Chapter 3

When the clerk returned, she really was carrying a pair of snake-patterned panties.

I’d assumed “snakeskin” was just a marketing gimmick, that they were made of imitation material.

But these had an actual snakeskin texture. Looking closely, I could even see tiny scales. It was unsettling.

From a professional standpoint, that material wouldn’t breathe. It would rub against the skin, too. There was no way it could be comfortable.

“Could I get a bigger size?”

The streamer’s cheeks visibly flushed as she asked.

I glanced at her figure, then at the panties in the clerk’s hands.

As a clothing designer, I could tell at a glance whether something would fit.

Those panties were exactly her size. Why did she want a bigger pair? Wouldn’t they sag?

Since the clerk was selling them, I assumed she would recommend the proper fit.

Instead, she gave the streamer a wicked grin.

“You really are a regular. You can handle more and more every time.”

“These work so much better than a man. How could I stay away?”

The streamer covered her mouth, laughing so hard her whole body shook.

I didn’t understand their exchange. Trying to be helpful, I offered:

“That pair is your size. A bigger one won’t fit properly.”

The streamer’s face turned scarlet.

Chloe immediately clapped a hand over my mouth and gave her an awkward smile.

“It’s my friend’s first time. She doesn’t understand any of this. Don’t mind her. Bigger is good. Bigger feels better.”

I didn’t understand Chloe’s reaction, but I realized I’d been a little rude, so I kept quiet.

The clerk exchanged the panties for a pair whose pattern somehow looked more menacing. Delighted with the size, the streamer took them and even held them to her nose for a sniff before hurrying into one of the rooms.

About an hour later, she came out carrying the panties. Her face was flushed, and she looked as if she wished she could stay longer. Her skin seemed even fresher than before.

Reluctantly, she dropped the panties into a laundry bucket the clerk held out.

For a moment, I thought I saw white spots all over them. Anyone who’d been married would recognize those stains.

Were my eyes playing tricks on me?

I tried to look closer, but the clerk tucked the bucket under the counter.

She gave the streamer a teasing look.

“Finished already? You still have another hour.”

The streamer pressed a hand to her forehead, sounding mildly resentful.

“My boyfriend keeps telling me to come home.”

Well, well. She had a boyfriend? Nathan would be heartbroken if he knew.

My husband liked watching female streamers and occasionally sent them small tips.

I checked out handsome guys myself sometimes, so I considered it normal. As long as he didn’t cross a line, I could look the other way. Otherwise, we’d never stop fighting.

“The gentleman who brought you here the first time?” the clerk asked, eager for gossip.

“Yes. But he doesn’t know. He thinks this is just a regular snake shop.”

“Your boyfriend looks pretty fit. Why do you still need to come somewhere like this for excitement?”

The streamer’s face fell.

“He’s all show and no substance. If he didn’t have money, I wouldn’t be with him.”

Huh? All show and no substance?

“My husband’s the same.”

The thought slipped out before I could stop it. Embarrassed, I quickly covered my mouth.

But the streamer’s eyes lit up, as though she’d found someone who understood her pain. She came over to talk.

She complained to me for ten minutes. I noticed that her boyfriend and my husband had a lot in common, and I couldn’t resist venting a little myself.

“I’m Scarlett. Here’s my contact info. Let’s talk properly next time. I really need to go.”

After Scarlett left, Chloe stopped playing with a snake nearby and came over. Her expression was frighteningly dark.

“Don’t get too friendly with her. There’s nothing clean about the way she makes her money.”

I was a little surprised. Did Chloe know Scarlett was a streamer, too?

The clerk said a room had opened up and asked which of us wanted to go first. Chloe immediately looked bashful again.

“I’ll go first.”

Smiling, the clerk produced a fresh pair of panties in an even larger size.

A little shocked, I asked:

“You wear something that big?”

Chloe lowered her head shyly and gave my chest a light tap.

“Oh, stop. When it comes to these treatments, bigger is better.”

Then she swayed her slender hips and headed into the room at the very back.

I waited in the lounge for ages and drank too much tea. Eventually, I went looking for the bathroom.

As I passed the private rooms, I caught the faint sound of women moaning behind the doors. It was enough to make my face burn.

But this was a snake shop, not a hotel.

Was I imagining things again? I quickened my pace.

To my surprise, the door to the last room wasn’t properly shut. It stood open a crack.

Wait. Wasn’t that the room Chloe had gone into?

I stepped forward, intending to close it for her. As I approached, a heavy musky scent hit me. The soft moans grew louder, and I froze.

Had Chloe brought a man here to do that?

But when I looked through the gap, the sight inside left me stunned.