The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - C24 - Dedication

“Ahhhhhhh!” The screams rang out in unison, excitement lighting up every face in the room.

Bai Wenle and Jiang Wen exchanged bewildered glances; they hadn’t expected their opponent to be so formidable. For a moment, they weren’t sure whether to join in the screaming or just stand there in stunned silence.

[Ahhhhhh, help!!]

[ShenLin is my lifetime OTP! Ahhh! I’m dying from shipping, killed by the excitement!]

[Qing Lin is way too good at it! How can he be so flirty and still look so calm? It’s criminally charming!]

[The other two lost so badly, they couldn’t even be compared. If I were them, I’d be head over heels too.]

Shen Xuzhi froze for a second, his gaze falling on the wristband showing a 0.2℃ rise in body temperature. For the first time, his composure wavered.

Had his feelings… been exposed?

But Qing Lin’s wristband also rose.

Could it be that….

Qing Lin had finally realized something?

“Wow, that’s so romantic,” Hong Shanyue said with a teasing smile. “So, Xuzhi, who will you choose?”

From the back, Ning Yian, her voice thick with emotion, suddenly shouted, “Isn’t it obvious? Of course it’s Qing Lin!” Her eyes glistened, as though she might cry at any moment.

Laughter and cheers filled the space, a chorus of good-natured teasing. The answer seemed plain enough, yet everyone still leaned forward, waiting for Shen Xuzhi’s choice.

Shen Xuzhi turned to look at the boy beside him.

Qing Lin’s delicate features curved into a warm smile, amber eyes as clear as sunlight through glass. His entire presence radiated an easy gentleness.

Shen Xuzhi’s heart suddenly raced.

It felt like an illusion—an illusion he desperately wished was real.

He stepped toward the vase.

Inside, two roses stood together, their stems neatly tied—a pair that Qing Lin had given him.

Lifting them carefully, Shen Xuzhi brought them to his lips and kissed the petals with deliberate tenderness.

Whether his words were staged for the cameras or born from the depths of his heart, his tone carried a quiet sincerity.

“I choose true love.”

With that, the mutual selection segment came to an end. Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin, now officially a matched pair, were sent off to check in at a luxury hotel.

They arrived with their luggage in tow, and it was clear the place outshone their previous accommodation by a mile. The living room was lavishly decorated, with a 24-hour food service just a call away. A large, plush sofa dominated the space, big enough for two people to lounge—or even sleep—comfortably.

“Is this the room I’m staying in?” Qing Lin asked, pointing toward the door on the right side of the living room.

Shen Xuzhi gave a small nod and stepped forward to help carry Qing Lin’s luggage into the room. “We’re off-camera now, so you can relax.”

The livestream had already ended; from this point on, any footage would be gathered quietly by the hotel’s cameras for later editing.

Shen Xuzhi and Hong Shanyue had made special arrangements, temporarily covering all the hotel cameras so Qing Lin could rest properly, with any needed footage to be made up later.

Qing Lin entered the room, placed his suitcase beside the bed, then hurried to the desk and switched on his laptop.

Just one wall away, Shen Xuzhi sat on the edge of his bed, a faint warmth settling in his chest.

In his hand, the temperature wristband glowed softly, the two bright red rose icons vivid against the screen. His mind drifted back to their date earlier that day. Qing Lin’s every gesture, every glance. So well-behaved, so impossibly cute. He had even taken the initiative to hug him, his entire body warm and soft against his own. And then… he had called him “boyfriend.”

The memory made Shen Xuzhi’s heartbeat quicken. The wristband’s temperature had risen too

Could it be… Qing Lin had truly fallen for him?

Finally, finally fallen for him.

The thought sent a quiet wave of surprise and elation through him, like a buoy gently rising to the surface of a still lake.

An irresistible urge took hold. He wanted to see Qing Lin right now and tell him on his mind.

So, he raised his hand and knocked on Qing Lin’s door. “Qing Lin, are you free right now?”

At the desk inside, fingers tapping quickly across the keyboard, Qing Lin paused and glanced up. When his gaze landed on Shen Xuzhi, his lips curved into a bright smile. “Mr. Shen, I was just about to come find you.”

Shen Xuzhi’s heartbeat skipped. He could only watch as the very person who had occupied his thoughts all evening bounded toward him, gently pulling him toward the chair opposite the desk.

