The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - C14 - Room Assignment

[HAHAHAHA This is killing me!]

[Is this how dating shows work now? A threesome? OT3?! (just kidding)]

[This love triangle is getting out of hand. Is this even allowed to be aired? Please let it be!]

[Qing Lin, you spicy little thing! Hiss hiss!]

[Lele: What the hell did you just say?!]

Bai Wenle’s face flushed red. “Are you out of your mind?!”

“Mm.” Qing Lin tilted his head slightly, his expression unchanged. His almond-shaped eyes narrowed a little as he spoke softly, “I’m just tired from doing tasks with Xuzhi today. I want to sleep on a softer bed.”

Bai Wenle: “……”

Qing Lin’s expression didn’t change even when a voice from the production team echoed over the maze: “All mutual selections are now complete. Please stay where you are and wait for the staff to escort you out.”

Bai Wenle wasn’t having it. He pointed at Qing Lin and protested, “No way! That’s not fair! Who’s ever heard of three people going on a date?!”

He turned to Shen Xuzhi in desperation. “Xu-ge, you agree, right?”

But Shen Xuzhi completely ignored him and walked over to Qing Lin, tilting his head to speak softly, “I’ve got a massage device. I’ll have my assistant bring it to you later.”

Bai Wenle’s eyelid twitched.

No way. How could this fox spirit possibly be tired? He was clearly just trying to break them up!

Qing Lin gave Bai Wenle a brief glance before turning to Shen Xuzhi with a sweet smile. “Thank you, Shen laoshi.”

Shen Xuzhi’s heart skipped a beat. His mind blanked for a moment before he finally murmured a soft, “Mm.”

“You two—” Bai Wenle began, but before he could finish, the staff had already ushered him toward the maze’s exit.

About ten minutes later, all the guests were gathered outside.

The island’s night air was cool and fresh. Compared to the desolate beach, this part of the town felt more alive, with flickering lights, smoky stalls, and a comforting sense of warmth.

Just then, Director Hong’s voice echoed through the speakers once again:
“After a fateful journey through the maze, those meant to meet have finally crossed paths. But the story doesn’t end there. A new chapter begins with the arrival of our flying guest. Please give a warm welcome to Bai Wenle!”

[Lele!!]
[Wait wait wait… why is a flying guest suddenly showing up? Wasn’t eight people enough??]

Applause erupted as Bai Wenle took a few steps forward, smiling and greeting everyone.  “Hello, everyone! I’m Bai Wenle, 18 years old, and a BiliBili content creator. I’m very happy to be on this show!”

Jiang Wen exclaimed in surprised. “Eighteen? You’re so young.”

“I’m not that young! Wenwen-jie always looks eighteen herself.” Bai Wenle chuckled. “Since this is our first meeting, I’ve prepared some small gifts for everyone. I hope you won’t mind~”

As he spoke, he pulled out a few jewelry boxes from his bag and handed them to the guests.

Ning Yian opened her box and couldn’t help but marvel. “This bracelet is absolutely beautiful.”

Bai Wenle replied, “It’s one of our bestselling items. I’m glad you like it.”

[Whoa, that’s a jewelry from Xihe Atelier! Each piece costs at least five grand!]

[As expected of the Bai family—so wealthy and influential.]

Bai Wenle continued passing out the gifts as he made his way around the group. But when he reached the last person, Qing Lin, he rummaged through his bag for quite a while, looking visibly troubled.

Seeing his expression, Qing Lin could already guess how the “plot” would unfold.

Finally, Bai Wenle looked up and said, “Oh no, I can’t believe I forgot to bring one more. I’m really sorry, Qing Lin. That was careless of me.”

What an obvious move.

Qing Lin simply replied that it was fine. Then he heard Bai Wenle add, “But we’re both UP hosts, so I’m sure we’ll run into each other again. I’ll give you yours to you next time.”

Su Mingxuan asked, “You’re a UP host too, Wenle?”

“Yeah,” Bai Wenle nodded. “I’m a gaming UP host, but I’m nowhere near Qing Lin’s level. I only placed second on BiliBili’s contribution leaderboard this time.”

