The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - Chapter 59 - Thanks to Miaomiao

After saying this, Shang Miaomiao waddled out of the room. Shen Xuzhi lingered for a moment before following him into the dining area.

The dining room was on the second floor, facing a wide window that looked out onto Erhai Lake.

Wooden frames were lined with flowers and greenery, leaves spilling over with splashes of color carried on the morning breeze that drifted toward the water.

Qing Lin was in the kitchen, making breakfast with the ingredients supplied by the production crew.

Shen Xuzhi set Shang Miaomiao on a stool and said, “Sit here for a while. I’ll go check on Linlin.”

Pulling aside the curtain, he found Qing Lin wearing an apron, standing by the stove. He was slightly bent forward, whisking eggs seriously.

The warmth of cooking in the morning, paired with the memory of someone sleeping beside him last night, created a scene of peaceful contentment.

“Need a hand?” Shen Xuzhi asked as he stepped closer.

Qing Lin turned and smiled. “Oh, you’re here.”

Noticing the neatly dressed Miaomiao sitting outside, he teased, “You’re doing pretty well, Shen Laoshi.”

Shen Xuzhi had intended to explain that Miaomiao had dressed himself, but, pleased by the compliment, he instead leaned into Qing Lin’s shoulder and murmured, “Thank you, Qing Laoshi.”

[Ahhhhhhhhhhhhhhh! Such natural closeness—are they officially dating now? Are they officially dating?!]

[Hahaha, I have to report this! Teacher Shen is taking credit for Miaomiao’s work—so childish, this guy!]

[If Miaomiao knew Shen Laoshi was taking credit, he’d be fuming, lol]

Qing Lin really did think Mr. Shen had grown clingier lately. It made sense—by the terms of their contract, they were supposed to be in the “dating phase” right now.

Dating? He’d never seriously thought about it before.

But here in Yunnan, in this little courtyard overlooking the calm blue waters of Erhai Lake, quietly doing their own tasks side by side… it almost felt like he could reach out and hold onto the simple, tranquil essence of romance.

Still, work came first.

Qing Lin gently pushed Shen Xuzhi away and said, “Alright, take this porridge out for Miaomiao.”

Shen Xuzhi straightened, accepting the small bowl.

“And this plate of side dishes. It has broccoli. Make sure Miaomiao eats it. He’s picky and won’t touch broccoli on his own,” Qing Lin added.

Shen Xuzhi could only nod.

“This is also part of the scoring. You need to do it properly,” Qing Lin reminded him before nudging him out of the kitchen.

Carrying the porridge pot and side dishes, Shen Xuzhi set them down at the table. He filled three bowls, then carefully held Miaomiao’s small bowl in one hand, scooped a spoonful, and brought it to the boy’s lips.

Miaomiao: “?”

Shen Xuzhi: “?”

They stared at each other for several long seconds before Miaomiao pulled back, wrinkled his nose, and snapped in disgust, “What are you doing?”

Shen Xuzhi: “…”

Only then did Shen Xuzhi set down his spoon and push the bowl toward Shang Miaomiao. “Eat.”

Shang Miaomiao blinked at him, confused, but obediently picked up his bowl and began eating with his own spoon.

[HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA]

[What was that? I can’t stop laughing.]

[Shen Laoshi trying to spoon-feed a kid—pure comedy gold.]

Shen Xuzhi scratched his head, remembering what Miaomiao had said earlier in the bedroom. Only now did it sink in—the boy hadn’t been joking.

Qing Lin came out of the kitchen with the last tray of food. Seeing Miaomiao eating quietly by himself while Shen Xuzhi sat watching, she smiled. “Miaomiao is so well-behaved.”

“Of course! Miaomiao could feed himself when he was just one year old,” the boy declared proudly.

“Miaomiao is amazing.” Qing Lin nudged the broccoli closer. “But don’t forget to finish your broccoli too, okay?”

Shang Miaomiao: “.”

Qing Lin sat down as well. Shen Xuzhi untied the apron strings from his back, folded them neatly, then glanced up to find Miaomiao staring at the two of them.

He and Qing Lin exchanged a look. “What’s wrong?”

Miaomiao gripped his spoon, his big round eyes serious. “Why isn’t Xuxu feeding Linlin?”

Qing Lin: “?”

Miaomiao nodded solemnly. “My dad always feeds daddy, so Xuxu has to feed Linlin too.”

