The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - C48 - Whiskey

All around, a profound silence hung in the air, the pale blue light haloing everyone, permeating the surroundings with a dreamlike glow.

Shen Xuzhi’s arms hovered around Qing Lin, not touching him, yet encircling him in the air.

Qing Lin straightened, looking down at the person before him. Lifting his hand to Shen Xuzhi’s neck, he said, “You have a mole here.”

Shen Xuzhi instinctively touched behind his ear and only then realized that Qing Lin had kissed the mole.

[Whaaaat!!!]

[Kissing a mole! So hot!! Too skilled!]

[Aahh, Qing Lin! Qing Lin! (Heart-shattering)]

[Kill me now, for their pleasure!]

[Subtle teasing is the deadliest.]

Shen Xuzhi’s mind buzzed. Memories of that delicate kiss pressed against him moments ago left his body tense, every nerve alive. The mole was still warm, the lips soft, and the sensation left him dizzy, as if intoxicated.

It was almost unbearable.

Lowering his head, he tried to suppress the surge of desire threatening to overwhelm him, wanting only to pull Qing Lin close and return the kiss.

“Hi! Shen, Lin! Rested up?”

Qing Lin turned, spotting Dylan waving from behind. He stepped back slightly, but before he could speak, his hand was caught.

Shen Xuzhi kept his head lowered, saying nothing. He slipped off one glove and gently intertwined his fingers with Qing Lin’s, his eyes softly hidden behind strands of hair.

“It’s fine,” Shen Xuzhi murmured, feeling the spark of warmth from their touch. Slowly, he lifted his head and stood. “Let’s go.”

Three guides stood nearby, explaining precautions for the climb. Everyone was dressed in crampons, ready to tread the ice.

The blue of the glacier blended seamlessly with the sky, revealing a perfectly transparent, dreamlike hue. Layer upon layer of ice, as if carved by knives, shimmered with crystalline light under the sun.

The ice was not merely blue. Its hues, from pale translucence to the darkest depths, revealed the glacier’s age. The deeper the shade, the older the ice, compressed through millions of years—so much so that even the phrase “a thousand years in a glance” could no longer capture its weight.

The howling Patagonian winds swept past their ears. Nearly twenty minutes later, the group had stepped fully onto the glacier, as if crossing into a surreal, untouched world.

“It feels like stepping into another world,” Qing Lin murmured as he lifted off his goggles.

The team now stood in the heart of snow and ice, while a few pairs of fellow travelers ahead had already started taking photos in excitement.

Hua Qi, the weakest in terms of stamina, trailed at the very back, barely managing to keep up. Bent over and breathless, she couldn’t help but question why she had ever signed up for such a physically demanding activity.

But when she finally lifted her head, the glacier’s pure brilliance struck her, and she couldn’t help but whisper in awe, “Ah… it’s so beautiful.”

“Everyone can take some photos here as a keepsake. We’ll be going deeper into the glacier soon,” the guide said.

Hua Qi looked from the clusters of people to the endless expanse of ice. A tangle of emotions welled inside her, dimming her expression. But when her gaze landed on Shen Xuzhi, something in her tightened. She clenched her fist, drew a breath of resolve, and walked over to him.

“Ah Zhi, can I take a picture with you?”

Shen Xuzhi didn’t refuse. Hua Qi brightened a little, calling Dylan over to help with the camera.

“Of course, no problem!” Dylan agreed readily. Just then, Qing Lin happened to be nearby, so Dylan asked, “Lin, do you want to join them?”

Qing Lin came closer, and Shen Xuzhi instinctively stepped aside, as if opening a place for him to stand.

But then the girl spoke.

“Um, sorry,” Hua Qi said hesitantly, “can I take the picture with just Ah Zhi?”

For a fleeting moment, Shen Xuzhi’s expression cooled, his brows faintly drawing together. Though the look vanished quickly, a trace of displeasure lingered. He was about to say something, but Qing Lin stopped him.

“Then I’ll take it for you.” Qing Lin took the phone from Dylan, steadied the frame on the two of them, and said, “Alright, look here.”

Catching on, Shen Xuzhi said no more. He adjusted his expression and obediently posed with Hua Qi for the photo.

[As expected, she’s a solo fan. Poor Lin, so awkward.]

[This girl is really…]

[Clearly you guys don’t know idol culture. Honestly, she was already being polite. It’s rare to get a picture with your idol—why force her to include someone she doesn’t like?]

[Lin, Lin, Lin! I’ll take one with you! Lin, fly bravely! Your fans will always stand by you!]

[QL is too gentle. He respects fans so much. I’m crying, ahhh, mom hug.]

