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

He hadn't thought he would run into Cleo, the second son of the Lewin family—yet another person he knew. Cleo's attitude was entirely different from before.

The fatty wasn't interested in Cleo but just raised the juice glass in his hand to say, "Young Lord Cleo," and said nothing else. Chen Mu also nodded to him. "Young Lord Cleo."

Cleo didn't seem to mind such treatment and faced the two eagerly. "I never thought I would see Mr. Cao here, which is quite a surprise. It will be Cleo's coming of age ceremony in a few days. Would Mr. Yang An and Mr. Cao be able to come?"

Coming of age ceremony? Chen Mu wasn't sure what that meant, but he wasn't much interested in the Lewin family. The eagerness in Cleo's eyes also made him feel a little uncomfortable, so he shook his head. "I'm very sorry, but I'm busy." Then, he closed his mouth. The fatty's response was still more direct. "I'm busy as well; sorry, Young Lord Cleo."

Wei-ah Returns