After Dating the President O, I Turned Into a Puppy-Like Lover - Chapter 25

Two or three days later, Jiang He’s leg finally improved.

At least she could walk without limping, no longer looking like she was crippled.

With her leg better, she couldn’t keep troubling Zhou Yi. During the first two days at school, Zhou Yi had been overly attentive, insisting on bringing her meals from the cafeteria and refusing to let her go herself. At first, Jiang He felt embarrassed by such kindness, but later she accepted it without fuss.

After four days of recovery, she finally returned to the cafeteria.

She headed straight for the vegetable section, craving the tomato-and-egg stir-fry she had missed for days. She wanted something sweet and sour. Zhou Yi had always bought food according to her own tastes, she disliked vegetables and fruits so Jiang He’s lunch box had never contained them.

They came late on purpose, avoiding the rush.

By then, the cafeteria was nearly empty, only a few scattered groups remained. The dishes were almost gone too, each tray reduced to a quarter of its contents.

From afar, Jiang He spotted the tomato-and-egg tray—just a little left. Too little for two servings, but enough for one. Usually, at this time, the staff would give the last person to order the entire remainder.

She stepped up quickly. “Auntie, I’d like one serving of toma—”

At that moment, another graceful figure appeared beside her.

Before Jiang He could marvel at the coincidence, the cafeteria worker said, “Only one serving left. The girl with the ponytail came first, so it’s hers.”

Jiang He froze, staring at the face she had been longing for—Dan Sirou. Shock left her speechless.

It was strange.

When she had desperately wanted to run into her, she never did—except at morning assemblies. Now that she had given up, resigned to forgetting, coincidences kept happening.

Dan Sirou smiled politely, the expression brief and restrained.

She wasn’t picky, liked many vegetables, and had just happened to want this dish today. But if it wasn’t available, she didn’t mind.

Jiang He hadn’t thought of her for two or three days. When she didn’t see her, she could manage not to think. But the moment they met, something deep inside stirred. Hurriedly, she said to the worker, “Actually, Auntie, I wanted broccoli.”

The worker looked surprised. “Really? Broccoli’s at the next counter.” She pointed to window nine.

Jiang He smiled awkwardly. “Oh, right. I must have mistaken it.”

She didn’t greet Dan Sirou, avoided her gaze deliberately, and slunk away to the other counter.

Dan Sirou hesitated, as if she wanted to say something, but Jiang He walked too quickly. In the end, she said nothing.

Friday.

Yu Wei had been hanging around Qingyu High all week.

She had her eye on a first-year Omega she’d met at a mixer. They had been chatting online for over a month. The girl had played coy, but lately seemed ready to give in. Yu Wei was close to winning her over.

That day, Yu Wei invited the Omega and Jiang He to a café opposite the school gate, introducing them so Jiang He could look after her “soon-to-be girlfriend” at school.

“Qingqing, do you know Jiang He-jie? She’s a year ahead of you. If you need anything at school, just ask her.” Yu Wei said, wrapping her arm around the Omega.

The Omega wasn’t used to such public displays, shrinking from Yu Wei’s embrace, but politely thanked Jiang He. “Thank you, Jiang He-jie.”

Jiang He sipped her tea, lips curving faintly. Her ice-cold demeanor made the smile look formulaic.

Last night, Yu Wei had said she had something huge to discuss. Jiang He thought it was trouble. But it was this. From the moment they sat down, Yu Wei and the Omega were clinging to each other—kisses, hand-holding, without a care for her presence.

By then, the school gate was quiet.

Soon, the sky darkened, heavy with rain.

It was getting late. Jiang He prepared to leave. “Sister Wei, if there’s nothing else, I’ll head back.”

Yu Wei released the Omega and said, “Stay a bit longer. I’ll take you home later.”

Jiang He narrowed her eyes. “On your little scooter?”

“Mm.” Yu Wei blinked playfully. “I changed it, got a brand new one.”

After half an hour, Yu Wei finally turned her attention from the Omega to Jiang He. “How have you been lately?”

