After the 99th Confession, The Cold School Beauty’s Personality Collapsed - Chapter 78:

Chapter 78: For Braised Pork:

It was nighttime, and Jia Ting’s family gathered for dinner at the restaurant. Her parents, uncle, and a few others were present, though her grandfather stayed in his room. Among the guests were her aunt, Ye Zhiqiu, who shared a close bond with Jia Ting, and a young, polite boy with a gentle demeanor.

From the moment he arrived, the young man’s eyes never strayed from Jia Ting, filled with admiration and affection. However, Jia Ting barely acknowledged him, focusing on her conversation with her aunt.

Once the nanny placed the final dish on the table, everyone took their seats. Conversation was minimal during the meal, mainly led by Jia Mingzhong and Jia Mingyi, who discussed work, the economy, and current events. Occasionally, they directed questions to Ye Zhiqiu, but she seemed uninterested.

At one point, Jia Mingyi turned to Jia Ting and said, “Ting’er, you’re 20 now, right?”

The others immediately shifted their attention to Jia Ting, then glanced at the young man. He raised his eyebrows slightly, revealing his nervous excitement. “Yes, I’m 20 now,” Jia Ting replied quietly.

“Ziming is already 22. The two of you are at the right age to consider marriage,” Ye Zhiqiu said, looking at her nephew.

“I’m fine with whatever, as long as Ting’er is willing,” Ye Ziming said, trying to sound calm but betraying his anticipation with his gaze.

Jia Ting remained silent, focusing on her meal.

Jia Mingzhong looked at her and said, “Will you be staying home now that you’re back?”

“I still have two years left in college,” Jia Ting replied, pausing mid-bite.

“You can always transfer schools,” Jia Mingzhong suggested. “You’ve always loved painting. Why not switch to the Imperial Academy of Fine Arts?”

Jia Mingyi added, “It’s better for people from the imperial capital to stay closer to home. Back then, when your father worked in Shanghai, you all moved there for school. Now that your father is back in the capital, it makes sense for you to return too. At 20, there are other things to focus on besides school.”

He paused and then asked Jia Mingzhong, “What do you think, brother?”

Jia Mingzhong nodded in agreement.

Jia Ting quietly continued eating, though her hand trembled slightly. The room fell silent as everyone waited for her response, placing a weight on her shoulders that she shouldn’t have to bear at her age.

Finally, her mother, who had remained detached, spoke up. “It’s Ting’er’s choice.”

Her mother’s words gave Jia Ting courage. She put down her chopsticks and said, “I’d like to finish college first.”

Ye Ziming’s smile faltered, but none of the adults argued. Instead, they exchanged glances with Ye Zhiqiu.

Ye Zhiqiu spoke up, “I understand you’re hesitant, Ting’er. But remember, this arrangement was made by your grandfathers. Perhaps you and Ziming could spend time together over the summer? A trip, maybe?”

“Good idea,” Jia Mingyi said. “Ting’er and Ziming were close when you were younger. Since your family moved to Shanghai, you haven’t spent much time together. A trip might help you reconnect.”

“What’s there to reconnect? We’ve known each other since we were toddlers. I only see him as a brother,” Jia Ting said, her frustration showing.

Ye Ziming’s expression became even more strained.

The adults weren’t surprised. They could see Jia Ting’s lack of feelings for Ye Ziming. But that didn’t matter. What mattered was honoring the arrangement between their families—a decision made long ago by their elders. For aristocratic families like theirs, arranged marriages were still seen as a practical way to strengthen alliances.

Ye Zhiqiu sighed. “Ting’er, I know you dislike this idea, but think about your parents—”

She stopped herself, realizing she couldn’t use them as an example of a happy marriage. While outwardly courteous, Jia Ting’s parents were emotionally distant. Since childhood, Jia Ting had known her parents slept in separate rooms and addressed each other with polite formalities. It was a painful reminder of what her future might become, and it made her determined to resist.

