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

They couldn't kill Qiu Shanyu, nor could they leave her out of sight; there was no guarantee she wouldn't stab them suddenly. After thinking for a while, Chen Mu decided to give her a pill Wei-ah had made, but he didn't mention the pill's function. He was surprised when she simply swallowed it without even asking what it was for.

Looking at Qiu Shanyu swallowing the pill without so much as a frown, Chen Mu was awe-struck. Although it wasn't the first time he'd had to deal with her, seeing her make that decision without hesitation made him much more cautious of her.

As if she'd done something ordinary, Qiu Shanyu asked Chen Mu calmly, "What else do you need me to do?"

Looking at her profoundly, Chen Mu said, "Let's go."

She is Just a Monkey