Thick industrial smog has shrouded the lower town of Anvil City all year round, and neon tubes create sickly light spots on the wet alley walls. Su Mo held the guzheng carefully wrapped in waterproof tarpaulin and squeezed sideways through the narrow alley filled with rusted parts. She was wearing overalls that had been washed white, and her canvas shoes made no sound when stepping on the stagnant water. The tavern at the end of the alley called Gears and Strings is where she performs every night. It is also one of the few places in this steam machinery city that allows real musicians to take the stage.