Qing Lin stood beside the table, the white glow of the incandescent light outlining his delicate features, making his face seem even softer, almost luminous. “I’ve been looking for a chance to tell you this for a while now, Mr. Shen.”

A flicker of nervousness passed through Shen Xuzhi.

Were they… about to confess to each other?

It felt a little sudden, but—

Then he watched as Qing Lin turned the computer around. On the screen was a simple yet elegant PowerPoint slide, its title reading—

“ShenLin CP Public Opinion Trend Analysis and Data Summary Report”

Shen Xuzhi: “?”

Clearing his throat, Qing Lin began, “As of 7 p.m. today, the CP between you and me, which was ‘ShenLin’, has reached 1.465 million interactions in the Weibo CP Super Topic, with 7.9 billion reads. It has trended 18 times under CP-related hashtags and currently ranks first on the Follow Heart Most Popular CP list.”

On the screen, bar and line charts illustrated the data.

“This makes it easier to see the growth trend,” Qing Lin explained.

The stir in Shen Xuzhi’s heart went cold in an instant.

?

Qing Lin cleared his throat and began in an even, professional tone. “I’ve compiled the main keywords that spiked our data. First is the Pocky Kiss. Second, Mr. Shen’s back hug. Third, watching the movie Watching the Tides. And fourth was me calling you ‘boyfriend.’”

He gestured toward the slide. “Mm, tonight’s wristband temperature trend during mutual selection was also excellent. At this growth rate, it should soon surpass the movie-watching spike.”

Shen Xuzhi: “…”

What on earth was this supposed to be?

Qing Lin paused, his voice turning pointed. “Oh, and Mr. Shen, you must remember—this temperature wristband can only be worn with me.”

Shen Xuzhi raised an eyebrow.

So… it did have some special meaning after all?

“I adjusted the settings,” Qing Lin explained matter-of-factly. “As long as the two wristbands are within twenty centimeters of each other, the temperature will automatically rise by zero point two degrees. So, you must never, ever give yours to someone else. Otherwise, it’ll be exposed.”

Shen Xuzhi: “…………”

Qing Lin continued speaking with earnest focus, carrying on his detailed “client” presentation.

It was clear he had plenty of experience making slideshows back in college. The layout was sleek and well-organized, the content blending text and visuals in a way that was both intuitive and concise, each point stacking neatly on the last.

If this PPT had been a company’s quarterly report, it would have earned unanimous praise and approval.
But in this particular situation, however, it was enough to make Shen Xuzhi want to die of sheer frustration on the spot.

“I used MATLAB for data analysis and made a general forecast of future trends. If needed, I can also prepare a detailed optimization plan for the development of our contractual CP.”

He clicked to the last slide, where a large Thank you for listening filled the screen in bold, eye-catching font.

“No matter what, Mr. Shen, we fought our first battle beautifully!” Qing Lin stood there with his usual well-behaved air, brows and eyes soft yet bright, his entire expression glowing with energy. Then he delivered the final blow. “Are you satisfied?”

Shen Xuzhi: “………………”

Remarkable.

In just thirty minutes, not a single thing had gone the way he’d imagined.

He was speechless.

His mood was somehow even more tangled than when he’d first walked in.

In front of the camera, this kid was smooth and flawless, yet offstage, he cast him aside without the slightest hesitation.

Fine.

Quite the actor, aren’t you?

At least he’s dedicated to the job.

A truly… excellent business partner.

“I’m very satisfied.” Shen Xuzhi leaned back in his chair, his posture relaxed and lazy, but his presence still sharp and commanding. His dark eyes fixed on Qing Lin as he tapped the desk twice, his voice slow and deliberate. “I expect you to maintain this and double your efforts…”

“Client.” The words carried a peculiar undertone, but Qing Lin only took them at face value, reading them as nothing more than encouragement to keep working hard.

“Thank you, Mr. Shen.” Closing his laptop, Qing Lin looked up at him.

Still thinking the client might be dissatisfied with the numbers, Qing Lin hesitated then pulled out his phone. A quick glance showed that the Weibo post about the gift he’d made earlier had already passed a hundred thousand likes.

He immediately turned to poke Shen Xuzhi’s arm. “Hey, Mr. Shen, repost my Weibo. Say whatever you want. This could be our chance to land a trending tag.”

The reply came instantly. “No.”

Qing Lin: “?”

