Dressed as the Scumbag Alpha Mom of the Tragic Female Lead (ABO, GL) - Chapter 57

Chapter 57

This semester, the biology institute had been plagued with troubles, so even the exam schedule was delayed compared to other departments. Jiang Chuxie finished her exams three days ago, while Gu Lingjun only completed her last one today.

They planned to check out the apartment and buy necessities together in the afternoon. Thinking about it, Gu Lingjun couldn’t help but feel excited. She loved their previous shopping date, though the main reason was being with Jiang Chuxie.

Though her conflict with her parents remained unresolved, Gu Lingjun wasn’t too worried. Her mother hadn’t forced her to drop out, dragged her home, or used harsher measures against Jiang Chuxie. This showed their stance.

They were testing Jiang Chuxie, and likely her too. She was confident that both she and Jiang Chuxie could pass the test.

“Gu Lingjun…”

As Gu Lingjun packed her things to leave the classroom, Yuan Ning called out to her. They hadn’t had much close contact since Gu Lingjun’s birthday, but as classmates, they occasionally chatted.

“Hm? What’s up?”

With everyone focused on finals lately, Gu Lingjun assumed Yuan Ning, who cared deeply about grades, was here to throw out some competitive banter, like saying she wouldn’t lose.

To her surprise, Yuan Ning’s expression was far from her usual awkwardness. It carried a hint of gravity and guilt, her gaze dodging, her words hesitant.

“Are you… with Jiang Chuxie now?”

Gu Lingjun raised an eyebrow, puzzled by Yuan Ning’s interest in this.

“Yeah, that’s right. Is there a problem?”

Yuan Ning’s lips pressed into a tight line, her brows furrowing as if struggling to speak. Gu Lingjun sensed her unusual demeanor and waited patiently, holding her bag.

“Do you… like her? Are you with her because you like her?”

That was an even stranger question, but Gu Lingjun nodded. “Of course. Why are you asking?”

Yuan Ning seemed to exhale in relief, hesitating before shaking her head. “It’s nothing. I just wanted to confirm you’re not with her because of… some other reason, like you had no choice. Anyway… as long as you’re happy. As for some other things… I’m sorry.”

She blurted out a string of cryptic words and hurried off before Gu Lingjun could react. Confused, Gu Lingjun couldn’t help but recall Yuan Ning’s recent behavior. But with the resort incident and her focus on Jiang Chuxie, she’d been distracted and couldn’t pinpoint why Yuan Ning was acting so differently.

“Lingjun!”

Jiang Chuxie had timed her arrival perfectly, waiting downstairs at the teaching building. With light snow falling, a thin layer of flakes had settled on her umbrella.

Seeing Jiang Chuxie, Gu Lingjun shed her usual refined demeanor, darting toward her like a joyful little bird.

“Don’t run, the ground’s slippery.” Jiang Chuxie, startled, stepped forward to catch her. “Geez, are you that happy just because exams are over?”

She could tell Gu Lingjun had become livelier lately. The fragile Omega she’d met at the café, who barely spoke loudly, seemed like a completely different person.

But this change had been gradual over the past six months, traceable. The more Jiang Chuxie realized this, the happier she felt.

If Gu Lingjun’s transformation was even slightly due to her, did that mean not only the story’s events could change, but a person’s character could too?

They say character shapes fate. With Gu Lingjun’s dramatic shift, plus Jiang Chuxie being a transmigrator, could the fates of both of them—and even the protagonist, Jiang Weizao, their little family—be altered?

Gu Lingjun grabbed Jiang Chuxie’s arm, giving her a playful glance. “You think I’m this happy because exams are done?”

“Isn’t that it?”

Gu Lingjun shook her head, sighing softly. “So dense it’s almost sad.”

“Oh,” Jiang Chuxie finally caught on, “I-I’m happy too.”

Gu Lingjun linked her fingers with Jiang Chuxie’s, smiling. “Let’s go see the apartment. I’m really looking forward to it!”

The idea of soon living with Gu Lingjun still felt surreal to Jiang Chuxie. Beyond the joy, she had some concerns and worries. But those could be worked out slowly. What she most wanted to avoid was letting Gu Lingjun down or hurting her.

“The place isn’t big, about 80 square meters—two bedrooms, one living room, one kitchen, one bathroom. It’s nothing like your family’s house, but it’s clean, with good amenities, and the neighborhood’s security is decent.”

“Having a place to stay is enough. I don’t know much about renting, so I haven’t been any help.”

Asking a rich young lady to think about renting was a bit of a stretch.

“Leave the small stuff to me.”

“Then I’ll take charge of decorating. This afternoon, we’ll go… hm?”

Gu Lingjun was eagerly planning how to furnish the place when she suddenly noticed Yuan Ning watching her and Jiang Chuxie from a distance.

“What’s wrong?”

