The fourteen short stories collected in this book are arranged by time sequence of publication.It is intended to demonstrate that fiction can remain serious,without falling into the quest for novelty.and draw readers' attention back to ordinary life to witness all the wonders in our everyday world.Real wonders exist nowhere but in the lives of ordinary people……

Wang Meng

21st Century Chinese Literature—Points of Departure

Liu Tao

Wonders and Wizards in the World of Our Everyday Streets.

HuangJianbua

Three Fiddle Tales

Ab Cbeng

River Lanterns

Cbi Zijian

Bathing in Fresh Water

Wang Anyi

Wedding Banquet

FengJicai

Street Wizards

Deng Youmei

Old Stories from a Narrow Alley

Wu Xuan

Mystique in White

Tian Dongzbao

River Harvest

Liu Qingbang

Deft Hands

Zbeng Decben

Village Feasts

Nie Xinsen

Third Uncle Feng—The Master Fan Mender

Guo Wenbin

Good Luck and Best Wishes

Tan Ge

The Porcelainist

Li Zbibang

Papercutting

Editor's Recommended Reading （in Chinese）