A Stardew Valley farmer came to Gensokyo.

I've become somewhat famous in the world, even strangers recognize and praise me.

"Haha, I have high hopes for you, young man." The old man walked forward with a smile and patted Xia Xun's shoulder kindly. "I'll be counting on you, as his older brother, to take good care of Xiao Ling from now on."

His tone carried a hint of helplessness: "That child has been obsessed with monster stories since she was little, and now she spends all her time collecting all kinds of books about monsters. We can't persuade her to stop, so we can only let her be."

Xia Xun was smiling ingratiatingly when she suddenly realized something was off about what she was saying.

Why does that tone sound like it's from family?

Before he could think about it, he saw the old man take out a set of keys from his pocket and skillfully open the door of Suzunaan.

"Sir, may I ask who you are...?" Xia Xun couldn't help but ask.

"Hehe, I'm Xiaoling's grandfather." The old man turned around, squinting as he looked him over. "Xiaoling told us a long time ago that she wanted to take you as her brother. Since we're family, you can just call me grandfather."

Xiaoling has already told her family?

Xia Xun was slightly surprised, but then straightened his expression and respectfully bowed, saying, "Greetings, Grandpa."

He quickly stepped forward to help the elderly man and they went into the store together.

A faint aroma of tea wafted through the room.

Xia Xun took out the strawberries she carried with her, filled a dozen or so on a porcelain plate in the house, and gently placed them on the table.

"Grandpa, have a taste. These are strawberries I just picked this morning." He said with a smile, then added apologetically, "It's been impolite of me, as your older brother, not to visit you these past few days."

"It's alright, it's alright." Grandpa Xiaoling waved his hand, his smile kind. He picked up a strawberry and tasted it, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes: "It's really good, very sweet."

"Xia Xun, you truly deserve to be the kind of person even the Heavenly Dog would interview. You've only been here for a little over ten days, yet you've not only grown such excellent fruit, but you've also acquired such a large estate."

The old man sighed, then pulled out a pipe, slowly lit it, took a puff, and continued, "As for the visit, just let me know when you have time in the future."

“I’ll have Xiaoling’s parents home then. You can bring the girl with you.” He exhaled a wisp of white smoke, his tone gradually becoming serious: “A man should prioritize his career, otherwise how can he support a family?”

"Although my daughter Xiaoling is sensible, she is still a bit too lively, and an ordinary man might not be able to handle her."

"You're on good terms with the Hakurei Shrine Maiden and the girls from the Kirisame family, and you even have a kappa build a farm for you. You're quite capable. We're at ease with Rin following you."

Xia Xun listened respectfully at first, but the more she listened, the more she felt something was wrong. Why did this conversation sound like she was about to marry off her granddaughter?

Only after the old man finished speaking did he finally raise his head, astonished, and say, "Grandpa, what you're saying sounds like you're going to betroth Xiaoling to me?"

“It’s not just that she seems like you, it’s that I’m going to betroth Xiaoling to you.” Xiaoling’s grandfather tapped his pipe lightly on the edge of the table, his gaze suddenly becoming deep as he looked directly at Xia Xun. “What, young man, do you think my girl isn’t good enough for you?”

"You deserve it! Of course you deserve it!" Xia Xun felt a chill run down her spine and quickly replied.

He had no doubt that if he hesitated for even half a second, that opium pipe would hit him on the head.

Grandpa Xiaoling's expression softened, and he smiled again: "I knew you weren't the kind of person who would just give a perfunctory answer. The Hieda family's daughter also speaks highly of you."

He took a drag of his cigarette and said slowly, "Although you and my girl haven't known each other for long, since you consider each other family and you even invited her to stay at your home, it's clear that you have a good relationship."

As he spoke, the old man nodded happily to himself, then looked at Xia Xun and said earnestly, "Men should marry when they are of age, and women should marry when they are of age."

“Xia Xun, you’re at the age where you should be settling down. My Xiao Ling is still a bit young, but that’s okay. You two can get married first and have children later.”

As the old man's ramblings went further and further away, Xia Xun felt as if a dozen electric wires were wrapped around his body. If this continued, he would really become an electric shock kid.

"Grandpa, wait a minute!" he hurriedly interrupted the old man.

Seeing the old man holding a pipe and looking at him, Xia Xun swallowed hard, his mind racing.

Please, Xiaoling is really not up to par right now!

“Grandpa, you’re right.” Xia Xun first calmed him down, and seeing that the old man’s expression had softened, he got up to pour him some tea. He took a deep breath and his expression became serious: “But you also know that I haven’t been in the Human Realm for long, and my foundation is not yet stable. How can I get married and support a family?”

"So I'll wait until I've achieved something before I dare to bring up the matter of marriage."

After saying that, he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and his inner magic quietly surged, protecting his forehead.

