A Stardew Valley farmer came to Gensokyo.

Unlike the simplified "one plant per grid" setting in the game, reality is obviously much more detailed.

Xia Xun had carefully examined the packet of parsnip seeds beforehand and found that the so-called "one portion" was not just one seed, but rather about a dozen plump brown seeds in a small burlap bag, enough to sow in one square meter of land.

With the fifteen portions of parsnip seeds on hand, plus the three portions of mixed seeds obtained while weeding, his goal for today is to cultivate eighteen square meters of farmland.

As I swung the hoe, familiar muscle memory gradually returned with each movement.

Thanks to her brief experience working on farms with her grandfather in the countryside when she was young, Xia Xun is not entirely unfamiliar with the use of these basic farm tools.

The hoe in his hand, from the Stardew Valley system, demonstrated a level of magic that surpassed ordinary farming tools. The hoe blade slid smoothly into the soil, hardly sticking to wet mud. Each lift and fall easily turned over deep layers of soil, breaking up hardened clods underneath.

Even more miraculously, the stones he occasionally encountered while turning over the soil would turn into a faint light and disappear the moment the hoe touched them, before he could even bend down to pick them up. At the same time, a notification would flash in his mind: "[Stone +1]", indicating that the system had clearly identified them as resources and added them to his backpack.

This body, now back to its eighteen-year-old self and brimming with energy, has become the best asset.

Xia Xun pressed on with great effort, his movements going from clumsy to smooth. The rhythmic sound of turning the soil echoed through the quiet fields. In just half an afternoon, he had turned over twenty neat square plots, each exactly one square meter in size, with straight edges and soft soil.

As for how he can control the area so precisely, when he tries to sow the seeds, a semi-transparent prompt box similar to a game interface appears in his field of vision, clearly marking the appropriate coverage area for each seed and guiding him to evenly scatter the seeds on the corresponding soil blocks.

After sowing the fifteen portions of parsnip and three portions of mixed seeds in her backpack, Xia Xun straightened her slightly sore back and wiped the fine beads of sweat from her forehead with her sleeve.

Only then did he look up at the sky and realize that the sun had already set, and the horizon was tinged with a faint golden-orange hue. A strong feeling of emptiness came from his stomach, reminding him that he hadn't eaten anything since noon and had done physical labor all afternoon.

"Just bear with it a little longer!" Xia Xun patted his rumbling stomach and encouraged himself. The most urgent thing was to water the newly planted seeds. He took out the antique-looking bronze watering can and walked quickly to the riverbank not far away.

When the spout of the teapot is immersed in the clear river water, a strange scene occurs: a small whirlpool immediately forms at the spout, and water is continuously drawn in, yet the teapot does not feel heavy at all.

In just a few breaths, the whirlpool subsided, and Xia Xun picked up the water bottle. It was still light in his hand, as if it was only half full of water.

This made Xia Xun marvel once again at the wonder of the system, which was just like those magical treasures in cultivation stories that could be big or small and contained hidden worlds. On second thought, wasn't his Stardew Valley Farmer's Five-Piece Set his own "natal magic treasure"?

Moreover, according to the game's settings, they can be upgraded in the future.

Carrying the watering can back to the edge of the field, he began to water each plot of land one by one.

The water flowing from the spout is even and gentle. What's even better is that the watering can automatically stop flowing when the soil moisture reaches the right level, without requiring the user to make any effort to judge.

This made Xia Xun's watering work more efficient and worry-free. At the same time, he also paid attention to the fact that this would be a good way to verify whether his guess about "watering once every three days" was correct. Since the watering can automatically determine whether the water is sufficient, he would know the answer when he came back tomorrow.

After watering the last plot of land, the sunset was blazing, with only half a sun reluctantly hanging on the horizon.

Xia Xun suddenly remembered the instructions from Hakurei Reimu and Hieda Akyuu, and dared not delay any longer. He patted the mud off his clothes and walked quickly toward the village.

As the road gradually widens, scattered farmland and farmhouses begin to appear on both sides. Villagers returning home from work also appear in twos and threes on the road, carrying farm tools or baskets, talking in hushed tones about their day's work.

