After Dating the President O, I Turned Into a Puppy-Like Lover - Chapter 29

“Senior, does this perch have a lot of bones?”

“Not many, don’t worry.” Zhou Tingchen replied without hesitation, scooping some soup into Dan Sirou’s bowl with the serving spoon. “Rourou, eat more.”

Qiao Zhi watched the two of them so naturally close, her lips pouting for a moment before she quickly smoothed it over, smiling sweetly at Dan Sirou. “Sister, Senior Tingchen treats you so well.”

Dan Sirou lifted her eyes and smiled faintly, but didn’t respond.

“Sister, you’re so beautiful. No wonder Senior can’t take his eyes off you.” Qiao Zhi picked up some food, eating slowly, her words casual and light.

Zhou Tingchen shot her a look. “Can you talk less while eating?” His tone balanced between gentle and stern.

Qiao Zhi immediately fell silent, though she still looked dissatisfied. She turned to Dan Sirou, complaining softly, “Sister, don’t you think Senior is sometimes too serious? At school he’s not like this at all. He—”

She launched into stories of amusing incidents with Zhou Tingchen at school, laughing at her own jokes.

Dan Sirou smiled politely, adding a teasing remark about Zhou Tingchen so the girl wouldn’t feel left out. Seeing her warm enough to join in, Zhou Tingchen felt relieved—their dynamic wasn’t as difficult to balance as he had feared. He relaxed, speaking more freely.

The atmosphere grew livelier.

They chatted about everything—from school anecdotes to odd admirers, even lipstick shades. Dan Sirou responded with ease, keeping the conversation flowing.

But eventually, the stories ran out. Silence fell, awkward and heavy.

Dan Sirou’s lips still held a trace of a smile. She lifted her teacup, sipped, then set it down slowly. Glancing at them both, she said, “I’ll go to the restroom.”

Zhou Tingchen nodded, pointing. “It’s over there.”

She walked to the restroom. The restaurant was elegantly designed, even the restroom polished and bright, white light gleaming off the tiles. At the sink, she washed her hands, adjusted her appearance, then pulled out her phone.

Her long lashes cast shadows as she dialed.

“Hello?” Fu Jiu’s voice was drowsy, muffled. “Sister Rou.”

“Still sleeping?” Dan Sirou asked softly.

“Mmm.” Fu Jiu instantly perked up. “Hehe, no.”

“What’s up?” she asked.

“Nothing.” Dan Sirou said. “I’ll explain later. In five minutes, call me back. Say it’s something urgent.”

“Oh, okay!” Fu Jiu agreed without hesitation.

Ending the call, Dan Sirou composed herself and returned to the table.

Qiao Zhi and Zhou Tingchen were chatting happily. By now, Qiao Zhi was nearly leaning against him, tugging his arm playfully. At first, Zhou Tingchen tried to keep his distance, but eventually he let it be.

He even helped adjust her necklace. Moments later, he handed it back, and they both sat apart again as if nothing had happened.

When Dan Sirou sat down, the air between the three grew subtly tense.

Zhou Tingchen glanced at them both, awkward, then checked his watch. “It’s past eleven. Shall we head out?”

“Mm.” Dan Sirou nodded. Qiao Zhi had no objection.

Just as they gathered their things, Dan Sirou’s phone rang.

Fu Jiu, following instructions, acted perfectly—her voice exaggerated, urgent, like a dramatic voice actor. Dan Sirou responded with frowns and pauses, playing along seamlessly.

When the call ended, she explained regretfully, “Sorry, something important came up at school. I can’t go to Dongshan Temple today.”

“What?” Zhou Tingchen’s disappointment was clear. “Can’t someone else handle it?”

“It has to be me,” she said firmly.

He wanted to argue, but hearing the urgency in the voice on the other end, he sighed helplessly. “Alright. Be careful. Do you want me to take you?”

“No need.” She declined gently. “It’s close.”

Before leaving, she added politely, “Next time, we’ll go together.”

At the restaurant door, they parted ways. Under their gaze, Dan Sirou boarded a bus toward school, waving goodbye.

Fu Jiu truly did meet her at school.

