After the 99th Confession, The Cold School Beauty’s Personality Collapsed - Chapter 74:

Chapter 74: This Is Our Young Master:

The message Jiang Zhitao sent was simple: “Are you home yet?” 

Qin Luo typed back, “I’m home.” 

He waited a while but didn’t receive any reply from Jiang Zhitao and wasn’t sure if the message was seen.

In contrast, Ji Yan sent a flood of messages. There were more than ten in total. She first asked if Qin Luo was home, then if he had eaten. She shared what she had for dinner and even sent a picture of her meal, explaining that her mother took her out to celebrate being discharged from the hospital.

While Qin Luo was reading her messages, another one popped up: “When are you coming back?” 

After a brief thought, Qin Luo replied, “Back to school.” 

Ji Yan responded almost instantly: “That’s two months away. It’s going to be a long wait; I won’t see you for two months.”

Qin Luo didn’t know how to respond. Since the school celebration, Ji Yan seemed like a different person. The aloof image she once had vanished, and now she seemed like his biggest fan. Of course, she remained somewhat reserved, but anyone could tell her feelings were clear.

As for Qin Luo, he felt helpless. He had said everything he needed to say, but Ji Yan’s newfound enthusiasm left him unsure of how to react. Ji Yan likely understood this but didn’t seem to care.

A moment later, she sent another message: “It’s fine; two months will pass quickly. I’ll wait patiently for you.”

Qin Luo replied, “It’s getting late. You should rest.”

Ji Yan said, “I’m about to sleep too. I’ll listen to the song you wrote as I fall asleep. I played it all day. Even my mother said it was wonderful.”

“Good night,” Qin Luo typed.

“Good night,” Ji Yan replied and then added another message shortly after: “Hey, saying ‘good night’ over text doesn’t quite capture it, does it? Okay, I’m really going to sleep now. Good night for real.”

Qin Luo stared at their chat box and let out a long sigh. He wasn’t sure how to describe his feelings—complicated and a bit bittersweet.

Suddenly, a system notification appeared:

[You have gained Literary Talent +2]

[You gained Wit +2]

[You got Talent +2]

[You obtained a Perfect Video Shooting Opportunity]

[You received the Perfect Recipe]

[You gained 500,000 currency]

The unexpected alerts stunned Qin Luo for a moment. Once he gathered himself, he opened Jia Ting’s chat box. She had sent two messages earlier—one while Qin Luo was drinking with his father, asking if he was home, and another message 10 minutes ago asking if he was asleep.

Qin Luo thought for a moment and replied: “Not yet. How about you? Still thinking about that painting?”

2 minutes later, Jia Ting responded: “How did you know?”

“Just a guess,” Qin Luo replied with a chuckle. “I bet what you gave me wasn’t just a painting but a fully automatic mining machine.”

Jia Ting wrote back: “I just finished washing up and was about to sleep. But I couldn’t resist looking at the painting, wondering if I could finish it. I sat there for over 10 minutes but didn’t dare touch it. It’s really good.”

Qin Luo could almost picture her at her desk, holding a brush, frowning, and then setting it down with a sigh. He had to admit, that painting was truly a treasure. Judging by its current impact, it would probably yield a lot of benefits in the future. Sustainability, as it turned out, was the key.

…

Early the next morning.

Qin Luo woke up at 5:30. He quietly tiptoed out, noting that his parents were still asleep. After a quick wash, he put on a tracksuit and headed out for a morning jog. Exercise was a good habit, and he planned to keep it up whenever possible.

The early July sky was already bright at 5:30 AM. There weren’t many people on the streets, but a few cars passed by, and sanitation workers in their uniforms were busy cleaning up.

Qin Luo jogged along the roadside. When he reached the development zone, he couldn’t help but marvel at the high-rise buildings, either completed or still under construction. 

Just 10 years ago, this place was a small, underdeveloped county with no bars, malls, or universities. But rapid societal and economic growth changed everything.

Proximity to the imperial capital and Jinmen attracted major developers, who saw great potential in this small county. They bought land and started building new business hubs, and in just 10 years, the place transformed. Now, there were three large malls, four supermarkets, and even a university branch campus from the imperial capital, bringing in more people and boosting the economy.

Most of the new residents were young people, leading business-minded locals to open entertainment venues like bars, KTVs, and internet cafes, further fueling the market. Residential buildings sprouted up everywhere, transforming the county’s landscape.

