By 2385, food has faded into the distant dust of history. To eliminate obesity, the Federation has enacted the Pure Diet Code. Cooking is treated as a serious crime, and everyone depends on “life essence” nutrient paste to survive.
Chu Banxia, a culinary genius from the 21st century, has her taste buds assaulted by the flavorless paste from the start. Unable to take it any longer, she assembles a banned, era-defying device in her academy dorm: a wok. From then on, she embarks on a journey to challenge the established order with the power of aroma.
The genius hacker Ajie swears to bring down the Federation's surveillance network for a plate of fried rice. Chief Inspector Su Xi is won over by a bowl of fried rice, turning from pursuer into Chu Banxia's foremost protector. Even Zhou Yunfan, heir to the Code's ruling office, is swayed by the warmth and bustle of her cooking, transforming from judge into her most steadfast accomplice.
As Chu Banxia's “Deep Space Canteen” makes a name for itself across the stars, the nutrition monopolies and the Federation Court both set their sights on her. At the final hearing that will decide the course of civilization, Chu Banxia points to the stars and smiles at the Supreme Judge:
“Before you find me guilty, tell the entire universe: what are we alive for?”
[A legend of one wok taking on three thousand worlds, a burning love letter to human civilization.]
