One day, disaster struck. RJ's company announced a major restructuring, and he found himself out of a job. Eng's parents were visiting from out of town, and Lolibaba was, of course, over for dinner. As RJ broke the news to her, Lolibaba's expression turned from concerned to downright disapproving.

RJ would often look back on that difficult period and realize that it had been a blessing in disguise. It had forced him to grow, to find his own identity, and to build a stronger relationship with Eng. And as for Lolibaba, well, she had finally found a way to be a loving mother-in-law, one who respected RJ's boundaries and appreciated his love for Eng.

RJ felt a surge of anger, but Eng quickly intervened, scolding her mother for being so harsh. The tension in the room was palpable.

The three of them would often sit down for dinner, laughing and talking like one big, happy family. And RJ would think to himself, "This is what it means to truly live with love and understanding."