Chapter 17:Stardew Valley

Meng Xian jolted awake with a sharp hiss, her breath catching in her throat as she sat up abruptly in bed.

The remnants of the dream clung to her like a cold sweat, her heart pounding in her chest as if it were trying to escape the haunting remnants of the dreamscape.

Outside the window, the silver moon hung serenely in the night sky, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the world. The gentle rustling of leaves, stirred by the cool night breeze, filled the air with a peaceful melody that contrasted sharply with the turmoil inside her.

Panting heavily, Meng Xian wiped the sweat from her forehead, her hands trembling as she tried to calm herself. But even as she focused on the serene night, a gnawing sense of loss settled deep within her.

It was as if something vital had been stolen from her in the instant she awoke. She had been so close—so close to understanding the nature of the dream world, to unraveling the mysteries that had plagued her sleep for months. Yet, just like every time before, the knowledge had slipped through her fingers, leaving only fragmented memories and a profound emptiness.

This was far from the first time she had felt this way. Ever since she had purchased that enigmatic white book from the dusty old bookstore, her dreams had become more frequent, more vivid, and far more disturbing.

At first, the dreams had come sporadically, once every few weeks, but now they plagued her nearly every night. Her sleep schedule was in shambles, the constant disruption wreaking havoc on her mind and body.

The toll was undeniable—dark circles had taken up permanent residence under her eyes, and the relentless headaches that greeted her each morning felt like cruel punishments for venturing into that unknown realm.

With a heavy sigh, Meng Xian turned her gaze toward the bookshelf at the foot of her bed. The white book sat innocuously among her other volumes, its spine facing out like any ordinary book. But it was anything but ordinary. She hadn't touched it in months, having forgotten about it until that fateful day when she decided to give it another look.

The pages were filled with symbols and characters that she couldn't begin to decipher, a language lost to time or perhaps not meant for human understanding.

After a brief, futile attempt to make sense of it, she had returned it to the shelf, dismissing it as an enigma beyond her comprehension.

And that was when the dreams began.

At first, Meng Xian hadn't connected the book to the dreams. It seemed too far-fetched, too fantastical. But as the coincidences piled up, she could no longer ignore the possibility that the book was somehow responsible. It was as if the book had a life of its own, reaching out to her through the veil of sleep, pulling her into that strange, disorienting world where nothing made sense, and everything was possible.

The more she thought about it, the more convinced she became that the book was a key—a conduit to the dream world. Perhaps it was placed there by some unknown entity, a being of immense power who sought to influence reality through dreams. The idea wasn't far-fetched; she had heard of similar occurrences.

Zhou Mingrui had once performed a luck ritual, and others like Huang Tao had encountered mysterious objects that drew them into a web of the supernatural. Those who interacted with these objects found themselves suspended in a state between worlds, caught in cocoons within the enigmatic Sefirah Castle.

Could it be that this book was another such object? A tool used by an ancient, unknowable power to pull her into its world, to mark her as one of its own?

The thought sent a shiver down Meng Xian's spine, a mixture of fear and curiosity warring within her. Despite the persistent headache that throbbed behind her temples, she swung her legs over the side of the bed and stood up.

She needed to examine the book again, to confront the source of her torment and perhaps find answers to the questions that haunted her every waking moment.

As she approached the bookshelf, the headache intensified, as if the book were exerting a force, drawing her toward it. She hesitated for a moment, her hand hovering over the spine before she finally grasped it and pulled it from the shelf.

The book felt unnaturally cold in her hands, its smooth cover devoid of any title or author's name. It was a blank slate, an enigma wrapped in a mystery.

With a deep breath, Meng Xian opened the book, her eyes scanning the pages filled with the same indecipherable symbols she had seen before. Each character seemed to pulse with a faint, otherworldly light, a rhythm that resonated with something deep within her.

She had searched the internet for any information on the symbols, but her efforts had been in vain. The language was unlike anything known to humanity, and yet, there was a strange familiarity to it, as if it were a forgotten part of her own soul.

The connection she felt to the book was undeniable, and it terrified her. It was as if the book had chosen her, marked her as its own, and now it was slowly pulling her into a world where reality and dream blurred into one. She had so many questions, so many fears. The dreams, the headaches, the overwhelming sense of dread—they were all connected to this book, but how?

