The Academic God Becomes an Internet Sensation After Joining a Dating Show - Chapter 88 - The Bathtub

Weibo crashed.

Recently, Weibo had been crashing quite frequently. Shen Xuzhi and Qing Lin, by their combined power, had once again brought the site down.

On the night of that information explosion, not long after, Shen Xuzhi posted on Weibo.

[@ShenXuzhi-Liam: Thanks to everyone for your help. I successfully won over my wife @QingLin

[Image]]

The image showed him embracing Qing Lin. The young man was too shy to look at the camera, holding onto Shen Xuzhi, his ears red, endearingly soft. Shen Xuzhi, meanwhile, was leaning down, tilting his head as if whispering to him, his face full of smiles.

[Ahhhhhhh! It’s official!]

[Shen Xuzhi! From now on, you are the most valuable! You are the man who defeated *academics*!]

[Ahhhhhh ShenLin, wuwuwu, it’s finally official! I’m going to cry!]

[Congratulations to Ah Zhi! Cheers to Ah Zhi! You’ve successfully won the beauty’s heart!!]

[Shen Lin and Qing Lin szd!! May the little couple last forever!]

On the other side, Qing Lin also made an official announcement.

The accompanying picture was a different angle of the same photo Shen Xuzhi posted. Qing Lin poked his head out of Shen Xuzhi’s embrace, flashing a peace sign at the camera.

[@QingLin: Got it, husband @ShenXuzhi-Liam]

The comment section went completely wild.

[!!! Linlin!! Ahhh!]

[Husband and wife, sob sob—you two really know how to play us, huh? We’re just part of your game now!]

[I’m not losing it!! These two photos are full of vibe! They’re officially my phone’s lock screen from now on!!]

[Tell us! Did Shen Laoshi grab your phone and post this himself!! Blink if he did!]

[Linlin, don’t spoil him too much!]

Netizens only guessed half of the truth.

The caption was Shen Xuzhi’s idea, but the one who posted it was indeed Qing Lin himself.

What people didn’t know was that Shen Xuzhi had pinned him down, coaxing and deceiving him for half an hour, until Qing Lin, flushed all over, changed the original caption to “husband.”

In the meantime, a meme of Shen Xuzhi’s shocked expression was going viral across the internet.

The dramatic family reunion video was spreading like wildfire, showing Shen Xuzhi with a mix of confusion, speechlessness, and utter disbelief, all while holding a desperate Qing Lin in his arms, who was trying to salvage the situation.

[Shen Xuzhi Doubting Life.JPG]

[Shen Xuzhi Handsome guy is Speechless.JPG]

[Shen Xuzhi Heartbroken Big Dog.JPG]

[Shen Xuzhi Seriously, Is This Real.JPG]

Netizens were ecstatic, yet no one had truly anticipated that Qing Lin and Qi Youhuai shared such a deep relationship.

Swiftly, Qi Youhuai’s Chengqi Group held an official press conference. Qi Youhuai, Qing Lin, Shen Xuzhi, and Jiang Liao, among others, attended the event.

Major media outlets swarmed the company—from the business world, the entertainment industry, and general news—making the building impassable. Eventually, a screening system had to be implemented, allowing only large, influential media organizations inside.

Upon entering, everyone was surprised to find that, in addition to the media, many of the Chengqi Group’s major shareholders were also present.

Qi Youhuai spoke from the stage: “To all shareholders and media friends, hello. Welcome to the Chengqi Group’s press conference.”

“Today, I am very pleased to announce that I have finally found my younger brother, Qing Lin, who was separated from us fifteen years ago,” Qi Youhuai declared.

The entire hall erupted in astonishment.

“Our DNA test result is 100%. Qing Lin’s household registration has now been placed under the Qi family name. While I respect his wish not to be involved in business, my deep love for my brother has led me to a decision: after careful consideration, I will be giving Qing Lin 5% of the Chengqi Group’s shares, which can be considered a bit of pocket money.”

