Chapter 747: Chapter 741: Buying Books
An Hao looked at Qin Xue’s infatuated expression and didn’t know what book she was reading that caused her to have such a reaction, frowning one moment and laughing the next. It made her curious about the content that could evoke such emotional ups and downs in Qin Xue.
“Qin Xue, what are you reading that has you so engrossed?” An Hao tapped her shoulder and asked.
“Whew, you scared me.” Qin Xue patted her chest and let out a gasp when she saw it was An Hao.
“It’s your fault for being so absorbed in that, I’ve been here for a while and you didn’t even notice me.” An Hao said unhappily.
“It’s because this book is really fascinating. The content inside unconsciously follows the storyline.” Qin Xue spoke, but her mind was thinking of another matter.
No wonder it’s a novel that people from the future would want to collect. The narrative and plot drew her in without her realizing it.
“Is it really that amazing? I’ve never heard of this masterpiece.” An Hao commented.
“It’s true, this book is worth reading.” Qin Xue closed the book, intending to buy it.
“Since you mentioned it, I’m quite intrigued to read it myself. ‘House of the Willows’ by Liu Shaotang, I’ve never heard of such an essay collection before?” An Hao took the book and spoke to Qin Xue.
“You’ve seen it now, haven’t you? It’s genuinely excellent. Do you think your mother-in-law would like it if I bought this book for her?” Qin Xue asked.
“Tell me about the story in this book?” An Hao’s interest was piqued by Qin Xue.
“Alright, I’ll give you an overview of the central content. It tells the story of a few ordinary farming families, mainly depicting the unique style and character of farmers living near the North Canal of Beijing. The plot is full of ethnic flavor.
Set in the 1930s, it tells the story of Wang Rilian, a child bride of the Flower Shoe Du family, who falls in love with Zhou Qin but is forcibly separated by her future parents-in-law and nearly married off to a high-ranking official’s family. Many characters are involved, like Officer Mazibur, the grand master, and others. Eventually, the village chief and an elder woman step in and save Wang Rilian. The key character in the story is a six-year-old child, He Zi.
Especially that He Manzi, he’s really a clever, mischievous, quick-witted, and brave boy.” Qin Xue spoke of He Manzi, recalling how he later appeared in textbooks in junior high language arts.
“Now that you’ve mentioned it, I want to read this book too. You can give her this book, and I can also read it later.” An Hao was instantly filled with interest upon hearing Qin Xue’s description, feeling that it was a great find to have a book to read.
“Alright, let me pick a few more to see if there are any other interesting books.” Qin Xue wanted to choose a nicer pair of gifts.
Qin Xue went back to the bookshelf and surprisingly found a collection of poems by Lin Huiyin. “Alright, it’s this one.” She picked up the poetry collection, walked over to An Hao, and handed her the book. “I found these two.”
“That was fast. What book is it, let me see.” An Hao took the book and began flipping through it.
“That night, my boat pushed out to the middle of the river, the clear-blue sky cradling countless stars. That night, your hand held my hand…” An Hao gently recited the poem she was reading, Lin Huiyin’s “That Night.”
Qin Xue listened as An Hao recited the poem, and the intended message in the verse should be the feelings between her and Xu Zhimo. Qin Xue wondered if it wasn’t for the arranged marriage with which Xu Zhimo was bound, perhaps he would have married Lin Huiyin instead.
However, there are no what-ifs in this world. Otherwise, what would Liang Sicheng, Zhang Youyi, and others do? Even though Xu Zhimo eventually divorced Zhang Youyi and married Lu Xiaoman, his relationship with Lin Huiyin remained unfulfilled. Lin Huiyin ultimately married Liang Sicheng and enjoyed his love and favor all her life, which might be something every woman desires.