With a playful smile, he added, “I really admire Qing Lin. I’ve never seen a UP host with just double-digit followers take the top spot. That’s what you call raw talent~”

Then, Bai Wenle suddenly turned to Qing Lin with an exaggerated look of surprise.
“Oh, wait. That’s right! You’re not in the double digits anymore! Congratulations, Qing Lin, you finally hit ten thousand followers on Bilibili! What a milestone. Coincidentally, I just passed four million. We should definitely film a collab video to celebrate!”

[Is Bai Wenle being a little too harsh on Qing Lin…?]

[Seriously. There’s no way Bai Wenle joined this show without a reason. Qing Lin must’ve done something shady. I bet the contribution rankings on Bilibili were rigged. Wenle probably came to fix the numbers and put this low-tier UP host in his place.]

[So intense! I’m loving the drama! Just imagining them both going on a date with SXZ is making my heart race!]

Qing Lin could tell this kid was pulling out all the stops to try and knock him down.

Unfortunately for Bai Wenle, Qing Lin couldn’t care less.

Even after everything Bai Wenle said, he didn’t take offense. On the contrary, he felt that most of it was true.

Watching the smug, self-satisfied look on Wenle’s face, the kind that screamed “I totally won!”, Qing Lin calmly nodded and said, “Thanks. And congrats to you too. Keep up the good work.”

Bai Wenle: “…”

Wait. Something felt off.

Wasn’t Qing Lin supposed to be humiliated? Flustered? Too embarrassed to even talk?

Was it… not harsh enough?

But that was all he had prepared. He couldn’t think of anything else on the spot.

So, Bai Wenle quickly switched gears. “Xu-ge, come eat with me. It’s been so long since we had a meal together~”

Shen Xuzhi, who had been standing right next to Qing Lin this whole time, had no idea what kind of drama Bai Wenle was trying to stir up.

But just then, he noticed a scratch on Qing Lin’s elbow. Gently taking his arm, he asked,
“How did this happen?”

Qing Lin glanced down. “Hmm… not sure. Might’ve scraped it on the doorknob earlier.”

Shen Xuzhi frowned slightly. “It’s bleeding.”

He turned to the other guests. “I’ll take Qing Lin to get this treated. You guys go ahead and chat for now.”

Qing Lin lifted a hand to stop him. “It’s fine. Just a scratch, nothing serious.”

Shen Xuzhi replied firmly, “No. It’s fairly deep. It needs to be cleaned properly. I don’t want you getting a scar.”

Behind them, Bai Wenle was completely baffled.

Wait—why was Xu-ge acting like Qing Lin had broken his arm? It was just a scrape! And why was Shen-ge treating him like he was some fragile little doll?

And also… why was Xu-ge ignoring him again?

Bai Wenle blinked hard and shot Shen Xuzhi a series of intense looks, practically yelling “Say something!” with his eyes.

As Shen Xuzhi helped Qing Lin out of the room, their eyes finally met.

Bai Wenle’s face was full of longing, and he threw in an exaggerated wink, as if to say, “Talk to me!”

Shen Xuzhi, voice flat, finally said, “Go home. Stop making a scene on the show.”

Bai Wenle: “…………”

[AAAAAHHHH ShenLin Moment!!]

[I’m dying. “I don’t want you to scar”??? Too sweet!! Protectiveness level MAX! This trio is pure gold!]

[Looks like Xu-ge and Wenle go way back. He even told him to go home LOL.]

[Shen Xuzhi: Kid, go home. Stop interrupting me and your future in-law.]

Shen Xuzhi led Qing Lin out of the filming area. An assistant came over with a first aid kit.

“I’ll take care of it,” Shen Xuzhi said, taking the kit and dismissing the assistant.

He gently dabbed iodine onto Qing Lin’s wound. “Does it hurt?”

“No,” Qing Lin shook his head. After a moment’s thought, he added, “You and Bai Wenle seem pretty close.”

Shen Xuzhi focused on the wound. “Not really. Our fathers know each other, that’s all.”

“Oh.” Qing Lin pouted slightly. He didn’t really understand how these wealthy family connections worked.

