E-Scum Gong Chapter 60 (Part 1)
Translated by Q the Panda (ko-fi)
Chapter 60 (1/2)
Lin Xu shuttled between the dormitory, classroom, and laboratory building. Apart from dating, he had no other forms of entertainment.
Compared to his previous life, where he often wore a blank expression during his solitary moments, he now found himself with a slight, almost imperceptible smile.
He seemed to be quite happy with his current life.
To his classmates, Lin Xu was someone to be held in the highest regard, almost to the point of being idolized. Even though their school was already competitive, they still allowed themselves moments of relaxation and fun. Outside of school, they became cool kids, having fun. Not many were like him.
They thought it might be because Lin Xu came from an ordinary family background that he could endure the loneliness. After all, he spent most of his time studying before college. How else could he have achieved such excellence?
During the holidays, a local roommate invited Lin Xu to spend time at his place.
Lu Zhe appeared to be a rough guy, but his grandparents were professors at a prestigious university in the capital. And yet, he still referred to himself as an ordinary person. In a way, he wasn’t wrong. Compared to many of his fellow alumni, his background wasn’t all that impressive.
Worried that Lin Xu might feel lonely in the dormitory, Lu Zhe extended an invitation for him to visit his home.
“No need,” Lin Xu replied while packing his luggage. “I have to visit my family during the holiday.”
They all knew that Lin Xu's family worked in the capital, so they did not press the issue any further.
"I'll send you my address. You may come visit me anytime," Lu Zhe offered warmly.
His home was located in the city center. He often joked about how old and rundown it was, but everyone knew that even an old, rundown place in that area was worth a considerable amount.
Lu Zhe definitely wouldn’t joke around with Lin Xu like that. The guys in the dorm all took care to respect Lin Xu's pride. However, there were a few times when, in the heat of the conversation, things got a bit out of hand. Even though they didn’t mean it that way, it came across as a bit condescending. But Lin Xu showed no reaction at all — sometimes he would even curiously ask what they were talking about.
This only increased their admiration for him.
"Okay, sure," Lin Xu nodded, though he likely had no intention of going.
Zhizhi had been waiting for this opportunity to spend time with him, but now that he had to return home, he couldn't help but feel a bit miffed, thinking he should be with his boyfriend during his vacation.
"Are you leaving today? Do you need a ride? My mom is coming to pick me up," Lu Zhe asked again.
After all, taking a taxi was quite expensive, and carrying luggage on the subway would be very inconvenient.
"My big brother will probably come to pick me up," Lin Xu replied with a smile.
Initially, Lin Xu had suggested going to the address himself, as he was cautious with his spending and still had plenty of his previous reward money left. However, since Lin Shen had offered to pick him up, Lin Xu had no choice but to accept.
They went together to the dormitory entrance, where Lu Zhe's mother and Lin Shen arrived almost simultaneously.
Not long ago, Lu Zhe's mother had saved up to buy a luxurious car. In contrast, Lin Shen's Santana was modest and understated.
“Then I'll be on my way,” Lin Xu said his goodbyes and got into the car.
Lu Zhe’s mother glanced at Lin Xu several times before curiously asking Lu Zhe, “Is he your friend? He’s so good-looking.”
“That’s the academic god from our dorm. He's really amazing.”
With this description, Lu Zhe’s mother recalled that her son had mentioned a diligent and studious student from another province who had recently faced some unexpected trouble.
“What a good kid. If he stays in the capital, his life will surely keep getting better.”
Lu Zhe nodded in agreement.
“Has anyone been bothering you lately, Ah Xu?” Lin Shen asked, referring to the recent issues with Yan Yang.
“No.” Lin Xu shook his head, trying not to make Lin Shen worry. However, there had been a significant development.
Yan Yang’s team had been urgently working to clear up his past scandals, and they went to great lengths to provide various evidence and timelines to prove that Yan Yang was not parachuted into the position. They explained that he had become the new team leader only after the previous leader had left the company, and he had earned the position through assessments.
As for the things he did in high school, making mistakes during adolescence wasn't something that couldn't be forgiven, and Yan Yang had also specifically apologized to the public.
In any case, Yan Yang’s team was in a state of panic, losing hair over the situation daily.
While this was unrelated to Lin Xu, a few days ago, Yan Yang’s boyfriend had appeared in the group chat and earnestly requested that Lin Xu accept his friend request, hoping they could have a good chat.
It was the first time Yan Yang’s boyfriend had shown up publicly since Zoe’s debut, and the group members realized that the two had indeed gone underground.
Lin Xu, with his reserved nature, was inundated with random friend requests and had simply ignored them. He hadn’t checked the group chat and only discovered this later.