Qing Lin was baffled. Kids needing help made sense, but why would an adult need to be fed?

“Miaomiao, why does Daddy need someone to feed him?”

Miaomiao answered matter-of-factly. “Because my Daddy is kinda lazy.”

Qing Lin: “.”

[LOL so that’s how the Shang family operates?]

[Shang Boze’s husband is Meng Qiu, right? That delicate beauty—of course the whole family pampers him.]

[Miaomiao’s Daddy: Why is this little cub exposing me in public? Where’s my dignity?]

[The kid probably got mixed up—feeding medicine must seem like a proper meal to them. Meng Qiu’s health isn’t great, after all.]

Even so, Qing Lin still found the idea odd. Feeding porridge to an adult was… well, strange.

But when he turned, Shen Xuzhi was already holding out a spoon.

He had scooped up porridge and now held it in front of Qing Lin’s lips, eyes steady and expression serious. Tilting his wrist slightly, he gestured for him to open his mouth.

Qing Lin whispered, “You’re serious?”

“I think Miaomiao’s right,” Shen Xuzhi said softly. “Let me feed you. Ah—”

[Let him feed you! Let him feed you! Let him feed you! AAAAAH!]

[Feeding play! Miaomiao, you’re a legend!]

With both Shen Xuzhi and Miaomiao staring at him expectantly, Qing Lin had no way out.

Well… if it was just for the mission.

He leaned forward, stretched his neck, and obediently took the spoon Shen Xuzhi held out.

Shen Xuzhi had always thought Qing Lin’s lips were beautiful.

Clean and delicate, the soft curve of them now slicked with traces of translucent porridge, as if glazed with pomelo-colored gloss. They looked so sweetly soft that just kissing them would melt a person into syrup.

When Qing Lin swallowed, he nudged Shen Xuzhi lightly with his foot. Shen Xuzhi blinked, then calmly scooped up another spoonful and brought it to him.

Lowering his gaze, Qing Lin ate quietly, his lashes casting gentle shadows against his cheeks. He looked obedient like this—so obedient that even watching him eat made the food taste better.

Bite after bite, he finished every egg roll and side dish Shen Xuzhi fed him.

Until finally he was stuffed.

“Shen Laoshi…” Qing Lin’s voice broke through, muffled around a mouthful of porridge. His cheeks were puffed, his face faintly pink. “I… I can’t eat anymore.”

Noticing a drop lingering at the corner of Qing Lin’s lips, Shen Xuzhi reached for a tissue. His hand lingered, fingertips brushing gently over those lips again and again.

He was clearly enjoying himself far too much. His face remained composed, but the air between them all but shimmered with rainbow bubbles. Finishing one bowl wasn’t enough—he wanted to keep feeding him.

[How can feeding be this steamy??]

[AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!]

Meanwhile, Shang Miaomiao had quietly finished his porridge… except for the broccoli left untouched on his plate.

“Miaomiao, why aren’t you eating your broccoli?” Qing Lin asked.

The boy pouted. “Miaomiao doesn’t like broccoli.”

“You can’t be picky,” Qing Lin said gently. “Food doesn’t come easy. Farmers work hard to grow it, and it’s full of nutrients. You have to eat it.”

Miaomiao poked his plate, scowling. After a long pause, he muttered, “Then Linlin, feed me.”

Shen Xuzhi: “Huh?”

Just earlier he’d refused to be fed—why the sudden act?

Qing Lin reached for the broccoli, but Shen Xuzhi caught his wrist.

“Let me. You cooked,” he said firmly.

“But Shen Laoshi, you haven’t eaten yet yourself.”

Shen Xuzhi leaned closer with a smile. “Then can Linlin feed me too?”

Qing Lin froze, ears burning red, his hand suspended mid-air.

Shen Xuzhi’s eyes softened as he looked at him, gaze so tender it seemed to wrap him up completely. The silence stretched until—

“Ugh! Fine, fine! I’ll feed myself, okay? Okay!” Miaomiao huffed from the side, impatient.

And just like that, the simple, joyful breakfast came to an end.

After clearing the table and washing up, Shen Xuzhi lifted the curtain and stepped back into the living room.

Miaomiao perfectly embodied the saying: “still as a maiden, swift as a hare.” When calm, he could be perfectly quiet; when excited, he bounced around like a whirlwind. Right now, barefoot on the sofa, pressed against the window, staring out at the shimmering expanse of Erhai Lake.