Seeing these fellow human beings and hearing their lively conversations, Xia Xun's tense nerves finally relaxed, and a sense of security quietly grew within her.

Back in the small wooden cabin that temporarily belonged to him, Xia Xun simply patted the dust off his clothes, wiped his face with the water stored in the wooden basin, and wanted to start a fire to cook something, but he was embarrassed to find that there was not even a decent pot in the cabin, let alone any ingredients.

His stomach growled again in protest. Touching his empty stomach, he decided to splurge for the night and have dinner at a restaurant in the village.

This will not only reward my rumbling stomach, but also provide a good opportunity to examine the food market and price levels in the local area.

After all, there's no universal shipping box in reality; he'll have to find a market for the agricultural products he harvests in the future.

Xia Xun took out the thousand coins that the Hieda family had given him, and suddenly had an idea. He tried to put them into his system bag.

The thought had barely formed in his mind when his hand suddenly felt light, and the coin had vanished. At the same time, a notification flashed across the edge of his vision: [Coins +1000].

He was overjoyed and tried to take out another coin. A heavy copper coin immediately appeared in his palm.

"It really works!" This feature is so useful.

Xia Xun immediately sprang into action, stuffing all the important items he had brought from outside—his cell phone, unfinished snacks, food and oil, and the wood piled up behind the house—into his backpack. The twelve-compartment backpack was instantly filled to the brim, making the house seem even more empty and desolate.

Seeing this, he couldn't help but smile. Now, even if a thief did come, he would probably only be able to sigh at the empty house, and might even feel sorry for him and leave a few coins.

After getting ready, Xia Xun pushed open the door and stepped out, joining the bustling crowds in the human world at dusk.

It was lunchtime, and smoke rose from the rooftops of every house, filling the air with the aroma of food. Villagers who had been busy all day were either hurrying home or meeting up with friends at restaurants and taverns, and the streets were brimming with the vibrant atmosphere of everyday life.

Children would occasionally run past, laughing and playing, their carefree smiles making Xia Xun feel as if she had returned to her distant childhood.

Since growing up, he has been an orphan who left his hometown and struggled to survive in the concrete jungle of the city. He spends most of his free time trapped in a small rented room, staring at his mobile phone screen.

The bustling yet simple street scene before him, and the long-lost, heartwarming atmosphere of daily life, gradually calmed his restless heart, bringing him a sense of inexplicable peace.

A relaxed smile unconsciously crept onto Xia Xun's lips, and her steps became lighter as well.

His gaze swept over the rows of shops lining both sides of the street, and finally he was drawn to an izakaya with a rather distinctive sign.

The sign depicts a white whale frolicking in azure waves, its profile turned towards the street, its tail held high, and its wide-open mouth seemingly carrying an endearing smile, making it look quite cute.

The shop was bustling with customers, and the sounds of clinking cups and plates and laughter could be faintly heard, indicating that business was quite prosperous.

"This is the one!" Xia Xun no longer hesitated, stepped forward, and reached out to lift the curtain.

As soon as you step into the store, a warm aroma of food mixed with a hint of wine wafts over you, and at the same time, a crisp, cheerful, and energetic greeting rings out from ahead:

"Welcome! Oh, this is a new guest."

Xia Xun looked in the direction of the voice and saw a girl wearing a light blue shop assistant uniform, a hat shaped like a whale, shoulder-length rosy hair, and a sweet smile looking at him. She continued enthusiastically:

"Are you traveling alone or with companions? Would you like me to recommend a few of our signature dishes?"

Chapter 5: There are just too many beautiful girls in Gensokyo!

There are just too many beautiful girls in Gensokyo.

Looking at the shop assistant in front of her, who had a warm smile and a delicate and lovely face, Xia Xun couldn't help but sigh.

Including the lazy shrine maiden at Hakurei Shrine and the quiet and intellectual young lady from the Hieda family, this is the third beautiful girl with a different temperament but equally lovely that he has met today. It is truly worthy of Gensokyo.

"Hello, I'm alone. Could you recommend some dishes for me?" Xia Xun composed herself and replied politely.

"Okay, sure!" Upon hearing this, the shop assistant, Miyo Okunoda, immediately took out a small notebook and pen from her apron pocket and quickly jotted something down. Then she looked up with a slightly apologetic and inquiring expression: "Would you mind sharing a table? There are quite a few customers tonight, and the restaurant is short-staffed."

