Chapter 1 — My Children Suffer, You All Pay the Price

My Husband's Family Eats Linh Dinh Seafood, Letting My Children Eat Manta Dumplings — I Cut Back on Support, Repossessed the House, Their Whole Family Died Every month I gave my mother-in-law 20,000 yuan, asking her to take care of my daughter. This time I was on a business trip, I finished my work early so I got home ahead of schedule. Unexpectedly, as soon as I entered the door, the scene before my eyes made my anger flare up violently. The husband's family of six people are sitting around a dining table full of seafood. Lobsters, crabs, and abalone covered the table, and chatter and laughter echoed throughout the room. But my daughter was left on the balcony. The girl sat huddled in the corner, holding a dry manton cake with both hands, quietly munching each piece. Seeing that scene, I was so angry that I choked up. I quickly walked over and hugged my child. Feeling my child's small body become visibly thinner, the anger inside me was almost impossible to contain. Yet the mother-in-law remained calm as if nothing, even letting out a sentence full of reason:

"What's so precious about children? It's easier to raise them if you suffer a little!"

I was so angry that I burst out laughing. An extremely cold smile. Without saying another word, I picked up my daughter, stood up, turned around and left. At the door, I suddenly stopped walking. I turned my head to look at the whole family sitting in front of a banquet table full of delicious dishes, their voices were terrifyingly calm:

"Mom is right."

"From tomorrow onwards, our whole family will also start to suffer."

Having finished speaking, I hugged my child and left there, never looking back. They are completely unaware that the entire family's current prosperous life is supported by my single hand. But from this moment... It will all end. The flight landed three hours earlier than scheduled. The moment I stepped out of the airport, the night wind carrying the familiar breath of the city rushed into my face. In my heart, I just wanted to go home immediately. This work is to finalize a large project. Over the past half month, I've been so busy that my feet haven't touched the ground. Making daily video calls to my daughter is my only comfort. On the phone screen, three-year-old Noan Noan always asked me in a sweet voice:

"Mom, when are you coming back? Noan Noan misses you so much."

Every time I hear my child say that, the corners of my lips can't help but curl up. I didn't even have time to put my luggage away. As soon as I got to the airport, I called a car straight home. I want to give everyone a surprise. Taking out the key, I gently opened the door. As soon as the door opened, the strong smell of seafood immediately took over the entire sense of smell. The salty aroma of Boston lobster, the fresh sweetness of steamed garlic scallops, and the light scent of steamed grouper. It all blends together into a lavish party that makes people crave it. From the living room came bursts of cheerful laughter. They were my mother-in-law Vuong Que Phuong, my husband Trieu Loi, my idle sister-in-law Trieu Thien and her boyfriend. Oh, and the quiet father-in-law. Enough for six people.

"Mom, your skills are truly top-notch. Better than a five-star hotel chef outside!"

That was Trieu Thien's exaggerated flattery voice. Vuong Que Phuong smiled proudly:

"If it's delicious, eat a lot. It's all the money your sister-in-law earns. If you don't eat it, it's a waste."

Trieu Loi also immediately chimed in:

"That's right. Your wife is talented. Thien Thien, just eat as much as you want, later tell your sister-in-law to buy you even better food."

My heart sinking little by little. After changing my slippers, I walked into the living room. The loud laughter immediately stopped. Six pairs of eyes simultaneously looked at me with different expressions. An unnatural look flashed across Vuong Que Phuong's face.

"Thong Thong is back? Why didn't you give us an hour's notice?"

Trieu Loi quickly stood up to receive the luggage from me.

"Wife, are you tired? Have you eaten yet? Come here, mom made all your favorite dishes today..."

Before he could finish his sentence, he stopped. Because I don't look at him at all. My eyes scanned around the dining room. Then one more round. On the table were large king crabs, golden grilled oysters, and even a pot of fiery red spicy crayfish. Only there was no sign of my daughter, Noan Noan. My heart sank violently. A bad premonition slowly crawled up my spine.

"Where is Noan Noan?"

My voice was cold as ice. Trieu Loi's eyes slightly avoided.

"Ah... Noan Noan... Noan Noan has eaten. She should sleep now."

It's only seven o'clock at night. This is absolutely not Noan Noan's bedtime. I do not believe. I turned around and walked towards the children's room. There was no one inside. The blankets were neatly folded, with absolutely no traces of having slept on them. I went to the master bedroom, the office, and the bathroom. Still no. Every corner of the house is filled with their family's laughter and the delicious smell of food. Only my daughter was not present. Panic is like a vine wrapping tightly around my heart, tightening more and more. Finally, my eyes stopped at the balcony. I reached out and pushed the door. At that moment, the blood in my body seemed to freeze. My daughter. My treasure that I cherish like my life. Noan Noan is squatting alone on a small plastic chair. The baby huddled into a ball. He was wearing only a thin shirt. In that tiny hand was a cold and stiff white mantau cake. I'm gnawing on it piece by piece. Hearing the noise, I raised my head. As soon as he saw me, his eyes immediately lit up. The girl choked out a cry and then rushed towards me. I rushed forward and hugged my child tightly. My body is cold. The little hands are like two ice cubes. I picked up my baby and stroked her cold hands. Look at the mango cake in my hand. Then looked at the hot seafood banquet table behind. The overwhelming anger in my chest completely exploded. I felt every nerve in my body was burning. Vuong Que Phuong also followed to the balcony. Seeing my pale face, she not only did not feel guilty but also spoke eloquently:

"Oh, it's nothing to overdo."

"Children have weak stomachs, how can they eat that kind of seafood? Besides, children shouldn't be pampered too much. It's easier to grow up if you suffer a little!"

Next to her, Trieu Thien also pouted and followed suit:

"That's right, sister-in-law. You're overdoing it. When we were kids, we lived like that and still grew up healthy, is it okay?"

"Don't raise Noan Noan like a princess anymore. You won't be able to marry anyone in the future."

I don't pay attention to them. Just stared at her husband. I hope he can say a fair sentence. But no. He just frowned, using a familiar conciliatory tone and said:

"Wife, don't be angry."

"Mom, it's just for the good of the child. Children eat So delicious, it's easy to get bloated."