Chapter 6: Truths, Trials, and Eternal Love

Every scene I have with Felix starts with an argument. If we don’t bicker before filming, we can’t act.

It’s like foreplay at this point. The director just lets us go at it, then calls "Action" when we’re good and riled up.

Felix has a huge fan base. Since the female leads opposite him keep changing, but I keep playing the lovesick fool, his fans suspect I’m trying to leech his popularity.

My mentions are a war zone. Some fans love me, most want me off their screens. I’ve learned to mute notifications and eat ice cream instead.

Thanks to Felix, my social media is full of not just diet ad and movie spam, but also plenty of real people’s insults, giving me even more anti-fans than actual fans.

I stopped reading the comments after a while. Self-care, you know?

When Felix joined the show, Whitney was especially happy.

Finally, someone on her level—no more forced interactions with us regular folks. Good.

Mm. That’s exactly what I read on Whitney’s face.

She practically glowed. I rolled my eyes and went back to my animal chores.

Now that my little peacock is gone, I should go back to being a supporting act. But someone just won’t let me live in peace.

It’s like Felix has a sixth sense for when I’m about to get comfortable. He pops up, script in hand, looking for a fight—or a scene partner.

Every day, Felix comes to me under the pretense of learning experience, forcing me to share the screen with him. I smile on the outside, cursing him inside.

I’d paste on my best TV smile, but inside I was plotting his demise. (In a loving, professional way, of course.)

And now? He’s here to film season two.

Apparently, the network couldn’t get enough of us. Lucky me.

So everyone’s animals were reassigned.

I watched as the new assignments were handed out, feeling a little nervous. Change is always a wildcard.

Felix got the tiger.

He looked smug, like he’d just won the lottery.

Whitney got the rabbit.

She pouted, but managed to look glamorous anyway.

I got the python.

My heart did a little happy dance. At least I got my old friend back.

After the director announced the assignments, Felix suddenly objected, insisting on swapping my python.

He made a big show of it, waving his hands and arguing his case. I just glared, not in the mood for his drama.

What’s gotten into him… I glared at him in annoyance.

I could practically see the jealousy simmering in his eyes. It was weirdly familiar.

But I noticed a very familiar jealousy in Felix’s eyes.

It hit me then—he looked just like the peacock had, all puffed up and territorial. The realization sent a shiver down my spine.

I had a vague sense that something wasn’t right.

I made a mental note to keep an eye on him. Something about this felt off.

Felix is a very narcissistic person.

He knows it, I know it, the whole world knows it. But lately, it seemed… different.

Twenty-four hours a day, he spends twenty-five striking poses.

I started counting how many times he changed outfits in a single day. I lost track after fifteen.

At least, that’s how I see it.

I bet his closet is bigger than my apartment.

Not only does he pull me into the frame and show off in front of the camera, but during breaks he changes outfits every fifteen minutes, with new accessories and hairstyles each time, then struts around for everyone to see.

The crew even started making bingo cards. "Felix’s Outfit Change" was the free space.

Now, with the early spring chill and heavy morning fog, the temperature is low.

I shivered, hugging my arms to my chest. My breath made little clouds in the air.

We have to get up early to clean the zoo and put out food for the animals.

The sun wasn’t even up yet. My hands were numb, and I was seriously questioning my career choices.

I was hugging my arms, lamenting the cold, when Felix appeared draped in a colorful blanket, stuffing a fluffy blanket into my hands.

He looked like a walking rainbow, all smug and cozy. "Here," he said, tossing me the blanket. "Don’t catch a cold."

“Ahem, how careless of Taylor, buying too many things. Since you’re here, I’ll graciously give you one.”

He tried to play it off like it was no big deal, but I could tell he’d picked it out just for me.

“Uh…”

I hesitated, not sure if I should accept. But the wind whipped around us, making my decision easy.

As far as I know, his agent Taylor is the most capable and meticulous in the business.

Taylor would never make a mistake like this. Felix was definitely up to something.

This blanket was just as colorful as the one he was wearing. I didn’t want to turn into a flashy moth, but just as I was about to refuse, a cold wind made me sneeze.

I sniffled, giving in. Pride is overrated when you’re freezing.

Looking closely, I saw the blanket was printed with cute cartoon cat faces—orange tabbies, tuxedo cats, blue cats, calicos… so that’s why it was so colorful.

I grinned despite myself. It was adorable. And surprisingly warm.

For once, Felix acted like a decent person.

I wrapped it around my shoulders, giving him a nod of thanks. Maybe he wasn’t all bad.

I accepted.

Sometimes, you just have to let yourself be taken care of, even if it’s by your nemesis.

The blanket was very warm on my shoulders—I credited the cartoon cats.

I snuggled into it, feeling a little less grumpy about the early hour.

Whitney suddenly appeared, shivering dramatically. Her eyes darted at Felix.

She looked like she was auditioning for a polar expedition. The cameraman perked up, sensing drama.

At that moment, the cameraman pointed the lens at us, clearly not wanting to miss this promo opportunity.

He zoomed in, capturing every awkward glance and forced smile.

Felix curled his lips, snatched Taylor’s shawl, handed it to Whitney, then quickly pulled his hand back.

He barely let her touch it before retreating. Whitney’s smile froze, but she took the shawl anyway.

Whitney’s smile faltered.

I almost felt bad for her. Almost.

The shawl was also printed with anime cat heads—very cute.

I could tell she hated it, but she played along for the camera.