Jiang Chuxie, puzzled by Gu Lingjun’s pause, followed her gaze but only caught a fleeting figure disappearing. Like an alarm going off, Jiang Chuxie tensed reflexively. Before she could process, her arm was already tightly around Gu Lingjun, quickening her pace while lowering the umbrella to shield their faces.

Gu Lingjun had only been curious about Yuan Ning’s behavior, but Jiang Chuxie’s reaction startled and worried her.

“Chuxie?”

Jiang Chuxie’s face was pale, her jaw clenched, her breathing heavy. Her grip was so tight it hurt Gu Lingjun, but she seemed unaware. Gu Lingjun was half-carried, half-dragged for dozens of meters, calling out several times with no response.

“Chuxie!”

With no other choice, Gu Lingjun pinched the webbing of her hand. Jiang Chuxie froze, staring blankly at her.

“Someone’s following us. Don’t talk.”

Gu Lingjun frowned, concerned. “Are you okay? That was my classmate, Yuan Ning. I don’t think she was following us—just… watching?”

“Yuan Ning…” At the name, Jiang Chuxie’s gaze sharpened, her expression unchanged. “Why was she watching us? Did she say anything to you? I already warned them!”

“Chuxie, calm down. Yuan Ning’s just a regular student—she’s not a threat.” Gu Lingjun, thinking Jiang Chuxie was still haunted by past stalking, gently held her hand to soothe her. “She might just be curious about us. She asked if I was with you today and… apologized for some reason. It’s odd, but I don’t think she meant harm.”

Jiang Chuxie’s eyes reddened, her expression wavering, a stark contrast to her usual gentleness. She gritted her teeth. “Crocodile tears. Lingjun, don’t get too close to Yuan Ning, and don’t trust what she says.”

Though Gu Lingjun was deeply confused, seeing Jiang Chuxie like this, she focused on calming her.

“I understand. I won’t get close or believe her. It’s okay, don’t be nervous.”

Gu Lingjun’s gentle words finally eased Jiang Chuxie from her triggered state, though her arm stayed wrapped around her.

“Let’s go see the apartment… Sorry, I overreacted.”

Gu Lingjun shook her head. “I’m fine, but if something’s bothering you, please don’t hide it.”

Jiang Chuxie hadn’t told Gu Lingjun about the Lianping Association, so Gu Lingjun still thought Yu Wen’s actions were driven by personal desire.

Jiang Chuxie hesitated, then nodded. “When the time’s right, I’ll explain everything. It’s a bit complicated… Sorry, I’m not ready yet.”

Explaining the Lianping Association would mean revisiting the whole ordeal. Having just started their relationship and shaken off some shadows, Jiang Chuxie wasn’t ready to relive it.

“It’s okay. Living together, we’ll have plenty of time. I’ll wait.”

Gu Lingjun’s complete trust steadied Jiang Chuxie’s anxious heart. Still, she remained wary, making the cab driver take detours to their destination.

The neighborhood was close to campus—about ten minutes by car, half an hour by bike. Though not as upscale as Gu Lingjun’s family home, it looked new, with security at the entrances and nearby markets and supermarkets.

The buildings were low-rise, without elevators. Jiang Chuxie rented a third-floor unit, easy to climb without heavy items.

“The locks have been changed. I’ll get someone to install a security door soon.”

The 80-square-meter apartment wasn’t huge but was plenty for two. It had good lighting, no fancy decor, but was clean and neat.

Gu Lingjun toured the bedrooms, kitchen, living room, and balcony with Jiang Chuxie, imagining how to make it homier. Jiang Chuxie, meanwhile, was noting blind spots.

She’d initially checked the neighborhood’s security and location, but after the earlier scare, she decided to add security bars to the balcony and windows. Cameras at the entrance and blind spots were also a must—better safe than sorry.

After touring, they sat on the sofa to list missing items instead of shopping right away.

“It feels like we just need new curtains, sofa covers, and a few sets of bedding. I noted other household items, but you’ll need to check what’s missing in the kitchen.”

Gu Lingjun had jotted down needs while touring, her focus rivaling her study habits.

“Teach me to cook later. When we have time, we can eat at home more.”

“Sure.”

Jiang Chuxie had already bought the big items, having owned a place in her past life, so she was well-prepared.

“Bring your dorm stuff over soon. The dorms close in a few days.”

“Mm.”

Gu Lingjun noticed Jiang Chuxie was still distracted and leaned gently on her shoulder. “One set of bedding should be enough, right?”

“Yeah.”

“So, we’ll share a bed, right?”

“Hm… Huh?”

Realizing what Gu Lingjun meant, Jiang Chuxie looked at her, startled.

Gu Lingjun tilted her head, gazing at Jiang Chuxie’s face, her voice lower than usual.

“That’s what living together means, isn’t it?”

