Ivy decided to take a stroll to the exhibition site after breakfast. She needed some time to think about ways to handle Ryu and Melody’s situation. It surprised her that Jeremy would want to take the stroll with her.
Hmm, what should I do to fix the couple’s issues? Melody is doing a great favor but how to make that silly boy realise the facade? Ivy thought to herself as she sighed to herself when they walked towards the entrance of the historical town.
Jeremy being with Ivy for a while these days began to learn Ivy would have moments to herself to sort out her thoughts and come up with solutions on some days quietly. Hence, he left her to that while accompanying her side quietly to ensure she would be fine.
At the entrance, he noticed the windy road heading down a hill overseeing the river which flows to the sea. The entrance has a red-gold vibrant dragon head statue welcoming its guests by having them walk into its mouth.
He was curious about the concepts. “What's that?” He asked abruptly while pointing to the dragon's entrance which distracted Ivy from her messed-up thoughts.
She took a deep breath and snuck her palms into her pockets. “Haven't you read about the project before you came?” She raised an eyebrow while walking into the dragon’s mouth.
“A little. But why this concept? There must be a story to it.” He asked curiously before walking through as well.
“Not bad… You do pay attention. See there?” She pointed down the windy road ahead of them with her chin as he nodded.
“What does it show you?” She asked as he squinted his eyes to think awhile.
“Oh, a dragon!” He snapped his fingers as she smiled unexpectedly.
“Not bad. Not as stupid as I was told you are.” She smirked as he rolled his eyes.
“The historical town tells the story of this dragon saving the town in the olden days from catastrophe together with its partner. The head here is now where the town amenities are. The police station is on your left. The fire station is on the right and the town council office is here.” Ivy explained as she watched Jeremy taking an interest.
“So, these scales are in commemoration of the dragon’s legend?” Jeremy asked as Ivy noticed he seemed to be more interested in the art. She nodded.
“Here at the neck of the dragon’s is where the locals purchase their local produce at the variety of tuck shops and grocery stores. You get a lot of raw ingredients from freshly ground flour which would be turned into freshly hand-made noodles.” Ivy continued to explain as Jeremy observed around.
“Even the chilies were processed locally without a factory?” Jeremy questioned as Ivy nodded while they walked further down.
“And here. The heart of the dragon, you know it as the exhibition site. It's mostly where the performances are and long ago they used to have opera shows and local musical shows.” Ivy wanted to head in when Jeremy held her hand which startled her.
Jeremy was caught by surprise at his own sudden action but he did not want to let go. “There are reporters around. You never know. Besides, you haven’t finished your brief.” He said as he led her down to the windy road.
Ivy wanted to retaliate but it was too late as they were already in another corner of the road. “So let me guess, this is where all the local eateries are?” He asked as she tried to regain her composure.
“Yes. The stomach of the dragon.” She briefly mentioned. “Chang and Real are great when it comes to food. It was my second time having Auntie Soh’s nonspicy noodles today. I wish to try the spicy version soon.” He said happily as they walked hand in hand.
“There are other snacks too. Though her noodles may be famous there are also other local delicacies which play important roles in making the town unique.” Ivy explained as they walked slower at a steep slope.
“Introduce to me some.” He said in a free-spirited manner and it was Ivy’s first time seeing him that way.
“Since the locals processed their own flour, the snacks were mostly fritters, crackers, or something like mung bean cake but it’s floury. The local brinjal soup is a must try too.” She explained as they reached the tip of the road.
“And here is where the locals plant their produce?” He asked as she nodded.
Stolen content warning: this tale belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences elsewhere.
“It’s the tail of the dragon and convenient for the locals to harvest here and cook at the heart. Besides, it’s close to the water sources.” She explained as they stood side by side facing the river in front of them which led to the sea.
“Is that the empty land opposite?” He asked while folding his hands and pointing using his chin.
“Yes. It’s a huge ancestral land which I heard my Uncle Charles is turning into a charity home?” She folded her arms and stared right through him who was avoiding eye contact.
“That’s just your uncle’s plans. Not mine.” He shrugged his shoulders as he looked up at the dragon scale-like figurines and saw the fine carvings on them.
“Is that…” He blinked a few times to realise it was a phoenix on each scale.
“Yes, a phoenix on each of them.” Ivy smiled realising how keen his eyes were for art.
“But why?” He asked while observing the fine details.