Once the camera moved away, Whitney’s assistant rushed over to swap it for a plain shawl.

She practically threw the cat one at her assistant. Something about allergies.

Looks like Whitney doesn’t like cats.

I made a mental note to never invite her to a cat café.

I headed straight for the python area, and so did Felix.

He trailed behind me, pretending it was a coincidence. I wasn’t buying it.

But he was the keeper, while I just wanted to check on my baby before going back to work in the black bear area.

I shot him a look. “Don’t mess this up for me, Felix.” He just grinned.

The director said the python was showing signs of shedding, and I was worried about him being weak and getting bullied by Felix, that jerk.

I hovered by the enclosure, watching every move. The python looked restless, and I felt my anxiety ratchet up a notch.

“This python is sixteen feet long, weighs about 130 pounds, and eats half a cow and two chickens per meal.”

Felix explained to the camera while unloading meat from the truck.

He made it sound like a nature documentary, but I could tell he was nervous.

As soon as he stepped into the python’s territory, the python hissed a warning, impatiently flicking its tail.

The sound echoed through the enclosure, making everyone jump. Felix paused, but didn’t back down.

Despite the python’s wariness, Felix didn’t seem afraid.

He kept his cool, tossing meat with practiced ease. I had to admit, he looked good doing it.

He nonchalantly approached, tossing meat near the snake’s head. Cool as ever.

The python ignored the food and assumed an attack posture toward the human.

I held my breath, praying nobody got bitten on live TV.

My heart was in my throat.

I gripped the edge of the enclosure, ready to jump in if things went south.

“Hey…”

I started to call out, but my voice caught in my throat.

Before I could finish, the director rushed out.

He waved his arms, shouting for Felix to back off.

“Felix, the python is shedding—sensitive, irritable, and aggressive. You’d better switch animals.”

He sounded panicked, like he’d seen this go wrong before.

“Don’t play dumb with me.”

Felix glared at the python, but finally backed down, looking more annoyed than scared.

Felix glared at the python, reluctantly backing out.

He shot me a look as he left, as if daring me to say something.

Everyone was used to the movie star’s drama.

The crew just rolled their eyes and went back to work. Another day, another diva moment.

As I was about to leave the python area, a voice called out to me:

“Sis, I feel so bad.”

I froze. That was… weird. Maybe I was more tired than I thought.

“Sis, don’t go, don’t leave me.”

I glanced around, but nobody was near me. The hair on the back of my neck stood up.

“Sis, why are you ignoring me?”

Was I losing it? Maybe I needed more coffee. Or less.

?

I blinked, shaking my head. Maybe it was just the wind.

I looked around suspiciously.

Everyone else was busy, oblivious. I was officially spooked.

Everyone was busy at their posts—no one was talking to me.

I checked my phone, just in case I’d pocket-dialed someone. Nope. Just me and my nerves.

Maybe I was just tired and hallucinating. I hate overtime.

I made a mental note to ask for a day off. Or a week.

“Sis, I’m right behind you, look at me.”

My skin prickled. I turned slowly, heart pounding.

I turned around.

And met the python’s gaze.

Those golden eyes stared straight at me, unblinking. I shivered.

Those golden vertical pupils stared straight at me.

For a second, I thought I saw something… human in them.

“Sis finally noticed me, wuwu.”

My mind spun. Was I really hearing this? Was the python… talking to me?

Guys, I must have gotten up too fast—the python is talking to me!

I nearly laughed out loud. Maybe I needed a nap. Or a therapist.

The director noticed the python kept staring at me and reassigned someone else to the black bear area, letting me feed the python.

He said it was for safety, but I think he just wanted to see what would happen.

Felix was very upset, changing outfits three times in anger and exhausting the stylist.

He stormed around, muttering about favoritism. The crew just shrugged and handed him another scarf.

“Baby, tell me honestly, what’s your relationship with Blanche?”

I nearly choked. “Blanche? The python?”

I stroked the python’s intricate markings, unable to connect it with the White Snake.

It was like petting a living legend. I felt oddly honored.

“I just want to have a relationship with Sis.”

The voice echoed in my head, soft and pleading. I shook my head, trying to clear it.

The snake’s tail somehow slid to my feet, quietly hooking my calf.

I jumped, startled. Was this really happening?

Clearly, spirits aren’t allowed after the founding of the country.

I tried to laugh it off, but the feeling lingered.

But right in front of me was a snake who could talk flirtatiously.

Of all the weird things to happen on this show, this took the cake.

Ever since I could hear the python, he’s been acting spoiled every day.

He’d whine about his food, his enclosure, even the temperature. I was starting to feel like a full-time snake therapist.

Complaining the horse meat isn’t fresh, the lamb is tough, always ending with, “If Sis hugs me, I’ll eat it obediently.”

He was relentless. I started hugging him just to get him to eat. Whatever works, right?

Every time I fake-hug his head, I can feel his tongue brush my cheek.

It was weirdly sweet—and a little gross. I pretended not to notice.

Shameless snake!

I muttered it under my breath, but he just flicked his tongue, smug as ever.

Considering he was shedding, I put up with it.

I told myself it was just a phase. He’d grow out of it. (Spoiler: he didn’t.)

I thought with Felix joining, he’d become the biggest draw.

I figured the audience would forget all about me and my talking snake.

But unexpectedly, viewers stuck with me and the python even more after the peacock was gone.

The fan edits multiplied. People started writing fanfiction. I tried not to look, but curiosity got the better of me.