Soon, the mood grew tense. 

Sensing this, Jia Mingyi shifted the conversation. “Brother, is your chef still the same? The food here hasn’t improved much over the years.”

He set down his chopsticks, as if unimpressed by the meal.

Jia’s mother smiled and said, “If you have a preference, I can find a better chef.”

Jia Mingyi shook his head. “It’s not that. I was in Anwen County today, and there’s news about it becoming a key development city in the province.”

“While I was there, I went to a restaurant. Most of the food was average, but the braised pork they served was the best I’ve ever tasted.”

“Come on,” Jia Mingzhong said, shaking his head. “You always exaggerate. Was it really that good?”

“Brother, I’m serious. You have to try it yourself,” Jia Mingyi insisted.

The others seemed indifferent, but Jia Ting was curious. “Was it really that delicious?”

“Absolutely. I’ll bring some back for you next time.”

He paused and then added, “Do you know who made it?”

“The chef?”

“It was the owner. But even he was surprised—it turned out his son secretly improved the recipe.”

“Then ask his son to cook next time you go. I’d like to try it too,” Jia Ting said, although she wondered why her uncle specifically asked if she knew who made it. 

Seeing her confusion, Jia Mingyi smiled and dropped his pretense. “That young man is truly talented,” he said. “If he weren’t the son of the restaurant owner, I’d suspect he was from a prestigious family.”

His words caught Jia Mingzhong’s attention. He raised an eyebrow with genuine interest. Ye Zhiqiu added, “How handsome is he?”

“Remember that video Ting’er played yesterday?” Jia Mingyi said, a knowing smile on his face.

Everyone in the room froze for a moment. Jia Ting’s eyes widened, and she blurted out, “You mean Qin Luo? Was it him? Did you see him?”

Her surprise and excitement were evident, and even the most oblivious person could sense it. The elders, who were usually composed, grew curious. It was rare for Jia Ting, usually calm and reserved, to react so strongly.

Yesterday, after returning home, Jia Ting had played a video in the living room. The music and piano melody had drawn everyone’s attention, and they all gathered to watch. The young man in the video was performing a hauntingly beautiful song on the piano, which left a lasting impression on them. 

Though they praised his talent, none of them imagined he had such an impact on Jia Ting.

“So, you know him well?” Jia Mingzhong asked.

Before Jia Ting could respond, Ye Zhiqiu interjected, “Oh, I met him when I picked up Ting’er yesterday. He and Ting’er were on the same flight.”

The room fell silent as everyone absorbed this new piece of information. Ye Ziming, who had been listening quietly, tensed up, his ears perking up.

Jia Ting’s mother turned to her with amusement. “Is this your new friend, Ting’er?”

Jia Ting hesitated but finally said, “He’s just a classmate. He used to like one of my roommates, so that’s how we met. We just happened to be on the same flight home.”

Ye Ziming relaxed upon hearing this explanation but grew uneasy again. Used to like? he thought. What about now?

The adults exchanged glances, sensing there was more beneath the surface but choosing not to press further. The conversation shifted to other topics.

After dinner, the nanny began clearing the table. Jia Mingyi stood and said, “I have matters to attend to. I’ll take my leave.”

“I’ll see you out, Uncle,” Jia Ting offered.

They walked together through the well-lit courtyard. The glow from the villa’s lights combined with the street lamps created a serene atmosphere. The driver moved the car to the entrance, ready to open the door, but Jia Mingyi waved him off. “Drive to the entrance. I’ll walk a bit to digest.”

The driver nodded and left. When they were alone, Jia Mingyi turned to Jia Ting. “Is there something you want to tell me?”

Jia Ting smiled. “Uncle, you’re too sharp. You already know.”

He shook his head with a chuckle. “I’ve watched you grow up, after all. You always appear sweet and innocent, but you’ve got a crafty side.”

