The street was totally popping—carts everywhere, crowds hustling, vendors yelling about candied hawthorn, teahouses, makeup, porcelain, you name it. It was like stepping straight into one of those ancient drama sets. But honestly? Ivy Shen was losing her mind. How was this place supposed to be a snake kingdom?! These super basic, normal-looking people—were they really those gross giant pythons in disguise?! Somebody explain this glitch in the matrix!
"Hey, Bingxin... you good?" Liam Willow leaned over, looking all worried because Ivy was standing there with her brows squished up like she’d just seen her phone bill.
"Nah, I’m fine. Oh, right—can you give me the lowdown on this dynasty? I swear, my brain’s been wiped. Must’ve bonked my head or something!" Ivy played up the forgetful act, even touching her forehead for dramatic effect.
Liam’s eyes lit up like he’d just been handed a microphone—he started info-dumping everything he knew, rapid-fire, like a puppy showing off its new tricks.
Soaring Phoenix Realm—yep, actual snake kingdom, also called the Human-Snake Kingdom. Legend says everyone’s a descendant of Nuwa, so it’s human up top, snake tail below. Ivy could finally unclench a little. Phew! At least she was a goddess’s descendant, not just a random snake spawn. Upgrade!
Also, fun fact: some girls here get a whole squad of husbands, but usually it’s dudes collecting wives. Depends on status, clout, and whether anyone actually wants to sign up for the group marriage circus.
Ivy’s inner monologue: LOL, bet these guys only signed up because this body’s rolling in cash. Who wouldn’t want that upgrade?
From Liam’s scattered info-dump, Ivy pieced together another juicy tidbit: the OG Bingxin was totally obsessed—Adrian Night, Lucian Vane, you name it. She almost nuked the family fortune just chasing gossip about Adrian. Eventually, Uncle Liu Bo had to bribe Adrian to marry in. Talk about desperate!
Lucian Vane? Same story. But get this—Caleb Miles waltzed in all on his own, claiming there was a business deal that was pure profit. Otherwise, Mr. Calculator wouldn’t have bothered. Suspicious much?
And Liam? He just blushed like a tomato and tossed out, "You know!"—then went radio silent. Uh, what do I know? Seriously, somebody clue me in!
Sunny? What is that even supposed to mean? As if I’d get it! Ivy’s brain: loading… error 404.
Whatever, moving on! At least now Ivy knew Liam was the only one here willingly—the other three? Totally sus, probably plotting their own schemes.
"Bingxin, you thirsty? Want me to grab you a chill tea or something?" Liam, ever the sweetheart, noticed Ivy licking her lips and jumped at the chance to play hero.
Ivy turned, flashed him a grin. "Hey, not bad! You’re way more observant than my last boyfriend." (Okay, not that she had one, but still—points for effort!)
"Cool, just chill here and browse—I’ll be back in a sec!" And off Liam zipped, happy as a clam, on his quest for herbal tea.
With Liam off on his tea mission, Ivy started rubbernecking like a tourist—so much so, she didn’t even notice when she walked smack into someone.
"Hey! Got eyes or what? Watch where you’re going!" A random lady snapped, voice sharp enough to cut glass. Ivy’s mental reply: Okay, chill, Karen!
"Sorry, really sor—OH MY GOD, are you seriously dragging a snake tail around while shopping?!" Ivy pretty much screamed, gaping at the woman with the dirt-gray python tail trailing behind her. Existential crisis: unlocked.
— Scene Break —