novelraw Chapter 10: A Deeper Exchange
Chapter 10: A Deeper Exchange
The look in Morris’s eyes made Leon a little wary. In this day and age, even men had to watch out for themselves when outside. Still, Leon didn’t really think Morris was some weirdo. That gaze probably meant there was some kind of benefit Morris saw in him.
“As someone who used to be one of us, I’d like to ask you something, Mr. Leon. Do you support Joja Corporation’s proposal to turn the old Community Center into a logistics warehouse? This would strengthen Pelican Town’s logistics system and modernize the place. It’s good for both of us. With better logistics, your farm might gain more sales channels.”
Sure enough, the next moment, Morris laid out his vision directly.
“Sorry, I’m still unfamiliar with this town. For a question like that, I think you should ask the mayor, not a farmer who just arrived.” Leon smiled, choosing to brush it off.
“Well then, would you be interested in learning about our Joja membership program?” Morris looked a little disappointed at the answer, but immediately switched topics.
“No.” Leon rejected without hesitation.
“No need to answer so quickly. Joja will always be here in Pelican Town, providing the best shopping experience for residents. You can think about it when you need it. As a gift for our first meeting, I think you might like this.”
Morris handed Leon a slip of paper.
Leon glanced at it—it was a coupon. Twenty percent off, one-time use.
He didn’t refuse. Instead, Leon smiled and thanked him. “Then thank you for the gift, Manager Morris. I’ll think about your membership proposal.”“I look forward to your reply. Happy shopping.” Morris’s lips curled into a small, satisfied smile before politely taking his leave.
Leon wasted no time using the coupon. It saved him over forty bucks—enough to buy another 10 kilograms of rice. Not a bad deal.
When Lewis and Leon finished loading everything into the pickup truck and set off toward the farm, Lewis asked while driving.
“What do you think of Morris’s proposal?”
“You mean about the old Community Center?” Leon asked back.
“Mm.” Lewis nodded.
“Maybe I can only answer that after I’ve seen it for myself,” Leon replied. “I should at least find out what it’s like first.”
“When I drop you off, if you’re interested, I can take you there,” Lewis suggested.
“So what’s your take on the Community Center?” With some road still ahead, Leon decided to make use of the time and ask.
“Me? I’m conflicted. You know, the Community Center used to be the liveliest place in Pelican Town. Most events and gatherings were held there. But now, young people would rather stay home watching TV all day than go out, so it’s been abandoned.”
Lewis’s face dimmed. “I don’t like it. But Morris has brought up buying it more than once. His offer wouldn’t be small. Pelican Town could use that money to develop, but I don’t want to see it disappear. Fixing it would also take a lot of money, and the town can’t afford that. So Leon, what do you think I should do?”
“This isn’t something urgent. You have plenty of time to think it over.” Leon spoke gently.
“You’re right. It’s not urgent.” Lewis’s shoulders eased, the thought making him feel better.
He wasn’t worried Morris would lose interest if things dragged on. The Community Center was one of the few large plots left for sale. As long as Morris wanted to expand in Pelican Town and Stardew Valley, Lewis believed the proposal would always stay on the table.
In the meantime, he could try to raise enough funds to restore the building. Deep down, he didn’t want to see it abandoned forever.
Relaxing, Lewis chatted with Leon about various stories and legends of Stardew Valley along the way.
When they arrived at the farm, Leon immediately noticed a tall wooden crate—two meters by four—sitting next to the mailbox.
“Haha, looks like our workers installed your shipping bin ahead of schedule. Just like I said, if you’re not here, they’ll still get it done for you.”
Lewis wasn’t surprised, and even teased Leon about it.
“I’d like to meet these hardworking folks,” Leon replied, though he already had an idea in his mind.
“You will.” Lewis assured him.
They got out and carried Leon’s supplies into the farmhouse. Then Lewis asked, “Want to come to my place for lunch?”
“Of course. And after lunch, maybe we can check out the old Community Center.” Leon accepted without hesitation. Lewis’s warmth felt like that of an elder, and the invite was clearly genuine.
“Let’s go then.” Lewis hopped into the driver’s seat and called out, “I was planning to take you there anyway. You know, when the Community Center was built, your grandfather played a huge role.”
“This has something to do with him?” Leon was surprised—he hadn’t heard that before.
“Of course. Your grandfather brought a lot of change to Stardew Valley and Pelican Town. Do you know why we got along so well?”
“Why?”
“Because my position as mayor—strictly speaking—was secured thanks to him. Pelican Town wasn’t like this back then. Without his support and the reputation of Red Star Farm, I might have been out of office long ago.” Lewis’s voice grew nostalgic.
“That’s why I care about you, Leon. Your grandfather did so much for me. But by the time I could repay him, he had already passed away. So I want to return that kindness to you. And more than that, I want to see Red Star Farm restored to its former glory—or even better. Leon, I believe you can do it.”