“It’s not as dramatic as you think. It’s just a small favor.”

“What is it?”

“Are you going to Anwen County soon?”

“Yes, the province will officially announce it as a key development city soon. I’ll have to go back once that’s done.”

“Then I’d like to come with you.”

He paused, looking at her with a knowing expression. “For Qin Luo?”

She maintained her smile. “Of course not. It’s for the braised pork. You made it sound so delicious that I can’t wait to try it.”

Feigning innocence, she added, “Food packed and brought back isn’t the same. Since it’s not far, why not let me come along and try it fresh?”

He stared at her for a moment. When they reached the door, the car was already waiting. “I’ll pick you up when I go,” he finally said.

“Thank you, Uncle,” she replied, a smile on her lips.

As the car drove away, Jia Ting turned back to the villa. She didn’t get far before spotting Ye Ziming standing under a streetlamp, waiting.

Suppressing a sigh, she approached him. Before she could greet him, Ye Ziming spoke. “Let’s go somewhere this summer.”

She replied absently, “It’s too hot. I’d rather stay home.”

“We could hike in Tibetan areas, swim at the beach, eat Sichuan cuisine, or see beautiful sights—anything you want.”

She shook her head. “No thanks. I’d prefer to stay with Grandpa.”

“You’ve used that excuse many times. We’ve known each other our whole lives. I know you’re avoiding anything beyond friendship, am I right?”

Her silence confirmed it. 

Ye Ziming gave a bitter smile. “I know we’ve grown too familiar, but we’re meant to be together. Why not try getting used to it?”

She remained silent, her lips pressed tight. He finally broke the silence.

“That Qin Luo—is he the one you like?”

“We’re just friends,” she replied flatly.

Ye Ziming’s eyes darkened. “Even if it’s friendship or more, you know you can’t be with someone from a regular family. You’re the only daughter of the Jia family. You know that.”

His words struck a nerve. She glared at him, her eyes cold. 

Taken aback, he stammered, “I didn’t mean—”

“I’m going to rest. Goodnight.” She brushed past him, walking back to the villa without a second glance.

Ye Ziming watched her go, fists clenched, his figure lonely beneath the streetlamp.

Jia Ting didn’t turn around. Her mood soured, not because of Ye Ziming but because of what he said. She couldn’t shake thoughts of her parents—two people bound together by family duty, living lives of formality without love. The idea of living like that terrified her.

Reaching her room, she found the light already on. 

Sitting by her bed was her elegant aunt, Ye Zhiqiu, flipping through her drawings.

“Aunt, you’re snooping in my room again!”

Feigning annoyance, she tried to snatch the drawings. Ye Zhiqiu let her take them, smiling. “You’re talented. Did you draw all these?”

“Yes,” she replied, placing them in a drawer.

Ye Zhiqiu teased, “One of them is exceptional. The style is different from your usual work… was it drawn by Qin Luo on the plane?”

Sighing, Jia Ting nodded. “Yes, he did.”

Expecting more questions, she was surprised when Ye Zhiqiu simply said, “It’s a good drawing. Have him make one for me sometime.”

Taken aback, Jia Ting looked at her aunt.

Ye Zhiqiu stood, patting her shoulder gently. “I know what you’re feeling. Loving someone can be a blessing—and a curse.”

She continued softly, “The engagement with Ziming was arranged long ago. You can’t change it, but you’re still young. Don’t give up too quickly.”

Hearing her aunt’s kind words, Jia Ting asked, “How can I be like you, Aunt?”

Ye Zhiqiu smiled sadly. “You don’t want that. I broke free of expectations, but it’s not easy.”

“But isn’t that what you wanted—to escape?”

Ye Zhiqiu paused, then sighed. “Goodnight, Ting’er.”

After she left, Jia Ting pulled out her drawings and stared at them, lost in thought. She traced the image of herself, drawn by Qin Luo, feeling both hope and despair.