In reality, he had no interest in engaging with Yan Yang or the entertainment industry, so he paid it no mind.
Zhao Tao, concerned that Yan Yang’s career might falter and negatively impact his small company, wanted Lin Xu to make a public statement to show they had made peace. After all, Lin Xu was just an ordinary person, so offering him a little benefit would suffice.
Who would have thought that Lin Xu was so aloof? In an instant, he bore a grudge.
Yan Yang had never told Zhao Tao that Gu Jinzhi was also in the group chat. He figured it would be counterproductive, like trying too hard to deny something, so he kept quiet. This ultimately led to a misunderstanding.
He had long guessed that it wasn't a rival company targeting him, but Gu Jinzhi seeking revenge. Unfortunately, he couldn't afford to offend Gu Jinzhi and had decided to just swallow this bitter pill.
However, unbeknownst to Yan Yang, news spread in the group chat that Lin Xu was dating a rich man. There was no concrete evidence, just claims of firsthand sightings.
Most of the group members didn't believe it. They thought Lin Xu wasn't that kind of person, and besides, his boyfriend seemed pretty wealthy already.
As for Zhao Tao's claim that Lin Xu was dating one of the top-ranking rich second-generation heirs in the capital, it sounded like complete nonsense. They were clearly not from the same social circles.
There were also some who sided with Yan Yang.
“I feel like Lin Xu is being a bit too aggressive. Just because he has a high level of education doesn’t make him superior. Zoe hasn’t really done anything wrong, but he's been constantly scolded by netizens...”
“Besides, who knows if he's really being kept by someone....” This was said by some sour grapes.
“Um, are you just envious of how good-looking he is?”
Gu Jinzhi, always online, quickly came across these comments and was infuriated. He then realized that Yan Yang’s team was behind it all!
He detested such remarks, especially when they were directed at his boyfriend. After cooling down, he recognized that these foolish comments were likely an attempt to deliberately attract his boyfriend's attention.
It was also his own fault for letting his boyfriend be exposed to such public scrutiny. Surfing was so pointless. From now on, those damn gays would never know anything about his boyfriend, let alone chat with him.
He decided to disband the group and quit his internet addiction for good.
He went on to comfort his dear Ah Xu, “Their words are so harsh! Don't mind them.” He couldn’t let his boyfriend think he was to blame. Being rich wasn’t his fault.
Lin Xu: “? What words?”
Gu Jinzhi tactfully muted his mic, unwilling to make things worse for himself.
“How many days are you planning to stay at home?”
“I’m not sure, maybe a day or two…” Lin Xu replied.
“Then hurry back to school, or come to my place,” Gu Jinzhi suggested eagerly.
Lin Xu’s heart skipped a beat, and he felt his ears grow warm. It didn't have to be... so soon...
Coincidentally, Gu Jinzhi had been ordered by his older brother to attend another event. If Ah Xu hadn’t been returning home, he would have definitely skipped it, as he saw no point in such coming-of-age ceremonies.
But since he was free, he decided to go.
Mainly, Gu Jinzhi felt uneasy about the host, the Lin family. Having met Lin Shen a few times, he had sensed that Lin Shen didn’t particularly like him. Now with the addition of a younger brother, Gu Jinzhi had even less interest.
The Lin family was known in the circle for their pragmatism. Chairman Lin and his wife were both tall and unrefined. Although Lin Shen, who had received an education, was somewhat better, he was still known for his ruthless efficiency and hidden hostility. The whole family had a reputation for being imposing and uncouth.
It was rumored that Chairman Lin and his wife had once used their local dialect to publicly berate a rival board member in the street, displaying quite a temper.
His older brother had strongly advised him to keep his distance from the Lin family. Attending just to show face and eat would be sufficient. After all, this was the first grand event held by the Lin family in many years, and it was clear they were taking it very seriously. They deserved respect.
“I understand. When the time comes, I’ll find a place for me and Xu Zhou to sit and then we’ll leave,” Gu Jinzhi replied.
“Xu Zhou doesn’t have an invitation.”
“?”
“They only invited children from the Xu family's main branch, who are all cultured and well-educated,” Gu Qi explained. In short, Lin Shen, who was in charge of vetting guests, looked down on Xu Zhou, considering him an outsider with whom they had no connection.
“Then... can I still go?” Gu Jinzhi asked. He was quite self-aware.
“Don’t underestimate your big brother. Despite everything, the families have collaborated before, so Lin Shen will extend some courtesy.”
“I’ve never met his younger brother before. I doubt he’s very refined, and yet they have all these requirements. Why are they so picky about their guests?” Gu Jinzhi complained.
“Don't say things like that. I'm afraid you'll get punched.”
Don't do this, don't say that, avoid people. So tedious!