HLnovel Chapter 722: Book Snatching
Chapter 722: Book Snatching
Xu Nuo shook his head slightly and explained, "What you said makes sense, but it's not entirely correct."
"Actually, the main reason I like coming here is because there are occasionally some rare copies here."
Mr. Hu asked, "A unique copy? What kind of unique copy?"
Xu Nuo's eyes flashed with excitement as he explained in detail, "My favorite thing in life is collecting rare books. Whether it's literature, historical texts, or books in other fields, as long as they are rare copies, I like them all."
Hearing this, Nier's eyes suddenly lit up.
She thought to herself, if Xu Nuo was so obsessed with rare books, then she must have quite a few of them!
Among them was a medical book that she had read countless times and was familiar with its contents.
If I give this book to Xu Nuo as a gift, he might be very happy.
Moreover, Nier noticed that there seemed to be a rare copy on the bookshelf in front of Xu Nuo.
Fortunately, Xu Nuo seems to have not discovered it yet.
Nier was secretly delighted and quickly winked at her brother, signaling him to take the book down.
Niu Li looked carefully and saw the book his sister had mentioned.
I saw that the pages of the book had turned yellow and the binding was a little loose, which showed that it was quite old. But because of this, it was easier to recognize.
At the same time that Niu Li discovered the book, Xu Nuo also saw it.
The two men attacked almost at the same time.
However, Xu Nuo is old after all, so his movements are naturally not as agile as those of the young and strong Niu Li.
In the blink of an eye, Niu Li had already grasped the book tightly in his hands.
Xu Nuo looked closely and saw a few big words written on the cover of the book - "Collection of Solitary Dreams and Shadows".
He was secretly delighted, thinking that this was exactly the book he had been looking for.
Unfortunately, I was still a step slow.
Xu Nuo couldn't help but feel annoyed. If his hands had been quicker, he might have been able to grab the book.
However, a gentleman does not take away what others like.
However, he was unwilling to give up the book just like that.
If I give up like this, I will regret it every time I think about it. This feeling is really painful.
After a fierce ideological struggle, Xu Nuo finally decided to ask Niu Li for the book: "Little brother, can you give me this book?"
"Look, this is just a fragment. I'm afraid it won't be of much use to you."
As soon as he finished speaking, Xu Nuo reached out and pinched the corner of the book without saying anything, as if he wanted to snatch the book from Niu Li's hand.
How could Niu Li let him succeed so easily?
Niu Li quickly stretched out his other hand and tightly grasped the other side of the book, refusing to let go.
"Sir, the value of a book does not lie in its appearance, but in its soul!"
"Since this book caught my eye, it must be fate."
Xu Nuo was slightly startled when he heard this, and stopped trying to snatch the book by force.
He looked at Niu Li carefully for a moment. Not only was he not angry, but a hint of admiration flashed across his eyes.
"Oh?" Xu Nuo asked curiously, "Do you recognize this book?"
Niu Li smiled slightly and replied modestly, "I only know a little bit. This is the work of a hermit from the late Ming Dynasty, and only a copy remains in circulation."
"Although this volume is incomplete, judging by its ancient and crude style, it may have a different origin."
It turned out that since Niu Li came to Bailu Academy, he had read almost all the books in the academy.
It is also because of this that he has a certain understanding of this book.
If it were the old him, he probably wouldn't be able to explain so many tricks.
In this way, the two of them each held a corner of the torn book, and neither of them let go.
They stood between the bookshelves, chatting about the chapters and ideas in the books, as if they had completely forgotten everything around them.
Niu Li was just discussing the feeling of "lonely indignation" contained in the poem when Xu Nuo suddenly interrupted him and added: "The author had a rough life and experienced many hardships. At that time, the world was in decline and people's hearts were no longer as they used to be. It was inevitable that he would have such emotions."
After hearing this, Niu Li was enlightened and nodded in agreement.
What was originally an argument between the two of them turned into a hearty exchange.
The admiration in Xu Nuo's eyes grew stronger, and he couldn't help but look at the young man in front of him with admiration.
Finally, Xu Nuo actually let go of his hand first, and said with a bright smile: "Great! I didn't expect to meet such a kindred spirit today. This book is yours."
After saying this, he stroked his beard, revealing a kind of elegance.
Xu Nuo continued, "My humble abode still has a few fragmented books. They're not rare treasures, but they're quite interesting. If you have some free time, would you like to come and take a look and have a cup of tea and discuss philosophy with me?"
Niu Li was overjoyed when he heard this and quickly responded, "That's exactly what I want!"
He never dreamed that his words could move Mr. Xu Nuo, who was said to dislike students from poor backgrounds.
Ni'er, who was standing by, was also surprised when she saw this.
She originally thought that Mr. Xu Nuo would look down on Niu Li, but she didn't expect that the two of them would get along so well.
When it was time to say goodbye, Xu Nuo finally couldn't contain his curiosity and took the initiative to introduce himself to Niu Li: "My name is Xu Nuo, and my home is in the Xu Mansion in the west of the city. I wonder where you are studying and what your name is?"
Upon seeing this, Niu Li hurriedly bowed and saluted, and replied respectfully, "My name is Niu Li, and I am currently studying at Bailu Academy."
Hearing this, Xu Nuo couldn't help but mutter thoughtfully: "Niu Li... White Deer Academy..."
He felt that the name seemed familiar.
After a moment's silence, Xu Nuo suddenly seemed to remember something and asked again, "Are you the new juren this year?"
Niu Li nodded and replied, "That's right."
Xu Nuo couldn't help but look at the young man in front of him carefully again, and sighed in his heart.
I remember that I was already twenty years old when I passed the imperial examination.
But this child is so young, and he has already achieved such amazing results.
He couldn't help but ask curiously: "How old are you this year?"
Niu Li replied calmly, "In two months, I will be twelve years old."
Xu Nuo's eyes widened and his face was full of disbelief.
He could never have imagined that the person in front of him was a scholar who was only eleven years old.
Xu Nuo couldn't help but turn around and said to Mr. Hu beside him, "This kid is much younger than you were when you passed the imperial examination. It's true that the younger generation pushes the older generation forward, and there are so many talented people!"
Mr. Hu felt relieved after hearing this, as he could finally repay his benefactor.
Xu Nuo turned back to Niu Li and said, "I have other things to attend to. I enjoyed talking to you today. It was fate. Let's find time to get together another day."