Why do women prefer men who remember their birthdays two days too late? What is the point of taking a stroll? And why does looking at a lake make us feel calm?Through his collection of stories, essays, thoughts and meanderings, prose philosopher Mu Tao gives us a tantalising glimpse into the colourful lives and landscape of Shaanxi Province. Combining intriguing personal asides, wry observations and pithy ponderings, he presents a unique collection of colourful vignettes that, together, create a richly pigmented picture of lives well-lived in an ever-evolving world.