Her Little Mute Omega [Rebirth] - Chapter 31

After dinner, Lu Chan returned to her room to wash up.

Just as she lay down on her bed, a message from Mu Jin arrived on her phone.

A faint smile curved Lu Chan’s lips as she settled into a comfortable position.

She opened the message, and the words “Professor Meng” immediately caught her eye.

“Professor Meng is giving a lecture tomorrow afternoon! I managed to snag tickets, and Sister Xiangxing said she’ll be there too!”

Even through the screen, Lu Chan could sense Mu Jin’s excitement.

But the moment she read the last sentence, her good mood vanished. Her expression turned cold, and she replied flatly, “I received an invitation too. I’ll be there tomorrow.”

“That’s wonderful!” Mu Jin typed back excitedly, her face flushed with joy. “Sister Chan, will you ask Professor Meng for his autograph?”

“No,” Lu Chan typed quickly, but paused just before sending.

For a professor like Meng Chuan to invite entrepreneurs like them to his lectures, the purpose was clearly to attract investment.

Lu Corporation invested heavily in research and development annually, but had never funded any of Meng Chuan’s projects.

She had never been interested in these kinds of lectures.

If it weren’t for Mu Jin’s enthusiasm, she would have declined immediately.

“Yes,” Lu Chan deleted the “no” and pressed send.

“Great! Let’s get his autograph together!” Mu Jin’s smile widened even further.

She had assumed Lu Chan wouldn’t be interested, never imagining she also admired Professor Meng.

“Okay,” Lu Chan replied, her expression softening slightly.

Meng Chuan’s lecture at a renowned university was scheduled to begin at 3:00 PM.

Lu Chan finished her day’s work early and left the office at 2:30 PM.

After checking the route, she deliberately chose a path where she might encounter Mu Jin.

As she stopped at a red light, a bus pulled up beside her.

Lu Chan glanced over and her gaze landed directly on Mu Jin standing inside the bus.

Beside Mu Jin stood a casually dressed woman, laughing and talking animatedly.

By reading their lip movements, Lu Chan could tell they were discussing Meng Chuan.

The two seemed to be having a lively conversation, their expressions occasionally turning excited, as if they were close friends.

Lu Chan’s eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of displeasure surfacing in her heart.

Mu Jin had hardly any friends. Since marrying Lu Chan, she had never attended any class reunions or social gatherings.

This woman was clearly an Alpha, and Lu Chan felt compelled to investigate her identity.

The red light turned green, and the bus pulled away first.

Lu Chan followed on its left, able to keep Mu Jin in sight with a mere turn of her head.

Even as Mu Jin disembarked, she remained unaware of Lu Chan’s presence.

Fortunately, there was no physical contact between the two women, which offered Lu Chan a small measure of relief amidst her simmering frustration.

Lu Chan drove up beside them, rolled down her window, and called out, “Xiao Jin, get in. I’ll give you a ride.”

Hearing Lu Chan’s voice, Mu Jin turned around excitedly and ran to the passenger side, her face beaming. “Sister Chan! What a coincidence! Can you give my classmate a ride too?”

Lu Chan’s mood brightened slightly at Mu Jin’s words. She nodded. “Get in.”

Mu Jin grinned and quickly typed a message: “Lingxiu, hop in! Sister Chan is giving us a ride.”

“Thank you so much!” Luo Lingxiu said cheerfully as she settled into the car. “I’m Luo Lingxiu, fresh out of college and preparing for graduate school entrance exams. Xiao Jin and I are classmates, and we’re both aiming for the same university. I hope we both get in!” She chattered away, completely at ease despite being a stranger.

Lu Chan frowned slightly.

This girl reminded her inexplicably of Qi Bujiao.

The same talkativeness, the same easy familiarity, the same boundless enthusiasm and energy.

“I’m Lu Chan,” Lu Chan replied coldly.

Mu Jin was mildly surprised.

She hadn’t expected Lu Chan to acknowledge them at all. When she’d made the request, she’d already braced herself for rejection.

