Fang Xiang

This is both a work of science fiction and an exploration of the meaning of life, love, literature and art. Brainpower is no longer the main ingredient for being human in this far distant future world.  Spirituality, physical balance, and diligence all come together as integrity for Chen Mu, the Card Apprentice.  The cards which Chen Mu masters in his own scrappy way, distill all the powers of the cosmos –  human and nonhuman –  into something that is not a book, not technology, and neither art nor magic, but is these and more.  Learn about these strange cards, which can embody everything you might imagine for the future of technology, but also a future beyond technology which promotes the best, and sometimes the worst, from mankind’s past.

The Card Apprentice

Stunned to see the excited Chen Mu, Copper poked some fun, "I hardly see you so positive as this," then clucking his cheek, "Is it a girl?" although he immediately felt the absurdity of talking like that, "You blockhead, I guess there isn't any girl who would look at you."

The ridiculous smile that Chen Mu gave Copper showed that he didn't mind. Girls? He had never considered it. He knew that he and Copper had the same attitude on that point. How would a couple of poor kids like them ever attract any girls' favor?

Although Chen Mu was anxious to be able to sell the play right away, he still hadn't gotten into the situation with Copper, and Copper could handle those things himself.

After not more than a half hour, Copper returned and before he even entered the door was heard to excitedly shout, "Blockhead, Blockhead! Get to work! Get to work! Ha! We've hit it again!"

A Conjecture?