Section One: Living by Cards

Four years ago, Chen Mu was a homeless wanderer. One day, he encountered a card maker, a card maker who was already on the brink of death. He exchanged five months' worth of accumulated rations for seven more days of the card maker's life. During these seven days, he learned a skill: the production of one-star energy cards. After the card maker passed away, he left no relics behind, and Chen Mu buried him in the wilderness. To this day, he still does not know the name of the card maker, but his fate began to change from that moment on

Uncle Hua also knew Chen Mu's temperament, so he did not waste any words and directly asked: "Do you need cash or a bank transfer, Mu?"

Passing by the back gate of Dongwei Academy, Chen Mu had walked this path for three years. Yet, each time he saw the students coming and going in groups, an inexplicable emotion would rise within him. Regaining his composure, Chen Mu quickly walked towards a small shop beside the academy. The shop was named "Dongwei Grocery Store"—there were at least twenty similar shops with the same name around Dongwei Academy. For three years, Chen Mu had visited this shop every day, rain or shine, without fail. However, he did not come here to buy things; on the contrary, he was here to sell.

"Hmm, Uncle Hua," he replied to the shopkeeper. Uncle Hua, the shopkeeper, is an elderly man around fifty years old, with the unmistakable marks of time etched upon him. Fine wrinkles, graying hair, and a pair of reading glasses perched on his nose.

He set aside the energy card and continued to focus on sorting through them. The number of one-star energy cards was simply overwhelming, yet Chen Mu meticulously checked each one without losing patience. His speed was remarkable; he could almost determine whether a card was what he wanted just by lightly brushing his hand over the one-star energy cards.

As soon as he entered, the shopkeeper noticed and greeted, "Ah Mu has arrived!"

Damn it, the energy is depleted again! Chen Mu muttered a few words, casually drew an energy card from the pile, and then gently pressed it against his right wrist. The device worn on his right wrist emitted a bright beam of light. With the help of the beam, Chen Mu cautiously made his way to the corner of the room; it was too messy, and he did not want to knock anything over. On the wall in the corner of the room, there was a square instrument, and below it was a slot. Chen Mu inserted the energy card in his hand into the slot of the instrument.

Chen Mu's room is quite small, measuring less than 40 square meters. It contains a somewhat worn work desk. Aside from the relatively clean surface of the desk, the rest of the room is cluttered with piles of miscellaneous items. These items are diverse, including stacks of old books and various scattered materials.

Chen Mu crouched down by the books and began to categorize the stacked old cards. There were many types of cards, including energy cards, item cards, and figurative cards, and some even included relatively rare plant and animal cards. However, without exception, all the cards here were useless, and what Chen Mu needed to do was to sort these cards into categories.

Chen Mu flipped his wrist and tossed a card to Xiao Hei, saying, "Here, this card can still be used for a while." This two-star energy card still contained at least half of its energy, and Chen Mu couldn't understand why its original owner would waste it so. The capacity of a two-star energy card is one thousand, which means it still has about five hundred units of energy left

Three years ago, he had just learned to make energy cards and went around selling them, but very few showed interest, and no merchants were willing to purchase. The quantity required for a one-star energy card is quite large, and merchants prefer to buy in bulk at once. However, Chen Mu could only produce a maximum of thirty cards in a day, which is merely a negligible amount for merchants.

The blade-like pen tip glides gently across a slate-gray card. Delicate blue lines flow smoothly from the tip of the pen. On the palm-sized card, the light blue lines continue to increase, gradually forming a complex and intricate pattern that becomes increasingly perfect with the movement of the pen tip

Three years have passed since then. During these three years, he focused solely on producing one type of card—the one-star energy card. By the second year, he had managed to control the cost to ninety-seven Oudi. Although it was only a one Oudi difference, it was a significant encouragement for him. In addition to producing energy cards, he devoted all his time to researching ways to reduce costs.

Since then, he set aside this temporarily lofty goal and began to focus on the most fundamental theoretical studies. No matter how exhausting his work was each day, he would always carve out time to learn this tedious knowledge

At 5 PM, Chen Mu finally completed his work for the day—twenty-five energy cards. He carefully counted the number of cards, counting twice to ensure there were no errors. Only after confirming the count was correct did he carefully place the energy cards into the card holder in his clothing.

After crossing two streets and walking for approximately twenty minutes, he arrived at a second-hand card recycling station.

Chen Mu Zhao's little black nodded slightly, but there was still a hint of numbness on his face

However, when Chen Mu said he did not want any payment, Xiao Hei finally agreed. Of course, Chen Mu still received compensation; he usually selected a few discarded cards to take with him as his payment. Sometimes, Chen Mu would also pick out a few unused energy cards from the pile of waste. Xiao Hei calculated that each month, he saved a significant amount on this. Yet, regarding the taciturn Chen Mu, he couldn't help but feel a bit curious about how this guy knew there was still residual energy in these cards.