Yet Lu Chan had agreed.

Mu Jin smiled softly, her eyes curving into crescents.

Though everyone described Lu Chan as cold and aloof, Mu Jin believed she merely appeared distant. Beneath the surface, she was often surprisingly gentle.

“Miss Lu, are you also going to Professor Meng’s lecture?” Luo Lingxiu asked with a smile.

Lu Chan didn’t answer.

Out of basic politeness, Lu Chan greeted them, but that didn’t mean she wanted to chat with a stranger.

“Yes, Sister Chan also admires Professor Meng,” Mu Jin replied. “We’re going to get his autograph together later.”

Lu Chan focused on driving, offering no rebuttal.

“I want to go too!” Luo Lingxiu exclaimed, raising her hand excitedly, her face still carrying the naive innocence of someone untouched by the world.

“Great! Let’s all go together,” Mu Jin agreed with an enthusiastic nod.

The two girls launched into a lively discussion about Professor Meng, leaving Lu Chan unable to interject a single word.

Lu Chan found Luo Lingxiu’s chatter annoying, but seeing the genuine joy on Mu Jin’s face, she couldn’t bring herself to interrupt.

After parking, Lu Chan retrieved an invitation from her bag and handed it to Mu Jin. “I have an extra one. You can have it.”

Mu Jin froze, took the invitation, and read it. Her eyes widened in disbelief. “Sister Chan, this is a VIP seat! They’re so hard to get. Are you sure you want to give it to me?”

“Yes, take it,” Lu Chan repeated softly.

Mu Jin pressed her lips together, a happy smile spreading across her face as she carefully tucked the invitation away.

Seeing this, Luo Lingxiu squealed excitedly, “Mu Jin, Miss Lu is so kind to you! A VIP seat? I’m so jealous!”

Mu Jin’s cheeks flushed crimson as she lowered her head shyly, stealing a glance at Lu Chan’s expression.

“Let’s go,” Lu Chan said, stepping out of the car first, her mood visibly improved.

The lecture hall was sparsely populated, mostly with students.

Entrepreneurs like her rarely attended.

Meng Chuan’s research focused solely on benefiting humanity, a principle that clashed with the profit-driven ethos of business.

Investing in Meng Chuan’s research was a guaranteed loss.

Any shrewd investor would avoid such a foolish choice.

Those who came were likely just showing support.

“Sister Chan, look over there. Is that Miss Qi?” Mu Jin gently nudged Lu Chan’s arm, glancing across the hall.

“It’s her,” Lu Chan confirmed.

Checking their seats, they realized they were seated directly in front of Qi Bujiao.

“Lu Chan, Mu Jin! I didn’t expect to see you here!” Qi Bujiao greeted them enthusiastically, her youthful face beaming with a radiant smile.

Lu Chan’s eyes narrowed slightly, struck by the growing resemblance between Luo Yunxiu and Qi Bujiao.

“We’re a bit surprised to see Miss Qi here too,” Mu Jin typed with a smile.

The word “we” relaxed Lu Chan, as if their relationship were much closer than it actually was.

“Ah, I didn’t want to come, but my sister insisted. She said the Qi Family has been investing in Old Meng’s research, so we had to show our support.” Qi Bujiao sighed, propping her bored face in her hands. “She knows I’m not smart enough to understand such a high-level lecture anyway.”

“Miss Qi, don’t underestimate yourself,” Mu Jin said with a gentle smile. “Your sister must have faith in you to ask you to come.”

Qi Bujiao’s eyes lit up as she gazed at Mu Jin. “You’re so good with words! Hearing you say that makes me feel so much better. Unlike Lu Chan, who’s like an ice sculpture—she never says anything comforting.”

Lu Chan shot her a cold glare.

Mu Jin couldn’t help but cover her mouth to stifle a laugh. Looking around, she asked curiously, “Sister Chan, where’s Sister Xiangxing?”

“She probably hasn’t arrived yet,” Lu Chan replied, suppressing her inner discomfort.

