The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - C34 - Cheongsam

Qing Lin truly didn’t want to do it.

He knew it was a punishment, one he couldn’t refuse no matter what, but still… he had never once in his life worn a dress.

The barrage of comments online flared instantly.

[Ahhhh! cheongsam play unlock!!]

[Production team, you are my gods!]

[Look at Shen Laoshi’s glowing eyes. He’s definitely thinking about all kinds of cough cough things]

Of course, Shen Xuzhi wanted—no, needed—to see Qing Lin in a cheongsam. Yet when he caught the flicker of hesitation in Qing Lin’s eyes, he actually turned to the production team and asked, his tone calm but firm, “Can the punishment be changed?”

It was almost as if the staff had been waiting for this question. With perfectly timed cruelty, they produced another card. “You can purchase a substitution card for 1,500 pesos.”

Qing Lin fell silent. As if they even had that kind of money.

He let out a helpless complaint, his brows tightening. “This show charges for everything…”

The assistant director’s voice floated in with impeccable timing: “If you wear it, the reward will be doubled.”

And just like that, Qing Lin’s expression flipped. He straightened with righteous seriousness, his voice clear and full of conviction: “Spreading traditional culture abroad and showcasing the beauty of the East. Only our production team could come up with something so thoughtful.”

[Hahaha Linlin, that switch-up was way too fast]

[Ahhh, a cheongsam! Incredible Linlin! New item unlocked! Time for an outfit change!]

Qing Lin accepted the punishment.

Shen Xuzhi leaned close, his voice dropping to a low murmur. “Are you really okay with this?”

But there was no real concern in his tone. The subtle undertone was obvious. What he truly meant was: Wearing the cheongsam is perfect.

Qing Lin caught it immediately. Still, he thought, in the end, it didn’t really matter. So, what if he wore it? It wasn’t like he would lose a piece of himself.

Soon, the two couples packed their gear, picked up the boxed meals handed out by the studio, and after a bit of cleaning up, hailed a taxi headed toward the city’s motorcycle racing venue.

It was winter in Argentina. Night always arrived too soon. The sky dimmed quickly, and as the sun sank below the horizon, neon lights came alive across the city, weaving color into the deepening dusk.

In a bustling district, beneath an overpass, a large open stretch had been transformed into a racetrack. The track wound far into the distance, outlined by an unbroken chain of dazzling lights. This was the site of the city motorcycle race.

After getting out of the taxi, the four were escorted into the inner field.

The venue was massive. Even in winter, race models in hot pants stood by the motorcycles, introducing them to burly foreign men. All around, crowds of men and women in leather jackets and pants filled the space.

Zhang Nanyin took in the scene and asked, “It’s so lively here. Is this… even legit?”

Liu Xin gave the area a quick scan. “Most likely just an amateur hobby race.”

Without lingering, the staff quickly directed them toward the locker rooms, where a new set of preparations awaited.

[It looks a bit chaotic. Shouldn’t they clear the crowd first?]

[Probably impossible for this kind of event. Huh, why did the audio suddenly cut out?]

The scrolling comments filled the silence on screen, buzzing like restless bees. Nearly ten minutes later, the speakers crackled back to life. A clear voice rang out in English: “Participants, please come this way.”

The camera immediately zoomed in.

Shen Xuzhi emerged first. Dressed head to toe in a black one-piece racing suit, he carried with him an unshakable, commanding presence. The dark fabric clung to his frame, outlining the clean lines of his broad shoulders, narrow waist, and long, powerful legs. A few stray strands of hair fell over his sharp brows. As he moved through the crowd, his impressive physique caught everyone’s attention.

[Ahhhhh Shen Laoshi!!!]

[Help, those legs are criminally long! How can anyone have proportions like that!]

[I’m not dying, I’m not losing it—the racing suit is practically radiating masculine energy!]

[I swear, it feels like he’s about to drag Linlin off and do it hard…the sexual tension is insane!]

Not far behind, Liu Xin appeared in a red-toned racing suit that highlighted his rugged edges, making him look bold and untamed. Zhang Nanyin immediately pounced on him, arms wrapping around him as she showered him with praise for how handsome he looked.

Their striking appearances drew a crowd almost instantly. Spectators gathered, whispering and exclaiming.

“Wow! So cool! Are they professionals?”

“They look like Chinese celebrities. Maybe they’re filming something?”

