Chapter 281: Stepping on a Ton of Dog Poop Every Day

Xia Yangyang pondered for a moment before returning to her room, taking the five-million-yuan check. She then went to Xia Liangdong's office. He sat on the sofa, looking distraught.

Approaching him, she handed him the check. "Dad, keep this five million for now. I know it's not much, but it's better than nothing."

Xia Liangdong looked up. "Yangyang, you"

"Consider it a loan from Shengyuan Group," she explained. "I'll repay it later. As for the rest, I'll figure it out. I've agreed to an endorsement deal; the fee should be close to eight figures. Plus, I still have money from previous filming projects. I'll transfer everything to your account as soon as I receive it."

A knot formed in Xia Liangdong's heart. "Yangyang, you don't have to do this. I don't want to burden you."

Xia Yangyang's voice was steady. "Regardless, I can't ignore our family's situation. I'll do what I can. But unless it's absolutely necessary, I hope we don't rely on Gu Qichen. After all, he only married me; he doesn't owe our family anything."

Xia Liangdong sighed. "Don't worry. No matter what Aunt Liu says, I won't interfere with your happiness. I've let you down over the years. Now that you've found someone reliable, I won't let anyone belittle you."

However, that wasn't Xia Yangyang's true intention. If it came down to it, she would ask Gu Qichen for help. She simply hoped to exhaust all other options before relying on the Gu family as her only lifeline.

As Xia Yangyang left the study, Xia Weiwei intercepted her at her room's door.

"Xia Yangyang, you're so vile! You took back the money I lent you and then acted like you were doing Dad a favor."

Xia Yangyang looked at her coldly. "If you heard my conversation with Dad, you know I plan to repay the money. If you want credit, write a five-million-yuan promissory note, and I'll give it to Gu Qichen. You can repay him later."

Xia Weiwei sneered. "I can't stand your hypocrisy. Gu Qichen is your husband; his money is essentially yours. It's absurd to think you'll repay the five million. I won't be fooled into taking on that debt."

"If you think his money is my money, then what does my money have to do with you?" Xia Yangyang retorted.

Xia Weiwei fumed. "Xia Yangyang, don't be smug. I'll be watching. Everything you have will eventually be mine! Just you wait!"

Xia Yangyang didn't bother arguing. They were diametrically opposed. She entered her room, closed, and locked the door. Xia Weiwei, infuriated, began banging on the door.

The following days, Xia Yangyang remained incredibly busy. She had arrived in Sea City the previous day for the prestigious SH Film Festival. Her "Best Actress" bet with Shen Manbing had gone viral, stirring up a storm. Most people considered her overconfident and self-destructive, though some praised her bravery. Many, however, regretted her impending downfall.

The day before the event, Xia Yangyang planned to walk the red carpet with Chen Yu. He arrived an hour before the start, having been shooting advertisements abroad. Seeing her, he scolded, "What the hell were you thinking, making that bet with Shen Manbing? She's a superstar. You have no chance of winning. Why would you do something so foolish?"

Xia Yangyang smirked. "It was impulsive. But what if I get lucky?"

"Even if you stepped in a ton of dog poop every day, you wouldn't have that kind of luck," Chen Yu retorted, utterly exasperated.