Chapter 149

: Displaying One’s Good Points
Translator: Nyoi-Bo Studio Editor: Nyoi-Bo Studio
Many of the old books stacks fell to 100 dollars, but there were still no bids.
The old and new books were different; once old books were deemed to have no knowledge value, they would often become worthless paper.
The current price for waste paper was 210 dollars per ton. These stacks of old books were, at most, about 220 pounds. Even selling them as waste paper wouldn’t make much money, and would surely end up as a loss.
The two huge units, containing over 100,000 books, were slowly auctioned off from morning all the way until the late afternoon.
In the mid-afternoon, Li Du, Hans, and Godzilla ate some dumplings. A smart Chinese vendor had brought his cart to sell some fast food. Business was booming for him. The treasure hunters were too lazy to go out for lunch, so they just bought food from him.
With the afternoon auction over, Godzilla loaded the books into the truck. They had bought a total of 4,000 books. It was quite a hassle to load them, with the compartment space stuffed to the brim.
Seeing that there was still some time left in the day, Li Du said,
Let’s go back to Flagstaff.

Hans wanted to stay.
We’ve worked all day, especially Godzilla. After moving all those books, he’s definitely tired out. Let’s just stay in Phoenix and have some fun for the night.

Li Du shrugged and agreed. He knew that to Hans, a big city like Phoenix was much more attractive than a small town like Flagstaff.
They drove to a motel, and Li Du’s phone rang. He picked up the call and heard Sophie’s voice.
Hi, Li, where are you at?


In Phoenix. How about you? Are you off from work?

Sophie said,
Yup. I went off work quite early today, and wanted to invite you to dinner to thank you for the help lately. You’ve done so much for me. But since you’re in Phoenix, next time then…

Li Du immediately changed his tune.
It’s like this, Sophie: We’re actually on the way back to Flagstaff from Phoenix. We’ll be back by dinner time.

He gestured while he said that, and Godzilla quickly turned the steering wheel and drove the truck onto the highway.
Hans sat helplessly in the shotgun seat, his exciting night for today gone.
Sophie said joyfully,
That’s great, what would you like to eat?

Li Du replied happily as well,
I’m fine with anything.

Hearing that answer, the female doctor was troubled.
Anything? Then I don’t know what to choose, because I don’t know your palette.

Li Du was about to answer, when Hans waved to him and mouthed:
Pause!

Although he didn’t know what that guy was trying to pull, Li Du still had some trust in Hans, so he told the female doctor that he’d call back later and hung up.

What’s wrong?


Sophie’s asking you out for dinner?
Hans replied with another question.

Yeah, what’s wrong?
Li Du asked without thinking, and then froze for a moment.
Dmmit, you were eavesdropping on us?

Hans rolled his eyes.
My ears are good; you can’t fault me for that. Listen, me eavesdropping isn’t important. If you want to ‘improve’ your relationship with her, then the next step is important.

Li Du mumbled,
Why would I want to ‘improve’ our relationship?

Hans waved and said,
Alright, alright, then just pretend I didn’t say anything…


Stop, stop, stop. Big Fox, continue, continue.
Li Du gave a fake smile as he spoke. He did have some affection for the female doctor, and indeed hoped that he could have a more established relationship with her.
Hans rolled his eyes again.
Next time, in front of me, don’t act like you’re some saint, okay? When it comes to issues about women, don’t expect to be able to hide anything from me, okay?


Ok-ok-ok!
Li Du nodded like a woodpecker.

I know Sophie—her whole family are devoted Christians. Since youth, she didn’t spend time with boys. I bet that the first guy she’s ever asked out to dinner is you.

Li Du smiled gleefully.

So that means—in her heart—you’re not just an ordinary man, and unordinary men do not do typical things. Moreover, they do not have typical dates.

Li Du said,
Right, right, so what should I do?


What should you do? Show off the best side of you! It’s like how a lion displays his strength when seeking a mate. When I’m seeing my mate, I’ll display my eight-inch cannon…


Fck you! Can you be serious!
It was Li Du’s turn to roll his eyes.
Hans said,
I am being serious. What’s the best side of you that you can show?

Li Du thought for a bit, and said,
My kind side, my brave side, my responsible side…


Fck you! Can you be serious!
Hans threw his exact words back at him.
Mr. Li felt wronged. Those were his serious answers.
Hans said,
It’s cooking! Your cooking skills are outstanding. This is a rare trait among men!


And then?


And then are you an idiot? Grab this chance to show off your cooking skills! There’s no need for restaurants. Just bring the ingredients, go straight to Sophie’s home, and enjoy the homely atmosphere. It’ll definitely bring your relationship up a level!
Hans said confidently.

Wouldn’t that be too forceful?
Li Du asked hesitantly.
Hans said,
If you don’t want to, why not just learn from Helene Hanff and Frank Doel, and communicate with letters for 20 years before meeting?


What?

Hans was stunned.
You don’t know? The New York writer, Helene Hanff, and the antiquarian bookseller for Marks & Co, Frank Doel. Their story, a famous romance novel, ‘84 Charing Cross Road?’

Li Du rubbed his nose and said,
I’m not that interested in romance novels.


You have a dmn master’s.
Hans turned scornful.
Godzilla, who was driving, wore a despondent expression.
The topic changed real quickly.

They got back on track, and Hans began imparting upon Li Du his tricks for dating.
Two hours later, the sky was turning dark. Lights from many households began switching on, and Sophie heard someone knocking at her door.

Hello, I’m here.

Sophie bounced up and ran to the door. She opened it and saw a bouquet of snow-white tulips in front of her, with Li Du right behind them.
Sophie was surprised. She looked at the fresh flowers, and then pointed to her cheeks and asked,
For me?

Li Du shook his head.
No, don’t misunderstand, these are for the piano in your house. White tulips match pianos.

Sophie generously accepted the fresh flowers, and then used the tulips to cover her mouth. She giggled,
This must be some idea from Hans, that rascal!

Mr. Li smiled, but it wasn’t out of awkwardness. The female doctor had hit the mark. It was indeed Hans’s idea—including that sentence.
Seeing that his expression changed, Sophie smiled even more joyfully. She ran back inside and placed the flowers into a vase, and focused on displaying them on top of the piano.
Then, she turned back and said with a slight smile,
My piano says, ‘thank you,’ and she will allow her owner to invite you out to dinner.

Li Du brought a cardboard box in.
Um, can we not go out for dinner? How about I make our meals instead? I’m good at cooking up Chinese dishes. I also know some Thai, Japanese, and Korean dishes.
Sophie widened her eyes.
That won’t do. It should be a treat from me to thank you for all of the help.

Li Du said,
You might not know that I love to cook. I especially like watching people eat the food I’ve made, so if you allow me that opportunity, it would be the best way of saying thanks to me.

Sophie stared at him suspiciously and asked,
Is that what Hans taught you to do as well?


No! I’m not Big Fox’s child!
Li Du didn’t know if he should laugh or cry.
I’m telling the truth!


I’ll gladly accept it then,
Sophie said.

Sure!
Mr. Li said cheerfully.