Shen Xuzhi sat cross-legged in the chair, his slightly furrowed brows carrying a chill of indifference.

His eyes were lowered, their dark hue tinged with ice, his gaze faint and distant. The sharp refinement of his profile stood out even more, and the air around him seemed to drop by two degrees.

Qing Lin asked, “Then… shall we talk about other plans?”

The reply was still the same. “Don’t want to talk.”

Pressing his lips together, Qing Lin hesitated before trying again. “Then… do you want some ice cream?”

Shen Xuzhi lowered his head, his voice dull and low. “Don’t want to eat.”

There was no mistaking it. He wasn’t just unhappy, he was in a foul mood.

Without another word, he rose to his feet, his face dark, and strode past Qing Lin without so much as a glance. “I’m going back.”

Qing Lin nodded. “Oh, okay.”

Shen Xuzhi: “.”

Not even the slightest attempt to stop him.

The corners of Shen Xuzhi’s eyes lowered, shadowed with a hint of hostility. Without a backward glance, he strode out of Qing Lin’s room.

Back in his own suite, he headed straight for the bathroom. Bracing both hands on the sink, he drew in a long breath before lifting his gaze—and the reflection staring back at him was as cold and unyielding as ice.

Irritated, he ran a hand through his damp bangs, then caught hold of the loose collar of his T-shirt. With a slight bend of his back, he stripped it off in one motion, tossed it aside, and stepped into the shower.

The shower room was spacious, the water pressure from the showerhead strong and steady. Warm streams cascaded from the showerhead, tracing a path from his forehead down the curve of his neck and along the lines of his waist before splashing onto the floor, mist curling against the glass.

Expressionless, Shen Xuzhi reached out and turned the handle, dropping the temperature by a degree.

That guy, Qing Lin, always saying “no, no” while teasing him to death, only to turn around and hand him a neat little report, claiming it was all for the sake of the contract.

Even though the logic was flawless.

Still… seriously.

He didn’t know how long he stood there, but eventually the chill of the water dulled the heat in his head. Only a little. The tight knot in his chest refused to fully ease—what he’d thought might be his long-awaited chance to finally speak his heart had been crushed without mercy.

Aggravating.

Stepping out of the bathroom, Shen Xuzhi decided there was no point trying to sleep tonight.

But when Shen Xuzhi glanced toward the door, he froze. At some point, Qing Lin had appeared, peeking his small head through the open doorway he had forgotten to close.

Their eyes met. Shen Xuzhi halted mid-motion, towel in hand.

He stood there half-naked—only a bath towel slung low around his waist, chest bare and damp, abs taut, faint veins tracing his arms, droplets sliding from his hair down to his shoulders.

In moments like this, both sides were supposed to freeze, followed by the intruder blushing furiously and looking away.

But not Qing Lin.

His expression remained perfectly composed, as if Shen Xuzhi were nothing more than a live model in a figure drawing class. With cheerful nonchalance, he said, “Mr. Shen, you just took a shower, huh?”

Shen Xuzhi: “…”

Qing Lin’s gaze swept briefly over the broad, well-defined muscles before he lifted the small plate in his hand. “They can deliver food here. I figured you didn’t want ice cream, so I brought you a slice of tiramisu instead.”

He walked in, set the dessert on the shelf by the wall, and added, “Not sure if you’ll like it. I just tried a bite. It’s a little sweet.”

Shen Xuzhi wasn’t sure if he should reach for a shirt or simply stay as he was. Qing Lin, apparently, didn’t care either way.

“Well then, Shen Laoshi, rest well. We can talk about the date before filming tomorrow.” His tone was so casual, so natural, as if none of this was remotely out of the ordinary. He gave a polite nod and walked out.

Shen Xuzhi stood frozen for two full seconds before turning on his heel and heading straight back into the bathroom.

He braced his hands on the sink, staring at the mirror. Firm muscles. Smooth lines. Top-tier physique. No question.

What the hell.

Seriously—what the hell.

Not even the faintest flicker of reaction from Qing Lin?

Lowering his head, Shen Xuzhi stayed there for several long minutes, questioning his entire existence.

Somehow, it only made him feel worse.

Changing into pajamas, he downed the glass of water on his nightstand in one go.

Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the sea stretched into the night, its dark expanse melting seamlessly into the horizon.