Chen Mu still intended to attend the training class to find out what was being taught. Card production is one of the most profound subjects, and for so many years, he had not given up on self-study, yet the results were minimal. It was not until last year that he finally understood what the issue was. His foundation was simply too weak; after more than ten years of a wandering life, he had not received any formal education.

All of this stems from his familiarity with the one-star energy card. This familiarity has been cultivated over three years of continuous production, allowing him to determine whether a card is indeed a one-star energy card and whether it matches the structure he has encountered before, without even needing to look at it. He is so familiar with them that he knows every detail.

Looking at the one-star energy card in hand, from the surface pattern, it is a one-star energy card of a new structure that Chen Mu has never encountered before.

Chen Mu casually placed it among a pile of cards stacked on the table. His movements were skilled and natural, showing no signs of hesitation. Even after completing this card, his expression remained focused as ever; he had only finished 15 cards so far, leaving a deficit of 10 cards to complete today's task. He was currently working on a one-star energy card, which, as the lowest level of energy card, is one of the most widely used and consumed cards at present. At that moment, the room was suddenly plunged into darkness. He was currently working on a one-star energy card, which, as the lowest level of energy card, is one of the most widely used and consumed cards at present. At that moment, the room was suddenly plunged into darkness.

As soon as the energy card was inserted into the slot, the room was filled with light. The display showed the number one hundred. Unexpectedly, the energy was depleted, indicating that today's task would require an additional card. Returning to his desk, Chen Mu quickly immersed himself in his work; all his sources of livelihood depended on these rudimentary cards. Since he learned to make these energy cards three years ago, he had never missed a day of his daily workload of twenty-five cards.

Twenty-five energy cards every day, he has not missed a single day

Every card maker can produce a one-star energy card, yet few are aware of the price differences involved, and even those who do rarely consider it. The one-star energy card is one of the simplest cards, fully capable of being produced industrially. Even a master card maker can only create at most twenty to thirty energy cards in a day, which is a pitifully small output. Moreover, for card makers, the money earned from the price difference is so trivial that they wouldn't even bother to pick it up if it fell on the ground. However, for Chen Mu, this money is sufficient for him to have enough to eat.

Looking at the kindly face of Uncle Hua from wwwhetushucomcom, Chen Mu couldn't help but feel a surge of emotion. He knew how much this elderly man had helped him over the years. If it weren't for him, Chen Mu believed that the life he currently had would also be equally unattainable.

Although the price of 103 Oudi is lower than the wholesale price of 105, Chen Mu feels enveloped by immense joy. He sold all the energy cards he had, purchased the cheapest food, and used the remaining money to buy materials for energy cards.

He successfully produced eight cards for the first time, nearly incurring a loss of 200 Oudi, yet this gave him a glimpse of hope. However, what he did not expect was that he faced obstacles while promoting the energy cards. The merchants showed no interest whatsoever in the few energy cards he had in hand. He ran around for an entire day without eating, and at eight o'clock in the evening, he stepped into Uncle Hua's shop. As he entered the store, his legs were trembling; having not eaten a single grain all day, he was on the verge of fainting.

"Hey, buddy, I'm here!" greeted a thin, bald man named Xiao Hei, who is also the owner of this acquisition station. Every Saturday and Sunday night, Chen Mu comes here to work for three hours.

His three years of production experience have given him a unique understanding of these most ordinary and basic cards. There is not just one method for producing a one-star energy card; Chen Mu has already collected twelve different structures of one-star energy cards. The diverse structures of these one-star energy cards have greatly inspired Chen Mu, and it is precisely because he has borrowed some techniques from these cards that he has successfully reduced the production cost of a one-star energy card to 95 Oudi. However, such good fortune does not come every day; so far, he has only managed to collect twelve cards.

Xiao Hei had long been accustomed to Chen Mu's demeanor. When Chen Mu first came here seeking short-term work, Xiao Hei initially refused. This collection station had been managed solely by his father since its inception, and it continued to be managed by him alone.

Chen Mu's gaze was intently fixed on the card, his breathing slow and gentle, as if afraid to disturb something. Upon closer inspection, one could notice that his right arm had not moved an inch throughout; only his wrist was in motion. His right wrist was as agile as a snake, supple and seemingly boneless. With a gentle twist of the pen tip, an elegant arc appeared on the card. Suddenly, the pen tip came to a heavy stop, altering the previous lightness, and then swiftly executed a sharp side hook, the pen tip cutting like a blade! The pattern on the card suddenly brightened, only to quickly fade back to normal.

Chen Mu stopped in his tracks, turned around, and looked at Uncle Hua with a hint of surprise: "Is there anything else, Uncle Hua?"

However, today's luck seems to be quite good

The fingers that had brushed past the edge of the card suddenly came to a stop

Stepping onto the street, the night had gradually deepened. The colorful lights in the night were captivating, and the occasional fireworks from the tail of a passing shuttle left behind fleeting, brilliant trails. Chen Mu slightly tightened his coat and looked up at the sky. The chill was intensifying; it seemed that winter was approaching. With no extra thoughts to lament the passage of time, Chen Mu was merely calculating in his mind that heating for winter would add another expense.

