The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - Chapter 73 - Ambition

High School.

Shen Xuzhi had always thought Qing Lin had the most beautiful name he had ever heard.

Ever since he first saw him on the rooftop, he found himself wandering over to the regular high school section more often.

The uniforms between the international and regular sections were different in color, so Shen Xuzhi had someone get him a regular uniform, helping him blend in with the crowd.

After every major or minor exam, he would check the freshman honor roll. Seeing an entire wall covered with Qing Lin’s name and photos, arranged like pieces in a perfect puzzle, would brighten Shen Xuzhi’s day for hours.

He also discovered that this already exceptionally talented boy could paint.

It had happened by chance, when he passed the art studio one afternoon. A single, inadvertent glance revealed Qing Lin at work.

The slanting sunlight poured in, casting a warm, golden glow that haloed him in a soft, velvety red. Qing Lin sat in serene concentration, his brush gliding across the paper with effortless grace.

Nearby, his academic teacher seemed concerned. “Qing Lin, with your grades being so outstanding, why do you spend so much time painting? Couldn’t it interfere with your studies? Wouldn’t it be better to focus on competitions and excel further in academics?”

Qing Lin’s voice was calm, warm, yet resolute. “Qian Laoshi, I don’t believe painting affects my studies. I will participate in competitions and achieve good results, but painting is also my choice.”

Leaning against the wall, hidden in the shadows, Shen Xuzhi listened quietly. A deep respect for Qing Lin welled up inside him, stronger than anything he had felt before.

From that moment on, he made up his mind to chase his musical dreams—hoping that one day, he could stand alongside him, shining just as brightly on the path he had chosen.

The summer air buzzed with cicadas; branches swayed in lush abundance, and the deep blue sky stretched endlessly above. Sunlight streamed through the windows of the school building, scattering golden traces across the flower-patterned tiles of the corridor.

During the annual sports meet, Shen Xuzhi hurried over to watch Qing Lin’s race right after finishing his own events.

It was the men’s 1500-meter final.

The young runner’s shirt fluttered as he crossed the finish line in third place, brimming with the energy of youth.

Shen Xuzhi squeezed through the crowd, planning to hand Qing Lin a bottle of water. But there were far more people offering drinks than he had expected, and it seemed impossible to get close.

And yet—by coincidence—Qing Lin reached out and took his bottle from among the many extended hands.

Their eyes didn’t meet; perhaps it was only a casual reach. Still, Qing Lin murmured a soft “thank you.”

He twisted off the cap, tilted his head back, and drank deeply. Beads of sweat slid down his jawline, his fair skin and sharp features filling Shen Xuzhi’s vision.

The vibrance of youth clung to the crowded field, the busy track, and the humming song of cicadas. Something began to stir within Shen Xuzhi—a feeling faint and dizzying, like being intoxicated by the height of summer.

Amidst the chatter and laughter, surrounded by people, Shen Xuzhi could clearly hear his own heartbeat pounding.

In that instant, a sudden and inexplicable flutter overwhelmed him.

His cheeks burned, his ears reddened, and embarrassed, he slipped away from the noise.

It was then he understood—his feelings for Qing Lin went beyond admiration.

This must be… liking him.

Because he liked him, he cared.

That was why, when Shen Xuzhi later discovered Qing Lin secretly working at an unlicensed bar after school—when he learned about his family’s struggles and the desperate need for money—he couldn’t just stand by.

He wanted to help. In a rush, he grabbed a check and asked Sang Bo to pass it to Qing Lin, hoping to ease his burden, even just a little.

Rain puddles mirrored the low, run-down houses as Sang Bo, dressed neatly in a suit, stood waiting for Qing Lin along the narrow street.

The boy in his school uniform spoke with quiet composure. “You’ve been following me?”

Sang Bo quickly replied, “Our young master found out you’ve been working at the bar. High school is a critical time. If you need money, we can—”

Qing Lin’s expression was cold and distant, his gaze as still and frigid as a frozen lake. “I don’t need it,” he said flatly.

He was still young, and there weren’t many places that would hire someone his age. The bar he had worked at wasn’t exactly legitimate—it employed minors and paid well, but the environment was vile. For someone as striking as Qing Lin, unwanted attention came easily.

