Dressed as the Scumbag Alpha Mom of the Tragic Female Lead (ABO, GL) - Chapter 88

Chapter 88

“…This is a groundbreaking invention. Hardcore has redefined the phone, showing us endless possibilities for the future! History will forever remember this day, this launch event! June 1, 2006—because of Hardcore, even adults got a Children’s Day gift! The Hardcore phone isn’t just a phone; it’s a fashion item, a tech masterpiece, a darling of the era. I believe it will become this year’s—”

As if scripted, eight out of ten TV stations were covering Hardcore’s launch event, even though only half a day had passed since it ended.

Jiang Chuxie hosted the event. After a brief rest at the hotel, she was set to attend a celebration banquet. After showering and changing, she turned off the TV. When she opened the door, Zhuang Qi was waiting outside.

Dressed in a white tailcoat, a flashy red bow tie, and a low ponytail, Zhuang Qi’s matured, striking appearance was dazzling—perhaps too flamboyant.

“…” Jiang Chuxie’s eyebrow twitched. Unable to hold back, she pointed at Zhuang Qi’s outfit and teased, “Zhuang Qi, do I need to remind you that you’re a mother of two? This butterfly look doesn’t quite suit you.”

Zhuang Qi grinned, adjusting her collar confidently. “What does dressing up have to do with age or status? Don’t I look good in this? Today’s a big day—we’re the face of the company. How can we not look our best?”

She glanced at Jiang Chuxie’s understated black women’s suit, shaking her head with a sigh. “That’s your work suit, isn’t it? We’re going to a celebration banquet. Can’t you dress a bit nicer, more approachable? You’re the most famous, sought-after, golden single Alpha in the country—pay some attention to your image, okay?”

Hardcore first gained fame domestically with its music player. By integrating with Xueyou Network’s music library, importing songs became simple and convenient, making the player wildly popular. Each new model became a must-have for enthusiasts.

This boosted Xueyou Network’s growth, and with the rise of new computers, Kuai Xun and Xun Lian saw explosive user growth, now fully profitable.

Jiang Chuxie and Zhuang Qi became notable young entrepreneurs, their net worth soaring, both entering the rich list this year.

Just when people thought Hardcore had fully transitioned into a music player company, it suddenly held a product launch featuring not just phones but making them the centerpiece.

“I need to watch my image as a single person, but what about you? Aren’t you afraid Zhao Zi will say you’re attracting too much attention?”

“No way, I’m so devoted, she’s totally at ease. Dressing up makes her look good too. My two little treasures love that their mom is cool and beautiful—they can brag to their friends!”

Jiang Chuxie realized she couldn’t win, shaking her head with a smile. “Fine, let’s go. When’s Zhao Zi arriving?”

“She called earlier, said she’s on her way.” Zhuang Qi nudged Jiang Chuxie’s arm playfully, teasing, “Enough about me—Zhao Zi and I are an old married couple, nothing to talk about. But you and Miss Hu, how’s that going?”

Jiang Chuxie’s mouth turned down. “What do you mean, how’s it going? She’s just Hardcore’s spokesperson this time. There’s nothing more—don’t overthink it.”

“Oh, am I overthinking?” Zhuang Qi gave a knowing look. “You’ve never gone beyond a meal with anyone I’ve set you up with, but you made Miss Hu Hardcore’s first spokesperson. That’s ‘nothing’?”

“She’s just a spokesperson. Her image fits, and she’s a rare Omega celebrity. Is that so strange?”

“If you say it’s not strange, fine. You care so much about Hardcore—choosing her as spokesperson shows you trust her, right? You’re tying her to Hardcore’s brand. Six years in the making, this sword’s unmatched! Didn’t you see? It’s all over TV, saving us ad costs! I worried the online-only stream might limit impact, but that was pointless. Miss Hu’s popularity will jump two levels—she’s earning money and fame. Think she’ll thank you later?”

“It’s just a win-win. Don’t make it sound like I’m doing her a favor.”