“So-so.” Jiang He sipped her tea, gazing out the window.

Suddenly, rain poured down in sheets. The few pedestrians outside scrambled for shelter.

Facing the school gate, Jiang He spotted a familiar figure dashing through the rain to the security office, pulling an umbrella from her bag.

She squinted.

Dan Sirou.

She was only leaving now.

“Forget it. When she comes out doesn’t concern me.”

Jiang He turned back inside, refusing to look out again.

Her eyes avoided, but her heart thudded relentlessly.

Fine. It did concern her.

Forget it. She had said they were impossible.

But how could she know without trying?

Yet Sirou had been so resolute.

Then make her soften.

Jiang He’s mind spun until it nearly burst.

Beside her, voices rose—two girls who had just come in, soaked from the rain.

“My clothes are drenched.”

“Mine too.”

They shook off their umbrellas, chatting as they looked for seats.

“We’re stuck. No way we’ll get home before six.”

“What’s the rush?”

“You don’t know? Lately, thugs have been targeting pretty Omegas, following them home, then forcing a mark when no one’s around. A girl from Class Seven missed three days of school. Said she was sick, but she wasn’t. Another classmate saw her being dragged off by some guy.”

“Why didn’t she call the police?”

“Reputation. Even if the guy isn’t caught, everyone would know she was forcibly marked. She’s probably afraid of being judged.”

“But it’s not her fault.”

“Exactly. Still, it’s terrifying.”

“You’re not an Omega.”

“I’m still a girl. I’m scared too!”

Their voices faded. Qingqing, listening, shrank into Yu Wei’s arms. “Jiejie, is it true? I’m scared. What should I do?”

Yu Wei soothed her, patting her shoulder. “It’s fine, don’t be afraid. No one will touch you. From now on, I’ll pick you up every Friday after school.”

“Mm, okay.”

The conversation was the final straw. Jiang He’s heart ached bitterly.

Those girls had each other. Qingqing had Yu Wei’s protection. Even at school, Yu Wei cared for her constantly.

They all had someone. But her Dan Sirou?

“Sister Wei, did you bring a raincoat?” Jiang He asked, her decision forming.

“Yes.” Yu Wei glanced at her, puzzled. “I knew it would rain today.”

“Can I borrow your scooter?” Jiang He said firmly. “I need to go out. It’s urgent.”

“You’re crazy, it’s pouring out there!”

Jiang He knew, of course. But it wasn’t about logic, she simply couldn’t bear the thought of Dan Sirou facing even the slightest danger. An Omega of her rank was already the target of many covetous eyes, and on a rainy day like this, the conditions were all too perfect for mischief.

Seeing her determination, Yu Wei handed over the keys. “Here.”

“Thanks.” Jiang He took them and left.

Yu Wei looked puzzled, then glanced toward the window.

In that instant, everything became clear.

“This girl.” She laughed helplessly, shaking her head. Then, remembering something, she called out loudly after her: “Hey! When are you coming back? I still have to take Qingqing home!”

Qingqing, curled against her like a kitten, mumbled, “Jiejie. If Jiang He-jie doesn’t come back, we won’t have to spend the night here, will we?”

“Would you like that?” Yu Wei teased.

“I’m afraid you’ll eat me,” Qingqing whispered.

“I won’t eat you. I’ll eat my dinner.” Yu Wei wrapped an arm around her and scooped a spoonful of rice into her mouth. Love tasted sour and sweet all at once.

The rain poured heavily. Dan Sirou stood at the security office doorway, droplets splashing onto her, forcing her to retreat further inside.

Surely such rain couldn’t last long. If she waited, it would stop.

But her thoughts lingered on her mother, alone at home. She gazed at the downpour with growing worry, silently praying for it to end.

It seemed to ease for a moment—then, as soon as she opened her umbrella, the sky unleashed another torrent. She sighed, conceding defeat to the storm.

Just then, a scooter pulled up at the school gate.

“Dan Sirou, get on.”

The voice was clean, calm, and elegant.

She looked at the rider, confused.