“Mu Jin, who’s Xiangxing? Your girlfriend?” Qi Bujiao asked, her curiosity piqued.

As soon as the words left her mouth, she received Lu Chan’s icy stare and instinctively shrank back.

“No, she’s not…” Mu Jin quickly shook her head, glancing nervously at Lu Chan before typing rapidly, “She’s Sister Chan’s cousin and a very skilled doctor.”

“Oh, a cousin? Is she as aloof as Lu Chan?” Qi Bujiao continued, fearlessly pressing her luck.

“Sister Xiangxing is very gentle,” Mu Jin replied with a soft smile.

She wanted to add, “Actually, Sister Chan is gentle too,” but seeing Lu Chan’s icy expression, she silently deleted the thought.

“Don’t you know Ye Xiangxing?” Lu Chan demanded coldly, her tone carrying a veiled warning.

The Qi and Ye families had business dealings and often socialized. Even if Qi Bujiao ignored the Qi Family’s company, she couldn’t be so reclusive as to not recognize the Ye Family’s only daughter.

Hearing this, Qi Bujiao chuckled sheepishly, patted Lu Chan’s shoulder, and whispered, “I’m just gathering intel.”

Lu Chan shot her a sideways glare and turned away.

Qi Bujiao grinned and continued chatting with Mu Jin.

A natural conversationalist, she could chime in on any topic, keeping Mu Jin thoroughly entertained.

Lu Chan sat quietly, her gaze lowered, her long lashes concealing the envy in her eyes.

The lecture hall gradually filled, mostly with students.

The first two rows, reserved for entrepreneurs, remained partially empty.

Lu Chan and her group sat in the middle, enjoying the best view of the stage.

At three o’clock, a silver-haired elder emerged from behind the curtain.

He appeared to be around seventy years old, with a lean frame and a slightly stooped posture.

His black suit hung loosely on his thin frame.

A kind smile graced his gaunt face as he waved to the audience from the moment he appeared.

The crowd erupted in cheers, many excitedly calling out, “Professor Meng!”

Meng Chuan’s status and reputation in the field were unparalleled. His former students now occupied nearly half of all research positions.

He championed the removal of discriminatory hierarchies, advocating for equal rights to education and employment for all.

While others viewed Omegas and low-differentiation individuals with prejudice, he actively recruited students from these groups.

His research lab housed Alphas, Omegas, and Betas alike.

Despite widespread opposition to his ideals, he remained steadfast, dedicating himself wholeheartedly to scientific research without wavering from his original principles.

Lu Chan admired Meng Chuan deeply.

However, his extreme individualism would inevitably attract immense resistance.

Meng Chuan’s decision to embark on a lecture tour stemmed partly from his continued search for talent, but primarily from financial constraints.

“Sister Chan, I actually met Professor Meng in person!” Mu Jin exclaimed, grabbing Lu Chan’s hand excitedly. Her rosy lips moved rapidly as she spoke, forgetting to type.

Lu Chan lowered her gaze to their clasped hands.

The soft, warm touch of the Omega’s hand radiated through their joined skin, warming her heart.

Lu Chan smiled and gently squeezed Mu Jin’s fingers.

“Thank you all for attending my lecture today,” Meng Chuan said with a beaming smile, bowing to the audience before beginning his speech.

The bustling lecture hall instantly fell silent as the students listened with rapt attention and admiration.

Mu Jin’s excitement gradually subsided.

Snapping back to reality, she realized she had unconsciously grasped Lu Chan’s hand.

The Alpha’s fingers were long and slender, their pale skin still gleaming beautifully under the dim lighting.

Mu Jin’s heart raced, her cheeks flushed crimson, and a wave of heat surged through her body, leaving her feeling uncomfortably warm.

Even though her most admired professor stood right before her, Mu Jin couldn’t focus on a single word. Her entire attention was fixed on their clasped hands.

“Xiao Jin, what’s wrong? Your face is so red. Are you feeling unwell?” Lu Chan leaned closer, her voice soft with concern.

