The Dependents

"Actually, I haven't been here for very long."

Though she didn't know what Lady liked to do, Su Gao clearly wasn't going to turn down Fu Qian's suggestion.

As they strolled out together, Fu Qian chatted casually along the way.

"But as I remember it, there's a legend about this place, Xidào."

"What story?"

Su Gao asked, playing along.

"It's about a hero. The gist is that one day, a flash flood broke out. To protect the villages downstream, the brave Mr. Banana leaped into the water and used his proud muscles to hold back the flood, saving many people. In the end, his tale was passed down far and wide."

"That can't be true..."

It was rare to see Su Gao make such a speechless expression, even if she was wearing a different face.

Watching this, Fu Qian couldn't help but feel a flicker of understanding for her mother, the genius behind those fairy tales.

Back when she'd been in dire straits, had she also spun tales like this while enjoying her daughter's reactions?

"But even if it isn't true, at least it's a kind story."

It seemed Su Gao had made the same connection. Before Fu Qian could say anything, she answered herself, as if lost in some distant memory.

"So this is the place?"

Not long afterward, Su Gao looked at the fortune-telling hut in front of them, then turned to confirm with Fu Qian.

"That's right. Isn't fortune-telling a favorite pastime of ladies?"

Fu Qian gestured for her to go inside.

"The fortune-teller here is fairly good at reading people, but not very skilled at her actual job."

"Mr. Dancy, long time no see."

The fortune-telling hut was always dimly lit.

Chie Kisaragi sat there in her dark robe. As soon as she saw the