Since only I could hear the python, on camera it always looked like I was talking to myself. Pretty sure I seemed a bit crazy.

I watched myself on playback, cringing. I looked like I’d lost it.

Everyone knew I was openly losing it, and loved watching me do so.

The on-screen comments went like this:

“What’s wrong? Isn’t Maya Quinn just normal? I’m a single office worker, and after overtime I talk to myself in the dark every night.”

“Upstairs, who do you talk to???”

“Don’t make a fuss, I’m a student with 8 a.m. classes. I also chat with my bunkmate before getting up. By the way, I sleep in the lower bunk.”

“Don’t you see there are lots of people around Maya? Blind, all blind, keep being blind.”

“What are you all even talking about? I can barely understand English anymore.”

……

I switched to a burner account—psychiatric hospital director avatar and all—and replied “Hello” to each of them.

I couldn’t help myself. Sometimes you have to laugh at yourself before anyone else can.

That night, I slept especially poorly.

My dreams were restless, full of strange voices and slithering shapes.

In my dream, I vaguely heard someone calling me.

“Sis, I’m so hot.”

“Save me, I’m going to die…”

I shot upright in bed, drenched in sweat. The voice was so real, it made my heart race.

I knew that voice all too well!

I’d heard it every day for weeks. I couldn’t ignore it now.

My body moved before I realized it, and I found myself standing at the python area’s door.

I barely remembered getting dressed. My feet just carried me there.

Inside the glass, the python was covered in a semi-transparent membrane, writhing restlessly in pain.

It looked miserable, trapped in its own skin. I pressed my hand to the glass, desperate to help.

I pressed close to the glass for a better look, but got burned.

The heat was intense, making my skin sting. Something was definitely wrong.

“Sis, don’t get close, it’s dangerous…” the python’s weak voice sounded in my ear.

I froze, torn between fear and the need to help.

Its skin was peeling off dryly and painfully.

It looked like it was suffering. I couldn’t just stand by.

Something’s wrong!

I bolted for the control room, adrenaline pumping.

I rushed to the control room and found the humidity at zero and the temperature at the highest!

Panic set in. Someone had tampered with the settings. This was no accident.

My heart skipped a beat. I frantically corrected the settings, then tried to rush in, but without a key I smashed the glass with a fire extinguisher.

The alarm blared, but I didn’t care. I had to get to him.

Night air and moisture rushed into the enclosure, and the python’s struggles slowed. Then I saw it had finished shedding.

Relief flooded through me. I knelt beside him, whispering words of comfort.

It slowly slithered to me, delivering the shed skin into my hand.

It was like a gift, a thank you. I clutched it to my chest. Tears streaming down my face.

Then its body trembled and transformed into a human.

I blinked, sure I was hallucinating. But there he was—a man, tall and familiar.

“Matt Lee?!”

My jaw dropped. My mind raced. Was this really happening?

Guys, I think I got up too fast again. The python turned into a person! Into my handsome junior!

I rubbed my eyes, half-expecting him to disappear. But he just smiled, looking sheepish.

Matt tried to stand but wasn’t used to legs, slipping a few times before just lying at my feet.

He looked up at me, grinning, fangs peeking out. “Hey, Sis.”

When he smiled, he showed two sharp canine teeth.

It was oddly cute. I wanted to laugh and cry at the same time.

“Sis, consider me, okay? I’ve grown up, and there… also I have two…”

I blushed, realizing what he meant. “Matt, stop—”

Wait, what kind of wolfish things is this kid saying!

I covered my face, mortified. Only Matt could turn a life-or-death moment into a pickup line.

Just as I was blushing, Matt fainted and turned back into a big python.

I caught him as he fell, cradling his head in my lap. "Hang in there, buddy."

A few minutes later, the director arrived with a bunch of staff.

They burst in, alarms still blaring, eyes wide at the scene before them.

The vet checked Matt carefully and confirmed he was fine, and the director breathed a sigh of relief.

Everyone relaxed, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that something big had just changed.

“Maya, thank you for saving our animal! As for your claim that someone inside sabotaged the enclosure, we’ll definitely check the surveillance and find the culprit!”

The director squeezed my shoulder, his face grave. I nodded, determined to get to the bottom of this.

Pythons need enough humidity to shed. Someone had tampered with the enclosure’s environment, clearly trying to kill the python while it was vulnerable!

I clenched my fists, anger simmering. Who would do something like this?

Such a big incident drew everyone’s attention.

Rumors flew. The crew was on edge. I kept my head down, but my eyes were always scanning the room.

I scanned the production crew, but Felix and Whitney were both missing.

My gut told me that wasn’t a coincidence.

Matt is a thousand-year-old snake.

He told me everything, his voice soft and steady. I listened, heart pounding, as he revealed his secret.

Eighteen years ago, he transformed into a human for the first time and came down from the mountain.

He’d lived for centuries, watching the world change. I tried to imagine what that must feel like.

Before that, he had always lived as a big snake in the forest.

He described the peace, the solitude. It sounded lonely, but beautiful.

While wandering the city, Matt was spotted by a talent scout. Hearing there was food and lodging, he happily signed on as a trainee.

He laughed, remembering his first audition. “I just wanted a warm bed and something to eat.”

He picked up dance and singing in no time. With those looks, he was popular before he even tried.

Matt moved into the zoo purely to follow me.

I blushed, touched by his devotion. “You’re such a sap,” I teased.

The original resident was an artificially incubated python, which Matt released into the wild to fend for itself.

