The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - C36 - Wife

They were alone in the room, so it was only natural for Qing Lin to ask Shen Xuzhi for help with the zipper he couldn’t reach.

What he didn’t realize, however, was just how tempting he appeared. With his back turned, the fiery red cheongsam outlined the clean lines of his slender waist and abdomen, the half-undone zipper hanging loosely down his spine.

Shen Xuzhi’s hand clenched imperceptibly at his side, his lashes trembling. After a faint “mm,” he stepped behind him.

Half a head taller, leaning in brought his gaze naturally downward. To make it easier, Qing Lin even inclined his head, the movement stretching his neck—slender, smooth, pale as jade, dazzling in its fragility.

Shen Xuzhi’s eyes drifted lazily to the zipper stuck at the ridge of a vertebra.

“Just a little lower and I can manage it myself afterward…” Qing Lin murmured.

But with a sudden “swish,” Shen Xuzhi, without the slightest hesitation, dragged the zipper straight down to the very end.

Qing Lin: “!!”

Qing Lin gasped, his voice rising, “What are you doing?!”

With the zipper fully undone, the garment slipped forward on its own, revealing the flawless expanse of Qing Lin’s pale back. He froze, torn between holding up the fallen cheongsam or shielding the bare skin under Shen Xuzhi’s unwavering gaze.

Shen Xuzhi didn’t think much of it. He explained as if it were the most natural thing in the world. “This way you can take it off faster.”

Qing Lin: “…”

The tips of Qing Lin’s ears burned. Just moments ago, when Shen Xuzhi bent his fingers, the sharp ridge of his knuckles had grazed across his back. It had already felt warm, but now the heat flared hotter.

The zipper ran all the way down to his hips, revealing the edge of the flesh-colored underwear lining beneath, along with a faint glimpse of the tattoo on his waist.

Qing Lin froze, caught between taking it off or putting it back on.

Seeing Shen Xuzhi still behind him, he blurted out quickly, his tone a little flustered. “You should go change too.”

Shen Xuzhi’s expression didn’t shift, and naturally, he didn’t move either.

His gaze lingered on the mark at Qing Lin’s waist, his voice cool and detached. “The tattoo. When did you get it?”

The question caught Qing Lin off guard.

For a moment, he actually felt his mind go rigid.

“…High school.”

After a pause, he added, “I was rebellious back then, so I got one.”

Shen Xuzhi’s eyes stayed fixed on his lower back, silent.

A lie.

Qing Lin felt as if Shen Xuzhi’s gaze were stripping him bare, every inch of his body laid open under that intense stare.

“It looks nice,” Shen Xuzhi said at last. “Did you design it yourself?”

“Ah…” Qing Lin hadn’t expected that question, but there was no reason to hide it. He gave a light nod. “Mm.”

The room went quiet. For a long moment, neither spoke.

After some time, Shen Xuzhi finally turned away and said flatly, “Go change.”

With that, he turned his back, walking to the other side of the room to change clothes himself.

Qing Lin found the whole thing baffling.

He snuck a glance over his shoulder. Shen Xuzhi’s racing suit was half undone, hanging at his waist and revealing the short-sleeved shirt beneath. His back muscles stretched broad and strong.

Qing Lin only looked for a second before pulling his eyes away and slipping on his hoodie.

The atmosphere was hard to name, heavy in a way he couldn’t quite describe.

______________________________________________________________________________

After their short break, the filming continued.

Qing Lin had changed into a fresh outfit: a white down jacket over a pale-yellow hoodie. He looked clean, refreshing, almost dewy, as if water might drip from him at a touch.

Shen Xuzhi wore a matching black down jacket. Casualwear suited him, lending a lazy, effortless kind of charm.

It was already late. They had just finished a task, and everyone looked a little tired.

Zhang Nanyin and Liu Xin even bought two small cakes with their own money, something to fill the “poor kids’” stomachs before bed.

[Couple look! ShenLin in matching jackets!]

[That cake looks delicious…]

“Thank you to both couples for your hard work today, and congratulations on completing the challenge and earning your reward budget,” a staff member announced.

Everyone clapped in unison.

“Tomorrow, we’ll be heading to Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina, to officially begin our newlywed journey,” the staff continued. “Since it’s already late, let’s all get some rest.”

“Alright, so we’ll stop here for today. Is the arranged hotel nearby?” Liu Xin asked.

The staff only smiled without answering.

Zhang Nanyin frowned. “I have a bad feeling about this…”

The staff cleared his throat. “Before that, we’ll need Mr. Shen and Mr. Qing to pay back the money they owe.”

Qing Lin and Shen Xuzhi exchanged a glance, then took out the cash, carefully counting it before handing it over.

“Here’s 3,612 pesos,” Qing Lin said. “I’ve already included the interest.”

