Dressed as the Scumbag Alpha Mom of the Tragic Female Lead (ABO, GL) - Chapter 93

Chapter 93

In the original story, Zhao Xian was ten years older than Jiang Weizao, but due to Jiang Chuxie’s arrival, Jiang Weizao was born almost a year later, stretching their age gap to eleven years.

That meant Zhao Xian was now a seventeen-year-old teenager.

Though Jiang Chuxie had never met Zhao Xian—and if possible, she’d prefer their paths never cross—she hadn’t let her guard down about him.

In the original story, Zhao Xian was a prodigy with cheat-like abilities. He skipped grades early and finished high school at thirteen. That same year, he differentiated as an Alpha, showing exceptional talent and earning Grandpa Zhao’s favor, getting involved in the family business. This was why he was only starting university this year.

Under his many suggestions, “Legendary Delicacy” began rapidly expanding. Grandpa Zhao, bypassing his sons and grandsons, entrusted all his wealth to this genius great-grandson.

Zhuang Qi didn’t care about the Zhao family’s money—after all, the Zhao family wasn’t as wealthy as her at this stage—but she resented Grandpa Zhao’s favoritism.

Her father-in-law, wife, and daughter had never been treated well by the Zhao family, and now she was expected to look after a distant relative. Naturally, she wasn’t thrilled.

Plus, considering Zhao Xian’s cunning nature despite his young age, and Jiang Chuxie’s repeated warnings to keep her distance, Zhuang Qi was deeply wary of him.

Unfortunately, this was a task from her father-in-law, and Zhao Zi didn’t have much dislike for her cousin, so Zhuang Qi had to put on a fake smile and play along.

Because of this sudden development, Jiang Chuxie went into full alert mode.

In the original story, Zhao Xian met Jiang Weizao when she was eighteen, but now Jiang Weizao was only six. If this wasn’t to trigger that plotline, it was most likely related to Zhuang Qi and Zhao Zi.

Grandpa Zhao’s connections were mostly in official circles, with no deep business ties. But after Zhao Xian proposed commercializing and franchising the family business, the Zhao family started seeking more business contacts. Zhao Xian’s main goal in coming to B City was to leverage Zhuang Qi’s network. Jiang Chuxie’s first advice to Zhuang Qi was to not let Zhao Xian live with them. She had Zhuang Qi arrange a downtown apartment for him, close to entertainment facilities but far from the Zhuang household, and thoughtfully provided a housekeeper and driver, claiming it was to give the young man freedom.

If they couldn’t meet daily, they could drag things out, reducing Zhao Xian’s contact with Zhuang Qi and her family to lower the risk. The housekeeper and driver were to keep tabs on his movements. Further plans would depend on observing Zhao Xian up close.

Over the years, besides focusing on her own ventures, Jiang Chuxie kept an eye on the key Alphas from the original story, especially Zhao Xian, as he was the oldest and related to Zhao Zi, making him the most likely to affect her first.

But honestly, she hadn’t gathered much useful information so far. For a young person, Zhao Xian was undeniably outstanding. After Grandpa Zhao adopted his suggestions, Legendary Delicacy’s business grew over tenfold in four years. If Grandpa Zhao hadn’t been conservative, Jiang Chuxie believed the growth would’ve been even more staggering.

Of course, rapid expansion came with risks. From what Jiang Chuxie knew, the Zhao family’s cash flow wasn’t as healthy as before. But for capturing market share, some initial investment and risk were acceptable.

When Zhao Xian officially took over the family business and successfully expanded it globally to become the largest food chain, this would be proven.

However, achieving that required more than just normal business tactics—it involved shady methods. From the original story, Jiang Chuxie deduced that Zhao Xian’s success relied on collusion with officials, market monopolies, framing competitors, and pressuring partners, all in exchange for helping officials launder money and transfer illicit funds abroad.

Of course, the original story, to preserve the protagonist’s image, didn’t spell it out so harshly, but Jiang Chuxie could analyze the underlying interests. She had long decided to use this as leverage to strike at Zhao Xian’s empire.

Unfortunately, Zhao Xian hadn’t fully taken over the family business yet, and Legendary Delicacy’s expansion wasn’t that aggressive, so these activities likely hadn’t started—or at least, she hadn’t found evidence.

When Zhuang Qi’s family went to pick up Zhao Xian, Jiang Chuxie went along. If he hadn’t come to their doorstep, she’d avoid contact as much as possible, but since he was so close, she needed to prepare thoroughly and know her enemy to win.

“Auntie, Aunt-in-law… and Aunt Jiang, hello.”

At seventeen, Zhao Xian was already as tall as Jiang Chuxie and Zhuang Qi. Unlike the domineering CEO described in the original story, he was still a youthful, refined teenager.

His behavior was impeccable, like a polite, upstanding young man. But perhaps due to her preconceptions, Jiang Chuxie’s first impression was that he was full of schemes.

“Xiao Xian, you’re finally here. Let’s take you to your place to rest.”

Zhao Zi seemed delighted by her nephew’s arrival, acting warmly, and Zhuang Qi put on a welcoming smile, arranging everything perfectly.

“Auntie even arranged a separate place for me. I’m really embarrassed.”

