Why does the narrator hope to learn from Simon wheeler?

The narrator hopes to learn from Simon Wheeler because he is curious about the story of Jim Smiley, a character mentioned in the request for information. The narrator is intrigued by the potential for entertaining anecdotes and local color that Wheeler might provide. Additionally, he seeks to engage with the rustic storytelling style that Wheeler embodies, which promises a unique and humorous insight into the quirks of human nature and local life.