“He’s so tall… and so sexy.”

A few blonde women in crop tops edged closer, pushing their chests forward as they sent deliberately flirty looks toward Shen Xuzhi.

But the staff intervened quickly, guiding both Shen Xuzhi and Liu Xin away from the attention and toward a line of gleaming machines.

“Shen Laoshi, Liu Laoshi, this way please,” one of the crew members called, gesturing toward the row of motorcycles. “Let’s pick the bikes you’ll be using for the race.”

Shen Xuzhi swept his gaze across the area, his voice calm but edged with sharpness as he asked, “Where is Qing Lin?”

One of the staff members quickly stepped forward to answer. “Qing Laoshi is still changing his outfit. Please don’t worry, we’ll make sure he’s safe.”

At those words, Shen Xuzhi’s expression darkened. Even over the bustle of the set, his voice cut through, low and displeased. “I don’t want him to change anymore.”

The barrage exploded.

[Is Shen Laoshi… jealous? He doesn’t want QL wearing a cheongsam in front of everyone?]

[Ahhhh! QL really is going to wear a cheongsam!!]

[Ah Zhi: Only I get to see my wife in a cheongsam.]

Caught in the middle, the staff shifted uncomfortably. “Uh… but Qing Laoshi is already in the changing room. Stopping halfway might break the rules… Maybe you could pick your motorcycle first?”

Shen Xuzhi lowered his eyes, silent for a long beat, then finally followed the assistant toward the parking area.

The race was set to unfold on a closed overpass, drones hovering above to broadcast every moment of the competition. Lined along the bridge were trucks, each carrying a sleek array of motorcycles waiting for their riders.

As Shen Xuzhi approached, a male model with rabbit ears stepped forward to guide him. His gaze lingered too long, a little too bold, and when he spoke, it was in deliberate English.

“This bike really suits you,” the man said with a smile that carried hidden meaning. “You have an amazing figure. Do you… have a partner?”

His eyes swept over Shen Xuzhi once more, and his voice lowered into a suggestive lilt. “I feel like you’d be… very good at that kind of thing~”

The live comments erupted.

[What is he doing??]

[Ew, gross! Help! Someone get the real one here already.]

Shen Xuzhi’s face turned icy. Ignoring the model’s coquettish gestures, he selected a motorcycle with a cold, precise movement. His English was crisp and cutting. “You’ll have to ask my wife.”

[Xuzhi: the definition of heartless.]

[All he can think about is his wife. Where’s my wife? My wife? It’s race time, and still no QL in a cheongsam!]

With a touch of impatience, Shen Xuzhi pushed his bangs back and leaned casually against the motorcycle. His gaze was icy, never once sparing the model a look.

The model, clearly dissatisfied, made another attempt to get closer. The assistant, catching the subtle shift in Shen’s expression, moved at once to intervene.

But before he could, a flash of red darted between them. The rabbit-eared model was pulled back, and a sharp voice rang out in Spanish, “What are you doing?”

Shen Xuzhi looked up.

Qing Lin appeared at his side, draped in a scarlet cheongsam with a long, plush shawl falling loosely over his shoulders. His pale eyes flicked toward the male model, sharp and questioning.

The cheongsam, vivid as fresh cinnabar, bloomed with peony embroidery at the hem, each stitch exquisite enough to be called a work of art. For warmth, he let the shawl slip just so, revealing a glimpse of the snow-pale curve of his shoulder.

His frame remained masculine, his waist naturally slim, yet the cheongsam traced his form with a grace that seemed almost deliberate. The narrow waist drew soft folds into the fabric, while the high slit swayed with each step, unveiling long, even legs that carried a quiet elegance.
What might have seemed feminine on another was transformed in him. The cheongsam’s delicacy only deepened his presence, lending him an artistic, almost untouchable sophistication.

Shen Xuzhi froze. Words like “beautiful” felt meaningless. This was dazzling, stunning—dangerously seductive.

How could it be so breathtakingly sexy?

The livestream comments exploded.

[AHHHH MY WIFE!!!]

[WTF, OMG!!]

[Cheongsam1 cheongsam! cheongsam! I don’t even know how to describe it! That leg, that waist! It’s so white! I’m so turned on.]

[Qing Lin speaks Spanish?! I can’t believe it!!]