He explained it matter-of-factly, but I could tell he felt guilty. “I made sure it was safe,” he promised.

Matt was afraid I wouldn’t like him, so he deliberately changed his voice to win favor, which is why I didn’t recognize it.

He blushed, looking sheepish. “I just wanted you to like me.”

“Many of my kind like to become celebrities. That way, their extraordinary looks and abilities make sense.”

I laughed. “So that’s why Hollywood is so weird.”

“Like that flashy peacock, who’s become a film star.”

He said it with a snort, clearly unimpressed.

When Matt said this, he was very disdainful, his tail tightly wrapping my wrist.

I squeezed his hand, reassuring him. “You’re my favorite, you know.”

“Trying to steal Sis from me, he’s not worthy.”

I rolled my eyes. “You’re both ridiculous.”

“Wait, are you saying Felix is the peacock? He’s Buddy?”

The realization hit me like a ton of bricks. I stared at Matt, stunned.

I felt thunderstruck.

All those jealous looks, the strutting, the drama—it all made sense now.

Matt was even more annoyed. Jealous, much?

He pouted, crossing his arms. “Don’t say his name. It’s bad luck.”

“Sis even gave him a nickname! I don’t want to hear his name from your mouth, it’s bad luck.”

I tried not to laugh, but it was too much. “Jealous much?”

No way!

My mind spun, replaying every moment with the peacock. How did I miss this?

The passionate little peacock who always wanted to cuddle with me was actually my sharp-tongued nemesis!

I groaned, covering my face. My life was officially a soap opera.

I’m about to have a split personality!

I started laughing, half-hysterical. Only me, only now.

Before I could recover from this shocking news, Matt’s snake tail wrapped around my waist, his cold tongue brushing my skin, his sharp fangs grazing my neck.

I shivered, goosebumps racing up my arms. “Matt—”

“Please, like me, okay?”

His voice was soft, but there was a hunger in it that made my heart skip a beat.

This didn’t sound like a request at all.

I swallowed, suddenly shy. “Maybe I already do.”

I didn’t dare look at Matt directly and tried to change the subject, thinking about what nickname to give him based on his name.

I rambled, hoping to calm my nerves. “What about Matty? Or Lee?”

“Sis, I don’t have a name.”

I looked at him, surprised. “You don’t?”

“Matt Lee isn’t your name?”

He shook his head. “That’s not a name, it’s a confession.”

I stared, trying to process what he meant. Then it hit me—and my cheeks burned.

The python’s brush with death caused a huge stir online. Everyone was angrily condemning the culprit, and attention on the python soared, with many suggestions sent to the director, demanding strict checks on the python’s daily meals and water.

The internet exploded. Animal lovers rallied, demanding justice. I felt a surge of hope.

Among them were a few indifferent comments.

Not everyone cared, of course. Some people just wanted to watch the world burn.

“Just a beast, eating better than people.”

“You care so much about a snake, but not your parents.”

“With money to keep snakes in a zoo, why not donate to poor kids?”

……

I often see comments like this under cat and dog topics.

It’s the internet. There’s always someone with a hot take.

Deep breath, don’t get angry, I must accept species diversity.

I reminded myself not to take it personally. People are complicated.

The director enlarged every frame of the surveillance. Only caught a glimpse of the culprit in a corner.

We watched the footage on repeat, looking for clues. It was like a real-life detective show.

The person was wrapped up, clothes and shoes mismatched, making it impossible to determine gender. They skillfully avoided the cameras, clearly a repeat offender.

I scribbled notes, determined to find out who it was.

Matt was shedding at the time, his eyes covered with a film, unable to see anything. Separated by glass, he couldn’t smell the person’s scent, so he didn’t know who it was.

He looked frustrated, tail twitching. I squeezed his hand, promising we’d figure it out.

With such a dangerous criminal on the loose, I couldn’t sleep well.

Every night, I double-checked the locks and kept my phone within arm’s reach.

In the following filming days, I suspected everyone.

I became a full-time sleuth, watching everyone’s movements, looking for anything out of place.

Especially Felix and Whitney, whom I watched closely.

They were the obvious suspects, and I wasn’t about to let them off the hook.

Every time I finished filming, I rushed to their areas to see how they interacted with their animals.

I took notes, snapped photos, and tried to act casual. The crew thought I was writing a tell-all memoir.

Felix was flattered by my “enthusiasm.” Of course he was.

He smirked, tossing his hair. “Can’t stay away, huh?”

Then he started gloating: “Maya Quinn, your eye disease is cured, attracted by my beauty? Sigh, what can I do, I’m just too charming.”

I rolled my eyes so hard I nearly pulled a muscle.

“……”

I bit my tongue, resisting the urge to snap back. Two can play this game.

I’d rather Felix was still that speechless peacock.

At least then, he couldn’t talk back.

I really worry that one day I’ll lose it and use Mrs. Harlan’s pointy boots next door to kick his butt.

Mrs. Harlan, the zookeeper, had a reputation for discipline. Her boots were legendary. Honestly, I fantasized about borrowing them for a day.

Besides cleaning and feeding, Felix didn’t like staying with the tiger he was assigned.

He’d do the bare minimum, then bolt as soon as the cameras stopped rolling.

The tiger clearly disliked Felix too.

It would glare at him, tail flicking, ears flat. Felix tried to play it cool, but he was clearly nervous.

On camera, the movie star was flawless from every angle, the king of beasts looking like a docile kitten beside him.