It was their private arrangement. Lately, Dan Sirou had felt weighed down. With today’s excuse, she could finally breathe a little.

Though Fu Jiu looked naïve, she was perceptive. She sensed Sister Rou’s mood and stayed by her side. Together, they wandered to a small park near the school.

There was grass, bridges, a lake. Willows swayed in the breeze, sunlight thin but warm.

They strolled along the stone path, then sat on a bench facing the lake, its rippling surface shimmering beautifully.

Fu Jiu, piecing together the morning’s events, looked at her with sympathy. She wanted to hug Sister Rou—or maybe she just thought her fluffy outfit looked perfect for hugging.

“Sister Rou, are you sad?” Fu Jiu asked indignantly. “That Zhou guy was awful. How could he bring another Omega along?”

Dan Sirou smiled softly. “Actually, it’s fine.”

“I didn’t leave because I was angry. I just don’t like that kind of situation.” She could feel Zhou Tingchen struggling to balance both sides. Honestly, she pitied him for it.

As student council president, she had endured plenty of forced smiles and conversations—but always for necessity, for benefit. This time, she refused to force herself.

“Really fine?” Fu Jiu pressed, worried. “If you’re upset, you can tell me. My shoulders aren’t broad, but you can lean on them!”

Dan Sirou looked at her, pinched her soft cheek, and hugged her. Not because she was sad, because Fu Jiu was simply too cute.

Fu Jiu’s heart soared.

Yes! Sister Rou hugged her—voluntarily!

Cousin, are you jealous? Haha.

Then she remembered her cousin, punished by Grandpa to face the wall for a week because she had defended her.

Poor cousin, is the wall tasty?

She hadn’t forgotten her cousin’s plight. Quietly, she sent Jiang He a message.

【Online?】

Fu Jiu hadn’t expected her cousin to reply—after all, she was supposed to be grounded.

But unexpectedly, a message came back: 【What?】

She quickly typed: 【How can you be on your phone?】

【Grandpa went to Nancheng.】 Jiang He replied. 【What do you want? I still haven’t settled accounts with you.】

【No need to settle anything.】 Fu Jiu wrote. 【I’m with Sister Rou. We’re going to Wanda on Galaxy Street later.】

Jiang He responded with a string of question marks: 【?】

【Can you come out? You’ve been stuck inside for days—get some air.】 Fu Jiu teased. 【Maybe we’ll “accidentally” run into each other.】

【But Grandpa won’t let me go out.】 Jiang He said.

【That’s up to you. Anyway, Sister Rou and I are heading there.】

Ending the chat, Fu Jiu took a breath and turned to Dan Sirou. “Sister Rou, let’s go watch a movie.”

Dan Sirou blinked, considering. “Do you want to?”

“Yes!” Fu Jiu nodded hard, though her heart was nervous. If Sister Rou didn’t want to, she wouldn’t insist. Her priority was always Sister Rou’s mood. As for her cousin, next time she’d repay her with gratitude.

“Alright.” Dan Sirou agreed after a pause. She had nothing else planned anyway.

Fu Jiu secretly made a victory sign.

They soon arrived at Wanda Plaza. Even if they didn’t meet Jiang He, watching a movie with Sister Rou was good enough. A new release she had been dying to see was playing.

The mall was huge, crowded. Her cousin might not find them. If fate allowed, they’d meet.

With half an hour before the movie, they wandered the first and second floors.

No sign of Jiang He. As they headed for the escalator, Fu Jiu felt a pang of regret.

Sigh, Cousin probably can’t make it. Poor thing.

Tickets checked, they entered the theater. Fu Jiu still felt a little guilty. She had dragged her cousin into trouble, and now even her weekend freedom was gone.

During the pre-show ads, her thoughts drifted. She was about to text her cousin when someone sat down beside her. She turned instinctively—

Her cousin!

Fu Jiu gasped. “You, how?” She hadn’t planned this for Sister Rou to see. She truly hadn’t expected such coincidence.

She had told her cousin they’d be at Wanda, but not where, not what they’d do. It was pure chance.

“Funny coincidence.” Jiang He slid her cola into the holder, a giant tub of popcorn on her lap.