The staff and crew counted it again to confirm, then nodded. “Thank you, Qing Laoshi.”

Immediately, another staff member carried out a display board with three hotel options listed from top to bottom.

“These are the recommended hotels nearby. Please choose according to your circumstances.”

Zhang Nanyin went over for a look. “Oh my god, the first one looks like a palace!” But after a moment of thought, she sighed. “This one must be really expensive. We should probably save.”

Liu Xin smiled and leaned close. “If my wife likes it, then that’s where we’ll go. Who cares about the cost? We’re traveling. Why not enjoy ourselves?” He turned toward the other two. “Don’t you agree?”

Qing Lin, Shen Xuzhi: “…”

[Their faces are literally saying, “Do we look like we get a choice?”]

[ShenLin: absolutely no choice (resigned)]

[Hahahahaha]

Zhang Nanyin threw her arms around Liu Xin and kissed him.

Qing Lin leaned over to look at the display board too. Just from the descriptions of the first two options, he already knew they couldn’t afford them, even if their money doubled.

“Let’s go here,” Shen Xuzhi said, bending slightly to point at the plain, white-walled inn at the very bottom.

Qing Lin nodded helplessly. “It’s the only option. The crew said we need to save money for tomorrow’s taxi fares. We really don’t have a choice.”

Once everyone chose their hotels, the crew led them there.

Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin’s car stopped on a street lined with Latin-style buildings. Not far ahead stood the white-walled inn.

The night wind was strong, blowing Qing Lin’s hair into a mess as he got out of the car. Shen Xuzhi carried the luggage for him, and the two of them entered together.

Though called a hotel, it felt more like a small apartment.

The lobby carried a distinctly Argentine charm, with stone-paved floors, wooden tables and chairs, and simple whitewashed walls.

[Eh, doesn’t it seem kind of shabby?]

[Poor babies, it’s basically a budget trip in Argentina.]

While the staff handled their room arrangements, Qing Lin wandered around inside.

Shen Xuzhi walked over and asked. “What do you think?”

Qing Lin’s eyes swept across the cactus on a low wooden table and the black-and-white patterned stone floor. “I think it’s nice. Compared to luxury hotels that all feel the same, a place like this has more local character.”

Seeing how genuinely Qing Lin seemed to like it, Shen Xuzhi’s lips curved in a faint smile. “That’s good then.”

Not long after, the staff returned with their room key and pointed out the room. “Linlin, I booked the cheapest room just like you asked,” the staff said.

Qing Lin nodded politely. “Thanks for the trouble.”

Hearing that, Shen Xuzhi frowned slightly and said, “Couldn’t we have gone for something a little better?”

“Of course I’d like to,” Qing Lin replied, “but the prices here aren’t cheap. If we want to make it to Buenos Aires tomorrow, we’ll have to stick with the cheaper one.”

He lifted his gaze, meeting Shen Xuzhi’s eyes. “Sorry to put you through this, Shen Laoshi.”

Shen Xuzhi paused, then answered quietly, “I’ll work hard to earn money and take you to a five-star hotel next time.”

[Ahhh, what an atmosphere! Shen Laoshi really is such a good man.]

[But the real question—did they kiss or not?! Did they or not!!]

[Stop yelling here, go check Weibo if you want. People there have already gone crazy.]

Carrying the luggage, Shen Xuzhi walked with Qing Lin to their room.

Qing Lin slid the key into the lock, murmuring under his breath, “Feels like this room might be a little small…”

The door swung open, revealing an interior so bare it was almost painfully bleak. A wooden table, an air conditioner, no decorations in sight.

And… one single bed.

Qing Lin and Shen Xuzhi: “…”

Before either could react, the live comments exploded.

[ONE! BED!!]

[Production team, you are my god!!]

[Ahhh you’re making a freshly kissed couple sleep in one bed! Only you would dare!]

[If they don’t do it all night, I’m not watching this show tomorrow.]

[One bed! Sleeping together! That thing is tiny—how are two people supposed to fit? They’ll have to cuddle!]

Sure, they had chosen the cheapest option, but two beds should have been the bare minimum. If it had been a double bed, fine. But a single? Seriously? Not even a sofa in sight.

Qing Lin turned, about to suggest they pay extra for a room with two beds, when suddenly a large hand clamped down on his shoulder.

The hand covered his whole shoulder easily. Standing side by side, Qing Lin couldn’t see Shen Xuzhi’s face without looking up.

Pinned in place, he didn’t dare speak, didn’t even dare move.

Then came the cool, detached voice right behind him. “Go inside.”

Obediently, Qing Lin stepped forward. Shen Xuzhi followed, his arm firm around Qing Lin’s shoulder as he blocked the cameraman at the door.

