Dressed as the Scumbag Alpha Mom of the Tragic Female Lead (ABO, GL) - Chapter 55

Chapter 55

If Gu Lian hadn’t held back from tearing her apart, Jiang Chuxie would’ve suspected Gu Lian was reborn. How was it that every time she and Gu Lingjun got even slightly close, Gu Lian popped up out of nowhere?

“Hello, Auntie.”

Jiang Chuxie instinctively tried to pull her hand back, but Gu Lingjun, as if expecting it, tightened her grip, holding on firmly.

“Mom, why’d you come out?”

Gu Lian snorted coldly. “Hmph, if I didn’t, who knows how long you two would’ve dawdled out here.”

“We’re here now, aren’t we? Just dropping off the gifts.”

Gu Lingjun led Jiang Chuxie toward the living room, Gu Lian’s eyes boring into their clasped hands like she could burn a hole through them.

Jiang Chuxie’s skin crawled, but with Gu Lingjun insisting on holding her hand, she didn’t want to go against her wishes. After all, she liked Gu Lingjun, not Gu Lian. Making Gu Lian mad was far better than hurting Gu Lingjun again.

When the three reached the living room, Mu Qing had just finished talking with the maid. Gu Lingjun, still holding Jiang Chuxie’s hand, greeted her. Mu Qing invited everyone to sit and asked the maid to cut some fruit.

“Auntie, Uncle, I’m really sorry for only formally visiting today.” Jiang Chuxie sat across from Mu Qing and Gu Lian, with Gu Lingjun right beside her, her stance clear. It steadied Jiang Chuxie’s nerves a bit. “I’m here to ask for your permission to be with Gu Lingjun.”

Gu Lian crossed her arms, frowning silently. Mu Qing’s expression was milder but still serious.

“You want to be with Lingjun because you like her or because of what happened before?”

Jiang Chuxie clasped her hands, nervous. “What happened made me realize I like her. I’ve thought about it a lot and I’m certain now. I want to return Gu Lingjun’s feelings and take responsibility for this relationship together.”

“Hmph, sounds nice. You keep calling her Gu Lingjun, Gu Lingjun—do you really like her?” Gu Lian could calmly analyze Jiang Chuxie’s flaws when she wasn’t around, but seeing her glued to her daughter made her lose all reason. “Besides, just because you like Lingjun, does that mean she has to be with you? I don’t agree! Get out!”

Jiang Chuxie expected today wouldn’t go smoothly, but she didn’t think Gu Lian would be this hostile after barely two sentences.

“Auntie, I know what you’re worried about. I promise I’ll treat Gu Lingjun well.”

“Talk is cheap. Plenty say nice things—how many actually follow through?”

“But you should at least give me a chance to prove myself. How can you know I won’t if you shut me down now?”

“Give you a chance to hurt my daughter? We both know your family situation. I’m not looking down on the poor, but your background just doesn’t match ours! Lingjun likes you, and what happened before was her choice, so I won’t hold it against you. But that’s it. You came today to settle that matter. As for dating Lingjun, forget it.”

“Mom!” Gu Lingjun, not Jiang Chuxie, was the first to snap at Gu Lian’s words. “Why are you talking like that? I thought, having been through things yourself, you wouldn’t be so prejudiced. At least meet her before judging. Why are you being so stubborn and unreasonable now?”

“Unreasonable? Have you thought about what you’ve been doing lately? Blinded by love, not valuing yourself, giving people an opening. You’re brave for love, but do you know how worried your dad and I are?”

“I get your worry, but you can’t make decisions for me just because you’re worried! I’m an adult. I can tell right from wrong. Why do you think you know what’ll make me happy better than I do?”

“I don’t know what happiness you want, but I know one wrong step could ruin your life! Why can’t you see I’m trying to protect you?”

The mother and daughter argued fiercely. Jiang Chuxie feared it’d spiral into a “choose your parents or Jiang Chuxie” ultimatum, but she couldn’t get a word in.

Both were fired up, and Jiang Chuxie had never seen Gu Lingjun so fierce. It seemed her attitude toward family was very different from how she faced outsiders.

“…Auntie, if you’re worried I’m after the Gu family’s wealth, I’m willing to sign a prenup—”

“What’s the damn point of that!”

Gu Lian shot Jiang Chuxie down mid-sentence. Jiang Chuxie knew it was useless. In the original story, she’d signed one too, but it didn’t make a difference.

Once she was in the Gu family, there were endless ways to maneuver.

“So, Mom, you’re dead set against me and Senior being together, no matter what?”

“Exactly! I won’t agree. If you want to be with her, I’ll act like I never had a daughter!”