This card

Hire someone? Xiao Hei cannot afford that wage

Uncle Hua suddenly called out to Chen Mu: "A Mu, wait a moment."

Training courses, especially those for card makers, are among the most prevalent types of training programs today. They often boast extravagant advertisements, such as this certificate stating "Dongwei Academy recognizes the qualifications" and "Dongwei Academy's senior card-making authority personally instructs," yet the reality of what is offered is all too clear. The organization hosting this training course has only a tenuous connection to Dongwei Academy, as it must pay a fee to Dongwei Academy each time, serving as the cost for maintaining this nominally "jointly organized" status. They often boast extravagant advertisements, such as this certificate stating "Dongwei Academy recognizes the qualifications" and "Dongwei Academy's senior card-making authority personally instructs," yet the reality of what is offered is all too clear. The organization hosting this training course has only a tenuous connection to Dongwei Academy, as it must pay a fee to Dongwei Academy each time, serving as the cost for maintaining this nominally "jointly organized" status

Chen Mu smiled faintly but did not respond. He knew that Uncle Hua's words were likely meant as a joke. The one-star energy card is the cheapest type of energy card, yet it is also one of the most consumed cards. Moreover, given that this place is near the Dongwei Academy, how could it possibly sell only twenty-five energy cards in a day?

In this humble place, Chen Mu has lived for three whole years. This is a relief housing provided specifically by the federal government, and for a small room like this, one only needs to pay 150 Oudi per month to reside here. For the poor like Chen Mu, there is truly no cheaper place than this. Moreover, in his view, his situation is already quite good; he has even seen families of four crammed into rooms of the same size

He spent a year doing his utmost to take on short-term jobs, during which he worked six different short-term jobs. That year, he was twelve years old. In that same year, he finally saved a small amount, one thousand Oudi. He used all of this one thousand Oudi to purchase the materials needed to create energy cards. The card maker had once told him that the wholesale price of a one-star energy card in the market was one hundred and five Oudi, the uniform retail price was one hundred and ten Oudi, while its cost was only ninety-eight Oudi

Since then, Chen Mu's life has finally stabilized

This is today's shipment. Chen Mu carefully took out the card pack from his pocket, pulled out a stack of energy cards, and handed them to the shopkeeper: "Twenty-five cards"

Coming to his senses, Chen Mu smiled at Uncle Hua and said, "Thank you, Uncle Hua!" He took the lecture certificate and carefully placed it into the cardholder in his pocket

Hehe, thank you, Brother Chen! Little Black looked at the two-star energy card in his hand, his eyes and brows filled with joy. He hurriedly ran to the energy measurement device, inserted the card, and when he saw the number "523" lit up on the screen, Little Black's face was almost squished together with laughter.

For a young man with no foundation whatsoever, self-studying the notoriously complex art of card-making is undoubtedly a formidable challenge. However, he has no doubts about his intelligence, believing that he can learn to create a one-star energy card solely through memory within a week. The card master of that time had once praised his talent highly.

The work is progressing quickly, and it is evident that he is very familiar with this task

After bidding farewell to Uncle Hua, Chen Mu walked south along a narrow alley. Today is Saturday, and he has another task to complete.

However, ever since then, every time he saw Chen Mu, he would be all smiles.

Uncle Hua took the card from Chen Mu's hand, placed it on the shelf without even looking at it, and smiled as he said, "Fortunately, you, A Mu, keep sending cards; otherwise, I would be running low on supplies here"

"Transfer." Chen Mu replied succinctly, and after finishing, he handed a light green Dika that he had already prepared to Uncle Hua. After settling the account, Chen Mu bid farewell to Uncle Hua and was about to turn and leave

Fortunately, he encountered Uncle Hua. Uncle Hua agreed to purchase his energy cards, but the acquisition price for each card was one hundred and three Oudi, which was two Oudi lower than the wholesale price of energy cards in the market. Nevertheless, Chen Mu was still immensely grateful to Uncle Hua

Finally, in the third year, he managed to control the cost of the energy card at 95 Oudi, earning a profit of 8 Oudi per card. His daily income stabilized at 200 Oudi, a figure he could not have imagined three years ago. With a monthly income of 6,000 Oudi, he was able to lead a normal life, yet he continued to reside in a relief housing that only required 150 Oudi per month.

Chen Mu paid no attention, fully focused on sorting through the cards. Although there were some obsolete intermediate cards among them, such as three-star and four-star cards, their occurrence was still quite high. However, they held no value for him. The only cards he was currently interested in were the one-star energy cards

Uncle Hua took out a pale yellow note from the drawer and smiled at Chen Mu, saying, "I almost forgot about something. This is a lecture certificate for a card-making training class, which was given by the distributor as a bonus during yesterday's purchase. It would just be waste paper here, so Ah Mu, you can take it."