That was indeed one of the core values of seeking out a fortune-teller.
Never mind whether the compliments had been bought with money—who did not enjoy hearing nice things?
One of the things he had most wanted confirmed on this trip had been stated so bluntly by Chie Kisaragi. Fu Qian was deeply satisfied at that moment.
Though for a second-rate diviner, it should have been impossible to infer that merely by reading his expressions, and there was no sign of Nepheli appearing to interfere with the result as he had expected.
The answer before him felt more like a straightforward analysis of the cards.
Fu Qian's gaze fell on the third card that had been turned over.
This was why professionals were professionals. Compared to the others, this pattern was far more abstract—because there was no pattern at all.
"I get it. This is called a blank tile, so what does it represent?"
Still, Fu Qian was quite willing to communicate, immediately offering his own opinion.
"We generally prefer to call it Lesser Formless..."
Though Fu Qian's name for it was fitting, Chie Kisaragi's expression stiffened slightly as she carefully corrected him.
"Its meaning is not always negative, but in relation to what you asked, it cannot be considered good news... because this card's position was meant to represent the obstacle preventing you and that old acquaintance from meeting again."
Without waiting for Fu Qian to ask, she continued with a detailed analysis.
"So you mean there is no obstacle now?"
That did sound rather interesting. Fu Qian interpreted her logic with great abandon.
"Yes. It was from that point that I concluded your old acquaintance is still alive. But judging from the outcome, there is absolutely no possibility of meeting again, so..."
Chie Kisaragi had finally explained the