“He’s just a kid, messing around on set. I’ll find someone to send him back later,” Shen Xuzhi said. “If he bothers you, come find me. I’ll protect you.”

Qing Lin chuckled softly. “It’s fine. I actually think he’s kind of cute. At least he speaks his mind unlike my little brother.”

Shen Xuzhi lowered his gaze, brow faintly furrowing. He didn’t seem surprised that Qing Lin had a younger brother.

Just then, a production crew member walked over. “Shen laoshi, Qing laoshi, are you both ready? We’re heading to the hotel now.”

The two nodded and stood up to return to the set.

—

Bai Wenle was thoroughly dissatisfied.

He had come fully expecting a sweet one-on-one date with Xu-ge. Everything had seemed perfectly planned, foolproof, even. Yet somehow, things had gone completely off script.

Now here he was, walking down the street with both of them, heading to the hotel together. What kind of absurd situation was this?

To make matters worse, strolling alongside Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin, Bai Wenle couldn’t shake the feeling that he was the unwanted third wheel.

“Guests, please get in the car,” the production staff instructed.

Shen Xuzhi stepped in first, but before Qing Lin could follow, Bai Wenle quickly stuck out an arm to block him and blurted out, “I’m getting in first! I’m sitting in the middle!”

And just like that, he plopped himself down in the seat.

Qing Lin didn’t mind in the slightest and got in after him.

At first, Bai Wenle was feeling pretty pleased with himself. But as the ride went on, something started to feel off.

Why did he feel like a giant light bulb?

That uncomfortable, crowded feeling lingered all the way to the hotel.

But the moment they arrived, Bai Wenle was instantly distracted by the suite’s luxury.

“Whoa! Guys, look! You can see the ocean from here!” he shouted, running excitedly to the floor-to-ceiling windows.

While he was lost in the view, Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin quietly settling their luggage and began checking out the suite layout.

Unfortunately, there were only two bedrooms.

[OMG three people sharing one suite?! And only two bedrooms?? Hiss hiss!]

[Obviously, the couple takes one room. The kid gets to sleep alone.]

[LMAO that’s so mean.]

Still admiring the view, Bai Wenle suddenly remembered.

Wait, he had something important to do.

He quickly walked around and confirmed that yes, there were only two rooms.

Putting on a deliberately dramatic tone, Bai Wenle said, “Oh no, just two rooms? Then I guess Xu-ge and I will each take one, and Qing Lin can crash on the sofa.”

Serves you right for getting between us.

Qing Lin glanced at the couch.

It was a French-style sofa—not very big, but just enough for one person to sleep on if necessary.

Shen Xuzhi looked over at Qing Lin and said, “Qing Lin’s had a long day. Let him have one of the rooms. I’ll sleep on the couch.”

“No way! Xu-ge, how can you sleep on the sofa?” Bai Wenle quickly objected.

Then, after a dramatic pause, he added shyly, “Well then… how about you and I share a bed, Xu-ge?”

Shen Xuzhi didn’t respond. Instead, he picked up Qing Lin’s suitcase and said, “I’ll take this to your room.”

“Hey!” Bai Wenle chased after him, rushing to block their way. “Wait, wait, wait! Let’s decide this fairly. How about we settle this fairly?”

Qing Lin said, “Let’s hear it.”

Grinning smugly, Bai Wenle proposed, “Let’s play a game. Loser sleeps on the couch. Deal?”

[This kid’s got some tricks up his sleeve.]

[LOL, a gaming UP suggesting a game to decide on sleeping arrangements? That’s totally rigged!]

[He’s about to crush them. Wonder if they’ll play LoL, PUBG, or TFT]

Qing Lin and Shen Xuzhi exchanged a glance and said, “Alright.”

Bai Wenle was convinced Qing Lin was being naive. Did he really think he could beat a gaming UP with four million followers?

In the esports world, Bai Wenle had not lost many matches.

He pulled out his phone to choose a game, thinking maybe he should take it easy, perhaps a round of PUBG, just to let Qing Lin save face.

But before he could open anything, Qing Lin casually pulled out a deck of cards from somewhere and looked at them both with an innocent expression.

“Let’s play Texas Hold’em,” he said.