Jiang Chuxie’s worries vanished, her mind consumed by Gu Lingjun’s face and voice. The suggestive words from those cherry-pink lips left her unable to think.

Was the heater on too high? Why was she sweating?

“Senior… that’s what you meant, right?”

Gu Lingjun hadn’t called her Senior in a while. For some reason, the term now felt intimate and alluring.

She knew she should shake her head—she hadn’t planned to share a bed so soon. But like she was frozen, she could only stare at Gu Lingjun’s face, unable to respond.

Gu Lingjun took her hand, leaning closer to her face.

“Why aren’t you saying anything, Senior?”

B-because her brain and mouth weren’t cooperating. Just hearing “Senior” made her heart feel gripped tight.

She flashed back to that time, those chaotic memories.

“I…”

Her lips parted, but her words only revealed her nervous breathing. Gu Lingjun’s face was so close—aside from that time, they’d never been this near.

Over two weeks of dating, they’d done nothing beyond holding hands.

Jiang Chuxie’s thoughts were jumbled, her muscles tense, her mind and body at odds.

“Don’t be afraid…” Sensing her tension, Gu Lingjun tightened her grip, her voice soft. “Chuxie, I like you, and you like me, right?”

Jiang Chuxie nodded stiffly, her throat moving slightly.

Gu Lingjun edged closer. “No matter how it started, that doesn’t change, right?”

“Mm…”

A soft, kitten-like sound escaped Jiang Chuxie’s throat, her cheeks flushed, betraying her nervousness and shyness.

“So, just focus on that. When you’re with me, think only of me. Can you do that?”

Convinced, Jiang Chuxie nodded dazedly. Gu Lingjun, as if rewarding her, leaned up and gave her cheek a quick, light kiss.

Before Jiang Chuxie’s body could flinch, she pulled back, gazing at her with gentle acceptance.

“Nothing bad happened, right?”

The chaste kiss eased all of Jiang Chuxie’s tension and fear. The breath trapped in her chest, the sound in her throat, released with Gu Lingjun’s comfort.

“Lingjun, meeting you is the best thing that’s ever happened.”

Jiang Chuxie hugged Gu Lingjun tightly, inhaling the sweet scent of her pheromones. Six months ago, she couldn’t have imagined falling for the Gu Lingjun she’d avoided.

Once, she’d done everything to escape the original story’s plot, to avoid meeting Gu Lingjun. Now, she couldn’t fathom a life without her.

Gu Lingjun hugged her back, nestling her face into her chest.

“Me too.” Without Jiang Chuxie, she might’ve been ruined by Zhao Gang, never awakening to her true self or breaking free from her aimless past. “So, are we sleeping together?”

“Uh…”

Jiang Chuxie stiffened, instinctively wanting to agree but hesitating for some reason.

The Lianping Association, the child, her transmigration—she felt she needed to tell Gu Lingjun at the right time.

But when was the right time? She couldn’t be sure. In her past life, she’d seen sci-fi films about time travel to save loved ones or change events. Sometimes, knowing too much could push things in unwanted directions.

“Okay, don’t stress. I was kidding.” Gu Lingjun chuckled, pulling back from the hug, her eyes crinkling. “You’re so nervous, people might think I’m some bully.”

Relieved that Gu Lingjun wasn’t upset, Jiang Chuxie relaxed. “Lingjun, it’s not that I don’t want… uh, or that I’m rushing. I just… how do I say this? I want you to know I cherish you and want Auntie and Uncle’s approval.”

“I get it. That’s what I love about you.”

Though Gu Lingjun quickly realized Gu Lian’s test was for Jiang Chuxie, her snap decision to choose her stemmed from Jiang Chuxie resisting the urge to mark her in a heated moment.

Gu Lingjun had been ready then, but afterward, she felt relieved. For any Omega, marking was a monumental life event. Though marks could now be removed, the process was painful and required special approval.

Gu Lingjun trusted Jiang Chuxie but instinctively feared it. Jiang Chuxie’s restraint and respect erased her doubts, confirming she was her life partner.

Outside, it was freezing, but inside, their companionship warmed them.

After moving into their new home, they invited Zhuang Qi and Zhao Zi over first. The two were leaving campus tomorrow—Zhuang Qi was visiting Zhao Zi’s family over the break.

In this world, Omegas often married young, many soon after adulthood. Marrying in college was common, as was taking leave for pregnancy.

Zhuang Qi and Zhao Zi’s stable, well-matched relationship had been reported to their families, progressing much smoother than Jiang Chuxie and Gu Lingjun’s.

“It’s really nicely done!” Zhuang Qi, touring the apartment with Zhao Zi, praised sincerely. “Way cozier than when I saw it last!”

“Lingjun decorated it. She’s got great taste.” Jiang Chuxie, in an apron, brought out the last dish from the kitchen. “Wash your hands and eat. It’s been a while since I cooked—I hope it’s good.”

