My immigrant parents demanded I pay my unemployed cousin $67,000 because my success made him "depressed" – then the truth emerged.
Part 1
💰 **My immigrant parents demanded I pay my unemployed cousin $67,000 because my success made him “depressed” — then the truth emerged.**
I just returned from signing a major deal for my startup, fresh off negotiating with investors in New York.
That same evening, at a quiet family dinner, my parents demanded I hand over $67,000 of my hard-earned money to my unemployed cousin.
They argued my success had made him profoundly depressed, and I had a responsibility to “level the playing field” to maintain family harmony.
Everyone else at the table nodded in agreement, their eyes heavy with judgment, suggesting my refusal would bring immense shame upon us all.
My parents’ words echoed in the suddenly silent dining room. The demand felt like a physical blow after the triumph of my deal.
“Sixty-seven thousand dollars?” I asked, my voice barely a whisper. “For Kai Liu?”
Mei Chen, my mother, nodded slowly, her face stern. Wei Chen, my father, watched me with an unyielding gaze.
“It is for family harmony, Elara,” he said. “Your success has burdened him.”
Auntie Li and Uncle Ben exchanged knowing looks. Their silent agreement amplified the pressure, making my refusal feel like a betrayal.
I looked at Kai, slumped in his chair, seemingly dejected. Yet, I saw no true depression in his eyes. Something was terribly wrong with this picture.
Later that evening, the house was quiet except for the distant hum of traffic. I walked past the study when I heard a hushed voice inside.
It was Kai Liu on the phone, his tone low but unmistakably animated.
“Yes, the new investment opportunity… just need the capital.”
He chuckled, a sound full of excitement, not despair. “Sixty-seven large should cover it nicely. Smooth as silk.”
My stomach dropped. Kai wasn’t depressed at all; he was orchestrating something, and my success was merely a tool for his next scheme. But what exactly was this “investment opportunity”?
Part 2
The next morning, my mother, Mei Chen, confronted me in the kitchen. Her face was tight with worry.
“Elara, you must reconsider this,” she pleaded, her voice low. “Think of the family.”
I looked at her, trying to understand. “But he’s not truly depressed, Mama. I heard him on the phone, he’s planning something.”
Mei sighed, her shoulders slumping. “I know, Elara. We know he isn’t actually depressed.”
My blood ran cold. She paused, then continued, “But your success, it shines too brightly. It makes Kai’s situation look worse, and that brings shame to us. This money would appease the gossip in the community.”
My breath caught in my throat. My parents weren’t just manipulated; they were actively enabling a lie for appearances. How deep did this deceit truly go?
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