The editors worked their magic. You’d never know the truth from the final cut.

Off camera, Felix’s face turned sour as soon as filming ended, leaping away from the tiger, who didn’t even bother to glance at him.

I caught it on my phone once, almost posting it to my story. I resisted, barely.

I told Matt about this, and he couldn’t stop laughing. Figures.

He doubled over, tears streaming down his face. “Classic Felix.”

“Hahaha, that tiger is Felix’s ex-girlfriend. She thought he was a chick, so they broke up dramatically. How could they get along?”

I stared at him, mouth open. “Wait, what?”

“Chick…?”

He nodded, grinning. “Literally. Sis, I’m different, I have two…”

I quickly covered Matt’s mouth.

I blushed, laughing despite myself. “You’re impossible.”

How can he say such outrageous things with a straight face?

I shook my head, smiling. Life was never boring with Matt around.

Even though I’d agreed to be with him, I still couldn’t accept my once-innocent junior turning into a daily bed-inviting flirtatious snake.

He was relentless. Always finding new ways to make me blush.

But my feelings for him kept deepening.

I couldn’t deny it anymore. I was head over heels.

He’s just too cunning.

He knew exactly how to get under my skin—and I loved him for it.

Whitney returned to the crew a few days after Felix.

She swept in, sunglasses on, entourage in tow. The crew braced themselves.

They said she was invited to walk the red carpet.

Rumor had it she’d landed a big gig, but I wasn’t convinced.

I didn’t believe it.

I’d heard from a friend that she’d paid her own way. Classic Whitney.

I know the organizers of that event, and they never invite clickbait stars unless Whitney paid her own way.

I rolled my eyes, but kept my mouth shut. No use stirring the pot.

She was in charge of rabbits.

Gentle, fluffy, photogenic—perfect for her brand.

Rabbits are gentle and quiet, easy to interact with and look good on camera.

She posed with them like she was starring in a perfume ad. The internet ate it up, of course.

The chemicals in cosmetics are harmful to animals, so we’re not allowed to wear makeup when handling them. As artists, we use a little natural eyebrow powder or loose powder for appearances.

We all knew the rules. Whitney, of course, thought she was above them.

Whitney’s face is beautiful and delicate, still striking bare-faced.

Even without makeup, she looked stunning. It was almost annoying.

But she went full makeup, holding and kissing the baby rabbits without concern.

I watched in horror as pink blush smeared across white fur. The rabbits looked like they’d been attacked by a toddler with a marker.

Makeup fades on camera, but in person, the blush on Whitney’s face clearly stained the rabbit’s white fur pink.

The crew started whispering. I knew I had to say something.

I frowned. “Cut!” I shouted.

Everyone froze. Whitney glared. The director looked confused.

Everyone stopped and looked at me, the director looking puzzled.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for a fight.

“Maya Quinn, are you the director or am I?”

He tried to sound stern, but I could see the worry in his eyes.

“Of course you are.”

I smiled, trying to defuse the tension. "Just looking out for the animals."

I played along, feeling guilty for delaying the shoot.

But I couldn’t let it slide. The animals came first.

I reported Whitney’s heavy makeup to the director, and after much persuasion, it was resolved.

He finally relented, telling Whitney to tone it down. She rolled her eyes, but went along.

The director knew makeup was harmful but couldn’t say much given Whitney’s popularity.

He was stuck between a rock and a hard place. I didn’t envy him.

After weighing the pros and cons, the director, afraid sharp-eyed netizens would notice, finally asked Whitney to use light makeup, promising to add a beauty filter in post.

It wasn’t perfect, but it was something. I let out a sigh of relief.

After Whitney finished filming, I was about to leave.

I grabbed my bag, ready to call it a day.

She quickly caught up, pulling me into a small room.

She shut the door behind us, eyes blazing.

“Maya Quinn, I advise you to mind your own business, or else…”

She leaned in, voice low and dangerous. I didn’t flinch.

“Or else what?”

Before she could answer, Felix pushed the door open, lazily leaning against it to block the view. Typical.

He smirked, eyes glinting. “Everything okay in here?”

Whitney bit her lip and glared at him, saying nothing.

She stormed out, heels clicking. Felix just shrugged.

“Let’s go.”

He wrapped his arm around my shoulder, steering me out of the room. I let him, too tired to protest.

Sure enough, just as I slipped away from Felix, the sound of a camera shutter went off.

I groaned. Paparazzi, always lurking. I was starting to feel like a hunted animal.

Why are there so many paparazzi in the crew, and why doesn’t the director care?

It was like they had a VIP pass. I made a mental note to wear sunglasses everywhere.

I could already predict tonight’s trending topic—Movie Star Felix Carter falls for a minor celeb.

I sighed, resigning myself to another round of rumors.

“……”

I texted Matt a warning. He just sent back a laughing emoji.

Annoying, boundary-less peacock.

Felix just grinned, soaking up the attention. Typical.

Felix himself was happy about the gossip.

He winked at me. “You’re welcome.”

“What? Isn’t it good to be famous with me? I might have tried too hard to get your attention before, and my pursuit methods were a bit off.”

He sounded almost apologetic. Almost.

Thanks for redefining “a bit.”

I rolled my eyes, but couldn’t help smiling.

“Don’t worry, I’ll take responsibility for you. Whatever you want, I’ll give you, as long as you stay with me. I’ll make you happy.”

He sounded so sincere, I almost believed him. Almost.

