After the 99th Confession, The Cold School Beauty’s Personality Collapsed - Chapter 97: 

Chapter 97: 

September 2

Today marked the start of a new academic year for most schools, and university campuses across the city were bustling with activity. The University of Finance and Economics, located in the heart of a university town, was no exception. The area was teeming with energetic young men and women, each with their own dreams and goals.

For many freshmen, stepping into the university for the first time brought a mix of excitement and anticipation. Some arrived with their families, their parents proudly carrying bags of belongings. Others came alone, dragging oversized luggage, their faces filled with hope for the journey ahead. Meanwhile, returning students, accustomed to the cycle of campus life, were less sentimental. For them, the long two-month break had been a tedious stretch of monotony, and they were eager to dive back into the vibrant social circles of university life.

At the gates of the University of Finance and Economics, the scene was lively. Parents and students alike moved in and out, exchanging farewells, unloading bags, and snapping photos. Amid the chaos, a sudden hush fell over the crowd as three stunning girls entered the scene. Their presence turned heads, sparking whispers and awestruck stares.

“Wow, they’re gorgeous…”

“They must be city girls. Look at their style!”

“Are they seniors from our school?”

“Obviously! What other university would have girls like this?”

The awe quickly turned into curiosity, and a conversation broke out among the bystanders.

“Do they have boyfriends?”

“Don’t even think about it, man. Look at yourself first.”

“I’m just asking! Nothing wrong with being curious.”

“Let me educate you. The girl leading the group is Ji Yan, our school’s beauty queen. The others are Hao Meng and Shi Yulu—both absolute stunners too. And there’s another one named Jia Ting. All four are in the same dorm!”

“No way. Four beauties in one dormitory? That’s unreal!”

“I swear it’s true. It’s like the ultimate fantasy come to life.”

“Don’t get too excited. None of them are dating anyone. Well… except Ji Yan.”

“Ji Yan has a boyfriend? Spill the tea!”

“Not so fast. Her story’s complicated. Go check the forum. Search her name, and you’ll find all the details. It was a huge scandal back then.”

The mention of Ji Yan’s past immediately piqued the freshmen’s interest. Phones came out, and within moments, the school forum was flooded with searches for her name. What they discovered left them stunned.

“Whoa, 99 confessions? This guy Qin Luo was fearless!”

“And the best part—she ended up chasing him afterward!”

“She even kissed him first? My heart can’t take it.”

“That school celebration party… I got chills just reading about it.”

“The image of Ji Yan crying in the rain… I respect Senior Qin Luo. What a man.”

For these freshmen, the dramatic story between Ji Yan and Qin Luo left a stronger impression than the university itself.

…

Meanwhile, Ji Yan, Hao Meng, and Shi Yulu ignored the attention and chatter around them. They had experienced such reactions countless times and were unfazed. Today, however, their minds were weighed down by worries, leaving no room for distractions.

The trio walked through the campus, past admiring glances, until they reached the female dormitory building. They entered dormitory 404, only to find it exactly as they had left it before the break. Jia Ting’s spot was untouched, and there was no sign of her return.

“Jia Ting isn’t here yet,” Hao Meng murmured, her voice tinged with concern.

“I’ve tried calling her, but she’s not picking up. She hasn’t replied to any of my messages either,” Shi Yulu added.

“She’ll probably come back tonight,” Hao Meng reassured. “She never misses reporting day.”

The two glanced at Ji Yan, who remained silent. Her face, as always, was calm and distant, like a frost-covered leaf on a winter morning—ethereal yet unapproachable. But today, a faint sadness seemed to linger between her brows, giving her an air of fragility.

Without a word, Ji Yan checked Jia Ting’s corner of the room, then quietly began unpacking her belongings. Hao Meng and Shi Yulu exchanged looks. They wanted to say something comforting but decided against it, instead letting out quiet sighs.

Both girls had seen Jia Ting and Qin Luo kiss the evening before. While they had already known the two were dating, witnessing the kiss felt different. The timing, the place—it had all been too coincidental. They couldn’t help but think of Ji Yan, who had been present at the same time. Her heartbroken expression and voice were still fresh in their minds.

“Once Jia Ting comes back, I hope they can talk things out,” Hao Meng thought. “I really don’t want this to ruin their friendship.” Shi Yulu seemed to share the sentiment as she took out her phone and sent a message to Hao Meng:

Shi Yulu: Do you think they’ll fight?

Hao Meng: No way. We’re all good friends. It won’t happen.

Shi Yulu: What if it does? I’ve seen too many dramas where sisters fall for the same guy, and their bond gets destroyed.

Hao Meng: TV dramas are exaggerated. Real life isn’t like that.

Shi Yulu: Still… what if? Do you think we’d fight if we liked the same guy?

The message hung unanswered as Shi Yulu looked at Ji Yan and silently hoped that the storm brewing between the friends wouldn’t escalate.

Hao Meng: “You want to steal Sister Pao from me? Draw your sword, you scoundrel!”

Shi Yulu: “What? Of course not!”

Hao Meng: “That’s my king! Lulu, I didn’t expect you to covet my EX Curry Stick!”

