Notes on the Cat City. The Wise Man Said... Storytellers

As a result of a shipwreck, the main character, the only surviving crew member, finds himself on Mars, inhabited by anthropomorphic cats. Their civilization, which has existed for more than twenty thousand years, once mighty and majestic, is now in decline. The Earthling meets young and old cats, scholars, politicians, and peasants, trying to reform the cats, but ultimately witnesses the last days of the existence of the Cat State...

The main character of the novel Zhao Zi-yue is a slacker student, his name means 'The Wise Man Said', and his life's creed is food, clothing, women, and gambling. Through the example of the 'Wise Man' and his circle, Lao She depicts the daily life and customs of Beijing society in the early 20th century, particularly the golden youth, who will eventually become part of the ruling elite of the country. The folk storyteller Fang Baoqing and his adopted daughter Xiulian, fleeing from military actions occurring in China during World War II, wander from one city to another and perform their tales for the crowd. Humiliation, the constant danger of losing their audience and stage, and uncertainty about tomorrow leave a heavy mark on their lives.