After Dating the President O, I Turned Into a Puppy-Like Lover - Chapter 52.1

Fortunately, Director Yu didn’t notice anything amiss. He stepped forward, his face stern, and asked, “Are you alone?”

Jiang He replied, “There’s one more, Zhou Yi. She’s in the shower.”

Yu’s sharp eyes swept inside. Sure enough, the bathroom light was on.

Having dealt with students for years, he knew all their little tricks. Still, he called firmly into the room: “Zhou Yi!”

No response.

Yu glanced at Jiang He, who met his gaze without flinching.

He stepped a little further inside, and Jiang He sensibly moved aside to let him pass. But since it was the girls’ dormitory, he couldn’t go too far in. Instead, he raised his voice again, calling Zhou Yi’s name.

Jiang He paid no attention to what was happening inside. Her eyes were fixed on Dan Sirou at the doorway. Unlike when facing the director, her confidence faltered. She hurried to explain, “Don’t misunderstand, the phone isn’t mine.

I’ve never looked at that kind of thing.”

“Mm.” Dan Sirou nodded calmly.

Her reaction was so neutral that Jiang He grew anxious. “You don’t believe me?”

“I do,” Sirou said, amused by her overreaction. “I recognize Zhou Yi’s phone.”

Even if Jiang He had been watching, she wouldn’t have thought much of it. For an Alpha, it was normal.

Jiang He lowered her gaze. Indeed, Zhou Yi’s belongings were always full of personality, her phone case was gaudy, plastered with stickers, flaunting her girlish taste.

At that moment, Yu confirmed Zhou Yi was in the dorm and turned to continue his inspection downstairs.

Sirou also prepared to leave.

Jiang He lingered at the door, reluctant to see her go. The faint floral fragrance clinging to Sirou, mixed with the fresh scent of shampoo from her smooth hair, drifted to Jiang He’s nose. That fragrance was slowly fading away.

Sensing the gaze behind her, Sirou suddenly turned back. Her lips parted slightly.

After a pause, she said softly, “Go to bed early. Don’t stay up too late.” Her voice was gentle, like a breeze brushing the heart, tender beyond words.

Jiang He’s eyes reflected her graceful face. Only belatedly did she nod lightly. “Mm.”

The next morning, there was a lecture by a professor from AO University.

Several classes were divided into two different rooms for the open session. The professor was skilled at painting grand prospects for the students, delivering content with humor and wit. The class was lively, full of interaction, and the two-hour session passed without boredom.

Before they knew it, the lecture was over, leaving the afternoon free.

It was only ten o’clock, and the cafeteria hadn’t opened yet. Some students returned to the dorms, while others wandered around the hall.

Most chose to head back. At the fork in the path, Jiang He and Zhou Yi parted ways.

Zhou Yi, bored, decided to nap in the dorm. Jiang He, who had gone to bed early the night before, wasn’t sleepy at all. She was used to running and exercising, and this was her most energetic time of day.

After saying goodbye, she went to the gymnasium.

The facilities were comprehensive, with every kind of equipment and venue.

She heard there was a swimming pool, and the nearby vending machine sold disposable swimsuits. She hadn’t swum in a long time, so it seemed like a perfect choice.

The pool wasn’t crowded, only six or seven people.

A few swam in the blue water, ripples spreading with each stroke, droplets splashing. Others sat nearby, absorbed in their phones.

Jiang He glanced around casually as she entered, then went straight to the vending machine. She bought a blue swimsuit and changed in the locker room.

When she returned to the poolside, she noticed a familiar figure sitting nearby.

The girl brushed back her dark hair, eyes fixed on her phone.

Jiang He’s heart stirred, and she found herself walking toward her.

Her shadow fell across the glowing screen, dimming the light. Sirou slowly lifted her head, meeting Jiang He’s gaze.

Jiang He wore a swim cap, her fitted swimsuit covering the essentials while revealing skin that was pale but healthy, not sickly. Her slender frame was firm, not frail.