[Cheongsam beauty x racer—this is three days of nonstop DOI fuel, I’m starting a new fanfic, get ready everyone!!]

Shen Xuzhi’s words caught in his throat. The figure before him was dazzling, a beauty so striking it seemed almost unreal.

Qing Lin stepped forward, seizing the male model by the shoulder and tugging him away from Shen Xuzhi. His delicate features, tinged with a faint blush, were thrown into vivid relief against the crimson of his dress.

The crowd around them broke into cheers, whistles cutting through the air as they were swept up by the sudden brilliance of his presence.

[OMG everyone’s talking about QL]

[I understood one sentence hahaha. Some Argentine guy said, “That’s incredible, I’ll kneel at his feet1” hahaha]

The model, flustered and shrinking under Qing Lin’s gaze, finally removed his rabbit-ear headband and offered it. “I was just recommending rabbit ears… would you like them?”

Qing Lin accepted politely, placing them atop his head with a gentle adjustment. “Thank you.”

The upright ears, fluffy and delicate, complemented his white shawl, exuding both purity and allure.

[Cheongsam with rabbit ears!]

[It’s too much, I can’t take it!!]

But Qing Lin soon set them aside. With the cheongsam, he felt no need for any extra embellishment.

Just then, a hand caught his wrist from behind.

A burly, bearded man reeking of liquor loomed over him, a bottle clutched in one hand as he rattled off rapid Spanish in a thick local accent, gripping tightly onto Qing Lin.

[WTF! What’s happening?]

[Linlin, be careful!]

Shen Xuzhi forced his way through the crowd, anxiety tightening in his chest. His treasure was far too vulnerable in a place like this.

Yet, to his surprise, Qing Lin only cast a cool sidelong glance before flicking the man’s hand away. With a faint adjustment of his shawl, he stepped back with unruffled grace, moving to stand calmly at Shen Xuzhi’s side.

[!!!]

[Linlin is so hot!!]

“Woahhh!”

Gasps rose all around. For such a delicate beauty to break free with that kind of strength, even the burly man, and the crowd outside the venue, were taken aback.

This child was not only breathtaking but fiery and bold.

The bearded man’s excitement only grew. He wanted this cheongsam-clad doll for himself, yet before he could reach again, Qing Lin was already swept into another’s embrace.

Shen Xuzhi’s expression darkened. He drew Qing Lin firmly into his arms, shielding him from the man’s grasp, his gaze lowering with a commanding authority.

“Hey, are you trying to take this boy?” the bearded man finally slurred out, his words clearer this time.

Shen Xuzhi’s eyes sharpened like blades. With his natural air of dominance and the weight of his anger, the very atmosphere seemed to freeze.

“The beauty belongs to the victor. If you’ve got the guts, then let’s race!” The drunkard’s breath reeked of alcohol, his words sounding like pure nonsense to Shen Xuzhi.

“I’ll have my most trusted buddy, Mia, race against you. He’s a racing expert!” the bearded man declared proudly. “Or, if you’d rather, you can admit you’re a loser right now. Cowards don’t deserve flowers or wine!”

The barrage exploded in confusion.

[Why did the translation suddenly cut off? What’s he saying??]

[Basically, the bearded guy wants to race Shen Laoshi. Whoever wins gets Qing Lin.]

[??? This guy’s insane.]

The staff froze in shock before scrambling to alert the production team. “Director! Something’s gone wrong during filming!”

Hong Shanyue, who had been monitoring Ning Yian and Su Mingxuan with the Northbound group, snapped to attention at the call. He immediately switched feeds. “What happened? Are they about to fight?!”

“It’s that racing-for-profit segment, Director! An audience member from outside is challenging Shen Laoshi!”

That segment had been designed to let participants earn some extra cash, the opponents carefully arranged by the program. No one had expected a real challenge to break through the script.

Hong Shanyue frowned. “Xuzhi knows what he’s doing. He won’t possibly agree…”

Before he could finish, a roar of cheers exploded inside the venue. The crowd swelled, voices rising like a tide, all eyes fixed on the newlyweds in the center.

“Director Hong, it’s bad! Shen Laoshi agreed!”

“What?!” Hong Shanyue nearly shot out of his chair. “Why?!”

“Because the wager is Qing Lin!”

“…”

This couple just really couldn’t back down.

