Dressed as the Scumbag Alpha Mom of the Tragic Female Lead (ABO, GL) - Chapter 82

Chapter 82

The next day, Jiang Chuxie accompanied Gu Lingjun for her prenatal checkup. As the due date neared, her vigilance intensified. Even with bodyguards trailing Gu Lingjun and her own packed schedule, Jiang Chuxie always joined her for these visits.

Two burly men flanked them like towers, while Jiang Chuxie stayed glued to Gu Lingjun’s side, either supporting or holding her protectively whenever they went out.

“I’ll go in alone. You wait out here.”

The hospital’s sensitive equipment prohibited phone use, and since Jiang Chuxie was often swamped, even during past checkups, she’d been on calls and had to wait outside.

“I don’t need to take calls today.”

Gu Lingjun touched her hand, chuckling softly. “You’ll just pester the doctor with questions, and they’ll get nervous. I’ll go in alone. Wait for me.”

Her tone was gentle but firm. Jiang Chuxie, aware of her own “annoying” tendencies, nodded reluctantly.

“Alright.”

Gu Lingjun tiptoed, kissing her cheek to soothe her. “Good. I’ll be right out.”

Though often on edge about Gu Lingjun, only she could calm Jiang Chuxie or lift her spirits. No matter what happened, Gu Lingjun always knew how to ease her.

Jiang Chuxie didn’t leave, waiting quietly with the bodyguards outside the exam room, drawing curious glances.

Bodyguards made them conspicuous, but Jiang Chuxie had grown numb to it. Yet among the stares, she sensed an unusual gaze.

A petite woman emerged from an exam room, dressed in plain maternity clothes, a hat, and a mask obscuring her face.

Jiang Chuxie noticed her stare differed from the usual gawking and instinctively looked back, freezing.

The woman averted her face upon meeting Jiang Chuxie’s eyes, clutching her bag and hurrying away.

Jiang Chuxie’s mind blanked briefly but quickly reacted.

“You guys wait here for Lingjun. I have something to do.”

After instructing the bodyguards, she chased the woman, who, noticing, sped up.

But an Alpha catching a pregnant Omega was effortless. Jiang Chuxie firmly grabbed her hand, saying quietly, “Teacher Zhuang, if you don’t want a scene, stop and explain.”

The woman stiffened, her eyes flashing with panic as she looked at Jiang Chuxie.

“You’re dressed like this to avoid recognition, right? Let’s find a place to talk.”

Zhuang Jingyuan, realizing escape was futile, sighed softly. “Chuxie, what do you want to ask?”

Jiang Chuxie pulled her to the stairwell at the corridor’s end, a spot rarely used.

“So, your leave was for pregnancy,” she said, eyeing Zhuang Jingyuan’s rounded belly, estimating the timeline. “What’s your scheme now?”

Zhuang Jingyuan turned away, a hint of shame in her voice. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Don’t know? You’ve been single, so how are you suddenly pregnant? Not long after Lingjun, right?”

Zhuang Jingyuan inhaled sharply. “You… you think I did this on purpose?”

“Didn’t you? And so conveniently at this hospital… Tell me, are you here to get close to Lingjun?”

Zhuang Jingyuan stared, bewildered, finding it absurd.

“Why would I use such a method to approach Gu Lingjun? I have no idea what you’re saying!”

“Hah, no idea?” Jiang Chuxie gripped her wrist, her face dark. “You don’t know your people are still harassing us, that Yuan Ning tried contacting Lingjun, that Min Hang infiltrated my company for data. You know nothing, yet you’re here for a checkup right after my wife? Teacher Zhuang, I’ve called you teacher, kept your secret, and done my part. If you keep pushing, don’t blame me for getting rough!”

Zhuang Jingyuan looked at her in disbelief. “Chuxie, why… have you become like this? I’ve done nothing. As your teacher, I regret what happened between us and feel grateful and guilty toward you. But that doesn’t mean you can slander me. I won’t deny what I’ve done, but I truly don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Jiang Chuxie’s temple vein pulsed, her resolve wavering as she met Zhuang Jingyuan’s tearful gaze.

“Then why approach Lingjun?”

