But that wasn't all—I also asked my relatives and colleagues to help spread my post.

When I got home, as expected, my mother-in-law was sitting on the sofa, her face dark with anger.

I barely had time to send my child to their room before she pointed at me and started yelling.

"You good-for-nothing woman! Is this how you squander my son's money? You just give away 5,000 dollars like it's nothing—5,000 dollars! How are we supposed to live like this?"

I almost lost my breath.

"Mom, please make it clear. Whose money did I use? I earn about as much as your son each month, sometimes even more during peak season. I can spend my money however I want. If your daughter can show her filial piety, why can't I do the same for my own mother?"

"Also, whenever I give you money or buy you gold bracelets and necklaces, you never post about it on social media. It's been years! And now your daughter sends just a thousand dollars, and you're practically beating the drums, wishing the whole world to know you have such a dutiful daughter, all while stepping on me."

"What kind of logic is that!"

My mother-in-law was dumbfounded, slumping back onto the sofa.

"Fine, I can't deal with you. I'll talk to my son later."

I laughed in exasperation. "Talk to whoever you want."

My husband was a technical manager who usually got off work at 6:30.

That evening, after listening to my mother-in-law's complaints, Jeremy also felt a headache coming on.

What she was implying, between the lines, was that I should give her 10,000 dollars.

Jeremy was usually pretty good to me.

We had been married for five years without any major disagreements.

Just when I thought Jeremy would support me, he hit me with a surprising blow.

"Ava, it's just ten thousand dollars. Just give it to Mom."

I was in disbelief, mixed with anger. My mother-in-law's smug look made my blood boil even more.

I snapped back, "Fine, why don't you take our son's tuition for next semester and give it away too?"

Ever since my mother-in-law moved into our little home a month ago, these trivial conflicts have been happening constantly.

From issues as small as cooking oil and salt to those involving our son.

And now, even Jeremy wasn't standing up for me.

Seeing my refusal, my mother-in-law seemed like she wanted to say something more.

But with a single look from Jeremy, she shut her mouth and didn't say another word.

I felt a bit relieved; at least my husband wasn't forcing me.

Caught in the middle, he tried to ease the situation with a symbolic scolding of his mom.

"Mom, saying things like that makes it seem like Ava isn't filial. Family matters shouldn't be aired in public. If someone with ill intentions found out and caused trouble at my workplace, the boss might think I can't even handle my family affairs."

My mother-in-law looked alarmed and worried, "That… that wouldn't happen, would it?"

My husband shook his head, then turned to me and said, "Ava, why would you mess around like that with Mom? What will people think of our family?"

I wanted to argue, but Jeremy continued with a worried expression, "If your colleagues find out, who knows what they'd say about you."

I wanted to say something, but after thinking it over, he had a point.

So I didn't argue further.

In front of my husband, both my mother-in-law and I deleted our posts on Instagram.

After washing up, I came out and noticed Jeremy's shifty eyes, and I knew something was wrong.

On top of that, I noticed my phone had been moved. I immediately sensed something was off.

I checked, and what I saw made me shout out loud.

He had secretly used my phone to transfer ten thousand dollars to my mother-in-law and even sent a message apologizing on my behalf.

My mother-in-law obviously didn't realize that the message was from her son. As usual, she replied in a lecturing tone but didn't refuse the money.

My husband tried to smooth things over, saying, "A harmonious family brings prosperity. A little compromise makes everything better!"

I snorted, "Why didn't you use your money then?"

Jeremy remained silent and called our son over.

Our son gave both of us a kiss on the cheek.

Jeremy smiled in a flattering manner, "Honey, can you really bear to let our son see us fight?"

"Besides, Mom will be leaving soon and won't be staying with us for long. Can't you just bear with it for a few more days?"

Looking at our son's innocent face, my tone softened.

Jeremy immediately transferred twenty thousand dollars to me.

For the sake of the money, I didn't want to argue further.

But I was still somewhat dissatisfied, "This time, your mom was clearly in the wrong. If we back down once, does that mean we'll have to tolerate it every time? Usually, she picks on me and badmouths me to the neighbors behind my back, and I let it go. But this time, posting on Instagram..."

I wasn't even finished when Jeremy tapped my nose.