“Sure, sure, you’re still so serious.” Zhuang Qi shook her head, but her face stayed gleeful. “I’m so excited for today—I barely slept for nights. Six years, six years! We held back so long, and today we finally shine.”

Though Hardcore had long profited from music players and Fei Yue Tech was thriving with multiple top-tier products and dedicated teams, its abandonment of the phone business after going independent had been criticized.

“Is it that dramatic?”

Jiang Chuxie said this, but she hadn’t slept well either. This was her life’s work, and since convincing Zhuang Qi to get the company from her uncle, she’d taken it as her responsibility. This success meant a lot to her.

“Not dramatic? The staff’s been holding their breath! You never let us talk about it—I was dying keeping it in!”

Chatting, they took the elevator to the second-floor banquet hall. Though staff handled arrangements, they arrived early.

As soon as they entered, they were swarmed. The banquet included company staff, business partners, journalists, and industry bigwigs.

Many reporters had attended the launch and rushed to the banquet for exclusives, eagerly engaging the two.

Zhuang Qi, who handled public-facing duties, was more well-known than Jiang Chuxie. But she always hyped Jiang Chuxie as the product’s soul, an untouchable genius, making everyone curious.

Jiang Chuxie’s mysterious, low-key style and golden single Alpha status already drew attention. Her appearance at the launch, amplified by online and traditional media, made her a media darling, outshining even top celebrities—though that came later.

Keen journalists saw a huge opportunity. With both present, they unanimously targeted Jiang Chuxie.

“President Jiang…”

“President Jiang—”

“President Jiang!”

Every TV station, newspaper, and magazine wanted an exclusive with Jiang Chuxie. Compared to Zhuang Qi, whose background was fully exposed, Jiang Chuxie was an enigma!

She smiled, handling the journalists politely. Traditional media still held sway, so she needed to build good relations.

“Ahem, Chuxie, you handle the guests. I’ll go get Zhao Zi!”

Zhuang Qi, startled by the frenzy, couldn’t guarantee she’d cope. Facing Jiang Chuxie’s plea for help, she bailed.

Jiang Chuxie resisted rolling her eyes, patiently chatting with reporters and editors. Interview requests would go through her secretary and assistant.

As the banquet’s start neared, Jiang Chuxie excused herself to greet guests, escaping the crowd to catch her breath outside.

She’d expected attention but not this much. Zhuang Qi, supposedly picking up Zhao Zi, hadn’t returned—likely an excuse to slip away.

The indoor temperature wasn’t high, but Jiang Chuxie was sweating. She pulled out a handkerchief to wipe her forehead and headed to the restroom.

This hotel, a recent Gu family venture, was the country’s only six-star luxury hotel, a tourist hotspot due to its unique design and high costs. Jiang Chuxie chose it for the launch and banquet to tie Hardcore’s phone to a premium image and because she got a 90% discount.

As she neared the restroom, a small figure darted from around the corner, bumping into her leg.

Jiang Chuxie quickly steadied the child. The little girl wore a white dress, red shoes, and held a rabbit plushie. Looking down, Jiang Chuxie saw two braids but not her face, yet she knew this was an adorable girl.

“Little one, are you okay?”

Zhuang Qi’s two kids, who saw Jiang Chuxie as their godmother, gave her experience with children. Her actions and voice were gentle.

The girl looked up, revealing a round face, pale skin, and large, upturned eyes. She was cuter than Jiang Chuxie expected, though her cold expression seemed a bit haughty, rivaling Zhuang Qi’s kids in charm.

“Little one, are you okay? Where are your parents?”

The girl just stared silently. Jiang Chuxie repeated the question, looking around. Instead of answering, the girl suddenly hugged her leg.

“Huh?” Jiang Chuxie was puzzled but amused. “Can’t find your mom or dad? Want me to help?”

The girl still didn’t speak, staring blankly, her small arms clinging tightly.

Jiang Chuxie hesitated, unsure whether to wait for her parents or take her to staff to find them. Then, a painfully familiar voice called from the end of the hallway.

“Zaozao, where are you?”