Chapter 278

"I borrowed this money; it has nothing to do with you," Xia Yangyang said, feeling utterly ashamed. She turned to Gu Qichen. "I'll clarify this. If it's true, I'll consider the five million a loan and repay you." Although Gu Qichen framed it as Xia Weiwei owing him, Xia Yangyang knew the money was insignificant to her sister, who had no intention of repaying it. Xia Yangyang couldn't tolerate Xia Weiwei's sense of entitlement. As a newcomer, her earnings from Cinderella barely exceeded two million.

Gu Qichen said, "Do you have to be so formal? It's only five million."

"It's not the same," Xia Yangyang replied.

"There's no difference. Let's put it aside. If you're worried, we'll ask about it tonight at home."

Xia Yangyang knew rejecting the money outright would anger Gu Qichen, so she remained silent. She shook her head. "You shouldn't return. Don't you visit your ancestral house every Sunday? I'll investigate first and let you know if anything comes up."

Gu Qichen agreed after considering it. Xia Yangyang rarely visited his ancestral house lately, partly due to her busy schedule and partly to avoid Gu Zhaohan. After their last meeting on the rooftop, their contact had ceased. Some problems are best left to fade.

Xia Yangyang left the Shengyuan Building early, unexpectedly encountering Xia Weiwei in the lobby. Seeing Xia Yangyang alone, Xia Weiwei approached, pointing and berating, "Xia Yangyang, you ungrateful woman! After living with us for over a decade, you stand aside and sabotage us when our family is in trouble. I'll tell Dad about your true colors! He's felt guilty about you all these years; I'll show him his favorite daughter is an ingrate!"

Xia Yangyang stepped forward, grabbing Xia Weiwei's arm. "If there's a problem, I won't stand by, but Gu Qichen isn't your money tree. He owes you nothing. Show me that check." Xia Yangyang couldn't let Xia Weiwei keep the check. Even if five million meant nothing to Gu Qichen or Shengyuan, Xia Weiwei, with her entitlement, would turn it into a bottomless pit, constantly demanding more from Gu Qichen. She also wanted to prevent Xia Weiwei from getting close to him.

Xia Weiwei shook off Xia Yangyang's hand, clutching her bag with a triumphant expression. "Xia Yangyang, this five million has nothing to do with you. Gu Qichen gave it to me out of respect. Forget about getting it back. I'll thank him properly later." She left.

Xia Yangyang, while aware of Xia Weiwei's spoiled nature, was shocked by her shamelessness. Xia Weiwei and Xia Yangyang arrived at the Xia family villa separately. Xia Liangdong was in his study. Xia Yangyang went directly to his upstairs study. The door was open, and Xia Liangdong was on the phone, constantly pacing and smoking. She overheard words like "loan" and "shortage of funds." After he finished his call, Xia Yangyang knocked.