He lasted only two days before quitting, determined to find another way to earn money. Yet somehow, someone still managed to track him down.

The cheapest things, he thought, often came at the highest price.

Sang Bo noticed how pale Qing Lin looked—his lips nearly drained of color, a sheen of sweat forming on his forehead. He took a step forward, ready to say, “You don’t look well—”

“Don’t come near me!” Qing Lin’s slender fingers clenched tightly, his knuckles turning white. A few strands of hair fell over his tense brow.

“If you keep following me, I’ll call the police,” he warned.

The sharpness in his voice made Sang Bo flinch.

Only then did Qing Lin realize he had spoken too harshly. He hesitated for a moment, tugged at his bag strap, and muttered softly with his head lowered, “Sorry.”

Then he turned and walked away quickly.

The sky split open above him, and rain poured down in torrents, turning the world gray and cold.

That was when Shen Xuzhi truly understood—how someone could be as gentle as warm wine before a winter hearth, yet as resilient as a lone star shining against a crimson-streaked sky.

He realized how thoughtless he had been. His impulsive attempt to help had only wounded the pride of a boy who stood tall on his own two feet.

And in that realization, Shen Xuzhi came to understand the depth of his feelings. He cared for Qing Lin—so he chose to respect him.

Quietly, he made amends in his own way. He had someone deal with the man who had harassed Qing Lin at the bar and arranged for surveillance cameras along the route Qing Lin took home. It wasn’t interference, just protection—making sure no debt collectors could catch him off guard again.

If Qing Lin ever needed him, Shen Xuzhi would be there—arms open, ready to help. But if he didn’t, Shen Xuzhi would simply stand behind him, holding a quiet light to guide his way.

______________________________________________________________________________

Lu Shunfeng Tattoo Shop

The owner, a man with a flashy crew cut and a cigarette dangling from his lips, glanced up at the sound of the door opening.

The newcomer wore a pristine high school uniform, every button neatly fastened. His skin was almost unnaturally pale, lending him an air of cold detachment.

The owner raised an eyebrow. “High schooler?”

Qing Lin looked down at his uniform, then gave a small nod.

“Well now, you look like the perfect honor student,” the owner said with a teasing grin. “What’s this—your rebellious phase? Come on, lie down here.”

Qing Lin stepped forward and lay down on the tattoo chair. “I want it somewhere people don’t usually see,” he said quietly.

“I get it, I get it,” the tattoo artist replied with an easy grin. “How about on your lower back? It’s subtle, sexy, even, and not easily noticed. What design do you want?”

Qing Lin handed him a printed image.

The artist glanced at it, eyebrows lifting slightly. “A butterfly with half its wings burned? Looks kinda tragic.”

“Not tragic,” Qing Lin answered calmly, his tone light as he rested against the table.

“It still has the other half of its wings.”

____________________________________________________________________________

Shen Xuzhi Global Fan Club — Small Group 03

[Ah Zhi’s Toxic Fan · Lv14: I’m done, everyone. My patience is gone. That QL has been such a downer lately. First, he forced that fake couple act with our Ah Zhi on the show, and now he’s constantly stirring up drama. Poor Ah Zhi, what bad luck.]

[Shen Laoshi’s Girlfriend · Lv20: But… I kind of feel sorry for QL. He seems miserable, but also tough in his own way.]

[Ah Zhi’s Toxic Fan · Lv14: Are you seriously still a fan of Ah Zhi? If QL wants to play the tough guy, fine—but he shouldn’t drag Ah Zhi into it! It’s obvious Ah Zhi doesn’t even like him. That whole “couple” thing is clearly just for the cameras.]

[Ah Zhi’s Toxic Fan · Lv14: I heard they’re just in a contract partnership anyway—totally fake. Didn’t his useless dad say QL came here just to cling to rich people? So shameless.]

[Ah Zhi’s Toxic Fan · Lv14: Hmph, trying to climb the ladder by forcing a fake couple pairing, huh? You’ll do anything for fame, won’t you?]

This fan went on a full-blown rant, flooding the chat with angry messages until everyone else grew numb from scrolling. Then, the group admin finally stepped in.

