Chapter Three: The People We Forget

Xinghe changed his set list. That night, instead of performing his chart-topping hit, he premiered “Remember for You.” With Chen's permission, old photographs filled the stadium screens. During the last chorus, audience members recorded the names of those they loved. Tens of thousands of voices joined, and the third note in the bell became whole and bright. Backstage, Wanzhao leaned against a wall, crying. Xinghe offered a tissue. “Are you charging today, Counselor Lin?” “A fortune.” “I've just become famous again. I can afford it.” She laughed through her tears. He said quietly, “If you ever forget me, I'll remember for you.” “That sounds like a lyric.”