“I haven’t even spoken to her. I’m just here for a checkup.”

“At this hospital? Your place isn’t nearby, is it?”

Zhuang Jingyuan took a deep breath. “That’s because—”

“Because I’m here.”

A cool voice cut in. Jiang Chuxie turned to see Gao Yuanxun standing expressionlessly by the stairwell door.

“Yuanxun!”

“Yuanxun-jie?”

Gao Yuanxun smiled faintly, as if her earlier chill was an illusion.

“Didn’t I tell you to wait for me? Good thing I looked.” She approached Zhuang Jingyuan, her tone gentle. “Even if you’re happy to see a student, tell me first. Do you know how worried I was?”

Only then did Jiang Chuxie recall Gao Yuanxun and Zhuang Jingyuan’s relationship. If the family was hiding Zhuang Jingyuan’s identity, her coming to her niece’s hospital was perfectly normal.

“Sorry, I lost track of time…”

Zhuang Jingyuan sounded apologetic. Gao Yuanxun wrapped an arm around her, addressing Jiang Chuxie. “Chuxie, can you let her go?”

Realizing her aggression, Jiang Chuxie released Zhuang Jingyuan’s wrist. But doubts lingered, especially seeing their closeness.

Even for an aunt and niece, an Alpha and Omega wouldn’t be so intimate, especially since they weren’t bl00d-related.

“Yuanxun-jie, do you know about me and Dean Zhuang?”

Gao Yuanxun looked puzzled. “What happened between you? I only know you’re her student… Should I know?”

Jiang Chuxie shook her head slowly. Gao Yuanxun chuckled. “What were you arguing about? Is there a problem with Jingyuan’s checkup here?”

“No, my mistake.”

Gao Yuanxun, concerned, said, “Chuxie, I don’t know what misunderstanding you have with Jingyuan, but she’s always worried about you… So are Lingjun and I.”

Jiang Chuxie’s expression shifted. “Lingjun and you?”

“Yeah, Lingjun and I talked. She’s worried about you. You wake from nightmares often, right? She’s not sleeping well because of it.”

Since when were Lingjun and Gao Yuanxun so close?

Jiang Chuxie was grateful to Gao Yuanxun but wouldn’t call their bond deep—not the kind for heart-to-hearts.

Yet Gu Lingjun, without her knowledge, had grown so close to Gao Yuanxun, even discussing her issues. Wasn’t that odd?

Gao Yuanxun wasn’t a psychologist; Lingjun had no reason to consult her.

Jiang Chuxie’s gaze drifted back to Zhuang Jingyuan, Min Hang’s words echoing.

“Yuanxun-jie, what’s your relationship with Dean Zhuang?”

Gao Yuanxun showed a flicker of surprise, then smiled, her eyes softening on Zhuang Jingyuan.

“Chuxie, you’re sharp… I can only say Jingyuan is my most important person. As much as you value Gu Lingjun, I value her.”

Jiang Chuxie recognized that look—the love was unmistakable. Zhuang Jingyuan was Gao Yuanxun’s everything, just as Gu Lingjun was hers.

Did Lingjun trust her because of this? Or…

Zhuang Jingyuan seemed reluctant to discuss it, tugging Gao Yuanxun’s hand. “Yuanxun, let’s go.”

“Alright,” Gao Yuanxun nodded, addressing Jiang Chuxie. “Chuxie, we’ll head out. When you’re calmer, we can talk properly. Whatever the misunderstanding, I believe it can be cleared.”

Gao Yuanxun’s openness eased Jiang Chuxie’s suspicions, but Zhuang Jingyuan’s presence still rang alarm bells.

She could no longer ignore the growing doubt. She needed to talk to Gu Lingjun now, to hear her deny any tie to the Lianping Association.

In the parking lot, Gao Yuanxun held Zhuang Jingyuan. Silent until they entered the car, she asked softly, “Is that her?”

“What?”

“The one who got you suppressants.”

Zhuang Jingyuan never mentioned it, but Gao Yuanxun had guessed from Jiang Chuxie’s reaction.

“Yeah…”

“So, I should be glad Jiang Chuxie got into trouble, or you’d never have come to me.”

