Stardew Valley’s Farming Master

Chapter 144: Am I Really Less Important Than a Fish?

Haley was clearly startled by Leon’s answer. It took her a long moment before she finally spoke.

“You really don’t hold back on yourself at all, do you? Can’t you say something nice for once?”

“Then should I tell you another story?” Leon glanced at the bobber. No signs of a bite. Since there was nothing better to do, he was more than happy to pass the time with Haley.

“I’m listening.” Though she doubted Leon could come up with a good story, curiosity still got the better of her.

“Alright, here it goes.” Leon thought for a moment before starting.

“The man in the photo was holding a floral umbrella. That umbrella was the most treasured belonging of the girl he loved. He had come to the river, carrying her umbrella, to the place where she had last appeared. So he cast a hook—one that carried his longing—into the water, hoping to bring back the girl who once walked with him along the riverbank under that umbrella, just to see her one last time.”

When he finished, Leon looked at Haley with a teasing smile. “So? Not bad, right?”

“No. Not at all.” Haley’s eyes were red now, clearly touched.

“How can you think of something so tragic? That’s way too cruel.”

“Uh…”Leon had been about to say that this sort of plot wouldn’t even get clicks on a women’s romance site, so why was Haley reacting so strongly? Did this world’s literary scene not go for tragedies?

“And besides, that umbrella is mine. Are you cursing me?” Haley didn’t let up. It was one thing for Leon to poke fun at himself, but now he’d dragged her into it—and given her a miserable ending at that. She was annoyed.

“You’re not my lover.” Leon gave her a helpless look. “Didn’t you say you wanted a story? It’s just a story, not reality.”

“Forget it. Don’t tell me any more. But… it’s a good one. If you use it as the backstory for that photo in a contest, I think it has a good chance of winning.” Haley rolled her eyes, then seriously considered the idea.

“Then take it. But if it actually wins, make sure you give me the prize money as payment for using my likeness.” Leon reminded her.

“Fine, fine. If it wins, it’s all yours.” Haley waved dismissively. She wasn’t concerned about money—especially not an uncertain sum. Even if she really won, she doubted she’d care. Her family certainly didn’t lack funds.

“Alright, deal. Now you can go print the photo and send it in. Hurry up—I can feel my prize money waiting for me.” Leon, having failed to catch a fourth fish for a while, decided to change spots. He tried to shoo Haley away.

“What’s the rush? And why are you trying to chase me off? Besides, this is right in front of my house. My taking photos here has nothing to do with you.”

Haley wasn’t stupid. She could clearly tell Leon wanted her gone, but she wasn’t about to let him get his way. This “come when called, go when dismissed” treatment didn’t sit well—it made her feel like she was obeying his every whim.

“Then hold your own umbrella. I’m moving to another spot. The fish here must have been scared off—they’re not biting anymore.”

Leon handed her umbrella back to her and began reeling in his line, ready to head toward the Coal Forest to cast again.

“Hmph. I think your fishing skills just suck.” Haley shot back without mercy.

“If you think you can do better, then go ahead.” Leon made as if to hand her the rod.

To his surprise, Haley actually took it with one hand. “Fine, I will.”

The moment she took the rod, the fishing line suddenly went taut. The rod was yanked toward the water with such force it nearly flew out of her hands. Caught off guard, Haley instinctively gripped it tight—but her footing was unsteady. The pull dragged her sideways, sending her toppling toward the riverbank.

“Ah!”

She had only enough time to let out a startled cry before she squeezed her eyes shut, already picturing herself rolling into the freezing water. The story Leon had just told flashed through her mind.

…

Reality wasn’t quite so melodramatic. The instant Leon noticed something wrong with the rod, he’d reached out to steady it. Seeing Haley being pulled toward the water, he wrapped an arm firmly around her slender but toned waist, pulling her back. In the same motion, he reclaimed the rod.

Haley felt a strong arm at her waist, and some… softer parts of her pressed lightly against him. When she opened her eyes, she realized she was in Leon’s arms.

Saved by this guy again. But really, it’s his fault for handing me the rod in the first place.

She didn’t try to pull away. Whether from habit or genuine forgetfulness, she stayed there.

Leon, however, needed both hands to handle the rod. The fish in the water was strong enough to nearly drag Haley in; it was clearly a big one.

Fishing one-handed wasn’t going to work. Leon quickly set Haley aside and made sure she was steady before gripping the rod with both hands, bracing himself against the pull.

The abruptness of the move left Haley stunned for a while. She didn’t even notice that her dress had gotten soaked from pressing against his raincoat.

Am I really less important than a fish?!

That thought looped endlessly in her mind.

Unfortunately, Leon couldn’t read thoughts, nor was he looking at her face. At the moment, his eyes were locked on the prize in the water.

The pull on the line was even stronger than the big catfish he’d caught before. Leon guessed this one was its elder. The fish fought like he was trying to hold back a motorcycle at full throttle.

The bamboo rod bent into a C-shape, and the taut line let out faint, tearing sounds.

Leon still had strength to spare, but he worried the rod might not survive.

He stopped talking entirely, planting his feet in a solid stance, locking the reel’s drag, and putting all his effort into pulling.

With each step back, the bamboo creaked and cracked, faint fissures appearing along its surface.

But he couldn’t quit now. With a final heave, he dragged the massive catfish from the water.

It thrashed violently, splashing like a boulder had been dropped into the river. The sound was loud even over the rain.

From the bank, Haley could see it clearly. Her hands flew to her mouth in shock—the fish was huge, bigger than she was.

No wonder it had almost pulled her in. At this size, she could almost believe it might eat a person.

Fish in water were stronger than land creatures of the same size, and this one was in another league entirely.

Watching Leon slowly gain the upper hand, Haley couldn’t help wondering just how much raw power he had hidden in that body of his.