The figure wore a military-green raincoat, the hood covering most of the face, only two eyes visible. From her angle, she could only see the side profile. She didn’t recognize them, so she hesitated.

But the voice, it was familiar.

“Come on.” The rain grew heavier, the girl’s words nearly drowned by the pounding drops.

Reluctantly, she realized it was Jiang He.

She had no reason to accept her help.

“Hurry. The rain’s getting worse. I’m heading to the mall near your place anyway, it’s on the way.”

The storm was merciless, icy drops stabbing like blades. Dan Sirou disliked the idea, but refusing seemed pointless. Against her better judgment, she climbed onto Jiang He’s scooter.

The raincoat was meant for one, but large enough for two slim figures. It wasn’t bulky, nor too tight—just right.

Normally, the back seat would be soaked, but when she sat down, it was perfectly dry.

Inside the raincoat, her world narrowed to Jiang He’s back. If she leaned against her, it would be more comfortable. But if she forced herself to sit upright, refusing contact, it would be unbearable.

She chose discomfort.

The confined space was filled with Jiang He’s scent—a faint trace of milk.

For Dan Sirou, it was torment. She regretted getting on. The fragrance threatened to stir her body in dangerous ways. Thankfully, she had changed her suppressant patch that afternoon. Had she not, its effect would have worn off, and Jiang He’s pheromones might have driven her into heat.

“You’d be more comfortable if you held onto me,” Jiang He said, gently pressing the throttle, sensing the restless hands behind her.

Dan Sirou muttered a reluctant “Mm,” and lightly grasped a fold of Jiang He’s clothing.

Jiang He shivered involuntarily, the scooter swerving slightly.

At first, she was startled. Then, she wanted more.

Just a little tug?

Humans are greedy. With nothing, they crave the smallest touch. With a touch, they dream of closeness.

Still, Jiang He was happy.

She could feel those delicate fingers clutching her shirt—tentative, restrained. She sensed Dan Sirou’s unease. Jiang He smiled faintly and drove on.

She rode carefully, the slick roads too dangerous for speed.

Even so, the scooter hit a raised manhole cover, the tires slipping. The bike tilted sharply to the right. Jiang He braked hard, planting her foot to steady them.

Dan Sirou didn’t know what had happened—only that the balance shifted. Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around Jiang He, her body pressed against her back.

Her breath spilled warm against Jiang He’s chilled spine, sending a jolt through her body, heat rushing from her back to her head. The embrace, the warmth, it was overwhelming.

So, this was what it felt like to be held by Dan Sirou.

“We just slipped a little. Don’t worry.” Jiang He’s voice was low, steady. “You can hold me tighter.”

Regret flooded Dan Sirou.

She shouldn’t have gotten on. Now she was trapped—awkward if she held on, awkward if she didn’t.

She loosened her grip, no longer clinging tightly, but not daring to let go completely. She settled for a light embrace.

Her palms absorbed Jiang He’s warmth. Through the fabric, she felt the faint hardness of trained muscles—firm yet soft, pleasant to the touch.

Dan Sirou closed her eyes, helpless against the strange sensations. Guilt gnawed at her, like a monk breaking vows.

Time inside the raincoat stretched endlessly. The rain outside softened.

At last, she spoke, lashes lowered, voice gentle yet caring. “Is your leg better?”

“Mm?” Jiang He was stunned. She hadn’t expected her to ask.

She knew about her injury? She had noticed?

Jiang He’s heart raced. “Yes. It’s healed.”

“Good,” Dan Sirou replied softly.

The ride, normally ten minutes, stretched to half an hour in the storm. By the time they reached the intersection near her neighborhood, the rain had stopped.

Passing the mall Jiang He had mentioned, Dan Sirou said, “You can drop me here. I’ll walk home.”

But Jiang He kept going. “It’s fine. I’ll take you all the way, I can turn around there.”

The gate of her community lay just beyond the crosswalk. With no excuse left, Dan Sirou stayed on.

As they approached, Jiang He’s eyes fixed on the boy waiting outside the security booth, pacing, rubbing his hands for warmth. He had clearly been waiting for some time.