Dressed as the Scumbag Alpha Mom of the Tragic Female Lead (ABO, GL) - Chapter 39

Chapter 39

In her past life, Jiang Chuxie had her own little nest. With her family’s support and her savings, she bought a roughly fifty-square-meter bachelor apartment in a pricey first-tier city, living a life of scraping by each month to pay off the mortgage.

Though the apartment was small, it made use of every bit of space. Jiang Chuxie didn’t have big ambitions and felt it was quite comfortable.

But after seeing Gu Lingjun’s over-three-hundred-square-meter apartment, with a walk-in closet bigger than her old bedroom, Jiang Chuxie nearly shed tears of poverty.

This was the life of a rich young lady with a family fortune, living like a princess before meeting Jiang Chuxie.

From what Jiang Chuxie knew, Gu Lingjun invited friends to her home for the birthday party to avoid the ostentation of a hotel, wanting a more homely gathering.

What she didn’t say was that holding a birthday party in such a luxurious apartment was anything but homely for an average working-class family.

“Senior, want to check out the balcony?”

“Uh, sure.”

The apartment was on the top floor, offering a panoramic view of the surroundings from the balcony. But Jiang Chuxie didn’t like looking down from heights… to be blunt, she had acrophobia.

“Senior?” Gu Lingjun noticed Jiang Chuxie standing at the threshold between the room and the balcony, gripping the doorframe and refusing to approach the railing. “What’s wrong?”

Jiang Chuxie hadn’t expected the balcony to have glass railings, which were visually scarier than bars. One glance down, and her legs went weak, unable to move.

“I-I’m a bit…”

This wasn’t the time to act tough. Jiang Chuxie retreated two steps and plopped onto the carpet.

Gu Lingjun’s eyes widened in surprise, then she quickly rushed to Jiang Chuxie’s side to help her.

“Senior, are you okay?”

Jiang Chuxie’s face was pale, and she felt a bit embarrassed seeing Gu Lingjun’s worried expression.

“I’m fine, I just…”

In her past life, she never thought her fear of heights was anything to be ashamed of. In this life, she hadn’t deliberately hidden it either. But for some reason, in front of Gu Lingjun, she found it hard to admit.

Jiang Chuxie never knew she’d care about her “image.” Just moments ago, her first thought was not wanting Gu Lingjun to see her lame side.

“Senior, do you have acrophobia?”

Gu Lingjun wasn’t clueless—she’d already guessed from her reaction.

“A little…”

Gu Lingjun quickly closed the balcony door and returned to help her. “Why didn’t you say earlier?”

Once she couldn’t sense the height, Jiang Chuxie regained some strength and stood with Gu Lingjun’s help.

“I didn’t know your balcony had glass railings. I thought I’d be fine.”

Gu Lingjun saw sweat on her forehead, her lips pale, and her weak, pitiful appearance. She felt both heartache and a flutter of affection.

She’d long realized Jiang Chuxie’s aloofness wasn’t her true personality and had experienced her gentleness and integrity.

But if asked which side of Jiang Chuxie she most wanted to see, it was undoubtedly her vulnerable side. Like when she felt guilty for reacting to Omegas, or now, weakened by her fear of heights—these made Gu Lingjun feel even more protective of her.

She didn’t enjoy seeing people suffer but hoped Jiang Chuxie, who struggled to show vulnerability, wouldn’t have to pretend in front of her. She hoped Jiang Chuxie wouldn’t have to bear her weaknesses alone.

“Senior, sit and rest for a bit.”

Gu Lingjun pulled Jiang Chuxie to a nearby sofa chair and took out a handkerchief to wipe her sweat.

As Jiang Chuxie’s emotions settled, she grew more embarrassed, clumsily waving off Gu Lingjun’s care. “I-I’m fine now. Let’s go out. Don’t neglect your guests.”

Gu Lingjun lowered the handkerchief, gazing steadily at Jiang Chuxie. “Senior, you’re my most important guest. How could taking care of you be neglecting others?”

Gu Lingjun’s eyes were too beautiful…

Jiang Chuxie felt dizzy, even dizzier than from her fear of heights.

She was really losing it. If this kept up, even if she were Liu Xiahui, even if she was the straightest girl in her past life, she wouldn’t be able to resist!

