novelraw Chapter 90: A Mysterious Friend
Chapter 90: A Mysterious Friend
Since the bicycle didn’t have a second seat, there was no way Leon could let Willy sit on the frame. The sight of two men squeezed together might be romantic to some—maybe only to Brother Jie—but certainly not to them. So Leon ended up pushing the bike along instead.
Fortunately, the beach wasn’t too far from Pelican Town. With Willy to chat with along the way, the trip wasn’t boring at all. By the time they reached the Starfruit Saloon, Gus was in his usual spot behind the bar, polishing a glass.
“Oh, Willy! And Leon too! I’m glad to see you two together. Did you go out to sea again today?”
The jingling bell over the door caught Gus’s attention as the two walked in. When he saw who it was, he set down his glass and came over with a smile.
“I came to deliver your order,” Willy said, holding up the tackle box. “We didn’t go to sea, but Leon and I spent the morning fishing. This guy caught a halibut on his very first cast! We figured we’d celebrate by letting you cook it.”
“That so? Let me see the quality,” Gus said, rubbing his hands together. “If it’s a good size, I’ll make you both a feast.”
“Better take it to the kitchen first,” Willy reminded him. “Otherwise, you’ll be mopping the floor again. Leon, grab us a table. I’ll be right back.”
“Alright,” Leon replied, choosing a four-person table and waiting.
Soon, Willy returned and dropped into the seat across from Leon. “Your halibut was top quality. Gus is pleased, so we’re in for a treat.”
“Did you invite Gus to join us?” Leon asked. That was why he’d chosen a larger table.“Of course. I’m not paying a cooking fee,” Willy joked.
The two chatted about fishing for a bit, mostly Willy talking and Leon listening. Before long, Gus appeared with a tray.
“Halibut sashimi, halibut sushi, pan-seared halibut steak, spicy halibut chunks, and halibut bone soup. I’ve used every edible part of the fish—now, eat while it’s hot.”
Setting each dish on the table, Gus named them one by one, then sat down beside Willy.
“Better eat first, Gus. If customers come in, you won’t get the chance,” Leon said.
Gus and Willy exchanged a knowing smile, leaving Leon puzzled until Gus explained.
“The Starfruit’s business hours start at four in the afternoon. Around noon, we rarely have any customers.”
“Then I must’ve been bothering you the other day when I came for lunch,” Leon said, thinking of when he’d brought Penny here.
“Not at all. I open at noon so that anyone who drops by can enjoy a hot meal,” Gus reassured him.
“Though hardly anyone comes at noon,” Willy added. “But this guy insists it’s disrespectful to turn away a hungry guest, so he’s kept the habit for years.”
“You’re one to talk,” Gus retorted with a laugh. “You’re here at noon more often than anyone.”
The banter continued as Gus urged them to try the food.
Gus’s cooking was as masterful as ever. Every dish had a distinct flavor despite all being from the same fish, and each still carried halibut’s natural sweetness. His skill at seasoning and preparation was nothing short of perfect.
“This is incredible, Gus. Your talent’s wasted here in Pelican Town,” Leon said after eating his fill.
“Not wasted at all. I’m too old for the pressure of a top-tier restaurant. I’d rather spend my remaining years here at home,” Gus replied with a wave.
“Besides, you can’t get fresh sea fish in the city,” Willy added.
“You just don’t want to lose your free chef,” Gus teased.
“And you’re my biggest customer,” Willy shot back. “No one else makes me deliver fish personally.”
Gus only laughed. They’d been friends and partners for years; their jabs carried no malice.
“That might change. Leon’s fishing skills are shaping up nicely,” Gus said. “Next time, I might give him my order.”
“That’s fine by me,” Willy said cheerfully. “Less work for me, extra income for him.”
“No need,” Leon said quickly. “I’m a farmer first. Fishing’s just a hobby. Better to leave the orders with Willy.”
“That’s true,” Gus agreed. “Can’t let fishing cut into your farm work.”
The talk of orders made Willy remember something.
“Leon, you’ve been to Pierre’s General Store, right? Have you noticed the bulletin board by the door?”
“Not really.” Leon had only visited twice, always leaving quickly after buying what he needed. He knew about the board from the game, but in real life, he hadn’t checked.
“That board has more than news and notices. Residents post requests there. If you have the requested goods and want to sell, you can take the notice, deliver the item, and earn extra income. It also boosts your reputation in town—good for making friends.”
Gus chimed in, “And every month, Lewis picks the ‘Most Popular Neighbor.’ Whoever completes the most requests wins three special raffle tickets for unique prizes. It’s a new event he started this year. I heard from Lewis that the prize pool even includes Starfruit Tea. If someone gave me a cup of that, they’d be my friend for life.”
“Where did Lewis get something like that?” Willy asked, swallowing at the thought.
“He says a friend gave it to him—a mysterious friend who thought life in Pelican Town was too dull and wanted to add some fun. Apparently, all the prizes are from this person. Must be someone important—using Starfruit Tea as a casual prize? Even the governor probably hasn’t had it more than a few times in his life,” Gus said.
Leon fell silent, thinking it over. This was all news to him. The raffle machine, the Starfruit Tea—none of it existed in the game he knew. If the tea was really made from Starfruit, then it must be incredibly luxurious. Even he was tempted to try it.