Zhuang Jingyuan looked at her, shocked and angry. “Yuanxun, no matter the reason, you shouldn’t be glad about what happened to Chuxie.”

“Hah, just a comment. Don’t make a big deal.”

Zhuang Jingyuan’s face darkened, muttering, “What happened to Chuxie? She wasn’t like this before.”

Gao Yuanxun asked casually, “What was she like?”

“Upright, kind, smart, polite. She’d never accuse someone without reason.” As her teacher for nearly three years and recipient of her help, Zhuang Jingyuan felt she knew her. “Even if she’s wary of me from before, she wouldn’t confront me without cause. Yuan Ning, Min Hang… Are they Lianping Association members?”

Starting the car, Gao Yuanxun said quietly, “You really care about Jiang Chuxie, still worrying about her after this.”

“She helped me a lot…”

“Alright, I get it. But for now, focus on your pregnancy, not thinking too much.”

Zhuang Jingyuan frowned, touching her belly. “You shouldn’t have shown up. If Chuxie sees you as an enemy too…”

Gao Yuanxun knew appearing now would raise Jiang Chuxie’s suspicions, but with her strategy shifting, this exposure was minor. Besides, she couldn’t stand her Omega being treated that way by another Alpha.

“It’s fine. I trust she won’t spill.”

Rather, Jiang Chuxie had bigger worries and likely no time to focus on them.

The coincidence was astounding, even to Gao Yuanxun. Just yesterday, she’d learned of Min Hang’s exposure, and today, Zhuang Jingyuan’s checkup ran into Jiang Chuxie.

She wouldn’t miss such a rare chance to stir the pot.

She’d pinned hopes on Min Hang as a deep plant in Jiang Chuxie’s company for future use. But Jiang Chuxie was trickier than expected, with a bloodhound’s nose online. No one in the association matched her tech skills.

This passive stance hindered the Lianping Association’s growth, forcing Gao Yuanxun to act, risking exposure by using Min Hang early.

But Jiang Chuxie’s vigilance exceeded her expectations. Tactically, this move was a total loss for the association.

Fortunately, she had a backup plan.

From recent observations, Gao Yuanxun concluded Gu Lingjun was Jiang Chuxie’s biggest weakness. Anything tied to her disrupted Jiang Chuxie’s calm, a major advantage.

Min Hang’s exposure was a tactical failure, but his words held strategic weight.

The resort incident deeply scarred Jiang Chuxie, fueling her hatred for the Lianping Association but also binding her to Gu Lingjun.

What chaos would ensue if she learned Gu Lingjun was linked to them?

Sowing doubt between lovers requires one key condition: lack of honesty.

Gao Yuanxun was certain both Jiang Chuxie and Gu Lingjun harbored secrets. Plus, Gu Lingjun had proposed cooperation, and though no further steps were taken, their alliance was fact.

Jiang Chuxie would either stew in doubt or confront Gu Lingjun. On the Lianping Association question, Gu Lingjun couldn’t fully deny it.

That was enough.

Unable to beat Jiang Chuxie technically, mental disruption was more cost-effective. She needed Jiang Chuxie distracted, or the association’s growth would stall.

As for Jiang Chuxie’s rudeness to Zhuang Jingyuan and Zhuang Jingyuan’s concern for her… Gao Yuanxun had to clarify, those were minor factors.

Jiang Chuxie, consumed by doubt and anxiety, desperately needed answers from Gu Lingjun. She could accept anything about Gu Lingjun, except this… this she didn’t know how to face.

If Gu Lingjun was tied to the Lianping Association, if their relationship was a deeper plot than Yu Wen’s scheme, if it was all a conspiracy from the start…

Jiang Chuxie knew it was impossible—how could Gu Lingjun be involved? She’d read the original story. Gu Lingjun was… was what?

The original Gu Lingjun died early. All she knew was secondhand, her own assumptions.

Gentle, kind, understanding—Gu Lingjun fit perfectly. But submissive, without agency? Not a trace of that.

It seemed so at first, but only at first. Gu Lingjun’s shift was so natural, Jiang Chuxie hadn’t noticed anything odd, assuming it was her influence.