She hadn’t come specifically to see Dan Sirou. After days stuck at home, Fu Jiu’s message gave her an excuse to breathe. She’d asked Zhou Yi to join, but Zhou Yi was busy, so she booked a ticket alone. She hadn’t expected this.

From her seat in the aisle, Dan Sirou turned at the commotion.

Seeing Jiang He, she thought—of course.

“Quite the coincidence.” Jiang He greeted calmly, offering the popcorn. “Want some?”

Dan Sirou waved it off. “Thanks, but I’ve eaten. Not hungry.”

“Oh.” Jiang He said, dropping it.

The lights dimmed.

Dan Sirou leaned toward Fu Jiu. “Did you ask her to come?”

“Yes.” Fu Jiu lowered her head, grateful for the darkness hiding her guilt. “Grandpa grounded her. Since he’s away, I thought she could get some air. I only wanted her to have fun, I didn’t expect we’d meet here.” She couldn’t lie, but she couldn’t admit her selfish hope either.

She couldn’t see Sister Rou’s expression, but she felt her gaze. Nervously, she whispered, “Sister Rou, do you dislike my cousin?”

They had spent so little time together. Fu Jiu didn’t understand why Sister Rou always seemed distant with her cousin, when she was warm with everyone else.

“No.” Dan Sirou’s voice was soft. “It’s fine. Let’s just watch the movie.”

Fu Jiu exhaled in relief.

Meanwhile, Jiang He stared at the screen, shoving popcorn into her mouth mechanically.

The theater wasn’t crowded—half the seats empty. November wasn’t a season for good films. Even this one was just the most popular of a weak batch.

The three watched, each lost in thought.

The fragmented plot made it easy to drift. Miss a scene, lose the thread. Try to catch up, fall behind again. They cycled between distraction and forced focus.

By the second half, Fu Jiu finally grasped the story, absorbed. Jiang He noticed the faint glow from her pocket. “I think you’ve got a call.”

Fu Jiu pulled out her phone, dimming the screen. It was her mother. The call had already ended, so she quickly dialed back. “Mom? I’m watching a movie.”

“Sweetie, that differentiation trainer I mentioned is coming today to check on you. How long until the movie ends? Can you be home in an hour?”

“What?” Her mother had tried everything to help her differentiate into an Omega. This trainer was a new recommendation, supposedly effective. “I thought it was scheduled for later.”

“Lots of people want her. Someone canceled, so we got the slot. Hurry home.”

Fu Jiu hung up, helpless.

She explained quietly to Dan Sirou.

Dan Sirou was startled. “You have to leave now? Then—” She glanced toward Jiang He.

“Sorry. I didn’t know it would be today.” Fu Jiu said.

Dan Sirou, understanding, replied gently, “Go. Don’t worry your mother.”

Fu Jiu leaned toward her cousin, whispering the situation. Jiang He’s reaction mirrored Dan Sirou’s. “You’re leaving?”

She glanced at Dan Sirou. Truthfully, she wanted to stay with her. But being alone with her was daunting, what if conversation failed? Three was safer.

But Fu Jiu was already set. “It’s decided. Good luck. I believe in you.”

Jiang He: “…”

Before the movie ended, Fu Jiu scurried out like a little groundhog.

Dan Sirou watched her go.

Jiang He glanced sideways at her.

In the dark, they sat in silence.

The movie wasn’t worth much. November rarely brought good releases. Jiang He had eaten too much—cola and popcorn gone. As the credits rolled, she felt her bladder about to burst.

When the movie ended, Jiang He was the first to rise, slipping out of the aisle. She lingered shyly to the side, waiting for Dan Sirou.

She hadn’t expected that, in the end, it would be just the two of them.

Dan Sirou watched the tall, slender figure ahead. The length of the film had given her time to let go of the day’s frustrations. It had been unlucky—first Zhou Tingchen bringing along that inexplicable girl, then this “coincidental” encounter with Jiang He.

From morning to afternoon, she had already digested it all.

Since it had happened, she might as well spend the remaining time with Jiang He.

