Chapter Two: The Price of Going Viral

Wanzhao placed an earbud in his ear. Her phone held the sea, subway announcements, and one bad note from his rehearsal. “I collect the sounds of my life,” she said. “Memory lies. Sound is more honest.” He turned. They were close enough for him to see points of light in her eyes. Before he could ask why she feared forgetting, the silver bell rang in his pocket. Midnight. It led them to an abandoned ballroom. Mianmian was strapped to the stage, surrounded by recording equipment. Hundreds of nightmares streamed from the guest rooms. Zhou was harvesting the second melody early. Xinghe cut the power. Without the machines' guidance, the dreams rushed at Wanzhao. She dropped to her knees and saw a burning children's ward.