“Be careful,” Shen Xuzhi cautioned softly from behind.

“I’m back.”

Qing Lin came in with the suitcase the production crew had found. Pushing open the door, he announced to his family, “We’ve got guests at home.”

Shen Xuzhi and Shang Miaomiao both looked toward the entrance.

Su Mingxuan and Ning Yian stepped in, carrying little Qiqi. Smiling, they greeted cheerfully, “Hello, everyone~”

Yang Qiqi clung tightly to Su Mingxuan, her face half-hidden. Startled by the crowd, she ducked into his neck and refused to look up.

“Qiqi, look? There’s a little brother here,” Su Mingxuan coaxed, patting her back gently. “And two very handsome daddies. Don’t you want to peek?”

Yang Qiqi only shook her head, still buried in his arms.

“Qiqi’s so afraid of people,” Qing Lin observed.

“Yes,” Ning Yian sighed. “She’s actually a bit better now. But last night, she cried until almost one in the morning. Xuanxuan and I had to soothe her for what felt like forever before she finally fell asleep. And this morning, she refused breakfast, and it took ages just to get her to eat even a little.”

Turning to Qing Lin, she dropped her voice to an almost conspiratorial whisper. “Does your little cub act like this too?”

She leaned closer as she whispered into Qing Lin’s ear: “Your Miaomiao came from The Metamorphosis of Little Ones—isn’t he harder to handle? Does he throw tantrums at night, demanding to stay up?”

Qing Lin thought it over.

No. At 9:30 sharp, Miaomiao insists it’s bedtime. He even orders the adults to sleep in separate rooms.

“Then what about mornings? Is he grouchy when he wakes? Cry for his mom? Refuse to get dressed?”

No. He wakes earlier than the adults, dresses himself, and then… does morning vocabulary drills.

“Picky eating then? Refuses this, refuses that? You have to chase him around the room just to get him to eat?”

Well… not exactly. He actually eats obediently all by himself. And the only person getting spoon-fed is… Qing Lin.

Qing Lin: “…”

Ning Yian gave him a solemn look. “Qing Lin, I think we really need to sit down and talk about this.”

Qing Lin: “…”

How was he supposed to respond?

Miaomiao really was… well, even though he had been assigned to the Follow Heart production team for being so hard to manage, he turned out surprisingly well-behaved—not nearly as rowdy as everyone had expected.

Meanwhile, the two dads had already brought their little ones to meet each other.

Yang Qiqi was still very shy; the three-year-old girl didn’t talk much. Fortunately, Su Mingxuan knew how to take care of kids, handling most of the tasks well, so Qiqi became very attached to him.

“I have a younger brother with quite an age gap, so I’m pretty reliable.” Su Mingxuan scratched his head with a sheepish smile. “Actually, Qiqi’s really well-behaved—she’s just shy around strangers. Girls can be timid, but once she warms up, she’s lively. Since we live next door, I thought I’d bring Qiqi over to play.”

“You’re welcome anytime,” Shen Xuzhi said warmly.

“Thanks. But honestly, looking after this little one keeps An-an and me so busy we hardly get any time for ourselves,” Su Mingxuan sighed. “Guess we won’t be deepening our bond anytime soon.”

He shot Shen Xuzhi a teasing look. “Hey, Ah Zhi, how are things with the top student?”

Shen Xuzhi’s gaze fell toward Shang Miaomiao, who was crouched on the sofa, stacking blocks with Qiqi. “We’re doing great. Qing Lin is very good at taking care of people, and Miaomiao is also sensible. He gives us time alone together.”

[Shen Laoshi, you sure know how to phrase it. Look at that proud face.]

[Ahhhhhhhhhh! Their very own time together!!]

Su Mingxuan let out a low whistle. “Wow, that’s amazing.”

“I was checking the scoring sheet earlier,” Shen Xuzhi said. “How many tasks have you completed?”

“Mm… I haven’t counted carefully, but I think we’ve done a few,” Su Mingxuan admitted. “You only need 80 points to pass. Most are basic babysitting tasks. Once you hit the mark, you’re allowed to go out together.”

After trading a few more tips, and seeing that Qiqi had finally relaxed, the two families parted ways and returned home.

Qing Lin sat down and studied the scoring sheet. The basic tasks—feeding, sleep schedules, daily routines—were almost all checked off.