Jiang He hardly dared look at her. The faint fragrance drifting from the girl beside her seeped invisibly into her skin, into her blood. Just breathing it in sent her heart pounding wildly, unevenly.

Her nervousness, born of secret affection, was written all over her.

This was no time to risk embarrassment.

But she desperately needed the restroom.

Too much sugar, too much soda. She couldn’t hold it anymore.

She had planned to wait until she got home, but now it was impossible.

Yet she worried, if she left, would Dan Sirou wait?

“Quickly, you go get the tickets, I’ll run to the restroom,” said a passing girl to her friend.

Jiang He’s eyes lit up. The words echoed her own thoughts. She blurted, “I need the restroom too.”

Her gaze was full of hope, like a puppy seeking approval.

Dan Sirou looked at her, then nodded. “Go on.”

Jiang He dashed to the Alpha restroom. Public facilities had to accommodate six genders, so each had only four stalls—one reserved for disabled or pregnant users, leaving three for the rest.

The corridor outside was empty, but all doors were shut, occupied. She had no choice but to wait.

Ten anxious minutes passed before she finally emerged.

She washed her hands quickly, then rushed out, heart pounding. What if Dan Sirou had left?

In the cinema lobby, crowds flowed past. She looked toward the elevator where Dan Sirou had been waiting—but it was empty now, only a few strangers coming down.

She scanned the hall. No sign of her.

A heavy ache dropped into her chest.

Of course, I shouldn’t have gone. At least we could have walked together.

Just as regret weighed down, a gentle voice called behind her: “Jiang He.”

She froze, startled, and turned.

There stood a girl in a soft white coat, looking at her with mild confusion.

“Why did you rush out like that?” Dan Sirou asked. She had waited five minutes, but with another crowd pouring from the theater, she worried Jiang He might get lost. So, she had moved closer to the restroom. When Jiang He finally appeared, she had bolted off so quickly Dan Sirou barely managed to call her back.

The relief of finding her again felt more precious than never losing her at all. Jiang He fought to hide the smile tugging at her lips, stepping closer. “I was afraid you’d leave suddenly.”

“How could I?” Dan Sirou laughed softly. “Do you really think I’m that kind of person?” She teased herself lightly. Had she been too cold toward Jiang He, to make her think so?

She knew she had been distant.

Jiang He fumbled for words, finally murmuring, “No, it’s my problem.”

Dan Sirou smiled again. “Not at all.”

As they walked, she added gently, “Basic courtesy, I wouldn’t leave without a word.”

Jiang He followed close, her face breaking into an unguarded smile.

The elevator arrived. They stepped in together.

One, two, three, the small space filled quickly. The press of bodies pushed them closer. When Dan Sirou was nudged toward her, Jiang He retreated into a corner, curling herself smaller, terrified of brushing against her and sparking displeasure.

The elevator descended. They were the last two to step out.

Another elevator emptied nearby, a noisy group spilling out, laughing crudely about a boy and an Omega they’d seen upstairs.

Tall boys, careless, not watching where they walked.

Jiang He heard their vulgar jokes, glanced over and saw two of them veering off course, about to collide with Dan Sirou.

“Careful!” Jiang He cried, yanking her back.

The boys startled, realizing their mistake. “Sorry, sorry!” They hurried off.

Jiang He glared after them until they vanished.

Her pull had been strong, instinctive. Dan Sirou stumbled into her arms, wincing slightly, then realizing what had happened.

Their bodies pressed together through soft fabric. Jiang He’s hand, lean but firm, held her waist protectively. The scent of fresh milk lingered in the air, seeping into her lungs, rippling through her heart.

Dan Sirou looked at Jiang He’s sharp, cold profile. The contrast between her stern expression and the gentleness of her grip made her falter, gaze lingering.

When Jiang He finally looked down at her, their eyes met—her peach blossom gaze shimmering, striking Jiang He like lightning. Her body froze, forgetting she was still holding her.

Dan Sirou recovered first. She raised a hand, placing it between them, gently pushing Jiang He away.

The force was light. Jiang He stepped back on her own.

Dan Sirou turned aside, tucking a stray lock of hair behind her ear, fingers lingering there, masking the flicker of distraction in her eyes.