"I know. That's why I say my wife is so magnanimous."

The money had been given, and there was no point in arguing further.

I thought that would be the end of it.

But late at night, while I was in the study dealing with client messages, Penny sent me a message.

"Hey sis-in-law, I'm not saying this to be mean, but you really overdid it! Rallying friends and family to repost your Instagram, aren't you embarrassed? I felt ashamed for you. You're so capable, why don't you just fly to the sky?"

"You give money to your mom, but what about my mom? Don't you think you should show some respect to your mother-in-law? My mom worked so hard to raise me and my brother, not to be treated like this by you!"

"Let me tell you, even if you gave my mom ten thousand dollars, it wouldn't make up for your mistakes. You should bow three times and kneel nine times in apology. Nothing less will do."

"And this is me being lenient. In ancient times, not being filial to in-laws was one of the seven reasons to be divorced, and you could be drowned in a pig cage."

"Some women are blindly devoted to their brothers, but not you. You don't have a brother, but you have a leech of a sister. Just wait until you're abandoned by everyone, and let your sister take care of you in old age."

Penny's messages kept coming, one after another, making me more and more furious.

The more I read, the more angry I became.

I could overlook her criticizing me, but bringing my sister into it was too much.

Yes, my sister was only a college junior, but I never had to worry about her tuition or living expenses.

Even when I tried to give my sister money, she sent it back.

She said, "Even in poverty, one mustn't lose their lofty ambitions. Being a bit poorer makes me even more motivated! Even Mencius said before. When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it first frustrates their will and exerts their muscles. So stop treating me like a child."

On the other hand, Penny.

During my dating period with Jeremy, I wasn't unkind to Penny.

I bought her all sorts of bags, clothes, and jewelry, one after another, just to ensure she had nothing negative to say about me.

As an extra for her dowry, Jeremy and I gave an additional fifty thousand dollars.

When she had children, I even gave each of them a gold necklace and provided red envelopes during every holiday.

And this was the thanks I got?

Called me a sister-supporter?

In ancient times, I'd be drowned in a pig cage for this?

Immediately, I bundled up all the receipts for the jewelry and bags I bought her and sent them over.

[Sorry, I'm actually supporting my sister-in-law.]

For a long time, there was no reply from her.

I shook Jeremy awake and showed him the messages Penny sent me.

His first words after reading them were, "Honey, Little Sis is still young. Don't take it to heart."

Alright, stop.

I gestured for him to keep quiet.

Seeing his reaction, I figured he wouldn't say anything sensible.

She was already a mother of two, and she was still considered young?

I lost it. "Either you call your sister and have her come over to apologize to me, or she can return all the gifts I gave her, converted to cash!"

"Otherwise, I'll take this to court!"

My husband was left speechless by my outburst.

He awkwardly replied, "We're all family. Why make things so extreme?"

"Does she consider me family?"

With no other option, he jokingly said, "Fine, I'll call. But you're really showing a ruthless side. You know Penny's struggling right now; where would she find the money to pay you back?"

I gave him a smack. "Why didn't she think about the consequences before speaking? Does she think you and your mom can protect her forever? Speaking recklessly will lead to big trouble sooner or later."

Reluctantly, Jeremy called his sister.

He went out to the balcony, and I followed.

Jeremy's tone was a mix of coaxing, reassurance, and a blend of firmness and gentleness.

My heart skipped a beat.

I suddenly realized this was exactly how Jeremy always spoke to me.

With a strong attitude, changing emotions to comfort me, saying things that were good for me, and finally forcing me to back down.

I forced myself to push down my discomfort, unwilling to dwell on it further.

For now, I needed to resolve the situation with Penny and my mother-in-law.

After more than half an hour, my husband came back.

He gave an OK gesture and fawningly said, "Don't worry, honey. Penny will come over to apologize to you tomorrow."

To be honest, I didn't know how Penny turned out this way.

She used to at least be civil on the surface, but now every encounter is filled with sarcasm.

If I wear a new outfit, she immediately looks me up and down, clicking her tongue, "Another new outfit, must have cost quite a bit, huh?"

Jeremy often tries to console me, "Penny didn't marry well; you should be more understanding."