Chapter 33: The New Residence

Chapter 33: A New Home

After playing until noon, they had lunch at a restaurant in the mall, and Qianqian began to grow drowsy. It was no wonder she was tired after tearing around the mall all morning.

After the meal, Zhang Suxin took Qianqian home by taxi. Watching the taxi pull away, the thought of buying a car crossed Lu Anzhi’s mind once more. However, he decided to wait until the shop’s renovations were complete before looking into it. He also needed a few days to research the vehicle brands in this world; he would make his choice only after he had a better understanding of what was available.

For the next while, Lu Anzhi busied himself commuting between the shop and Zhang Suxin’s home. The renovation work progressed smoothly and was nearing its final stages. The custom sign he had ordered from an advertising shop—bearing the name "Three Flavors Bookstore"—was finished and hung above the entrance. It looked elegant, refined, and full of character.

The furniture for the second floor had all been moved in, and Lu Anzhi frequently left the windows open to air the space out. The counters and rows of bookshelves on the first floor were also in place, though they remained empty, waiting for the books to arrive. While there were a decent number of shelves, they didn’t crowd the space. Lu Anzhi had left enough room to set up two rows of tables and chairs, inviting people to sit down and read.

The layout felt more like a trendy boutique bookstore than the cramped, book-stuffed shops found at school gates. Lu Anzhi didn’t necessarily want his shop to become an "internet sensation," but he did cherish the idea of filling it with his favorite books and providing a quiet, relaxing atmosphere where people could sit and savor their reading. He hoped to participate in that environment occasionally himself.

Having been granted a second chance at life, why not use his available funds to create an environment where he could feel comfortable and happy?

*I hope Qianqian likes this place, too,* Lu Anzhi thought as he looked at the empty, freshly prepared bookstore. As he mused, the image of Zhang Suxin popped into his mind, and he couldn't help but wonder: *She would surely appreciate an atmosphere like this, wouldn't she?*

He didn't stop to analyze why he had such a thought. Subconsciously, he had already begun to view Zhang Qianqian and Zhang Suxin as a single unit. How could a daughter be separated from her mother? If the place the daughter liked was also favored by the mother, that would be the best outcome of all.

Lu Anzhi posted help-wanted notices on the shop door and on job forums, seeking a shop assistant. He wasn't building this environment just to sit behind the counter all day, greeting customers and ringing up sales; hiring someone was a necessity.

Next came the books. Through his contact "Bitterly," he had connected with the operations team at "Maple Tree Under" to secure his supply channels. While he handled the initial setup through Bitterly, their routine communication continued through her.

In their chat logs, Bitterly had confirmed: "Boss B, the channels are all set; we’re just waiting for your business license. Also, *Dragon Raja III* has been printed and shipped. Once your license arrives, the distributors might be able to ship your copies of *Dragon Raja III* along with the rest, and you can pay on delivery. Just remember, all books can be exchanged but not returned."

During this time, the first three chapters of *Dragon Raja III* had been published in Maple Tree Under’s e-magazine. After the publicity hype reached a fever pitch, all three novels were printed and distributed to bookstores across the country, ready for release in the heat of midsummer.

Lu Anzhi’s little Three Flavors Bookstore would naturally receive its own shipment. As for other titles, the distributors provided a catalog, and Lu Anzhi made his own selections. Zhang Suxin had offered suggestions as well, and Qianqian had pointed out a few children’s books that caught her eye, which Lu Anzhi promptly added to the order.

If it weren't for Qianqian, Lu Anzhi likely wouldn't have bothered with children's books. But now that she was in his life, carving out a corner of the shop for a children’s section felt like the most natural thing in the world. His own finished manuscript of *The Little Prince*, along with other short fairy tales, would eventually find a home in that corner.

"Ring, ring..."

One day, as Lu Anzhi checked out of his hotel, backpack in tow, ready to move into the shop, his phone rang. Although he could have downloaded any number of songs as a ringtone, he was too lazy to bother, sticking with the simplest, most basic default chime.

The phone model he owned had just been released during this period, gaining immense popularity and becoming the most common "street phone." Because of its relatively high price tag, netizens jokingly dubbed it a status symbol for the wealthy. Fortunately, Lu Anzhi hadn't heard of anyone selling a kidney to buy one; people’s consumption habits remained largely rational.

He pulled out his phone and saw Zhang Suxin’s name on the screen.

He answered, and heard Zhang Suxin ask, "Are you at the shop?"

Lu Anzhi replied, "Yes, I am. I just checked out of the hotel. Starting today, I’ll be living at the shop."

Zhang Suxin said, "Your business license for the bookstore is ready, and our studio registration is done too. I just picked up the license from the agent. If you’re at the shop, I’ll bring it over to you."

Qianqian’s voice chimed in: "Daddy! Daddy!"

Apparently, seeing Qianqian calling out, Zhang Suxin had handed her the phone. Lu Anzhi heard Qianqian’s voice grow much louder: "Daddy, Qianqian is coming to find you. Mommy is coming to find you."

Hearing Qianqian’s voice, Lu Anzhi couldn't help but smile. "That’s great. Daddy will wait for you at the shop, alright?"

"Okay!" Qianqian chirped sweetly.

Zhang Suxin exchanged a few more brief words with him before hanging up.

Everything was progressing so smoothly that it surprised even Lu Anzhi. With everything falling into place, it truly felt as though he had all his ducks in a row. He had moved into the shop, and once the license arrived, the books could be stocked—he might even get to witness the launch of his own novel.

After settling his final bill at the hotel, Lu Anzhi headed toward the bookstore with his heavy backpack. Reaching the storefront, he set his bulky bag aside, pulled up the rolling shutter, and stepped inside. He took a deep breath.

The shop smelled only of wood, which wasn't unpleasant. Because he had kept the interior design simple and focused on soft furnishings, there were no pungent odors. To be safe, he had hired three different agencies to test for hazardous substances, confirming that chemicals like formaldehyde were well within safety limits. Only then did he feel truly at ease.

He wouldn't have felt comfortable letting Qianqian spend time there otherwise.

He carried his bag to the second floor and set it down. Returning to the first floor, he used his new water heater to boil a pot of water, then sat down leisurely to wait for Zhang Suxin and Qianqian.

This was the first time Qianqian would be visiting the shop now that it was fully prepared. She would surely like it here, wouldn't she?