“Legend has it that both were fated to protect the land from calamity. The phoenix sacrificed herself to prevent the dragon from turning evil. Together they perished to fulfill their destiny.” Ivy explained as it reminded her of her paracosm which she could vividly see herself as the phoenix. She wondered how her imaginary world got so tangled with history which she must have studied too much in high school just to pass the paper.
“So they were lovers too?” Jeremy asked as Ivy looked into his gaze which returned to that gentle look at her. She wanted to believe that it was his genuine self at that moment when the sudden drizzles poured. He quickly took off his coat as she pushed it away.
“Don’t! Let’s run back! Keep it on! You’re still sick!” She reminded but he dragged her to his side and kept them both hiding under the coat. She then gave him a nod to approve of his action as they walked back.
“Given a chance, what would you do differently about the land opposite where the legend once took place?” She asked as with each step they took, she could feel her shoulders brushing against his chest. He already knew that answer in his mind as he had pondered on it earlier but it surprised him at her question as though she could read his mind.
“I would preserve the heritage at the very least and create job opportunities. That way, the locals would not only have the older generation but the younger ones would not have to move out of Manes to find a living. Like you.” He explained as Ivy smiled.
“Indeed a Rahi after all. If you didn’t trade down the line you are now, wouldn’t you be as successful as your dad?” She asked randomly without expecting an answer when they reached the site and she was distracted with the second construction site’s door opening.
She had always wanted to look inside again as she grabbed an umbrella from one of the girls. Her gaze came across Melody who was a little slumber. Ivy blinked to comfort her as she nodded before making her way to the construction door. On the way, Nick wanted to reach out when their gaze met but she nodded meekly that it was fine which made him hold back.
Jeremy who was left pondering her question earlier, noticed her actions and trailed her from behind with another umbrella worriedly. Ivy’s entrance startled all the workers who were getting ready to start work. Some were still drinking their coffee while some were smoking.
She walked up to one of them who was adding sand into the cement mixture. “Who is your boss here?” The man who was busy earlier did not realise her attendance till he heard her.
He pointed at her right and a grumpy-looking man walked out with his cigarette to her. “Looking for me?” Jeremy was a little worried for Ivy as he approached her but surprisingly, she did not barge and walked a step closer in front of him.
“Yes. I am sitting in as Director Ophal. Who are you reporting to? Charles Ophal?” She asked nonchalantly as the grumpy man chuckled at her.
“Who would believe you?” The grumpy man laughed as some others joined in when Jeremy pulled Ivy into her arms.
“She is my fiancee,” Jeremy announced while glaring at them as the grumpy man began to change his attitude knowing Ivy was not joking.
“Sorry, Mr. Rahi and Ms. Ophal.” He bent as Ivy walked up to him.
“How long more is this project?” She asked.
“Errr…” He glanced at Jeremy who raised an eyebrow and Ivy knew they would not tell the truth.
“From now on, update me on the progress without Charles knowing.” She instructed as she gave him her name card discreetly before leaving. Ivy did not bother whether the grumpy man would report her to Charles or not cause her point was to see if she could get a little lucky squeezing herself into their little world and get her hands on information about Daisy’s lost grandchildren.
The grumpy man hid the card away from Jeremy’s sight as they both shared a knowing gaze to not let Charles know about the encounter before Jeremy walked out with Ivy. Now that she had seen the envisioned completed town, she sighed that Jason wasn't there to see it himself.
While winding in her thoughts, Charles and his team arrived grandly as Ivy regained her composure with Jeremy slipping his hand at her waist to put on a show. To Ivy’s surprise, it was actually comforting lately around Jeremy.
Stop it, Ivy! Don’t get yourself wavered. She scolded herself as she put on a smile while Charles approached them. There were lots of reporters around despite the sudden rain.
“Good morning my dear niece… Manes rain just too much for my liking.” Charles whined as Ivy smiled.
“Good morning Uncle Charles. Well, rain brings luck, and may it bring you more money luck in this case.” She said with a double meaning hoping that the rain would bring her luck in looking for the kids.
Charles chuckled and clapped, liking her greetings. “Let’s get started!” He announced as she led him to the stage.
As Nick began as the emcee, Ivy was reminded of the first time she heard him on stage, and slowly Jason came to mind. She missed his voice and wondered if he was here, would things be a lot better?
“Now, let’s invite Ms. Ophal to introduce to us the expectations of this exhibition,” Nick announced as a round of applause was heard.