The cold, silent moon hung above the sea, its light spilling generously across the water and into the room, wrapping Shen Xuzhi in a pale, soft haze.

A few glasses of cold water later, his throat somehow felt even drier.

He sat on the edge of the bed, swirling the last mouthful in his glass. His gaze drifted toward the moon as his fingertips brushed over the twin roses Qing Lin had carved into the temperature wristband.

The lights were off. The door was closed. His mood felt locked away in ice.

All of this, of course, was his own doing.

His eyes shifted to the slice of tiramisu sitting untouched on the shelf. He’d already said he didn’t want it.

His deep, dark gaze betrayed no hint of feeling.

Ignoring it, he lay down, staring at the ceiling, thoughts blank. Time seemed to stretch, slow and heavy.

But eventually, he got up.

Carrying the plate back to bed, he settled against the headboard, the faint moonlight pooling over his shoulders.

The night was meant to be quiet anyway.

He took a bite and frowned.

“Too sweet.”

And yet, even as he muttered about the sweetness, he finished the entire slice.

—————————————————————————————-

The next morning, Qing Lin knocked on Shen Xuzhi’s door.

Surprisingly, Shen Xuzhi hadn’t gone for his morning run. He hadn’t even changed clothes or tidied himself up. When he opened the door, faint dark circles shadowed his eyes.

“Good morning,” Qing Lin greeted.

“Mm.” Shen Xuzhi replied indifferently.

“My cameras are already rolling over there. Can I come into your room?” Qing Lin asked.

Shen Xuzhi met those bright, blinking eyes and hesitated for three long seconds before stepping aside. “Come in.”

“Thank you, Mr. Shen.”

Qing Lin stepped inside. The layout was almost identical to his own room.

Shen Xuzhi, still tired from a restless night, sat down on the bed and rubbed his slightly dazed eyes.

Qing Lin stood beside him, scrolling through his phone.

“You’re not going to sit?” Shen Xuzhi asked, glancing up.

“Oh, it’s fine, Mr. Shen. I’ll just stand for a bit.”

The air pressure around Shen Xuzhi, already low from just waking up, dropped another notch.

So off camera, he couldn’t even be bothered to sit next to him?

Today was their second date. Worried they might not have time to discuss plans in the morning, Qing Lin had carefully prepared several alternative itineraries for Shen Xuzhi to choose from.

Opening his notes, Qing Lin began, “Mr. Shen, about today’s date, I have a few suggestions. First, the Lover’s Stone at Nanshan Mountain. The seaside view there is beautiful; it’s considered the top dating spot on Rowan Island. Second, Xiqi’s natural park, since it’s summer, boating there feels like drifting through an emerald wonderland. Third, the Shian Art Museum. I’ve heard couples who tour it can receive a pair of commemorative necklaces. And one more, something Nan Yu-jie mentioned yesterday, there’s a rock-climbing club at the foot of Nanshan, which has been really popular lately for outdoor climbs.”

Looking at him expectantly, Qing Lin asked, “Mr. Shen, where would you like to go?”

Sitting on the bed, listening to the long list of options, Shen Xuzhi felt an unexpected headache coming on.

Hmm. Was it just his imagination?

Wasn’t this supposed to be a date?

Why did it feel like a secretary was reporting an itinerary?

Tilting his chin slightly, Shen Xuzhi countered, “Where do you want to go?”

“Me?” Qing Lin thought for a moment. “Hmm… I think the Lover’s Stone and the natural park are both nice, and the art museum sounds good too.”

After a pause, he added, “But I wouldn’t really recommend rock climbing. While it’s interesting, it’s not very suitable.”

“Alright,” Shen Xuzhi replied evenly, “then let’s go rock-climbing.”

Qing Lin: “?”

Shen Xuzhi stood up, went to his suitcase to get clothes, and began changing. “Well, you said it was interesting.”

He dressed quickly, picked up the gold-rimmed glasses from the table, and slid them on, pushing back his tousled bangs.

Qing Lin was a little taken aback.

Last time, their date destination had been decided casually, so this time he’d put more thought into it, hoping Shen Xuzhi would genuinely enjoy himself. He hadn’t expected him to choose rock climbing.

Was it because Mr. Shen liked sports?

Rock climbing… wasn’t exactly ideal for a couple’s first date. But rock climbing it would be—sure to be a lot of fun, and something Mr. Shen would likely excel at.

