novelraw Chapter 122: How About We Talk Gossip?
Chapter 122: How About We Talk Gossip?
The moment Leon stepped back into his farmhouse cabin, he immediately began rummaging through his suitcase.
Before coming to Stardew Valley, he had packed quite a few outfits—among them, several decent suits.
After all, he used to be in Joja Corporation’s management. Stepping out the door, one had to be presentable, right?
It didn’t take long for Leon to find a navy blue casual suit. After putting it on, he gave himself a quick once-over, making sure there were no obvious wrinkles or damage before moving on to search the storage chest inside the cabin.
The chest was no longer as empty as when he’d first crafted it.
Now it was packed with various specialty goods and materials he’d gathered during his time in Stardew Valley.
Recalling Emily and Haley’s favorite gifts, Leon first pulled out a coconut he’d picked up last time in Calico Desert.
It wasn’t expensive, but Haley liked it. And when it came to gifts, the key was to match the recipient’s tastes.
As for Emily’s favorite gemstones, Leon hesitated.
No matter what, a gemstone never came cheap—and for him, pockets currently empty, a single gem could mean a decent income.But remembering Emily’s warmth and friendliness toward him, plus Haley’s mention that Emily had stayed up past midnight to prepare for his visit, Leon eventually decided to take an earth crystal with him.
Gifts selected, Leon changed into a clean new pair of shoes, then pedaled away from the farm.
He didn’t head straight to Emily and Haley’s home, though. Instead, he stopped by Joja Mart to buy two gift boxes and some ribbon.
The coconut went into the larger box, the earth crystal into the smaller one. After tying them both up with neat ribbon bows, Leon rode over to the villa at 2 Willow Lane.
Knock knock knock.
The villa’s front door soon opened, revealing Haley.
“Didn’t expect you’d look this good in a suit.”
Haley’s eyes lit up as soon as she saw his outfit.
Suits were the ultimate way to show off a man’s physique, and Leon filled out the navy-blue casual suit perfectly—enough to make Haley stop and stare.
“I usually keep things low-key. After all, dirt doesn’t care how good your clothes look—it’ll treat them all the same and throw itself at you,” Leon joked.
“It’s a shame you’re a farmer. If you stepped into the fashion world, I might be seeing your photos in a magazine,” Haley sighed.
“Modeling doesn’t pay much,” Leon replied lightly. “And you have to deal with all sorts of nonsense. Sometimes even bowing to the whims of big capital. I’m not built for that life.”
“You’re not wrong,” Haley nodded in agreement. She knew a thing or two about the messiness of the fashion industry.
“So, are you going to have me stand here all day chatting with you? Where’s Emily?” Leon teased, seeing her blocking the doorway and eyeing him up and down.
“Oh—sorry! Come in. Emily’s in the kitchen.” Haley stepped aside to let him in, leading him to the sofa.
“Want something to drink? Coffee? Juice? We’ve got soda too.” Once Leon was seated, Haley took over the hosting duties.
“Juice, please. I’m not a coffee person.” Leon didn’t stand on ceremony. While Haley went to get it, he pulled two neatly wrapped boxes from his backpack.
“When did you pull those gifts out?”
Haley returned with a bottle of juice, staring at the boxes in surprise.
“Don’t worry about that. Guess which one’s yours?” Leon placed the big and small gift boxes on the sofa.
“There’s one for me too? Hmm… I’ll guess the small one.” Haley reasoned that bigger gifts were usually pricier, so the more valuable one was likely for Emily.
“Wrong. The big one’s yours.” Leon handed it to her.
Haley took it in surprise, weighing it in her hands. “Wow, it’s heavy. You didn’t put a rock in here, did you?”
“You’ll know when you open it,” Leon said, rolling his eyes. “I’m here as a guest, not to cause trouble.”
Finding it awkward to open while holding it up, Haley sat down beside him and untied the bow.
When she lifted the lid, her eyes widened.
“A coconut! So fresh! Leon, how did you know I love coconuts?” Her voice brightened with delight.
“Emily told me,” Leon said casually.
“Thanks, this is a great gift.” She held the coconut in both hands, turning it over. “I love anything with that summery vibe—it makes me feel warm inside.”
“As long as you like it.” Leon was relieved. It seemed her preferences were just like in the game—no changes.
“Since you’ve given me such a nice gift, why not tell me what you got for Emily? If it’s something she hates, I can warn you before you step on a landmine.”
“It’s something she likes. I picked an earth crystal,” Leon said without hesitation.
“Ah, yes—one of her favorites. How did you know she likes richly colored gemstones?” Haley asked curiously.
“Sandy told me,” Leon said, making it up on the spot.
“Her pen pal from Calico Desert? Didn’t think you’d know her.” Haley sounded surprised; even she had only met Sandy a handful of times.
“Met her last time I went to Calico Desert.” Leon gave her a look. “Aren’t you going to help Emily in the kitchen?”
“I’m not great at chores, and my cooking’s awful. Better not get in her way. Besides, she told me to focus on keeping you company,” Haley explained.
“So how are you planning to do that?” Leon grinned, ready to amuse himself by teasing her.
“Maybe you could flip through a magazine?” Haley tilted her head toward the coffee table.
“Not interested,” Leon said with a glance at the fashion magazines.
Fashion just wasn’t his thing.
“Then how about I just chat with you for a while?” Haley suggested after a pause.
“What should we talk about?” Leon asked.
“What do you want to talk about?” she countered.
Leon’s brow lifted, and a smile tugged at his lips. “How about we talk gossip?”