“There’s a twenty-point task here,” Qing Lin said. “‘Participate in a parent-child activity with your child.’” He looked up. “Miaomiao, is there anything you’d like to do?”

From where he lounged with a magazine, Miaomiao didn’t even raise his head. “Linlin decides. Linlin’s the boss at home.”

Qing Lin smiled faintly, then turned to Shen Xuzhi. “Shen Laoshi, do you have any ideas?”

“I looked up a few parent-child activities in Dali,” Shen Xuzhi replied. “We can pick whichever you’d like best.”

Qing Lin took the phone and scrolled through the list. Suddenly, one entry caught his eye. “Luji?”

At the name, Miaomiao set his magazine aside and walked over. “What’s Luji?”

Qing Lin read aloud. “It’s an outdoor racing activity. The vehicles don’t have motors. They slide down specially designed tracks using gravity.”

The moment he heard the word ‘racing,’ Miaomiao’s eyes lit up. He sprang to his feet, bouncing with excitement. “Yes! I love this! Let’s do this one! Let’s do this one!”

“It’s at Yunxiang Mountain in Dali,” Qing Lin said, smiling at his eagerness. “I think it sounds great. If Miaomiao wants to try it, then let’s go. What do you think, Shen Laoshi?”

Shen Xuzhi chuckled at Qing Lin’s enthusiasm. “Of course.”

They quickly gathered their things. Shen Xuzhi borrowed a car from the production crew, and soon the three of them were on the road toward Yunxiang Mountain.

As they drove along Erhai Lake, a cool breeze carried the cries of seagulls to their ears. Waves rolled in, breaking against the rocks, while the fragrance of wild July blossoms mingled with the faint sweetness rising from the lake.

With the windows rolled down, the air was fresher than expected. Under the vast, cloudless sky, sunlight shimmered on the surface of the lake, dazzling like scattered silver. The endless view made their hearts feel light and unburdened.

Shen Xuzhi drove up front while Qing Lin and Miaomiao sat in the backseat.

Miaomiao had been buzzing with excitement since they left home. This was a completely different experience from the last program—this time, they actually got to have fun.

“Xuxu, Xuxu, when will we get there?” Miaomiao asked eagerly.

“About ten more minutes.” Shen Xuzhi said, “Once drive up Yunxiang Mountain, we’ll reach Luji Theme Park.”

Luji Park was located at the top of Yunxiang Mountain. After they parked the car, Shang Miaomiao jumped out immediately and dashed toward the entrance, brimming with excitement.

From the mountaintop, the whole city sprawled below them. Under the clear blue sky, dotted with wisps of cloud, Dali’s natural beauty was laid out in full view.

Shen Xuzhi led Qing Lin and Miaomiao to buy tickets. The ticket seller nearly squealed when she saw them. “Oh my goodness—Shen Xuzhi! And Qing Lin too!”

The production team had already notified the park ahead of time, clearing out some of the crowd, but a few visitors who had arrived early still gathered nearby to snap photos.

“We’d like to try the Luji,” Qing Lin said.

“Of course! Here are the prices—how many rides would you like?” the staff replied.

Qing Lin checked the rates, then glanced at the production team’s rather tight budget. “We’ll start with three family tickets.”

“Family tickets…” The attendant finally noticed a small head poking up from the counter.

Shang Miaomiao piped up in his tiny voice. “Miaomiao’s here! Miaomiao wants to play too!”

The ticket seller looked from Miaomiao to Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin standing side by side. A wide, knowing smile spread across her face. “Of course, of course! This is a family activity—no problem at all.”

She quickly printed out their tickets, her expression glowing with delight at what she clearly thought was an adorable little family outing.

After paying, the staff led them to gear up.

The Luji track had several sections—some steep and thrilling, others smoother and gentler. Since Miaomiao was under 1.3 meters tall, he needed to ride with an adult.

“Linlin, ride with me,” Miaomiao declared, tugging Qing Lin to the small cart.

“What about me?” Shen Xuzhi asked as he followed.

Without even glancing at him, Miaomiao buckled himself in and secured Qing Lin beside him. “Xuxu, you go have fun on your own first.”

Shen Xuzhi: “…”

Qing Lin couldn’t help feeling both amused and exasperated. After fastening Miaomiao’s belt, he turned to Shen Xuzhi. “I’ll take Miaomiao down first.”

Shen Xuzhi watched the two of them set off, listening to Miaomiao’s gleeful shrieks echoing all the way down the mountain, a reluctant smile tugging at his lips.

