Stardew Valley’s Farming Master

Chapter 42: The Dinner Gathering

On the bulletin board hung five requests from the townsfolk: Gus’s grocery list, Marnie’s order for animal feed, Emily’s dye supplies list, the Wizard’s arcane item list, and Demetrius’s research equipment list for land studies.

What puzzled Leon was that the old Community Center had been abandoned for a long time. It was understandable for the others’ lists to appear here, but Emily’s being posted here was strange—she wasn’t that old, after all.

Unfortunately, no one was around to explain. Since these requests had appeared on the board, the only thing to do was gather the items on the lists.

After all, these bundles were things he would encounter sooner or later in life here in Stardew Valley and on the farm. Whether sold or offered as a bundle donation, they’d be useful for him. Just like earlier—he had donated the four types of Spring Forage, and in return, the Junimos had sent him thirty packets of Spring Seeds.

If he had crafted the seeds himself, he’d get ten at most. The Junimos had given him triple. How could Leon not adore these little apple spirits?

Any thought of letting Joja Corporation turn this place into a warehouse was tossed aside. The Junimos actually gave gifts in return, and completing a bundle didn’t just help repair the old Community Center—it also brought the bonus of restoring local facilities.

Meanwhile, Morris’s Joja Mart membership renovation plan required nothing but money, and not even a kickback. They recognized only cash, not people.

Once Leon confirmed the donation list on the bulletin board matched his memory, he returned to the Community Center’s main hall. He crouched to look at the Junimos following him.

“Alright, I’m heading out. I’ve memorized all the gifts from Stardew Valley that you need. But collecting them may take quite a while, so I hope you’ll be patient.”

The Junimos didn’t form words to talk to him; they just hopped happily around him, radiating warmth, anticipation, and approval.The scene lasted until Leon left the Community Center. Only then did the Junimos vanish into the air, once again hidden from sight.

Standing at the doorway, Leon narrowed his eyes, letting them adjust to the brightness after so long in the dim hall, then left the area.

This trip had confirmed that the bundles were just as he remembered, and he had completed one donation. For Leon, it was a fun experience.

Unlike in the game, meeting the Junimos in real life let him truly feel their innocence and kindness, and witness their strange, delightful magic. It was eye-opening.

Maybe when he was old, with children and grandchildren, he wouldn’t have to worry about having no impressive stories to tell the little ones gathered at his knee.

In high spirits, Leon went straight back to Red Star Farm. Looking at his fields, which were already taking shape, he fell into a dilemma.

At this scale, tending everything alone was getting difficult. But those thirty Spring Seeds couldn’t just sit in his System Backpack. After hesitating, he decided to clear a new plot and plant them.

Better to let them grow into crops worth money than leave them idle in storage. Tiring as it was, earning through one’s own labor was a glorious thing.

But after planting, Leon was done for.

The problem wasn’t fatigue—it was hunger. Since morning, he’d only had a few cookies and a couple of bowls of fish soup from Linus. That energy didn’t match the labor he’d just put in.

Yet the thought of walking half an hour to town for a meal—or cooking himself—was unappealing. Cooking meant dealing with whatever was in the fridge, which was a hassle. Leon’s head ached.

“Sigh… If only a kind soul would bring me a big meal right now.”

The thoroughly lazy Leon lay on the steps outside his cabin, clutching his empty stomach, staring blankly at the blue sky.

“It’s still daytime, and you’re already daydreaming?”

Just as he finished complaining, someone spoke nearby. The voice was familiar, but his hunger-fogged brain couldn’t place it.

At least his eyesight still worked. He turned toward the sound. The moment he saw that iconic head of purple hair, he knew who it was.

“It’s you, Abigail. What brings you here?”

“Jodi sent me. She’s organizing a dinner tonight and told me to invite you,” Abigail said, crouching beside him. Whether out of mischief or playfulness, she boldly poked his stomach.

When his belly responded with a loud growl, she covered her mouth, stifling a laugh.

“Jodi, huh? I do remember her mentioning inviting me to something.” Leon’s head cleared a little, recalling their chat at Joja Mart. He’d thought it was just small talk, but she had meant it.

“But why isn’t Jodi inviting me herself? Why you?”

“Because I have a car,” Abigail said.

“You… have a car?” Leon was honestly shocked. In the game, this was unheard of.

“Why not? It’s my dad’s old sedan, but it still runs,” Abigail replied, rolling her eyes.

“Well, what are we waiting for? Let’s go!” The thought of not having to walk all the way to town filled Leon with energy. He jumped up eagerly.

Abigail eyed him with open disdain. “So you’re planning to wear that to the dinner?”