Sang's mom began hallucinating, setting an extra place at the dinner table and talking to an empty chair as if Niuniu was still present. This behavior intensified over time, leading to her running out of the house screaming that Niuniu was calling her.
Niuniu was trafficked and sold for $491 to a family in a remote town. She was forced to live with them, initially fearing she was bought as a bride for her adoptive father, who was deaf and nonverbal. Over time, her adoptive father protected her, and they developed a father-daughter relationship.
Niuniu used social media to share her story, asking for help in finding her family. A woman claiming to be her cousin reached out, and after verifying details, Niuniu spoke with her sister, confirming their shared memories and family history.
Niuniu's parents died two years after her kidnapping, both succumbing to depression. Her father, who had become an alcoholic, ingested rat poison, and her mother lost her mind, eventually passing away as well.
Niuniu became famous on social media, which helped the police take her case seriously. She identified her trafficker, Hwa, through photo lineups and testified in court, leading to Hwa's arrest and eventual sentencing to death for trafficking multiple children, including Niuniu.
Hwa was sentenced to death twice, first in 2023 and then again in a retrial after it was discovered she had trafficked 17 children, not just 11. Her execution is expected within seven days of the death warrant being signed.
Initially, Mr. Lee was angry at his mother for buying Niuniu, but he eventually protected her and treated her like his own child. Despite his disabilities, he showed her kindness, sneaking her money and food, and they maintained a relationship even after she left the family home.
Niuniu's sister, Sang, was left orphaned at 10 years old after their parents died. She struggled with guilt for not stopping Niuniu from leaving with the neighbor and faced a difficult life, working at a young age and being labeled a jinx by the village.
Niuniu's social media fame brought attention to her story, making the police more proactive in investigating her case. It also helped other victims of Hwa come forward, leading to a larger case against the trafficker.
Niuniu has reopened her beauty salon, which she has registered as a blood collection spot for DNA testing to help others find their families. She also gives speeches to raise awareness about human trafficking and its prevention.
Sang’s mom is haunted. Everyone has their own explanations for it but it’s that simple.
Every time she sets the dinner table - she stares at the empty seat. Sometimes smiling, sometimes pouting, but always as if someone is sitting there.
Sang would ask -
“Mom, is everything alright?”
“Just make sure to save some of the meat for Niuniu - you know that’s her favorite.”
Sang’s mom would motion at the empty chair and smile.
The haunting started when Niuniu, Sang’s little sister, went missing. Nobody knew what happened to her other than the fact that she received a creepy doll with moving eyes shortly before she went missing.
26 years later Niuniu would come back to tell everyone the truth. She was kidnapped, trafficked, and sold. After 26 years she was coming back to kill her trafficker. Get her revenge.
Full Source Notes: rottenmangopodcast.com
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