Because what he was about to say might just get him a good beating from the old man in front of him.

"Furthermore, I think we need to discuss the matter of Xiaoling marrying me more."

At those words, the old man's brows furrowed immediately.

Xia Xun ignored her and said seriously, "I don't know what Xiaoling said to your elders when she went home, but my relationship with her is definitely not like that."

“Xiaoling is still very young, and I only treat her as a younger sister.” He looked at the old man, his tone gentle, “I still think that in the village these days, arranged marriages by parents and matchmakers are still very common.”

"But I think that such a life-altering decision should ultimately be based on Xiaoling's own wishes."

"You only treat my girl as a younger sister?" The old man frowned, his eyes piercing.

"Yes." Xia Xun met her gaze frankly, without flinching.

"Do we have to wait for Xiaoling to agree herself?" the old man pressed, leaning forward slightly.

“As the older brother, I insist on this,” Xia Xun replied in a deep voice.

"So, if Xiaoling reaches a certain age and is willing, you'd be willing to marry her?" The old man's face was almost in front of Xia Xun's.

Xia Xun was taken aback. The radiant smile of Benju Xiaoling from that day flashed through his mind. He made up his mind, gritted his teeth, and nodded, saying, "As long as Xiaoling agrees, I will marry her!"

"Hahaha, good lad! Good lad!" The old man suddenly burst into laughter, patting Xia Xun's shoulder forcefully.

He turned and shouted towards the shop entrance, "Xiaoling, did you hear what your brother said? Grandpa really likes this young man! Hahaha!"

Xia Xun turned around in surprise upon hearing this.

At the shop entrance, Motoori Kosuzu stood with her cheeks as red as ripe apples. Beside her, Hieda Akyuu covered her lips and chuckled, her eyes full of teasing.

It's broken.

Xia Xun suddenly realized that he had been tricked by the old man.

Chapter 110 Lingmeng is Gone

"Brother, please."

With a cute blush still lingering on her cheeks, Benju Xiaoling gently placed a small plate of snacks in front of Xia Xun, then sat down next to him.

Feeling the envious look from her grandfather, her face turned even redder, and she couldn't help but reach out her little hand to push the old man: "Grandpa, you should go back to your room and rest. I can watch the shop."

"Hehe, my little girl knows how to be shy now." Grandpa Xiaoling chuckled, got up, nodded to Xia Xun and Hieda Akyuu, and walked into the inner room with his hands behind his back.

Young people have their own space; with this old man around, the kids feel restricted.

The old man felt indescribably happy today.

He had chosen an excellent marriage for his beloved granddaughter.

Two days ago, Xiaoling came home excitedly saying that she had recognized a new brother, so the old man took note of it.

He used his connections to inquire from various sources, and gradually pieced together the complete story of Xia Xun's actions during his ten-odd days in the Human Realm, presenting it to him.

Wow, this is an amazing young man.

Having only been in the human world for a little over ten days, he not only cultivated fifteen acres of wasteland all by himself, but also reaped some harvest.

He worked diligently to earn money through various means, including fishing. Now, many farmers in the village are talking about the large tract of land Xia Xunxin has cultivated in the Magic Forest, and how he even managed to get help from a kappa monster.

All these events demonstrate that he is a down-to-earth, hardworking, and quite capable young man.

Today, upon seeing him, I found him to be tall and handsome, with impeccable manners and speech. It just so happens that my granddaughter had told her about the relationship between the two of them.

He then decided to test Xia Xun to see if he had any connection with his granddaughter.

Xia Xun's reaction pleased him even more. The child was of good character and valued his granddaughter enough, which was enough.

As for whether they will get married in the future?

The old man wasn't worried at all. His granddaughter was well-behaved and adorable; if he hadn't stopped them, suitors would have been lining up at his door long ago.

Since Xiaoling possesses the ability to read and write, it is best for her to have a similar partner in order to maintain a long-lasting relationship.

Xia Xun has already agreed; as long as Xiao Ling agrees, there will be no problem at all.

His granddaughter is someone he watched grow up; how could he not understand her thoughts?

As the old man's footsteps faded into the distance, the slightly tense atmosphere in the shop gradually relaxed.

Xia Xun was about to say something to Hieda Akyuu and Motoori Kosuzu when he saw Kosuzu suddenly puff out her cheeks, stick out her tongue at him angrily, then cross her arms and turn her head away, refusing to look at him.

?

Completely bewildered, Xia Xun could only turn to Hieda Akyuu for help.

Having just witnessed a good show, Hieda Akyuu's delicate face showed a slight smile.

She gently moved closer to Xia Xun's ear, lowered her voice, and said in a soft, sweet voice, "I can tell Xia Xun the reason, but..."