As he considered this, Qing Lin’s eyes fell on the empty cake plate on the nightstand, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.

Shen Xuzhi noticed and turned to ask, “What is the matter?”

Qing Lin shook his head, his brows and eyes curving as he smiled sweetly. “I just feel like, no matter where I go on a date with Mr. Shen, it’ll always be fun.”

After saying that, he left, leaving Shen Xuzhi alone in the room, momentarily stunned.

Sitting back down on the bed, Shen Xuzhi replayed that sentence over and over in his mind. Eventually, he buried his head between his knees, the tips of his ears already turning red.

Ah, seriously.

What was he supposed to do?

______________________________________________________________________________

The green mountains blurred past as the program’s van made its way toward the rock-climbing club nestled at the foot of Nanshan Mountain.

[I’m here! If it’s Shen-Lin in the flesh, I’m in!]

[Xu-ge and little Lin are both in sportswear today. What are they going to do?]

[Aaaah little Lin is so pretty, and Xu-ge’s muscles are making me drool, hiss hiss]

Today, Shen Xuzhi wore the matching sports outfit the show’s stylist had picked out for him and Qing Lin. The stylist had swept his hair back, exposing his forehead and lending him a mature, capable look. Qing Lin’s preparation had taken even longer. The stylist had carefully applied two layers of sunscreen to protect his delicate skin from the summer sun, knowing they’d be outside.

The two sat side by side, and no matter how you looked at it, they made a perfect pair.

[Are they driving up the mountain?]

[Say something, you two! You haven’t said a single word!]

[Don’t tell me you’re shy because it’s your first date alone together?]

Indeed, since getting into the car, Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin hadn’t exchanged a single word.

The atmosphere felt unusually quiet.

The mountain road was winding and bumpy, the van swaying with each turn.

Qing Lin’s phone slipped from his hand and fell to the floor. As he bent down to retrieve it, the driver suddenly slammed on the brakes. The sudden stop threw him forward, and just as he was about to collide with the back of the seat in front, a hand shielded his head.

Shen Xuzhi leaned over, his arm cushioning the impact. “Careful.”

With their bodies so close, it almost felt like a half-embrace. Then, a subtle scent of citrus slowly wove through Qing Lin’s senses.

He didn’t thank him right away. Instead, he blurted out, “You smell just like me.”

It was a line charged with flirtation—when two people’s scents align, it’s said their souls are in harmony.

But Shen Xuzhi simply straightened him up and replied calmly, “We’re both using the hotel’s.”

Qing Lin: “…”

Qing Lin was left speechless, the words catching in his throat as the silence settled back in.

Meanwhile, the live chat continued scrolling by.

[Ah Zhi, Ah Zhi, Ah Zhi — did a door hit your head? Do you know what you just said??]

[Hahahahahahahahahahahahahaha]

[Hahaha why are you suddenly acting so straight-up? Look at Qing Lin’s speechless face]

Before long, they arrived at the rock-climbing club.

The camera followed them into a green jungle, where a tall cliff face rose before them. Only a few people had arrived so far, and the crew was busy managing the crowd. Still, several visitors recognized Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin.

[Nice, they’re really have a great sense of romance. Going rock climbing]

[Hahahaha rock climbing hahaha]

[Qing Lin going rock climbing? With those skinny arms and legs, there’s no way he can make it to the top. Isn’t this just for show?]

“Hi, are you two here to try rock climbing? I’m Coach Vincent,” said a muscular coach. “Let’s start over here. I’ll give you a quick introduction, then we’ll get you geared up.”

After the brief rundown, Qing Lin and Shen Xuzhi were led to the base of the cliff to put on their equipment.

“Remember,” Coach Vincent reminded them, “always clip into the safety rope properly while climbing. I’ve chosen ropes with the right length and stiffness for each of you. I’ll teach you one at a time. Who wants to go first?”

Qing Lin’s gaze swept over the jagged rock wall before turning to Shen Xuzhi.
“Shen Laoshi, can you climb rocks?” he asked.

Shen Xuzhi’s reply was simple, almost casual. “A little.”

[I’ve seen Shen Xuzhi on a competition show where he did rock climbing, without any protective gear or ropes, free solo climbing. Damn, it was so cool!]

Qing Lin said, “Then Shen Laoshi, you go first. I’ll learn from the sidelines.”