Jiang Chuxie’s heart sank. This was the exact situation she wanted to avoid—putting Gu Lingjun in a tough spot. Yet things were barreling in that direction.

She barely got a word in.

Gu Lingjun froze for a moment. “Mom, are you forcing me to choose between you or Senior?”

“Yes. I’d rather act like you don’t exist than let her ruin our family!”

“Wait, everyone, calm down. Auntie, it doesn’t have to come to—”

Zhuang Qi, that liar! What “meeting means you’re halfway there”? This was a total failure!

“Shut up!”

Gu Lian’s face was red with anger, while Gu Lingjun, stubborn, grabbed Jiang Chuxie’s hand. “Senior, let’s go!”

“You—”

Gu Lian hadn’t expected her daughter to choose so decisively, her eyes reddening with fury.

Jiang Chuxie hesitated, torn, but with Gu Lingjun taking such a stand, she couldn’t contradict her now. She followed reluctantly.

“If you step out of this house, don’t come back!”

Gu Lingjun’s expression was cold. “If you don’t want me back, I won’t come. But even if you disown me, I’ll still see you as my mother. I’m choosing Senior not because I weighed who’s more important. It’s because she’d never make me choose!”

With that, she pulled Jiang Chuxie out. Gu Lian, fuming, slumped onto the couch. Mu Qing, anxious, didn’t know what to say or do. Without Gu Lian’s lead, she could only watch Gu Lingjun and Jiang Chuxie leave.

“Ugh, you overdid it! Didn’t we agree to just give Jiang Chuxie a hard time? Why’d you drive Lingjun away too? Where’s she supposed to stay?”

Mu Qing smacked Gu Lian’s arm in frustration. Gu Lian, holding her head, eyes closed, leaned back on the couch, taking a while to recover.

“Why didn’t you stop them? Didn’t we agree you’d play good cop, I’d play bad cop?”

“You two were fighting so fiercely, how could I get a word in? I was waiting for your cue, but you didn’t say anything. How was I supposed to stop them?”

Gu Lian said weakly, “My bl00d pressure spiked. I nearly passed out. Get my meds.”

Mu Qing hurriedly called the maid for the medicine, rubbing Gu Lian’s temples. “So you didn’t really mean to kick Lingjun out? What now? Call them back?”

“Call them back? That’s admitting defeat! Lingjun has her dorm. What’s there to worry about?” Gu Lian hadn’t expected to lose control like this. Seeing her daughter defend Jiang Chuxie so fiercely just set her off. “Lingjun’s heart is set on Jiang Chuxie. If we don’t do something, she’ll call all the shots in the future.”

“She offered a prenup. That’s some sincerity.”

“Hmph, she’s smart. How could she not think of that?”

“So what do you want them to do? Really keep Lingjun from being with someone she likes?”

“We need to see if this person she likes is reliable. Maybe soon enough, her true colors will show.”

“But isn’t Lingjun the one suffering? You kicked her out, so she’ll have to rely on Jiang Chuxie. If Jiang Chuxie treats her badly, we won’t even know!”

“Jiang Chuxie’s wings aren’t fully grown yet. If she mistreats Lingjun, we can bring Lingjun back and deal with her. Don’t worry, I’ll have someone keep an eye on her. She won’t step out of line.”

Mu Qing sighed. Though Gu Lian’s words made some sense, something felt off.

Jiang Chuxie half-expected Mu Qing to chase after them, but they reached the neighborhood gate with no one following.

“Gu Lingjun, you’ll catch a cold like this.”

Gu Lingjun was dressed lightly and had rushed out, grabbing only her bag at the door without adding layers. Jiang Chuxie quickly draped her coat over her.

“Thanks.” Gu Lingjun sighed softly, apologetic. “Sorry, Senior. I didn’t think my mom would act like that…”

“It’s not your fault.” Jiang Chuxie racked her brain to comfort her. “And I understand Auntie’s concerns. I came today to show her my resolve. Whatever she asks, I’ll work to meet her demands… Things didn’t have to escalate like this.”

Gu Lingjun chose her, which made her happy, but as Gu Lingjun said, she didn’t want Gu Lingjun to have to pick a side.

“Exactly! I don’t know what my mom was thinking!” Gu Lingjun looked annoyed. “She wasn’t like this before.”

She wasn’t because she hadn’t faced something she truly cared about. When it came to her daughter’s lifelong happiness, no amount of caution was too much.

Thinking of Gu Lingjun’s fate in the original story, Jiang Chuxie couldn’t hate Gu Lian’s wariness. After all, in any world, good “phoenix men/Alphas” were rare.

“Gu Lingjun, I’ll work to earn their approval. I won’t let you be homeless.”