The defined lines of her abs caught Sirou’s eyes, stunning her. It was like a stone dropped into a lake, sending ripples through her calm heart.

Her thoughts scattered, her ears grew warm.

After staring for a moment, she came back to herself and looked up again.

Jiang He bent slightly, blinking, her eyes full of warmth. “Dan Sirou.”

Then she asked, “Did you come to swim?”

“No.” Sirou shook her head. “I’m just accompanying a friend.”

Jiang He nodded and sat down beside her.

Sirou glanced sideways, her heart racing as Jiang He’s warmth and faint milky scent drew closer. Uneasy, she shifted slightly to create space between them.

Jiang He didn’t notice, and asked, “Why not join in? It’s a rare chance, you don’t usually have time.”

“I can’t swim.” Sirou gave a wry smile.

Jiang He fell silent, thoughtful.

She remembered their old promise to learn swimming together, the day Sirou never showed up. Years had passed, and she still hadn’t learned.

Jiang He’s heart softened.

Turning to her, she said gently, “You could learn now. We’ve got nothing else this afternoon. It’s really simple.”

But such words couldn’t erase a fear that had lasted over a decade. Sirou shook her head firmly. “No, I can’t.”

“It’s really easy. I’ll teach you,” Jiang He insisted, her voice tender.

Sirou frowned, her delicate face adorably serious.

“I don’t want to,” she said, her tone carrying a hint of playful whining.

Jiang He’s chest tingled, like a current running through her.

Sirou was usually either composed and decisive as student council president, or warm and gentle in private. Rarely did she show such a girlish side.

This Sirou was impossible to refuse.

Jiang He suppressed the urge to embrace her, helpless.

At that moment, Wu Qing climbed out of the pool. Seeing them together, she wondered when they had grown so close. Then she shrugged, it was just Sirou’s natural charm.

Catching part of their conversation, she hurried over, laughing. “Jiang He, you’re not trying to drag our Dan Dan into the water, are you?”

“Hm?” Jiang He blinked, confused.

Wu Qing explained, “She’s fearless about everything except swimming. During our student council retreat, everyone was in the water, but she stayed on the shore. Poor thing.”

Jiang He looked at Wu Qing, then at Sirou.

Sirou lowered her head, her dark hair hiding part of her face. She bit her lip, looking shy and a little frustrated, so vulnerable it made one want to protect her.

Unable to resist, Jiang He reached out and poked her arm lightly. “Dan Sirou.”

“Mm.” Sirou answered softly.

“Are you really not going to try?” Jiang He asked.

Wu Qing chimed in, “Exactly. We’ll have another retreat this summer. You don’t want to be stuck on the shore again, do you?”

Sirou’s lashes lifted slightly, showing a flicker of hesitation.

“It’s fine, don’t be afraid. I’ll teach you. If you fall in and can’t get up, I’ll stay with you the whole time!” Jiang He blurted out.

The words hung in the air, and the atmosphere shifted strangely.

No one spoke. Wu Qing gave Jiang He a peculiar look.

Jiang He: “?”

Dan Sirou lifted her head, her gentle gaze settling on Jiang He.

She looked at her again and again, never tiring. The girl’s eyes were clear and sincere, her resolute face radiating a strength that stirred something deep within Sirou.

The scene felt strangely familiar. She vaguely remembered long ago, because of someone, she had once wavered in her firm refusal to enter the water.

Jiang He lowered her head, guilty.

Her words just now must have revealed her intentions. Sirou must have sensed that she had always harbored ulterior motives toward her.

Suddenly, she recalled Marina’s warning: Sirou deliberately kept her distance even from fellow Omegas. For Jiang He, an Alpha, wouldn’t that mean she would one day be treated like a stranger?

A dim light flickered across Jiang He’s eyes.

“Alright,” she murmured.

At the same time, Sirou spoke.

Jiang He looked up suddenly. Sirou seemed uncertain, still caught between her decision and her hesitation. Uneasy, she said to Wu Qing and Jiang He, “Then, I’ll go buy a swimsuit first.”