Zhuang Qi drove, with Zhao Zi in the passenger seat, while Jiang Chuxie sat in the back with Zhao Xian.

“What’s there to be embarrassed about? It’s only right,” Zhuang Qi said, occasionally glancing at Zhao Xian in the rearview mirror. “Your aunt and I are busy with work and can’t keep you company every day. The place is close to the company but far from entertainment spots, so you might get bored. Plus, with two kids making noise at home, it’d disturb your studies. You’ll be more comfortable on your own. Don’t worry, we’ve arranged a housekeeper and driver, so meals and getting around won’t be an issue.”

Zhao Xian gave a grateful smile. “Thank you, Aunt-in-law.”

Jiang Chuxie observed closely, but Zhao Xian showed no cracks, accepting the arrangement with apparent trust and goodwill.

Zhao Xian’s grandfather and great-uncle had fought bitterly with Zhao Zi’s father. Though his adopted uncle’s imprisonment benefited his father, it didn’t resolve their conflicts over interests.

It was only when Zhao Zi’s father gave up his inheritance rights to show sincerity that tensions eased, but their relationship remained lukewarm at best. Zhao Xian, however, had always maintained a decent relationship with Zhao Zi. Knowing his character, Jiang Chuxie didn’t believe it was due to kindness—there had to be an ulterior motive.

Perhaps he once used Zhao Zi to counter Zhao Gang, but now, it was likely about the Zhuang family’s connections.

The original story didn’t dwell much on the Alphas’ impressive feats, prioritizing spicier content, but Jiang Chuxie now felt that at least Zhao Xian lived up to his character. Unlike Zhao Gang or Xu Wen, he wasn’t easy to handle.

“By the way, I have a gift for you.” Jiang Chuxie chimed in at the right moment, handing Zhao Xian a gift box. “This is our company’s product. I wasn’t sure what young people like these days, so I brought this as a welcome gift.”

Zhao Xian looked surprised, accepting the box with delight. “Is this the Hardcore phone? Thank you so much, Aunt Jiang. I watched the press conference and was really interested in it. The media’s praise isn’t exaggerated at all. I was worried I wouldn’t be able to get one.”

“Glad you like it.”

Jiang Chuxie was kind but not overly warm, treating Zhao Xian like an elder since he called her “Aunt.”

They chatted as they reached the apartment Zhuang Qi arranged for Zhao Xian. It was a high-end complex recently developed by the Gu family, quite modern in Jiang Chuxie’s eyes. With dozens of floors and elevators, the big-city effect was evident, and housing prices were soaring.

Jiang Chuxie had bought some properties herself, but she still lived in that now-outdated small apartment.

Not long after Gu Lingjun left, she bought that place from the landlord.

The three escorted Zhao Xian to his apartment, but as Zhuang Qi opened the door, the door across the hall suddenly opened.

They instinctively looked at the person coming out, and upon seeing their face, Jiang Chuxie froze.

Zhuang Qi was shocked too, but Zhao Zi knew some details. “Lingjun? When did you move in?”

At least she knew the apartment across belonged to Gu Lingjun.

It wasn’t surprising—the Gu family was the developer, and with Gu Lingjun’s connection to Zhao Zi, it made sense they’d buy apartments in the same place. But even Zhao Zi didn’t know when Gu Lingjun had moved in.

Gu Lingjun, seeing the group—especially Jiang Chuxie—looked surprised. This combination was unexpected, and Jiang Chuxie’s expressionless stare was hard to bear.

Once or twice was fine, but three times? Even she couldn’t believe she’d run into Jiang Chuxie again so soon without planning it.

No matter how much she missed her, she wouldn’t intrude on Jiang Chuxie’s life, especially if she might already have a partner.

But she couldn’t explain or subtly hint at her lack of ulterior motives in this situation.

“Mommy?”

During their conversation, Jiang Weizao had slipped to the door, her small figure hiding behind Gu Lingjun, clutching her waist and peeking out.

“Who are you talking to?”

Gu Lingjun instinctively patted her head, hesitating. “It’s your godmother… and them.”

Jiang Weizao tilted her head, her gaze landing on Jiang Chuxie. Unlike the original Jiang Weizao, who looked almost exactly like Gu Lingjun and barely like Jiang Chuxie, anyone seeing the three together now wouldn’t doubt Jiang Weizao was their daughter.

Even just her expressions mirrored Jiang Chuxie’s.

Zhao Xian, seeming confused and ignored, smiled and said, “Auntie, could you introduce me to this beautiful lady and that cute little girl?”

Zhao Zi snapped back to reality. “Right, I almost forgot. Lingjun, this is my nephew Zhao Xian. Xiao Xian, this is—”

Jiang Chuxie’s face darkened to an extreme. She hadn’t expected Zhao Xian and Jiang Weizao’s first encounter to happen so suddenly.

Though she hadn’t shown Jiang Weizao any care these six years, that didn’t mean she wanted to see this scene.

“Chuxie?”

Before Zhao Zi could finish the introduction, Jiang Chuxie stepped forward, firmly pushing Gu Lingjun back into her apartment.

“Sorry, I need to talk to her about something. You guys go in first.”