After Qin Luo left, a quiet silence fell over the entrance of the boys’ dormitory. Ji Yan stood there, staring blankly at his retreating figure. His words echoed in her ears, leaving her heart in turmoil.

Scenes of Qin Luo confessing to her replayed in her mind. From the first time he brought her milk tea to confess, to the time he came in the pouring rain, and then the 99th confession yesterday… She had never once considered accepting him. Her rejections had become a habit.

She had become accustomed to rejecting others’ kindness, even Qin Luo’s persistent confessions. She had never thought about taking roses from his hands. But that didn’t mean she really disliked Qin Luo. At least, after countless confessions, her feelings toward him had subtly changed.

She started to look forward to his confessions and to seeing him appear before her. What began as a habitual rejection seemed to become a way to ensure he would come back the next day. Habit was indeed a terrifying thing.

As she watched his figure gradually disappear from sight, Ji Yan subconsciously raised her hand, wanting to call him back. But her voice seemed stuck in her throat, unable to come out. So she silently lowered her head, hiding her expression and thoughts. However, those close by, like Jia Ting and the others, could see her shoulders trembling slightly.

The onlookers had mixed expressions, feeling the drama was fascinating yet also regrettable. Although they never believed Ji Yan would accept Qin Luo, her proactive approach today suggested otherwise. Unfortunately, this time it was Qin Luo who walked away.

“I don’t quite understand. Can someone explain what’s happening?”

“Isn’t it obvious? Our school beauty was moved and came to clear things up with Qin Luo, but he gave up.”

“But that doesn’t make sense. After so many confessions, he was so close to success. Why give up now?”

“You don’t get it, brother. Love can be sincere, but it should never be humiliating.”

“Well said. Anyone else would have given up long before reaching 99 rejections.”

“I don’t know about others, but I wouldn’t have gone beyond one rejection.”

“Exactly. Even though I’m just a bystander, I genuinely feel for Qin Luo.”

“What he said was profound. ‘Not confessing the 100th time is my way of explaining myself’… I should make that my status.”

The bystanders exchanged their thoughts, and those who understood explained to those who didn’t. They quickly realized the truth—everyone has dignity. Few people could endure repeated rejections and still keep confessing like Qin Luo. If not for deep love, it wouldn’t be possible.

Despite this, he chose not to show up for the 100th confession. As he said, 99 confessions were his way of honoring love, and the hundredth non-confession was his way of explaining to himself.

The students’ conversations also reached Ji Yan’s roommates. They were conflicted, looking from the boys’ dormitory to the silent Ji Yan, anxious and unsure whether to chase after Qin Luo.

Jia Ting gritted her teeth and said, “I’ll go get Qin Luo and explain everything. He’s liked Ji Yan for so long. It can’t be that he suddenly stopped. If we talk it out, it’ll be fine.”

She was about to walk into the boys’ dormitory, but Ji Yan took a step first, not toward Qin Luo but away. Under the onlookers’ curious gazes, Ji Yan left quickly, head down and silent. Jia Ting’s steps faltered, and she, along with the other two roommates, chased after Ji Yan.

…

(In Room 404)

A normally light-hearted and playful atmosphere was unusually heavy today. Han Yiqun, Li Xuan, and Wang Chen kept glancing at Qin Luo, who lay on his bed. They exchanged worried looks.

They could feel the tension just as others could. As Qin Luo’s roommates, they knew better than anyone how deeply he cared for Ji Yan. At first, they mocked him for his unrealistic pursuit. After several rejections, they patted his shoulder and advised him to give up. But after dozens of rejections, their view changed to one of respect, and they stopped trying to dissuade him. They knew this was a matter of the heart that only a resolution could settle.

Now, the outcome was here, but it left everyone feeling heavy-hearted. Qin Luo hadn’t confessed today, and Ji Yan had come looking for him, which spoke volumes. The roommates had expected him to be overjoyed, but he had left without looking back.

His actions earned their respect, but regret remained. They pondered whether to advise him again. Previously, they had told him to give up, that pursuing Ji Yan would only exhaust him. Now, they thought about telling him to try again; Ji Yan had practically jumped off the mountain herself, and he just needed to catch her.

Yet, they hesitated, knowing Qin Luo must be conflicted too. As they glanced at his bed, they saw him facing the wall, his body shaking slightly under the covers, as if he were holding back tears.

Yes, his words earlier had been dignified, but he must be in pain too.

The three roommates shared a sorrowful and helpless look, silently communicating.

“Should we go drink tonight?”

“Yes, let’s get Brother Qin drunk.”

“Let’s do it.”