Chapter 363: Just Like Fate

Chen Jianhai spoke with great emotion, his expression unusually serious. However, it was clear that his words were falling on deaf ears. Except for Huo Sisi, who looked at him with a face full of awe and admiration, the children gazed at him innocently and cluelessly. 

Some of the younger ones even yawned and then started playing with their fingers, not understanding a word...

Chen Jianhai was speechless.

If he had known these kids wouldn't understand, he would have explained it more plainly.

"Philosophy isn't grounded in reality, so if it's not placed high, where else can it go…"

As he thought this, Huo Sisi's voice came through: "Boss Chen, I'm really curious, what is the logic behind the arrangement of your books here?"

"I've looked at several bookshelves but can't figure out the pattern."

Huo Sisi looked at the nearby bookshelves, her face puzzled.

Although library science wasn't her specialty, as one of the few teachers on the island, she had to know a bit of everything, including teaching, logistics, and daily operations. She managed the small school library herself, gaining rich practical experience. Even if she wasn't an expert, she could spot a system.

Haiya Library's collection covered various fields, including literature, art, film, photography, fashion, architecture, design, music, comedy, dance, and children's books, with many rare and valuable publications. The green vintage lamps, vinyl records, and classic movie discs were randomly placed around. However, the books seemed to be arranged chaotically, without any logical sequence, as if everything was done on a whim.

Chen Jianhai smiled and said, "The arrangement is intentional."

Intentional? Huo Sisi was stunned.

Even the tiny school library had an electronic system, clearly indicating the location of each book on the computer. Finding a book in this bookstore seemed harder than climbing to heaven. Boss Chen couldn't have made such a basic mistake!

"Reading should be a relaxing and free experience; I don't want it to be too rigid."

"Just like fate."

Chen Jianhai's gaze swept across a row of bookshelves, his eyes reflecting a thought, and he spoke softly:

"You never know when fate will throw a hurdle at you."

"Nor when fate will bring you love."

"You also don't know what kind of book you'll find on the next shelf…"

"Living like this makes life interesting, doesn't it?"

...

Though this was a school-organized visit, it felt more like a class outing. In the end, the kids happily sat together, enjoying the juice and cookies the bookstore had prepared for them, chirping like sparrows on a wire. Occasionally, a few mischievous ones ran around the store, prompting Chen Jianhai to hurriedly move the bookshelves against the walls, afraid they might hurt themselves.

As for the other customers, the staff directed them to the rooftop terrace.

The rooftop terrace offered a breathtaking sea view. Standing there, it felt like a pure blue dream hung in the distance, with the Haiya Library and the island hotel below resembling two white clouds. 

The young man with the backpack held his book, mesmerized by the incredible blue vista before him. The surrounding flowers, the exquisite bookstore, the clear children's voices, and the laughter seemed like gentle, invisible hands slowly winding down the clockwork of his busy life, indulging in a leisurely search for his inner self.

"Meow~"

The calico cat, with its tail high, walked over the gravelly corner of the wall. Stretching its front paws forward, it arched its body back, raising its rear high in a comfortable stretch. 

"Meow!"

The calico looked at the people on the terrace and finally chose the young man with the backpack, gently biting his pant leg.

"Where are you taking me?" 

The young man curiously followed the cat to a corner of the terrace. There, a cat food bowl sat quietly, its contents forming a concave shape. The surrounding cat food was full, but the center was licked clean, revealing the shiny bottom.

"Meow!"

The calico wagged its tail, wearing a "serve me" expression.

"…" The young man was speechless.

He looked around but found no cat food bags nearby. Quickly, he squatted down and shook the cat food bowl to even out the contents, covering the licked-clean center. Then he stood up nonchalantly next to the cat.

"Eat up," he said.

The calico tilted its head, glanced at the bowl, then at the young man. After a brief moment of seeming suspicion, it dove into the bowl, munching away happily.

The young man sat on the nearby sofa, quietly accompanying the cat as it ate. The slow pace of life on the island seemed to seep into him, or perhaps the long journey had indeed tired him out. He leaned back on the sofa and soon fell into a deep sleep.

...

After an unknown amount of time,

"Sir, wake up. It's windy here."

"Sleeping here could make you sick."

A stranger's voice came from above the young man's head, and someone gently shook his arm, waking him from his dream. He opened his eyes to see the setting sun hanging low on the horizon, painting the sky and ocean in brilliant gold.

"It's this late?!"

The young man was surprised. He had only wanted a short nap but ended up sleeping the whole afternoon! And he hadn't yet found a place to stay...

Quickly, he held up the 2-yuan book and took out his phone.

"I got this book from the cart at the entrance, for 2 yuan. How do I pay?"

The bookstore staff glanced at the book cover and waved it off. "Selling such a good book for 2 yuan… too common!"

"It's free for you."

"Free?" The young man thought he had misheard.

Though 2 yuan wasn't much,

If he didn't pay, he'd feel uneasy.

But before he could say anything, the staff spoke again:

"Our boss asked if you've found a place to stay tonight. If not, you can set up a small cot in the bookstore and stay for free."

"You just need to help clean up and watch the store in return."

The young man was stunned.

Is this paradise?

Such good fortune actually exists!!!