Tian Guicang's words sent a chill through Tian Aixiang's heart. She stared at him for a long moment without speaking. Tian Guicang pressed his lips together, muttered, "You're on your own," and quickly retreated back into the courtyard.
Tan Jinni sneered triumphantly at Tian Aixiang. "You saw your brother's attitude," she said. "Listen up. You have nothing to do with our old Tian family anymore. If you have any shame, you'll leave right now. You should think about it—you're a woman who's been locked up. Who would want you around? Hmph."
Tan Jinni scoffed at Tian Aixiang, spat on the ground, then turned and went back into the courtyard, shutting the gate with a SLAM.
Staring at the gate that had been closed in her face, Tian Aixiang felt dizzy and overwhelmed. She knew she could never go back to her family home. Clutching her bundle, she walked away, lost and dejected, toward the outskirts of the village.
