Closer to Revealing My True Self
Chapter 186 - 154: Fighting for Inheritance?_1

Chapter 186: Chapter 154: Fighting for Inheritance?_1

The appearance of the national first-class protected animal, the Chinese merganser, at Cui Lake in Yang City sparked a long period of heated discussion.

Although the residential complex where Feng Yi currently lives is close to Cui Lake, it wasn’t greatly affected. The bustle around Cui Lake was concentrated in the "duck-watching zone," which is an activity area newly designated by the conservation authorities and other related departments for the Chinese mergansers. They set up some facilities suitable for their living activities and also protected them from being excessively disturbed by humans. So, the flock of ducks wintering in Yang City spent most of their time in that area, and weren’t a nuisance to the residents.

Therefore, aside from taking measures in the first few days to prevent the ducks from sneaking into his yard and stealing his koi fish, the rest of the time was actually quite peaceful for Feng Yi.

If anything, their influence on Feng Yi was that his yard had once again caught someone’s eye.

Previously a reality show crew had rented a corner of the courtyard for filming, but that program had finished shooting and ended the rental. However, recently a city idol drama crew took over the lease from the previous program’s crew, and influenced by the previous show and the Chinese mergansers’ popularity, had come to Feng Yi to discuss renting his yard.

This time, they didn’t want to rent just a corner but a larger area of the courtyard, and of course, they were willing to pay more.

If Feng Yi were to stay here for the Chinese New Year, he definitely wouldn’t rent out the yard. He didn’t want strangers moving around his territory all the time. What if someone sneakily took photos? What if they accidentally captured something that shouldn’t be seen?

But Feng Yi was about to leave the place to participate in a python-hunting event organized by the conservation authorities. Under these circumstances, it wasn’t impossible to rent it out.

Feng Yi asked the butler if it would be inconvenient, considering that he would be going abroad soon, and everyone else would be on holiday and not necessarily staying at home all the time, leaving just the old butler to watch the place.

The old butler said it was no problem at all and to feel free.

The house had a security system capable of resisting certain illegal entries and attacks. The butler was very familiar with it and could definitely defend himself if anything happened.

Plus, once Feng Yi left, there truly wouldn’t be any big secrets in the house.

The biggest secret was Feng Yi himself.

So, Feng Yi asked Yi to discuss with the drama crew: renting the yard was possible, but only for one month.

Let the house earn some maintenance money on its own first. When he returns from catching the python and making money, he’ll continue to maintain it.

"This drama crew is quieter than the previous program’s crew," thought Feng Yi.

The last time, the reality show crew didn’t only rent his yard, but they also coveted him! They always tried to lure him back into the entertainment industry!

This time, the drama crew only jokingly mentioned during the rental negotiation that if Feng Yi was interested, he could make a cameo appearance. After he declined, they didn’t bring it up again.

What Feng Yi didn’t know was that during the drama crew’s meeting, the director who had seen Feng Yi actually suggested inviting Feng Yi to act, not just a cameo, but to play the role of a wealthy and handsome second male lead.

"Feng Yi’s looks and social status are perfect for that second male lead in the drama! It would practically be playing himself, so it would be easy for him. Compared to that, the actor we chose before doesn’t even come close," the director shared his thoughts.

One of the scriptwriters, holding back, still said, "I think the actor we picked originally is actually perfect, and more in line with the setting of the second male lead in the drama. On the contrary, choosing Feng Yi wouldn’t be suitable—it doesn’t make logical sense!"

"How does it not make logical sense?"

"According to the plot, the second male lead is amazed by the beauty of the female lead when he first appears, it’s love at first sight. If it’s Feng Yi... that would be too fake!"

"Huh??"

"Just imagine, would you fall in love at first sight with someone whose looks are inferior to your own? The audience wouldn’t buy it either, right?"

"..."

—

Feng Yi was very satisfied not to be disturbed by the drama crew and felt that this crew really knew their stuff. He would never return to the entertainment circle! Acting was out of the question!

Spending days at home, Feng Yi went out less, spending most of his time at home.

Before leaving home, he wanted to enjoy a few full meals as once outside, it would be less convenient to find good food.

Certain snakes in the wild can go a long time on just one meal after all.

Feng Yi felt that even though he was not a snake, he should have a similar function... right?

But in reality, Feng Yi also understood that the reason those snakes in the wild can survive so long on one meal is that after eating, they find a spot to doze off and sleep without much energy expenditure.

Whereas he himself was going out to catch pythons, involving lots of activity and energy consumption.

Eating more full meals at home was just to enjoy a few more days of luxury and provide some mental comfort, as well as to get himself in peak condition. Being hungry meant not being in top form.

Feng Yi also asked Bing to prepare some high-calorie compressed rations, sending a batch ahead, and planned to pick up more once he arrived at his destination.

During his preparation time at home, Feng Yi received a call from his cousin Feng Chi.

"I was kicked out by my dad to handle some business in another province, didn’t really get the chance to check my phone much. When I got back, I heard huge news coming from Cui Lake. The news I saw was titled ’Sudden celestial gift descends on a wealthy Yang City household, as koi worth hundreds of thousands each are devoured, resulting in huge losses’!"

When Feng Chi first searched for news about Cui Lake to understand what had happened, he wondered who would have such bad luck to have koi worth hundreds of thousands each eaten by a first-class national protected duck. He thought the process to apply for compensation would be complicated.