“Mm, okay.” Jiang He nodded, a faint smile curving her lips.

After Sirou left, Jiang He sat distractedly by the pool, fiddling with her phone. Beside her, Wu Qing bounced around doing warm-up exercises. They left each other alone.

Soon, Wu Qing called out for help: “Jiang He, quick, come help me!”

Jiang He looked up to see her stiff-necked, crab-walking awkwardly toward her. She must have strained her neck. Jiang He quickly stood to help her stretch.

“How did you even manage this?” Jiang He chuckled, placing her hands on Wu Qing’s head. “Careful, it might hurt a little.”

“Wait, hold on.” Before she could finish, Jiang He applied firm pressure.

Crack. Wu Qing nearly cried out in pain. Yet compared to the earlier stiffness, the sharp ache was oddly relieving. Still, she rubbed her neck and complained, “Damn it, Jiang He, you nearly killed me! That hurt like hell.”

“My head almost fell off.”

“Sorry, I’ll be gentler next time,” Jiang He said.

“Don’t curse me!” Wu Qing rolled her eyes. “There won’t be a next time!”

“Alright then,” Jiang He replied lightly.

They bickered playfully, laughing together. Jiang He was about to sit back down when a crisp voice cleared its throat behind her.

“Cough.”

Both turned to look.

Sirou stood there, her gaze shifting uneasily under their stares.

She had worn elegant gowns before the entire school, and fitted dance costumes before distinguished guests, always composed. Yet here, in a hall where everyone wore swimsuits, she felt unprecedentedly self-conscious.

The unfamiliar fear magnified the effect of the garment.

Even the simple swimsuit on her body felt strangely revealing.

But seeing everyone else dressed the same, she slowly adjusted.

Jiang He stared, unblinking.

Sirou stood tall, her skin pale as snow, her long legs smooth and flawless.

The swim cap pulled her hair back, highlighting her perfect features. Under the bright lights, her shoulders gleamed softly, her collarbones delicate and alluring. The curves hidden beneath the fabric invited imagination.

Jiang He’s mind went blank. She licked her dry lips, her throat burning.

It was the first time she had so vividly felt the beauty of Sirou’s figure.

Composing herself, she slipped into the pool, swimming back and forth. The cold water doused the heat in her chest, steadying her breath.

Thankfully, neither Sirou nor Wu Qing noticed her turmoil.

At the poolside, Wu Qing gawked openly. “Dan Dan, you’re gorgeous.”

Sirou smiled politely. “You’re beautiful too.” But she still felt uneasy.

“I’ve never thought I was ugly,” Wu Qing babbled, eyes fixed on her. “But standing next to you kills my self-esteem. I look like a nobody.”

“Not at all,” Sirou said.

“Ugh, why are you so big? Are all Omegas like this?” Wu Qing whined.

Sirou lowered her head, glancing down. Girls compared themselves sometimes, though she had never paid much attention. Was she really? She glanced at Wu Qing.

“I want to touch it,” Wu Qing said, eyes gleaming, reaching out.

Dan Sirou: “?”

Sirou blocked her hand, giving her a reproachful look. “Can you be serious?”

At that moment, Jiang He swam back, water dripping, gazing up at the girl on the poolside. “Aren’t you coming in?”

Sirou’s heart recoiled. Avoiding her eyes, she said, “Soon.”

She returned to her seat. Jiang He thought she meant it literally and waited in the water. But after a while, Sirou only pretended to rummage through her things, then pulled out her phone.

Her expression showed she wasn’t really reading, just hiding.

Jiang He realized her calm façade masked inner panic and resistance. It was strangely endearing.

She climbed out, wet footprints trailing behind her.

A shadow fell across Sirou’s vision. She looked up, meeting Jiang He’s wide, water-bright eyes, innocent and close enough to brush her lashes.

“It’s almost time for lunch,” Jiang He said softly.

“Oh.” Sirou tucked a stray strand of hair back under her cap, her gaze drifting away.

“You’re not going to learn?” Jiang He blinked at her.

Dan Sirou: “….”