Jiang Chuxie vowed earnestly. Gu Lingjun squeezed her hand, smiling faintly. “Though a lot of what my mom said was nonsense, I agree with one thing. Senior, isn’t calling me Gu Lingjun a bit formal?”

“Huh…” Jiang Chuxie blushed, stammering, “W-what should I call you then?”

“What do you want to call me?”

Gu Lingjun had fully realized how shy her Alpha was. Beneath the cold exterior, Jiang Chuxie was a pure, innocent sweetheart.

Never flirty, blushing at a handhold, and last time… so awkward she only cried in panic.

Jiang Chuxie thought for a moment. “Can I call you Lingjun too?”

“Of course. Try it now.”

Gu Lingjun looked up at her, her face flushed—maybe from the cold, maybe from shyness—her eyes full of anticipation.

Jiang Chuxie’s mouth went dry, her nerves on edge. After a long pause, she whispered, “Lingjun…”

Gu Lingjun’s smile widened. “Chuxie, I can’t hear you if you’re that quiet.”

Jiang Chuxie’s lips parted, and she froze.

It was the first time Gu Lingjun called her by name, yet it felt strangely nostalgic and familiar. As if Gu Lingjun wasn’t calling the Alpha of this world but the girl Jiang Chuxie from her past life.

“What’s wrong, Senior? Don’t you like me calling you that?” Gu Lingjun saw her eyes redden with tears and panicked, fumbling for a handkerchief. “Sorry, I just thought…”

“I don’t dislike it.” Jiang Chuxie quickly grabbed her frantic hand, sniffing and smiling. “I’m happy you’d call me that. Lingjun, thank you. Thank you for liking me, for supporting me, for choosing me. I won’t let you down, won’t betray you, and won’t let anyone hurt you.”

Gu Lingjun looked surprised but soon smiled at her words.

“Me too.”

Jiang Chuxie’s heart surged, but standing on the chilly roadside wasn’t the place for heartfelt confessions. She suppressed the urge to hug Gu Lingjun, only gripping her hand tighter.

More pressing than romance were the practical issues they faced. Gu Lingjun’s impulsive walkout was satisfying, but it came with a heap of problems.

“What’s your plan now?”

Jiang Chuxie planned to take a cab back to school. B City’s winter was brutal after five minutes outside, and with her coat on Gu Lingjun, walking was out of the question.

“Let’s go to the bank first.”

“Huh?”

Gu Lingjun pulled her to hail a cab. “We’ll hit the bank to withdraw money. I’m still using my mom’s secondary card. Before she catches on, I need to transfer some to my own.”

“…”

Jiang Chuxie was floored! Her girlfriend was too sharp!

“W-won’t that make your mom mad?”

Gu Lingjun smiled brightly. “She’s already that mad. What’s a little more? I’m not taking much. I can’t starve, right?”

“Lingjun, I have money. You don’t need to do this.”

“I know you’ve got money, but you’re just starting your business. You need it more. I can’t burden you further. Don’t worry, I’ll work part-time and cover my tuition and living expenses!”

Clearly, Gu Lingjun’s walkout wasn’t a thoughtless tantrum. When she chose Jiang Chuxie, she’d already planned her next steps.

Otherwise, she wouldn’t have remembered to grab her bag—with all her IDs—on the way out.

Wait, why was a bag with all her IDs just sitting by the door?

Jiang Chuxie went with Gu Lingjun to the bank, and things went smoother than expected. Gu Lingjun seemed to know the counter manager, and after explaining, they quickly set up her card and transferred the funds.

Jiang Chuxie didn’t join her, waiting in the lobby. She figured Gu Lingjun had everything under control, and she’d only get in the way.

“Senior, let’s go.” Gu Lingjun came out smiling, clearly successful. “Next, the mall.”

Jiang Chuxie tensed. “As long as you’ve got enough money, don’t go buying luxury goods to cash out!”

Gu Lingjun’s eyes widened, and she clapped in delight. “I didn’t even think of that! Senior, you’re too clever!”

“What?”

Jiang Chuxie wanted to slap herself. Gu Lingjun was a refined young lady. Transferring money quickly was her smarts at work—luxury goods cash-outs were beyond her!

Seeing Jiang Chuxie’s regret, Gu Lingjun burst out laughing.

“Kidding! We’re just buying some clothes—cheap, practical ones.”

Jiang Chuxie relaxed, nodding. “I know you don’t want to rely on me financially, but your mom gave me five million before, and the company’s profitable now. If you’re ever in trouble, you have to tell me.”

“I will, don’t worry. If I’m in trouble, I’ll let you know.” Gu Lingjun winked, whispering, “I transferred 200,000. That’ll cover school expenses for years. Don’t overthink it. If you run short, borrow from me!”