He’s worthy of being an actor—before I could speak, he’d already planned out our kids’ future in detail. Seriously, with improv like that, he should be a screenwriter.

I pictured our imaginary children—half-peacock, half-snake—and had to stifle a laugh.

I hesitated about whether to hit his sore spot. I’d chewed on the words “chick” for a long time.

I opened my mouth, then closed it. No need to start another war.

Forget it.

Better to be kind.

“Chick—no, Felix, give up. I already have someone, a 6’1” handsome junior, and I really like him. He’ll make me happier.”

I watched his face fall, just a little. It felt oddly satisfying.

“Sis! I came to visit!”

Matt appeared, all in black, baseball cap pulled low. He looked like he’d just stepped out of a music video.

“What ‘handsome junior’? Turns out it’s this lecherous snake!”

He glared at Felix, puffing up like he was ready to fight.

“You heat-crazed peacock!”

Felix shot back, feathers metaphorically ruffled.

……

The two bickered back and forth, both thousand-year-old spirits, but their insults were as childish as ever.

I watched, bemused. It was like refereeing a playground fight—if the kids had magical powers.

Stuck between them, I was embarrassed and wanted to escape.

I tried to slip away, but they both grabbed my arms, refusing to let go.

Just as I tried to sneak away, both grabbed an arm.

The shutter clicked again.

I groaned. The internet was going to have a field day with this.

I wailed inside.

I wanted to crawl under a rock and stay there forever.

I never thought such a melodramatic scene would happen to me.

But here we were, living the dream. Or the nightmare.

“Cough, Maya, our hotel has big beds—want me to get you a suite?”

The director sipped his tea, totally unfazed. I shot him a glare.

Matt pulled off his cap and quickly dragged me away.

He was surprisingly strong for someone so lanky. Not that I’d ever admit it.

“Hey, you’re still a trainee. What if the paparazzi catch you?”

I pressed his head down, trying to shield his face from the cameras.

“Let them. Consider it an early announcement.”

He grinned, squeezing my hand. My heart skipped a beat.

Matt held my hand tightly, his palm rubbing, trying to erase Felix’s scent.

He was ridiculously possessive, but I kind of liked it.

As soon as we got back to the hotel, Matt couldn’t wait to cling to me.

He wrapped his arms around me, burying his face in my neck. I melted.

His sharp teeth traced my skin, leaving little red marks, along with a few warm drops.

He nuzzled closer, tears wetting my shoulder. “Don’t ever leave me, okay?”

He cried.

I stroked his hair, whispering reassurances. “I’m not going anywhere.”

“Just thinking about Sis’s hand being touched by that peacock makes me so angry.”

He pouted, lips trembling. I kissed his forehead, laughing softly.

Even crying, his movements were fierce.

He clung to me like I was his lifeline. What could I do? I held him tighter.

“Sis never said she liked me.”

I froze. He was right. I’d never said the words.

My hand on his head paused.

I looked into his eyes, heart pounding. It was now or never.

I really hadn’t responded directly to his feelings.

I took a deep breath, ready to finally be honest.

I always let things develop naturally, never thinking to confirm it clearly.

But some things need to be said out loud.

So my little puppy was insecure.

I cupped his face, wiping away his tears. “Matt, I like you. I really do.”

But I’m a bad person. I love to see him cry.

I grinned, teasing him. “But you’re cute when you’re jealous.”

So I didn’t answer.

He pouted, then broke into a smile, relief flooding his face.

Matt panicked more, working even harder to please me.

He peppered my face with kisses, promising to be good. I laughed, hugging him close.

Only at the last moment did I whisper my confession in his ear.

He froze, then squeezed me tight, whispering, “Thank you, Sis.”

Who wouldn’t like a passionate puppy!

I ruffled his hair, feeling happier than I had in a long time.

After Matt’s identity was exposed, he stopped pretending to be a python and visited the set daily, using the company’s “care” as an excuse.

He became a fixture on set, charming everyone with his easy smile and bad jokes.

Each visit lasted several days.

The crew started betting on how long he’d stick around each time. I always guessed the longest.

He was very possessive, afraid Felix would steal me away, and insisted on marking me every night, saying his scent would keep other males away.

I rolled my eyes, but secretly loved the attention. He was ridiculous, but he was mine.

He secretly swapped back the original python from the mountains. After some time in the wild, the original had lost a lot of weight.

The director was baffled, but I just smiled, pretending not to know anything.

The python’s sudden change in size made the director suspicious.

He called in the vet, convinced something was up.

He suspected the python was actually female and had lost weight from giving birth.

The rumor mill went wild. I just shook my head, amused.

The original was subjected to a full check-up, thoroughly embarrassed.

Poor thing. I brought it extra snacks as an apology.

Matt thought the director’s guess made sense and borrowed a nest of baby snakes to hide in the original’s den.

He grinned, proud of his handiwork. I pretended to scold him, but couldn’t stop laughing.

This confirmed the rumor that a male python had given birth.

The internet exploded. Memes everywhere.

Netizens looked at me even more strangely.

I started getting weird DMs. I ignored most of them.

When Matt hid the baby snakes, he found a pearl earring in the grass. Uh oh.

He showed it to me, brow furrowed. “Recognize this?”

“You mean someone came to check on you when you were about to shed?”

He nodded. I felt a chill run down my spine.

“Yes, but I thought it was you.”

His voice was soft, almost apologetic.

The person smelled like the food he usually ate.

