After Dating the President O, I Turned Into a Puppy-Like Lover - Chapter 57

Morning light streamed through the gap in the curtains, casting a slanted beam across the room.

Dan Sirou slowly opened her eyes and sat up in bed.

She had gone to sleep early the night before, and her rest had been good, perhaps the most peaceful in recent days. Her eyes still felt a little sore, taking time to adjust.

She couldn’t help recalling her emotional outburst yesterday. Thinking back now, she sighed in regret, unable to understand what had come over her. How she could have reacted that way.

All she knew was that when she stumbled upon that scene, her heart had been a storm of emotions, too complex to name. She thought of her father’s death and her struggle to keep the family together, of the humiliation of signing that agreement just to cover fees, of the times she had let herself sink into what she knew she shouldn’t touch.

In that moment, she had felt so wronged, so overwhelmed, that tears spilled freely.

But such emotions were fleeting. Just as she had always done, after a night of sorrow, she would greet the next day’s sunrise with renewed energy.

Today was no exception.

She slipped into her slippers, pulled the curtains wide, and let the bright light flood her face. The fresh air carried a sense of clarity, sweeping away the heaviness inside.

After yesterday’s release, she felt lighter, even if a little embarrassed. The shadows clouding her heart seemed to have vanished.

She returned to her room to wash up.

Her phone chimed. A message from Jiang He.

[Are you awake?]

Sirou stared at the words, her mind drifting back to Jiang He’s confession yesterday, echoing in her thoughts.

After everything, she suddenly felt more at ease.

She told herself not to overthink. Just let things flow naturally.

She replied: [Mm.]

Almost instantly, Jiang He sent: [Good morning!]

Sirou smiled faintly at the warmth behind the words and responded: [Good morning.]

A moment later, another message: [Have you had breakfast?]

Sirou sat on the edge of her bed, fingers flying across the screen: [Not yet, I just woke up.]

Jiang He: [Do you always wake up at this time?]

Sirou: [Pretty much. I guess it’s just my body clock.]

Jiang He: [Oh, I see.]

[Got it.]

Sirou tilted her head, amused. Got what?

She smiled softly and typed: [I’ll go wash up now.]

Jiang He: [Alright.]

The day began with their morning greetings. The weather was beautiful, sunlight pouring into her room. Sirou spent the morning reading at her desk, went to the supermarket in the afternoon to restock supplies, then returned home to do chores, eat dinner, and bathe. A simple, ordinary day passed quietly.

The next morning, at nearly the same time, she had just finished washing up when another message arrived:

[Are you awake? I’m downstairs.]

Sirou: “?”

Without replying, she hurried to the balcony. Sure enough, beneath the trees across the building stood a tall figure, glancing around, occasionally checking her phone.

Sirou threw on a plain jacket and went downstairs.

The residential complex was quiet at dawn, especially in this back building where few people passed. Jiang He heard the faint footsteps she had been waiting for and immediately fixed her gaze on the stairwell.

Then, the familiar silhouette appeared. Jiang He’s lips curved into a smile.

The breeze lifted Sirou’s dark hair. She tucked a stray strand behind her ear and approached, smiling politely.

“This is for you.” Jiang He handed her a bag, her eyes full of care.

Sirou peeked inside, two breakfasts. Surprised, she asked, “You bought this especially for me?”

“Mm.” Jiang He smiled shyly, suddenly awkward. “Not really. I usually go for a morning run.”

Though before, it had been at ten. Now it was at six.

How is that not special? Sirou thought.

“So early?” she asked.

“Mm.” Jiang He’s gaze wavered.

Sirou looked at her. Today she wore a light denim jacket with rolled sleeves, a white T shirt beneath. Sirou remembered the defined lines of her abs proof of discipline and effort.

“You didn’t have to. I have food at home. It’s a waste,” Sirou said gently, her tone casual, almost domestic.

“It’s the weekend,” Jiang He replied earnestly. “I didn’t want you to wake up and have to cook breakfast.”

Sirou smiled faintly at her concern. “Thank you.”

Jiang He realized she had been too direct, showing her care without disguise. It felt strange, even to herself.

Though they had exchanged ambiguous words before, now both avoided mentioning what had happened two days ago.

Sirou pointed toward the stairwell. “Do you want to come up?”

“No,” Jiang He said. “I have something to do later.”

Sirou nodded, not pressing further.

