Chapter 771: The Su Family’s Library
Translator: EndlessFantasy Translation Editor: EndlessFantasy Translation
Gongsun MO and Lei Tong Tong did not have any management experience, so Su Binglan asked her parents to help. Su Fengmao and Shen Qiuhua were delighted to do so.
“Don’t worry, Binglan. We’ll help you get it done without a hitch.”
The older couple had been managing the tofu factory for a long time and had garnered much experience. Su Binglan was relieved that her parents could help with the toy factory.
She said, “I’ll send them a full-time manager soon.”
Su Fengmao and Shen Qiuhua did not ask about the specifics. They knew their daughter had her reasons for doing things. They just had to help her whenever she needed them.
Su Binglan felt a warmth in her heart because her parents supported her unconditionally.
Su Yi had already nurtured many management talents and Sacrificials. Su Binglan felt even more at ease letting her subordinates manage factories.
Afterward, Su Binglan got Su Xueye to dig a pond in a space beside the paper mill. Then, she set up a fence around the pond so it would be convenient to dry the paper.
Su Xueye was stunned when he realized Su Binglan was building a paper mill. Although he was usually talkative, he was shocked this time and could barely speak.
After a while, he asked, “Do you know how to make paper?”
“Yes, I do.” Su Binglan nodded.
“You’re amazing, Aunt Binglan.” Su Xueye believed Su Binglan’s claim. “Will your paper be expensive, or will it be cheaper than the ones on the market? Although I’m earning a lot now, paper is still pretty expensive, and I can’t bear to waste it.
“I went to a private school for some time. Some of my classmates couldn’t afford paper. Although they excelled in their studies, they later stopped attending school because they couldn’t afford writing materials.”
Su Xueye sighed.
Even if most lived in better conditions now, they still could not bear to send their children to school because the cost of education was too high. Of course, some were still willing to send their children to school. Still, they would spend a fortune on books and paper.
Su Binglan wanted to pat Su Xueye’s head, but she realized how much taller he had become. He was a head taller than Su Binglan, so she patted his shoulder instead, saying, “Don’t sigh like that. Paper is expensive because it’s made from costly materials.
“On the other hand, I’ll make paper with trees, rattan bark, and so on. Those raw materials are affordable, so the cost of my paper will be much lower.”
Su Xueye was excited when he heard that. “Many more people will be grateful to you now, Aunt Binglan.”
Su Binglan said smilingly, “I’m not doing it for recognition. I just want to make the paper more accessible, and then you can draw blueprints as you wish. You won’t have to worry about saving on paper anymore. Besides, I can still afford paper for you, Xueye.”
Su Xueye’s eyes reddened. He knew how good Su Binglan was to him. Although the two were the same age, Su Xueye admired Su Binglan for knowing a lot. He also aspired to be like her.
Su Binglan said, “Books will also be more accessible once I create a printing technique. Then, the villagers will no longer have to work so hard to make copies. I’ll also make books much more affordable.”
The more Su Xueye listened, the more excited he became. He could imagine how wonderful it would be.
‘Soon, everyone will have books to read and paper to use.’
Su Xueye’s hobby was to collect books, but they were too expensive. After hearing Su Binglan’s plans, he knew he could buy many more books to read.
Su Binglan pointed to the distance and said, “Look at that circular three- story building you built. I’ll be using it as a library.”
“Is it for books?” Su Xueye had gotten used to Su Binglan’s vocabulary and could make guesses about what her new words meant. If he did not understand, Su Binglan would patiently explain it to him.
She nodded, saying, “You’re right. I’ll buy and collect plenty of books and put them in the library. That way, those who like reading can get a library card that they can use to borrow the books.
“The card will be an annual one, and renewing it will be cheap. That way, everyone can read at their leisure. I’m hoping someone will be willing to donate books to the library, too.”
Su Xueye’s eyes lit up when he heard that. “Aunt Binglan, our village will become even more famous then. All the students in the world might come to borrow and read books from the library.”
He almost jumped when he imagined what it would look like. “I’ve collected many books already, Aunt Binglan. I can donate them to the library.”
Su Binglan said smilingly, “Okay, they will remain in the library. If you want to read them, you can always visit the library. Don’t worry—we’ll blacklist those who ruin the books or fail to return them on time.
“When people apply for the library card, we will record their information.
They can only borrow or read the books after going through verification.”
Su Xueye was full of admiration as he said, “That’s a perfect idea. Then, the books won’t be damaged or lost.”
“That’s correct. Also, one person can only borrow three books at a time. They must return those books within a month. It’ll also urge them to finish reading the books as soon as possible.”
Su Xueye thought it was an excellent idea. “Then, we can prevent people from keeping the books for too long. After all, others might want to read the same books, right?”
“Yes, you’re right.” Su Binglan had considered everything.
Su Xueye added, “It’s such a vast building. I thought you’d use it for something else. I didn’t expect you to use it as a library.”
The building was large enough to accommodate many people, especially with its three floors and circular shape.
Su Binglan said, “There will be a lecture hall at the theater. It’ll be open to the public whenever there are no plays. Everyone can sit inside and read books for free then. Students can also study inside.”
Su Xueye said emotionally, “l would have continued studying if such a building existed before.”
Although he had told his grandparents that he did not like studying, it was actually because the cost was too high. Furthermore, the learning atmosphere differed.
The learning atmosphere in the library would be much better, encouraging people to study more.
Su Binglan said, “Learning is an endless thing. If you have questions, you can always ask me. When I open the library, you can study at the desks inside or the open theater table..”