"This old woman and her family are so pitiful. Boss, please stop cheating them and just return the money."
"Yes, yes. Heaven is watching what people do. If you lack conscience in business, it won't end well."
Ye Jiujiu glanced at the surrounding crowd, many of whom were recording with their phones, clearly attempting moral coercion. She nodded thoughtfully.
"What you're saying makes sense. Their family is indeed pitiful. So why don't all of you donate some money to help them?"
One of the loudest, greasiest men scoffed. "Boss, are you crazy? You're the one ripping people off, and you expect us to donate? We're not here to do charity."
"Oh?" Ye Jiujiu chuckled lightly. "So according to you, I opened this restaurant to run a charity?"
Her voice drifted clearly into Zhang Xin's ears. Standing close by, Zhang Xin felt her ears burn with shame, wishing she could dig a hole and hide in it.
"You're not the same as us," someone retorted. "You're the boss. Can't you be a little more generous?"
"So you're quite skilled at moral blackmail, huh?" Ye Jiujiu said flatly.
The other onlookers wanted to argue, but Ye Jiujiu ignored them entirely. She turned around and went back into the restaurant.
Zhang Xin stared blankly at the boss's retreating figure, then at her mother-in-law still crying on the ground. Her mind buzzed loudly, leaving her feeling helpless and lost.
Lele's mother, also a daughter-in-law herself, glanced at Zhang Xin sympathetically and said with a mocking smile,
"Don't worry, Auntie. These kind uncles and aunties here will surely help your granddaughter get medical treatment. Everyone can donate a bit—"
Before she could finish, the people who had been so eager to watch the drama moments ago immediately scattered.
"I still have food on the stove at home."
"I need to rush back to cook."
In the blink of an eye, the alley emptied out, so fast that even Old Madam Ma, still sitting on the ground and preparing to continue her performance, was left completely stunned.
Looking at the now-empty alley, Zhang Xin felt an inexplicable sense of relief. She steadied herself, walked over, and helped her mother-in-law up.
"Mom, let's go home first."
As soon as she stood up, Old Madam Ma shoved her away.
"You stay at home all day without earning a single cent and just know how to spend money! Do you have any idea how hard my son works outside? You don't earn a penny, yet you dare spend over two hundred yuan on one meal!"
"Other people's daughters-in-law are capable and fertile. Yet my son married a useless spendthrift like you. I should've agreed to let him marry his ex-girlfriend back then!"
Zhang Xin was pushed and fell heavily to the ground.
Her eyes instantly reddened.
She had little education. By chance, she met her husband—who had a college degree—through a blind date. After marriage, she gave birth to a daughter, but the child was premature and weak, requiring constant care. Her parents-in-law refused to help, leaving her no choice but to stay home and take care of the child.
All household expenses relied solely on her husband's income, something her mother-in-law deeply resented.
She was scolded for buying daily necessities online.
Scolded for buying shoes for her daughter.
Scolded for buying beef to nourish her child.
Even spending a few dozen yuan more than usual became a crime.
Believing her unemployment was due to her low education, Zhang Xin endured everything in silence, thinking that once her daughter entered kindergarten, she could find work and contribute financially.
She never imagined her mother-in-law's resentment ran so deep.
Her whole body trembled with anger, yet she couldn't force out a single word.
Grandma Yang, who hadn't left yet, hurried over and helped her up.
"Are you alright?"
Zhang Xin shook her head. "Thank you."
She quickly chased after her mother-in-law, who had already walked far ahead.
Watching her receding figure, Grandma Yang sighed softly.
Every family had its own unspeakable troubles.
---
After Ye Jiujiu returned to the restaurant, Gao Yuan followed her inside.
"Boss, don't bother with that unreasonable old woman. It's not worth ruining your mood."
Ye Jiujiu: "?"
Gao Yuan laughed awkwardly. "You need a good mood to cook good food."
Ye Jiujiu: "..."
She suddenly had the urge to kick him out.
Lele's mother said kindly, "Boss, don't be angry over people like that. It's really not worth it."
"Boss, this is partially our fault," Grandma Yang said apologetically as she entered with her granddaughter. "Yesterday after lunch, we ran into several neighbors and mentioned Yueyue's appetite improving. That daughter-in-law kept asking for your address, and it led to today's incident."
"It's not your fault," Ye Jiujiu replied calmly. "That old lady is the problem."
She could tell at a glance that Old Madam Ma was not an easy person to deal with, and that young woman must have been suffering for a long time.
"That old woman is famous in the neighborhood for being fierce," Grandma Yang sighed. "I often hear her scolding her daughter-in-law over just a few cents. If we hadn't spoken too much, you wouldn't have been dragged into this mess."
"It's nothing," Ye Jiujiu said. "Thank you for speaking up earlier. What would you like to eat today? It's on me."
"No, no, no," Lele's mother waved her hands. "We only told the truth."
She paused, then smiled.
"Actually, today's visit was just a coincidence. My son just got his report card and started summer vacation. He insisted on coming here right after leaving kindergarten."
As she spoke, she suddenly looked around.
"Eh? Where's Lele?"
"He was just here," Grandma Yang said, then realized something was wrong. "Where's Yueyue?"
Knowing that nothing dangerous could happen inside the restaurant, Ye Jiujiu turned to get her phone and check the surveillance footage.
But before she could take two steps, a terrified scream echoed from the kitchen.
"Ahhh—help!"
Ye Jiujiu rushed in.
The next second, she saw a huge octopus firmly stuck on the chubby boy's head.