They parted with a wave. Jiang He’s cold expression softened into a smile as she watched Sirou disappear inside.

From then on, whether at school or during weekends, Jiang He often brought her things—fruit tea, cakes, even groceries from the supermarket.

Sirou was no stranger to attention. People often left gifts on her desk, which she usually shared with others.

But Jiang He was different. She seemed to know Sirou’s preferences, always bringing what she liked. And she delivered them personally.

Unlike others who tried to impress with charm, Jiang He was shy, awkward, saying little. She simply handed over her gifts and left.

Her quiet sincerity contrasted with her usual aloofness. Sirou often found herself wanting to say more, but Jiang He was already gone, her tall figure striding away, ponytail swinging in the sunlight like strands of gold.

Watching her leave, Sirou’s lips would curve softly, her heart filled with a sweetness like spring water flowing through.

Another week came, and with it the bulletin board evaluations.

Usually, Fang Rui dragged Sirou along to inspect each class. But this semester, Fang Rui had learned to lead independently, taking other student council members with her. Sirou finally had some free time.

That day, however, one class had failed to start their board design. They had to be urged.

Fang Rui caught Sirou outside the office and persuaded her to come along.

Sirou hadn’t expected the class in question to be Class Five. It was break time, the weather fine, and the corridors full of students socializing.

As they walked, many greeted Sirou warmly.

She entered Class Five with Fang Rui through the back door. The publicity committee member hurried over to speak with Fang Rui, while Sirou stood aside.

Half the seats were empty, students milling outside.

From the front, Zhou Yi turned and spotted her, waving enthusiastically. Sirou smiled politely, then let her gaze drift past Zhou Yi, toward the girl beside her, asleep at her desk.

Jiang He’s sleeping face was strikingly beautiful, her features delicate, her usual cold aura replaced by a softer, girlish charm.

Sirou’s heart stirred. She couldn’t help but look longer.

Zhou Yi noticed her gaze, assuming she needed Jiang He. She raised her hand, ready to wake her.

Sirou quickly gestured for silence, lips forming the word don’t.

Zhou Yi understood, though puzzled.

The President’s gaze at our boss, that’s awfully tender. Never seen that before. Tsk, tsk.

Before she could think further, Sirou left with Fang Rui.

By Friday, Jiang He had gone two days without bringing Sirou anything. Today, she came again.

Hearing Sirou was in the student council office, Jiang He went straight there.

She had bought a small cream cake, just enough for one person. It was midday, and Dan Sirou might not have time to eat lunch.

Carrying the little gift bag, Jiang He was about to knock when she realized the office door was already open.

Inside, a boy stood in the middle of the room. Sirou sat in her chair. Sensing someone at the door, she looked up, surprised to see Jiang He, then quickly composed herself and said coldly, “Begging me won’t help. When you do these things, you should think them through yourself.”

“President,” the boy stammered, “we went to the same middle school, same class, even sat front and back. Can’t you show a little old friendship?”

“No.” Sirou’s voice was firm. “I’ve had countless classmates sit behind me. If each one came asking favors, should I indulge them all? Enough. Go back.”

Jiang He understood immediately, he had gotten into trouble and wanted her to bend the rules. She coughed deliberately.

The boy, seeing someone else had arrived, gave Sirou a helpless look and slunk away.

As he brushed past Jiang He, she turned to watch him leave. Once he was gone, she closed the door.

She had grown used to shutting it behind her.

Looking at Sirou, Jiang He thought of how easily she shifted between faces, gentle in private, decisive and fair in public.

Approaching the desk, she set the cake down.

Sirou was no longer surprised by Jiang He’s frequent offerings.

Through the clear packaging, the strawberry cream cake looked exquisite. Sirou glanced up at the tall girl, half reproachful, half amused. “You’ll make me fat. You keep bringing food, and the calories keep going up.”

She bit her lip lightly, casting her a plaintive look.

Jiang He opened the box carefully, her eyes warm with a smile. “Then skip lunch.”

She lifted the triangular slice with both hands, blinking playfully as she offered it.

Sirou accepted, holding the spoon but not eating. Instead, she asked, “Do you think I’m heartless?” Curious about Jiang He’s view.

Jiang He blinked, confused.

Sirou explained, “You heard my conversation with that boy, didn’t you?”

“Mm.” Jiang He nodded. “I didn’t think that at all.”

