Jian and his father cautiously entered the small room to find Lin Zhan completely engrossed in a book, surrounded by a chaotic pile of weathered tomes. Their eyes met, and they exchanged knowing smiles before silently closing the door to not disturb him. They both realized that their little Lin had developed an insatiable appetite for reading.

With the door closed, Jian turned to his father and inquired, "Father, would it be alright if Lin stays here tonight?"

Jian's father chuckled, "What are you saying, son? Of course, it's fine."

"Thank you, Father," Jian replied with a grin. He knew his father wouldn't mind, considering the circumstances.

Jian headed back to his own home, where a pot of porridge was simmering on the stove. As he entered, his wife turned and greeted him, "Oh, dear, you're back."

They exchanged a moment of silence before she asked, "Where's Lin?"

A mischievous smile played on Jian's lips. "You won't believe this, but our little boy has discovered the joy of reading. He spent the entire day reading Father's books."

His wife's eyes widened in surprise. "What? Are you serious?"

Jian nodded with a chuckle. "Absolutely. He was so engrossed that I decided to let him stay at Father's place tonight since he's enjoying it so much."

Amazement and skepticism danced in his wife's eyes. "Lin? Reading books? That's quite a change."

Jian grinned, "Indeed. He's been poring over Father's collection since morning."

As dawn broke the next day, Jian's father made his way to Jian's house. Jian greeted him with a smile, "Father, I was about to come over to bring Lin back."

His father's eyes twinkled, "No need, my boy. He's quite the bookworm. Let him stay there for a couple more days."

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"But, Father," Jian started, concerned, "I thought..."

His father interrupted gently, "It's my decision. He's so fascinated by those books. If he doesn't explore his interests now, then when?"

As they spoke, Jian's wife joined them. She addressed Jian's father warmly, "Good morning, Father. How have you been?"

Jian's father grinned, "Ah, my daughter-in-law, I've been well. Is Jian treating you right?"

Jian's wife chuckled, "Yes, Father, he is."

Offering a cup of coffee, she asked, "Would you like some coffee, Father?"

Jian's father shook his head with a smile. "Thank you, my dear, but I'm a bit busy these days. Trying to improve next year's harvest, you know."

Jian offered to help, but his father declined. "No need, my boy. You have your own responsibilities to take care of. Well, I must be on my way."

As he left, Jian's wife leaned her head on Jian's shoulder. "Your father is such a kind soul."

Days passed, and Jian and his wife worked hard in their blacksmith shop. However, the lack of customers had them a bit worried. They wondered where Lin was, and Jian decided to check on him at his father's house.

As he stepped out of the shop, his wife assured him, "Lin should be fine. He's with your father."

Jian agreed, though still a bit concerned. "I know, but I should check on him. Can't let him be a bother to Father."

He left for his father's house. As he walked, he mused to himself, "He can't possibly be causing too much trouble for Father, right?"

As he approached his father's house, Jian noticed that a small shed-like room was unusually quiet. He hesitated for a moment, then took a deep breath and gently opened the door. And just as he had suspected, there stood Lin Zhan, looking pale and worn, his eyes darkened from continuous reading.

Without hesitation, Lin's exhausted body swayed and he fell into Jian's arms, fast asleep. Jian was taken aback for a moment by Lin's sudden collapse, but he quickly adjusted to support his young friend.

Jian's father, who had sensed the commotion, made his way over. "Ah, so there he is, our dedicated scholar," he said with a mix of amusement and pride.

"He's been at it for two days straight," Jian's father explained, his voice carrying a hint of awe. "I tried to get him to eat, but he was so absorbed in those books that he hardly noticed."

Looking down at Lin's peaceful face, Jian's heart swelled with a mixture of worry and admiration. "I've never seen such determination in someone so young."

Jian's father nodded in agreement. "He's quite the extraordinary child. Perhaps we should consider sending him to the village elder for proper education. He might have a gift for learning."

As they stood there, Lin's rhythmic breathing filled the room. The day was slowly winding down, and the sun began to dip below the horizon. The chapter found its conclusion in the midst of Lin's unique journey of discovery and the bonds between generations.