After Dating the President O, I Turned Into a Puppy-Like Lover - Chapter 44.2

She remembered Jiang He saying her mother had died when she was very young. She remembered her saying injuries had become routine. She remembered the slap from that old man during her suspension, the force of it etched into her memory.

She didn’t want to see such things happen again.

So, she acted on impulse, doing whatever she felt was right.

These thoughts lay buried deep inside her, surfacing only in moments like this. She couldn’t put them into words.

Perhaps Jiang He wasn’t wrong. Maybe it all stemmed from that day when Jiang He was hurt for her sake. She felt guilty, unable to repay it.

“Mm.” After a long silence, Dan Sirou nodded.

Disappointment flickered visibly in Jiang He’s eyes. After a pause, she murmured, “Then we’re even. My original intention was only to fulfill someone’s request, not to foresee the future or seek benefits for myself. If you broke your principles because of me, I feel guilty.”

Dan Sirou looked at her for a while, then nodded.

The air grew subtly tense. Neither spoke.

The cat sensed the strangeness and meowed, breaking the silence.

Dan Sirou asked casually, “You’re leaving Dongcheng tomorrow, aren’t you?” Jiang He had told her in a message she was leaving and wanted to meet.

“Yes.” Jiang He nodded. “Tomorrow I’m going to the island.”

“You won’t come back for New Year?” Dan Sirou asked.

“No,” Jiang He said. “My grandaunt is gravely ill. She may not last the year. I need to see her.”

“I see.” Dan Sirou’s brows softened, her smile warm as spring sunlight. “Then let me wish you a Happy New Year in advance.”

“You too,” Jiang He said. “Happy New Year, Dan Sirou.”

Dan Sirou paused, then added, “I’ve never been to the island, but I heard winters there are colder than Dongcheng. Keep warm. Don’t dress so lightly.”

“Don’t worry. I’ll stay under the covers with the heater on. No chance of freezing me.” Jiang He’s lips curved faintly, the ice queen making a rare joke.

“Really?” Dan Sirou laughed at her tone. “That sounds nice.”

After the laughter, the mood settled again.

Jiang He looked at the gentle girl and asked softly, “What about you? How will you spend Spring Festival? Just you and your mother?”

Dan Sirou’s eyes dimmed, shadowed by unspoken thoughts. The cat seemed to sense her mood, burrowing deeper into her arms.

“Mm,” she answered quietly.

“I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have brought it up,” Jiang He said. Watching her, she longed to hold her close.

“It’s fine.” Dan Sirou smiled faintly. “It’s been so long. I’m used to it.”

Jiang He’s eyes tilted, betraying her helplessness at the girl’s forced smile.

If you’re willing, I’ll stay by your side, she thought silently.

They didn’t talk much longer. After half an hour in the park, Jiang He walked her home.

The cat was reluctant to part with Dan Sirou, meowing until they reached her building. Dan Sirou asked Jiang He to return it to its little nest, and Jiang He agreed gladly.

She wrapped the cat snugly. Its fur carried the faint floral scent of Dan Sirou’s embrace. Breathing it in, Jiang He felt refreshed, joyful like she herself was the cat in Dan Sirou’s arms.

On the way, she debated whether to keep the little black cat herself.

But her grandfather disliked pets.

The villa is so big. Why not? You’re grown now, must you obey him in everything?

Yet his health was worsening.

Conflicting voices filled her mind until she reached the gate of the complex.

There, a tall figure by the security booth caught her eye. Jiang He narrowed her gaze.

The boy stood sideways, glancing at her.

As if waiting for someone long absent, Zhou Tingchen removed his white earbuds and tucked them into their case. His phoenix eyes curved with a roguish smile.

Jiang He wanted to ignore him. But he was clearly waiting. As she passed, he suddenly called out:

“Can we talk?”

Jiang He froze.

She couldn’t walk away.

This boy had been her nightmare, a knot in her heart for nearly ten years. His voice compelled her to turn back.

He was handsome—bright features, clean-cut hair, carefully styled fringe. His eyes were narrow, his nose high, his Alpha height imposing at over 180 centimeters. He radiated pressure.

This was only the second time Jiang He had faced Zhou Tingchen directly.

The first was in childhood.

He studied her casually, eyes sweeping up and down.

“You look familiar,” he said at last.

Jiang He almost admired his sharp memory. Even Dan Sirou had forgotten her, but he remembered.

“Is that so?” Jiang He scoffed. “I don’t know you.”

“You don’t know me?” Zhou Tingchen laughed suddenly.

Jiang He frowned, watching his inexplicable laughter coldly.

He laughed for a long time before saying, “Weren’t you just with Dan Sirou? Do you know my relationship with her?”

“I don’t,” Jiang He said flatly.

“I’m her boyfriend,” Zhou Tingchen declared.

“You’re her boyfriend?” Jiang He’s eyes narrowed. “Then why were you entangled with another Omega in public?”

He faltered, then smiled again. “Ah, I remember now. That day, you were with her. No wonder.”

Jiang He frowned, not understanding what he meant.

“So, you saw me with another Omega and assumed I wasn’t with her anymore? Thought you had a chance?” Zhou Tingchen chuckled. “That’s too simple.”

“First, I’ve already made things clear with that Omega. We have no relationship.”

“Second, you don’t understand my history with her. We’ve had bigger fights than this. She may be angry now, but once I apologize sincerely, how long do you think she’ll stay mad?”

Jiang He clenched her fists. His confidence eroded her aura bit by bit.

But she knew, it came from years of experience.

He had always played the role of Dan Sirou’s guardian, driving away anyone who came close, male or female. Without her tacit approval, he wouldn’t dare.

Jiang He faltered, saying weakly, “You’re too confident. What makes you think she’ll forgive you?”

Even she lacked conviction in her words.

“Because I’ve known her since birth. Because I understand her best. Because I once saved her. Is that enough?” Zhou Tingchen said. “This leg aches whenever it rains. Do you know why? Because I risked myself for her. Your so-called affection is just words. That’s the difference.”