Zhao Zi marveled at the table of dishes, nearly tearing up with envy.

“Jiang Chuxie’s cooking is amazing, Lingjun. I’m so jealous.”

Gu Lingjun smiled. “No need to be jealous. Come over anytime, and I’ll have her cook for you.”

Zhao Zi laughed at her “lady of the house” tone. “Great, I’ll be over a lot then.”

Zhuang Qi, already at the table, started eating with chopsticks.

“I’m, I’m joining…”

Zhao Zi rolled her eyes. “Eat, eat, always eating. When are you gonna learn to cook like Jiang Chuxie so I can try your food?”

“Ugh, don’t ask the impossible. Not everyone can cook. I’ll do dishes, okay? Dishes, chores—I won’t let you down.”

Zhao Zi nodded, satisfied. “That’s more like it.”

The four ate lively, and afterward, Zhao Zi helped Gu Lingjun with dishes while Zhuang Qi pulled Jiang Chuxie aside to review the company’s holiday operations.

“Lingjun, you’re still sleeping in separate rooms?”

Zhao Zi, noticing signs of use in both bedrooms, was shocked.

“Yeah, we’re taking it slow.”

Zhao Zi was speechless. These two moved fast in some ways but crawled in others. Still, it was good—it’d be easier to reassure certain worried parents.

“Have you been in touch with your family lately?”

“Yeah, I text Mom and Dad daily. Dad replies too, so don’t worry.”

“Seeing you so happy puts me at ease,” Zhao Zi sighed. “I helped set you two up, but I didn’t expect things to move this fast. I was actually really worried…”

“I understand.” Gu Lingjun hadn’t expected it either, but some things were beyond control. Maybe only by going with the flow could they face everything openly. “I didn’t expect it to be so quick either, but I’m happy now. We both have room to grow, and improving together is great.”

Zhao Zi nodded. “If she ever treats you badly, tell me. I won’t let her off.”

Gu Lingjun chuckled. “Definitely… How about you and Senior Zhuang? Any plans?”

“Ugh, my family’s been pressing me to marry. I delayed two years, but I can’t hold off anymore. Zhuang Qi’s no Jiang Chuxie, but I’m pretty satisfied. She’s promised to support me, and the Zhuang family’s solid. My parents are happy. Barring surprises, we’ll probably get engaged soon.”

Zhao Zi’s parents were progressive, letting her attend university and choose her partner. In recent years, conditions for Omegas and Betas had improved slightly.

“I’m jealous that you and Senior Zhuang are in the same year.”

At their pace, they’d likely marry upon graduation.

“It’s good and bad. We’re both juniors—she’s busy with her startup, I’m swamped with my thesis. We don’t get much time together.”

That reminded Gu Lingjun of something.

“Senior, didn’t you mention wanting to intern at that overseas bio company our institute partners with? Did your application go through?”

Zhao Zi shook her head regretfully. “With Xu Wen’s mess, the partnership’s on hold. And I heard the project I’m interested in is struggling—might shut down for lack of funds.”

“The one on low-side-effect suppressants?”

“Yeah, it’s stuck at mass production. If it’s abandoned, it’d be such a shame.”

Gu Lingjun sighed. “I looked into it—lots of Omega-friendly studies get scrapped halfway.”

“Yeah, the worst was that painless mark-removal project a few years back… Those people are awful!”

Gu Lingjun had chosen biomedical studies to understand her physiology, but her perspective had shifted.

Though her knowledge wasn’t enough to fully grasp all the literature, she was increasingly focused on cutting-edge domestic and international research, especially Omega-related projects.

“But I heard one project’s doing well,” though most faced suppression, making progress tough. “The drug to boost Beta pregnancy rates is in phase two clinical trials.”

“I know. Betas are the majority, and countries want higher birth rates, so that research sails smoothly.”

Zhao Zi grew gloomier, but Gu Lingjun brightened. “Senior, isn’t that great?”

“How? It’s got nothing to do with us.”

“It does. If Beta pregnancy rates rise, Omegas can be freed a bit from being ‘breeding machines.’ Senior, we can’t lose hope. The tougher the road, the harder we should fight.”

Gu Lingjun’s vision for the future was clarifying. Few Alphas were like Jiang Chuxie or Zhuang Qi. She and Zhao Zi might find happiness with good partners, but that didn’t change Omegas’ broader reality.

Zhao Zi perked up. “You’re right—that’s a way to look at it! I’ll check that company’s internship openings. Even if I can’t join that project, connecting with related people would help! Ugh, I just hope Xu Wen’s mess hasn’t ruined B University’s rep.”

“But if you get in, you’ll go abroad. Won’t Senior Zhuang miss you?”

“Let her miss me. If love lasts, what’s a little distance? It’ll test her.”