Chapter 1 — Forced to Peel Shrimps, I Smashed an Entire Family

My husband and I just registered our marriage three days ago and went to my husband's house for the first time to eat. On the table was a large plate of shrimp. Without being polite, her husband reached out and picked up the biggest shrimp. My mother-in-law sat next to me, smiling gently, then suddenly turned to me, her tone as if it were a matter of course:

“What are you standing there for? Why don't you peel the shrimp for your sister?”

I thought she was joking, so I didn't answer. Unexpectedly, her face suddenly changed:

"I'm talking to you! Why are you so rude? What did your mother teach you?"

The husband chuckled softly, his eyes full of scrutiny:

“Sister-in-law, when you live in this house in the future, you have to be a little more reasonable.”

I glanced at the man sitting next to me. He was silent. Don't defend, don't talk, as if it's all reasonable. A smoldering fire in my heart, in that moment... flared up. I picked up the plate of shrimp in front of me. No hesitation. Throw it straight in her face. My voice was so cold that even I felt strange:

“Want to teach rules?”

“I think the one who needs to learn… is you guys.”

My name is Khuong Hoa. Today is the third day since Co Dich and I registered our marriage. According to tradition, this was the first time I assumed the identity of a wife and entered my husband's house for an official meal. The long dining table is filled with dishes, looking cozy and full. Mother-in-law, Luu Mai, sat in the chair, a warm smile hanging on her face. Her father-in-law, Co Vien Son, sat next to him, speaking little, his face serious. Her sister-in-law, Co Dinh, sat close to her mother, her eyes and appearance both showing arrogance. And my newlywed husband, Co Dich, sat next to me, looking somewhat awkward. This meal, from the beginning, brought with it a feeling that was difficult to put into words. Luu Mai continuously picked up food for Co Dinh and asked questions incessantly.

“Dinh Dinh, this sweet and sour fish is my favorite, mom made it for you.”

"Dinh Dinh, have you been tired from work lately? You look thinner."

Co Dinh enjoyed being pampered like the center of the whole dinner table, only occasionally responding with a formal sentence. As for me, the daughter-in-law, as soon as I walked in the door, I was like a decoration. I ate my food silently, not wanting to cause trouble. The first time I went to my husband's house, I still wanted to save some dignity. Co Dich seemed to notice my embarrassment and secretly touched my hand under the table. I turned around and smiled lightly, signaling that I was okay. At that moment, a plate of shrimp braised in oil was brought up, red and greasy, just looking at it was attractive. As soon as the plate was put down, Co Dinh's chopsticks reached out, accurately picked up the biggest and fattest one, and deliberately raised his chin at me as if showing off. I didn't pay attention, bowed my head and continued eating. Luu Mai looked at her daughter with loving eyes, then suddenly turned to me.

“Khuong Hoa, what are you doing standing there, don't you know how to peel shrimp for your sister?”

Her tone was so matter-of-fact that... it was like she was instructing someone. My hand stopped in mid-air. I thought she was just saying something casually to create atmosphere, so she just smiled faintly and didn't answer. Unexpectedly, Luu Mai's face immediately darkened and she slammed her chopsticks on the table.

"I'm talking to you, don't you hear me? Such disrespect, what kind of teaching does your mother teach?"

One sentence, stabbed straight into my heart. I can hold back, but I absolutely will not allow anyone to insult my mother. Next to him, Co Dinh chuckled, his eyes full of gloating.

"Sister-in-law, my family values hierarchy. In the future, when we are here, we must be reasonable a little bit."

The two words "rules" were emphasized very clearly by her, as if deliberately poking me in the ear. I looked up and slowly looked over at each person at the table. Co Vien Son's face was cold as if he had nothing to do with it. Luu Mai's eyes were harsh, waiting for me to bow my head. Co Dinh was full of provocation, waiting to see the joke. Finally, my eyes stopped at the man next to me. I don't need him to defend me. Just a fair sentence. Even if it's just: "Mom, she just came home, don't make things difficult for her." But he didn't speak. Just bowed his head, avoiding my gaze, not even having the courage to face him. In that moment, the last bit of hope in my heart... shattered. Before registering the marriage, Co Dich was sure that his family would get along very well and told me not to worry. Turns out, that was “easy to get along with” in his words. Suppressed emotions suddenly surfaced. I laughed. Before the surprised eyes of the whole family, I slowly put down my chopsticks and raised my hand to pick up the plate of shrimp. Luu Mai frowned and shouted:

“What are you doing? Are you going to carry the whole plate?”

Co Dinh curled his lips in disdain:

“What kind of food is that? It's really unsightly.”

I said nothing. Just stood up and walked in front of Luu Mai. Right before she could react, my wrist flipped - The entire plate of shrimp, along with the hot sauce... poured straight onto her face. Red oil flowed down from her hair, shrimp stuck on her forehead and cheeks, threatening to fall. The entire living room, in the blink of an eye, fell into absolute silence. Only the sound of sauce dripping onto the floor, drip... drip... My voice was cold as ice, each word clear:

“Want to teach rules?”

“I think the one who needs to learn… is you guys.”

The next second, Luu Mai's shrill scream tore through the air. Luu Mai went crazy, screaming and tugging at the shrimp and the sauce stuck to her face.

“Ah! My face! My eyes!”

Co Dinh was the first to stand up, pointing straight at me, his voice high-pitched:

“Khuong Hoa! Are you crazy? Dare to lay hands on my mother?

Co Vien Son slammed the table, stood up, eyes wide open:

“Treason! Truly treason!”

The whole dining table was in chaos, bowls and chopsticks were broken, chairs were tilted. Co Dich finally rushed forward and grabbed my hand, with only surprise and blame on his face.

“Khuong Hoa, haven't you caused enough chaos? Apologize to your mother quickly!”

There is no defending, no hesitation, just blaming as if it were obvious. I coldly pushed his hand away.

“Sorry? The one who should apologize is her.”

My voice was calm, but so firm that it did not allow anyone to refute. Under Co Dinh's cleaning, Luu Mai reluctantly cleaned up a bit, her face was red and oily, her hair was sticky, looking extremely miserable. She trembled with anger and pointed at me, unable to say a complete sentence.

“You… you are truly uneducated! The Co family... must divorce!”

"Okay."

My two light words made everyone freeze. They must have thought I would panic, cry, and beg. I didn't expect that I would agree so decisively. I calmly looked at Luu Mai, then turned my eyes to Co Dich.

“Let's get a divorce.”

Co Dich's pupils shrank, as if he couldn't believe his ears.

“What do you say? Divorce? Khuong Hoa, don't be angry, just say sorry and that's it."

He still wants to settle things. I looked at him, just finding it funny.

“Let it go? Co Dich, since I walked in here, has anyone considered me family?

“My mother causes trouble, my sister bullies me, my father coldly watches, and I…”

I looked straight into his eyes, every word was clear:

“Where have you, my husband, ended up?”

Co Dich was speechless, his face turned white and red. My heart is cold. This man is weak, irresponsible, this marriage was a mistake from the beginning.

“I don't want to continue to be involved with your family anymore.”

I picked up my bag, turned around and left.

“Stop!” Co Vien Son shouted loudly, "If you don't make it clear today, don't you dare step out of this door!"

I stopped, but didn't turn around.