The confession happened at 5:17 p.m.
Right in front of the Business Faculty building.
Peak traffic hour.
Peak audience.
Which meant, naturally, it was dramatic.
Li Meilin stood on the top step of the marble staircase, sunlight catching in her hair, her expression composed but slightly impatient.
Across from her stood Zhou Haoran—fourth-year, finance track, vice president of the student investment association, widely considered one of the most eligible bachelors in Shanghai University.
He was holding flowers.
Actual flowers.
Pink ones.
The crowd around them had already formed a loose circle. Phones out. Whispering. Excited.
"Meilin," Zhou Haoran said, voice steady but hopeful, "I've liked you since sophomore year. I think we'd be very compatible. Our families align, our goals align—"
She tilted her head slightly.
"Our goals align?" she repeated.
He nodded quickly. "You're business-minded. So am I. I believe partnership is about shared ambition."
A few girls nearby sighed.
Li Meilin glanced at the flowers.
Then at him.
Then at the audience.
She did not blush. She did not smile shyly. She did not act flustered.
She stepped down one stair so they were eye level.
"Zhou Haoran," she said calmly, "do you like me?"
He blinked. "Of course."
"What do you like about me?"
He hesitated.
"You're intelligent. Elegant. From a respectable family. And your strategic thinking is impressive."
She nodded once.
"So you admire my profile."
The crowd shifted slightly.
"That's not—" he began.
She continued smoothly, voice not loud, but clear enough.
"You listed my advantages. Not me."
Silence.
His ears reddened.
"I meant—"
"You think we're compatible because our résumés align."
A pause.
Her expression softened just slightly—not cruel, just precise.
"But I'm not applying for a merger."
A few gasps.
Her best friend, Chen Rui, who had been watching from the side, covered her mouth to stop herself from laughing.
Zhou Haoran's grip on the flowers tightened.
"So… that's a no?"
Li Meilin's answer was immediate.
"Yes."
Clean. No hesitation. No apology.
The crowd erupted into whispers.
Some shocked. Some impressed.
She gave him a small nod—respectful, not humiliating.
"You'll find someone suitable," she said evenly. "But it's not me."
And just like that, she walked past him.
No drama. No backward glance.
The crowd parted instinctively.
Ten minutes later.
Campus convenience store.
Li Meilin leaned against the refrigerated drinks section, sipping iced tea.
Chen Rui stared at her like she had just committed a crime.
"You didn't even hesitate," Chen Rui said.
"Why would I?"
"He's literally top three in the business department!"
"So?"
"He's handsome!"
"Symmetry isn't a personality."
Chen Rui burst out laughing.
"You're actually insane."
Li Meilin took another sip calmly.
"He likes the idea of me," she said. "Not me."
Chen Rui studied her.
"You've never dated anyone."
"I know."
"Don't you ever get curious?"
Li Meilin paused for half a second.
"About what?"
"About liking someone."
She shrugged lightly.
"If I like someone, I'll know."
Chen Rui narrowed her eyes.
"That sounds dangerous."
"Why?"
"Because when you finally like someone, it's going to be catastrophic."
Li Meilin smirked faintly.
Her phone vibrated.
She glanced down casually.
Then her expression shifted—not dramatically. Just… sharper.
Caller ID: Mom
Chen Rui leaned in. "uh ohh, Did you get in trouble again"
Li Meilin answered.
"Hello mom"
Her Mother's voice was calm.
"Come home tonight."
She straightened slightly.
"For dinner?"
"Yes and I have some thing I have to discuss with you "
A pause.
Her eyes flickered.
Her mom had something to discuss with her that she couldn't say over the phone.
Chen Rui mouthed dramatically: What happened??
Li Meilin ignored her.
"Okay mom."
"I'll be there," she replied.
The call ended.
Chen Rui grabbed her arm immediately.
"What? What? What did she say?"
Li Meilin slipped her phone into her bag slowly.
"Family discussion."
Chen Rui's eyes widened.
"You're not getting married off, right?"
Li Meilin gave her a look.
"Relax."
But she didn't deny it.
Chen Rui froze.
"Meilin."
She picked up her bag.
"Let's not speculate."
"MEILIN."
She walked toward the exit calmly, Thinking to her self what was so important her mom really wanted to talk to her about.
The Shanghai sky was turning gold as the sun lowered.
Cars moved in smooth streams. The city hummed with ambition.
Li Meilin stood at the campus gate, waiting for her driver.
Chen Rui grabbed her hand one last time.
"If it's something bad, call me."
"It won't be bad."
"How do you know?"
Li Meilin looked at the city skyline.
"Because if it affects me," she said quietly, "I'll make sure it benefits me."
Chen Rui stared.
"You're terrifying."
Li Meilin's lips curved faintly.
"No."
The black car pulled up in front of her.
She opened the door and paused before getting in.
"I'm practical."
The door closed.
The car drove toward the Li family residence.