The atmosphere blazed to its peak. Amid the roaring crowd, preparations for the race between Shen Xuzhi and Mia were made in haste.

The format was simple: one-on-one, two tracks running side by side around the elevated loop. The first to finish a lap would take the win.

“Hey bro! Let’s get ready to the rumble!”

The race was about to begin. Spectators packed the track, their cheers rising in waves. Some waved flags, while others clinked beer bottles together, the crisp sound fueling the excitement.

Shen Xuzhi swung onto his motorcycle and fastened his helmet. High-beam lights flooded the scene, turning night into day, while neon streamers along the barriers flashed in dazzling colors. The roar of engines shook the air.

The two riders faced off at opposite ends of the track. Shen Xuzhi tightened his grip on the throttle and adjusted his posture.

Qing Lin dutifully stepped in as referee, determined to earn that 1,500 pesos. Dressed in the seductive red cheongsam, he strode to the center, the starting signal board hanging above him.

From beneath his helmet, Shen Xuzhi’s gaze swept over Qing Lin’s slender white legs, lingering before sliding up to the curve of his narrow waist.

“Contestant, please focus on the race,” Qing Lin said, his beautiful lips curving as he adjusted his fur shawl. “Win, and I’ll give you a reward.”

Shen Xuzhi’s pupils contracted, his stare locking onto Qing Lin with a sharper intensity. Beneath the tight cheongsam, the faint outline of a slim waist was visible. Higher still, just above the slit hem, a fiery butterfly tattoo teased the eye.

[You can totally see it in his eyes even through the helmet, hahahaha!]

[His thoughts are not on the race right now—he’s totally thirsty! Just wants to drag his wife to bed!]

[I’m losing it, I’m so nervous!! Xu-ge, you have to win!!]

The referee had even taught Qing Lin a line of Spanish to announce the start.

The signal lights flashed!

“Ohhhhhhhh——”

The crowd erupted as both motorcycles shot forward.

Overhead, drones captured every angle, broadcasting the race live as the big screen magnified each split-second. Spectators packed along the roadside held their breath, eager to see who would seize victory and with it, the beauty.

The engines roared like thunder, their echoes splitting the night as the race kicked off. Both motorcycles tore down the city highway, wheel to wheel, neither giving an inch.

[Ahhh! That Mia guy is ahead of Shen Laoshi right now! Shen Laoshi, hurry up!]

[Fun fact: The media once reported that Shen Xuzhi used to race overseas back when he was a student, and he was really good at it. So, trust Ah Zhi!]

[Go, Xu-ge! Your wife’s reward is waiting for you! Push through!]

Halfway through the race, the wind howled past Shen Xuzhi’s helmet, sharp and unrelenting.

This was not a race he could afford to lose, not for the prize money, not for pride. He was racing for Qing Lin.

[Here comes the curve!]

[Ah Zhi, go! Ah Zhi, go!]

Qing Lin’s eyes stayed fixed on the giant screen, his body unconsciously tensing with every shift in the race.

Even though he knew Shen Xuzhi couldn’t possibly hear him, the words still slipped out. “Shen Laoshi, go for it!”

As if carried by the wind, his voice seemed to reach the track. The instant Qing Lin shouted, Shen Xuzhi surged forward, twisting the throttle and shooting past Mia at the curve.

[Xu-ge surged ahead!]

The camera cut to a close-up of Shen Xuzhi. Beneath the helmet, his eyes were steady and resolute, burning with unshakable vigor.

Perhaps it was because Qing Lin was too happy, but in the middle of that deafening roar, he felt a fleeting moment of absolute silence. His fists clenched tight, nerves coiling in his chest. Around him, the crowd’s excitement reached its peak, while Liu Xin and Zhang Nanyin were screaming at the top of their lungs.

Only the final stretch remained.

The two motorcycles tore down the track, neck and neck, engines thundering in unison. Who would seize victory?

“Who is the victor?” someone cried out.

The entire audience held their breath.

Qing Lin craned his neck, eyes straining down the track—until Shen Xuzhi’s motorcycle broke into view.

Shen Xuzhi had claimed victory.

[Ahhhhh Shen Xuzhi won!!]

[I’m losing my mind! I’m so excited! My blood is boiling! Shen Xuzhi is the absolute best!]

[He did it! He really won!!]

Shen Xuzhi swung off his motorcycle, tore off his helmet, and shook his damp hair loose.

