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Chapter 732: New Village Bookstore

Despite the sparse views, Li Daoxuan noticed that the first episode of the short series already had several reviews, and every single one was positive.

He clicked to read them.

"The fight choreography in this video is so realistic."

"Damn, my hair stood on end watching that; they're actually killing people."

"The recreation of ancient military formations is incredibly accurate!"

"It's just like watching a real battle unfold."

"That actor playing Xiao Tianzuo, he's got real martial arts skill."

Just a handful of scattered reviews, but not a single negative one among them—all praise. That was a rare occurrence indeed.

Li Daoxuan thought to himself, "The reviews are decent. I'll wait to see the follow-up."

Li Daoxuan had been immersed in cultural matters recently, so naturally, his thoughts turned to cultural issues. He decided to check out the cultural industry today. With a sudden shift, his co-sensing jumped to the cotton-thread Heavenly Lord talisman on Gao Shan's chest.

Gao Laba’s son, Gao Shan.

He was currently in Yan'an Prefecture, standing at the entrance of a newly renovated, officially opened, massive bookstore.

The bookstore was named the "New Village Bookstore," obviously signifying "the brand new Gao Family Village."

Gao Family Village itself already had a village-run bookstore, personally managed by San Shier, and Chengcheng County also boasted a large bookstore overseen by Principal Wang.

Therefore, Gao Shan decided to establish the main branch of the New Village Bookstore in Yan'an Prefecture!

He was eager to innovate, open new markets, and truly take off right here.

Decorating this store had cost a fortune in silver, an endeavor most young people couldn't afford, but behind Gao Shan stood Gao Laba.

Gao Laba’s wealth was a complete mystery!

He had never told anyone how much money he made selling rice noodles; no one knew.

It wasn’t until Gao Shan decided to embark on this business venture that everyone realized Gao Laba’s unfathomable capabilities.

Li Daoxuan looked around, observing the entire bookstore. It was sumptuously appointed, resplendent with gold leaf, and its windows were crafted from large, seamless sheets of glass transported from Gao Family Village’s glass factory, ensuring ample natural light flooded the interior.

The bookshelves were made entirely from top-grade timber, finished with the finest lacquer, and at their corners, they were meticulously carved with beautiful patterns and intricate ornaments.

Li Daoxuan realized that the modern concepts he’d mentioned to Gao Shan during their last discussion about bookstore design had been fully absorbed.

Following modern concepts, the bookstore was divided into sections: one dedicated to bookshelves, and another to tea tables, effectively creating distinct "sales areas" and "reading lounges."

The sales area was further meticulously partitioned, with major categories like textbooks, novels, comic books, and reference books each assigned to separate shelves.

By now, a few customers had entered the bookstore and were browsing the sales area.

These patrons, all possessing at least some means, were not the kind who worried about their next meal. After entering the sales area, their primary focus was the "textbook section."

They were mostly there to buy copies of The Four Books and Five Classics, intending to study them thoroughly before taking the imperial examinations.

A young scholar browsed the shelves, found a copy of *The Great Learning*, and opened it, looking quite satisfied. "Boss," he declared, "I sensed the grandeur of your bookstore even from outside. Now that I'm in, it's truly extraordinary. The paper for this book is first-rate, and the printing quality is superb. Marvelous! This is far superior to the copy of *The Great Learning* I bought last time."

Gao Shan smiled and approached. "My friend," he said, "you already own a copy of *The Great Learning*. Why purchase another?"

The scholar sighed. "My younger brother is mischievous," he explained, "and he knocked over my inkstone, ruining several important books of mine."

Gao Shan replied, "Oh dear, what a pity. It seems your study environment at home isn't ideal, my friend."

The scholar sighed deeply. "With three younger brothers and two younger sisters at home," he lamented, "when they get boisterous, it's utter pandemonium."

Gao Shan offered, "In that case, why not read here at the bookstore? Over there, you'll find our reading lounge. It's peaceful and elegant. Wouldn't it be splendid to enjoy your books and savor some tea there?"

The scholar glanced towards the "reading lounge," where he saw several tea tables, each separated by partitions, creating its own secluded little world. It truly was an excellent place to study, and he was instantly delighted.

Gao Shan added, "There's another advantage to studying here. If you suddenly need to consult other reference materials, you can immediately find them in the sales area."

The scholar exclaimed, "Brilliant! Simply brilliant!"

He darted into the reading lounge, claimed a tea table, ordered a pot of the cheapest Eagle Tea, and was soon completely lost in his book, oblivious to his surroundings.

Li Daoxuan chuckled inwardly. "Not bad, not bad at all," he thought. "Gao Shan is quite savvy."

Thanks to Gao Shan’s efforts, before long, several scholars were settled in the reading lounge, engrossed in their books.

The socially anxious scholars quietly read their own books, but the more gregarious ones would actively approach others’ tea tables, sit down, and unfold their book pages. "My esteemed friend," one might say, "these few lines are a bit unclear to your humble junior. I wonder if you might offer some guidance?"

The one addressed would instantly beam with pride. After all, most scholars in their dynasty harbored a penchant for pontificating, and when asked for instruction, they immediately exuded an air of scholarly superiority. "Ah, these two lines," one would begin, "their meaning is..."

What followed was a lengthy discourse filled with classical references, a veritable torrent of wisdom that could fill volumes.

The one who had been taught, naturally, expressed his gratitude. "My friend, we are fated to meet," he declared. "Today, I must treat you to a fine pot of tea. Shopkeeper, bring us your very best."

Gao Shan responded cheerfully, "Certainly! One pot of special-grade pre-Qingming Longjing tea, coming right up."

The scholar, glancing at the bill, was startled—it was so expensive, nearly double the price of other tea houses. But then he considered: the decor, the atmosphere, weren't these several times superior to any ordinary tea shop? A price that was merely double seemed quite reasonable, a mark of genuine conscientiousness.

Indeed, the academic atmosphere in the reading lounge instantly grew richer.

Li Daoxuan mused inwardly: *Once word of this place gets out, I fear all the scholars and students in Yan'an Prefecture will flock here. It will then form a cultural phenomenon, which is a truly excellent development.*

Gathering scholars to study and discuss together was far superior to them toiling in isolation; it would more readily foster talented and useful individuals.

Just then, a large group of people appeared at the bookstore entrance. Leading them was none other than Chen Qiyu, the Governor of Yansui, followed by an entourage of guards, retainers, and the like.

Entering the bookstore, Chen Qiyu broke into a wide smile. "Oh, oh, oh!" he exclaimed, "the bookstore is finally open for business! I had wanted to visit while it was still being prepared, but today it finally opens. Heartfelt congratulations, truly!"

The scholars and students inside turned their heads, gaping. *The Governor!*

They were thoroughly startled, yet at the same time, a strange sense of excitement stirred within them.