What if it was all Gu Lingjun’s design from the start?

Gu Lingjun invited her to the welcome party, exposed Yu Wen, met Yuan Ning at her birthday, and rescued her when drugged.

She’d blamed the story’s unstoppable force, but who’d most logically control it all? Gu Lingjun.

Whether chaotic thoughts caused her headache or the intense pain deepened her confusion, Jiang Chuxie heard familiar tinnitus. The hospital’s AC kept it cool, yet she was drenched in sweat.

There were still contradictions and illogical points, but she couldn’t think clearly. Months of mental strain and over a month of grueling work had exhausted her beyond expectation.

A single spark ignited all her fears. That tiny seed, fed by anxiety, grew into a towering tree. Ignored fragments of words, recalled now, suddenly seemed loaded with meaning.

Jiang Chuxie didn’t want to think anymore. If she had to keep doubting and dissecting her bond with Gu Lingjun, where was her refuge?

She’d ask Gu Lingjun plainly, hear her answer directly. If Gu Lingjun said it was all false, just others’ manipulations, she’d never doubt again.

“Chuxie!”

When Jiang Chuxie, dazed, returned to the exam room, Gu Lingjun had finished. Unable to find her, she’d called multiple times, her face lighting up with relief and surprise.

“Where were you? Why didn’t you answer?” Noticing Jiang Chuxie’s state, she worried, “What’s wrong? You’re sweating buckets!”

Jiang Chuxie gripped Gu Lingjun’s hand tightly, pale and nearly frantic. “Lingjun, tell me…”

Gu Lingjun, startled, winced as her hand ached.

“What’s going on? Chuxie, what’s wrong?”

“Tell me you’re not tied to the Lianping Association, right?”

Gu Lingjun’s expression froze. Her widened eyes, pursed lips, and evasive gaze spoke louder than words.

“Gu Lingjun…”

Jiang Chuxie slowly released her hand. As the most absurd, impossible, and dreaded answer became reality, memories with Gu Lingjun flooded her mind.

She didn’t believe, didn’t want to, couldn’t—because this wasn’t the answer she wanted.

“Sorry, Chuxie, I—”

This wasn’t the answer she’d come to hear!

Jiang Chuxie turned and walked away, anger, grievance, and despair twisting into a fierce, terrifying thought, urging her to flee.

If it was all fake, what were her struggles, compromises, joys, and happiness? What was the meaning she’d thought she’d found?

If she couldn’t trust Gu Lingjun, who could she trust? What was her purpose in this world?

“Chuxie, Chuxie!”

Seeing her leave without a word, Gu Lingjun didn’t chase immediately. The sudden question caught her off guard, overwhelming her.

She could hide things from Jiang Chuxie, but not lie outright. She knew cooperating with the Lianping Association would hurt Jiang Chuxie, but for her goals, she’d chosen this path, undeniable.

“Chuxie!” As Jiang Chuxie’s figure faded, Gu Lingjun couldn’t hold back, hurrying after her. This wasn’t the parting she wanted—she needed to explain. “Chuxie, listen!”

The bodyguards trailed closely, now a hindrance.

Jiang Chuxie didn’t walk fast, and Gu Lingjun caught her at the elevator.

“What’s there to explain?” Jiang Chuxie, suppressing her fury, avoided Gu Lingjun’s face, gritting her teeth. “You’re not with the Lianping Association? You didn’t approach me on purpose? You didn’t hide, deceive, or toy with me?”

“I—” Gu Lingjun didn’t know where to begin. She had approached Jiang Chuxie intentionally, but not for the association. She’d hidden some truths but never toyed with her. “Let’s go home and talk calmly.”

The elevator didn’t come, so Jiang Chuxie headed for the stairs.

“Fine, we’ll talk when we’re calm.” She sped up, a hint of defiance in her voice. “I want to hear what lies you’ll spin.”

“Tell them to let me talk to Chuxie alone. Don’t follow.”

Gu Lingjun had only argued with Jiang Chuxie during pregnancy, but even then, Jiang Chuxie never lost her temper. This was different, and though she wanted to talk, she found no way to explain.

