"Smart. But instead of buying books, let's buy a bookshop in the ancient street. Assistant Yao did some research and sent me two popular libraries and bookshops that have everything anyone would need.
I am in favor of the one I am talking about because it not only had all types of books for school from elementary to college, but also ancient texts that preserve our culture.
There is also a section of educational documentaries and movies that promote literature and culture.
They have research journals of different subjects and disciples. Basically anything you can think of, even educational materials on music, art, technology. Everything.
The owner is an old man in his eighty's and he didn't have a family. The shop has been in his family for generations, but since he has no child to pass it on to, he had wanted to find a buyer who would treat it with respect and carry on the mission of preserving records of the progress of human beings.
Unfortunately, many people who want to buy it focus on commercialization. Thus, he hasn't found the right buyer. I believe our goal aligns with his and we can convince him to sell tonight.
Then we will have secured the educational future of the generations to come." Lu Zhen explained his plan and view.
"You thought of everything. I believe that the old owner will be thrilled to know your plans." Leng Pan said.
"Assistant Yao already contacted him, he is waiting for us at the bookshop." Lu Zhen explained again why they had to go tonight.
The two fell into a comfortable silence. Even though no one was talking, they both knew that the other was there with them. Always.
They arrived at the bookshop in less than thirty minutes but when Leng Pan saw the shop she was surprised.
When she heard that the bookshop was located in the old street and owned by an old man, she assumed that it was a small bookshop. Maybe fifty square meters at best, but looking at the store before her.
No wonder it could hold books of every level and any discipline. It was close to four hundred square meters and had two floors.
This was paradise for those who loved reading. Now she understood why Lu Zhen had chosen this shop. It must have everything.
"Let's go inside." Lu Zhen said as he got out of the car and held Leng Pan's hand.
The owner had already closed business for the day and was waiting for them on the second floor.
They walked inside the shop and a middle-aged man welcomed them and led them to an office on the second floor.
He introduced himself as the old man's butler.
Inside the office, they saw an old man wearing a robe like those old men in ancient drama movies.
Just by looking at him, they could tell that he loves to preserve culture. Otherwise, he wouldn't be wearing such an outfit looking like he was filming an ancient palace drama.
"Good evening Mr. Zhao." Lu Zhen greeted him as soon as he was invited into the office.
"Good evening young man. Have a seat." The old man, Mr. Zhao invited the two to sit down.
"Old Tang, bring our guests some tea." He instructed the butler.
"Thank you Mr. Zhao." Leng Pan thanked the old man politely.
It was her first time seeing such an energetic, old grandpa. He didn't look like an old person.
"So, you want to buy my shop?" He went straight to business.
"Yes." Lu Zhen preferred dealing with such straightforward people.
"Why?" Mr. Zhao asked again.
This was a question he had asked several others who had shown interest in his shop but the answers he got never allowed him to continue the conversation.
So, he chose to ask this question first to save them all time.
Lu Zhen didn't answer the question immediately, but waited for the butler who was serving tea to finish and leave before saying anything.
"Mr. Zhao, to tell you the truth I had no interest in buying your shop before today. In fact, I had no interest in anything that wouldn't make me money. Of course, except for my wife." Lu Zhen replied as he stretched out his hand and held Leng Pan's.
"It wasn't until today that I thought of preserving the civilization, and culture of our country and the world. This decision didn't come out of nowhere as it will definitely not benefit me. But it will benefit my children in the future and the future generations." He continued.
"What do you mean Mr. Lu?" Old man Zhao asked.
"Just call me Lu Zhen, no need for so many formalities." Lu Zhen commented.
"Okay, Lu Zhen. Why did you make such a decision on such short notice and immediately take action?" Old Zhao asked again.
"What I am going to say may sound absurd but I can assure you that I would not have taken this step if the information wasn't credible." Lu Zhen said, afraid that the old man would think he was crazy.
"Go ahead, let's hear it." Old man Zhao said.
"Hubby?" Leng Pan called out to Lu Zhen while looking at him with concern.
"Don't worry about it my love. I believe that instead of weaving a more believable story that might get Grandpa Zhao to agree to our request, it's better to tell him the truth.
He is a wise man, otherwise he wouldn't have been able to hold on to the shop until now and not sell it to those shrewd businessmen." Lu Zhen reassured his wife to ease her concerns.
He knew he was taking a risk by revealing information about the apocalypse now, but he believed it was the right choice.
Old man Zhao looked at the couple sitting in front of him and liked them even more. They reminded him of his deceased wife. They used to be just as loving. Too bad she left early and they didn't even have a child.
But he wondered what could be so serious to make the little girl so concerned.