Her thoughts drifted to Zhou Mingrui once again. He had bought a similar book from an old bookstore, and it had led him down a path of misfortune and danger. He had been forced to use a ritual to rid himself of the bad luck that plagued him. But Meng Xian hadn't performed any rituals; she hadn't even understood the language in the book. And yet, here she was, trapped in a cycle of dreams and headaches, with no end in sight.

The Land of Dream... The phrase echoed in her mind, a haunting refrain she couldn't shake. Why do I keep dreaming of it? Why does it always end in pain?

Why did this book seem to call to her, binding her in ways that defied logic and reason?

Meng Xian's thoughts spiraled further, darker, as she considered the possibilities. Was she being prepared, like so many others, to be pulled into some greater scheme, some cosmic game where her life was just a pawn to be moved at will?

The idea was terrifying, yet it resonated with an unsettling truth that gnawed at her, a truth she couldn't deny.

The Original Creator… The spilled personas… The Three Pillars of Origin… Meng Xian's thoughts drifted to the lore she had immersed herself in, the stories of ancient deities and forgotten gods that filled the pages of her favorite novels. She knew the tales of the Primordial One, the Celestial Worthy, and the Mother Goddess, how they had shaped the world in their image, influencing reality in ways that mere mortals could never fully comprehend.

But this dream… this book… it didn't feel like it belonged to any of them. It was something else, something beyond even the ancient tales, something that spoke to her in a language older than time itself.

Was she truly a candidate, chosen by some unknown Great Old One, a mysterious existence that had marked her for a purpose she couldn't yet fathom or an Outer god she didn't know exist? The thought was both thrilling and terrifying, and Meng Xian wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry at the absurdity of it all.

And yet, as she stood there, clutching the white book to her chest, she couldn't help but feel that her fate was already sealed, that her path had been decided long before she had even laid eyes on this cursed object.

As the silver light of the moon bathed her room in a cold glow, Meng Xian let out a weary sigh. Her first plan had been simple—use Zhou Mingrui's luck ritual to access the Sefirah Castle and gain control over her fate.

But now, with the knowledge that the book might be connected to something far greater, far more dangerous, that plan seemed almost laughable in its simplicity.

Her fate was already decided, it seemed. The dream world, the book, the headaches—it was all part of a larger plan, a design she could not yet see. And yet, despite the fear, despite the uncertainty, Meng Xian felt a flicker of determination. She would not go quietly into the night. She would find a way to take control of her destiny, to wrest her fate from the hands of those who sought to manipulate her.

Looking at the book with a wry, twitching smile, Meng Xian couldn't help but wonder if this was a blessing or a curse. Only time would tell. For now, all she could do was move forward, one step at a time

—----

Meng Xian sat at the coffee table, struggling to keep her eyes open. Every few minutes, she'd let out a soft yawn, rubbing her eyes as if that would help banish the persistent fatigue.

Zhou Mingrui, who was sitting beside her, noticed her state and frowned with concern.

"Meng, you've looked exhausted these past few weeks," he said, his voice gentle but tinged with worry. "Are you sure you're okay?"

Meng Xian shook her head slightly, offering a tired smile as she reached for the coffee maker.

Maybe I've just been staying up too late, reading books," she replied, trying to sound nonchalant. The lie tasted bitter on her tongue, but she couldn't bring herself to tell him the truth—not yet.

Zhou Mingrui's eyes narrowed as he observed the dark circles beneath her eyes, the telltale signs of sleepless nights. He sighed, his concern deepening. "You should really take better care of yourself, Meng. This isn't like you."

Meng Xian felt a strange sense of déjà vu as he spoke, a fleeting moment where his words seemed to echo something from the past, something she couldn't quite grasp.

She brushed it off, taking a sip of her freshly brewed coffee. The bitterness on her tongue was familiar, comforting in a way, even though it did little to shake the fatigue clinging to her.

"Yeah, yeah, I will," she replied with a casual wave of her hand, trying to ease his worry. "Don't worry about me."

But Zhou Mingrui couldn't just let it go. He sighed again, a sound that carried the weight of his concern. Then, almost as if to change the subject, he asked, "Meng, wanna play?"

Meng Xian, who had just raised the coffee cup to her lips, paused mid-sip. She turned to look at Zhou Mingrui, surprise flickering in her tired eyes. "Play games together?" she repeated, the question hanging in the air.

Zhou Mingrui nodded, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "Why are you suddenly interested?" Meng Xian asked, her curiosity piqued. She couldn't remember the last time they had played games together, and the sudden suggestion caught her off guard.

