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

Seeing Zuo Tingyi come home through the door, Zuo Tang came running and skipping toward him and tugged at his wrist.

"Did you miss me, big brother?" Zuo Tang looked up adorably.

A little bit of tenderness flashed in Zuo Tingyi's otherwise cold eyes. It seemed as though those past few days of being worn out had vanished. He smiled lightly, and rubbed Zuo Tang's little head, saying, "What happened today to make you so happy?"

I rode in Sister Phoenix's 'fiery mayfly' today. What fun! Such a nimble shuttle car, just like a fish, and it's beautiful!" Zuo Tang was so excited that she was almost jumping.

Zuo Tingyi didn't know what the fiery mayfly was, though he could make a guess. Seeing Zuo Tang so happy, those few days of gloom opened into sunshine. "Ha Ha, you like it that much? Would you like your big brother to get you one?"

Eight Million?