Closer to Revealing My True Self
Chapter 191 - 158: Realized Your Mistake?_1

Chapter 191: Chapter 158: Realized Your Mistake?_1

In the evening, Feng Yi returned to the dormitory. It was daytime for Steve, who had just woken up from a good night’s sleep and sent Feng Yi a few photos and videos of the python he had caught last night.

"Four meters two, quite a large one. When we arrived, it had just swallowed a crocodile, one of the research center’s observation targets. On the way back, they cursed the whole way, sigh."

Feng Yi glanced at the photos of the python. "This python looks a bit different from the ones I’ve seen before."

"It’s a crossbreed, a mix between an African rock python and a Burmese python. Such hybrids are likely to have both the temperament of the rock python and the large size of both the Burmese and rock pythons."

The training course also covered this. The pythons caught during this hunting event would undergo strict selection, and those that qualified would be introduced into certain regions in the country. For example, smaller and more docile Burmese pythons would be introduced, but larger adults would still be treated with caution.

Currently, the only place with a high density of pythons is a small area in Florida, but globally, they are endangered.

Just like how Feng Yi joined the Nan Chong scientific research team on an expedition into the mountains for so long and only saw a few pythons. Catching a python was as exciting as winning a big prize.

The python that Steve and the Florida researchers caught last night did not meet the import criteria.

"Such crossbred pythons are not eligible for introduction into the country. They’re very aggressive, have a history of attacking humans proactively, and even instances of swallowing children. Their concealment in the bushes is particularly effective, so we’ll need to be cautious about this type when the time comes," Steve said.

Most of these pythons would not aggressively attack adults, but with recorded incidents, one must be vigilant, never knowing if the next encounter could be with a fierce individual.

Feng Yi enlarged the photos to take a closer look. From the first glance, he had noticed that the color and pattern of the python in the pictures were indeed different from those he had seen before. It also had a scent of bloodiness, an impression he got from the photos.

The current state of the Great Swamp had Steve feeling conflicted, but he quickly adjusted his mood and was quite confident, eager to try. "The hunting event hasn’t started yet, so access to the deeper parts of the Great Swamp is restricted. But I’ve gotten chummy with the local researchers, and I follow them out on their tasks. There are seven or eight more outings before the official hunt begins. Just you wait, I’ll catch a five-meter one to welcome you guys!"

However, in reality, Steve didn’t even see a four-meter python in the expeditions that he joined, let alone a five-meter one. The only python he encountered, which was over three meters, had lost a fight with a crocodile. When Steve and his group arrived, the crocodile was feasting on it, much like someone munching on spicy strips.

"It’s not easy to find an exceptional individual in the wild!" Steve messaged Feng Yi in frustration.

An exceptional individual refers to pythons that are five or six meters long, a size that almost reaches the environmental limits of what can be sustained.

As for the other absurd news reports that casually mention seven to eight meters or even ten to fifteen meters, a seven or eight meters python might still be a rare exceptional individual of a certain species, and most likely it would be captive-raised. But a fifteen-meter one is simply an outrageous claim made with eyes closed, designed to clickbait.

The average size of adult pythons in Florida should be discounted by about thirty to forty percent from the exceptional size, with most being around three meters.

During this season, crocodiles and pythons are usually less active and are virtually invisible when hidden, making the search exceedingly difficult. Larger individuals are harder to find, let alone exceptional ones.

Experiencing setbacks in python hunting, Steve counted down the days until Feng Yi’s arrival in Florida. He needed Feng Yi’s "innate skills."

On Feng Yi’s side, at the training base, he wasn’t only diligently attending classes and training—he was also interacting with others in the group, getting to know more people, such as consulting on lab setups, instrument purchases, and the like.

There were quite a few experts in the group regarding medical laboratory construction, an opportunity he couldn’t miss.

After finishing his classes one day, Feng Yi stepped out of the classroom, ready to dash to the cafeteria when he caught sight of someone standing at the door of an office not far away.

"Professor Zhou!"

Feng Yi went over to greet him.

The person standing there was Professor Zhou, who had led the Nan Chong scientific research team in the summer, but unlike the previous expedition, Professor Zhou belonged to the theoretical and technical group this time and did not participate in practical operations.

Because he was not involved in practical operations, Professor Zhou had few training sessions to attend. He only arrived at the training base after finishing several projects in hand, and it’s only in the past couple of days that Feng Yi had seen him.

Having greeted him, Feng Yi was about to continue to the cafeteria when Professor Zhou called out to him.

"Feng Yi! Don’t rush off. Come here; I’ve got something to discuss with you."

Feng Yi had to follow, walking into the office with Professor Zhou.

There was another person in the office.

Professor Zhou introduced him to Feng Yi: "This is Director He from the joint protection bureau’s expert committee and the overall person in charge of this python hunting activity."

Feng Yi hurriedly said, "Hello, Director He."

Director He was in his fifties, a person of authority within the joint protection bureau, with a head of graying hair but looking robust and energetic. He was another busy man, whom Feng Yi had only seen that day.

Director He greeted Feng Yi with a warm and friendly smile, looking at him as if seeing a treasure. He rose from his chair and strode over, eagerly clasping Feng Yi’s hand and giving it a firm shake:

"Haha! I’ve long heard about you, young man, catching big pythons single-handedly. You’re a force to be reckoned with! Steve could retire right this moment!"

"Not at all! Teacher Shi is in his prime and has a wealth of practical experience with pythons. There’s still plenty for me to learn," Feng Yi quickly responded.

Director He’s eyes sparkled, "I saw your team application. You’re pairing up with Steve? And your main target is pythons over four meters?"

"That’s the plan."

"Good, good, but still, safety first."

"Yes, Teacher Shi has also mentioned safety."

