On the dining table, memories of food are often linked to the past, particularly connected to the memories of the women in the last generation, primarily Michelle's mother.
Michelle 's mother had a difficult life, facing inequality and maltreatment due to traditional gender biases since childhood. After marriage, she endured mistreatment from her mother-in-law, which led her to become exceptionally hardworking for the sake of survival.
Most mothers taught their daughters to become a good wife, yet there were a few rare instances where, due to their own troubled marriages, they advised their daughters against marrying.
Towards the end, Michelle Chen expresses her views on the generational differences in women's family responsibilities.
