I don't know how long I walked. Meng Li's weeping still seemed to echo in my ears, stabbing at my heart like needles. The setting sun dyed half the sky red, yet I could not feel a shred of warmth. Leaving the Wu Family and leaving Meng Li felt as though my very roots had been violently severed. I wandered aimlessly across the wilderness, having no idea where my true home might be.
The chilling night wind pierced my thin garments. I trembled from the cold, utterly unable to spark a fire. The taste of failure was like chewing wax in my mouth—bitter and agonizing to bear. Was I really going to slink back in disgrace like this? But what good would going back do anyway? What face did I have left to look upon Meng Li and everyone in the Wu Family?
"You brat, what are you hiding out here for?" A familiar voice rang out from behind. I whipped my head around to see Father, Kong Fang, standing not far away, holding a roasted chicken and a jar of wine.
Chapter 47