"Steve is rather reckless, doesn’t follow procedures. Don’t pick up that trait from him!"

Feng Yi, the newbie: Okay, okay! Understood, understood!

Anyway, when the boss speaks, just nod along. Leave everything else to Steve.

"Feng Yi, the reason I called you over is to discuss the upcoming python hunt. We want to dispatch a small documentary team. They’re all veterans, won’t interfere with your actions, and can even assist you with hunting pythons if needed. You and Steve are the top two hunters in the team; it would be a pity not to document your actions. What do you think about the documentary crew? You can speak openly, and we’ll address any concerns together," Director He asked.

Opinions?

What opinions can a newbie have?

No opinions!

First promise, and if anything happens later, Steve will carry the blame.

Seeing Feng Yi agree without showing any resistance, Director He was satisfied and raised his hand to pat Feng Yi on the shoulder, "Okay, just wanted to let you know this. I won’t keep you from your meal any longer. The cafeteria has a new dish today, and it tastes pretty good."

Feng Yi walked out of the office, closed the door behind him, and then dashed toward the cafeteria.

Oh man, I’m starving!

In the office, with Feng Yi gone, only Director He and Professor Zhou remained.

"He’s humble and obedient, much more likable than Steve was back in the day," Director He said.

What was Steve like at Feng Yi’s age?

Just mention snake catching and he was like a wild boar breaking out of its pen! You couldn’t hold him back with a few people, and even with fewer, it was impossible!

Knowing Steve as well as Director He did, he figured that the guy was probably up to something again. He was genuinely worried that Steve might lead Feng Yi astray.

However, although Steve’s actions when excited didn’t always meet with approval, he was reliable on the whole. Choosing Feng Yi for the team was a recognition of Feng Yi’s abilities, and he would take good care of him.

The Department of Mutual Insurance also needed to train new people.

The only one capable of catching large pythons barehanded was Steve, and now there was another, Feng Yi. They needed to nurture him well.

Professor Zhou nodded and said, "Feng Yi is quite obedient, just a bit impulsive at times."

Director He didn’t mind, "For a young man with talent and strength, a bit of impulsiveness isn’t a big deal.

When hiring, he had already looked into some of Feng Yi’s background and knew about Feng Yi’s performance in the scientific expedition team; overall, he was very pleased.

Feng Yi didn’t know what the leaders were saying about him behind his back, but he could clearly feel that Director He’s attitude towards him was favorable.

Life at the training base went on as usual, and the New Year was spent there.

There wasn’t much of a New Year’s atmosphere here; everyone was busy with their own tasks, preparations were in full swing, and only New Year’s greetings were exchanged in the snake hunting team’s chat group. The media team was particularly active, a pity that the experts weren’t too cooperative.

New Year’s Eve.

Feng Yi’s three roommates: one was buried in writing a thesis, another was getting up close and personal with crocodiles at the training ground, and the last one had a cold and was getting an IV in the clinic, with Feng Yi delivering his dinner.

Returning to the dormitory from the clinic, Feng Yi checked the time and made a video call to the butler.

Feng Yi had sent photos of the dormitory and cafeteria to the butler on the first day he arrived at the training base. The butler had expressed a desire to know about Feng Yi’s living environment.

During the call, the butler looked distressed and directly said Feng Yi was having a hard time.

Feng Yi thought to himself: What hardship? I attend classes, play with crocodiles, and then just eat, drink, and sleep.

The only hardships were making an effort to get enough food from the cafeteria each day and not being able to extend his tail to stretch his body while sleeping. Other than that, there really wasn’t much difficulty.

Originally leaving the Feng Family, working part-time for the first two years of college, and then starting his own business, he was constantly tense and had to control his diet, which was exhausting both physically and mentally. Compared to that time, life was much easier now!

All Feng Yi wanted now was to quickly get to Florida, catch more large pythons, earn points, make money, and set up his private medical lab. Once the lab was ready, the doctors would be on their way, right?

It’d been days since he last collected venom. Sigh.

In Feng Yi’s anticipation, at the beginning of January, the entire snake hunting team left the training base for Florida.

——

In Yang City, the Feng Family’s old residence.

Old Man Feng’s secretary saw several young people out the door, watched them leave, then turned around to go back inside.

Old Man Feng ruled with an iron fist and carried an air of feudal authority. Over the decades in power, he suppressed the younger members of the family to the point where they couldn’t make a move. His children were obedient and respectful, while his grandchildren were more calculating.

Whether out of genuine filial piety or coveting the old man’s possessions, these descendants had significantly increased their presence lately.

Fearing the Old Man, they wouldn’t come near unless it was an important holiday and they were brought by their parents. But now, either willingly or coerced by their parents, they frequented the old house to make their presence felt, even if they didn’t get to see Old Man Feng himself.

If they had a chance to see Old Man Feng, there were those who spoke sweet words, those who came to confess, and those who demonstrated their talents.

The few who had just left were of the latter, having recently achieved some success and showcasing it to Old Man Feng.

The secretary walked into the room.

Old Man Feng sat on the sofa, his formidable presence undiminished by age.

The Old Man didn’t speak, his eyes almost closed as though sleeping. However, as his close secretary, Mr. Secretary knew the Old Man was waiting for his report.

After informing him about some of the grandchildren’s recent activities, including those who had just left and a brief mention of others who didn’t come today, the Old Man remained silent. Mr. Secretary understood that there was more to report.

After a few moments, he quickly ran through the names in his mind and remembered another one.

"About Feng Yi..."

Mr. Secretary carefully considered how to phrase it.

Old Man Feng’s eyelids lifted slightly, "Has he realized his mistake?"

"...No, he’s gone overseas to catch pythons."