Lying seemed the only way to quell Jiang Chuxie’s anger, but she didn’t want to lie—especially since her planned actions couldn’t be hidden by lies.

Seeing Jiang Chuxie’s fury, she felt anxious and pained, hoping to at least show her care and lessen the hurt.

“Chuxie, don’t walk so fast.”

She firmly dismissed the bodyguards, struggling to keep up, but Jiang Chuxie ignored her.

“Chuxie, wait.”

Hearing Gu Lingjun’s calls, Jiang Chuxie’s heart ached, her nose and throat bitter.

She’d never treated Gu Lingjun like this since they’d been together. Thinking of Gu Lingjun’s care, her heart softened.

Even if Gu Lingjun deceived her, her affection wasn’t fake. Maybe she had hidden reasons, or was deceived by the Lianping Association.

Jiang Chuxie slowed down.

Lingjun was pregnant—rushing down stairs could be dangerous.

Her heart wrestled, anger and love clashing, her actions wavering.

Gu Lingjun caught up on the first floor, grabbing her hand tightly.

“Chuxie, let’s go home together, okay?”

The first-floor lobby was noisy, a crowd bickering nearby. Immersed in their own world, neither noticed.

Jiang Chuxie moved to pull away but only struggled lightly. “Were you with them from the start, or did you join later?”

“I didn’t join them, Chuxie. This isn’t a simple explanation. I just want to tell you—”

Even explained, it wouldn’t change her deception or cooperation with the Lianping Association. Knowing she was indefensible, Gu Lingjun hoped Jiang Chuxie’s love would forgive her.

At least, her love for Chuxie was genuine.

But a crazed shout interrupted, revealing the lobby’s chaos.

A disheveled male Beta, wielding a long iron rod, was causing a scene. They had no connection to him, but something triggered him, and spotting Gu Lingjun, he charged with the rod.

Jiang Chuxie noticed him first, instinctively shielding Gu Lingjun without a second thought.

The Beta swung wildly. Jiang Chuxie, protecting Gu Lingjun, only raised an arm to block. Her condition was poor, reactions sluggish, and though her foe was just a Beta, the rod and his hysteria gave him an edge.

“Chuxie!”

After two strikes, Gu Lingjun realized what was happening. In that split second, she clearly saw the attack aimed at her.

On the third hit, Jiang Chuxie grabbed the rod. Leveraging her Alpha strength, longer limbs, and agility, she kicked the Beta, sending him flying.

Ignoring her injuries, she turned, panicked, to check Gu Lingjun.

“Lingjun, Lingjun, are you okay?”

Gu Lingjun saw the bruise on her arm—pale skin now purple and swollen, shocking.

But Jiang Chuxie seemed oblivious to her pain, her eyes and heart filled with frantic worry for her.

As if she were the one hurt.

Her earlier anger vanished. Gu Lingjun saw only tension, care, and overflowing love in Jiang Chuxie’s eyes.

Her earlier fears were needless. Jiang Chuxie loved her so deeply, cared so much, that this small deception couldn’t shake her. Jiang Chuxie was her bravest, most loyal, toughest knight, ready to give everything to protect her.

“Lingjun, are you okay?”

The bodyguards swiftly neutralized the threat, but Gu Lingjun seemed dazed. Jiang Chuxie, nervous, held her close, all negative emotions replaced by fear and care.

She’d wavered so easily because she cared too much, seeing Gu Lingjun as her everything. She feared even this last warmth was fake, that her final happiness would slip away.

But just now, seeing Gu Lingjun in danger, none of it mattered.

Even if Gu Lingjun had deceived her, as long as she was alive and by her side, Jiang Chuxie could overlook it all.

“Chuxie, you don’t blame me anymore?”

Held in Jiang Chuxie’s arms, Gu Lingjun’s voice trembled.

“Sorry, sorry, sorry,” Jiang Chuxie hugged her tightly, apologizing repeatedly. “I don’t blame you. I’m not mad. You’re okay, Lingjun…”

What a deep, pure, forgiving love.

“But,” Gu Lingjun gave a low laugh, “I need to tell you… you’re right. From start to finish, I’ve been deceiving you.”