In the back of her mind, she recalled an interview with Cuttlefish, where Zhou Mingrui had mentioned his love for stand-alone games. He had enjoyed diving into the immersive worlds of "Bloodborne" and "Assassin's Creed," losing himself in their intricate plots and challenging gameplay.

But that was a long time ago, back before the demands of life had turned him into what he often jokingly referred to as a 'corporate slave.' Now, he barely had time for anything beyond the occasional mobile game.

As Meng Xian thought about this, she couldn't help but notice something had changed in Zhou Mingrui's behavior. He seemed to be spending more time with her lately, choosing her company over anything else. While she didn't mind—she enjoyed his presence—it was still unusual.

As a loyal reader of Lord of the Mysteries and, more importantly, as the author, she had developed a keen sense for the nuances in people's actions. Something about Zhou Mingrui's recent behavior seemed... off.

Was it because of her? No, that didn't seem right. She shook her head, trying to dispel the growing unease in her chest.

She shook her head, trying to clear the fog of doubt. Maybe she was just overthinking things.

"So, what game do you want to play?" she asked, her voice softer now, more curious than suspicious.

Zhou Mingrui hesitated again. His mind drifted back to the days when he had time for grand adventures in gaming. But now, the idea of something more peaceful appealed to him. Images of a serene, rural life filled his thoughts—a life far removed from the chaos of his daily existence.

"It's just a casual farming game," he began, trying to put his thoughts into words. "You can farm, raise animals, go fishing, cook, sell things to make money, and make your life better through hard work. Of course, it must be able to connect online. Let's live a retirement life in the game in advance."

He chuckled at his own suggestion, realizing how much he had changed. Once upon a time, he would have scoffed at the idea of a "retirement life" in a game, preferring action and adventure. But now, the simplicity of such a life seemed almost appealing—comforting, even.

Meng Xian blinked at him, surprised by the shift in his tastes. "A casual farming game?" she repeated, her mind whirring as she tried to think of a recommendation. She hadn't played many games since crossing over, but there was one that had always held a special place in her heart.

She was silent for a moment, memories of a simpler time flooding back. The game she was thinking of had been her escape from reality, a world where she could lose herself in the rhythm of planting crops and tending to animals.

"I do have a game I can recommend," she said slowly, her voice tinged with a mix of nostalgia and affection.

Zhou Mingrui leaned forward, his interest piqued. "What game?"

Meng Xian looked at him, a small, genuine smile tugging at her lips. "A very classic casual farming game," she said, her tone softening. "Stardew Valley."

As Zhou Mingrui sat at the computer, he stared intently at the character creation screen for the game Meng Xian had recommended.

The pixel art style, so starkly different from the high-definition, graphically intensive AAA games he was accustomed to, felt both nostalgic and jarring.

He had always enjoyed the intricacies of modern gaming technology, with its lifelike visuals and detailed environments, but now he was faced with a much simpler, almost retro aesthetic.

Meng Xian, seated next to him with a comforting mug of coffee, watched as he meticulously filled out the character details. Zhou Mingrui hesitated over the options, the weight of the decision evident in his furrowed brow.

It was a casual farming game, something meant to be light-hearted and relaxing, yet here he was, treating it with the seriousness of a life-or-death mission.

He entered the basic details: male as the gender, his own name, Zhou Mingrui, for the character, and decided to name the farm "Mingrui Farm." He selected "cat" as his preferred animal, reflecting his own fondness for pets. Then came the final entry—a favorite thing.

"What's the use of this?" Zhou Mingrui asked, pointing at the empty column.

Meng Xian smiled, her eyes softening with a hint of amusement. "It's mostly for fun, but if you fill in a few specific keywords related to the game or the author, you might unlock a special easter egg."

He considered this for a moment, then typed in "Stardew Valley" for the favorite thing. The screen blinked in acknowledgment, and he moved on to the next step: selecting the farm map.

Meng Xian had already informed him that each farm map was unique and that once chosen, it couldn't be changed. This added an element of gravity to the decision, one that Zhou Mingrui didn't take lightly.

He recalled the helpful diagram Meng Xian had given him, summarizing the advantages and drawbacks of each map type.

There were seven options: Standard Farm, Forest Farm, Mountaintop Farm, Riverside Farm, Wilderness Farm, Four Corners Farm, and Beach Farm. Each offered different benefits and challenges. Zhou Mingrui began to read through the descriptions, noting that most of them seemed appealing in their own way. But then he arrived at the Wilderness Farm.