Qin Luo saw buildings that were once only half-finished now standing tall. Many were already sold, with huge banners proudly hanging from them. It was a sight none of the locals could have imagined a decade ago when housing prices were a fraction of what they are now.

In just 10 years, housing prices in the small county had nearly matched those of city-level areas. When the capital cooperates with the local government, economic development can be astonishing, transforming the city almost daily.

Overall, this change was positive for the city and its people. Though living costs increased, the average income rose as well. More importantly, the spike in housing prices significantly raised the value of locals’ properties. Even Qin Luo’s old, elevator-less residential area could now sell for a substantial amount.

Back when they bought it for less than 300,000 yuan, its value had already doubled or tripled—an unbelievable leap. Particularly valuable was the restaurant owned by Qin Luo’s family—it wasn’t a rented storefront.

After marrying Qin’s mother, Qin’s father had enough savings to buy a good house and car. Instead, he chose a modest home and an average car, using most of the money as a down payment for the restaurant space. He then opened a business, supporting the family and repaying the loans on both the house and the restaurant.

Now, the loans were fully paid, and the restaurant was wholly owned by the Qin family. Even back then, it was a valuable property. With the current rise in property prices, its worth had soared. 

Thinking about it, Qin Luo realized he was a minor “rich second generation” after all. His family’s assets totaled several million yuan, excluding whatever savings his parents had quietly accumulated.

Despite their humble lifestyle and average car, Qin Luo knew their restaurant business thrived. 

Thanks to countless wedding banquets held year-round and the restaurant’s strong reputation for excellent taste, it became a local favorite for celebrations.

This realization made Qin Luo feel at ease. Though he had tens of millions in his bank account, the thought of being a “rich second generation” was strangely different.

As the clock neared seven, he jogged home, buying breakfast along the way. Climbing to the fifth floor, he saw his father squatting at the door, smoking a cigarette. 

Father Qin glanced at him, ready to ask why he was up so early, when Qin Luo blurted out, “Dad, how much inheritance can I expect when you’re gone?”

“Pfft… cough, cough… puff, cough!” Qin’s father almost choked, coughing uncontrollably while glaring at Qin Luo with wide eyes. 

Qin Luo backed up a step, grinning sheepishly. “Just asking, nothing more.”

Father Qin finally regained composure, giving Qin Luo a fierce glare. “I’m only in my fifties, and you’re already talking about my death?”

“It’s out of concern for your health, Dad. You’re looking great, so I’m relieved.”

“You call that concern? You’re too filial.”

The father and son stared at each other for a while before Father Qin threw his cigarette to the ground, unlocked the door, and stepped inside. 

Qin Luo followed, watching as his father shut the door with a loud “bang.” If he hadn’t reacted quickly, his face would have been flattened.

With a sigh, Qin Luo unlocked the door himself, glanced at his father’s back, and silently muttered “Old Man” in his heart.

Inside, he noticed his mother hadn’t gotten up yet, so he set the breakfast on the dining table and went to freshen up. When he returned, his parents were already eating. Seeing him, Mother Qin called out, “Son, come and eat!”

As Qin Luo sat, she asked, “Why were you up so early? And you even brought breakfast.”

Qin Luo smiled. “I wanted to give you both a break from the restaurant and take care of you.”

His words, though casual, pleased his mother. “You’re a good son, you know. Here, have a pancake.” She handed him a pancake.

It wasn’t a typical pancake but a large, northern specialty. It resembled a giant, deep-fried dough circle with a “grid” shape. Qin Luo used to struggle finishing one, but now he could eat three, tearing pieces to dip in tofu brain, savoring its salty flavor.

Father Qin watched him with a mix of disdain and amusement. “Don’t change the subject,” he said. “Why were you out so early?”

“To rob a bank, what else?” Qin Luo joked.

Father Qin blinked. “Banks open this early?”

“…Dad, just eat your pancake.”

Father Qin grabbed the pancake Qin Luo handed him, pulling out his phone to search bank hours. Meanwhile, Mother Qin praised her son for looking more handsome and staying fit, rewarding him with another pancake.

Realizing he might need more exercise to avoid gaining weight, Qin Luo resolved to stay active.

After breakfast, his parents headed to the restaurant and asked if he wanted to join. Qin Luo, with no other plans, agreed.

The restaurant’s location was prime, and over the years, it had been renovated many times. Now, it had three bright and spacious floors. Qin Luo remembered his mother telling him how his father had risked everything for it, even mortgaging their wedding home.

Thankfully, the county’s growth brought more business, and the restaurant prospered. The Qin family now enjoyed a comfortable life.