200,000… equivalent to two million in her past life’s purchasing power. Jiang Chuxie couldn’t help but marvel—Gu Lingjun was every bit the heiress, casually moving 200,000.

“Your mom won’t call the cops, right?”

Jiang Chuxie whispered, half-afraid she’d be nabbed for fraud.

“No way. She probably won’t even notice 200,000’s gone. Come on, let’s go buy clothes!”

Though she’d just fought with her family, Gu Lingjun seemed in high spirits, even more carefree than before.

Seeing her so happy, Jiang Chuxie didn’t want to stay glum. She perked up and went shopping with her.

Retail therapy was a cure for heartache, one Jiang Chuxie knew well from her past life.

“This one’s pretty, and this one’s nice too… Chuxie, do I look good in this?”

Jiang Chuxie thought Gu Lingjun looked good in anything.

“Yeah, white suits your skin tone, mint green’s fresh, and the linen one’s style shows off your figure. They’re all great for you.”

Jiang Chuxie gave her honest opinions, and Gu Lingjun happily told the clerk, “I’ll take all three, please pack them.”

The clerk hadn’t expected the couple to be so generous and beamed at Gu Lingjun. “Wonderful! This Alpha lady has great taste, giving such thoughtful comments. Most Alphas look bored shopping with Omegas. You’re lucky, miss.”

Gu Lingjun, thrilled at the praise for Jiang Chuxie, said, “Chuxie, let’s get some hats and scarves too.”

“Uh, let’s hold off. We can check out other stores!”

Besides their supermarket trip, this was their first time shopping together. Jiang Chuxie finally saw how the refined Miss Gu shopped.

Who buys so much at one store? You’re supposed to compare shops!

Gu Lingjun smiled at her, saying softly, “Okay~ I’ll follow your lead.”

The mall Jiang Chuxie took her to was a well-known department store in B District. It had a few pricey luxury shops but mostly affordable, practical brands.

You couldn’t haggle, but the quality was guaranteed. Gu Lingjun was a lady of class, and Jiang Chuxie didn’t want her haggling while downgrading her lifestyle. They weren’t at that point yet.

Three coats for 1,500, including a down jacket, wasn’t a splurge even for Jiang Chuxie. Gu Lingjun probably had few clothes at her dorm, so it was a good time to stock up.

“Now I don’t have to worry about dirtying your clothes.”

Gu Lingjun put on one of the coats, and Jiang Chuxie could wear hers again. With their height difference, Jiang Chuxie’s coat looked like a sack on Gu Lingjun, dragging on the floor if she didn’t hold it up.

Jiang Chuxie carried the bags in one hand, holding Gu Lingjun’s with the other, chuckling. “You shop so fast. We’ve only hit one store. What if you find something you like better later?”

Gu Lingjun blushed, a hint of excitement in her voice. “I used to shop at just a few fixed stores, some custom-made. I’m not used to comparing shops. Plus, the clerk was so enthusiastic, showing me everything.”

“The point of shopping is to browse. Walk around, even if you don’t buy—it’s fun.”

Gu Lingjun nodded. “Got it. Let’s visit a few more before deciding.”

“But if you see something you love, buy it quick. Sometimes you miss out if you hesitate.”

In her past life, Jiang Chuxie missed plenty by hesitating. In this life… she was dirt-poor at first, and once she had money, she focused on growth, skipping clothes and makeup. Even a top-spec computer was just functional—she had no interest in shopping.

Gu Lingjun gave a coy smile, hinting, “That… I might be pretty good at.”

“Hm?”

Jiang Chuxie looked puzzled, but Gu Lingjun shook her head. “Let’s keep shopping. We need clothes, shoes—lots to get.”

“Okay.”

From visiting her girlfriend’s family to eloping in one afternoon, life was unpredictable. But this elopement wasn’t bitter at all. It was their first real date, buying tons and eating delicious food.

Gu Lingjun clearly didn’t frequent places like this, curious about everything. Even Jiang Chuxie, a homebody, could play tour guide.

They ended up at some luxury stores. Jiang Chuxie thought Gu Lingjun wanted to buy something. The clerks, noting Gu Lingjun’s pricey bag and Jiang Chuxie’s expensive coat, were attentive, but Gu Lingjun was unmoved, browsing briefly before leaving.

Jiang Chuxie found it odd. At first, she thought Gu Lingjun couldn’t shift her spending habits, but seeing no intent to buy, just browsing, her curiosity got the better of her.

“Lingjun, are you holding back because it’s too expensive?”

Gu Lingjun looked up, smiling. “It is pricey, but I didn’t come to buy. I just wanted to enjoy the fun of shopping!”