“Furthermore, in Qing Lin’s name, I will be donating twenty million to the National Foundation for missing children, hoping that all lost and trafficked children can be reunited with their families.”

[This is truly explosive. A direct transfer of shares just for a reunion—you’d have to believe it.]

[I can’t wrap my head around the world of the rich. 5% of Chengqi Group’s shares is just ‘pocket money’?]

[Wuwuwu, our Linlin is the true young master of the Chengqi Group! He’ll never have to worry about money again!!]

[So, it turns out Shen Xuzhi was the one who married up.]

[The charity donation is amazing. I truly hope every missing and trafficked child can return to their loved ones.]

With all the shareholders as witnesses, Qi Youhuai signed the share transfer agreement.

He looked out at the assembly and asked, “Does anyone have any further questions?”

The evidence was so overwhelmingly convincing that no one dared to raise a question.

“If there are no issues, then that is all,” Qi Youhuai said. “As his older brother, the Chengqi Group will now intervene in the Qing Baihu case and work with Mr. Shen Xuzhi’s legal team to ensure a fair and just verdict.”

The press conference concluded.

Dodging the clamor, Qi Youhuai settled Qing Lin down and went alone to the rooftop terrace of the company building. He looked at the tall, towering buildings in the distance and instinctively reached for his pocket, only to remember that he had long since thrown away his cigarettes.

“Here.”

A piece of nicotine gum suddenly appeared before him. Shen Xuzhi, with a lollipop dangling from his mouth, held out the gum to him.

“You little rascal,” Qi Youhuai took the gum and playfully tapped Shen Xuzhi’s head. “Thanks.”

The two men leaned against the railing, eating their respective candies. After a while, Qi Youhuai spoke. “Right now, I can only support Qing Lin financially. All these years you’ve been devoted to him and taken care of him, as his brother, I owe you a proper thank you.”

“I can also provide for him financially,” Shen Xuzhi said lazily. “But I’ll accept the thank you.”

Qi Youhuai turned to lean his back against the railing, chewing the gum. “How are things looking on your end?”

“Pretty good,” Shen Xuzhi replied. “Shen Fu will be returning to the country soon. The timing is perfect.”

Shen Xuzhi bit down on his lollipop, letting bits of candy rest in his mouth. “I was originally worried that Shen Fu might not back down and try to cause trouble later. But now that he knows Qing Lin is your biological brother, he absolutely won’t dare make a move.”

Qi Youhuai suggested, “Then let’s drop the bombshell now. The evidence is more than enough, and the media haven’t even left yet.”

“You’re right,” Shen Xuzhi said, straightening and stretching. “I’ll tell my boyfriend, then I’ll be right back.”

In the conference hall, various media outlets were still fiercely debating the incident.

Suddenly, the hum of a microphone cut through the air. Shen Xuzhi, seated on the stage, adjusted the stand closer as he addressed the audience. “Excuse me,” he said.

The entire hall instantly fell silent.

Shen Xuzhi gripped the microphone stand, the white overhead lights shining on his face, highlighting his thick brows, prominent nose, and deep contours. He raised his head and swept his gaze coolly over the audience.

His calm, icy voice carried clearly through the microphone.

“I am formally reporting the Shen Group for accounting fraud and tax evasion totaling 800 million, and the possibility of money laundering cannot be ruled out. I urge the authorities to conduct a thorough investigation.”

_____________________________________________________________________________________

A few days later, at the Hangzhou People’s Court.

The weather in Hangzhou had been beautiful these past few days—bright sun and blue skies. Although it was a bit hot, the sky was a clear, stunning blue, naturally lifting one’s spirits.

As the plaintiff, Qing Lin watched Qing Baihu receive a sentence of thirty-seven years and eight months in prison. Given his alcohol-damaged health, he would likely spend the rest of his life behind bars.

The Shen Group was also found guilty of tax evasion and fined a total of 1.5 billion yuan. Shen Fu was detained immediately upon landing at the airport, preventing him from approaching either Shen Xuzhi or Qing Lin.

The dust had settled.

