boy group. They were just average. Neither their looks nor their skills showed any potential for breakout success, which was why the company hadn’t given them much attention.
Only a small company like Chenhong Media would treat them like treasures.
“Only you guys would treasure this kind of stuff… Don’t @ me. I’m off to attend my boyfriend’s graduation ceremony,” Gu Jinzhi, ever the show-off, casually commented, knowing full well that they didn’t know who he was talking about.
The group members were shocked at his nonchalance. With Zoe’s true identity revealed, they couldn’t help but wonder if Gu Jinzhi’s boyfriend was genuinely superior.
It seemed unlikely, given that Zhizhi Mangmang had even liked someone like Amour.
After replying, Gu Jinzhi quickly called Lin Xu.
Lin Xu had already arrived early. Because the school had produced a remarkable science champion this year, the school leaders were delighted and decided to invest heavily in the graduation ceremony. They even hired makeup artists and other professionals, so the graduates didn’t have to prepare anything themselves.
Lin Xu, usually so unassuming, was now being styled by a makeup artist backstage. Although he was already quite handsome in his natural state, the saying "clothes maketh the man" rang true. In the mirror, dressed in a well-fitted suit and styled hair, he looked like a refined young master from a wealthy family — except for his slightly aloof expression.
He had arrived early to acclimate to the setting, as he had to give a speech later that evening. Given the formality of the event and his reputation, who knew how many students, parents and incoming freshmen would attend because of his reputation.
Receiving Gu Jinzhi’s call, Lin Xu’s eyes crinkled into a smile despite his nervousness. “Zhizhi, have you arrived yet?”
Gu Jinzhi sounded frustrated. “I’m picking out a suit. How do I avoid looking like your big brother?”
Lin Xu chuckled at Gu Jinzhi’s concern. His thick eyelashes cast shadows over his eyes, prompting the makeup artist to inwardly admire him.
It was said that this young man was this year’s science champion in Jiang City. Which window did heavens close for him?!
“How about I don’t say you’re my big brother and instead say you’re my boyfriend?” Lin Xu teased, pressing his lips together with a smirk.
Gu Jinzhi's heart skipped a beat. He slapped his bed in mock frustration. “You dare, but I might not dare!” Lin Xu had certainly picked up a few bad habits from him over time.
If this got uploaded online, his older brother would surely skin him alive.
He had only just rejected his older brother's call that morning. Gu Qi was now exasperated with him, sending messages full of threats, warning that if he didn’t return to work soon, someone else would be hired in his place.
Gu Jinzhi was quite pleased. He had no intention of going back to work anytime soon and quickly responded, “Ge, quickly find a replacement for me. I’m just here to enjoy myself and collect my share of the profits.” The money was enough to support several Lin Xus. After all, his boyfriend didn’t like spending his money, so it was no big deal.
Gu Jinzhi finally chose a stylish and refined suit and drove his luxury car straight to the school.
Among the sea of parents, he was the most conspicuous, both his car and himself standing out.
Many parents were eyeing Gu Jinzhi, wondering whose relative he might be. With so many graduates, it was hard to guess. Besides Lin Xu, the science champion who was well-known among the parents, the other students were unfamiliar to them.
Gu Jinzhi casually picked a seat, radiating an air of sophistication that made other parents hesitant to approach him.
The other parents were discussing Lin Xu.
“I heard that the science champion, Lin Xu, is here today, and some teachers said he would also be giving a speech.”
“I have a relative whose child is entering high school this year and has excellent grades. I asked her mother to come and take a look today.”
“I saw a photo of Lin Xu at the school gate before. He looks so well-behaved and charming — definitely a model student.”
Hearing such high praise for his boyfriend from the elders made Gu Jinzhi feel extremely pleased.
The group chat had also become lively due to Gu Jinzhi’s mention of the graduation ceremony.
Previously, the group admin had mentioned dating a young fresh meat. They had wondered just how fresh he was. Now, it was clear he was extraordinarily fresh.
