As much as Ivy wanted to pry on the underground business from Real and Chiang in the car, she found herself surrounded by really young teenagers who might freaked out at the outcome of her interrogation. When Jeremy said he would send a truck, he really meant it with all the girls traveling in his underground business truck which transfers his minions around with comfortable seats. Instead, she continued to drown herself in the folk song's playlist.

They were in the indigenous clan language which was known as Inklong. It reminded her of her paracosms as she shook her head to pay attention to the song list. She spotted a few she remembered listening to her grandma singing to her.

Jitri, Haiut, Chaiman = Sun, Sea, Crops

Sehcik pasat korita = Small town story

Walangta kongcap luwak hoik = We wish you well

Wuda hogus kundur, waya kiadak = Have a good sleep, my child

The one she remembered the most was “Maigan huansau, waa ehkan likap lumu paihat bangpi” which meant “Do not worry, I will catch your bad dreams”.

She always could faintly hear her grandma sing to her in her sleep the last verse.

“Kundo sehcik kiadak. Pingsau, pingsau yingbab… Wa ehkan likap lumu paihat bangpi…” which meant “Sleep little child. Do not worry, do not worry cause… I will catch your bad dreams…”

Ivy could not help but mumbled some of the lyrics as Melody, Yan Shu, and Sun Li who became close after the events, who were in the same car began to pick up and sang along with her. “Oh, you know Inklong?” Ivy asked the girls as they giggled.

“We picked up in school for fun cause Ryu and your family…” Before Yan Shu could finish explaining, Ivy was laughing as she waved her hand. “I get it. I get it.” She continued to sing along with the girls as Jeremy’s minions were beginning to enjoy their one-hour road trip. That made Ivy decide that these fans could put on a performance as well.

When she stepped down to the site, she wanted to check on the construction site first only to be greeted by Nick. He who had been anticipating her arrival while being busy with the rest of the performance team, walked up to her before scooping her up off the ground and spun her.

She squealed in happiness. “What a welcome!” Ivy laughed happily.

“How are you? You looked so tired…” He pointed out as he messed up her hair like he always did.

She smiled looking at his refreshing face. “You look well. Phyllis is really helping you out with the daily therapy, isn't she?”

He nodded. “I will tell you all about it later. But first…” He used his chin to point at a group of people heading towards them.

She began to recognise one by one the band members and winners from the past competition.

“Hey, lass! We meet again! Glad to be of help and you on percussions.” Will, the leader of Burning Embers greeted as Ivy grinned widely with teary eyes being reminded of the last time she saw them with Jason. She was grateful for Nick to be able to gather everyone in such a short notice.

“Meet the rest. Number one winner The Yongedes and number two winner Ace.” Will continued on as Ivy was speechless at their willingness to cooperate at such short notice.

“Thank you… Thank you so much…” She bowed humbly at everyone. “Thank you for willing to help.”

Everyone was touched by her sincerity as they all gave her a thumbs up.

“Let's get started.” Nick urged as he helped her wipe away her teary eyes.

“Oh yes, about singers we can get those girls to do a choir singing performance. I was thinking each band to perform your winning song from the competition but …” Everyone was impressed with how quickly she could adapt as she observed the girls setting up their media accessories.

Burning Embers members knew what Ivy meant about their winning song as Will patted her shoulder. “You should play the drums while Nick plays the guitar. We will perform an instrumental version.” Will suggested as everyone agreed. They all knew that was the best solution.

Ivy spent the entire morning discussing with Burning Embers members the score arrangements for a couple of folk songs as the three bands split out the list. They took turns to practice on the stage with their own instruments. The drums were lent by the drummer from The Yongedes.

While the other bands were practicing, Ivy was also preparing her score for her performance with Ryu that she did not realise Real had been calling her mobile. She was too occupied to check on the construction site of phase two nearby as she made a mental note to do so when she had time. By the time it was lunch, only then did she remembered to check her phone. She then realised all the missed calls and messages.

It was alarming as she read a message from Real that Jeremy had already been on his way with Charles to Manes an hour ago. She instinctively got worried about Jeremy as she called his mobile but no answer.