Sirou stayed silent, neither refusing nor agreeing.

“Come on,” Jiang He urged sincerely.

Sirou looked at her, then turned away, murmuring, “I, I nearly drowned once. I don’t want to feel that suffocating fear again.”

Jiang He listened intently, then reassured her. “It won’t happen. Trust me. You’re only afraid because you’ve never tried again. I was the same the first time. I only got in because Grandpa pushed me. Your accident was just that, an accident. People panic in emergencies, it’s normal. But if you prepare, if you anticipate what could happen, you can prevent it.”

She lowered her lashes, her eyes brimming with sincerity. “And I’ll be right beside you. I won’t let anything happen.”

Her words seeped into Sirou’s heart, dissolving the dark fortress of fear.

After a pause, Sirou’s lips parted. “I’ll try.”

They walked together to the poolside. Jiang He paused, glancing at the far end. “If you’re really scared, there’s a float over there,” she teased.

Sirou followed her gaze, considered, then lifted her pale legs and walked toward it.

Jiang He had only been joking, but Sirou actually went.

They entered the same pool, though at a distance.

Jiang He floated easily, watching Sirou cling to a little yellow duck float, paddling timidly, too afraid to let go. She relied entirely on the float to stay above water.

Jiang He couldn’t bear it. In a few strokes, she swam to her side.

“Are you really going to keep using that float? Everyone’s watching.”

Dan Sirou glanced around at the people nearby.

Indeed.

Even she felt a little embarrassed. She bit her lip lightly. “I just need to get used to the water first.”

Jiang He sighed helplessly. “You’re the student council president. If people see you looking so timid, how will they respect your authority?”

“They won’t,” Sirou replied confidently. “There aren’t that many people here anyway.”

“What if someone takes a photo and shares it in a group chat, mocking you? That would ruin your reputation. I already saw someone holding up a phone.” Jiang He pressed gently, coaxing her further.

Sirou thought for a moment but said nothing.

After a pause, Jiang He offered, “Alright then, let me teach you some swimming techniques.”

“Mm.” Sirou nodded, willing to accept this.

“First, you have to learn how to hold your breath.” Jiang He spoke carefully, using all her ability to explain clearly, demonstrating each move in the water again and again, hoping to teach Sirou who had hesitated for over a decade without ever learning to swim.

Sirou nodded frequently, responding to her guidance.

When Jiang He finished, she looked at her expectantly, waiting for some action in return.

Sirou’s comprehension was excellent. She understood the theory immediately. But when it came to practice, she froze, remembering the method but unable to take the next step.

Jiang He sighed. “Actually, I have a better way.”

Sirou lifted her eyes to her.

“Close your eyes first,” Jiang He said.

Sirou hesitated, scanning her up and down, unsure what trick she had in mind. But in the end, she closed her eyes.

Jiang He’s lips curved faintly as she swam behind her.

Unconsciously, their bodies drew close. Jiang He breathed softly, her hands resting on the sides of the float.

Her warm breath brushed against Sirou’s delicate skin, sending a shiver through her. Her brows furrowed slightly. As an Omega, she should have kept her distance from an Alpha’s sudden closeness but she couldn’t bring herself to reject the feeling.

So, she let herself indulge.

To outsiders, they looked intimately close.

“I’ll count to five, then you can open your eyes.”

Her low voice whispered into Sirou’s ear, sending tingles down her spine.

Sirou followed her lead, surprising herself with how much she trusted Jiang He.

Jiang He’s palm covered the back of her hand, feeling her slight tremor. She held her gently, careful not to cross boundaries, but unwilling to let her sink. With her other hand, she gripped the float, slowly lifting it away.

“One, two, three, four, five.” Jiang He said softly, “Alright.”

Sirou opened her eyes slowly. The world around her blurred.

Then she realized, the float was gone! Jiang He had tossed it aside.

“Jiang He, you.” She bit her lip, upset.

Jiang He smiled faintly. “See? You’re fine without the float. You didn’t sink.”

Only then did Sirou realize she was right.