Changing the subject, Hieda Akyuu asked with a hint of reproach, "Shouldn't Natsumi also keep our promise?"

"It's been a long time since you've told me a new story. I've only just started writing the beginning of your new chapter, 'The Origin of Gensokyo'."

"And," she added with a hint of grievance, "they sent me such delicious ingredients, but then never followed up. Are they deliberately keeping me hanging?"

Xia Xun's ears were itchy, but she was sweating profusely.

I've been so busy lately that I haven't had a moment to spare, how could I possibly have time to visit the Hieda family?

Moreover, most of the newly harvested crops were used to supply Minato-tei and Yakumo Ran, so there wasn't much left for them.

"Cough cough, Ah Qiu, you're wronging me." Xia Xun coughed twice and quickly protested his innocence.

He reached into the plate and picked up a bright red, plump strawberry, feeding it directly to Hieda Akyuu's lips: "Look, these strawberries were just picked this morning. I brought them to Xiaoling and you as soon as I harvested them."

This intimate gesture made Motoori Kosuzu, who was secretly peeking, puff out her cheeks even more, looking just like a little pufferfish.

Hieda Akyuu, however, smiled and happily raised her little hand to hold the strawberry near her mouth, taking small bites to savor it.

Ever since she tasted the special crop Xia Xun sent her, her body, which had been weak for many years due to reincarnation, had been revitalized. Coupled with its unparalleled deliciousness, she had never forgotten it.

But Xia Xun disappeared after that. She asked the servants to inquire and found out that he was busy fishing, clearing land, and farming all day long, and could not be seen in the village at all.

News about him only spread in the human world thanks to reports from the Wenwen News and the recent commotion caused by the kappa.

"Hehe, then I'll forgive you for now~" Her purple eyes crinkled into crescent moons as Hieda Akyuu leaned closer and whispered in Natsumi's ear, "Actually, Rin was angry on the day of the festival when she saw you spending the whole day with other girls but never inviting her."

“Xiaoling was really looking forward to it that day. She got up early and dressed up carefully. By the way,” she paused subtly, “me too.”

Xia Xun heard this and although he had expected it, he still felt extremely annoyed.

He looked at Motoori Kosuzu, who refused to turn around, sighed softly, and got up to sit down next to her.

Seeing Xia Xun sit down in front of her, Motoori Xiaoling snorted again as if in a huff, and made a move to turn her head away again.

A pair of warm, large hands gently cupped her cheeks, forcing her to look Xia Xun in the eye.

"I'm sorry, Xiaoling." Xia Xun's gaze was sincere. "It was my fault on the day of the festival. I was only thinking about enjoying the joy of participating in the festival for the first time with my friends, and I forgot about you."

"But please believe me, I will never do it again next time."

Looking at Xia Xun, who was standing before her with such a gentle and kind expression, the lingering resentment in Xiao Ling's heart had long since vanished.

After all, my brother just told my grandfather that he would marry her when she grew up.

However, the girl's slight reserve made her puff out her cheeks and pretend to be angry as she muttered, "But, my brother just fed A-Qiu strawberries by hand! I want some too! And I want two!"

"Haha, Xiaoling is such a little glutton!" Xia Xun couldn't help but laugh when he saw this. He pinched her nose with a smile and picked up a strawberry to feed his spoiled little sister.

Hey~!

Motoori Kosuka gave a sly smile, then nimbly jumped up and sat in Natsume's lap. She then tilted her little face up and opened her mouth wide, yelling, "Ah—!"

Xia Xun subconsciously caught the girl in his arms, adjusted her position to make her more comfortable, then affectionately ruffled her hair and fed her the strawberry in his hand.

"Wow! It's so delicious!" Motoori Suzu took a big bite, her eyes immediately squinting happily, her cheeks bulging like a little hamster.

She eagerly swallowed the remaining half, then wriggled happily in Xia Xun's arms, and said coquettishly, "Big brother, I want more!"

"Yes, yes, I'll make sure Xiaoling eats her fill today." Xia Xun readily agreed, her smile full of indulgence.

Hieda Akyuu watched this heartwarming scene quietly, a hint of envy showing in his purple eyes.

As a young girl, although she knows a lot, she also wants a brother who can pamper her and feed her well.

But unlike Xiaoling, she is the son of Miori of the Hieda family and cannot act willfully.

"By the way, big brother, what brings you here today?" Motoori Suzume asked, tilting her head back as she ate a strawberry.

"Couldn't it be that your brother misses Xiaoling and comes to see you?" Xia Xun said with a smile, then took out a photo from his backpack: "But Xiaoling is really smart, your brother does have something he wants to ask you."

Motoori Suzu took the photos, looked through a few, and nodded her little head: "I understand, brother wants to make more copies of the photos, right? Give them to me."