My heart skipped a beat. I studied the diviner carefully.
He looked no different from when I'd seen him in the dream last time. His skin was pale, and dark circles ringed his eyes. But he might have been in that poor state of health for a long time. That wasn't proof that something was wrong with him.
Wu Qiren braced both hands on the table and lowered his head to ask the diviner, "Is this as far as you can see? You can't figure out Shanshan's exact whereabouts? And... her..."
Wu Qiren's lips trembled twice, but his voice caught in his throat.
The diviner raised his head and met Wu Qiren's gaze. "I divined it when she went missing. I also divined it before setting out."
Wu Qiren stared at the diviner, eyes wide.
"Give up." The diviner's lips moved, and he uttered three words.
Wu Qiren's fingers nearly dug into the tabletop. "What do you mean?"
He asked with difficulty. After getting the words out once, he seemed to find it easier to speak, so he repeated himself. "What do you mean?"
The diviner didn't answer. He lowered his head and put away the tarot cards.
Wu Qiren reached out and grabbed the diviner by the collar.
Liu Liangwang hurried to his feet and held Wu Qiren back.
"What the hell do you mean?!" Wu Qiren shouted, his voice hoarse.
The diviner tilted his head back. "Exactly what you think I mean."
Wu Qiren began to tremble all over.
"You'd guessed it long ago, too. Otherwise, you could've asked me at any time," the diviner said calmly.
Wu Qiren raised his other hand, as if he wanted to throw a punch.
Liu Liangwang hurried to stop him.
"Wu Qiren, calm down! Calm down... Shanshan... This thing with Shanshan..."