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

Chen Mu took a look around as he sat in the shuttle car before pulling back his gaze. Even given his pitifully limited experience, he was able to tell how luxurious the shuttle car was. That one had a lot more room compared to a two-person shuttle car. It was spacious enough for Chen Mu to even stand up without worrying that his head would hit the roof.

Its huge body—to the point of being bloated—meant its speed would be slower, though that was a small issue. To be a little slower was safer, as well as smoother and more comfortable. It suited the taste of wealthy people, who were after pleasure.

The shuttle car had been sent by the Central Island Firm to pick him up to attend the banquet. The youth named Fei, who'd brought over the invitation, was seated next to the driver. He was called Fei Zheng. Fei Zheng was respectful enough, though he didn't talk much. That was the way Chen Mu liked it, so he simply shut his eyes as though he were sleeping.

The Banquet (I)