Closer to Revealing My True Self
Chapter 597 - 390 Overinterpretation_1

Chapter 597: Chapter 390 Overinterpretation_1

After a rest, the research team continued their busy work.

Feng Yi resumed his search for snakes, but within close range, no snakes were found—only snake sloughs.

Inside the wetland reserve, there were also some old cement roads that had been constructed long ago. The roads were not wide and perhaps due to the passage of time, or for other reasons, there were some holes on the sides of the road.

It was under the road that Feng Yi discovered the snake slough.

Someone from the research team came over and looked at the snake slough that Feng Yi had displayed:

"What kind of snake shed this skin?"

"King cobra," Feng Yi said.

"The integrity is very high, it must be from a young snake." The person with the camera took photos of the snake slough, as he was responsible for photographing during the research process.

"Yes, a very healthy, very energetic young king cobra," Feng Yi said.

Even if there was only a snake slough, it still had to be recorded, and could be placed into a sample bag to be taken back as a wild specimen for further analysis by professionals.

The person took a few pictures and asked Feng Yi, "Are there banded kraits around here? I mean, king ratsnakes."

"Banded krait" referred to different species in different places, so the person clarified that he was talking about king ratsnakes, not any other types.

As he had been along the way, Feng Yi had pretended to look around certain areas. Hearing this question, he didn’t put on an extra act and while organizing the snake slough, he replied, "There shouldn’t be any nearby."

The person nodded, "Right, especially with king cobras around. In my hometown, we have both king cobras and banded kraits. The older generation says that back in the day, there were no restrictions on catching snakes. There were many snakes in the mountains, and banded kraits were even used as a source of meat. During certain months, a villager could catch dozens to hundreds of pounds on a mountain trip, either to sell or to eat themselves. But later, the villagers noticed that after catching all the banded kraits on the mountains, the number of king cobras started to grow."

"The elders still living in the village condemn those actions, blaming the people for catching all the banded kraits which allowed the king cobras to take over that place," he continued.

The person who had been taking pictures, while manipulating the snake slough, reminisced about the past:

"When I was a child and listened to the stories from the old people in the village, it was the first time I deeply felt nature’s ’balance’. When a species disappears from the local food chain, another fills its place, which can have a completely different impact on people’s lives."

Those king cobras were generally aggressive and highly venomous and could grow very large—some individuals would even chase humans!

Even if both are aggressive, villagers would of course prefer non-venomous snakes on their mountains over venomous ones!

The villagers had once thought about killing all the venomous snakes on the mountain, but who could have predicted that an unusual climate change would make venomous snakes a protected species!

"Now, if the old people in the village see a king ratsnake, they would surely protect them. Seeing what has happened in the village, I can understand why some places consider king ratsnakes their ’guardian spirits,’" he said.

Which is more formidable, the king ratsnake or the king cobra?

Both are of ’king’ class and both are ophiophagous.

People might compare them based on size, toxicity, resistance to poison, scent, constricting power, etc., and each has its advantages.

But balance is not a contest between individuals; it is about groups and communities.

Once the balance of a community is disrupted, it’s difficult to restore it to its original state, even if there is regret.

The person who had taken the camera to take pictures was making records and reminiscing. Each time he went back to his hometown and heard the old people talk about these matters, he felt a sense of helplessness.

Many elders regretted their actions. When they were young, they were the main force catching banded kraits, and in old age, they regretted it. Wanting to go to the mountains to kill snakes, their physical strength could no longer keep up.

Some elders even thought about secretly catching banded kraits to release into the mountains to compete with king cobras for territory.

Unfortunately, they couldn’t manage it!

Catching too many snakes would also lead to warnings and heavy penalties from the local authorities.

Every time he went back to the village and heard about someone getting bitten by a venomous snake on the mountain, people would start talking about the old days.

"Balance..."

The research team stayed in the wetland reserve for nearly two weeks. On the last day of the mission, after wrapping up the final meeting and gathering for a meal, Feng Yi extended an invitation to everyone.

The construction of the museum was nearing completion, and once finished, an opening date would be set. Even though it would not be open to the public regularly, there would be a ceremony for the new museum, and some people would be invited to attend.

"If you have time, you are welcome to come and visit," Feng Yi said.

"Where is it located?" someone asked.

Feng Yi gave the details of the location.

Many people at the table took out their phones to search.

"Oh, it’s in the Xiao Feng Mountain area!"

One of the team members had been there before the mission and was more aware of the changes in the area than others.

"A lot of the original factories, warehouses, and old buildings there have been renovated or demolished. Some have been moved, some torn down, lots of construction sites all over the place, oh! That circular structure is your museum?!"

He had passed by that area before, and the circular building already looked nearly completed. It stood out from the rough construction sites around it and was very distinctive, like a beacon of light in the haze!

At that time, he had wondered what the purpose of the building was.

If it were a sports hall, it would seem too artistic.

A shopping center? It didn’t quite fit.

A theater?

At the time, he had guessed whether it was some kind of art venue?

Lots of new art galleries had sprung up in recent years with private exhibition rooms, collection rooms, and the like in all varieties.

