QT: Scum Gong System: I Became the Male Leads I Hated!? - Chapter 63

Sunday has come. A carriage halted at the front steps of the decorated Academy of Scientific Pursuits in Charlottenburg. Out came three men, dressed to the nines.

Dr. Franklin Storitz donned a simple gray fedora with a touch of a black feather on it. His glasses are in tip-top condition, the silver polished so much that it shines. He wore a romantic silver tailcoat with a black vest underneath, and a simple white bowtie. He looks dashing, but it is obvious that he had dressed more plainly than he usually does.

The reason for it could be that he doesn’t want to overshadow his partner. This night is for Dr. Stein Evans, a colleague from London. Mr. Evans is dressed with a sapphire blue coat that matches his butterfly hairtie, which gave him a delicate yet regal air. There is a gossamer shine about him, dazzling the eyes. His pointy shoes costs 18,000 gold marks, made from real crocodile leather, which was a recent gift from his ‘friend’. His foot size is 12 inches though, so it has to be tailor-made for him. Though he possibly have the most expensive wear out of all the guest, he had kept a humble demeanor about him that is equally as striking as his glamour.

Because most people in this ball are vain, and competitive to be the ‘most’. Most beautiful, most handsome, most successful, most intellectual-looking….. While Dr. Stein Evans have none of that superlative air. It was like dressing a sheep with a golden cape.

He kept close to Dr. Franklin Storitz and acted the more timid of the two besides having the bigger build.

The other man from the carriage was the complete opposite. He could not afford a fine suit and only a secondhand one from a clothes rental shop. He did not think he would be making any big expenses when agreed to live within Haus Storitz, so he only brought what few coins he can spare and exchanged them for German currency. It was just a brown suit with brown slacks, a little too big and saggy for him.

Yet what he could not make up for style, he make up with his attitude. His gait is just as calm and assured as everyone else, and he greeted the partygoers like he had known them their whole lives. Thus, just like Stein Evans, people are drawn to him.

But while Stein Evans have a ‘look but don’t touch’ aura to him, the friendly captain has the ‘you can talk to me anytime!’ vibe. So people are drawn to this trio for different reasons. They were the center of the whole party.

Champagne flutes were passed around, along with hors d’oeuvres. A kind-looking man with a well-trimmed beard approached them, arms wide for an amicable hug as a greeting. Zhe Chouhen thought this must be Mr. Wagner, the one who called on the telephone.

“Ah, Mr. Storitz! It’s a delight to see you again after so many years!” The jolly middle-aged man patted his back as he hugged, and ‘Dr. Storitz’ did the same.

“Has it really been so many? It had only been three, Herr Wagner.” ‘Franklin’ said with a bright smile. “And I just visited the Akademie recently, though you were not there when I came.”

“Ah, I’ve caught news of your return indeed from my secretary, but we so dearly missed you! All of us do, you were our dear treasure! Our Schatz!” He exclaimed. “Please, you must introduce me to these gentlemen with you. What are your relations with them?”

“My relation with them?” ‘Franklin’ gave them both a look. “Well, I have a very close relationship with these two men. They live under the same roof as me at the moment, until I return back to London for an expedition.”

Mr. Wagner titled his head. “Oh, are they your brothers, then? Or are you only providing their lodging?”

“We’re not brothers by blood, but I treat any respectable fellow as a brother!” The captain spoke up without being prodded to. He extended a hand for the Science Exhibition host to shake. “My name is Captain Walter Clerval, nice to make your acquaintance.”

“A sea captain, huh? Will your next invention be related to aquamarine life, Mr. Storitz?” Mr. Wagner shook Captain Clervals hand as warmly as he hugged ‘Franklin’, feeling that he likes this captain already. “It is a pleasure to meet a rare guest such as you, Mr. Clerval! We had plenty of doctors, surgeons and elites, but barely a sea captain in sight!”

“Our experiment would not be related to aquamarine life.” The blond beauty beside the doctor said. “We are merely sponsoring this captain’s expedition out of our charitable hearts. My name is Stein Evans, I am an assistant of Dr. Storitz.”

He also extended a hand, though it is more stiff and imposing. Mr. Wagner immediately felt this is a man that commands respect or else he would not return any to you. “Ah…. pleased to meet you too, Dr. Evans.”

Stein narrowed his eyes at the captain. He doesn’t like people thinking he had a closer relationship with Franklin, that’s why he went out of his way despite his meekness to introduce himself and show who the REAL partner of Dr. Storitz was. Of course, in a platonic sense in their eyes, a partner in scientific endeavors. Yet he is still protective over such a position.

The captain did not mind, and just returned that gaze dopily, like a man deeply entranced by a beautiful set of jewelry or a plethora of food. Yet deep inside, this lackadaisical man has a soul that harbors deep seething anger and jealousy for Stein Evans.