"Monsters appear on the farm at night. Can this be considered an advantage?" Zhou Mingrui muttered, his imagination painting vivid, somewhat unnerving scenarios. He pictured himself returning from a hard day's work only to be greeted by monstrous creatures in the growing twilight, or trying to complete farm chores under the menace of lurking shadows.

The idea of monsters in a farming game felt like a stark contradiction. Zhou Mingrui couldn't shake off the unease, feeling that this was more suited to a horror game than a relaxing farming simulator. He quickly dismissed the Wilderness Farm option.

"Ahem," Meng Xian cleared her throat, breaking into his thoughts. "Players have five skills in the game: farming, fishing, mining, foraging, and combat. Each skill can be leveled up to 10. Wilderness Farm prioritizes improving the combat skill, which could be beneficial if you're aiming to focus on combat."

Zhou Mingrui considered this but remained skeptical. The concept of mixing farming with combat still seemed off, especially given the relaxing nature he had anticipated. "I still feel it's a bummer," he said, shaking his head.

The remaining options seemed more balanced. The Standard Farm, with its vast arable land, appeared to be a traditional but reliable choice. Meng Xian had suggested it along with the Forest Farm and the Four Corners Farm.

The Four Corners Farm caught his attention. Its unique feature of dividing the farm into four distinct areas, each with the characteristics of other farm types, offered versatility and could potentially add depth to the gameplay, especially for an online multiplayer experience.

After weighing his options, Zhou Mingrui made his decision. He clicked on Four Corners Farm, excitedly anticipating the possibilities that lay ahead. As he confirmed his choice and started the game, the opening animation of "Stardew Valley" began to play on the screen.

The screen faded in from black, revealing a cozy, warmly lit bedroom. The orange-yellow glow of a crackling fire danced across the walls, casting flickering shadows. In the middle of the room, an elderly man lay in bed, his face peaceful but marked by the weariness of years. His frail hand clutched a sealed envelope, held tightly even in his final moments.

The player, represented by an invisible presence, stood beside him, silently witnessing the last chapter of his life.

The background music began to play, a melody reminiscent of a music box. Its clear, bright notes fluttered through the air, but despite its seemingly cheerful tone, there was an undercurrent of melancholy that tugged at the heartstrings. The music carried a bittersweet quality, hinting at both the end of an era and the beginning of a new one.

Subtitles appeared at the bottom of the screen, tender and poignant:

[... To my special grandson, I hope you can keep this sealed envelope.]

The envelope floated gently through the air, landing in the player's hands. As the player reached to open it, the grandfather's voice, frail but resolute, stopped them:

[No, no, you can't open it yet... Be patient.]

The rhythm of the background music shifted, building to a crescendo that underscored the gravity of the grandfather's words.

[Now, listen carefully…]

The screen blurred momentarily, drawing the player's focus to the old man's eyes, brimming with wisdom and a trace of sorrow.

[When you feel yourself being crushed by the burdens of modern life, your bright heart will gradually fade away until it is completely occupied by emptiness.]

The music swelled, enveloping the player in a wave of emotion as the grandfather's voice grew softer, more distant.

[If that happens, my child, you can open this gift.]

[Now, let Grandpa take a rest…]

As the grandfather's voice faded into a gentle whisper, the screen turned dark, and a line of text appeared:

XX years later.

The scene transitioned to a bustling metropolis, a stark contrast to the peaceful countryside of Stardew Valley.

The player's character, now a young adult, was shown working at JOJA Corporation, a corporate giant with a reputation for its relentless efficiency and dehumanizing work environment.

The office was a maze of narrow, coffin-like cubicles, densely packed together, each space a testament to the oppressive nature of the job.

The camera panned across the sea of monotonous workstations, where employees slaved away in silence, their faces a mix of exhaustion and resignation.

The motivational slogan, "Life will become better because of Joja!" was prominently displayed on the wall, a hollow promise in a room where hope seemed as distant as the end of the workday.

A chilling detail came into view—a skeleton, slumped over at a remote workstation, a grim reminder of the toll the job had taken.

The camera lingered on the skeletal remains before shifting back to the player's character, who looked increasingly disheartened.

Unable to bear the crushing weight of the job any longer, the character retreated to the small drawer of his workstation, where the letter from his grandfather lay hidden. His hands trembled as he opened the envelope, revealing the heartfelt message inside.