“Alright, that turned out well.” Qing Lin handed the phone back to Hua Qi.

Shen Xuzhi leaned in close from behind, his voice low near Qing Lin’s ear. “Aren’t you going to take one with me?”

“How could I not?” Qing Lin replied. “But later. We need to keep moving now.”

Shen Xuzhi pouted, a trace of grievance flickering in his eyes.

The group continued to move forward.

The trek deeper into the glacier took a heavy toll on everyone’s strength. Even those with fitness background were soon drenched in sweat, tugging off their hats.

“Come on, everyone, keep it up!” the guide shouted, his voice carrying encouragement down the trail.

Hua Qi was beginning to lag behind again.

The winds tore across the glacier with brutal force, and even in winter, the thin ozone overhead let punishing UV rays sear down on them.

The ice tongue stretching downward gradually broke apart, forming towering ice walls. At the far end, a massive cliff face loomed, several hundred meters tall, its textures so distinct it resembled a sacred celestial scripture.

“At this point, everyone needs to climb up,” the guide instructed. “Watch for loose ice, and make sure your crampons bite firmly.”

Crossing this wall meant reaching the first milestone.

But Hua Qi was already utterly exhausted. Still, she didn’t dare ask the group to stop on her account.

The wild wind battered her head. Watching the Australian couple ahead support each other as they climbed, she felt a growing heaviness inside.

So tired.

The words swelled inside her throat, desperate to burst out, but she swallowed them back. Instead, frustration boiled over, and she kicked at the ice.

The surface was slick, a thin layer of melting water seeming to ripple with the wind.

She tried to step forward again, but she’d already been stuck at this spot for some time, with almost no strength left to climb. Yet she couldn’t just give up. She switched hands, trying again.

But the moment she changed her grip, the ice beneath her crampons gave way. Unprepared, her body lurched downward, slipping into the fall.

Hua Qi: “!!”

Hua Qi’s heart seized.

She was going to fall.

But a hand caught her.

A sudden lifeline. Through her scream, Hua Qi jolted back to awareness, instinctively clutching the hand tightly as if her life depended on it.

“Hold on to me!” Qing Lin shouted. “Hook your crampons into the ice!”

On the steep, slippery slope, Qing Lin drove his axe into the ice to anchor himself, pressing his body flat against the surface as he held her.

[Help!!]

[So dangerous!!]

[Lin, be careful!!!]

Hua Qi’s heart pounded wildly. Hearing Qing Lin’s instructions, she hurried to hook her boots into the ice.

“Good, now climb back up slowly!” Qing Lin’s voice was sharp, but steady, carrying a calmness that brought immense reassurance amidst the chaos.

Following his words, Hua Qi used his support and crawled her way back onto flat ground step by step.

“Whew—” The moment she made it up, she collapsed onto the ice, gasping for air.

“You okay?” Qing Lin asked, his own breathing still uneven as he rushed over.

Hua Qi sat frozen on the ice, her words caught in her throat, eyes red.

The next second, tears fell one after another, striking the ice like raindrops.

Qing Lin stiffened.

He had no idea how to handle this. Saving her had been easier than facing these tears. “D-don’t cry…”

But at those words, the girl only cried harder.

She must have been truly terrified. With Qing Lin’s concern pressing in, fear and relief tangled together, breaking past her control, and tears streamed down without end.

“Qing Lin!”

Shen Xuzhi hurried over, finding the two of them sitting on the ground. He crouched down anxiously. “Are you alright? Did either of you get hurt?”

Hua Qi managed to hold back her tears only when she noticed the rest of the group approaching.

“Oh my god!” Dylan exclaimed in a panic. “That was an accidental slip, wasn’t it? I’m so sorry, it’s my responsibility! Are you both okay?”

Voices of concern and comfort rose in different languages. Hua Qi finally spoke, her voice still hoarse from the shock. “I’m fine… I just slipped. Qing Lin saved me.”

At once, everyone’s attention shifted to Qing Lin. He stood, offering a light smile to show he was unhurt.

“Let me check you, Qi.” Colt gave her a quick examination, confirming she was uninjured and felt no pain.

Shen Xuzhi, meanwhile, all but examined Qing Lin from head to toe before finally relaxing.

“Phew—what a close call. Truly a miracle!” Dylan wiped his sweat from his forehead. “Ah! Everyone must be tired, let’s take a short break.”

He then turned around and gestured for everyone to look ahead.

“Perfect timing—we’ve just arrived.”

Qing Lin followed his gaze.