Her voice was clear and melodious, and her attitude was gentle.

“No problem.” Xia Xun nodded in understanding. It was understandable that the izakaya was doing so well, and he didn’t mind.

“That’s great! Thank you for your understanding!” Okunoda Miyo nodded happily, her smile becoming even brighter. She stepped aside to lead the way, her movements fluid. “Please follow me, there are still window seats here.”

Xia Xun followed her through the somewhat noisy lobby, where the air was filled with the aroma of food and the buzzing of guests talking.

Finally, he sat down on one side of the hall, near the paper window.

Outside the window, night was just beginning to fall in the village, and lights began to twinkle, reflecting the warm glow of the indoor lights.

"Please wait a moment, the food will be ready soon! I'll go and greet the other guests first." Okunoda Miyo spoke quickly but clearly. After bowing slightly to Natsumi, she turned around and disappeared into the crowd like a busy butterfly, continuing to greet and guide the other guests with her energetic voice.

That pure passion for work and cheerfulness can indeed be infectious.

"Isn't Miyo cute? I know, I know, new guy."

Just as Xia Xun was admiring Okunoda Miyo's work, a clear, slightly overly familiar girl's voice rang out from across the table. Xia Xun turned around and realized that a customer was already sitting opposite her.

She was a girl with dazzling short blonde hair, wearing a large, wide-brimmed black shrine maiden hat, a black dress, and a pure white apron over it, creating a classic black and white color scheme.

At this moment, she stood with her arms crossed over her chest, nodding earnestly, her large yellow eyes gleaming with the light of a kindred spirit.

Although Xia Xun didn't fully understand what she understood or why she nodded in agreement so readily.

Noticing Xia Xun looking at her, the blonde girl smiled confidently, raised her right hand, and pointed her thumb sharply at herself: "Hello, new guy! My name is Kirisame Marisa, and I'm an ordinary magician!"

Her self-introduction was full of energy, and it ended with a unique verbal tic.

“I heard about you from Reimu.” Marisa Kirisame lowered her hand, leaned forward slightly, and continued with great enthusiasm, “I run a ‘Kirisame Magic Shop’ in the Magic Forest, and of course, I accept all sorts of commissions!”

"If you ever need any help in the future, just come to me! From finding lost items and solving minor troubles to investigating anomalies and exorcising monsters, I can handle it all! Besides, I, Marisa Kirisame, have a very good reputation. If I fail to complete the task, I won't charge you a single penny!"

It's you, you black and white mouse!

Even though Touhou Project is an old relic in the corner of Xia Xun's memory, and many things have become blurred, he still vaguely remembers Marisa Kirisame, one of the core protagonists of the series, with her distinctive image and nickname "Black and White Mouse".

"Hello, Miss Marisa, my name is Natsumi, it's a pleasure to meet you." Natsumi smiled and extended his hand. Since the other party was so straightforward, he naturally returned the courtesy. "I have chosen to settle down in the Human Village, and my goal is to become a farmer."

"The farmland I was allocated is conveniently located near the Magic Forest. If I need it in the future, I will definitely trouble Miss Marisa."

"Just call me Marisa!" Marisa Kirisame warmly extended her hand and shook hands with Natsumi; her hand felt firm and strong. "Don't worry about anything you need, just leave it to me. I guarantee a perfect solution!"

She paused, as if suddenly remembering something, her eyes lit up, and she lowered her voice, adding in a tone of negotiation and expectation, "Oh, right, if you still have those potato chips you gave Reimu before, you can use those as a reward! I really like that fragrant and crispy taste!"

"Oh...oh, okay." Xia Xun was taken aback for a moment, then couldn't help but chuckle as she agreed.

Poor Reimu… Just hearing that, you know that the bag of potato chips that was being treasured has probably already fallen victim to this black and white rat’s culpability.

Before the two could chat any longer, Okunoda Miyo brought over the dishes that Natsumi had ordered, carrying a tray.

Simple rice, miso soup, grilled fish, and a small dish of pickled vegetables, steaming hot and exuding a rustic aroma.