“What's wrong?” Nick asked noticing her distressed look. She tried to calm down as it would be complicated to explain to Nick.

“Ah, nothing. It's just work. I have to sort it out first.” She said as Nick urged her to proceed.

“Go ahead. I will overlook the performance preparation.” He said as she hurriedly headed towards the girls who were having lunch in groups.

She came up with an idea on the way to them to have an impromptu mini interview to be conducted by the girls.

“Melody, gather the girls and we will have to prepare for a small interview with my uncle. We will capture his appreciation and motivation speech as a marketing post for today. He should be in Manes already.”

Melody was listening attentively as she nodded and rushed off to brief the girls while Ivy called Charles.

This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author's consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.

Charles who was enjoying the scenery of Manes in the car, picked up her phone call while putting her on loudspeaker on purpose.

“Uncle Charles, I heard you're in town. Why didn't you let me know earlier? I could make preparations to pick you and…” Charles chuckled.

“No need my dear niece. I am very familiar with my own hometown. We are staying in the same hotel as your team. Besides, the press conference is tomorrow and we have a couple of guests to entertain with tonight.” Charles updated as it made Ivy worry very much for Jeremy. She knew they were going to drink again and it was only a matter of time Jeremy was killing himself.

She quickly raised her suggestion instead. “Uncle Charles, could you come to the site as we need to record your message of support and appreciation? My team is ready.” She said hoping it would work to block sick Jeremy from drinking again with Charles.

“Speaking of which, I am here,” Charles said as she turned to watch Jeremy with a pale face alighted. Ivy nearly ran to him but snapped her fingers in Melody’s direction to get them ready.

“Thank you, Uncle Charles for coming at such a short notice. Let's start, shall we?” She said as she walked up in their direction and pulled Jeremy away while the girls did the interview with Charles. Charles was wondering if the interview was a coincidence or a setup but he did not mind the attention.

Ivy searched for Real and Chiang's car ignoring Jeremy's protest. Ivy could still feel the heat from his fever when she stood close to him before shoving him back into the car.

“Monitor the situation here. I will drive.” She instructed Real and Chiang when she found their car as she drove off.

“Where are we going?” Jeremy asked weakly.

Ivy was furious that she nearly snapped but forced herself to calm down as she drove towards Jason's house; the only safe place she could think of that Charles would not be able to find Jeremy in a short period of time.

The silent ride made Jeremy fall asleep several times. When they reached, Ivy took a deep breath as Jeremy stirred awake to realise whose house it was.

“Ivy, I booked a room too at the hotel,” Jeremy said weakly as he watched Ivy force herself to fight her agony when she opened her eyes and alighted.

Ivy, you can do this. It’s not the time to dwell in the past. Everyone needs you. She comforted herself as she helped Jeremy alight from the car before heading to open the main door to the house.

Before she opened the door, Jeremy held her hand.

“There’s no need for this…” She could hear his worried tone as she turned to face him and snarled at him.

“If you knew you would bring trouble to others, why did you leave Landsfield? Saying I worry Mum, you’re worse. Who are you to argue with me now?” Ivy vented as she took one step at a time towards him which made Jeremy guilty while she pinned him to the wall. Seeing he did not reply, Ivy pushed open the main door and dragged him into the house.

She could not bring herself to step upstairs that she led Jeremy to the couch and made him lay down. She oversaw the sliding door where the round table outside was still around. She could nearly imagine Nancy’s silhouette there as she forced herself to head to the guest room downstairs for a pillow and blanket before returning to find Jeremy sitting up.

She quickly set the couch for him to rest in. She touched his forehead to find the fever brewing. She ran off to fetch him water and medicine from the emergency kit. The kitchen is empty other than water as she recalled there was a bun she had not eaten from the tea time and went out to the car to fetch it from her bag.

Jeremy sat in the living room observing every minimalist decoration his brother's house had. He could imagine him tutoring Ivy at the dining table as Ivy stepped back in.

“You don’t have to bring me here. I know how you feel. It’s the same as mother.” Jeremy said as Ivy ignored him and opened his palm to give him the medicine and glass of water.