Qing Lin’s eyes followed the tall, upright figure beside the bike. His heart skipped, then hammered wildly, blood rushing hot through his veins.

No—it wasn’t just the thrill of the race. This was Mr. Shen’s undeniable charm.

The venue erupted in thunderous cheers. From the crowd, Qing Lin broke free, running straight toward him.

“Shen Laoshi! You were amazing!”

Unable to restrain himself, Qing Lin threw his arms wide and in the next instant found himself lifted clean off the ground. Shen Xuzhi had caught him, spinning him once in sheer exhilaration. His hands supported Qing Lin’s thighs, one palm sliding against his waist as he tilted his head back, eyes fixed on the man in his arms. In those eyes shone a brilliance he had always longed for.

“So perfectly matched!”

“How moving!”

“A strong man like him truly deserves it!”

The crowd marveled at the scene, their voices rising in awe. All except for the red-faced, sputtering bearded man.

“He cheated! He definitely cheated!” the drunk roared. “Mia is a professional! How could he possibly lose? I refuse to accept this!”

Shen Xuzhi, still holding Qinglin, stood beneath the lights. His sharp, angular features looked even more striking and aggressive under the glare.

“The race itself was meaningless,” he said in fluent, cutting English. His voice was low, steady, merciless. “Because he was always mine. As for you” his gaze sliced toward the man “you can’t even grasp the most basic code of honor, yet you dare dream of being a hero?”

Afraid of slipping, Qing Lin tightened his arms around Shen Xuzhi’s neck. Then, with mischievous intimacy, he added fuel to the fire.

“He is my husband.”

The words rippled through the crowd, those who understood instantly buzzing with excitement. The translation spread quickly, until it reached the ears of the bearded man.

“He’s your wife?!” the drunk man shouted, face twisting in disbelief. “I don’t believe it! Absolutely not!”

Liu Xin and Zhang Nanyin hurried over with staff trailing behind, desperate to intervene before things spiraled out of control.

Liu Xin, who knew Spanish, tried to explain, “We’re a production crew from China, filming a show here. They really are a married couple. Please, calm down.”

Mia also rushed in to placate the man, but the bearded drunk still refused, “I need them to prove it!”

Zhang Nanyin stepped forward without hesitation. “Then look at us.”

She grabbed Liu Xin by the collar and pulled him into a passionate kiss. “We really are a married couple here for filming.”

At that, every head turned, eyes fixing squarely on Qing Lin and Shen Xuzhi.

The bearded man’s gaze was sharp, almost piercing.

Shen Xuzhi still held Qing Lin in his arms. His black racing leathers and Qing Lin’s silky red cheongsam blended in startlingly perfect harmony, every line and curve complementing the other. The fluffy rabbit-ear headband in Qing Lin’s hand swayed gently with their movement.

“Besar! Besar! Besar!”

The audience began chanting, urging them to kiss.

Refusal wasn’t an option. The crowd would brand them as fake husbands. With hundreds, maybe even thousands of eyes watching, the financial penalty would be staggering.

Caught in the chaos, Qinglin’s thoughts grew muddled. Adrenaline from the victory surged through him, each nerve alive with tension. He turned to look at the man holding him. Shen Xuzhi’s face was angled slightly, his sharp jawline exuding raw, magnetic masculinity that made Qing Lin’s heart race uncontrollably.

It’s just a kiss on the cheek.

He and Shen Laoshi had even practiced it before.

Meanwhile, Shen Xuzhi subtly turned his head, glancing toward the production team at a distance, ensuring safety before letting anything else happen.

Once reassured, he turned back—only to feel warmth pressing close, soft fingers tightening against him. The person in his arms was leaning in to kiss him.

Qing Lin leaned forward, expecting to brush his lips against Shen Laoshi’s cheek. But unexpectedly, the kiss landed squarely on his mouth.

The sudden softness blanked Qinglin’s mind. He had never imagined that Shen Laoshi would turn his head. That he would end up kissing him on the mouth.

Panic surged, and his first instinct was to pull away.

But then his neck was seized.

Caught completely off guard, he felt Shen’s fingers digging into his hair, holding him firmly, pressing him back. Every nerve in his body thrummed, taut and alive.

Shen Xuzhi lifted his head slightly, then took full control.

Amid the deafening screams of the crowd, he kissed him deeply.