“The live broadcast ends here, right?” Shen Xuzhi’s brows lowered slightly as he added, “Give us a portable camera. We’ll handle the rest ourselves.”

The cameraman didn’t dare argue. He quickly cut the live feed and handed over a handheld camera.

[Ahhhhh why cut the stream!!]

[What’s there that we can’t see?!]

[What are you two going to do?! What!!]

[One day ShenLin will drive me absolutely insane Hahahahahaha]

…

The livestream ended.

Inside the room, Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin faced each other.

The space was small to begin with, and with two suitcases squeezed inside, the lone bed stood out even more.

For some reason, Shen Xuzhi felt a touch of awkwardness. He twisted his neck, his expression calm as ever, and said, “Relax.”

Qing Lin had been about to suggest switching rooms, but seeing Mr. Shen’s usual composure, he assumed he didn’t mind.

So, he turned on the heater, shrugged off his down jacket, and asked, “Where should I put the camera?”

“Anywhere’s fine.” Shen Xuzhi walked over and set it on the wooden table himself.

“Oh.” Qing Lin gave a casual response. They weren’t going to film anything tonight anyway, so it hardly mattered.

“Then…” Shen Xuzhi turned back, only to freeze at the sight of Qing Lin without his white coat. The soft yellow hoodie clung lightly to his frame, making him look almost like custard filling in a bun.

The words he had meant to say changed on his tongue. Instead, he asked quietly, “Aren’t you cold?”

“I’m going to shower,” Qing Lin answered simply.

Shen Xuzhi: “…”

Why did it feel like he was the only one embarrassed here?

Exhaustion weighed on him, yet his thoughts circled the same point—Qing Lin remained utterly oblivious, even after that kiss.

While Qing Lin showered, Shen Xuzhi sat on the bed, restless and fidgeting.

The sound of running water filled the room. The bathroom door was fully closed, and with the heater on, the air inside felt stiflingly hot.

Before long, Qing Lin emerged in a set of gray pajamas, the fabric darkened in places where it clung damp against him. A towel hung loosely in his hands as he rubbed at his wet hair.

“Shen Laoshi, your turn.”

Without sparing him a glance, Shen Xuzhi gathered his clothes and headed into the bathroom in silence.

Left alone, Qing Lin sat down at the table, towel still in hand as he rubbed at his damp hair, and opened Weibo on his phone.

The hot search remained firmly at the top: #DidShenLinKissOrNot

So, the camera hadn’t actually captured their kiss after all.

As Qing Lin scrolled through, most of the top comments turned out to be Shen Xuzhi’s solo fans bashing him, mixed with endless speculation about whether the two had kissed.

On a whim, Qing Lin clicked into the ShenLin CP fan forum. To his surprise, it had gained tens of thousands of new followers within a single night.

Unlike the chaos outside, the atmosphere here was harmonious, filled with sweet fan edits and jubilant posts.

Switching to his rarely used account, Qing Lin quietly gave a few of the popular ones a like.

Yes. The vibes here were much better.

Just as he was about to exit, a push notification lit up his screen: the official Weibo for Follow Heart had released a new promotional poster that very morning.

[@Follow Heart-Travel Love: The Argentina Newlywed Journey begins～

Illustrator: @HuaiSi-er

[Image]]

[HuaiSi!! It’s actually Huai-lao!!]

[Ahhhh breathtaking goddess-wife! I love you! Wife, I love you! By the way, when’s the next update for your serialized comic?]

[Dream collaboration! Huaihuai’s illustrations are gorgeous too!!]

Qing Lin had never expected that the illustrator they eventually found would turn out to be none other than Huai Si.

In the art world, Huai Si stood like a towering figure, a legend among masters. With over nine million followers on Weibo and a serialized comic that had taken the internet by storm, her name was synonymous with brilliance. To Qing Lin, she was not only an artist but also someone he genuinely admired and respected.

Having already pored over her works in the past, Qing Lin reopened his Orphic account, which he seldom touched. Ever since the dating show had tagged it, the once-quiet account had surged in popularity overnight, drawing in countless new followers.

When he clicked into his inbox, countless unread private messages flooded his screen. He skimmed through them idly at first, until his gaze caught on one particular message from a fan.

[Small Balloon: Wuwu, Ou-laoshi! You finally opened a fan group! I’m so excited! I didn’t think my wish would actually come true. I’ll keep supporting you from now on too! Keep it up, Laoshi! Love you～]

Qing Lin: ?

A fan group? What fan group?

He was certain he had never created anything like that. Still puzzled, Qing Lin switched to his alt account and quickly sent a message to the fan.

[.: Hello～May I ask if Orphic really has a fan group? I’m also a fan of Ou-laoshi, could you add me into the group too? (*^▽^*) ]

Once the message was sent, he waited in silence for a reply.

“What are you looking at?”