Before them stretched a glacier of pure, radiant blue, endless in its reach and merging with the towering mountains on the horizon. The ice rose like flowing ribbons, smooth and even, layered in height and depth, glowing with a brilliance like sapphire. They stood silent and majestic, their austere beauty rising between the mountains.

[My gosh, it’s breathtaking.]

[Now I get the meaning of trekking—the reward of such scenery after all the effort is truly moving.]

The three guides took out their record books and said, “Everyone, please come sign in so we can confirm the group.”

“Alright~”

Each team sent a representative forward.

When Qing Lin finished and turned back, Hua Qi called out to him.

“Um,” She hesitated, “thank you, Qing Lin.”

She rubbed her hands together, her voice soft. “I’m really a fan of Shen Xuzhi, and because of some things I saw online, I didn’t have a good impression of you at first. That’s why I acted coldly toward you.”

Lowering her head, she whispered, “But still… thank you for saving me. And… I’m sorry.”

Qing Lin looked at her, a faint sigh escaping as he curved his lips into a gentle smile. “You had a fight with your boyfriend, didn’t you?”

Hua Qi: “!”

She froze, eyes wide with disbelief, as if silently asking how he could possibly know.

“The Gothique men’s wallet had a Polaroid tucked inside, and your phone case is made to hold a photo too,” Qing Lin said softly. “You must have taken it out after a fight, didn’t you?”

“During the hike, even with your favorite idol right in front of you, your mind was elsewhere. You kept sneaking glances at that loving Australian couple. And even before we set out, your eyes were already red.”

“And just now, when I signed in, I noticed a Chinese boy’s name crossed out,” Qing Lin added. “That’s your boyfriend, isn’t it?”

Hua Qi could only stare at him in blank shock.

“You’ve been forcing yourself to keep up this whole time,” Qing Lin said softly, his voice calm yet kind. “But you’re exhausted, and deep down, you wish your boyfriend was here. Because a dreamlike place like this… it’s something best shared between two people, isn’t it?”

[Oh no, I’m falling for him—this is too much, I can’t take it!]

[Knock knock, is that Sherlock Lin??]

[Qing Lin, please be my boyfriend. How can anyone be this attentive? I’d marry him on the spot, sobbing!]

Hua Qi gazed at him for a long while before letting out a sigh. “You really are… so clever.”

She hesitated, then stammered, “I—I don’t actually hate you.”

Her face turned crimson as she blurted out, “It’s just… my boyfriend looks way too much like you! Every time I see you, I think of him, and it makes me so mad!”

Qing Lin: “?”

“Ugh, if only he were half as attentive as you, I wouldn’t be crying alone on a glacier!” Hua Qi huffed, stomping her foot. “Seriously, I can’t stand it! Your face is way too handsome, it drives me crazy!”

[Hahahahaha what even is happening right now!]

[I’m crying from laughing so hard]

[I can already see the trending tag: #HowQingLinSIngleHandedlyTurnedAToxicSoloFanIntoAVisualStan#]

[They’re both too adorable, I can’t take it!]

“But really, I was being too childish,” Hua Qi admitted, her voice softer now. “Sorry for disturbing your filming. From now on, I’ll walk with Grosso.”

Qing Lin liked this kind of honesty. Or rather, he admired people who could love and hate openly, unafraid to bare their hearts, to face their emotions head-on, to express affection without hesitation.

How wonderful.

How free.

Just then, Shen Xuzhi walked up beside him. He pulled off his gloves, squeezed sunscreen into his palms, rubbed it evenly, then carefully applied it to Qing Lin’s face.

“The UV rays are too strong,” he said faintly. “Your cheeks are already sunburned.”

Qing Lin looked at him.

In the mingling light and shadow, it felt as though their senses intertwined, a quiet elegance blooming between them in the vast, icy expanse.

He smiled, his amber eyes reflecting the glacier’s luminous blue. Taking Shen Xuzhi’s hand, he brushed a gentle kiss across his fingertips.

“The fourth kiss.”

Then, lifting the bottle of sunscreen, he added softly, “Now let me put some on you.”

Shen Xuzhi froze for a second, then his lips curved into a smile. “Alright.”

After applying it for each other and adjusting their gear, the two continued forward.

From behind, Hua Qi, who had been watching the whole time, suddenly turned bright red.

W-what is this…

Why does it feel so shippable?!

______________________________________________________________________________

The deeper they ventured, the higher the ice mountains rose, their sheer walls seeming to press the clouds downward, turning drifting mist into timeless snow and frozen stone.

The wind howled on, yet the world itself felt hushed, the low-slanting sun hanging still in the sky, as if pausing to watch the birds wheel overhead before letting them pass.

