E-Scum Gong Chapter 48 (Part 2)
Translated by Q the Panda (ko-fi)
Chapter 48 (2/2)
Some Sherlock Holmes connected Gu Jinzhi’s earlier claim of knowing Lin Xu from the affiliated high school. They found out that the school was indeed holding a graduation ceremony today, so everyone speculated that Gu Jinzhi’s partner might be from the same batch.
“Oh my gosh, I almost forgot! Lin Xu-didi’s school is also having a graduation ceremony tonight! And since he did so well on the exam, he’ll definitely make an appearance. Finally, no need to hunt for material!”
“What? I haven’t been following the college entrance exam news recently and haven’t seen any related videos. As a working adult, I'm so out of the loop. How did Lin Xu-didi do on his exam?”
“Well, there’s been so much news lately, and so many new debuts, like Mheart. The hot searches are all taken up.”
“Insider report! Lin Xu scored 722 points. He's the top scorer in Jiang City!”
“What? Top scorer? Did I hear that right? Wasn’t there someone who said he was a struggling student?”
“That’s already been debunked. Lin Xu had been scoring above 700 in mock exams. It’s just that you chose not to believe it. Now that the exam results are out, who dare to blacken him?”
Someone even attached a photo of the promotional wall at the affiliated high school, proving that the news wasn’t just gossip.
As a result, the group chat exploded once more! The noise even drowned out the previous discussion about Zoe. After all, there were countless rookie idols, but there were only a few top scorers in the college entrance exam each year, especially when it was a younger brother that many people already liked.
“I just found the official website of the affiliated high school. They're doing a live stream, and the video quality is decent.”
“Ah, the timing overlaps. Which one should I watch…” One group member was in distress.
Immediately, a wave of group members chimed in, “What’s there to be torn about? Zoe might be debuting, but he’s not even in the same league as Lin Xu when it comes to looks.”
“Lin Xu-didi is currently dominating in the super topic, outshining many debuting young fresh meats. The only issue is the lack of material. Following an ordinary person means less coverage. If Lin Xu-didi ever enters the entertainment industry, it’d be amazing. With his looks and academic prowess, he’d be a marketing goldmine.”
“Well, with his academic success, who knows, he might bring glory to the country. Why would he bother with the entertainment industry… Let’s not be ridiculous.”
“You're all right. I'll take my leave first, everyone. In the future, when didi is in university, I guess I'll see him even less.”
“I’m choosing to watch didi too. The excitement will always be there, no matter when.”
“I’m older and not into idolizing stars anymore. I prefer fresh-faced young boys. I’m off too. You all can watch Zoe’s awkward dance.”
For a moment, some group members quickly forgot their previous admiration for Yan Yang and flocked to the live stream.
Lin Xu had finished preparing and emerged from backstage. His suit was selected by the stylist, but he had insisted on wearing his own tie.
For such an important occasion, he wore the tie that Gu Jinzhi had given him. It was the first time he’d ever worn it.
As soon as Lin Xu stepped out, he scanned the crowd for Gu Jinzhi’s figure and finally spotted him, looking bored as he munched on a watermelon.
Lin Xu quickened his pace and walked straight towards him, until Gu Jinzhi was enveloped in a shadow as Lin Xu stood in front of him.
Gu Jinzhi put down the watermelon, looked up, and saw a side of Lin Xu he had never seen before.
Usually, Lin Xu appeared in his school uniform or a white T-shirt, always with a youthful, fresh look. Today, he was dressed in a meticulously tailored suit, looking like a natural-born model.
And the tie Gu Jinzhi had given him.
Gu Jinzhi was momentarily struck by a sense of awe that he had witnessed the boy's growth. In the future, Lin Xu would become an even better man, but he would still be his.
“Sit down,” Gu Jinzhi said, somewhat startled, shyly pulling Lin Xu down beside him.
Lin Xu, unexpectedly forced to sit next to Gu Jinzhi, marveled once again at how strong Gu Jinzhi’s grip was.
“Here,” Gu Jinzhi offered Lin Xu a piece of watermelon, resting his chin on his hand as he watched Lin Xu chew, as if trying to bring him back to earth.