The letter was penned in elegant, flowing script, filled with warmth and a touch of nostalgia.

Dear Zhou Mingrui.

[If you are reading this letter, you must be in a difficult situation and looking forward to a turnaround.]

[A long time ago, I encountered the same situation.]

[At that time, I was blind to the most important thing in life, which is the real and natural connection between people, so I gave up everything and moved to a place where I truly belonged.]

[The deed to the land, along with my pride and joy—Mingrui Farm, located in Stardew Valley on the south coast—is enclosed within this letter.]

[It will be the perfect place for you to start a new life.]

[This is my most precious gift, and now it's yours!]

The character's eyes glistened with a mixture of relief and anticipation as he finished reading the letter. The oppressive cubicle, once a symbol of his entrapment, now felt like a cage from which he was about to escape.

With a renewed sense of purpose, he packed up his meager belongings and boarded the bus to Stardew Valley.

The journey was long, and the transition from the city's harsh artificiality to the natural simplicity of the countryside felt both surreal and exhilarating.

The bus ride itself was a blend of anxious excitement and quiet reflection. The character peered out of the window, watching as the towering cityscape gave way to rolling hills and lush green fields.

The hum of the engine was a soothing contrast to the relentless noise of the city, and with each passing mile, the burdens of his old life seemed to lighten.

Finally, the bus pulled into Pelican Town, the gateway to Stardew Valley.

As the screen faded from black, the scene shifted to the idyllic countryside of Stardew Valley. The fresh morning air, tinged with the earthy aroma of soil and greenery welcomed the player to their new home.

The player's character, Zhou Mingrui, stood at the edge of the farm, taking in the sight of his inherited land—a once vibrant but now overgrown expanse of potential.

A friendly figure approached, introducing herself with an enthusiastic smile. Robin, the carpenter from Daigo Town, was here to help.

Her demeanor was warm and welcoming as she guided Zhou Mingrui through the farm, her voice filled with genuine excitement.

She pointed out the various sections of the property, which had been long neglected.

Weeds, rocks, and fallen branches covered the land, concealing the promise of what lay beneath.

The scene transitioned to the farm's cabin, where Mayor Lewis awaited. The mayor, a portly man with a kind face, stepped out of the modest building. He greeted Zhou Mingrui with a hearty handshake and a friendly pat on the back.

"Welcome to Stardew Valley!" Mayor Lewis's voice boomed with genuine warmth. "I hope you'll find your new life here to be everything you've dreamed of. This farm has been a bit neglected, but with a little hard work, it can be turned into something truly special."

He gave a brief overview of the farm's situation—how it had fallen into disrepair over the years and how the town was eager to see it restored to its former glory.

With a nod of encouragement, Mayor Lewis left the farm, accompanied by Robin, to allow Zhou Mingrui to start his new life.

As the cutscene ended, the screen went black once more.

A rooster crowed in the distance, signaling the start of a new day. The interface in the upper right corner of the screen displayed the following data:

● 1st (Monday)

● 500G

● 6:00 AM

Zhou Mingrui's hands were now free to control his character. The sun's golden rays filtered through the cabin's window, casting a gentle light on the room. Stretching his arms.

Zhou Mingrui felt a sense of anticipation. He stepped outside into the fresh morning air, ready to embrace the challenges and opportunities that lay ahead.

Across the digital landscape, Meng Xian clicked on the "Cooperation" option from the main interface of her own game. She entered the online invitation code Zhou Mingrui had sent her and seamlessly joined the game in online mode.

The character Meng Xian had created appeared beside Zhou Mingrui's character, ready to start their cooperative adventure.

In the early morning light, Mayor Lewis appeared with a warm, welcoming demeanor. He handed both players fifteen parsnip seeds each and provided them with the basic tools of the trade: a hoe, a sickle, a pickaxe, an axe, and a watering can. His brief introduction to the state of the farm was encouraging yet honest.

The farm had seen better days, but with effort and dedication, it could be revived. After a quick exchange of pleasantries, Mayor Lewis departed with Robin, leaving the players to their new responsibilities.

The screen faded to black again, only to come alive with the gentle morning chorus of Stardew Valley. Zhou Mingrui's character, now awake, stepped out of the cabin into the crisp morning air. The excitement of starting fresh was palpable.

Meng Xian's character, having exited the independent online hut, joined Zhou Mingrui's character in clearing the overgrown land.