The Alpha’s scent washed over Mu Jin, and even without the release of pheromones, she could almost smell the refreshing scent of lime.

Her heart raced faster, and she lowered her head, shaking it vigorously.

“Student, is there a question?” A gentle voice came from the stage. Even amplified through the microphone, it remained warm and clear, without any harshness.

Mu Jin quickly stood up, bowed respectfully, and shook her head again.

Meng Chuan smiled kindly. “There’s no need to be nervous. Feel free to ask if you have any questions.”

Hearing this, Mu Jin pressed her lips together, hesitation flickering in her eyes.

Suddenly, she felt a firm grip on her hand. As if emboldened, she pulled her fingers free and typed, “Professor Meng, why do you believe there’s no difference in ability based on differentiation level? In common understanding, those with higher differentiation levels are generally considered to possess superior capabilities in all areas.”

“Please take a seat, students,” Meng Chuan said with a smile, waving his hand. His aged yet spirited eyes scanned the students seated below the stage. “That’s an excellent question. It’s undeniable that higher-ranked individuals possess superior abilities, but that doesn’t mean those with lower ranks are incapable. Talent is important, but effort is equally crucial. Regardless of your rank, you must strive wholeheartedly to pursue your dreams. Only those who dedicate themselves to hard work deserve success. Using a lower rank as an excuse for lack of effort is the true mark of a failure and a coward.”

As soon as he finished speaking, thunderous applause erupted.

Many students grew even more energized.

Lu Chan crossed her legs, her deep eyes filled with contemplation.

Meng Chuan’s words were simply meant to encourage lower-ranked students to work harder and higher-ranked students to strive further.

The intention was noble, but reality was harsh.

What surprised her most was that Meng Chuan, an S-Class Alpha, possessed such remarkable inclusivity.

This universal compassion was truly rare.

“Sister Chan, Professor Meng is amazing!” Mu Jin exclaimed, her face flushed as she sat up straight.

“Mm,” Lu Chan replied, acknowledging her sentiment.

After two hours, the lecture concluded.

Students streamed out of the hall, many excitedly discussing the talk as they walked.

Lu Chan and Mu Jin remained seated.

“Aren’t you leaving?” Qi Bujiao asked, rising to her feet with a puzzled expression.

“We’re staying for the autograph session,” Mu Jin replied, typing excitedly on her phone, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.

“You two?” Qi Bujiao’s eyes widened in surprise.

Her gaze met Lu Chan’s, and she quickly caught the hint, shutting her mouth and changing her tone. “I’ll join you.”

“Great!” Mu Jin nodded with a smile, glanced at the crowd, and waved.

Moments later, Luo Lingxiu approached.

Lu Chan had expected the two similarly spirited girls to be quite boisterous together.

However, Luo Lingxiu merely greeted Qi Bujiao briefly before turning to Mu Jin.

“Lu Chan, who’s this guy? Why is he so close to Mu Jin?” Qi Bujiao whispered.

“Xiao Jin,” Lu Chan replied softly, glancing back at Mu Jin walking behind them before turning to glare at Qi Bujiao. “Why are you walking with me?”

“We’re both entrepreneurs, and they’re just students. Of course I’d walk with you,” Qi Bujiao retorted, her voice ringing with self-righteousness.

Under Lu Chan’s icy gaze, Qi Bujiao’s confidence gradually faltered. Lowering her voice, she muttered, “For some reason, Mu Jin keeps giving me these strange looks, like she really doesn’t like me.”

“Maybe she finds you annoying,” Lu Chan quipped, a rare attempt at a dry joke.

“I’ve barely even spoken to her! How could she find me annoying?” Qi Bujiao frowned.

She glanced back again, only to meet that same peculiar gaze.

“Miss Qi, is there something you need?” Mu Jin asked politely.

Qi Bujiao immediately shook her head and turned to face forward.

The school had arranged a lounge for Meng Chuan.

When Lu Chan and her friends arrived, people were already lining up for autographs.