Not only did Feng Chi believe this story, but even the person who fabricated the news thought they were accurate!

Later Feng Chi found out from others that the "unfortunate rich homeowner" was none other than Feng Yi.

As soon as Feng Chi thought of Feng Yi, he remembered the koi bought for 10 yuan each at the bird and flower market.

"Were those the fish that the ducks ate, the ones you bought from the bird and flower market?" Feng Chi asked.

"Hmm. It’s not as exaggerated as the rumors suggest," Feng Yi said.

"They say wild guesses come from looking at pictures, and now they’re making things up without any pictures at all. What would you call that, talking nonsense with your eyes closed? Anyway, you can’t see it."

Feng Chi clicked his tongue twice and continued, "Actually, if it were ducks, it wouldn’t be too bad. Just think, if it were pythons or other venomous snakes that showed up there, it would’ve definitely caused a panic!

Even though pythons are national-level protected animals, they simply aren’t as popular as ducks. Forget about going to see them; I bet the nearby residents would buy tickets to flee overnight. Except for those climbing enthusiasts, of course."

Feng Chi’s attitude towards reptiles was clear: he was happy to watch the excitement from a safe distance, but if that distance was breached, he’d call the police!

"By the way, are you planning to go to the old house during the New Year?" Feng Chi asked.

The "old house" Feng Chi was referring to wasn’t the ancestral home on Xiao Feng Mountain that Feng Yi had visited but a mansion in a wealthy district of Yang City, where the Feng Family patriarch lived.

That was where the Feng Family’s helmsman lived.

"I don’t plan on it. Why?" Feng Yi said.

Feng Chi lowered his voice, "This year, the New Year’s celebration at the old house might be quite lively. The old man mentioned that right after the New Year, he’s going to finalize his will. As I see it, anyone who makes a good impression on the old man during the New Year or shows some decency may get something out of it. Isn’t the delay just to see everyone’s performance? Right now, the Feng Family maintains a facade of harmony, but everyone knows that the struggle underneath has reached a fever pitch."

Although Feng Yi used to be unpopular, after all, the old master was of such an age, and his health was not great. At this time, his thoughts might not be the same as before. Perhaps he’d softened, or perhaps he had other considerations. With Feng Yi’s current value, taking another look at him was also a possibility.

In the Feng Family, only Feng Yi maintained good relations with the Conservation Bureau.

Whether it was because of valuing blood ties or interests, as long as Feng Yi was willing to go back, admit his wrongs, and humble himself, there was a good chance that he would get a favorable share.

But, if Feng Yi got his share, the others would receive less, and definitely, they wouldn’t be happy to see that.

The others hadn’t touched Feng Yi yet because they worried about backfiring; after all, Feng Yi was a sensitive topic for the old master.

But, even if Feng Yi left the Feng Family, he still bore the Feng name, and he was doing fairly well. If he showed up at the old master’s during New Year’s and made a good impression, who knows, the old master might be pleased and could give him a larger piece of the pie.

"Actually, people have been keeping an eye on you all this time. Why do you think I knew the story about the national-level ducks eating the koi happened at your place? Because many people from the Feng Family are watching you!" Feng Chi said.

Among those living in Lu Hai Villa District were also people the Feng Family knew. A little private investigation could easily reveal which household it was. More secretive matters might remain hidden, but finding out this wasn’t hard.

"So, are you going to the old house for New Year’s?" Feng Chi asked.

"No, I might not even be in the country during New Year’s," Feng Yi said.

"What are you going to do, go abroad for vacation?" Feng Chi was curious.

"Work. To catch pythons."

"...Catch what now?"

Feng Yi briefly explained the python hunting activity.

It was a while before Feng Chi said, "You’re full of it! But seriously, you’re not coming to fight for a share? The old man’s got a lot of valuable stuff."

"No thanks."

Fight for inheritance?

Fight for what inheritance?

Is fighting for inheritance as fun as catching pythons?

Catching pythons earns more conservation credits to buy equipment and save money! Some medical research equipment is restricted for sale to private individuals, but you can purchase it with credits and a bit of cash. It’s a benefit that the Conservation Bureau gives to those who "contribute to ecological and environmental protection."

Before leaving home, Feng Yi had Bing prepare a delicious meal and ordered a few signature dishes from Bai Lu’s hotel, then he had dinner with everyone.

The next gathering would probably be after the New Year, and since they couldn’t spend it together, they decided to have a dinner in advance.

After dinner, Feng Yi and the housekeeper sat in the tearoom for a tea. The others knew they had things to discuss and didn’t come to disturb them.

Feng Yi put down his teacup. "There are many pythons in Florida now, some of which have been around for over twenty years. With this large-scale python hunting operation, what kind of approach should I take with them?"

This time there wasn’t just one or two but many, many pythons!

The pythons living there numbered in the tens of thousands. It might be hundreds of thousands, or even more; no one knew the exact number.

This wasn’t like the small-time fuss he’d made before.

So, Feng Yi wondered, should he be polite or rather ruthless when the time came?

The housekeeper listened quietly and gracefully picked up a piece of pastry from the tea platter, "What’s your attitude towards this?"

Feng Yi looked at the tempting pastry on the fork, then at the housekeeper.

"Got it."

If it weren’t for protective laws, the python would be nothing more than a dispensable little treat.