Chapter 1: Red Star Farm
“Stardew Valley, next stop. Please gather your belongings and prepare to get off.”
Hearing the long-distance bus conductor’s reminder, Leon lifted the small travel bag from his seat and walked to the rear door to wait.
The bus passed through a long tunnel, and suddenly, the view ahead opened up. Lush green scenery stretched as far as the eye could see. Aside from the asphalt road leading onward, there were few signs of human touch.
Finally, the bus stopped at a modest station. Leon took in the unfamiliar yet oddly nostalgic sight before striding down the steps.
“Leon, right?” No sooner had he stepped off the bus than a man in a felt hat, brown suspenders over a green shirt, and sporting a handlebar mustache greeted him warmly. “I’m Mayor Lewis. We spoke on the phone before. I was a close friend of your grandfather. It’s good to see his grandson back here in Stardew Valley.”
Though streaks of silver ran through Lewis’s beard and hair, his voice was full and robust, his spirit vibrant. Leon found himself a little envious.
“Hello, Mayor. Thank you for arranging the farm matters for me.” Leon stepped forward, shook Lewis’s hand, and expressed his gratitude.
After all, before quitting his job at the Joja Corporation supermarket chain, this farm had been abandoned. If not for Lewis’s help, he would have had to run through endless inheritance paperwork before gaining the rights and ownership. It would’ve been a long time before he could start his new life here.
“Haha, your grandfather and I were the best of friends. Helping you is only right. Besides, the local economy could use farmers like you. Stardew Valley has the finest soil and natural beauty—you’ll be well rewarded for your efforts here. Oh, and just call me Lewis,” he added with a smile, motioning for Leon to follow.