The moment Qing Lin walked out of the courthouse, he felt a weight lift from his entire body. He stepped into the brilliant sunshine, squinted slightly, and raised a hand to shade his eyes as he looked into the distance.

Not far away, across the courthouse’s spacious square, Shen Xuzhi stood with a solid, commanding silhouette, waiting in the dazzling light for the person who would emerge.

Qing Lin’s heart trembled. He ran towards him and wrapped his arms tightly around him.

He buried his head in Shen Xuzhi’s chest, silent, feeling Shen Xuzhi gently pat his back, rub his earlobe, and lightly kiss the top of his head.

After a moment, Qing Lin lifted his head and grasped the collar of Shen Xuzhi’s shirt. The other man instinctively lowered his head, meeting him in an embrace and a kiss.

Joy, excitement, the instantaneous void that followed liberation, and an unspeakable sorrow—it was all there.

The moment he saw Shen Xuzhi, he softened completely.

Sunlight bathed the courthouse entrance. Calling it the “light of justice” might have been a bit dramatic, so perhaps it was better described as the light of a new beginning.

Their lips parted, and Shen Xuzhi gently kissed Qing Lin’s cheek once more.

He took Qing Lin’s hand, their fingers intertwining.

He was taking him home.

At the intersection, a black Maybach stopped on the otherwise empty street. Shen Xuzhi’s steps faltered. He paused in front of the car, and the window rolled down silently.

Inside sat a middle-aged man in a business suit, his face cold and lined with age. He stared back with eyes completely devoid of emotion, like those of a machine.

Qing Lin looked at the man, and a flash of recognition struck him—he had seen him before.

Shen Xuzhi stepped forward, shielding Qing Lin. He and Shen Fu exchanged a long, silent gaze. Then Shen Xuzhi laughed mockingly. “You’re too impatient. It makes you look foolish.”

Shen Fu remained silent.

His dark eyes met Shen Xuzhi’s without flinching, unreadable as ever, before finally dropping.

After a long pause, he spoke.

“Shen Xuzhi, you win.”

He glanced at Qing Lin, calm and composed beside him, before turning back to Shen Xuzhi.

“Congratulations on your freedom. May you have a happy life together.”

__________________________________________________________________________________

Home.

“Yes, Ge-ge. I’m home.” Qing Lin changed his shoes in the entryway while on the phone with Qi Youhuai.

Returning from the scorching sun, he headed straight for the air-conditioned living room and sank into the sofa. A light sweat clung to him, and his eyes, lips, and brow held a faint warmth.

“Everything’s fine. Yes… okay, I’ll hang up now.”

Qing Lin ended the call, only to feel a weight press against him. Shen Xuzhi had wrapped his arms around him from behind, burying his head in the crook of Qing Lin’s neck.

Qing Lin squirmed a little as Shen Xuzhi’s hair tickled him and laughed. “What now?”

“…You called him ‘Ge-ge,’” Shen Xuzhi complained. “You’ve never called me that.”

“I said ge, not gege. There’s a difference,” Qing Lin corrected.

“Still, you’ve called me that before,” Shen Xuzhi insisted.

Qing Lin found the possessive man’s antics utterly childish. He patted Shen Xuzhi’s arm. “Get up first. I’m covered in sweat.”

Shen Xuzhi straightened up, pecked Qing Lin’s soft cheek, and said, “I’ll run you a bath.”

As he walked toward the bathroom, he paused, turned back, and asked, “Do you want to use the bathtub?”

Truth be told, Qing Lin had never once used the bathtub in Shen Xuzhi’s home. He had noticed it when he first moved in—it was massive, high-tech, with a confusing array of buttons promising countless functions.

When Shen Xuzhi finally said it was ready, Qing Lin opened the bathroom door and stepped inside. The bathtub looked even more luxurious than he remembered—filled with foam, veiled in rising steam, the water still flowing softly from the faucet.

“I’ve set the temperature perfectly,” Shen Xuzhi said. “Go ahead, try it out.”