“Take this first.” She instructed as he obediently did so before she passed him the bun.

“Sorry, the house had nothing except water. I will get Real or Chiang to send you food later?” She asked as he shook his head.

“I don’t feel like eating…” He said as grimaced at his muscle pain. “Take a bite. It’s cheese. You need some food to churn the medicine or I don’t want to visit the hospital because of you.” She began to be stern as Jeremy sighed and took a bite.

“Good. Finish it and rest here. I will come back for you later…” She said. “This is coming with me.” She said as she stood with his mobile phone.

“No!” He protested while snatching it off her hand but sending her falling down to the couch with him on top. She was waiting for him to get up as she could feel the blush on her cheeks.

“I promise I will sleep here and wait for you but this stays with me.” He demanded as Ivy had no choice but to nod to make him quickly get up from him.

She quickly ran off to the car and drove back to the site while calming herself down. On the way, she recalled she too had a similar moment with Jason back then on that couch in an act but was it an act earlier?

What are you thinking about, Ivy? It’s all an act. Stop falling for the kiss and the way he cares for you! Ivy scolded herself as the scene earlier kept replaying in her mind till she nearly lost a little focus during the band practice. Fortunately, Charles did not give her much trouble with the small request she had and cooperated well before leaving the site.

Ryu then rushed to the site after school to find the two most beloved ladies of his life in front of him among other fans who were fangirling over him. Before he could reach out to Melody who was deliberately avoiding him, Ivy jumped in front of him to let him hug her.

“Watch it! What did I tell you about keeping it low profile?” Ivy hissed as Ryu chuckled and sniffed.

“I missed you! Do you know how worried I am?” Ryu whined as Ivy let him go.

“You did a great job yesterday. Now, we have a lot of work to do and we can catch up later but speaking of which, you can have my room tonight. She has the keys.” Ivy winked after whispering to him as Ryu kissed her cheek.

“Thank you, sis!” Ryu cheered as she looked at Melody’s direction eagerly. “Alright, girls go ahead and continue practicing and covering the news.” She urged as she walked with Ryu to a corner and showed him the score she prepared.

“You want to try this score?” She asked but he could not take his eyes off Melody.

“If you continue doing this, everyone will know.” She hissed as Ryu smiled at Ivy.

“Can you come every week?” He pleaded as she chuckled.

“You mean her? I don’t think I’m needed here. We will see.” She teased as he finally took a good look at Ivy, realising how much he missed and worried about her.

“You’re tired. Look at the eye bag. Is it the paralysis?” Ivy shook her head as Ryu reached out to her cheek and pulled her in for a hug.

“I don’t need to see the score. We all can play by ear. Just play with me once then we will finalise it. I just want to hold you. I know you will leave tomorrow and I will worry again.” He whined as she gently rubbed his back.

“It’s not as bad as you think it is. I’m more worried about Ray. I haven’t heard from him but I know he is in good hands for now.” Ivy informed as Ryu hugged her tighter.

“I’m scared and worried and so hopeless. I don’t know what to do here. I don’t know why am I here.” Ryu was nearly breaking down when Ivy stopped him.

“Watch it. Phase two is behind in progress. Uncle Charles is in town. There are things which I still cannot confirm but all I can tell you now is to keep cool and normal. Don’t let whoever the enemy is know your weakness.” Ivy emphasised in her whispers as they continued to hug. He sighed and nodded.

“I wish we could wake from this nightmare… Every day I have so much to worry about, so much to do. I forgot sometimes I am not single and I…” Ryu choked on his words as he wanted to explain how he felt being a useless boyfriend to the extent it was distracting his studies and basketball performance.

Ivy let him go to take a look at his face. “Something happened?” Ivy tried prying but Ryu shook his head. “I’m just very, very stressed out,” Ryu admitted as Ivy hugged him.

“Have a good time with Melody tonight but that does not mean you should make your moves that fast.” She warned as he nodded and smiled before they both performed the score she prepared with Nick’s help earlier. True enough they both could play without it as they added their own style.