Dressed as the Scumbag Alpha Mom of the Tragic Female Lead (ABO, GL) - Chapter 32

Chapter 32

The sky outside was already bright. Jiang Chuxie woke up squinting, lazily yawning. It was the best night’s sleep she’d had since coming to this world, without even a single dream.

“You’re awake?”

Jiang Chuxie had barely poked her head out from under the covers when Zhuang Qi’s voice came from below.

“Yeah, when did you get back last night? You’re up so early.”

She must’ve slept so deeply that she didn’t even notice when Zhuang Qi returned.

“Don’t remind me. I only got four hours of sleep. The school student council called a meeting with all the institute council presidents, probably about last night.”

Normally, the school and institute councils don’t interfere with each other’s affairs, and the school council has no authority to order the institutes around, only coordinating.

But as the host of the welcome party, the school council carried weight. If something went wrong, the institutes would still follow their lead.

Recalling last night, Jiang Chuxie’s mind snapped awake.

“Did they find anything?”

“Nope. Security checked and found no breaches. It’s almost certain the culprit entered the party legitimately. Today’s meeting is to discuss investigation plans… Honestly, tracking it down now is gonna be tough.”

No kidding.

“No major disaster is already lucky.”

Zhuang Qi grinned at her. “Thanks to you. Even among Omegas, few carry forced suppressants, let alone both types. Zhao Zi said the doctor warned that any delay or missing one suppressant could’ve been disastrous.”

“Just luck.”

“Carrying suppressants might be luck, but resisting? I’m genuinely impressed!”

Though Zhuang Qi hadn’t gone near the restroom, she’d caught a faint whiff of the pheromones and bolted, nearly embarrassing herself.

She’d only smelled a trace and reacted like that—how had Jiang Chuxie endured it?

Jiang Chuxie’s expression stiffened, a hint of embarrassment showing.

Though she’d done nothing, it’d be near impotence for an Alpha not to react to such intense pheromones. Zhuang Qi knew exactly what had happened to her body.

“Hey, don’t be shy. It’s normal. I’m shocked you slept so soundly. I’d probably toss and turn all night.”

Sleeping soundly… only because she’d dealt with it herself! But for the first time, she felt no guilt, her body even lighter.

“Let’s drop it. Aren’t you late for the meeting?”

“Oh, right, I’m going! Chuxie, this is a big deal. If they need your help, don’t say no!”

“I got it. Go already.”

“No more chatting, I’m off.”

Zhuang Qi rushed out. Jiang Chuxie got up to wash, feeling unusually motivated today, ready to tackle a tough task she’d delayed for days.

How was Gu Lingjun? She wore so little last night and sneezed—hopefully she wasn’t feverish today.

Imagining Gu Lingjun sick in bed, Jiang Chuxie grew uneasy.

Omegas weren’t as tough as Alphas. She’d taken a hot shower and felt fine, but Gu Lingjun’s delicate frame was another story.

Should she call to check?

Jiang Chuxie eyed her phone, tempted, but a voice warned her that eagerly reaching out to Gu Lingjun wasn’t a good sign.

She wrestled with this while testing software until, two hours later, Zhuang Qi called, asking her to head to the school student council office, freeing her from the dilemma.

The council’s response wasn’t swift, but for a bureaucratic group, it was decent.

The office was close to the Alpha dorm. Jiang Chuxie arrived in ten minutes.

Four people were in the office, two familiar—Zhuang Qi and Zhao Zi.

“Chuxie, you’re here!” Zhuang Qi greeted her warmly, grabbing her hand. “Come, let me introduce you.”

Despite her casual demeanor, Jiang Chuxie sensed the tense atmosphere.

Things were likely as bad as she’d feared.

As an Alpha who’d interacted with Yu Wen, carrying both Omega-specific suppressants, suspicion was natural. But with a solid alibi, clearing her name should be easy.

Explaining the suppressants, though, was trickier.

“This is the school council president, Chen Yue. You probably know him.”

A tall, muscular male Alpha sat at the desk. Despite glasses, he looked more like an athlete than a scholar.

As Zhuang Qi said, Jiang Chuxie knew Chen Yue—not because he was famous, but because he often played basketball with Zhuang Qi, and they were close.

This reassured her. With Zhuang Qi’s backing, as long as she cleared suspicion, she shouldn’t face much trouble.

“Hello, President.”

