On the second day of the Lunar New Year, traditionally a day for married women to visit their natal families, Xie Chengyuan should have accompanied Ren Jiao back to her mother's home in Donghai.
However, several of his colleagues in the city suddenly proposed a gathering with their families. The instigator, being Xie Chengyuan's direct superior, specifically named him, insisting he bring his wife and child along for everyone to meet.
Despite repeated attempts to decline, Xie Chengyuan could not defy his superior and reluctantly agreed.
Ren Jiao, who had risen to her position in disgrace as the third party in an affair, had never been permitted to appear at Xie Chengyuan's workplace since their marriage. During festive occasions, when the office held celebrations, other colleagues would bring their wives and children, filling the atmosphere with warmth. Only Xie Chengyuan remained solitary.