Chapter 1

On my thirtieth birthday, my wife—award-winning songwriter Nina Faye—released a new song.

She told the media it was called "Isle," a tribute to the one she loved most.

Not long after, a rookie singer named Julian Jiang posted on social media:

"Thanks for the debut gift, Nina. I love it. @NinaFaye"

The post included a photo of him recording in the studio.

Nina retweeted it, adding: "Fate brought us together, and love blossomed. May your future be as bright as the stars."

I quietly liked both posts, then sent a text to my old college buddy overseas:

"Hey man, I'm in. I'll join your team. Let's go shoot abroad."