6:00 AM, 4th - Spring
Luis wasn't used to waking up this early. Going to bed early wasn't easy either. Random thoughts and calculations swirled in his head, keeping him up until 2 AM. Getting up at 6 was a struggle. But he believed he'd adapt soon. There were no smartphones or gaming consoles here—chronic sleep disruptors. The high physical labor, long walks, and heavy workload would force his body to adjust to the new schedule.
Today, he was brutally sleepy. He lingered in bed for 15 minutes until Glimmer burrowed into the blankets and nibbled his fingers. He sat up, starting another busy day.
He perked up seeing the garden. The turnip sprouts were thriving. Two days until harvest. He eagerly pictured plump, sturdy turnips bringing in 2,160 G. Unlike the game, this world had no grid limitations. He could water plants in the middle of a patch by weaving through outer sprouts, ensuring all nine plants per patch were harvested. This would speed up capital turnover.
He had 790 G, enough for six bags of turnip seeds. To turn capital quickly, he skipped cucumbers this season. Turnips were the best choice. But tending ten patches would eat time, cutting into other tasks. He decided to plant four potato patches instead, saving some cash for other needs.
After watering, he grabbed his hoe and sickle, clearing four more patches. By the time he finished, the sun was high, dispelling the spring mist and waking the world. Luis remembered something he hadn't checked: the beehive. In the game, it produced one jar of honey daily, worth 50 G. Not much, but valuable now. The hive was under the ancient tree—where he'd napped his first day here.
But reality wasn't the game. The hive was dry, no bees in sight. Made sense. The farm had been abandoned, with no crops or flowers, so the bees had left. If he was right, developing the farm further would bring them back.
Harvesting honey in the game was simple, but in reality, it wouldn't be. He dreaded insect stings. One misstep, and Mineral Town's hospital would greet him with a hefty bill.
Done at the farm, Luis headed to the mountain to forage. He wanted to see if yesterday's Blue Grass and Bamboo Shoots regrew overnight.
After a morning of wandering, he gathered the same amount as yesterday. But they didn't regrow in the same spots, appearing nearby instead. It took extra effort to find them, but their vivid colors made it manageable.
Back at the farm, he stored the forage and lumber, then went to the beach. After collecting one Blue Grass, one Yellow Grass, and one Orange Grass, he visited the Harvest Sprites. Passing the church, he crept behind bushes to avoid alerting Carter.
The Sprites were thrilled to see him, swarming with chatter:
"What gifts today?"
"Me too!"
"Purple Grass! Purple Grass! Purple Grass!"
"I've got three gifts today: one Blue Grass, one Red Grass, one Yellow Grass for Nappy, Hoggy, and Staid. The rest of you wait until next season when I find what you like."
"Aww!" The ungifted Sprites sulked, returning to their tasks. The three gifted ones puffed out their chests, smug. Luis gave a wry smile.
After handing out gifts, he left the tiny house to buy potato seeds. On the way, something felt off, but he couldn't pinpoint it, leaving his mind restless.
Entering the supermarket, Jeff greeted him warmly.
"You must be the farm heir!" a female voice called.
Luis turned. A woman with long, flowing hair and a striking face. Her smile exuded charm, her eyes brimming with confidence.
"Yes, that's me, Luis!"
"Hi, I'm Karen! My dad's Jeff. You've met, I'm sure."
"Yes, a generous and kind gentleman!" Luis nodded at Jeff, grateful.
Karen glanced at her father, pursing her lips slightly: "If you say so, our supermarket should show some generosity, right?"
"I'm not sure. I've already received plenty of help from Mr. Jeff."
Karen's face hardened: "No need to refuse. It's also our business strategy. We want good relations with promising customers like you. Right, Dad?" She shot Jeff a commanding look.
Jeff gave an awkward smile: "Uh… yeah, you're right! We should offer a small gift for potential customers! Pick something from the store, Luis, it's on us as a welcome!" Jeff nodded encouragingly.
Before Luis could respond, Karen strode to the seed counter, grabbed a bag of Grass seeds—the priciest kind—and handed it to him with a cheerful smile: "Take it, buddy! Dad's not always this generous! Support our little shop in the future, okay?" Her smile dazzled.
Luis had no choice but to accept the seeds—something he didn't need now.
Karen flipped her hair, spinning to leave: "I've got things to do, gotta run. Hope your farm prospers soon!"
As the door closed, both men sighed: "Haizz!"
"I've received too much help from you, sir. Please take these seeds back."
"No, no, no! Keep them. If Karen finds out you returned them, she'll chew me out!"
"Then I'll take them as a loan. When I have money, I'll pay you back, for the food too!"
"Alright, alright!" Jeff chuckled helplessly.
"But you didn't tell Karen you're helping me?"
"No, I don't like boasting about that stuff. Karen and her mom always think I'm timid, no ambition, just keeping this shop afloat day by day!"
"What do you think?"
"I can't take risks. This is my parents' legacy! If I gamble and lose it all, what happens to my wife and daughter? I want a safe investment, not a reckless leap. I can't handle big risks. But you know, no risk, small reward, so things build up slowly!" Jeff's eyes were resolute.
"You probably think I'm weak, letting my family look down on me?"
"No! You're strong, carrying a heavy burden! I just hope one day your family understands you." Luis smiled gently.
He returned to the farm, planted the potato seeds, and watered them.
In total, he had four turnip patches and four potato patches. His account held 190 G. Today, he gathered three Blue Grass, three Bamboo Shoots, two Yellow Grass, and two Orange Grass, but used one Blue Grass, one Yellow Grass, and one Orange Grass as gifts, leaving little to sell.
While working, Zack came to check and settle payments. He told Luis that starting tomorrow, goods placed in the bin would auto-transfer payment to his account when collected. Today, he earned 570 G, bringing his total to 760 G.
Finished by 7:00 PM, Luis decided to explore the Spring Mine thoroughly, grabbing his hammer and shovel for the cave.