The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - C17 - The Aquarium

Qing Lin had known the news would get out eventually, but he hadn’t expected it to spread this fast.

The power of the internet was truly something else.

Bai Wenle kept scrolling, his screen flooded with comments. “This was supposed to be a three-person story! Why am I being left out?!”

Then, as if a switch had flipped, he turned to Qing Lin with wide eyes and blurted, “You actually held Xu-ge’s hand?!”

“I held it,” Shen Xuzhi said calmly beside him. “Be quiet. Let’s eat.”

Bai Wenle choked on his words and sank into his seat, sulking over breakfast.

Not long after, the director team arrived to confirm the day’s schedule. Were they still heading to the aquarium?

The aquarium on Rowan Island was located on the southern peninsula. It was a famous attraction, known for having the tallest and fully transparent marine exhibit in the country and the longest underwater tunnel, making it a popular spot for couples and the perfect setting for a romantic date.

To fit the theme, the production team had even arranged a helicopter to take all three of them there.

Since it was a date segment, the production team only lightly controlled the flow of people in the area to create a more private atmosphere and did not interfere much with the guests themselves.

Once they checked in, the three of them entered the aquarium.

The live broadcast had officially begun.

[The three of them are really going at the aquarium!]

[I bought the VIP because of the ‘ShenLin Qi Jing’ trending tag. Gotta see this live!]

[Sitting here with my chair, waiting patiently~]

The aquarium on Rowan Island was beautifully designed, giving visitors the feeling of stepping into an underwater world the moment they entered. The space was dimly lit, with deep blue tones and shimmering reflections of water rippling across the walls, creating a dreamlike, immersive experience.

Spread across three expansive floors, the aquarium featured a wide range of exhibits organized by species, along with dedicated areas for hands-on interaction and educational displays.

Qing Lin paused in front of a large tank, leaning in slightly to observe the creatures inside.

A fish with a sweeping tail glided elegantly through the water, its movements slow and fluid—like a flower blooming underwater.

“That’s a Siamese fighting fish,” Shen Xuzhi leaned closer and said in a low voice. “It’s known for its striking fins and vivid colors. Beautiful, right?”

“Beautiful,” Qing Lin replied softly. His mood was visibly bright.

Turning to look at Shen Xuzhi, his eyes reflected the glimmering water around them. “This is my first time visiting an aquarium.”

Bathed in the soft glow of the tank’s light, his delicate profile looked especially serene. Shen Xuzhi smiled unconsciously. “Then let’s make the most of it.”

Behind them, Bai Wenle was rendered speechless. “You’ve never been to an aquarium? What kind of childhood did you have?”

Just you wait, fox spirit. Today, I’m going to win Xuzhi-ge back…. watch me.

According to the guide Bai Wenle had looked up, every couple visiting an aquarium had to take a signature “underwater couple photo.”

The Rowan Island aquarium was known for its thoughtful couple-friendly amenities. Nearly every major exhibit featured a designated photo area, complete with professional staff ready to capture the perfect moment.

Following the map, Bai Wenle soon located one of these spots. A circular jellyfish exhibit.

The scene was magical. Elegant, translucent jellyfish floated through the water like ethereal spirits, their gentle movements casting a serene, otherworldly glow. It was the perfect backdrop for couples to stand close, lost in each other’s eyes beneath the soft, dreamlike light.

“Xu-ge!” Bai Wenle called out, waving excitedly. “Let’s take pictures here!”

Qing Lin and Shen Xuzhi lagged behind, clearly in no hurry to join him.

The staff photographer, an older part-timer unfamiliar with the show’s cast, smiled warmly and lifted his camera. “Hey, handsome! Your brother’s calling you over!”

Bai Wenle froze on the spot.

Before he could say anything, the photographer added with good intentions, “It’s a couple’s photo spot, but brothers can take photos too!”

Bai Wenle: “…”

[Hahahahahahahahaha I’m crying!]

[Double kill! LOL]

[Imagine going on a date and getting called brothers. This is too tragic.]

[But let’s be honest. Lele and Xu-ge standing together looks wholesome. Xu-ge with Qing Lin? That feels R-rated the moment the camera turns off.]

Shen Xuzhi frowned. “Take the photo yourself.”

But before he could turn away, Bai Wenle flashed a mischievous grin and called out in a sugary voice, “Darling~ come take a picture with me~”

Everyone, including Qing Lin, Shen Xuzhi, and the staff, froze in stunned silence.

Shen Xuzhi’s expression instantly clouded. He turned on his heel and walked away without a word.

Bai Wenle quickly ran after him. “Why won’t you take pictures with me?”

Shen Xuzhi didn’t even glance his way, his voice cold. “What kind of nonsense are you spouting now?”

“Well, we’re dating, aren’t we? If we’re dating, that makes you my boyfriend, right? So calling you ‘darling’ is totally justified, no?”

[Lele has no fear! We’re backing you all the way!]

[That’s peak Bai Wenle logic. 10 out of 10.]

[I’m laughing so hard I can’t breathe!]

Shen Xuzhi turned to look at Qing Lin.

Qing Lin was quietly watching the fish, his face calm and distant as always, showing no reaction, like he hadn’t heard a thing.

After a pause, Shen Xuzhi asked, “Where do you want to go next?”

“Let’s keep exploring,” Bai Wenle answered cheerfully.

And so, the three of them continued their stroll through the aquarium.

Up ahead was the aquarium’s most iconic attraction—a massive ocean-viewing tank that spanned two floors. A ten-meter-high glass wall offered a sweeping view of a tranquil marine world.

Here, one could quietly admire whale sharks and rays gliding by at a leisurely pace, as if floating through the air.

“Wow… it’s beautiful.” Qing Lin came to a stop, completely mesmerized.

[It really is stunning.]

[Look at Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin’s silhouettes! It’s so romantic! This place is indeed a great place for couples.]

“There’s an interactive zone up ahead,” Bai Wenle said, glancing down at the map.

“Interactive zone?” Qing Lin asked.

“Yeah, just things like feeding the fish, watching seal shows, petting dolphins…” Bai Wenle shrugged casually. “Honestly, kind of boring.”

But when he turned around, he was met with Qing Lin’s wide, curious eyes blinking at him.

Bai Wenle: “…”

Wait a second…Was he actually serious about never having been to an aquarium?

A lightbulb lit up in Bai Wenle’s mind. If Qing Lin went to the interactive zone, he could drag Xu-ge along too and that would finally leave him with some alone time. Perfect.

“Actually, it’s really fun!” Bai Wenle quickly backtracked. “You should give it a try. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience. The dolphins especially, they’re super smooth and fun to touch.”

Qing Lin nodded. “Oh? Then I’d like to see it.”

“Great! You should go now before it gets crowded. I already tried it before, so I’ll sit this one out.” Bai Wenle kept his tone light, though he was secretly thrilled.

Once Qing Lin walked off, Bai Wenle straightened up and turned to Shen Xuzhi. “So, Xu-ge, shall we—”

But Shen Xuzhi was nowhere to be seen.

“…Wait, where did he go?” Bai Wenle glanced around, confused.

A nearby cameraman leaned over and whispered, “It seems like Shen Laoshi got a call. Said it was urgent.”

Bai Wenle: “…”

What kind of ridiculous excuse is that?

He didn’t want to be left alone either, so he gritted his teeth and strode toward the interactive zone. “Hey, Qing Lin, wait up!”