In the middle of the night, I dream of using a book as a pillow.

 　　I enjoy reading, especially reading at night. Indeed, nighttime is the best time for reading. The day's work and chores are finished, the children are asleep, and the surrounding noise gradually subsides. At this time, brewing a cup of tea, turning on the desk lamp, picking up a beloved book, and immersing oneself in this tranquil space—isn't that one of life's greatest pleasures?

　　The late Han Dynasty scholar Dong Yu said, "Night is the respite of the day; winter is the respite of the year; rainy days are the respite of the season; all are times of leisure and idleness." It is precisely the best time for reading and self-cultivation. Su Dongpo's saying, "The true joy of reading lies in these three respite periods," refers to this very idea. The famous Jin Dynasty pastoral poet Tao Yuanming said in the preface to his "Ode to Unrecognized Scholars," "I have always used my three respite periods to read; during breaks from lectures, I read his writings." It is evident that Dong Yu, Su Dongpo, and Tao Yuanming fully utilized these "three respite periods" to become renowned scholars and poets, possessing exceptional talent.

　　Reading at night requires no deliberate selection. Simply pull a book from the shelf, glance at the cover, the illustrations, the preface, or immerse yourself in a particular chapter, reading as you please, stopping when you're satisfied. This is far more engaging and immersive than sitting formally during the day reading dry, theoretical books. Before you know it, dawn has broken. Over time, you gradually begin to appreciate the joy of reading.

　　One of these joys is cultivating one's character. In modern society, the fast pace of work and fierce competition often leave us restless, agitated, and unable to concentrate. Reading at night, immersed in the comforting atmosphere created by the words, brings clarity to the world and a sense of purity. Especially when you entrust your mind and body to the wisdom of the ancients and moderns, engaging in dialogue with them, the joy of closing the book and finding understanding is indescribable. The great Song Dynasty writer Zeng Gong vividly described the wonderful pleasure of reading in his poem "Reading": "South Mountain faces the dusty desk, rubbing against each other to reveal its verdant green. A hundred birds listen to its lingering, suddenly like a phoenix arriving. Then I know that a thousand years later, I can sit and see the Yu and Tang dynasties." The author, engrossed in reading for a long time, rubbed the desk so much that it was as if the dust of the South Mountain, which he had faced day and night, had been wiped away, revealing its verdant green. Reading in such an environment, carefully appreciating the profound words of scholars throughout history, is like listening to the melodious chirping of a hundred birds. How delightful this scene is!

　　The second pleasure is "inspiring poetry." As you read, an impulse and desire to write arises. At this moment, you unfold the paper, pick up your pen, and the words flow freely, like a spring, like a stream, and you feel your writing is smooth. Although you don't have the skill of "finishing in an instant," you still feel that the writing is refreshing and pleasant. Over the years, many of my own short articles have been born in this kind of context. Those few little books were mostly written under the lamplight at night. "Because I read, I love books. And because I love books, I read." "I think, therefore I am"—this has become my relentless pursuit.

　　Reading at night is a hobby for many readers. Whether it's the ideal atmosphere of "reading by the company of a beautiful woman" or the "secret pleasure" of "reading forbidden books behind closed doors on a snowy night," it's simply a true reflection of the lives of us readers. In fact, in this increasingly restless and extravagant society, isn't it a kind of happiness to sit surrounded by books in the quiet of the night, "dreaming with books as pillows in the dead of night," reading what can be read, and writing what can be written?