Da Tian Ting stood lost outside the hospital. She didnt know what life road to take. She looked for her phone, and remembered she left it at work so she couldnt call a friend.

Da Tian Ting didnt have anywhere to walk to except back to her uncles home.

Da Tian Ting stood in front of her uncles home, and hesitated to knock on the door. When she turned around, Da Ming Sheng opened the door. Da Ming Sheng acted surprised to see her.

Dad, mum, Da Ming Sheng called. Big sister is home.

Tian Ting, youre home, Da Qing Feng said. He held Da Tian Tings hand, and took her inside. Its good youre home. Its the first time you went out all night, and you didnt answer your phone. Uncle was worried about you.

Uncle, Im OK, Da Tian Ting said.

Da Tian Ting ignored Shang Duan Hua. She didnt want to see him, because she couldnt forgive his betrayal. She didnt know how she would cope without him. But the way he casually read the newspaper like nothing happened made her furious. He didnt bother to greet her let alone apologise to her. Was his heart made out of stone? How could he pretend like ten years meant nothing?

Da Tian Ting still hoped Shang Duan Hua came to her uncles home to apologise.

Why did you come here today? Da Tian Ting asked.

Shang Duan Hua put the newspaper down, he stood and smiled at Da Ming Sheng.

Im here to see someone, Shang Duan Hua said.

Da Tian Ting understood why Shang Duan Hua came to her uncles home. It was another stab to her heart. She knew she should let go, because she didnt want to be a third party in anyones relationship.

Tian Ting, whats wrong? Da Qing Feng asked.

Da Qing Feng thought Shang Duan Hua came to his home to look for Da Tian Ting. He was shocked Shang Duan Hua came to his home for another reason.

Uncle, thank you for taking care of me for the last ten years, Da Tian Ting said. Today Im going to move out. Uncle, dont worry about me. Im old enough to take care of myself. Uncle, Ill come to Ming Sheng and Duan Huas wedding to wish them happiness.

Da Tian Ting forced herself to smile and pretend she wasnt hurting. Then she walked to her bedroom and packed. She chose to leave, because she wanted to let go.

Shang Duan Hua didnt want to marry Da Tian Ting. Hurting her was the only way he would be free to start a new life.

***

End of Chapter Nine