The sudden voice brushed warm against his neck, carrying a faint trace of citrus. Shen Xuzhi leaned down from behind, one hand resting casually on the edge of the stool. His face was close, his gaze calm and unhurried.

The sudden intrusion startled Qing Lin, and he instinctively locked his phone screen.

Shen Xuzhi had just finished showering. A simple short-sleeved shirt clung to his frame, the hem folded up carelessly. His damp hair fell across his forehead in loose strands, droplets of water clinging to them. Long lashes cast shadows over his dark eyes, his expression unreadable and cool.

“Weibo,” Qing Lin answered quickly, keeping his head lowered, not daring to meet his eyes.

The room was small, and every sound seemed magnified. Shen Xuzhi stayed in place, leaning slightly closer. “Looking at the trending topics?”

A bead of water slid from his damp hair, dripping onto Qing Lin’s shirt. The gray fabric darkened, and another drop landed on his bare collarbone.

Qing Lin flinched, his shoulder twitching from the sudden chill.

Without a word, Shen Xuzhi reached out. His fingertips brushed lightly across Qing Lin’s skin, sweeping away the droplet. His touch was colder than the water itself.

Qing Lin shivered, heat flooding up his face until he felt dizzy.

“Looking at the trending topics?” Shen Xuzhi repeated, his voice soft and deliberate.

Qing Lin made a small sound of assent, his thoughts scattered, his nerves wound tight for no reason at all.

At last, Shen Xuzhi straightened. His gaze lingered on the boy’s pale nape, smooth as untouched snow. After a moment, he spoke quietly.

“If our kiss really made it onto hot search, it should still be there. The company already reminded me, we’re not to log onto Weibo, and definitely not to respond.” He paused, his tone faint. “Though you and I both know the truth better than anyone.”

The tension that had been building in Qing Lin slowly eased. Ah, Mr. Shen was reminding him to draw a clear line between the show and reality, to avoid trouble.

As expected, a professional actor handled this far more calmly.

“Got it, I understand,” Qing Lin said seriously, taking a deep breath. Then he added, almost too naturally, “But it’s getting late… why don’t we sleep?”

The suggestion caught Shen Xuzhi off guard. He hadn’t even decided what to do yet. But Qing Lin had already climbed onto the bed, patting the space beside him.

“Mr. Shen, come here.”

Shen Xuzhi: “…”

Wasn’t this kid a little too calm?

Wait—what was the real problem here? Was his charm truly that lacking?

He couldn’t make sense of it, but the temptation of sharing a bed with Qing Lin was far too strong. Lowering his gaze, damp bangs shading his eyes, he turned toward the wall and switched off the light.

Darkness enveloped the room in an instant, soft and muted like a film filter. His Adam’s apple bobbed as his long fingers rubbed together once before he finally lay down on the narrow bed.

The moment he did, he realized how dangerous this was.

Qing Lin hadn’t turned away. Instead, he faced him directly. Even in the dark, those amber eyes gleamed faintly, luminous and clear, fixed unwaveringly on him.

They were far too close.

“Shen Laoshi,” Qing Lin whispered, his voice soft in the quiet, “you looked really handsome on the bike today.”

Shen Xuzhi glanced at the slight curve of his lips, and his heartbeat went wild, burning like fire in his chest.

“Have you ridden before? You looked so professional.”

“Tomorrow we’re heading to Buenos Aires, I think it’ll be fun. I want to visit the Obelisk. Do you want to go?”

“Argentina’s beef is really cheap. I looked up a famous steakhouse, we should try it.”

Qing Lin spoke evenly, his words carrying the faint freshness of rain-soaked gardenias.

But Shen Xuzhi barely heard him. His mind had gone completely blank.

“You…” he started, voice rough.

Was he really going to sleep facing him like this?

Qing Lin, seeing him trail off, continued, “Mm… do you feel crowded?”

Shen Xuzhi remained silent. Their eyes met, lingering in the dark as if the world had paused, each gaze fixed unwaveringly on the other.

Then suddenly…

“Wife.”

Qing Lin froze. His breath hadn’t even caught up with his racing heartbeat before the next words fell.

“I love you.”

The words echoed in the quiet room, each syllable impossibly clear.

The narrow bed made Qing Lin’s heart pound unevenly again. If he lay too close, Shen Xuzhi might notice.

He didn’t know why, but he couldn’t meet the man’s eyes anymore. He turned away, burying his face into the pillow, the tips of his ears flushing red. “The cameras aren’t on right now…”

“Mm.” A faint shaft of light slipped through the window, falling into Shen Xuzhi’s eyes. “I forgot.”

Qing Lin didn’t lift his head, but he felt a gentle pat land on him. That low, slightly hoarse voice brushed lazily past his ear.

“Sleep. See you in the morning.”