After their first run, Qing Lin and Miaomiao returned by cable car.

“Shen Laoshi! Shen Laoshi!” Qing Lin waved as he ran over, his face alight with excitement. “That was so much fun!”

From behind, Miaomiao chimed in, “Linlin’s amazing! He handles it so well, it feels like I’m on a roller coaster!”

Seeing Qing Lin so happy, Shen Xuzhi couldn’t help but feel the same warmth inside.

They lined up for another ride. This time, Miaomiao insisted on the “Wind Path.” As they spiraled down, he clung to Shen Xuzhi’s sleeve and screamed with unrestrained joy.

The track twisted through slopes bordered by green grass on both sides. From the high points, when they looked up, the sky seemed like a sheet of glass rinsed with spring water—clear, bright, and endlessly blue.

Miaomiao’s laughter was just as bright.

And Qing Lin? He couldn’t resist. He went for another round.

The air was still a little warm at this spot. Sweat glistened on the boy’s face, and the faint flush of exertion colored his cheeks. His slightly damp black hair clung to his forehead, swaying with each breath and passing breeze.

His eyes sparkled with unrestrained joy. When he smiled, his teeth shone white and even, brimming with youthful energy.

[Linlin is having the time of his life!!]

[Seeing QL this happy makes me happy too!]

“Want to do it again?” Shen Xuzhi asked.

Qing Lin leaned closer and whispered, “Shen Laoshi, do we still have enough budget for it?”

“I brought my own money,” Shen Xuzhi replied casually. “Once filming’s done, we can come back—you can ride as many times as you like.”

[HAHAHAHA Shen Laoshi is the best!]

[Secretly saving up to spoil his wife—what a legend!]

[No way, you two sneaked off for a date after filming?? I need proof!!]

Just then, the production crew walked over with a task card.

Luji Theme Park Pose Challenge

Welcome to Wind Chaser’s Luji Theme Park! Complete the challenge below to win a sunset dinner overlooking Erhai Lake.

Cameras have been placed at several points along the track. When you hear the shutter click, strike the assigned pose. If the photo captures it correctly, the challenge is complete!

PS: Please control your speed—safety first!

______________________________________________________________________________

After reading it aloud, Qing Lin said, “Hmm… it doesn’t mention where the cameras are. So we just listen for the click?”

“Miaomiao can listen! My ears are super sharp,” Shang Miaomiao declared, twitching them for effect.

“Then you’ll call out the cue…” Shen Xuzhi began.

Miaomiao leapt up immediately and darted toward the picture in Shen Xuzhi’s hand. “I’ll pick! I’ll pick!”

Shen Xuzhi crouched down and handed him the stack.

Miaomiao flipped through each one carefully before finally handing them a card. “This one!”

Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin leaned over to look.

And froze.

It was a pose where Qing Lin hugged Shen Xuzhi—and Shen Xuzhi kissed him on the cheek.

Qing Lin squatted down beside Miaomiao, lowering his voice. “Miaomiao, can I kiss your cheek instead?”

Miaomiao frowned, looking at him like he was ridiculous. “Linlin, are you crazy? Of course, Xuxu has to kiss you!”

[Miaomiao!! Absolute legend!]

[Little cub’s officially the CP manager of ShenLin now!]

[Hold up, didn’t Ou-ta already claim the CP manager title? Hahahaha!]

Nice.

For some reason, Shen Xuzhi suddenly felt this cub had grown up overnight.

“Miaomiao will listen for the click. Linlin, you hold the dragon head. And Xuxu,” Shang Miaomiao gave the instructions, his little face beaming with pride, “you strike the pose from behind. We’ll nail it in one shot!”

Before Qing Lin could protest, the two of them had already gone running off to drag over the family’s luji cart.

By the time Qing Lin caught up, Shen Xuzhi was already seated inside.

Even in the roomy luji car, his tall frame looked a little cramped. His broad shoulders and long legs made the vehicle seem too small for him. His hands rested on the frame—long, slender fingers with clean, defined knuckles. Beneath the light muscle of his forearms, faint veins showed through, resting casually against the metal.

Shen Xuzhi noticed that as Qing Lin walked over, the pads on his knee seemed a little loose.

But rather than fixing it immediately, he seemed to remember something and didn’t rush. He leaned back leisurely, tapped the spot between his legs with his knuckles, and gestured, “Sit here.”