Jiang Chuxie greeted politely. Chen Yue gave a friendly smile. “Jiang Chuxie, Zhuang Qi talks about you a lot. We owe you big time for this.”

“Hmph!”

Before Chen Yue finished, the fourth person, unknown to Jiang Chuxie, let out a cold snort.

He was a male Beta, average build, with a refined, scholarly look but gloomy eyes.

Jiang Chuxie didn’t know him but felt an inexplicable dislike—maybe due to his attitude?

Zhuang Qi clearly didn’t like him either, introducing him curtly. “This is Liang Que, president of the Humanities Institute council.”

Liang Que?

The name felt familiar, like she’d seen it somewhere, but she couldn’t place it.

Betas were rare among council members and usually lacked the clout for major roles. Presidents were even rarer.

But the Humanities Institute, with the lowest Alpha enrollment, was an exception. Liang Que’s year had no Alpha candidates, making him the only Beta president among the institutes.

Incidentally, Zhao Zi was the only Omega president.

“Hello.”

Jiang Chuxie greeted him neutrally. Liang Que sneered, his tone dripping with sarcasm. “I’m not doing well. A student from our institute, a council member, is suffering in the hospital. How could I be?”

Jiang Chuxie didn’t respond, but Zhuang Qi wouldn’t stay quiet. “Your bad mood’s your problem. What’s it got to do with Chuxie? Without her, you’d be in worse shape.”

“Hah, who knows if she was doing good or just didn’t have time to do bad? Zhuang Qi, don’t cover for her just because she’s your friend. What Alpha carries Omega suppressants? And who could resist…”

He glared at Jiang Chuxie, his contempt obvious.

“Liang Que, watch your words,” Chen Yue said sternly, clearly displeased. “Nothing’s confirmed. Right now, we need to wait for Gu Lingjun, as Zhao Zi mentioned, and go over last night’s events.”

Liang Que’s face darkened, but he didn’t dare challenge Chen Yue. Jiang Chuxie, hearing Gu Lingjun was coming, turned to Zhao Zi.

Zhao Zi nodded. “I called Lingjun. She should be here soon.”

As if on cue, Gu Lingjun’s voice and a knock sounded at the door.

Her voice was hoarse. When Zhao Zi opened the door and pulled her in, Jiang Chuxie confirmed she was sick.

Their eyes met briefly. Gu Lingjun gave a faint smile, but Jiang Chuxie frowned, noticing her pale, weary face.

Zhao Zi introduced everyone briefly. Chen Yue had them sit and gave a formal speech.

“As president, I bear undeniable responsibility for this incident. Thanks to you two for acting quickly, we avoided disaster. Our priority is catching the culprit, or it’s a huge risk for the council and school.”

“No police were called last night, and Yu Wen’s fine. Even if you find the culprit, what can be done?” Jiang Chuxie still resented the council’s handling.

“Don’t worry. I’ve reported this to the school. If evidence is solid, they’ll be expelled.”

Expulsion… well, that’s something—if they can be caught.

“So, can you two walk us through what happened last night?”

Jiang Chuxie and Gu Lingjun exchanged a glance. Jiang Chuxie gestured for Gu Lingjun to go first. Gu Lingjun nodded and began speaking at a steady pace.

“…After dancing with Senior Zhuang, I went to the restroom, about three minutes. I can confirm no one else was there besides me and Yu Wen during that time.”

“Nothing seemed off when I entered. About a minute later, I noticed Yu Wen’s pheromone scent was unusual. I called out to him a few times but got no response. Following the scent, I found him in the innermost stall.”

“Since I didn’t have forced suppressants, I went for help. Right outside, I ran into Senior Jiang. She told me to get Senior Zhao Zi and the others…”

Everyone, including Jiang Chuxie, listened quietly until she said this. Liang Que suddenly interrupted. “Jiang Chuxie told you to get help? She’s an Alpha, you’re an Omega. Why did she send you instead of going herself?”

This was the most criticized part of Jiang Chuxie’s actions. Even Zhao Zi’s first reaction had been suspicion.

Jiang Chuxie glanced at Liang Que, saying calmly, “Gu Lingjun’s speaking now. If you have questions about her actions, ask her. As for doubts about me, I’ll explain from my perspective later.”

Liang Que huffed. “Fine, I’ll rephrase. Gu Lingjun, why did you trust Jiang Chuxie so much and feel safe leaving an Omega in heat alone with her? If something happened, what about Yu Wen?”

