After that, whenever Mrs. Shen spent even a penny on her family members, the two sisters-in-law would go to her brothers’ and sisters-in-law’s workplaces to create a scene, scaring them into never accepting Mrs. Shen’s subsidies again and even angrily severing ties with her.

Mrs. Shen lost her family, as if half her heart had been dug out, and at home, she was squeezed by her two daughters-in-law, living in great pain.

However, not long after, Shen Xiaomei was laid off.

Without a job, Shen Xiaomei completely became a nanny for her husband’s family, serving over a dozen people every day in every aspect.

After working for a month, Shen Xiaomei ran back to her parents’ home, crying and demanding that Mrs. Shen transfer her job to her, promising to give Mrs. Shen half of her salary every month.

Mrs. Shen felt sorry for her youngest daughter, so she agreed.

This matter was done behind the backs of the two daughters-in-law.

When Eldest Sister-in-law Shen and Second Madam Shen found out that their mother-in-law’s job was transferred to the married little sister-in-law, they went completely mad, pinned down Mrs. Shen, and gave her a harsh beating.

After that, the Shen sisters-in-law threw all the housework onto Mrs. Shen, treating her like a beast of burden, and two years later, Mr. Shen was also laid off.

Seeing that both father-in-law and mother-in-law were at home idle, the two sisters-in-law conspired and began clamoring for a family division.

Half of Mr. Shen’s layoff compensation was forcefully taken by the two sisters-in-law.

Upon learning that her father’s layoff compensation was divided among the two sisters-in-law but not given to her, Shen Xiaomei ran back to her parents’ home, crying and accusing her parents of favoritism, then refused to give half her salary to Mrs. Shen anymore.

Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen completely lost their source of income, their sons and daughters-in-law ignored them, leaving Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen in a state of panic.

"Mom, I’m not saying anything, but look at how well you treated those cousins over the years, giving them good food and clothes, you practically wanted to give them your heart. Now, you’re old, why not ask the cousins to support you? You treated them so well, surely they’ll be more than willing to support you as their aunt."

"Oh, and Xiaomei, she’s been married for a long time yet still comes back to ask for your job. Now that you are out of money, go ask Xiaomei; her salary should belong to you anyway. Xiaomei must also take care of your retirement, but don’t even think about asking us. We owe you nothing, and you’ve given us nothing."

Shen Xiaomei certainly wouldn’t take care of her parents in their old age; she wouldn’t accept these burdens, so Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen grew old without anyone to rely on.

Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen had to resort to picking up recyclables to sell for money to support themselves.

But six months later, Mr. Shen suffered a stroke, and Mrs. Shen had to take care of him. Now she couldn’t even collect recyclables, so she was forced to beg her sons and daughter, but her sons resented her, and her daughter said that daughters married away have no responsibility for their parent’s retirement; it’s the son’s responsibility.

Mrs. Shen also went to her family, seeking help from several nephews.

But they said, you have children; it’s not up to us to support you.

We have no obligation to support you.

Thus, Mrs. Shen met obstacles everywhere, ultimately having to appeal to the community office, where, through mediation, each Shen sibling paid Mr. Shen and Mrs. Shen ten yuan a month for retirement.

But a few years later, with rising prices, that paltry sum wasn’t even enough for porridge, yet the Shen siblings refused to give any more money.

Due to inadequate nutrition and poor care, Mr. Shen quickly passed away.

After Mr. Shen’s passing, Mrs. Shen sold the house, took the money, and went to a nursing home herself.

When the Shen sisters-in-law learned of this, they hurried to the nursing home to try to seize the money from the house sale, but Mrs. Shen held onto it tightly, refusing to give it to her daughters-in-law no matter what.

Shen Xiaomei came crying a few times, but also returned empty-handed.

Angered, the Shen siblings all ignored Mrs. Shen.

Mrs. Shen lived alone in loneliness, at the nursing home for over fifteen years before passing away.

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