Signal Wave (Part 2)

Around 8:00 p.m. on May 5, Ban City's night curtain, like the hem of a goddess's skirt, no longer carried its mysterious, ascetic air tonight. Instead, it was painted with dazzling fireworks. Every sway brought forth hundreds and thousands of cool gleams and warm hues, shifting and flowing in breathtaking splendor.

Yet the most dazzling sight tonight was below, not above; on the water, not in the sky.

Along the southern shore of North Mountain Lake, a grand and lavish stage had been erected beside the floating waterfront embankment. The piercing cry of electric guitars, wrapped in the roaring cheers of tens of thousands of fans, residents, and tourists, overwhelmed the low rumble of fireworks filling the sky and announced the official opening of the Ban City Music Festival.

On the embankment, Ban City police stood facing a formidable enemy. More than a thousand officers formed human barricades, guarding against frenzied fans causing a stampede in their excitement—or even falling into the lake.

That was the scene onshore. Meanwhile, large and small pleasure boats packed both sides and the rear of the main stage, their decks equally crowded. Compared with the shore, their fervent atmosphere was no less intense.

"Stages on all four sides, guests from every direction, I take the lead... shining with boundless brilliance!"

Wang Mo, the Mountain Stream Band's rhythm guitarist, had cast aside his usual sullen temperament. He was practically sprawled over the railing, fighting for the best viewing spot and almost greedily soaking in the aura emanating from the main stage.

Opening the Music Festival was, without question, a world-class hall-of-fame band. Every member was his idol, and every one of them was a goal he dreamed of reaching.

After the envy came a sudden sense of emptiness.

"We need to get onstage! Let's do