"I know, Mom! Professionalism!" Mei shouted back, though her tail was wagging so hard it nearly knocked over a velvet rope.

Ming joined her, providing a deep, operatic backing vocal that harmonized with the 4*Town melody. The crowd, realizing this was part of the show, began to clap in unison. The collective joy and rhythm acted like a vacuum, pulling the restless spirit’s chaotic energy into a warm, glowing light.

From the shadows emerged the ghost of a Sun Yee ancestor who hadn't quite let go of the limelight. The spirit began draining the energy from the crowd to fuel its own ghostly performance. "Crisis management!" Mei yelled.

Mei poofed back into her human form, sweaty and glowing. Ming patted her shoulder, a rare, genuine smile on her face. "You handled that with... flair, Meimei."

Mei tucked the drumstick into her flute case. "Well, you know what they say, Mom. Change is messy, but sometimes it sounds like a boy band."

The sky over Toronto was a bruised purple as Mei Lee, now eighteen and a seasoned veteran of the "Panda Poof," stood on the steps of the SkyDome. Her red panda ears flicked at the sound of a distant bassline. It was the night of 4*Town’s ten-year reunion tour, and for the first time, she wasn’t just a fan—she was the security.

She didn't hesitate. Mei leaped into the air, her giant, fluffy red form soaring over the mosh pit. Instead of fighting with force, she realized the spirit just wanted what she once did: to be seen. Mei landed on stage, grabbed a discarded tambourine, and started a rhythmic beat.

As the sun began to rise over the city, the spirit faded with a peaceful sigh. The 4*Town boys—now men with slightly more sensible haircuts—bowed to the two giant pandas.