Chapter Two: The Price of Going Viral

A young Yuechuan pushed a little girl into a ventilation shaft, then turned to embrace a blue bear taking shape in the smoke. “Keep singing!” Yuechuan shouted inside the dream. Xinghe grabbed his guitar and sang “Sleepless Galaxy.” Mianmian broke its restraints. Instead of swallowing the dreams, it opened its starry mouth and guided them into the song. The black wisps condensed into a shining musical note and entered the bell. Wanzhao opened her eyes, tears covering her face. “The little girl in the fire”—she clutched Xinghe's sleeve—“was me.”