“He was my middle school classmate. He used to be good, smart, kind. But in high school, he changed. He wanted me to help him out of trouble, but I refused.” Sirou murmured.

“That’s his problem. Why would I think it’s yours?” Jiang He replied.

Sirou looked at her. “Didn’t you once come to me about your class monitor?”

Jiang He flushed, ashamed. “I’m sorry.” She lowered her head, sincerely admitting fault.

“Lin Momo has known me for years. She’s helped me often, so I naturally favored her. That day I came to you, I was impulsive, my tone too harsh. But, it wasn’t to make things hard for you. I was just worried. Even then, I cared about you.” Her voice trailed off, nearly inaudible.

Sirou didn’t catch the last words, but seeing her so flustered made her smile. It felt almost like she had teased her on purpose. She reassured gently, “Don’t dwell on the past. It’s over. I was just curious how others see me. But most people won’t tell me the truth.”

Jiang He nodded earnestly. “I never thought you had any problem. And now, even less. I tend to favor those I’m closer to. So, if you ask me for an objective answer, I don’t know if I can give one.”

Her sincerity touched Sirou, who said nothing, lowering her head to scoop at the cake absentmindedly.

“Eat the cake?” she asked suddenly. “Share it with me. I can’t finish it.”

Jiang He shook her head. “It’s so small, and you can’t finish?”

“Mm. I can’t. Come on, let’s eat together.”

“But.” Jiang He hesitated. “There’s only one spoon.”

“It’s fine.” Sirou smiled softly.

Jiang He licked her lips, finally giving in.

As they ate, Sirou suddenly grew serious. “Jiang He.”

“Mm?” Jiang He looked up.

“Do you have time tomorrow? I want to talk to you.”

“What about?” Jiang He asked nervously.

Sirou’s voice was light, evasive. “Nothing much. Just about us. I think it’s better to meet and talk seriously.”

“Alright.” Jiang He agreed.

The next day, Saturday.

Jiang He arrived half an hour early, anxious about what Sirou wanted to say. To her surprise, Sirou was already there.

The sunlight fell perfectly, illuminating her dark hair, making it shimmer. Her faint smile was enough to steal Jiang He’s breath.

They went to a café, each ordering a latte, sitting face to face.

The last time they had met like this was last year when they signed the agreement.

Jiang He’s thoughts raced. Time had passed so quickly.

Across from her, Sirou looked unchanged, still the center of attention wherever she sat.

She lowered her head, as if deep in thought.

Jiang He grew tense, unable to guess her intent. “Sirou, why did you ask me out today? What do you want to say?”

Sirou set down her cup. “Just to talk. About us.”

Jiang He: “!!!”

It felt unreal, like a dream.

“Jiang He.” Sirou’s eyes held hers, filled with emotion. “Thank you for caring for me these past days.”

Jiang He shook her head. “It’s nothing.”

She truly hadn’t done much. Even a simple milk tea was something others rushed to give her. Only then had Jiang He realized how popular Sirou was. She had always known, but never grasped the scale until she joined the crowd herself.

“And thank you.” Sirou murmured, “for the changes you’ve brought me. Since that day, I’ve felt lighter. Maybe because I did something I’d never done before, I realized my plans weren’t always perfect.”

She had once refused to allow herself pain, refused to cry. She believed showing weakness meant she could never face life again.

But after letting go, she found it wasn’t so terrible. Breaking that obsession made her freer.

Now, she was considering another “forbidden thing.”

Jiang He’s hands tightened on her lap, nerves rising.

“To be honest, I’ve been hesitating. You’re special to me. You make me think things I can’t control.”

She paused, reorganizing her thoughts. “In short.”

She hesitated, then spoke openly. “I’ve never dated anyone. I never planned to. I don’t know if I can handle a relationship, or if I can bear the responsibility of being someone’s girlfriend.”

Jiang He’s heart clenched. Was this all leading to a gentle rejection?

“But.”

At that word, Jiang He’s palms grew damp with sweat.

Sirou’s lips curved in a soft smile. If Jiang He wasn’t so lost in her own panic, she would have seen how tender it was.

“I’ll do my best.”

Her gentle voice was like a rainbow after rain.

Jiang He froze, stunned.

Sirou’s smile deepened as she met her gaze, sincere and warm.

“Let’s be together, Jiang He,” she said.