慢 (Màn—Slow)

We spent time walking across the Qiǎnshān (shallow mountain) area of Miaoli County, a primary habitat for the Shíhǔ (Taiwan leopard cat). Qiǎnshān is a common ecological term in Taiwan referring to the low-mountain and hilly zones lying between the lowlands and deep mountains. As we walked through the quintessential Qiǎnshān landscape of Gongguan Township—a rural area nestled between the Bajiaodong Mountain Range and the Houlong River, known primarily for cultivating fruits like jujubes, strawberries, and persimmons—we came across a road sign on a bridge over the Houlong River urging drivers to slow down.

慢 (Màn—Slow) !

For the narrative we are currently pursuing, màn (慢) is an essential concept. A fable of a fable aims to create a narrative that naturally embeds these màn practices—moving slowly, spending time generously, observing attentively. Finding this pivotal concept standing right before us as a mere traffic sign, we couldn't help but sense a touch of unintended humor.

Looking up at that màn sign, the idea of manga (慢画)—written with the character “慢” for “slow” and “画” for “picture,” rather than the usual “comics” (漫画)—came to mind. Standing there, we found ourselves picturing narratives that extraordinarily slow-moving images might bring to life.