Chapter 7: Debts and Defiance

Liang Wei stood in the shadow of Pier 8, Yunhai City's neon skyline flickering across the water. The Destiny's Dividend 2.0 system glowed in his vision—its golden interface, visible only to him, confirming the last task's success: spending 2,000,000 yuan on Yunhai Art Academy's scholarship program had yielded 10,000,000 yuan. His account now held 10,009,000 yuan, enough to clear Old Liu's 600,000-yuan loan debt. But Zhou Ran's pursuit of Lin Xia and Xu Fei, and his taunts about "buying loyalty," burned in Liang Wei's mind. The system flashed a new task: Invest 5,000,000 yuan in a transformative project with favorability 70+ by tomorrow midnight. Reward: Sixfold return (30,000,000 yuan).

Liu's goons flanked the loan shark, their eyes cold under the dock's lights. "Money," Liu snapped, his grin sharp. "600,000. Now."

Liang Wei handed over a digital transfer, his phone pinging with the transaction: 600,000 yuan, plus 50,000 interest for goodwill. The system chimed: Sincerity detected. Old Liu's Favorability: 50. Liu nodded, satisfied. "Smart move, kid. Stay clean." He vanished with his goons, leaving Liang Wei's account at 9,359,000 yuan.

Back at Moonlit Brew Café, Lin Xia, Chen Mei, Zhao Jing, and Xu Fei gathered, their alliance solidified by the scholarship success. Lin Xia's favorability glowed at 88, her trust in Liang Wei unshaken despite Zhou Ran's advances. Chen Mei, the childhood friend turned nurse, sat at 80, her community clinic plan tied to the scholarships. Zhao Jing, the arrogant high school friend, hovered at 65, her fashion startup gaining traction. Xu Fei, Liang Wei's former crush, was at 67, her tech venture aligning with the art program's digital goals.

"The scholarships are funded," Liang Wei said, hiding the system's role. "But I want to go bigger—a transformative project. Five million yuan. Maybe expand the art academy's community programs." The system tagged: Collective favorability: 72. Transformative project viable.

Chen Mei's eyes lit up. "A clinic tied to the academy could serve students and locals." Zhao Jing smirked. "My fashion line could mentor art students—real designs, real impact." Xu Fei nodded. "My tech platform could showcase their work globally." Lin Xia squeezed his hand. "This is us, Liang Wei. Let's do it."

Before they could plan further, Zhou Ran barged in, his billionaire aura suffocating, bodyguards at his heels. His gaze raked over Lin Xia, Xu Fei, and Zhao Jing, his smirk venomous. "Liang Wei, still charming strays?" He tossed a gold-embossed card on the table. "Lin Xia, Xu Fei, Jing—my conglomerate's hosting a gala. Join me. Millions in funding, fame, whatever you want."

Lin Xia's favorability for Zhou plummeted to 5. "I'm not your pawn," she snapped. Xu Fei's dropped to 50, her voice icy: "My startup's mine, Zhou." Zhao Jing's held at 25, tempted but wary. Chen Mei glared, her favorability for Zhou at 8. The system warned: Hostile intent critical. Zhou Ran's influence threatens collective favorability.

Liang Wei stood, anger flaring. "They're not for sale, Zhou. This project's ours."

Zhou laughed, stepping closer. "I own Yunhai, Liang. Your little charity? I'll buy the academy, shut it down, and take your girls." He leaned toward Lin Xia. "Last chance, sweetheart." The system flashed: Penalty Safeguard active. Counteraction recommended.

Lin Xia shoved Zhou's card back. "Get out." The others nodded, their favorability for Liang Wei ticking up: Chen Mei to 82, Zhao Jing to 67, Xu Fei to 69. The system chimed: Alliance strengthened. Collective favorability: 75.

Liang Wei transferred 5,000,000 yuan to the academy, linking it to Chen Mei's clinic, Zhao Jing's mentorship, and Xu Fei's platform. The system flashed: Task complete! 5,000,000 yuan invested. Reward: 30,000,000 yuan. Check your account. His balance soared to 34,359,000 yuan.

Zhou's eyes narrowed as he left, his threat clear. "You'll regret this, Liang." A text followed: Gala tomorrow. I'll ruin you.

Lin Xia gripped Liang Wei's arm, her voice fierce. "We're stronger than him." Chen Mei, Zhao Jing, and Xu Fei agreed, their bond tightening. With Zhou's schemes, a 30-million-yuan fortune, and Destiny's Dividend 2.0's power, Liang Wei was ready to fight—but Yunhai's neon battlefield was unforgiving.