Chapter One: Price Tags on the Lens

“That is usually more expensive.” “You know value.” The woman smiled. “Try them.” A drop struck Jianwei’s eye. She removed her contacts, cleaned her hands, and put on the antique glasses. The world tilted. Then pale gold words appeared over the woman’s head. [STRONGEST DESIRE: For someone to remember my name.] [EXCHANGE PRICE: One true name.] Jianwei tore off the glasses. The words vanished. She put them on again, and the letters returned in the rain. “What is your name?” The woman’s smile faded. “Su Wuzhou.” “I will remember.” A bus passed, throwing up a curtain of water. When Jianwei lowered her arm, the stall was gone. The spectacles remained on her face. On the dry pavement lay an aged receipt: Item—The Balance Lens. Payment—One promise.