Both Joseph and I grew up in an orphanage. He had always been determined to make something of himself, and I supported him in his entrepreneurial journey. I endured the difficulties and injustices at work, keeping us afloat with my meager salary.

I had a lively, outgoing personality, and I could handle my liquor. So in the beginning, many of Joseph's businesses were made possible by me shedding my face and accompanying him to socialize and drink. But I drank so much that I severely damaged my stomach, eventually having two-thirds of it removed.

When the company was finally taking shape, Joseph became a target for competitors. To save him,...