Lin Xu wiped the juice from his lips awkwardly.
“From now on, you’re an adult,” Gu Jinzhi said, adjusting Lin Xu’s collar.
Lin Xu sighed, “I’ve been an adult for a long time.” Had Zhizhi always seen him as just a kid?
“Really?” Gu Jinzhi looked at him, a certain belief wavering in her heart.
Lin Xu nodded firmly.
Gu Jinzhi suddenly leaned in, blocking the view of others. His lips brushed lightly against Lin Xu’s, soft and fleeting.
At that moment, time seemed to slow, stretching to the point where they could hear each other’s heartbeats.
Lin Xu’s eyes widened in surprise. He clearly hadn’t expected Gu Jinzhi to kiss him.
“I’m twenty-four,” Gu Jinzhi said, licking his lips, his voice tinged with a touch of nervousness. “I can’t be this childish.”
He wondered how he once thought that holding hands was enough. Was he out of his mind? His boyfriend was still young and naive, and here he was, feeling like he’d wasted his own youth. If someone else swooped in and took Lin Xu away, he’d be devastated. Damn platonic relationship.
“Oh,” Lin Xu replied, his ears burning with a deep flush. The kiss added a new layer of excitement to his feelings for Gu Jinzhi. Though he hadn’t fully tasted it, he could almost smell the scent of Gu Jinzhi’s skin.
A strangely sweet sensation enveloped his heart, making him feel weak and a bit panicked.
This person was such a uniquely wonderful presence. Lin Xu, a novice in love, found himself swaying in the tide of affection that was Gu Jinzhi.
Gu Jinzhi wanted to take Lin Xu’s hand, to feel his cool, soothing touch. The romantic atmosphere was perfectly complemented by the surrounding flowers, greenery, and lights, with the lush summer grass feeling soft and inviting.
Unfortunately, they were interrupted.
After several parents confirmed Lin Xu's identity, they gathered around him and his homeroom teacher.
“Mr. Wang, is this Lin Xu from your class?” A middle-aged woman tugged at Lin Xu's arm, pulling him closer.
Mr. Wang was equally beaming with pride. His office had been bustling with parents eager to have their children in his class. It was truly a high point in his career.
“Yes, this is Lin Xu from our class.”
“Hello,” Lin Xu said awkwardly, offering a greeting.
Gu Jinzhi, who had suddenly lost his boyfriend to the crowd, watched with wide eyes, feeling helpless. He could only stand by, picking at his nails in frustration.
“The moment I saw Lin Xu, I knew he was a remarkable student — so composed and disciplined. Unlike my own son, who’s been preoccupied with dating and now has to repeat his final year after failing the exams,” the woman said with a sigh.
“We haven’t had any such issues in our class. Lin Xu prefers to keep to himself, always focused on his studies,” Mr. Wang said.
Lin Xu and Gu Jinzhi exchanged glances, both at a loss for words.
“By the way, is this your big brother?” Mr. Wang asked, noticing Gu Jinzhi standing nearby.
The two of them, looking so alike, were strikingly handsome, which explained Mr. Wang’s mistake. He remembered Lin Xu had an older brother.
Lin Xu gave Gu Jinzhi a glance, silently asking if he should reveal the truth about their relationship at this moment.
Gu Jinzhi caught the look and, with a cheerful smile, quickly responded, “Yes, Mr. Wang, I’m Lin Xu’s big brother.”
The affectionate older brother who kissed his younger sibling on the lips. How charming.
After the parents finished their brief conversation with Gu Jinzhi, they moved on.
Once the crowd had dispersed, Gu Jinzhi puzzledly rubbed his chin. “Oh right, aren’t we dating? How come you still managed to do so well in your exams?”
Lin Xu didn’t understand why Gu Jinzhi was so puzzled. “I studied seriously at other times. Is that so surprising? There are twenty-four hours in a day.”
Gu Jinzhi looked at him resentfully and pinched him hard. Damn, so it was just him who was completely focused on the relationship? Just this morning, he said harsh words to his older brother and said he was quitting his job.
Was it really possible for someone to juggle both a relationship and career so successfully? So infuriating!