“Gu Lingjun,” let her be judged if she must, but she had to remind Gu Lingjun she was an Alpha. “I know you think I’m different from other Alphas and don’t see me as one. But I told you before—I’m no different from other Alphas.”

At least not in physiological reactions. And she felt her thoughts were increasingly leaning Alpha-like. Why else would she think Gu Lingjun was flirting with her and feel so stirred?

She looked at Gu Lingjun with a serious, solemn expression. Gu Lingjun raised an eyebrow slightly, smiling in confusion. “Why bring this up now, Senior? Me taking care of you has nothing to do with you being an Alpha, does it?”

It might not matter to you, but it matters to me!

Jiang Chuxie didn’t want to be too blunt. Their recent interactions had been harmonious, and she quite liked this dynamic—except for Gu Lingjun’s increasingly intimate physical contact.

Not that she disliked it, but she was afraid she liked it too much.

Sometimes, she even wondered if, following the plot, being with Gu Lingjun might not be so bad.

But every time that thought surfaced, she thought of Jiang Weizao, the Omega, and the unfair treatment she faced in this world, along with her seemingly happy but cruel ending.

She was surprised that her first thought wasn’t her own dismembered fate in the original story but Jiang Weizao’s suffering.

Even now, Jiang Chuxie wasn’t confident she could fully avoid the plot. She’d made efforts and changed some events—like delaying her meeting with Gu Lingjun or ensuring Gu Lingjun hadn’t fallen for her.

But she had a feeling: the closer it got to the original story’s timeline, the less she could do, the less she could change.

Since Gu Lingjun appeared, characters tied to the main plot had started popping up. It felt like an invisible hand was gathering them together, and even unknown, uncontrollable forces were emerging.

On one hand, she genuinely wanted to protect Gu Lingjun from the plot’s harm. On the other, she feared getting too close to Gu Lingjun, leading to irreversible consequences.

When she was alone, she could boldly declare she’d become a big shot, defeat the male leads threatening her, and fight to the death if needed, free of attachments.

But with Gu Lingjun and Jiang Weizao, could she maintain that mindset?

Jiang Chuxie felt she couldn’t.

She’d start overthinking, hesitating, and worrying endlessly.

At this moment, she wasn’t so much rejecting Gu Lingjun as warning herself not to entertain more improper thoughts.

“Gu Lingjun, I hope you understand that you’re an Omega and I’m an Alpha. We can be friends, but if we’re too close… others will misunderstand.”

Gu Lingjun chuckled lightly. “I fully understand you’re an Alpha, Senior. Didn’t you forget? I smelled your pheromones the first time we met.”

“If that’s the case—”

“But I don’t think it’s a barrier to our friendship. Let others misunderstand—it’s not like I’m friends with you to avoid their misconceptions.”

Jiang Chuxie was stunned by her words. She’d noticed Gu Lingjun’s personality differed slightly from the original story, but this confirmed it: the Gu Lingjun before her wasn’t as weak or lacking in agency as described.

Was the original story’s depiction of the heroine’s mother inaccurate, or had her presence influenced Gu Lingjun?

“You don’t mind?”

Gu Lingjun nodded. “I don’t mind… But I don’t want you to misunderstand, thinking I’m this close with any Alpha. I’ve said it—you’re special, Senior. If others misunderstand, it might actually save me some trouble.”

Trouble… meaning she was a shield for Gu Lingjun?

Indeed, Jiang Chuxie had stopped wearing glasses and escorted Gu Lingjun to keep her from being harassed by awful Alphas.

But what she worried about wasn’t others misunderstanding—it was herself…

“It’s one thing if you don’t mind, but I—”

“Do you mind, Senior?”

Of course she minded! She minded like crazy! Every time Gu Lingjun touched her, her heart raced in a way she’d never experienced in two lifetimes.

“But didn’t you say you don’t like Omegas and don’t want to get too entangled with them? Others misunderstanding us is a good thing for you too, right?”

That might be true…

“But I don’t like this.” Jiang Chuxie stood up, feeling a bit petulant for some reason. “I’m going to the kitchen to see if they need help.”

