E-Scum Gong Chapter 5
Translated by Q the Panda (ko-fi)
Chapter 5
During the lunch break, students gradually headed to the cafeteria, discussing how much they liked the new five-star chef's dishes, debating between pasta and steak.
The international class had its own counter in the cafeteria, which mainly served Western cuisine. After all, they would be living abroad in the future, so they needed to adapt early.
In addition, they did not hesitate to discuss the schools they were applying to, all of which were well-known foreign universities. It seemed like they were deliberately being loud when passing by Lin Xu.
Lin Xu calmly tidied his desk, planning to clear it out before heading to the homeroom teacher's office to explain the situation.
Soon, he was the only one left in the classroom. The spring breeze was gentle, rustling the leaves outside the window.
"Excuse me, student, are you available right now?" A young woman in her twenties, dressed in a neat and casual outfit, knocked on the door and peered into the classroom.
Only Lin Xu was inside.
Lin Xu was almost finished packing up. He hoisted his backpack onto the desk, stood up, and succinctly asked, "Is there something you need?" His voice was clear and composed.
Perhaps the young woman hadn't expected to encounter such a striking student, especially considering Lin Xu's tall and slender stature that didn't quite reflect the immaturity of a high schooler. It even made her slightly embarrassed, reminding her of the white moonlight from her own student days.
"I'm from our school's publicity department. I wanted to interview some students from our international class. Would you be available for an interview?" She had miscalculated the timing of her visit. Now, everyone had gone, and the students she had contacted earlier appeared to have forgotten.
"Hmm." Lin Xu wasn't sure if he still counted as part of the international class, but he glanced around the classroom and saw no one else.
The female reporter moved closer, reaching Lin Xu's desk. Her head just barely reached his shoulder, forcing her to look up slightly to speak to him.
Trying to lighten the mood, she joked, "Boys these days are all so tall. Is there a secret to it?"
Lin Xu wasn't much for joking around. After a moment's thought, he replied seriously, "A balanced diet." As he spoke, he looked at the reporter attentively, his hand resting on his backpack. Although he was a bit impatient, he didn't rush her.
Looking at Lin Xu's hands, the female reporter asked a bit embarrassedly, "Am I taking up your time?"
Hearing this, Lin Xu subconsciously loosened his grip, and with rare brevity, he responded, "No, please have a seat. I'm not in a rush." With that, he sat down himself, so she wouldn't have to strain to look up at him.
The female reporter found this male student quite gentlemanly and felt herself relaxing as well. She couldn't help but keep her gaze fixed on him.
"Since you're in the senior year of high school, I assume your English proficiency is quite high?" She steered the conversation to the main topic.
Lin Xu neither boasted nor downplayed his abilities. He replied in a casual tone, "It's decent."
The female reporter hadn't expected such a concise response to her question. He truly was a man of few words.
"Can I ask you a more professional question? What do you think are the essential requirements for studying International Business Administration?"
The original Lin Xu had planned to apply for this major, while Lin Xu had specialized in biology in his previous life. However, due to the interdisciplinary nature of the subjects, he had also dabbled in economics and business administration.
This question was actually quite basic. Lin Xu calmly replied in English, "Students should master modern theories of international business management, management science, economics, and related fields..."
Unsure how detailed of a response she expected, he took a bit of time to outline the key conceptual framework.
The female reporter, who had been focusing on his face, was now completely surprised. In fact, when Lin Xu spoke his first sentence in very standard British English, she had already been impressed.
"Okay, I kind of understand. May I ask, are you a top student in your class?" she asked.
Lin Xu shook his head. "My classmates are even more outstanding."
"Hahaha, you're too modest, student." The female reporter stopped filming and gave Lin Xu an approving gesture.
Understanding that it was enough, Lin Xu slung his backpack over his shoulder and politely asked, "Shall we go together?"
After the female reporter waved him off with a smile, Lin Xu inwardly breathed a sigh of relief, strode out of the classroom, and walked straight to the homeroom teacher's office.
At this hour, their homeroom teacher had just finished his lunch. When he heard the knock on the door and called Lin Xu in, he was genuinely surprised to see it was him.
Lin Xu had always been a marginal student and was not actively participating in class. It was absolutely out of character for him to come seeking the teacher's attention.
However, he didn't need to worry about the futures of these young ladies and gentlemen. They certainly wouldn't cause him any concern.
"What can I help you with, Lin Xu?" the homeroom teacher asked kindly, hands lightly clasped.
Lin Xu explained his purpose, mentioning his intention to transfer classes and participate in the college entrance examination.
The homeroom teacher was even more surprised. Taking this step wasn't easy, especially since Lin Xu still couldn't get accepted into any school despite receiving education in the international class. If he went to the regular class, could he really get into college this year?
The homeroom teacher took a sip of tea and asked, "Lin Xu, have you discussed this with your parents?"
If his parents agreed, he wouldn't have any objections, of course.
"I will discuss it with them when I get home. My family should agree," Lin Xu replied calmly, his eyes slightly lowered.
After all, the financial situation of the original Lin Xu's family was average. Every time his father called, he would mention how difficult it was to sell houses, urging him to study hard. But in reality, they didn't need to work so hard just to send him abroad.
This time, Lin Xu himself also preferred to study at a university in his own country. It seemed he would follow the path he had taken before, especially since he really couldn't sell houses...
"Okay, I'll communicate with your father shortly and arrange for you to join your new class," the homeroom teacher said with a smile.
