Closer to Revealing My True Self
Chapter 599 - 392: The Butler’s Gift_1

Chapter 599: Chapter 392: The Butler’s Gift_1

"What’s this?" Feng Yi asked.

"It can be swapped in," the butler said with an appropriate smile.

Feng Yi picked up the two large incisors from the box and took a close look.

They weren’t a 100% restoration, but it was a close approximation.

The texture and shape, if one didn’t scrutinize the details, indeed matched his own two teeth exactly.

Possibly for ease of replacement on the model, the finer details had been adjusted accordingly.

Under the somewhat regretful gaze of the butler, Feng Yi placed the two teeth back in the box, not swapping them for the model’s grooved incisors.

"Let’s just leave it at that," Feng Yi closed the lid.

The butler looked surprised, then touched: "Not swapping them?"

"Yeah."

Feng Yi locked the box again.

He refrained from swapping the teeth not only out of consideration for the butler’s feelings but also Feng Yi thought:

This way he could assertively tell people, "This model is an artistic rendering!"

It’s definitely not me!

I don’t look like that!

Even if only the teeth are different, that’s still a difference!

An artifact, nothing more; treat it as a piece of art sculpture.

In doing so, the awkward and odd feeling inside him was significantly lessened, wow~

"This way, it’s pretty good!" Feng Yi didn’t feel compelled at all.

Setting aside the box with the teeth, Feng Yi continued to examine the model... no, the work of art in front of him.

The clothing style of the statue was custom-designed by the butler, likely his most satisfying creation. Although it only included a top garment, from the underclothes to the coat, and the pattern accessories on the coat, everything was exquisite and a close mirror of the original... Wait a moment!

"The accessories on this... are they real?"

Feng Yi didn’t touch them but leaned in closer, discerning the materials encrusted on it based on scent.

That’s right, gemstones! Real gemstones!

It wasn’t a model, but a complete, exact replica in the same materials!

The scent suggested the ornaments had been made quite recently.

Sensing this, Jia remarked from the side, "Boss, should we put up higher protective barriers around this area?"

In the central exhibition area here, there’s a large stone platform. And this nearly three-meter-tall statue is displayed atop that platform.

Feng Yi and the others were also standing on the platform at the moment.

But if one were to look up at the statue from below the platform, the angle of view would be steeper.

Feng Yi’s original plan was to set up a gentrified rope enclosure around the platform’s edge to remind onlookers to come no closer.

Of course, for security, one couldn’t rely on barriers so feeble even a dog wouldn’t be stopped by them.

Security would depend on hired personnel and an array of theft-prevention systems and surveillance equipment installed across the gallery.

But now, knowing that the statue was adorned with real gemstones and, although unsure of their exact worth, Jia knew enough of the butler to guess that they weren’t cheap!

This made him think the initial setup Feng Yi had planned might be insufficient.

What if someone secretly pried the gems off?

"Should we replace the roped posts with heightened barriers?" Jia asked.

Feng Yi pondered for a moment, then rejected the idea: "No need to change it. This gallery is not open to the public on a regular basis. If there are a lot of visitors, just have someone guard this spot during the period."

Jia thought about it and realized that was reasonable. After all, this wasn’t like other public exhibition halls; it was private property, mostly free from tourists, and even if there was staff movement, it wasn’t that complex. When the number of guests was high, simply stationing an extra one or two staff members to watch over this location would suffice.

However, background checks for gallery staff would have to be tightened.

Such a large gallery needed regular upkeep and security staff on watch. They had already signed contracts with some personnel, who were currently in training.

Jia decided to review their files again once back and also to expand the training program.

While Jia contemplated adding to the training material, Feng Yi’s gaze moved from the gemstone accessories to the claws.

Yes, claws.

The specialized phalanges bore a menacing aspect, and the scales covering them shimmered coldly, closely resembling the original.

But Feng Yi’s focus wasn’t on the appearance of those claws; it was on the scales covering them.

Besides the claws, the tail’s covering of scales, likely made from some alloy, also had an extremely high degree of realism in texture and luster!

As long as no one applied brute force to test their solidity, they would be convincingly authentic.

"You’ve taken a lot of trouble!" Feng Yi told the butler.

"As long as you’re pleased," the butler said with affection, "It’s also my fortune!"

During the conversation, the butler received a phone call.

"Oh, my shipment has arrived as well. They are all gifts for you."

The butler hurried out.

Watching him, Feng Yi was worried he might fall, so he followed.

Shortly, Jia came into the gallery, pulling several carts with boxes of varying sizes.

These were all items given to Feng Yi by the butler.

With no outsiders present, Feng Yi began to unbox them.

The first to be opened was the largest box.

