Stardew Valley’s Farming Master

Chapter 39: Return to the Old Community Center

Lewis listened to Leon’s response, falling into deep thought. His expression shifted between worry and expectation.

Leon didn’t press the matter further. He trusted Lewis to make the decision he hoped for. After all, it was a legitimate concern—and Pelican Town was in dire need of funds.

Leon didn’t hold any strong prejudice against Joja Corporation, but he couldn’t deny that some of their practices were questionable. In fact, he felt Pelican Town should issue them a warning and some form of penalty to keep Morris from stirring up more trouble.

He was planning to mine in the Abandoned Mine later, and the last thing he wanted was for Joja staff to be conducting reckless, illegal mining above his head—methods so hazardous they could cause a cave-in. He could already imagine the danger: large-scale dynamite blasting. If a careless blast sealed off the mine entrance while he was still inside, what a senseless way that would be to die.

“Regarding this matter, I’ll need to check the legal code to confirm whether it’s against the law before deciding our next step. Thank you for the reminder, Leon.”

In the end, Lewis chose to take action against Joja Corporation on this issue. Still, he made sure to thank Leon for pointing out this profitable opportunity.

Leon nodded. “This is about Pelican Town’s environment and safety. We’re a town built along the mountains, coexisting with Stardew Valley’s ranges. Joja’s actions might destabilize those mountains. If a landslide occurs during heavy rain, it will be too late for regrets.”

Lewis’s expression grew more serious. “You’re right. This isn’t a small matter.”

Without another word, Lewis set off toward his house at once.

Leon, watching him leave, didn’t rush back to the farm. Since he was already here, he decided to stop by the Community Center.Following the steps north of Pelican Town, Leon made his way toward the Community Center. Near the small park, he spotted a vibrant daffodil hidden beneath a tree. He picked it and tucked it away before continuing on.

When he reached the park next to the Community Center, he saw a familiar figure by the landmark fountain—the blonde girl Haley, the same one who had once blocked his doorway.

She was leaning against the fountain with her eyes closed, basking in the warm spring sunlight. Her smooth golden hair shone brightly under the light. A blue camisole paired with a pink long skirt complemented her milk-white skin, delicate makeup, and the sapphire necklace around her neck.

It was hard to imagine this girl as a native of a remote small town. She looked more like someone who belonged in the city—a fashionable socialite strolling boutique-lined streets and high-end venues.

Leon had no intention of disturbing her. Though they’d met only twice in real life, he knew her well from the game. And it was precisely because of this understanding that he chose not to engage.

Haley was a tsundere—and a sharp-tongued one at that. While she wasn’t a bad person and could even be cute, those sides of her rarely showed to strangers. Leon had no plans to “pursue” her right now, so avoiding unnecessary contact seemed best.

As Leon walked past the fountain with his back to Haley, she heard his footsteps and opened her eyes. She saw only his back, but the short black hair gave him away instantly—it was Leon, the not-so-friendly farmer from before.

After all, in all of Pelican Town, she had only ever seen Leon with that perfectly black hair. That detail alone was enough for her to recognize him even from behind.

“He’s going to the Community Center again? Why is he so obsessed with that abandoned place?”

Unlike Leon, who avoided her, Haley was curious about him. As one of the prettiest girls in Pelican Town, she had never been brushed off by a guy before. At the Flower Dance every year, the number of suitors asking her to be their partner was endless. Yet Leon was the only one who met her with a blank face.

Her beauty was her pride, and now, in front of a man whose looks matched her own standards, it seemed to have no effect. She wanted to know why.

Part of her curiosity came from a touch of sibling rivalry. Just a few days ago, her sister Emily had returned home with a bouquet of daffodils. During a chat, Haley learned they had been a gift from Leon.

A man who treated her like any passerby seemed to get along well with her slightly less attractive sister? Suspicious.

She reasoned that Leon’s cold attitude toward her might be because she had accidentally stumbled upon whatever he was doing inside the old Community Center, making him wary.

Now, seeing him head there again, Haley decided to confirm her suspicion—and to see for herself what he was up to.

As soon as Leon entered the Community Center, Haley crept to the doorway. Peering through the open door, she saw the dim, gloomy interior littered with broken wood and weeds. She hesitated.

But when she realized Leon was nowhere in sight, she lifted her skirt and stepped inside.

Meanwhile, Leon had already made his way to the Crafts Room—the place where he’d once found the golden scroll.

Everything looked the same as before: dirty, worn, and unchanged. But on closer inspection, he noticed something in the corner—a basket woven from dried vines. It blended in so well with the surroundings that he might have missed it, if not for the fact that its craftsmanship stood out from the room’s dilapidated furniture.

Finding something unusual, Leon approached. Inside the basket was another scroll.

Unrolling it, he saw that it contained a series of drawings, some with numbers beside them. At the bottom, there was a written message:

“Gifts. Place them in the basket. We take them and return a thank-you gift. Bring all the gifts, and we can help you restore this place.”