Chapter Two: The Price of Going Viral

Backstage, Zhou Ce opened champagne. “After twelve cities, you won't be anyone's opening act.” “That child forgot her mother.” Zhou wiped foam from his cuff. “Temporary post-traumatic amnesia. Counselor Lin will handle it.” “I made no such diagnosis,” Wanzhao said from the doorway. She pulled Xinghe away and spread seven reports across the medical-room table. Seven people near the hotel claimed that their nightmares had vanished. Five had forgotten a loved one connected to the dream: a widower could no longer picture his wife's face; a young man had lost his former lover's name; one woman failed to recognize the guide dog that had served her for a decade.