This time, Gu Lingjun didn’t press further, just sighed softly as she watched Jiang Chuxie walk away.

Was this the awkwardness of someone too upright?

Had she been too hasty?

But didn’t Jiang Chuxie’s reaction suggest her initiative was starting to have an effect?

Jiang Chuxie found plenty to do in the kitchen and kept helping until the birthday party started.

After calming down, she didn’t know how to face Gu Lingjun. The blushing and racing heart were her issue—why had she gotten upset and told Gu Lingjun to watch her behavior?

Gu Lingjun didn’t seek her out during that time, and when they met again, she just gave a natural smile, as if she hadn’t taken the earlier incident to heart. But Jiang Chuxie still felt a knot in her chest, remaining somewhat down even after leaving Gu Lingjun’s place.

Zhuang Qi might seem carefree, but she was good at reading people and had noticed Jiang Chuxie’s off mood early on.

After her shower, seeing Jiang Chuxie still sitting in a daze, she asked, “What’s wrong? You’ve been out of it ever since you were alone with Gu Lingjun. Did something happen?”

“Nothing…”

“No way, nothing? You’re totally off.”

Jiang Chuxie glanced at Zhuang Qi’s face. “So many Omegas like you, but you’ve never dated?”

Zhuang Qi sat beside her, wiping her hair, intrigued. “That’s weird—you’re actually talking to me about this.”

“Why? Didn’t you say you love Omegas?”

Zhuang Qi laughed. “I do love Omegas, but I’m not a stud. I can’t just date whoever likes me, right?”

Her thinking was so normal it made Jiang Chuxie wonder for a moment if she was back in her past life.

“I’ve seen plenty of Alphas who think that way. Forget being liked—even if an Omega doesn’t like them, they still feel great about themselves.”

Zhuang Qi nodded. “Yeah, there are definitely Alphas like that, and not a few. But at least I’m not like that, and neither are you. That’s why we can be friends.”

“So why don’t you think that way?”

Zhuang Qi thought for a moment. “Probably has to do with family upbringing. My grandma and mom always taught me to respect Omegas. My aunt really hates that typical Alpha mindset, and my older cousin would constantly warn me not to say stuff like that in front of her. Over time, it just stuck.”

“As for being popular, maybe it’s because I respect Omegas that I’m well-liked?” Zhuang Qi looked at Jiang Chuxie. “Actually, our family’s situation is a bit unusual. I’m more curious why you’re like this.”

Jiang Chuxie finally understood how Zhuang Jingyuan managed to pass as a Beta for so long—her whole family was in on it, though Zhuang Qi seemed unaware of the details.

But why was she kicked out of the Zhuang family now, even having to get her own suppressants?

Jiang Chuxie’s mind wandered for a moment before she answered Zhuang Qi’s question.

“For me… it’s probably just innate.”

The values she brought from her past life could indeed be considered innate.

Zhuang Qi stared at Jiang Chuxie’s bitter expression, smirking suggestively. “You bringing this up today isn’t just for nothing. Got some feelings stirring? Finally falling for someone?”

Jiang Chuxie didn’t have the energy to hide anymore and said listlessly, “I don’t know how to explain it to you.”

“What’s there to explain? If you like Gu Lingjun, just go for it. She seems to like you too. What’s the big deal? Sure, the Gu family is prestigious, but you’re no slouch. Don’t underestimate yourself—you’ll achieve great things. Are you afraid you’re not good enough for her?”

Family background… that was the least of Jiang Chuxie’s worries. Among all her concerns, it was the most trivial obstacle between her and Gu Lingjun.

“Zhuang Qi, you’ve never liked anyone so far?”

“Uh…” Zhuang Qi’s expression shifted at Jiang Chuxie’s words, her gaze darting away, avoiding eye contact. “W-Why are you asking that? I already said I like Omegas, so don’t worry.”

Jiang Chuxie caught her meaning and nearly choked—had Zhuang Qi actually had a crush on her? Her imagination was wild!

“Ahem, let me rephrase. You and Zhao Zi seem close. Don’t you… like her?”

Since the welcome event, many assumed Zhuang Qi and Zhao Zi were dating. Objectively, they were a great match.