Gu Lingjun, pale from illness, looked at Liang Que calmly.

“The person who harmed Yu Wen is the one who drugged him. I won’t claim I did anything heroic, but I don’t think I’ve made any mistakes so far. As for why Senior Jiang handled Yu Wen, first, she had the forced suppressants, saving time on handing them over. Second, she was very calm and clear-headed, more suited to handle it than panicked me. Most importantly, I trust her.”

“Hah, you trust her? You trust her at the cost of Yu Wen’s safety? If Alphas could control themselves, then—”

“Liang Que!” Chen Yue’s brows furrowed, his displeasure clear, his tone sharper. “I told you, watch your behavior.”

With three Alphas in the room, Jiang Chuxie was surprised Liang Que was so bold, daring to speak so recklessly.

Zhuang Qi winked at her, signaling not to mind him. After Chen Yue’s reprimand, Liang Que lowered his head, silent, but still glared at Jiang Chuxie with dark eyes.

Chen Yue softened his expression and turned to Gu Lingjun. “Go on.”

Gu Lingjun continued, detailing how she found Zhao Zi and the others and how they handled Yu Wen afterward.

Zhuang Qi and Zhao Zi had already reported last night’s events to Chen Yue. Jiang Chuxie recounted her experience almost without holding back.

“The timeline matches perfectly. Jiang Chuxie couldn’t have drugged Yu Wen. But I have a few questions I’d like you to clarify.”

Jiang Chuxie thought Chen Yue wasn’t easily fooled. In the past, the school student council’s authority, beyond hosting events, was often less than the institute councils’. But after Chen Yue became president, he expanded its power, earning the nickname “Iron-Blooded President” among students.

His method was simple: he secured activity funding from the school for each institute, but the school council controlled its distribution. Money’s influence was undeniable in any world.

His decisive style was evident in his bold choice to proceed with the welcome party despite the threatening letter.

“Ask away.”

“First, why did you rush to find Gu Lingjun so decisively after hearing about the threat? Did you have a hunch?”

“No hunch. She was my dance partner. Hearing the threat’s details, isn’t it normal to worry about her?”

Zhuang Qi quickly chimed in. “Chen Yue, you don’t know Chuxie. She’s just that cautious.”

Chen Yue nodded, dropping the question.

“Second, I share Liang Que’s doubt. Why did you send Gu Lingjun to get help instead of going yourself? She trusted you, but what was your reasoning?”

Facing Chen Yue’s piercing gaze, Jiang Chuxie didn’t flinch.

“First, I trusted my self-control, or I wouldn’t have taken the risk. Second, I have experience with this and could handle it better and faster than Gu Lingjun. Third, I didn’t feel safe leaving Gu Lingjun there—what if the culprit was still nearby?”

“Oh, you’re experienced? That brings me to my next question. Where did you get the forced suppressants and that experience?”

“Even my private matters are your business?”

“An Alpha possessing forced suppressants can be private—or criminal. What do you think?”

Chen Yue was tougher than Jiang Chuxie expected. Liang Que watched with a look of amusement.

But then, Gu Lingjun softly said, “The suppressants were mine. I gave them to Senior Jiang.”

Everyone, including Jiang Chuxie, was stunned. Luckily, her practiced poker face held, and she glanced at Gu Lingjun, shielded by her glasses.

“You’re lying. You said you didn’t have them—” Liang Que’s voice rose.

Gu Lingjun cut him off firmly. “I said I didn’t have them on me and that Senior Jiang had the suppressants. I gave them to her. Where else would an Alpha get forced suppressants?”

“Stolen, robbed, smuggled—anything’s possible!”

“Then why not believe I gave them to her? Why assume she got them illegally?”

Forced suppressants, due to their potential for misuse, were tightly regulated. Buying them through smuggling carried legal consequences for both buyer and seller.

“Fine, say you gave them to her. Why didn’t you carry them yourself? Why give them to Jiang Chuxie? Isn’t that smuggling?”

Gu Lingjun sighed sadly. “I can’t understand why someone’s so determined to pin crimes on us, who at least did something good. I just turned eighteen and haven’t gone through many heats. That’s why Senior Jiang sent me to get help while she handled it.”

An Omega’s heat doesn’t start right after differentiation. Depending on the age of differentiation, it takes 4–6 years of development for periodic heats to begin post-sexual maturity.