I wracked my brain, trying to remember if I’d seen anyone suspicious.

But I don’t have pierced ears.

I held the earring up to my own ear, just to be sure. Nope.

After identifying the earring by photo, it turned out to be very expensive. Only Felix and Whitney could afford such jewelry.

I started piecing things together. The list of suspects got a lot shorter.

Felix had pierced ears for filming and liked dressing up, but never wore earrings outside of work.

I crossed him off the list—reluctantly.

Then, Felix suddenly sent me a message.

My phone buzzed. It was a video. I hesitated before opening it.

It was a video.

The thumbnail made my stomach drop.

A cat abuse video.

I watched, horrified, as a kitten was tortured. My hands shook with rage.

A kitten was brutally gutted and scalded, its screams making me gasp and cry.

I covered my mouth, tears streaming down my face. How could anyone do this?

At the end, the hands in the video took off their gloves—ten slender fingers, with nail art I’d seen today at the rabbit area.

My blood ran cold. I knew those nails. Whitney.

Whitney.

I felt sick. I had to do something.

I compared Whitney’s red carpet looks, and finally found a clue in one photo.

I scrolled through her Instagram, looking for proof. There it was.

At an animal protection event, Whitney smiled holding a cat, wearing round pearl earrings.

The same earrings. The same nails. It all fit.

Not only did Whitney try to kill the python, she also abused cats!

I clenched my fists, fury boiling inside me. She had to be stopped.

After working with such a terrifying person for so long, I broke out in cold sweat.

I felt betrayed, angry, and scared—all at once.

But mostly, I was angry.

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for what came next.

I found Whitney as she was trying on different mink coats.

She looked up, startled. I didn’t give her a chance to run.

“Can we talk?”

She narrowed her eyes, sizing me up. “What do you want?”

“What do I have to talk about with you? Be careful, don’t dirty my bag, that’s real crocodile skin, you can’t afford it.”

She sneered, clutching her purse. I ignored her.

I took out the pearl earring.

Her eyes widened. She lunged for it, but I held it out of reach.

Whitney’s face changed, and she lunged to grab it.

I stepped back, voice steady. “I know what you did.”

“Whitney, why did you deliberately harm the python and abuse cats?”

She glared, lips curling into a sneer. “Prove it.”

“Maya Quinn, slandering others is illegal. I could sue you for defamation.”

I rolled my eyes. “Go ahead. I have proof.”

“This pearl earring was found in the python area. The night before it shed, you were there, right? You observed its progress, planning to harm it at its weakest and blame it on a control room failure, right?”

She froze, mask slipping for just a second.

Only the two of us were in the room. Whitney looked at me with a twisted expression.

She looked desperate, cornered.

“I don’t know what you’re talking about. How can you prove the earring is mine?”

She tried to play dumb, but her hands were shaking.

“Whitney, aren’t you afraid of karma for doing so much evil?”

She laughed, bitter and broken. “Karma? There’s no such thing.”

“Karma?” Whitney sneered. “Why don’t you ask those big directors who sneak into my room at night if they’re afraid of karma?”

I stared, heart aching. I wanted to help, but she wouldn’t let me in.

“So what if the earring is mine? So what if I abuse cats? People are knives, I’m the fish. If they can treat me like this, why can’t I vent? Why do you get everyone’s love so easily, outshining my hours of styling by just rolling out of bed? You’re all the real villains!”

Her words hit me like a punch. I saw the pain behind her anger. Still, I couldn’t excuse what she’d done.

Whitney wore an arrogant smile, but her eyes were wet.

She blinked back tears, but refused to let them fall.

“Whitney, being hurt isn’t your fault, but it’s not a reason to become a perpetrator.”

My voice was gentle, but firm. I hoped she heard me.

“Maya Quinn, you’re a nobody. What do you know?”

She spat the words, then turned away. I let her go.

I fell silent.

I slipped the recorder back into my pocket, heart heavy.

That was the end of the conversation.

There was nothing left to say. I just walked out, head held high.

As I left, I gripped the recorder in my pocket.

I knew what I had to do. The truth had to come out.

Social Darwinism says only the strong survive, the weak perish.

I thought about Whitney’s words, the cruelty of the world she’d described.

To climb in showbiz, you need ability and resources.

It’s a jungle out there. Doesn’t mean you have to lose your soul.

But those resources are held by those at the top of the pyramid.

The game is rigged. I knew that better than anyone.

Sometimes, the first time someone broke into Whitney’s room, they compensated her with resources. The second and third times, the roles reversed.

She’d learned to play the game, but it changed her. I felt sorry for her. But I couldn’t forgive her.

This is called unspoken rules in the industry.

Everyone knows, but nobody talks about it. Until now.

Survival of the fittest.

But at what cost?

Those who accept the rules thrive.

But they lose something, too. I promised myself I’d never go down that road.

Whitney’s recording caused a huge stir online.

The internet exploded, as it always does. Opinions flew, tempers flared.

Pitiful people often have hateful sides.

I tried to remember that, even as the hate poured in.

She is pitiful, but life is equal, and I can’t forgive her for the animals she killed.

Some things are just unforgivable. No matter the reason.

As an animal protection ambassador, Whitney’s cat abuse scandal instantly turned her fans into anti-fans, the flood of insults as wild as their past praise.

The backlash was swift and brutal. I almost felt sorry for her. Almost.

“Didn’t expect her to be like this. So pretty, but a snake-hearted woman.”

“The most poisonous thing is a woman’s heart.”