With a small nod, Shen Xuzhi began putting on his gear. His posture was naturally straight, every movement precise. The slightly snug shirt traced the lines of his body, the smooth taper of his “mermaid line,” the balanced strength in his muscles. His hair, swept back, left his cold, sharp brows and eyes fully exposed.

He dusted his hands with chalk, rolled his neck, and in that moment, there was something more fierce, more untamed, about him than usual.

[Ahhh, Xu-ge looks so wild!]

[I’m dead! He could give Lin Lin a whole army of kids, hehe.]

Shen Xuzhi stepped forward, gripped the first hold, and began to climb. Following the planned route, he scaled the wall with an ease that seemed almost effortless, until finally, he reached the top.

From below, Qing Lin clapped and called up with genuine delight, “Shen Laoshi, you’re amazing!”

Vincent said. “Wow… this is totally professional level. Impressive. Your arm strength is fantastic.”

Shen Xuzhi landed back on the ground and caught sight of the little guy bouncing toward him. A faint brightness softened his usually indifferent features. “Really amazing!” Qing Lin beamed.

A small ease settled over Shen Xuzhi’s mood. If not for the chalk and dirt on his hands, he might have reached out to ruffle Qing Lin’s soft, fluffy hair.

“I want to try too,” Qing Lin said.

“I can…” Shen Xuzhi began, but the words died halfway.

Before he could finish, Qing Lin had already turned away, calling out over his shoulder, “Vincent, can you teach me?”

Shen Xuzhi blinked. “…?”

He hadn’t even touched Qing Lin when he saw him run off toward Vincent.

His hand, still half-raised, hung awkwardly in the air.

He was quite puzzled.

He could easily teach the basics himself.

Why did he run off?

[Hahaha, the wife ran away!]

[Lin Lin, your husband can teach you… he really wants to.]

Qing Lin was already fastening his gear and Vincent stepped forward, looping a rope securely around his waist.

This rope is for your protection,” Vincent explained. “If you get tired, just let go, and it’ll bring you back down.”

He continued, “When climbing, keep your body relaxed. Use three points of contact to steady your center of gravity. Hands grip to balance, feet move flexibly in coordination.”

Qing Lin listened intently, nodding. “Wow, that’s really professional.”

“Basically, it’s these few points…” Vincent began, but his gaze flicked to a dust mark on Qing Lin’s shirt. He reached out to brush it away…

…when a sudden pull spun Qing Lin around. Darkness briefly covered his vision, and then something settled onto his head. Shen Xuzhi stood close, his eyes lowered, fitting a helmet snugly over Qing Lin’s hair.

His hands moved with quiet precision—adjusting, fastening the strap, then sweeping away the strands falling into Qing Lin’s eyes.

“You also need to wear a helmet,” Shen Xuzhi said in a deep, steady voice, “and make sure all safety precautions are in place.”

“That’s right, that’s also important,” Vincent said.

Vincent caught the faint shadow in Shen Xuzhi’s expression, a quiet dimming, as if he’d wanted to be more involved with Qing Lin.

So, Vincent encouraged, “I think your boyfriend can teach you, he’s really good.”

The words “boyfriend” triggered Qing Lin. He quickly looked up and said to Shen Xuzhi, “Shen Laoshi, will you teach me?”

“No,” Shen Xuzhi replied, his tone flat, almost cool. A faint frown shadowed his face as he stepped back. “After all, I’m good, but not professional.”

[Is Qing Lin too focused on climbing? Ah Zhi seems a little unhappy.]

[Hey, Xu-ge is throwing a tantrum. Lin Lin, go comfort him.]

[Shen Xuzhi: Wife didn’t want me to teach earlier, I’m aggrieved, I need comforting.]

Qing Lin adjusted the last of his gear, hesitating only briefly before saying, “Then… maybe I’ll try it first?”

And that was when the chat began to spiral into chaos.

[Rock climbing needs skill and strength. What’s the use of just knowing the basics? Seriously, we know you’re a top student, but no need to build a fake image here. Just be the weak genius type. Don’t try to act tough. Careful you don’t fall.]

[If you can’t climb, humbly ask for help. No need to act tough and set up another fake persona. You’ll only embarrass yourself.]

[Shen Xuzhi wants to teach you, but you won’t soften up? Are you trying to establish some independent self-image? Cleverness can be dangerous.]