But from Jiang Chuxie’s perspective, their relationship seemed purely platonic. She wasn’t sure if she was missing some subtle chemistry or if they were truly just friends.

Zhuang Qi, rare for her, showed a serious expression. “That’s a good question. I’ve been thinking about that lately too.”

“You’re not sure if you like her?”

Zhuang Qi sighed. “Depends on how you define ‘like.’ As an Alpha, liking Omegas is the most natural thing—it’s instinct, a mutual attraction of pheromones. To be blunt, I feel some affection for all the Omegas who like me.”

Maybe because she was a transmigrator, Jiang Chuxie didn’t feel the same way. Her body might react to Omegas, but emotionally, she wasn’t as swayed by pheromones.

Or perhaps her wariness was too strong, her tension and defenses overpowering the instinctual pull Omegas had on Alphas.

So far, only Gu Lingjun had sparked strong emotional reactions in her—feelings she hadn’t experienced in either lifetime.

“When it comes to partners, Alphas are probably even less picky than you think.” Zhuang Qi gave a self-deprecating smile, looking into Jiang Chuxie’s eyes. “But I don’t want to be like most Alphas. I want to find my special someone.”

Jiang Chuxie suddenly recalled Zhuang Qi saying she wanted to be a novelist. Combined with her past behavior, it was clear Zhuang Qi was a highly romantic, atypical Alpha.

That might explain why Zhuang Qi thought she was an Omega and conjured up a “Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai” scenario on her own.

Jiang Chuxie was glad Zhuang Qi had stopped short.

“I met Zhao Zi in our freshman year, but we weren’t that close. It wasn’t until Zhao Gang dropped out and she became the Life Sciences Institute’s student council president that we started talking more. You asked if I like her—I think I do. But if you’re asking if it’s more than the attraction an Omega has for an Alpha, I’m not sure yet.”

Jiang Chuxie frowned slightly, muttering as if to herself, “What I feel for Gu Lingjun must just be an Alpha’s instinctual affection for an Omega…”

Zhuang Qi rolled her eyes. “Please, it’s already a miracle you feel anything for an Omega. From that angle, Gu Lingjun’s already special.”

Gu Lingjun was special, no matter what kind of feelings they were. She held unique significance to Jiang Chuxie, or she wouldn’t be so conflicted about how to handle their relationship.

“Forget it, I’m done thinking about it.”

Jiang Chuxie’s head was about to explode, and she still couldn’t come up with a good solution.

There were two paths: cut ties decisively—she couldn’t do it—or let things simmer like a frog in warm water, her current state, where it’d eventually work itself out.

Zhuang Qi clicked her tongue and shook her head. “Isn’t this the classic overthinking of someone in love?”

Jiang Chuxie, as if she hadn’t heard, went to take a shower.

“Baby, did you have fun today?”

After her birthday, Gu Lingjun didn’t return to school. That evening, Gu’s father and mother called from overseas to celebrate.

“Yeah, I had a lot of fun.”

“Daddy heard you invited a lot of classmates and seniors. Anyone we know?”

Gu Lian’s thinly veiled question left Mu Qing, his wife, exasperated.

“Mm, I invited Senior Jiang Chuxie.”

Gu Lingjun openly gave the answer they already knew, and Gu Lian and Mu Qing exchanged a glance.

“Is that so? She helped you, so it’s only right to invite her.” Mu Qing signaled to Gu Lian with her eyes, racking her brain for ways to pry information from her daughter. But Gu Lian took the phone and said, “Lingjun, have you been getting close to Jiang Chuxie lately?”

Though they had a driver and nanny keeping tabs, they couldn’t monitor Gu Lingjun constantly and didn’t know how far their relationship had progressed.

“We see each other every day. Does that count as close?”

Gu Lian took a sharp breath. Seeing each other every day—wasn’t that close enough? They weren’t in the same institute or year; daily meetings were basically daily dates!

“Lingjun, you’re a smart girl. You know what Mommy means. Back then, I gave her ten times the thank-you gift as you suggested, and now…”

“I just thought your thank-you was too small. I never said I wouldn’t see her if you gave more.”

“You—”

Gu Lian never imagined her daughter would be so rebellious—not that Lingjun hadn’t been mischievous and clever before differentiation, giving them headaches.