Shi Yulu: “Why would I like women? And besides, they’re anime characters! I’m talking about men. Men!”

Hao Meng: “Ugh, what’s so great about those three-dimensional pigs? You can have them if you want. I’ll stick to my preferences.”

Shi Yulu: “But what if it happens?”

Hao Meng: “Impossible. Even if it’s an emergency, I’d rather be your mistress and help raise your kids. I don’t want to have my own anyway—too painful, la la la.”

The two girls, though sitting across from each other in the dorm room, were engrossed in chatting on their phones, occasionally letting out giggles. Gone was the poise they had displayed earlier as they walked across campus. If any of their admirers saw them now, they would undoubtedly feel disillusioned.

Suddenly, Hao Meng sat up straight and let out a surprised “Huh!”

Shi Yulu looked up curiously. “What’s wrong?”

“Oh, nothing,” Hao Meng replied, her tone casual but her eyes darting nervously. “I just remembered I forgot to buy a toothbrush cup. I’ll head to the supermarket downstairs. Be right back.”

Without waiting for a response, she dashed out of the room, leaving Shi Yulu sitting there, puzzled.

“Wait a second… didn’t we buy that together yesterday?” Shi Yulu muttered to herself.

Just as she spoke, Ji Yan also stood up abruptly and walked out. Her hurried pace seemed as though she was trying to catch up with Hao Meng, leaving Shi Yulu even more confused.

…

Hao Meng exited the dormitory and ran toward the small grove on campus, frequently glancing over her shoulder to ensure no one was following her. Once she confirmed she was alone, she let out a sigh of relief and turned a corner.

In the grove—known among students as a favorite dating spot—stood Jia Ting, waiting silently. She still wore the dress from the previous night, her ethereal beauty undiminished. Yet, the absence of the boy from last night made the scene feel incomplete.

Hao Meng opened her mouth to greet Jia Ting, but the words caught in her throat as she saw her face. Normally radiant, Jia Ting now looked pale and haggard, her eyes red and swollen as though she had cried all night. The sight reminded Hao Meng of Ji Yan from two months ago.

“Jia Ting…” Hao Meng’s voice was soft and tentative, lacking her usual liveliness. She approached cautiously, afraid of startling her friend.

Jia Ting seemed lost in thought but managed a tired smile when she noticed Hao Meng. “Meng, you’re here.”

“Yeah,” Hao Meng replied gently, stepping closer. She had received a message from Jia Ting earlier, asking her to meet here, and had rushed over. She hadn’t said anything in the dorm, fearing Ji Yan might overhear. After all, the memory of seeing Jia Ting and Qin Luo kiss last night was still fresh.

Before Hao Meng could say anything further, Jia Ting spoke, her words catching Hao Meng off guard.

“Meng, I’m leaving.”

Hao Meng froze. “What do you mean? Where are you going?”

“I’m transferring schools, returning to the Imperial Capital.”

The words stunned Hao Meng. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Why? What happened? Is it because of Ji Yan? You don’t need to transfer just because things might be awkward. Even if you and Qin Luo—”

“It’s not that,” Jia Ting interrupted, her voice calm but trembling slightly. She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, forcing a faint smile. “I broke up with Qin Luo.”

“What? Why?” Hao Meng asked instinctively.

Jia Ting’s hands trembled as she took out two envelopes and handed them to Hao Meng. Her grip on the envelopes was tight, her knuckles white, as though she were reluctant to let them go.

“It’s my fault,” Jia Ting said softly, her voice almost breaking. “Please, give these to Qin Luo for me.”

Hao Meng took the envelopes hesitantly, her heart heavy with worry. “Jia Ting, what’s going on? Why are you doing this?”

Jia Ting exhaled deeply, releasing the envelopes as though it drained all her strength. She turned away abruptly, not wanting Hao Meng to see the tears welling in her eyes.

“I’ll contact you later,” Jia Ting said, her tone steady despite the turmoil within. “Please, Meng, make sure he gets these letters. I’m counting on you.”

Hao Meng’s chest tightened, but she nodded firmly. “Don’t worry. I’ll deliver them to him.”

Jia Ting murmured her thanks and began walking away, her pace hurried as if fleeing from an invisible burden. She didn’t look back, ignoring Hao Meng’s calls. She just wanted to leave the school and this city as quickly as possible.

But a voice stopped her in her tracks.

“Jia Ting.”

The simple call was enough to make her pause. She turned slowly, her breathing heavy, and faced the speaker.

It was Ji Yan, standing at the edge of the grove. Her cold, beautiful features were as composed as ever, but there was a weight in her gaze as she looked at Jia Ting.

The two women stood silently, locked in a tense stare.

Finally, Ji Yan broke the silence. “Jia Ting, we’re friends, aren’t we?”

Jia Ting’s expression grew complicated. She knew Ji Yan must have seen the kiss with Qin Luo last night, and this question felt like a test.

After a moment, she nodded. “Yes, we’re friends.”

Ji Yan’s next words were soft but sharp. “Then… when you marry him, will you let me be your bridesmaid?”