[+1 Our school’s top students rarely exercise, let alone rock climb. Qing Lin’s not suitable for this.]

Vincent looked at Qing Lin’s slender back and thought the same. “Well, if you can climb two sections, that’s already good. You look so thin…”

But before he could finish, Qing Lin gripped the rock and pulled himself up in one smooth motion.

[?]

He stepped firmly onto the next hold, reaching upward and using controlled strength to ascend another step.

His movements were careful yet swift, each grip chosen deliberately.

His arms were surprisingly strong, slim and soft when relaxed, but when exerting force, lean muscles appeared with beautifully defined contours.

Young, calm, and full of vigor.

[Ahhh, my little Lin is so cool at rock climbing! Little Lin is not weak at all!]

[Wow, he actually knows how to climb! I thought he was just pretending, but he’s really strong. He must work out regularly.]

[OMG I’m shocked. One more reason to love my little Lin.]

Shen Xuzhi’s eyes remained fixed on Qing Lin, worry flickering in his gaze at the thought that Qing Lin might suddenly lose his strength.

Not far away, another couple was making their way up the wall. The girl had barely reached a fifth of the height when her strength gave out. Trembling, she clung to the rock and cried out, “I’m so scared! How do I get down?”

“You can jump,” her boyfriend called out. “I’ll catch you!”

With a deep breath, the girl finally let go, and the rope lowered her gently until she landed safely in her boyfriend’s waiting arms.

So, does that mean Shen Xuzhi could do the same later?

When he glanced back, Qing Lin was already at the top, beaming down. “Shen Laoshi! I’ve reached the spot you just got to!”

Shen Xuzhi tilted his head back, half-ready to call for him to jump, already picturing catching him, solid and warm, in his arms.

But instead of hesitating or calling for help, Qing Lin gripped the rope in both hands and, without warning, leapt down on his own.

Shen Xuzhi was left speechless. “.”

Landing lightly on the ground, Qing Lin dusted off the dirt on his hands, his cheeks flushed from the rush of movement.

Then, he ran over to Shen Xuzhi, proudly saying, “Shen Laoshi! I came down just like you did earlier. Am I awesome?”

The camera was still rolling as Shen Xuzhi replied, “Very awesome.”

Though in truth, it hardly needed to be said.

Vincent was equally excited. “Wow, your landing technique is incredible.”

Then he added, “This could even be made into a video tutorial for beginners. I’ve been teaching beginner climbing classes lately, and your technique would make a perfect demonstration.”

In Shen Xuzhi’s mind, calm and jealousy intertwined, forming a sharp edge. Even under the blazing sun, a chill lingered within him.

The production team had noticed something was off with Shen Xuzhi and handed him some cards quietly, saying, “Shen Laoshi, these are suggestions for couple interactions. You might want to take a look.”

Shen Xuzhi took the cards, glanced through them, and his gaze somewhat darkened.

Qing Lin seemed to have discovered the joy of climbing, so caught up in it he almost forgot they were on a date.

Excited, he said, “Shen Laoshi, there’s a spot over there where two people can climb together!”

There was no immediate response.

Only when he turned did he see Shen Xuzhi watching him. His sleeves rolled up high, revealing corded muscles along his arms. The bridge of his nose cast a sharp shadow under the sunlight, his features sculpted into something dangerously masculine.

Shen Xuzhi’s gaze lowered slightly, casually scanning before settling on the young man’s flushed face.

Qing Lin suddenly felt a tightening in his chest and instinctively grew nervous.

He quickly looked away, words spilling out faster than usual. “Let’s rest for a bit first, Shen Laoshi. I’ll get you some water….”

He turned to leave, but his wrist was grabbed.

A long, broad hand clasped his slender wrist, the touch hotter than the blazing sun.

Shen Xuzhi paused briefly, as if the movement lagged, more like suppressing desire.

He slowly lowered his hand, lightly brushing the back of Qing Lin’s, slipping into his small, warm palm, gently stroking the reddened fingertips.

The sensation was like a faint, intoxicating warmth.

Qing Lin turned back, caught in the depth of those still, dark eyes.

Shen Xuzhi spoke calmly, as if commenting on the weather.

But the words carried a hint of grievance, urgency, and restless longing.

Mostly, it came suddenly, without reason or warning.

It reached Qing Lin even faster than the citrus-sweet scent that flooded his senses.

“Do you want to kiss me?”