It was the size typically used for refrigerators, and after removing the protective layer, Feng Yi saw a nearly man-high, transparent rectangular cabinet inside.

Contained within was a model of Feng Yi’s true form. The transparent cabinet resembled a scene rather than just a single character model.

It wasn’t to scale.

At the bottom was a reduced version, about one meter in size, that was also very exquisitely made. The materials used for parts like the scales were the same as those used for the larger statue, only the clothing differed. The larger statue wore a serious, luxurious style, while this smaller model was more casual and relaxed.

Oh, this little model did not show any teeth.

In the model, one arm is raised, with the claws extended upwards.

Above the character model, at the top of the box, thick dark clouds seem to be torn apart to reveal a crack, with hidden tubes casting down gold light imitating the sun.

This scene mimicked Feng Yi shedding his skin at home in Early March.

At the time, there were no other people within close proximity of Feng Yi, and the scene was obscured by mist, so most of the depiction was actually the butler’s own imagination. But it was already very close to reality.

If there were any major difference from reality, it would be that Feng Yi didn’t wear any clothes while shedding his skin.

Of course, you can’t display a model like that for people to see.

Feng Yi preferred this smaller model more.

Compared to the large statue, which had a personal touch, this smaller version had a higher degree of accuracy.

"It’s very well made, I like it a lot!"

Carefully, Feng Yi set the large display case aside and continued to unpack the other boxes.

The other boxes also contained models, but in terms of intricacy, they couldn’t compare to the first one; these were all in a chibi style!

Chibi models are not realistic, but they record Feng Yi’s life in a hyperbolic, artistic way.

This was definitely the butler’s preference.

At the same time, Feng Yi could appreciate the butler’s intention.

It was impossible for Feng Yi’s true form to appear in public, whether as an actual being or in photographs.

However, this method of artistic creation, concealing the truth within, pleased everyone and achieved a satisfactory situation!

In the past, the butler could only enjoy his collection in private, but now, with the models in place, they could be openly and proudly displayed – and more people would get to see them!

This was probably what the butler had long dreamed of.

Feng Yi gazed at the models he had unpacked and after a long silence, nodded, "Put them all on display!"

From the perspective of his final goal and personal interests, these were beneficial to him. This represented a bold exploration of how he engaged with the outside world!

All he had to do was set aside a bit of shame and embarrassment.

In the days to come, Feng Yi would continue to add snake models to the collection hall.

The butler would likewise continue to supplement it with "artistic statues."

Thinking about this prospect, the wave of embarrassment that had subsided in Feng Yi began to show a rebounding trend.

The psychological pressure was still quite considerable.

Jia asked, "Should we display these models now?"

Facing the models of various sizes, Feng Yi hesitated and said, "Let’s hold off for now. Store them in the warehouse and lock them up. We’ll put them out the day before the opening. The large statue on the stone platform should stay put... Bring over the screens I’ve prepared to hide it. We can take them off right before the opening once the construction is complete."

After arranging the models – storing what needed to be stored and concealing what needed to be concealed – nothing would be visible to the construction workers coming in the next day.

Once the models were taken care of, Feng Yi headed home with his companions.

At home, Feng Yi browsed the messages on his phone he hadn’t yet replied to; Feng Chi had sent him a few texts.

Feng Chi: [Bro, have you invited any social media influencers to your gallery opening? If not, I can recommend a few reliable ones that I know. They can help with promotion and won’t make reckless comments.]

Feng Yi remembered that Feng Chi had mentioned a few social media studios before, and his relations with those people were decent and collaborations had been pleasant.

Since he had decided to make the opening ceremony lively, even hiring lion dancers, inviting social media influencers seemed fitting as well.

On the other end, having just finished an online meeting, Feng Chi became invigorated upon receiving Feng Yi’s reply and quickly listed a number of names for him.

These were the teams he had selected, ones with whom he had understanding, successful collaborations, and satisfaction with the outcomes.

With Feng Yi’s approval, he would first reach out to see the disposition of those teams.

Feng Chi wasn’t harbouring any other thoughts; he just believed that his brother’s place was unique, that even if it was just an animal model collection, it made a difference!

He wanted more people to understand the standard of the arrangements inside and to recognize that Feng Yi was earnestly dedicated to this type of collection, lest some people online spout nonsense without any real knowledge!

He had personally visited the collection hall today, and even if there weren’t many exhibits yet, that was fine – the collection would keep growing over time.

Collections, of course, gradually expand over time.

Just like collecting cards, you collect more the more you collect.

But that requires spending money.

After viewing the arrangements in the collection hall, Feng Chi’s curiosity resurfaced—

What is to be placed in the central exhibition area?

Exactly what is the masterpiece that will be the pride of the gallery?

Could it be some kind of large feng shui ornament?