Jia Ting froze, shock and disbelief written across her face as she stared at Ji Yan. She had known Ji Yan for over two years and understood her pride better than most. Ji Yan wasn’t like her—a person who maintained polite interactions with everyone. Ji Yan’s aloofness was etched into her very being, evident in her every word and action. She rarely said anything unnecessary and often didn’t bother with words at all.

When they had first been assigned to the same dormitory, Ji Yan had taken over a month to warm up to the others and become friends with them. Jia Ting had often wondered what kind of man could make a girl like Ji Yan fall in love.

Then, she met him.

Seeing Qin Luo for the first time, Jia Ting had regretted not meeting him before Ji Yan had. She had even felt a pang of jealousy. But now, standing here and seeing Ji Yan’s fragile expression, hearing her speak those words, Jia Ting couldn’t bring herself to feel envious anymore.

Her mind wandered to when she had gone with Qin Luo to visit Ji Yan at the hospital. Ji Yan, who had always been so composed, had looked gaunt and lifeless. Yet, the moment she saw Qin Luo, it was as if a beam of sunlight had broken through the clouds. Her face lit up with a smile more radiant than any Jia Ting had ever seen.

She recalled how, at the hospital entrance, Ji Yan had cautiously handed Qin Luo the plaster doll she had brought. Ji Yan’s face had been a mix of worry, guilt, and hope. Her demeanor was that of someone afraid to upset Qin Luo, treating him like the most delicate and precious thing in the world.

Love really can destroy people, Jia Ting thought.

Taking a deep breath, she forced a smile and said, “Ji Yan, Qin Luo and I broke up.”

Ji Yan blinked, surprise flashing across her usually stoic face. “You… are you serious?” she asked, her voice tinged with hope.

“Yes, just last night,” Jia Ting replied softly. Before Ji Yan could respond, she continued, “But it’s not because I don’t love him anymore. In fact, I love him deeply. I know I’ll never love anyone else. I’m leaving now so I can return someday… better, stronger, more deserving.”

Ji Yan listened quietly, her face shifting between happiness and sorrow. Finally, she let out a subtle, bittersweet smile. “Then you’d better come back quickly,” she said. “Otherwise, if you take too long, someone else might snatch him away. He’s excellent, and many girls will like him.”

Jia Ting stared at Ji Yan, stunned by her words. This proud, untouchable girl had been reduced to such vulnerability. Her heart ached. “What’s wrong with you, Ji Yan?” she asked, her voice trembling.

Ji Yan’s lips quivered as she tried to laugh, but her emotions betrayed her. Instead, she whispered, “I’m not worthy of him anymore.”

Jia Ting felt a lump in her throat. “Love is cruel,” she thought.

Without saying another word, Jia Ting stepped forward and wrapped Ji Yan in a tight hug. Ji Yan responded hesitantly at first, then gently placed her arms around Jia Ting’s waist. The two girls clung to each other, shedding tears they wouldn’t let the other see.

When they finally parted, they exchanged bittersweet smiles.

“Take care of yourself,” Jia Ting said. “I’ll come back to visit.”

“You too. Good luck,” Ji Yan replied softly.

…

Jia Ting walked out of the small grove and through the school grounds, a path she had taken countless times before. Yet, today, every step felt unbearably heavy. The road seemed endless, each step weighed down by invisible chains.

When she finally reached the Maserati parked outside, she climbed in and exhaled shakily. “Aunt, let’s go,” she said weakly.

Ye Zhiqiu, sitting in the driver’s seat, glanced at her niece. She didn’t say anything. She had listened to Jia Ting cry all night, and there was nothing left to say. Words wouldn’t ease the pain.

Without a word, Ye Zhiqiu stepped on the accelerator, guiding the car toward the airport.

…

The first half of the journey was smooth. Ye Zhiqiu checked her rearview mirror repeatedly, relieved that no Bentley appeared behind them. Last night’s chase had left her shaken, and now she instinctively tensed at the thought of seeing a Continental GT. But Qin Luo hadn’t followed.

“Maybe he’s still stuck at the police station,” she thought, relaxing a little. “He’s so infatuated. I’ll bail him out after I drop Jia Ting off.”

Just as Ye Zhiqiu started to accelerate, a taxi abruptly cut in front of her, forcing her to slam on the brakes. She frowned but didn’t think much of it. Then, she noticed more taxis appearing—on both sides, in front, and behind.

Shanghai had no shortage of taxis, especially near the airport, but this was unusual. There were far too many, and they seemed to be converging around her.

Her unease grew as she realized that the road was now entirely occupied by taxis. Her Maserati was the only private car in sight, surrounded by a sea of yellow and green cabs. The further they drove, the slower the taxis moved, creating a near standstill.

Ye Zhiqiu’s frown deepened. Something was off. The taxis weren’t just coincidentally clogging the road—they were deliberately surrounding her.

No matter which lane she tried to switch to, the taxis blocked her path, moving just slowly enough to trap her while giving the appearance of a normal traffic jam.

Her Maserati stood out starkly amidst the sea of taxis. It was like being caught in an open-air car show, with her car as the lone, out-of-place exhibit.

“What’s going on?” Ye Zhiqiu muttered, gripping the steering wheel tightly as unease settled deep in her chest.