Lin Xu nodded, went to the cafeteria for a quick lunch, and came out right away. The home teacher asked him to report to Class 9 Year 3.
Having been treated favorably in his previous life, Lin Xu didn't doubt the homeroom teacher's polite behavior towards him. He simply thought the teacher was very diligent and responsible.
The atmosphere in the new class was much livelier. As Lin Xu entered with his backpack, the playful activities paused momentarily. Seeing Lin Xu in the distinctive uniform of the international class, his classmates stared for a moment.
In everyone's eyes, the international class symbolized wealth. Moreover, Lin Xu resembled a protagonist from a manhua, sparking high curiosity among his peers, but no one dared to approach and talk to him.
After the new homeroom teacher, Mr. Wang, welcomed and introduced him, Lin Xu walked directly to his seat, gripping his backpack straps.
He understood that this class probably didn't have great academic performance. The atmosphere was too lively, and the students were very active. Plus, his past record meant he definitely wouldn't be assigned in an accelerated class.
However, Lin Xu harbored no resentment and was willing to adapt. Though he wasn't fond of noisy environments before, he now began to understand his lively and energetic classmates. Perhaps it was because someone he was currently close to had a similar personality, even if it was just a game — this was Lin Xu's first experience with love.
Of course, Lin Xu still didn't initiate conversations with anyone. He really had nothing to say, so he simply started to familiarize himself with the high school textbooks.
Within a short time, his gossipy classmates had already dug up information about this new guy.
He was a struggling student from the international class, with an average family background and a somewhat questionable reputation. It seemed like he was the type of student who loved to skip class and slack off.
Logically speaking, his halo should have disappeared, but they felt like Lin Xu wasn't that type of student. He was quietly sitting by the window, yet he managed to capture everyone's attention. People wanted to approach and befriend him, but no one dared to disturb him, as if doing so would disrupt his peace.
Moreover, he spent the entire noon break earnestly studying, making others feel too embarrassed to be noisy. They even began to pretend to read their books as well, though their gazes still occasionally drifted towards him.
In this world where sexual orientation was absolutely not a problem, half of the class watched Lin Xu attentively — girls were captivated by him, and so were the boys. His aura was simply untouchable.
The first class in the afternoon was PE, usually a time for relaxation when the boys gathered to play basketball.
Lin Xu merely set aside his other textbooks before class and glanced at his phone, only to find the group chat had erupted into chaos.
The protagonist of the commotion was none other than Gu Jinzhi, who was single-handedly fighting in a passionate battle against all odds.
Lin Xu's first thought was that Gu Jinzhi was probably slacking off and causing trouble during the afternoon classes again.
He furrowed his brow, and for once, spared some attention to understand the situation. He realized that while Gu Jinzhi's words were indeed harsh, he wasn't entirely to blame.
It also became apparent that Gu Jinzhi was quite unpopular in the group, being unfairly ganged up on and struggling to keep up.
The things they said to Gu Jinzhi were very hurtful, as if they were taking advantage of the fact that no one was supporting him. If he ignored it now, it would be too unfair to Gu Jinzhi.
The hot-tempered, silly cannon fodder in the book flashed in his mind, as did the afternoon when Gu Jinzhi, like a petulant child, sulked in the bathroom, relentlessly bombarding his unreachable phone with calls.
He must be very mad now.
Despite lacking romantic feelings for Gu Jinzhi, Lin Xu was aware of his pitiful fate as a cannon fodder. Considering that Gu Jinzhi was still his partner, Lin Xu would naturally be more inclined to support him.
When the bell rang for class, students started heading towards the sports field. In a rush, Lin Xu hastily sneaked his phone into his pocket.
Typically, PE class began with two warm-up laps followed by free activities.
Despite some worries, Lin Xu obediently ran the two laps, silently counting down in his mind. After warming up, he planned to check on the situation.
Finally finishing the laps, a slight smile crept onto Lin Xu's face as his fingers slowly reached into his pocket.
Unexpectedly, the PE teacher today had the idea of giving everyone more exercise, so they didn't disperse immediately. Instead, he allowed a two-minute break for students to choose between basketball or volleyball. In short, they couldn't go back to the classroom and laze around.
Lin Xu pursed his lips, his eyes showing a hint of unease. But he had something important to do right now.
Gu Jinzhi would be bullied alone, wouldn't he?
The male classmates around hesitated, wanting to invite Lin Xu to play basketball, but Lin Xu was pacing back and forth with lowered brows.
Finally, as if overcoming some psychological barrier, he awkwardly approached the PE teacher and lied, "Teacher, my stomach is a little uncomfortable. I need to use the restroom."
The PE teacher wasn't familiar with this new student, but Lin Xu had a face that didn't seem capable of lying. Moreover, his expression now genuinely looked like he was enduring discomfort, so the PE teacher quickly believed him.
"Alright, go quickly. If you still feel unwell, go to the school clinic. Do you want me to find a classmate to accompany you?"
As soon as the PE teacher said this, some classmates glanced over, hesitating.
Lin Xu shook his head. "No need to trouble my classmates. I can go by myself." With that, he hurriedly left the sports field. Even though he felt anxious inside, his posture remained upright and dignified.
This was Lin Xu's first time lying to skip class, making his ears turn slightly red with shame.
But as soon as he was out of sight from the teacher and classmates, Lin Xu immediately found a secluded corner, pursed his lips, and took out his phone. His movements were furtive and unpracticed, his gaze glued to the screen.