The recent disclosure of financial records from the Xiang family has sparked renewed discussion about actress Bea Hayden (Guo Biting) and her life after marrying into the powerful Hong Kong clan.
According to the report, the family spent 280,000 yuan for postpartum care and 400,000 yuan for a nanny, while giving Bea a credit card with a 500,000 yuan limit—yet requiring her to pay the bill herself. Her annual income was around 1.9 million yuan, but expenses exceeded 3.2 million. On paper, it looks luxurious; in reality, it reveals a lack of autonomy.
In contrast, Xi Mengyao, married into another branch of the tycoon Ho family, is being groomed for influence. She is encouraged to pursue further education and even take part in business discussions, signaling real trust and empowerment from her in-laws.
The comparison highlights two models of “marrying into wealth”: one is integration and empowerment, the other, symbolic and ornamental.
True partnership in marriage is measured not by wealth, but by agency. Luxury may be borrowed, but independence must be earned.