“Mommy, you’re smarter than me. You must know I like Jiang Chuxie, right?”

Gu Lingjun was straightforward, showing no shyness typical of a young girl discussing love with her parents.

“You’ve known her for how long, and you like her already? Do you even know what kind of person she is?” Gu Lian didn’t mince words. “She accepted my thank-you gift and still keeps in touch with you. Doesn’t that say something?”

“Mommy, you don’t understand her.”

“Oh, and you do? She might not have known your identity when she saved you, but now she does. Can you guarantee she has no ulterior motives?”

Gu Lingjun fell silent for a moment, her voice tinged with disappointment. “I’m the one who likes her. She’s been rejecting me. I wish she had ulterior motives.”

“You—”

Gu Lian was stunned. When had her daughter become like this?

And what did she mean Jiang Chuxie was rejecting her?

“Lingjun, if you act recklessly, Mommy can’t promise I won’t take drastic measures and bring you back.”

“Mommy, what are you thinking? I just…” Gu Lingjun sighed. “Is it wrong to like someone?”

Gu Lian froze.

She hadn’t expected to hear such words from her daughter, who’d grown increasingly shy and reserved since becoming an Omega.

“Mommy’s not saying you can’t fall in love. I just want you to like someone who cherishes you, someone we know well, who’ll treat you right—not some Alpha who came out of nowhere.”

“I understand, Mommy. You want a match of equal status, someone from your business partners’ spoiled kids. You think Jiang Chuxie’s poor background means she’s after our family’s money if she’s with me.”

Gu Lian felt a spark of anger. “Yes, Mommy thinks equal status matters. It ensures similar values and guarantees your quality of life!”

“I didn’t expect Mommy to become the kind of person you used to hate!”

“You—” Gu Lian’s bl00d pressure spiked, but before she could say more, the call ended. “Hello? Lingjun?”

If it weren’t for this, Gu Lian would actually be glad her daughter had her own opinions. Before, her meekness made Gu Lian worry, even if she married a well-known Alpha.

But now, defying her over an Alpha she barely knew made Gu Lian deeply worried and heartbroken.

Sure, the families she knew didn’t have many outstanding Alphas, but in her eyes, a lazy, spoiled rich kid was far easier to control than an ambitious, capable phoenix like Jiang Chuxie.

Out of concern, she’d dug deeper into Jiang Chuxie’s background. She came from a poor family, rising to university with remarkable effort and determination, and founded a now-popular website.

In terms of ability, Jiang Chuxie was undeniably outstanding—almost frighteningly so.

What worried Gu Lian more was that Jiang Chuxie had cut ties with her family after starting university. Such decisiveness and action were chilling.

If she could be so ruthless to her parents, how could she be good to others?

“Sigh, what’s gotten into Lingjun!”

Gu Lian hung up angrily, but after muttering a bit, she noticed her husband had been silent.

“Qingqing, why aren’t you saying anything? Weren’t you worried about Lingjun?”

Mu Qing tilted his head, saying coldly, “You and I aren’t a match of equal status, and our values aren’t similar. What’s there to say?”

Gu Lian realized her careless words had hit a nerve.

She and Mu Qing weren’t equals by any means. Mu Qing was a Beta, and they’d overcome countless obstacles to be together. The Gu family hadn’t even acknowledged Mu Qing until Lingjun was born.

“That’s not what I meant. You’re different—how could you be the same as others?”

Mu Qing had been worried about their daughter being deceived, but Gu Lian’s words reminded him of their own struggles, and he instinctively took Lingjun’s side.

“Maybe Jiang Chuxie’s different too? Denying Lingjun outright—what’s the difference between you and your parents?”

Gu Lian’s head ached. “I’m an Alpha—how’s that the same? If Lingjun gets deceived, it’s a lifetime mistake!”

“Great, Gu Lian, you act all righteous, but deep down, you look down on Betas and Omegas. Why’s it fine for Alphas but not for Omegas?”

“It’s about marking!”

“Markings can be removed! You’re just—you’re just…” Mu Qing slapped her arm in frustration. “You’re just an Alpha chauvinist!”

For Gu Lian, it was truly one disaster after another!