Walking across the glacier, time seemed to slip away unnoticed.

Everyone marveled at the glacier’s ancient grandeur, at the quiet, luminous blue revealed under sunlight, deep and mysterious.

When the guide finally led them into the blue cave, every hardship along the way felt instantly worthwhile.

Why was it so mesmerizingly blue? It was as if they had stepped back into the distant Ice Age, their souls bathed in glacial light, touched by nature’s immense gift.

Exclamations of awe rippled through the group, while Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin quietly tucked away the photograph they had been longing for, a couple shot with Shen Xuzhi’s arm wrapped around him, unreservedly.

After another hour of climbing, they finally reached the icefield—the final stretch before descent.

Everyone was nearly exhausted when the guide smiled and said, “Well done, everyone. Now, here’s a little reward we’ve prepared for you.”

A large chest and a small table were set before them.

Dylan, knife in hand, carefully carved a block of ice from the Moreno Glacier. With a few decisive strikes of his hammer, he shattered it into glistening shards for each glass.

Into the clear ice he poured whiskey.

Hua Qi’s eyes lit up at the sight. The scene was too dreamlike to believe.

[Ahhh, whiskey poured over ice freshly carved from the glacier! This is too romantic!]

[Ughhh this is so amazing, I want to travel so badly.]

[Watching this show makes me want to step out and see the world. There’s still so much I haven’t seen.]

Raising his glass excitedly, Dylan declared, “Come, everyone! Let’s toast to four-hundred-year-old whiskey at the end of our journey!”

“Ohhh—!”

Cheers erupted, glasses clinked, laughter scattered across the vast expanse.

The whiskey was only the accompaniment; the true essence was this most intimate communion with nature itself.

After the brief celebration, everyone lingered on the icefield, sipping whiskey, chatting, sightseeing, taking photos.

When enough footage had been gathered, the livestream ended, and the cameras shut down.

Qing Lin wandered to a quiet stretch of ice, away from the others, and sat alone, gazing silently at the mountains and glaciers in the distance.

Head tilted slightly as he sipped his whiskey, pale eyes unreadable, his thin frame quiet and fragile against the icy backdrop. A cold, weary solitude clung to him, as though he were sealed away from the world.

Shen Xuzhi walked over and asked, “How many glasses have you had?”

Qing Lin lifted the rim of the glass from his lips. “Three.”

“Drunk?”

“Maybe a little.”

The more one stood before nature’s grandeur, the deeper the loneliness it awakened. The insignificance of a single life against billions of years of earth’s history—it was as though the body dissolved into that boundless blue.

It makes one feel achingly lonely, swallowed by desolation.

After all, the glacier had endured unchanged for millennia, existing in solitude, watching eras rise and vanish.

“I want to drink until the ice melts.” Qing Lin swirled his glass and said softly, “It feels like freedom.”

Shen Xuzhi didn’t answer. He simply sat beside him, both of them gazing at the distant peaks in silence.

“What is it?” Qing Lin, slightly tipsy, tilted his head. “Are you drunk too?”

“Mm.” Shen Xuzhi lowered his voice. “Seems like it.”

Above them, unblemished blue stretched across the heavens, dazzling in its purity.

His eyes lingered on the horizon, his voice fading like clouds carried away by the glacier’s relentless winds.

“After all, it really is better to see this with two people.”

In that vast silence, Qing Lin sensed something unspoken lingering in the air.

Like now, when a ripple didn’t need ice to crack apart. It only took a flock of European swallows brushing their wings above the sea to stir up waves of quiet trembling.

“Hey, Shen Xuzhi.”

Qing Lin suddenly called out to him.

Shen Xuzhi turned. The boy was leaning on the ice for balance. Then, without warning, he pressed his lips to his.

In that instant, the world fell utterly still.

It felt as though Shen Xuzhi had truly obeyed.

The kiss lingered far longer than expected, long enough for Shen Xuzhi to feel the reality of something he thought impossible.

The touch was warm, though fleeting.

It felt as if a century had passed before those soft lips finally drew away. Dazed in the pure blue light, Shen Xuzhi thought he heard the wind carrying a whisper.

“The last one.”

Beneath the snow-blue sky, with sunlight veiled by thin clouds, the boy in the navy jacket stood blushing, his clean, striking features unbearably delicate.

Blue filled Shen Xuzhi’s eyes.

And in that moment, he understood.

Camus once wrote that such a blue is torment for both the eyes and the soul, because beauty is unbearable.

Beauty makes one despair.

And Shen Xuzhi, too, was helplessly ensnared, captivated, longing for this fleeting eternity to never end.