novelraw Chapter 9: Joja Mart
Chapter 9: Joja Mart
That sudden question caught Leon off guard for a moment, but he still answered honestly.
“I do like it.”
After all, fishing was the kind of hobby most men “unlocked” naturally with age. In modern society, hunting opportunities for ordinary people were virtually gone. Fishing was probably the most accessible form of hunting left—straightforward, simple, and able to give one the pure joy of outwitting and reeling in prey.
“Do you know how to fish?” Willy asked again.
“A little. Whether I catch anything depends entirely on luck,” Leon replied truthfully.
“No problem. The local fishing scene needs fresh blood like you. I have high hopes for your future.” Willy laughed heartily, patting Leon on the shoulder. Then he quickly ducked back into his house and soon emerged holding a bamboo fishing rod.
“I’ve had a good haul from my recent trips out to sea, so I can afford to replace my rod. This one’s a bit old, but it’s perfect for a beginner. As a welcome gift, I’m giving it to you.”
With that, Willy held the rod out toward Leon.
Leon glanced at it. Though the body was made of bamboo, it had everything—reel, lure, float—and the handle had been polished smooth from years of use.
“Don’t turn him down. Willy loves seeing young folks join his ranks. But most of Pelican Town’s residents aren’t too keen on fishing,” Lewis chimed in from the side.Leon was genuinely interested, so after thanking Willy, he took the rod.
Seeing Leon holding his old rod, Willy’s smile grew even brighter. “Good. Think of it as a bit of tradition being passed on. If you ever catch more fish than you can use, bring them to my shop. I’ll give you the fairest price based on quality.”
“I will,” Leon nodded. He was already thinking about it—after all, fishing was a profit-making activity with no costs beyond time, and he wasn’t about to pass that up.
“Well, you’ve met Willy. I should get going. What are your plans?” Lewis asked once their chat was over.
“Coming back to town with me, or staying here to learn some fishing techniques from Willy?”
“I’ll head to town. I still have a lot to buy after moving in. I need to get prepared.”
Under Willy’s expectant gaze, Leon chose to return to town. Day-to-day necessities took priority over hobbies for now.
Still, he didn’t forget to thank Willy for the gift. “As for fishing, I’ll come to Captain Willy for advice next time.”
“Hahaha, just call me Willy. I’m no captain.” His words denied it, but his beaming face made it clear he enjoyed the title.
Leon found it easy to read people like this. The residents of Pelican Town might not know him, but he knew them very well indeed.
After meeting Lewis, Robin, Jodi, Gus, and the rest, Leon was certain—their personalities, preferences, and backstories were exactly as he remembered them.
They climbed into Lewis’s pickup, and at his suggestion, headed to Joja Mart. Compared to Pierre’s General Store, Joja Mart had a wider variety of goods and generally lower prices.
“Leon, Lewis, hello there.”
As soon as they entered, Jodi—whom they’d met the night before—spotted them and greeted them warmly.
“Hello, Jodi,” Lewis replied, and Leon did the same.
Carrying two shopping bags, Jodi stepped closer to Leon and whispered, “Thanks for the drinks last night. If I throw another party, you must come.”
“Alright,” Leon agreed. Friendships like this were worth keeping. He had no interest in married women, but more friends meant more opportunities. And Jodi was a good person—getting along with her would help him settle into Pelican Town.
“Oh, by the way, you’re still single, right?” Jodi suddenly asked.
“Yes,” Leon replied, giving her a curious look.
Jodi’s lips curved into an amused smile. “Then I think I know exactly who to invite to the next party.”
She shot him a playful glance before heading out with her groceries.
Leon was left both speechless and a little intrigued.
“You go ahead and shop. I need to have a word with Morris,” Lewis said once Jodi was gone.
“Got it.”
Leon nodded, and Lewis walked off.
Leon began browsing the store.
Joja Mart was hardly unfamiliar to him—before leaving his old job, he’d worked for Joja Corporation, managing procurement plans and orders for a store.
And in this country, Joja Mart was a near monopoly. Cities, towns, even small villages—Joja was everywhere.
Their store layouts were almost identical, and so were their product lines. It didn’t take Leon long to find the kitchenware section. He picked out a set, then grabbed some basic seasonings, a bag of rice, and a few long-lasting vegetables and meats.
At the checkout counter, he ran into Lewis again—this time accompanied by a man in glasses, a suit, and a calm, steady demeanor.
“Morris, meet Leon, the new farmer in Stardew Valley. Leon, this is Morris, manager of Joja Mart’s Pelican Town branch,” Lewis said, introducing them.
“Hello.”
“Hello.”
They exchanged a handshake—Leon’s expression neutral, Morris’s bright with enthusiasm.
“Mr. Leon, perhaps we can explore some business opportunities together in the future,” Morris suggested.
“As far as I know, Joja uses unified suppliers for its goods. I doubt there’s room for cooperation,” Leon replied with a polite, businesslike smile.
“That’s true for the city stores. But here in Pelican Town, I have the authority to choose more convenient and suitable suppliers,” Morris explained, his gaze locking onto Leon. “And it seems you’re quite familiar with how Joja operates.”
“I used to work for Joja,” Leon answered.
“I see.” Morris nodded, his eyes now alight with interest.