Chapter One: The Mirror Remembered Him Before the Applause Did

The host hurried onstage with his practiced smile. “Stunning! With this lonely pas de deux, Lin Wu has delivered the comeback of the night!” “It wasn't lonely.” She seized his sleeve. “The mirror took Shen Yan. Stop the broadcast. Call the police!” His smile faltered. “Who is Shen Yan?” She assumed it was crisis management until the judges stared at her with the same confusion. Mentor Su He took her hand gently. “You've always competed solo. Stress can create visions. There's no shame in that.” The main screen announced the result: LIN WU — *THE ABSENT ONE* — FIRST IN THE PUBLIC VOTE. The poster that had shown both their names now held only her silhouette.