Anyone can notice this clash a mile away, except for their companion, Dr. Storitz, who just gracefully ate some of the small pastries in a tray handed to him along with a flute of champagne. He seems to be blind at the inner turmoil of his fellow men that it was painful to watch.

But deep inside, ‘Franklin Storitz’ has the soul of a man that is dying from nervousness and anxiety from the behavior his companions are exhibiting and the many people compacted in this one place. He hates parties and any social events, especially if there’s drama involved. So much so that he could eat and drink while pretending to keep his cool.

Mr. Wagner cleared his throat to diffuse the situation. “Er… Mr. Storitz, would you like to see MR. and Mrs. Fleury before you go to stage with them and show a real-life application of your prosthetic leg invention? They are just among the East Hall, I’ve heard.”

“Oh, of course! I have been looking forward to speaking with the couple again.” He said, and they were led by the chubby old man.

(Daoist Panda, this crowd is making me feel nauseous.) Zhe Chouhen tried to contact through his head.

Throughout this whole week, the BL author had ignored both his spoken and telepathic words not just once, not twice, but a total of 27 times! Why did he get prickly all of sudden!? He wouldn’t even open his door to him when he knocks at night! What’s got into him?

[……]

There was no response. Daoist Panda must have thought that he was just trying to get his pity to talk to him. But it really is partially true, the many lights and sights and sounds….. It’s making Zhe Chouhen dizzy, but not so much to the extreme.

But he acted like it was worse than it really is, pleading: (Daoist Panda, I’m really not feeling well. I think I’m going to vomit or pass out…)

[…….]

He waited and waited, until they reach the West Hall. Zhe chouhen had already given up, moving to draw his attention to the book’s MC and do his job as an ML without a hitch, but then….

[You can’t excuse yourself right now. Meeting the Fleurys would be an important scene. You could just do so afterwards, find a bathroom or go to the garden if it’s too far away. Just try to stay strong and keep it in.]

(Panda…. You’re noticing me again!) Zhe Chouhen exclaimed in his head happily. (Thank you! I was so worried, I don’t understand why you suddenly cut me off! But why did you do so in the first place—)

[Zhe Chouhen, you have a role to play. Stop bothering my head, and only talk to me once this is all over.]

(Only talk to you when this is all over!? But that will take forever, Panda-laoshi!!!)

Still, he wasn’t able to complain much, as he was already faced to face with the couple from America.

They are quite a noticeable couple indeed. They are tall, the man is even a few inches taller than Stein, and they are rather wonderfully dressed as well. The man was wearing a red and black pinstripe suit, while the woman had a green flowing dress and small-cap with lilies in it. It was not really they’re clothes that were eye-catching….

But their complexion.

They are the only guest with a dark complexion at the party. Their skin was smooth and well-tended, but not many people can look past their skin color to notice that. They merged with the shadows, even when they are very bright and happy people.

Stein was interested in them, because it was his first time meeting African-American people in person. Though he did feel it’s quite rude to stare, he can’t help but notice how their dark skin accentuates their eyes and lips, making you focus on them, and making their teeth appear whiter and brighter.

He was reminded of his legs. Could his legs have belonged to these beautiful people?

To them, it looks good. But on him….. It’s just disturbing.

“Ah, Mr. Storitz.” The man spoke in English with a Southern Lousiana accent. “Long time no see. How have you been faring these days?”

Mr. Fleury always wore a charming smile, much like intellectuals or entertainers have, a person used to socialization, though much more playful. He seems to be very doting to his wife and always keep their arms intertwined as they talked. Before even approaching them, the trio had even seen them whispering and laughing to each other, possibly talking about the party, or some other fond memory related to it.

“I have been quite well, Mr. Fleury. I want to introduce you to my companions, by the way.” ‘Franklin’ gestured. “This is my assistant, Stein Evans. Captain Walter Clerval, and of course, you know the dashing handsome Mr. Wagner already.”

“Ah, you flatter me too much, Mr. Storitz. I already know I’m not as dashingly handsome back in my days.” The old ma then clapped. “Ah, that reminds me. I still have a lot of guests to acquaint with and welcome in this exhibit. I would have to leave you young ones on your own, until I return to have you at the main event at 8 sharp!”

“Farewell, Mr. Wagner.” Mrs. Fleury waved goodbye.

All that was left are the trio, and the couple to converse with one another.

‘Franklin’ started with:

“So how has your prosthetic leg doing after these years, Mr. Samuel Fleury?”

At the mention of the name, Stein felt a sinking feeling in his stomach, similar to nausea.

He felt like…. This man’s name shouldn’t be Samuel.