Hungry Natsumi was immediately drawn to the food. After nodding to Marisa Kirisame, he began to focus on enjoying his first meal outside in Gensokyo.

The taste wasn't particularly amazing, but the ingredients were fresh, the seasoning was just right, and it had a homey warmth that made him very satisfied. The meal cost a total of 38 coins, which Xia Xun thought was a reasonable price.

After finishing her meal, Natsumi said goodbye to Marisa Kirisame, who was still leisurely savoring her food, got up to pay the bill, and left the bustling Minato-tei. Behind her, Miyo Okunoda's ever-energetic voice called out as she saw her off: "Take care, guests, and welcome back next time!"

Night had fallen, and the streets were becoming increasingly deserted.

Xia Xun had no time to wander around. This day had been filled with time travel, encountering a witch, registering her residence, receiving supplies, and cultivating land. The amount of information and physical exertion was enormous.

Now that he was full, a wave of intense fatigue washed over him, making him want nothing more than to return to his humble abode, which, though simple, belonged to him.

After letting out a big yawn, Xia Xun quickened his pace and returned to the wooden house on the western outskirts.

The room was pitch black and silent. He groped his way to spread the bedding on the tatami mat, then picked up the magical water jug, poured out some cool river water, quickly wiped his face, hands and feet, and eagerly crawled into bed.

On a spring night in March, the temperature still carried a slight chill, and the tattered paper windows could not stop the night wind, allowing a cool breeze to seep into the room.

Xia Xun curled up, pulling the blanket tighter around himself, feeling like a caterpillar hibernating. His exhaustion quickly dragged him into sleep. In the hazy state before drifting off, familiar game interface text flashed by:

[First year, spring, March 1st]

Cultivation: 0

Collection: 0

Mining: 0

Battle: 0

Fishing: 0

Money +1000

Chapter Six Xianglin Hall

Good morning, a new day!

At six o'clock in the morning, Xia Xun woke up from bed on time.

The morning light of spring shone through the gaps in the paper window, casting long, thin spots of light on the tatami mat. He stretched and felt his whole body relax; the soreness from yesterday's work had almost completely disappeared.

It's unclear whether it's the incredible regenerative power of this body that has returned to eighteen years old, or the game mechanics of Stardew Valley.

Xia Xun simply splashed some cold water on her face and pushed open the creaking wooden door.

The morning breeze, carrying the scent of earth and grass, swept over him. In the distance, wisps of smoke rose from the chimneys of early-rising farmers. He took a deep breath, tightened the coarse cloth clothes he had received the day before, and then jogged towards the fields, his feet still glistening with dew, on the dirt path.

Today is March 2nd. Time waits for no one. He needs to clear the land as soon as possible and plant the seeds in the soil during the golden season for spring sowing.

As the morning light shone brightly, farmers could already be seen in twos and threes carrying farm tools toward the fields. Most of them wore dark short jackets, rolled-up trousers, and straw sandals. When they saw Xia Xun, an unfamiliar young man, hurrying past, many of them stopped and cast curious glances at him.

"Whose son is that? He's a complete stranger."

"I heard it came from outside yesterday, and was personally delivered to the village by the Hakurei Shrine Maiden."

"Outsiders? What are they doing farming here?"

"Miss Akyuu from the Hieda family has allocated fifteen acres of virgin land to the west, near the woods!"

"Ha! That piece of land has been abandoned for many years. The weeds are taller than a person. How can he take care of it all by himself?"

The whispers drifted to Xia Xun's ears on the wind. He simply quickened his pace; the human village was small, so it was normal for news to spread quickly.

About half an hour later, the land that belonged to him appeared before his eyes.

The morning mist had not yet dissipated, and the outline of the Magic Forest in the distance was faintly visible in the thin fog. After half a day of clearing yesterday, a corner of brown soil had appeared on the wasteland in front of us.

Xia Xun first walked to the small patch of land where the seeds had been sown yesterday, squatted down, and examined it carefully.

Eighteen neat square earthen mounds lay quietly in the morning light, the soil moist. He tried to water them with a watering can, but not a drop leaked from the spout.

Sure enough, the farm tools in Stardew Valley have their own judgment and will automatically stop when the soil is sufficiently moist.