Caught between a rock and a hard place, Xu's mother truly had no other choice. After all, in the countryside, daughters-in-law were often more overbearing than their mothers-in-law. Accustomed to avoiding confrontation, the timorous woman was bullied daily by her son and daughter-in-law. Their constant insinuations and veiled abuses had compelled her to seek a compromise from her daughter. "Xiaoya, your store is doing so well, and you have a house now. You won't miss the money... Besides, your father and I raised you. This is the last time we'll ask for your help. After this, we will never trouble you again. Please consider…" Her mother's eyes were desperately pleading. She was at her wit's end.
People often feared the aggressive, always seeking to appease them by sacrificing the weak in hopes of a fragile peace.
Yet Xu Xiaoya could not muster a shred of pity.
