Stardew Valley’s Farming Master

Chapter 154: A Family-Run Farm

“Huh?” Emily was startled when she heard the news. Then she remembered how Haley had rushed straight into the bathroom for a shower after coming home and couldn’t help teasing, “No wonder she went to shower right after getting back.”

“I said it was a close call—she didn’t fall in. Just got her clothes soaked from the rain,” Leon quickly explained.

After all, knowing Emily’s big-sister personality, if she misunderstood and thought Haley had actually fallen into the river, she would definitely scold her all the way home. If that happened, Haley might get mad, start arguing, and even blurt out things not suitable for a third party to hear. That would be a real headache for Leon.

“Sorry, I was too busy worrying about Haley. Good thing she didn’t fall in. But I remember she had an umbrella when she went out this morning,” Emily said, recalling the scene of herself reading on the sofa as Haley headed out.

“She probably didn’t bother with it since she was taking photos,” Leon replied. Of course, he wouldn’t tell Emily that Haley got wet because he had pulled her into his arms and the rain from his own coat had soaked her. Even if it had been for a good reason—saving her—it was still a bit… abrupt.

“That’s true. Aside from her love for the fashion world, Haley’s real hobby is photography. You might not know this, Leon, but Haley’s actually somewhat well-known in photography circles. Unlike me coming to work here in Gus’s place, her job is to take photos for magazines on a regular basis. A lot of magazines love working with her. She’s really amazing.”

Hearing Leon mention Haley’s photography, Emily couldn’t help but boast about her sister’s work. It was clear she felt proud of Haley, even if Haley didn’t always act like she enjoyed having Emily as a sister.

“What about you? Ever thought about changing jobs?” Leon recalled something Clint had said and decided to test Emily’s thoughts.

After all, he’d likely be visiting the mines often in the future, which meant he’d have no shortage of gems. If he could work with Emily in the jewelry business, maybe they could even create their own brand of jewelry.

“No. Honestly, if I wanted, I could use my parents’ connections to work as a jewelry designer in a big city. I can also do handwoven crafts, so being a fashion designer wouldn’t be a problem either. But I don’t want to leave Pelican Town,” Emily replied.“Why not?” Leon asked curiously.

“Because of Haley, of course. She’s like a child when it comes to daily life. If I’m not around, she’d probably get overwhelmed by little things.” Emily smiled. “She’s my only sister. Our parents aren’t home often. If I don’t take care of her, who will?”

“You really are a good sister.” Leon sighed. As an only child, he’d never experienced what it was like to have a sibling, and it was something he’d always regretted.

“She’s family, after all.” Emily’s expression softened. “Right now, I just hope Haley can find the right guy and settle down. Only then could I truly relax.”

“And after Haley settles down? What will you do then?” Leon asked casually.

Emily thought for a moment before answering, “Maybe I’d travel for a while. Then, once I’ve saved up some money, I’d find a piece of land in Stardew Valley rich in water grass, build my own farm, and raise a whole bunch of sheep.”

“No need to look—I’d welcome you as a partner in my farm anytime,” Leon offered immediately.

Emily froze. Then her face turned bright red. She quickly lowered her head and stammered, “W-What are you saying?!”

“Huh? Is there a problem?” Leon asked, puzzled by her reaction.

“Of course there’s a problem. Don’t just say things like that again.” Emily realized she had misunderstood him and decided to explain.

“Farms—anywhere in the world—are basically family businesses passed down for generations. Usually, when a farm owner invites someone to join their farm, it’s a hint that they want to become family. Even if not by blood, it’s a bond as close as family. That kind of partnership usually happens through adoption, marriage, or sworn kinship. So if you’re asking me—a complete outsider—to join your farm, aren’t you hinting at marrying me?”

“Oh… so that’s how it is. First I’ve heard of it,” Leon said, suddenly understanding why she had reacted so strongly.

He also now understood why his grandfather’s farm had been left abandoned until he came along—farms were family-run businesses, not to be inherited by outsiders.

He was tempted to keep teasing Emily, but since it didn’t fit his current plans and he didn’t want her to take it seriously, he said instead, “Sorry, I really didn’t know. That was thoughtless of me.”

Emily waved it off as if she didn’t mind, though there was a faint look of disappointment on her face.

Leon pretended not to notice. He picked up the cup of hot water Emily had given him earlier and took a sip. Neither of them spoke.

After a short silence, Leon broke it.

He remembered that coming to the Stardrop Saloon wasn’t just for dinner—he’d also wanted to ask Emily to appraise a yellow crystal and an amethyst for him.

So he took the two stones out and placed them on the bar. “Emily, could you help me check the quality of these two crystals?”

“No problem.”

Emily nodded, picked up the yellow crystal, examined it closely for a moment, then set it down. She did the same with the amethyst before putting it back on the counter.

“They’re both good quality. If I were to make an offer, I’d say the yellow crystal could go for 220, and the amethyst around 330.”

Leon compared her prices with Clint’s and found they weren’t far off—Emily’s price for the yellow crystal was a little higher, while the amethyst was almost the same.

Since both of them gave similar prices, that meant the market value for these stones was about what they said.

Once the two test crystals he’d placed in the shipping bin were sold, Leon planned to check the sales report.

If the shipping bin’s prices for gems were lower than Emily and Clint’s offers, then he’d sell future gems to Clint. But if they were close, the shipping bin would still be his first choice.

After all, Clint’s place was a long walk away, while the shipping bin was right outside his door. It would save him time and also show Lewis that he wasn’t slacking after inheriting the farm.

That way, Leon could also reassure Lewis that he really was contributing to Pelican Town’s economy, so Lewis wouldn’t think the farm support funds he’d provided were wasted.