"What are you doing? Your son-in-law is still here, aren't you ashamed? Can't we have a civil conversation? You crazy woman, let go of me!" Ms. Zhang's father was infuriated by her mother's sudden outburst.
Ms. Zhang's mother was a rather docile woman, and in their household, it was her father who made all the decisions. Otherwise, Ms. Zhang's dowry would not have been so meager.
But the more submissive a person is, the more frightening they become once they explode—they don't consider too many external factors.
"Ashamed? Do you even know the meaning of shame? She's your only daughter; how could you be so heartless!" Ms. Zhang's mother cried hysterically. "I knew it when you had people carry out that chest yesterday. What were you doing? Are those my daughter's clothes? Tell me! Did you return those items?"
