Nian Shutong spoke without much thought, but the elderly man stood up excitedly and asked her, "Are you really willing to donate so many books?"
"Not willing."
Nian Shutong saw the man's excitement fade like a quenched flame and explained, "Elder Zhu, I don't have the time. I still have classes to attend, and after classes, I must return home."
"I won't always stay at school."
"I knew you were just boasting!"
The elderly man shook his head and said, "Books are the proof of human progress. I enjoy reading, and many teachers and professors do too, but the existing number of books is far too few."
Nian Shutong looked thoughtful and asked the elder, "If I had a library entirely of ancient books, would you leave here to join my place?"
"All ancient books?" The elder seemed slightly tempted and said, "I'd like to, but I can't leave the school."
He expressed a touch of regret with his last words.
