532 Pi (1/2)

Chapter 532: Pi

Translator: Nyoi-Bo StudioEditor: Nyoi-Bo Studio

The old man saw Zhang Zian hesitate. He thought he was going to be politely refused, so he turned around to get help.

Zhang Zian's hesitation disappeared and he smiled. ”Sure, I have time now. Let's find a seat. Where would you like to sit?”

”Anywhere will do!” The old man was thrilled. He looked around to find a seat as quickly as he could, just in case Zhang Zian changed his mind.

Once Zhang Zian made up his mind, he wouldn't change it. He put his phone in his pocket and pointed at an empty table in the corner. ”How about over there? There are two free computers next to each other.”

”Okay!” The old man slowly followed Zhang Zian to the corner with his cane.

Zhang Zian pulled out the chair for him. They took their seats, with a computer in front of both of them.

”Uncle, I'm just wondering. Why don't you use the touch screen terminals like the other senior citizens? Isn't it more convenient?” Zhang Zian asked while moving the mouse to wake the computer up.

”I don't think I'm that old. I want to spend time with young people, and use what they use.” The old man leaned his cane against the desk and laughed. ”I practiced typing for this reason. I bought some primary school textbooks and learned Pinyin. I know how to surf the internet, but the computers here seem different.”

The old man introduced himself. His last name was Zhou. His wife passed away long ago, and his children and grandchildren worked in different cities and didn't visit often. He learned new things to kill time.

Zhang Zian realized how much he hated being old. He started calling him ”Mr. Zhou,” which he preferred to ”Uncle” as it made him feel younger.

After logging in, Zhang Zian realized something was wrong. The operating system in the computers wasn't Windows nor Mac OS, but a massively customized special system with simplified functions. There was no Resource Manager or Control Panel or Internet Explorer or chatting tools. It was connected to a local network, so the Internet wasn't available.

The computers were All-in-One computers like Mac, fixated on the desks. There was nothing in the back, no USB or Thunderbolt ports. There were only the power and cable ports along with PS/2 ports for the keyboard and mouse. There wasn't even a place to plug earphones in.

It would take time for young people to get used to the computer, let alone Mr. Zhou.

Equipping the library with this type of computer effectively blocked viruses and prevented illegal transmissions of e-books. The library also had easy-to-use touch screen terminals for the elderly, but some elderly hated to feel old.

Zhang Zian opened a customized reading software and worked on it for a while before teaching Mr. Zhou to search for books by category and other things like changing the background color and adjusting the font size.

”Young man, what are they doing over there?” Mr. Zhou pointed to the front.

Zhang Zian noticed it, too. People on the fifth floor weren't reading, they were typing, as if they were chatting online. Surely, they couldn't log into QQ here, so what were they typing?

”Wait a moment, Mr. Zhou. I'll have a look.”

He walked behind the row of young people and observed, an idea forming in his mind.

The fifth floor was a digitalized reading and communication area, where people could talk in a chatroom. Readers could recommend books to others or ask others about a book they were searching for.

The readers that visited during the holidays were well-educated, so the chatroom was friendly. There was always help for those who needed it, and even if no one was able to help, they made others feel welcome.

It was fair to say that this was a smart investment for the library. Setting up a chatroom not only relieved the help desk of some work, it fostered passion and friendship among readers.

Zhang Zian returned to his seat and opened the chatroom for Mr. Zhou, so that he could communicate with others.

Mr. Zhou was enjoying himself. Even though he typed slowly with one finger, he attentively commented on books. When other readers sought help, he always did what he could to help, but most people got help from others before he could finish typing.

”Mr. Zhou, I need to leave for a moment. If you have questions, I'll answer them when I return.” Zhang Zian took out his phone to search for the elfin one last time.

”Okay. Thank you.” Mr. Zhou nodded, eyes glued to the screen. If he was 40 years younger, Mr. Zhou might have been addicted to the Internet.