When they arrived, the restaurant was already bustling. Chefs worked in the kitchen while waiters cleaned the hall and private rooms. As soon as they saw Qin’s parents, employees greeted them respectfully. Some glanced at Qin Luo, curious about his identity.

Older employees recognized him and, after a moment’s hesitation, exclaimed, “Xiao Luo?”

Seeing Qin Luo nod in acknowledgment, the employees relaxed, confirming they had not made a mistake. One of them remarked with a sigh, “They say women change eighteen times as they grow, but it seems young men can change just as much. A visit to the big city does wonders.”

Qin Luo almost wanted to retort, “I became handsome through my own effort; what does luck have to do with it?” 

Of course, he knew his natural looks were a gift, but if people insisted that his charm came from mining the wealth of elite schoolgirls in the capital, he couldn’t change their minds.

Some newer employees, unfamiliar with Qin Luo, whispered to the older staff, asking about his identity. The old-timers responded, “He’s our young master. Got it?” 

Hearing this, the employees quickly shifted their attitudes, greeting Qin Luo with respectful politeness.

Among them, several young female staff members, ranging in age from their twenties to thirties, couldn’t take their eyes off Qin Luo. 

Married, divorced, single—it didn’t matter; their expressions sparkled with curiosity and interest.

In a place like Shanghai, it might be common for a girl to ask for contact information, but in small towns like this, traditions were different. Though the economy had developed rapidly over the past decade, social norms hadn’t fully caught up. A boy approaching a girl on the street or sending drinks to a nearby table would still be judged harshly by the older generation.

Girls, meanwhile, might initiate contact, but even then, they’d keep it discreet, snickering behind closed doors. In this environment, despite their admiration for Qin Luo, none of them dared to take the first step.

Qin Luo remained friendly, smiling as he greeted them, while his eyes scanned the room for someone. His gaze finally settled when a young woman descended from the second floor.

Mi Jiaxuan was dressed in the staff uniform, as per Mother Qin’s rule that all employees maintain a professional image. The uniform was simple—a white shirt, navy blue trousers, and an apron bearing the restaurant’s logo. It wasn’t as formal as a business suit but was casual and fitting for a restaurant environment.

No one would mistake a suited waiter as anything other than a guest toasting drinks. However, a young female manager in a suit might be another story, as people would surely notice her.

In her uniform, Mi Jiaxuan stood out among the staff, not because of her outfit but because of her striking figure. Though Qin Luo tried to keep his composure, he couldn’t help but notice her curves. Comparing her to others he knew, like Ji Yan or Jia Ting, it was evident that Mi Jiaxuan had a more impressive physique.

Though it might be exaggerated to call others “airports,” Mi Jiaxuan’s figure outshined even flirtatious young women. If judged solely by her shape, she could confidently claim, “I’m not targeting anyone; I’m just pointing out that everyone else is average.”

However, in terms of facial appearance, she fell short. People are naturally drawn to appearances, especially young men. They didn’t appreciate her impressive figure, but instead, judged her by her face.

Qin Luo understood this well. Mi Jiaxuan had a congenital condition that made hearing and speaking difficult. She relied on gestures and writing to communicate. For many, this made interactions with her cumbersome, so they avoided close connections.

But Qin Luo wasn’t one of those people. When he spotted Mi Jiaxuan, he raised his hand in greeting. “Good morning.”

The young woman turned, saw him, and seemed taken aback. Flustered, she nervously touched her braids and stood frozen on the stairs. A nearby female employee nudged her shoulder, bringing her back to reality. She bowed her head in thanks before quickly approaching Qin Luo.

She waved her hands in a gesture that Qin Luo couldn’t understand. Qin’s father, standing nearby, translated, “She’s saying good morning.”

Qin Luo stared, surprised. “You know sign language?”

Father Qin shrugged. “A good boss should care about their employees.”

The surrounding staff looked on with admiration for their boss, clearly impressed. Qin Luo, smiling, gave his father a respectful nod.

Mi Jiaxuan seemed surprised to see Qin Luo but didn’t linger. She exchanged greetings and returned to work. It was work hours, after all, and despite her close relationship with Mother Qin, Mi Jiaxuan took her responsibilities seriously. She showed no hint of special treatment, focusing on her tasks with dedication.

With his parents busy managing the restaurant, Qin Luo wandered around idly. From his pocket, he pulled out a simple magnifying glass—a reward item from his adventures, known as the “Future Market Magnifying Glass.”