The younger Cao, disabled and embittered by what he perceived as his parents' favoritism, frequently exploited his elder brother, Lao Cao, and sister-in-law, Ah Zhi, with endless demands. He would show up at their doorstep asking for groceries or borrowing valuables, take over the spare bedroom without permission, pretend to need surgery to guilt them into giving him money, spend extravagantly on flashy new smartphones, and even harass Ah Zhi late at night. His behavior grew increasingly brazen—hiding her jewelry box as leverage to manipulate her, stealing their bankbook, and even wielding a knife to intimidate them.
Lao Cao's unwavering tolerance and enabling of his younger brother only exacerbated the tension within the household, driving Ah Zhi to the breaking point, where she ultimately chose divorce. As a desperate bargain to finally rid themselves of the younger Cao, Lao Cao and Ah Zhi agreed to divide their property equally as a painful compromise. Yet, karma soon caught up with him. The moment he stepped out of the house, debt collectors cornered him, forcing him to face the bitter consequences of his actions.