This building was larger, maybe some kind of integrated complex?

Unexpectedly, it turned out to be Feng Yi’s own private collection museum!

And it was only for storing models!

That could also be considered a form of art... right?

He had even taken a video, which, due to limited perspective, was shot from inside a car. He had passed by the venue on an adjacent road, filming a short segment with his phone from inside the car, not able to capture the entire view, but could tell that the art museum was in the process of being completed.

Feng Yi said, "The interior is still under construction; much has yet to be prepared. The opening time of the museum is uncertain, but once the date is set for the opening ceremony, I will inform everyone in advance."

The members of the inspection team present, regardless of what they were actually thinking, most indicated that they would definitely visit if they were free. Those who did not speak up did not mean a "silent rejection," but were checking their schedules, as some had important meetings or work during that period, making them uncertain of their availability, and so they said nothing.

If Feng Yi were just an ordinary expert, this private collection museum’s opening ceremony might not be given much importance.

But Feng Yi’s identity as a shareholder in the Ancestral Factory somewhat influenced everyone’s attitude toward him.

After the meal ended and the mission team disbanded, Feng Yi went home and spent the following days focused on the museum.

The models stored in the warehouse had begun to be transported and arranged, and he had to supervise personally.

On the other side.

Feng Chi, who had just finished filming a segment on the island, returned with the crew and was then bombarded with messages.

When Feng Yi’s identity as a shareholder had just been exposed, Feng Chi was on his way to the island, where communications were inconvenient, and he couldn’t receive much information. Although he learned bits from the arriving crew members, due to the restricted network, it was relatively quiet.

As soon as filming was over and he returned, the number of people seeking him out increased.

Someone from the entertainment industry asked Feng Chi, "Your cousin, Feng Yi, is he really a shareholder of the Ancestral Factory?!"

Seeing the online exposure, Feng Chi felt it was pointless to hide, so he didn’t deny it:

"Yes, that’s right!"

Another person cryptically said, "You have a firm grip on those coattails!"

Feng Chi, with a look of pride, responded, "Yes, that’s right!"

His reaction left no room for mockery.

Feng Chi truly saw nothing to mock.

So what if I’m riding on coattails?

I’m not only willing,

I’m proud!

How many people envy me but can’t do it!

Feng Chi browsed the comments on his phone in high spirits.

The netizens were no longer debating the veracity of the news; industry moguls had confirmed the information, shifting the topic of the netizens’ discussions.

Some were scrutinizing clues with a magnifying glass and certainly saw the quote on the cultural wall outside the Ancestral Factory that read "When standing at the air vent, even pigs can fly."

[Given Feng Yi’s age and his progress over the years, he must have inherited the shares from a relative.]

[Wasn’t it said that he had a falling out with his family? The Feng Family in Yang City doesn’t acknowledge him.]

[Relatives aren’t necessarily only the people from the Feng Family in Yang City.]

[But that relative would also have the surname ’Feng,’ right? Suddenly, I have a guess—could the ’wind’ in that quote on the wall be referring to the surname ’Feng’?]

[Don’t overinterpret it!]

[Perhaps someone surnamed Feng had interests or connections with the Ancestral Factory in the past to become a shareholder, but to say that they could make the Ancestral Factory take off is an exaggeration!]

[Anybody who knows a bit more about the achievements of the Ancestral Factory wouldn’t come up with such speculation!]

Most people don’t approve of such interpretations. The more they understand about the global standing of the Ancestral Factory, the less they approve of this notion.

Such an impressive Ancestral Factory!

Such strong R&D capabilities!

So many outstanding talents!

It can be said that from the management to R&D personnel, all are top-tier elites!

Is that something you can get with just money?!

Is it something that someone surnamed ’Feng’ can support?!!

There are plenty of wealthy people in the world, but there’s only one "Ancestral Factory" globally!

What merit or ability does someone surnamed ’Feng’ have to deserve such honor?!!

Seeing those comments, Feng Chi’s previously elated mood also soured.

"The netizens are the ones overinterpreting, what does it have to do with my brother? He never said that!"

Feeling annoyed, Feng Chi messaged Feng Yi and, learning he was free, made a video call to him.

Initially, he thought about comforting Feng Yi if he was upset by the online comments. However, as soon as the video connected, he saw the very "Ancient Serpent" he had previously given to Feng Yi!

All other thoughts vanished!

"Wow! Has it been set up already?!"

Feng Chi exclaimed excitedly, bouncing up from the couch.

Feng Yi adjusted the camera, "It’s being installed right now; some of the equipment isn’t complete yet."

Feng Chi, "Hahaha, it’s perfect! This scene setup is absolutely amazing! Can I come over to see it?"

Feng Yi, "Come on over, and later we can see what needs adjusting after it’s all set up."

Without delaying, Feng Chi turned down several invitations, changed his clothes, donned a hat and mask, and drove to Feng Yi’s collection museum.

Upon entering the museum, his gaze swept from the "Ancient Serpent" being set up to the prime spot in the venue that was left vacant.

"Brother, what are you planning to put in this place?"

My superb Ancient Serpent doesn’t deserve the prime spot?