To truly feel the water, he needed to undress. Shen Xuzhi, ever considerate, turned his back—but remained in the bathroom, listening to the faint rustle of Qing Lin’s clothes as he undressed behind him.

Then came the gentle sound of water rippling through the bath. Qing Lin dipped in one foot first—the temperature was perfect, pleasantly warm. He slowly eased himself in. The bathtub’s design was ideal; even reclining, his head rested comfortably above the water. Soft bubbles floated all around him, the atmosphere serene and luxuriously soothing.

Qing Lin closed his eyes to savor the moment. When he opened them, Shen Xuzhi had turned around.

“Do you want me to turn on the massage function? It’s very relaxing,” Shen Xuzhi asked.

Qing Lin glanced at the control panel, then back at him, and submerged slightly deeper into the foam. “Can I request a manual massage instead?”

Shen Xuzhi smiled. “Of course.”

He rolled up his sleeves, pulled a chair to the side of the tub, and beckoned, “Swim over here.”

Qing Lin moved slowly toward him, head above water.

Ever attentive, Shen Xuzhi asked, “Where would Mr. Qing like his massage?”

“Anywhere is fine,” Qing Lin said, rising slightly. Bubbles clung to his shoulders.

Shen Xuzhi began a professional massage, asking gently, “Is this pressure okay?”

Qing Lin nodded, relaxed.

Immersed in foam, his upper body mostly exposed, his fair skin glowed faintly pink in the steam. Shen Xuzhi’s gaze followed the contours of his shoulders and collarbones as his hands slowly moved downward.

“The man you saw in the car today is my father,” Shen Xuzhi said quietly, his voice low and steady. “Back then, the reason I never dared approach you, even when I liked you, was because of him. He’s dangerous—ruthless—and he’ll do whatever it takes to get what he wants.”

His hands slipped under the water to Qing Lin’s waist. Qing Lin flinched slightly, and Shen Xuzhi wrapped his arms around him, pressing firmly but gently.

“I’ve been trying to break free from him all this time. You’re the one who gave me the strength to do it, Qing Lin.”

Steam filled the air, and as the temperature in the bathroom rose, his consciousness began to sink into a pleasant drowsiness.

Shen Xuzhi’s hands pressed a little harder. Qing Lin’s ears burned red in the steam.

“Shen Xuzhi…” he murmured. “Let’s not talk about it right now.”

Shen Xuzhi lowered his head, his lips brushing against Qing Lin’s ear as he murmured, “What’s wrong? Feeling uncomfortable?”

Qing Lin shook his head, then turned toward him and said, “The bathtub’s big enough. Come join me.”

Shen Xuzhi pretended not to understand. “It’s more spacious alone. Less crowded.”

“…..”

Qing Lin bit his lip, blush deepening. “I don’t mind it being crowded.”

“You’re too wet right now. I’m still dry. It’s a bit inconvenient,” Shen Xuzhi countered.

Only then did Qing Lin realize—Shen Xuzhi was still sitting there fully dressed, perfectly composed, in stark contrast to himself, soaking in the steamy bath.

From this angle, he could clearly see Shen Xuzhi’s sharp, defined jawline and the beautiful prominence of his Adam’s apple catching the light—which, surprisingly, held a single droplet of water.

Qing Lin’s heart inexplicably skipped a beat.

A sudden impulse seized him. Qing Lin fully turned around, his entire body facing Shen Xuzhi.

Then, he stood up, the water he displaced creating a loud splash. Droplets streamed down his neck and shoulders. The high temperature of the bathroom made Qing Lin’s lips look plump and rosy, a vivid contrast to his clean, smooth skin.

He stepped out of the tub, supported himself on Shen Xuzhi’s solid shoulder, and then, completely nude, sat down on his lap.

The soft, intimate contact—and the high body heat from the bath—made the situation immediately difficult for Shen Xuzhi to endure.

Qing Lin looped an arm around his neck, his face flushed as he murmured, “I’m already like this—don’t you get it?”

“Now you’re wet too,” he said, his face utterly earnest as he spoke the most seductive words.

“Gege, make love to me.”