Without suppressants, an Omega’s heat cycle is roughly monthly, lasting three days. With suppressants, it can be stretched to every three months or longer.

Using forced suppressants to manage a heat is extremely painful, so many Omegas seek partners soon after reaching maturity.

Gu Lingjun wasn’t lying here—she’d only experienced one heat, so she was indeed flustered by Yu Wen’s situation.

She showed a hint of embarrassment and shame. “You’re a Beta, so you wouldn’t understand. During a heat, it’s hard for an Omega to even inject themselves with suppressants. That’s why I entrusted them to Senior Jiang. I always do this when we’re together. It just so happened that this saved Yu Wen tonight. But in your eyes, how did we become unforgivable criminals?”

Well… Jiang Chuxie wanted to say they hadn’t been called unforgivable, but seeing Gu Lingjun’s weary expression and teary eyes, she let the slight exaggeration slide.

That jerk Liang Que—suspecting her was one thing, but suspecting Gu Lingjun? Truly unforgivable!

Liang Que’s face flushed, unable to retort. Her line, “You’re not an Omega, so you wouldn’t understand,” dismantled his accusations.

“Why do I trust Senior Jiang? Because she’s helped me with similar issues before, so I know she’s trustworthy.”

Gu Lingjun’s explanation was airtight, resolving every inconsistency in their actions.

“Senior Liang, don’t you think this is our private matter?”

Jiang Chuxie had to marvel again: Gu Lingjun was truly Gu Lian’s daughter.

Though Gu Lingjun’s calm while lying surprised her, Jiang Chuxie noticed her clenched fist and trembling eyelashes, betraying her nervousness.

Gu Lingjun had forced herself to lie to help her—Jiang Chuxie was deeply touched.

Liang Que was speechless. Zhao Zi seized the moment. “Just-turned-eighteen Omegas are like that—instinctively scared of heats, always carrying suppressants. Good thing you had them, or who knows what would’ve happened.”

Liang Que, sensing her support for them, snapped, “I can’t accept this. Yu Wen’s from our institute. I have to take responsibility—”

“Take responsibility? Yu Wen likes our Chuxie. Go ask him—knowing she saved him, will he be scared or regretful?”

Zhuang Qi, fed up with his persistence, spoke recklessly.

“Zhuang Qi, don’t talk nonsense,” Chen Yue said mildly, a stark contrast to his tone with Liang Que. “We’ll keep this quiet. If word gets out an Alpha was alone with an Omega in heat, it’ll be hard to explain. Let’s say Gu Lingjun and Zhao Zi found Yu Wen, leaving Jiang Chuxie out…”

He looked at Jiang Chuxie. “Sorry, we’ll thank you properly. This matter…”

“I’d rather stay out of it. No thanks needed. Just find the culprit—that’s what matters.”

Jiang Chuxie wanted no part in this, but Liang Que’s targeting raised her suspicions.

She’d already suspected an aggrieved Beta within the council might be behind it. Liang Que fit the profile and was aggressively deflecting blame. She’d remind Zhuang Qi later to focus the investigation on him.

“By the way, President, I think we can rule out Alphas and Omegas as suspects.”

Jiang Chuxie nodded, realizing Gu Lingjun had the same idea. Liang Que’s face paled, and he exploded, “Don’t go too far! Even this you pin on Betas?”

No one else spoke. Chen Yue asked Gu Lingjun, “Why do you think so? Because of the threat letter? It’s not just Betas who resent the council—you can’t judge solely on that.”

Gu Lingjun shook her head. “No. Aphrodisiacs act fast, within 1–3 minutes. I noticed Yu Wen’s pheromone change about a minute after entering the restroom, meaning the culprit left at most two minutes earlier. I’m very sensitive to pheromones. If an Alpha or another Omega had been there in that short time, I’d have picked up their scent. If you doubt me, I can take a scent sensitivity test.”

Chen Yue laughed. “Why wouldn’t we believe you? No need to lie. If that’s the case, it narrows things down. We just check the list—only about fifty Betas attended the party, right?”

Jiang Chuxie could see Chen Yue’s relief. Though the culprits were entirely to blame, his blatant bias made her sigh.

It was a stretch to call it self-inflicted, but if neither side addressed this hostility, the conflict would only worsen.

“Besides students, security should be investigated too.”

But such societal issues weren’t her concern now. The priority was catching the mastermind behind this chaos.

And… she needed to figure out where she’d seen Liang Que’s name in the original story.