[Group Admin Bighead · Lv86: Hey, sis, what’s with the meltdown?]

[Group Admin Bighead · Lv86: You haven’t seen Shen Xuzhi’s new interview that Follow Heart just dropped? And you still call yourself a fan?]

[Group Admin Bighead · Lv86: [Repost from Weibo] “Various Media | Shen Xuzhi’s Interview on Shen’s Immersive Journey — Hot Topics Addressed”]

Clicking the video revealed a backdrop filled with major media logos. Shen Xuzhi stood at the center of the stage, poised as he faced the reporters.

Reporter: “Hello, Mr. Shen. Follow Heart has been trending nonstop, and the ‘Shen-Lin Qijing’ topic is still going strong. Some say your relationship is purely contractual—a publicity stunt. So, may I ask… is your connection with Qing Lin genuine? Are you actually together?”

Shen Xuzhi: “We’re not together.”

A collective gasp echoed through the press room. Some reporters who had been rooting for the pairing looked visibly crushed.

[Damn, it’s just a contract CP ]

[Nooo, whyyy—it’s actually fake T.T]

[My heart’s broken! ShenLin fans are falling apart right now!]

But before the heartbreak could settle, Shen Xuzhi smiled—gentle, almost teasing.

Shen Xuzhi: “Because… I’m pursuing him right now.”

Reporter: “!!”

The live chat exploded instantly:

[WHAT!!]

[AAAAAAHHHH!!! HE’S PURSUING HIM!!!]

[THEY’RE IN LOVE FOR REAL!! SHENLINQIJING IS REAL!!!]

The media room erupted into chaos.

Reporter: “So the online rumors—that Qing Lin’s been clinging to you for fame—those aren’t true?”
Reporter: “What sparked this? Did it start during the dating show? Or did feelings develop while filming?”

Questions poured in, one after another, but Shen Xuzhi simply raised a hand for quiet.

Shen Xuzhi: “I’ve actually liked him for years.”

Reporter: “!!!!!”

[HOLY—HE’S BEEN IN LOVE FOR YEARS?!]

[A secret crush this entire time??]

[This is literally straight out of a romance drama!!!]

[I’m losing it—he was the one who fell first!!]T

hen Shen Xuzhi went on to reveal everything—how he had admired Qing Lin from afar for years, how he used to follow him online under a pseudonym, how he had even written songs inspired by him. When the show’s producers invited him to join a couple-themed series, he agreed—because it meant he could finally stand beside Qing Lin.

It was a revelation too explosive to ignore—a confession so genuine it set the entire internet on fire.

A-Zhi’s Toxic Fan: ?

Wait—did he really just say that?

Bro, are you seriously not embarrassed right now?

Just as Shen Xuzhi was speaking passionately, a reporter couldn’t help but interrupt. “Mr. Shen, you mentioned confessing your feelings—and Qing Lin seemed quite responsive on the show. So… why aren’t you two together?”

Shen Xuzhi paused thoughtfully before replying, “Probably because he’s too focused on studying.”

Reporter: “?”

Shen Xuzhi laughed. “My dear Qing Lin once told me, ‘I’ll go straight for my master’s and PhD—never falling in love.’” He grinned, shaking his head fondly. “But that’s exactly what makes him so attractive to me. His dedication to studying—it’s ridiculously sexy.”

[HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA]

[“Straight to a master’s and PhD, never falling in love!” HAHAHA what do you mean his love rival is education?!]

[No way! My ship cannot end in tragedy! Shen Xuzhi, get it together—go after him! Seduce him! Use your charm, your everything!]

[Do you even know how to chase someone? Let me teach you! You have to win him over. He’s a top student—your kids’ genes would be god-tier!]

[If you can’t win him over, don’t even bother holding concerts. I’ll wait until you do. (P.S. still a die-hard Shen Xuzhi fan!)]

That day, the internet erupted in a frenzy of cheers, all rooting for Shen Xu to win his beloved’s heart, while Qing Lin’s BiliBili followers skyrocketed.

Two hashtags dominated Weibo trends:

#ShenXuzhiIsClearlyOutOfHisLeague

#WhenWillThisHopelessIdolEverSucceed