“Upstairs, are you starting a gender war?”

“So she abused cats—don’t you abuse rats, mosquitoes, cockroaches? So hypocritical!”

“Can pests compare to cats and dogs!”

“Whatever, I’m a face fan, not a character fan.”

……

The comments were relentless. I stopped reading after a while.

Matt and I quit our jobs and left showbiz.

We packed our bags, said our goodbyes, and disappeared into the sunset. It felt good to leave it all behind.

He was happy to live with me, very clingy.

He followed me everywhere, always smiling, always holding my hand. I couldn’t help but smile back.

“Sis, I can make money, I can support you.”

He grinned, flexing his arms. I just laughed, ruffling his hair.

That’s too much, I don’t think so.

I shook my head. “Let me take care of you for once.”

“It’s okay, Sis can support you.”

He pouted, but I could tell he liked the idea.

My family, knowing I’d failed in showbiz, kept urging me to come home and inherit billions.

They called every week, begging me to come back. I promised I’d visit—eventually.

I wanted to make it on my own, so I refused again.

I was stubborn. It’s a family trait.

My dad was so angry he cut my allowance from fifty million a month to only twenty-five. And called me an idiot.

I rolled my eyes, but secretly missed his lectures.

I planned to bring Matt home one day to surprise them. After all, “an ugly son-in-law must meet the in-laws.”

I rehearsed the conversation in my head, wondering how they’d react to a thousand-year-old snake.

I am a little python from the mountains.

Matt’s voice echoed in my mind, soft and nostalgic. I listened, entranced.

I lived coiled on a crooked old tree outside the church.

He described the world as he’d known it. Quiet. Peaceful. Untouched by time.

Inside, a little girl always liked to tug my tail and make me pick cherries for her from the tree.

I smiled, picturing the scene. It sounded like a fairy tale.

How could a little mountain spirit like me be bossed around by a brat for her amusement?

He laughed, eyes sparkling. “You were always stubborn.”

“Please, big brother.”

He mimicked her voice, making me laugh.

Fine.

Just this once.

He grinned, pretending to be annoyed. I squeezed his hand.

The little girl was called Allie. She was born weak and was sent to the church by her parents to recuperate.

He spoke of her with such tenderness, my heart ached.

I picked the sourest cherries for her. She tossed them into her mouth without a second thought, her face immediately scrunching up.

He laughed, remembering her stubbornness.

Hahaha.

I joined in, imagining the scene.

She didn’t cry as I’d imagined, but swallowed them, then sweetly asked me to pick more.

He looked at me, eyes shining. “She was fearless.”

No matter how sour the fruit, she ate it all and always thanked me.

“With Pastor’s medicine, these are sweet!”

I was hopeless.

He smiled, shaking his head. “I never stood a chance.”

After the first time came the second, and soon it became a habit—whenever the fruit ripened, we’d raid the tree together.

He spoke of those days with longing. I squeezed his hand, wishing I could’ve been there.

The tree spirit complained to the earth spirit about my abuse of power.

He laughed, shaking his head. “I was a troublemaker, even then.”

Allie grew more and more beautiful. I secretly gave her spiritual energy, and her health improved.

He blushed, looking away. “I just wanted her to be happy.”

When her parents came, they were both frightened unconscious.

He grinned, remembering the chaos. “Humans are funny creatures.”

I had grown into a ten-foot python, playing with Allie, coiled around her.

I tried to imagine it—her laughing, him curled protectively around her.

Humans dislike snakes, thinking them evil, with sayings like “venomous snake” and “snake-hearted.”

He looked sad, remembering the fear in their eyes. That always stuck with him.

But our rule is, if you don’t harm me, I won’t harm you.

He squeezed my hand, eyes gentle. “That’s still true, you know.”

Allie’s parents came to take her home for marriage.

His voice turned somber. I listened, heart aching.

They arranged for her to marry… as the sixth wife to a sixty-year-old county judge.

I clenched my fists, anger rising. “That’s not fair.”

On her wedding day, drums blared.

He described the noise, the chaos, the heartbreak.

I was covered in sulfur powder, unable to move, in agony.

He shuddered, remembering the pain. I stroked his hair, whispering comfort.

The day after Allie married, black ribbons were hung at the judge’s house.

His voice broke. I wiped away his tears.

A wedding turned to mourning.

He closed his eyes, remembering the loss.

Allie was tortured to death.

I hugged him, feeling his pain as if it were my own.

I slaughtered the whole judge’s family and took Allie’s body home.

He looked ashamed, but I understood. Love makes us do crazy things.

A handkerchief fell from her body, embroidered not with the usual flowers and doves, but with a little snake, lifelike.

He smiled, tears shining in his eyes. “She never forgot me.”

Because I killed, the earth spirit stripped me of my status and punished me with three lightning tribulations.

He spoke of the pain. The regret. The longing.

One was enough to destroy my power.

He squeezed my hand, voice trembling. “But I survived.”

After three, I used my last bit of spiritual strength to bless Allie, wishing her a healthy body, a happy family, and to be loved by all in her next life.

He looked at me, eyes shining. “I wanted her to have everything.”

Before falling asleep, I gave myself a name.

He smiled, soft and sweet. “Matt Lee.”

Matt Lee.

Never forget her.

He squeezed my hand, eyes full of hope. “When I wake again and meet her, don’t forget to love her.”

I promised him I never would. And in that moment, I knew—no matter what form he took, or how many lives we lived, I’d always find my way back to him.