When Leon returned to the farm, the first thing he did was toss all the fish in his backpack into the shipping bin. Only then did he take a shower, stopping by the kitchen afterward to check on the little fermentation barrels.
After a full day of fermenting, the kitchen wasn’t filled with any strong smell like Leon had expected. In fact, there was no odd odor at all.
That was a relief—it meant the barrels were well-sealed.
Leaving the kitchen, Leon went to the coop to check on his chickens. The little ones were already huddled together, fast asleep. Satisfied, he returned to the cabin, watched TV for a bit, and finally went to bed once his hair was dry.
The moment sunlight streamed into the room the next morning, Leon’s eyes snapped open.
After his usual morning routine—washing up, watering crops, feeding chickens, and gathering mushrooms—he headed into the Fruit Bat–Mushroom Cave. To his surprise, a bright red apple was waiting for him there.
“Apple (fruit): A refreshing fruit that can be used for juice or vinegar.”
“Oh, paying rent already?” Leon grinned, putting the apple in his backpack. Looking up at the fruit bats hanging upside down from the ceiling, he felt pleased.
It seemed the bats really did bring fruit. Two harvests in a row proved they weren’t on strike—they just needed time. Some things couldn’t be rushed.
After leaving the cave with the apple, Leon started preparing breakfast. Not knowing whether Abigail would have already eaten, he made an extra portion.
Breakfast was simple: fried eggs with youtiao. Greasy, yes, but undeniably delicious.
But even after finishing his meal, there was still no sign of Abigail. Seeing the leftover youtiao and eggs on the table, Leon packed them into his backpack.
It was just past eight. He hopped on his bike, planning to see what was going on. Abigail had been so enthusiastic yesterday, but now, on the day of departure, she was nowhere to be seen.
As soon as Leon left the farm, he saw Abigail walking toward him with a small shoulder bag.
“I thought you were still sleeping in,” Leon said with a relieved smile. “Had breakfast yet?”
“That’s why I’m late—I already ate at home.” Abigail waved off his concern. “Besides, we’re not actually late. The first bus doesn’t leave for another hour. We’ve got plenty of time.”
“True, but it’s a shame. I made breakfast for you.” Leon shrugged.
“Wait, you made me breakfast? What was it?” Abigail’s eyes lit up.
“Try this. A bit oily, but good.” Leon pulled a youtiao from his backpack and handed it to her.
Abigail took the golden, puffy stick and blinked. “Is this a baguette? Why’s it so light? Feels hollow.”
“Youtiao. Just taste it,” Leon said, unbothered. No one else in this world would think to make it anyway. Not because it was difficult, but because most bakers relied on ovens, rarely frying dough.
“Mmm, crispy! Pretty good. If you sprinkled sugar on it, it’d be even better,” she said after taking a bite.
“Oh? You thought of adding sugar?” Leon raised an eyebrow. That was indeed a real way to eat it.
“Of course! I like things sweet,” Abigail said.
“Then bring your own sugar next time. I only eat them plain,” Leon teased.
“That’s fine. I’m not picky—if it’s tasty, I’ll eat it.” She finished the first one quickly, then silently held out her hand for a second.
Leon handed her another, though he couldn’t help but worry. “Don’t overeat, especially since you’ve already had breakfast. I don’t want you getting sick.”
“Relax, my digestion’s great,” Abigail said proudly. “I could eat two more.”
“Moderation,” Leon sighed, and the two headed for the bus stop together.
As they arrived, a voice called out to Leon.
“Good morning, Mr. Leon.”
“Morning, Claire,” Leon replied easily when he saw who it was.
“You two going somewhere?” Claire asked, glancing between him and Abigail.
“Yeah, heading to the Calico Desert to help her with something,” Leon explained.
“Then I wish you a pleasant trip.” Claire smiled and continued on toward Pelican Town.
Once she was gone, Abigail eyed Leon suspiciously. “Who’s she?”
“A new cashier at Joja Mart. Claire.”
“You two seem friendly. And how’d you get to know a Joja employee so quickly?” Abigail asked.
“We’re just acquaintances. This town’s small—it’s hard not to run into people. Plus, I shop at Joja Mart sometimes,” Leon said, half exasperated.
“Don’t tell me you’re like my dad, treating Joja as the enemy.”
“I’m not that extreme. I just don’t like their business philosophy or the pressure they put on employees. As for their products, I’m neutral. If I wasn’t, I wouldn’t shop there at all.”
“Jodi says the same. But we can’t lower our prices without losing profit, and Dad makes all the decisions at Pierre’s General Store,” Abigail sighed.
“Then think about it when you inherit the place,” Leon suggested.
“Dad’s still young. And who knows what’ll happen? I might not even have time to run the store,” she said.
“Because you’ll get married?” Leon teased.
“Maybe. I don’t know. We’ll see.”
Leon was surprised. Abigail used to be the ultimate loner—she’d said romance was more trouble than it was worth.
“Didn’t you once say dating was a hassle?” Leon asked.
“People always change.” Abigail sneaked a glance at him, then quickly looked away, pretending to take in the scenery.
“Oh.” Leon noticed the look but didn’t comment. Some things were better left unspoken.
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