Meng Chuan was very approachable, sitting at a table and shaking hands with each person as he signed autographs, occasionally chatting briefly with them.

Lu Chan watched from the edge of the crowd, her gaze deepening.

Suddenly, a commotion erupted in the crowd as two people began arguing over their place in line.

“You cut in line!”

“I didn’t cut in line. I was here first, but I had to step away for a moment. My classmate was holding my spot.”

“You weren’t standing in line yourself, so it still counts as cutting.”

Neither party would yield, and their loud argument drew everyone’s attention.

“Please don’t argue, students,” a gentle voice called from another doorway.

All eyes immediately turned toward the speaker.

Mu Jin looked toward the door and waved, silently mouthing, “Sister Xiangxing.”

Ye Xiangxing smiled and nodded in acknowledgment. When her gaze fell on Lu Chan, a flicker of surprise crossed her eyes.

She quickly resolved the dispute, and the crowd resumed lining up in an orderly fashion.

“As expected of Senior Ye! She’s so impressive—just one sentence and those two were instantly obedient!” Luo Lingxiu exclaimed excitedly, turning to Mu Jin with curiosity. “Do you know Senior Ye?”

“We’ve met once. She’s very kind,” Mu Jin replied with a smile.

Lu Chan’s expression turned cold.

No matter how many times she heard those words, a flicker of irritation always stirred within her.

Yet she was powerless to change it.

Seeing her reaction, Qi Bujiao winked at Lu Chan and said with a teasing smile, “You’re actually quite nice, just a bit cold.”

“No one asked you to speak,” Lu Chan retorted coldly.

Qi Bujiao’s smile widened.

She rarely saw Lu Chan show any emotion, especially such a clear display of frustration.

It seemed that spending time with Mu Jin had finally thawed this cold-blooded S-Class Alpha, allowing her to experience normal human emotions like joy and anger.

“So Sister Xiangxing is here to maintain order? I thought she was just a spectator,” Mu Jin typed with a smile, then tugged at Lu Chan’s sleeve.

“Mm,” Lu Chan replied expressionlessly, instinctively recoiling from the touch.

Realizing it was Mu Jin, she suppressed her instinctive reaction and stood still.

The fragrant scent of Mu Jin’s hair brushed her nose. Lu Chan turned her head to look at Mu Jin, her gaze inadvertently meeting Luo Lingxiu’s.

Luo Lingxiu was staring at Qi Bujiao, her eyes burning with resentment and bitterness.

This kind of look was common among lower-ranked individuals.

But Luo Lingxiu, based on Lu Chan’s observation, was likely an A+ Class Alpha, higher-ranked than Qi Bujiao.

Lu Chan’s eyes flickered, uninterested in meddling.

She put her arm around Mu Jin’s shoulder and led her forward, leaning down slightly to say, “I have some business to take care of. I’ll be back soon.”

“Okay,” Mu Jin nodded, her face flushed, the warmth of Lu Chan’s hand burning through her shoulder and making her cheeks tingle.

Seeing Lu Chan leave, Qi Bujiao immediately followed, chasing after her and asking, “Where are you going?”

“Business,” Lu Chan replied coldly.

Qi Bujiao grinned and quickened her pace to catch up, continuing to press, “What kind of business could make you abandon Mu Jin and leave her waiting alone?”

Qi Bujiao made queuing for an autograph sound like being left to languish in an empty room.

Lu Chan shot her a sideways glance. “I’m looking for Ye Xiangxing. What’s it to you?”

“I’ll help you find her,” Qi Bujiao retorted smoothly.

She had only come along to join the commotion and had no interest in queuing for an autograph. Naturally, she would follow Lu Chan wherever she went.

Lu Chan ignored her, weaving through the crowd and heading straight for the door of a room marked “Private.”

She produced her invitation, and after the volunteer at the door checked it, they politely ushered her inside.

Qi Bujiao immediately realized Lu Chan was here to discuss business.

Knowing Lu Chan as she did, she would never engage in such a thankless “charity” event.

Why the sudden burst of altruism?