Zhou Mingrui began the arduous task of clearing the weeds, stones, and trees that had overtaken the farm. He rotated between the sickle, pickaxe, and axe, each tool methodically dismantling the encroaching foliage and debris. With each swing, the farm began to reveal its potential. Clearing these resources dropped basic materials: fiber, stone, and wood.

Meng Xian's character took a more delicate approach. With the hoe, she carefully tilled a 3x5 piece of land, preparing it for planting.

She then filled the watering can from a nearby water source and meticulously watered each plot. In Stardew Valley, watering crops is essential for their growth.

Crops not watered on the same day will not advance in growth, though they won't die unless it's raining.

Once the soil was ready and the parsnip seeds were planted, Meng Xian looked over at Zhou Mingrui, who was still busy with the clearing tasks.

"Do I need to plant my parsnips too?" Zhou Mingrui asked, glancing over at the neatly arranged plots of land.

Meng Xian shook her head, a calm expression on her face. "No, if we plant more than fifteen crops on the farm, there's a chance crows might come and trample them.

To ward off crows, we'll need to upgrade our farming to level one and make scarecrows. Since harvesting fifteen parsnips will just about get us to level one farming, we should hold off on planting additional crops for now."

Zhou Mingrui nodded, a smile forming on his face. "Then let's tackle the novice mission. It requires us to greet all the residents in town, right?"

Before Meng Xian could respond, she reached over and paused Zhou Mingrui's game, her fingers deftly navigating the online host interface.

"No," she said calmly, her tone serious. "We need to start working together."

Zhou Mingrui felt a shiver of apprehension, sensing the gravity in Meng Xian's voice.

Meng Xian continued, her tone brisk and methodical. "Here's the plan for the first day of spring.

You'll need to walk around Pelican Town, collecting foraging crops and then head to the small mountaintop farm in the lower right corner of the Four Corners Farm to mine some ore.

After that, focus on chopping trees until you've collected 200 pieces of wood. If your energy runs low, head back to the cabin and sleep to replenish it."

Meng Xian paused for a moment, her gaze shifting to Zhou Mingrui. "I'll be taking care of the town and the beach, where I'll be digging for clay. Each piece of clay can be sold for 20 gold.

With some luck and the right routine, I should be able to earn around 3,000 to 4,000 gold by the end of the day, excluding the cost of buying salads from the tavern to restore my energy."

Zhou Mingrui's brow furrowed as he absorbed Meng Xian's detailed plan. "Wait, I remember reading that clay is found randomly when hoeing the ground. How will you manage to dig up more than 200 pieces of clay in a single day?"

Meng Xian's calm demeanor remained unchanged as she shook her head. "Clay is indeed random, but Stardew Valley's randomness follows a pseudo-random algorithm. There are specialized techniques and tutorials for efficient clay digging. It's mostly about repeating a routine to maximize output.

In single-player mode, under optimal conditions, I could dig up clay worth 10,000 gold in one day."

A glint of fanaticism and regret flickered in Meng Xian's eyes, a hint of her deep passion for the game and the strategies she employed.

"Wait, wait a minute," Zhou Mingrui interrupted, a cold sweat forming on his brow. "Let's focus on your land reclamation plan."

Meng Xian's expression was calm and methodical as she outlined the detailed plan for Spring 2. Her eyes sparkled with a mixture of determination and anticipation.

She spoke with the precision of someone who had not only mastered the game but also approached it with a meticulous strategy.

"The process for Spring 2 is straightforward," Meng Xian began, her voice steady and measured. "After receiving a letter from Willy, the owner of the fishing tackle shop, we head to the beach south of Pelican Town. This triggers Willy's storyline, and he'll gift us two basic bamboo fishing rods."

She paused for a moment to ensure Zhou Mingrui was following along, then continued with her plan.

"Before we head to the beach, we'll use the 100 pieces of wood we collected on the first day to craft two storage boxes. Each of us will take one. This way, we can manage our resources better without worrying about backpack space limitations."

Meng Xian's tone was precise as she detailed the fishing strategy. "The shallows below the beach bonfire and the deck on the far right of the tackle shop are level one Venus fishing spots.

To maximize our chances, we need to reach level one in fishing skill and achieve a perfect catch in the mini-game after the fish bites. This will give us a chance to catch a Venus quality fish, which provides better experience and sells for a higher price."

She shifted her gaze to Zhou Mingrui, her expression reflecting the seriousness of her next point. "Once our fishing level reaches two, we can upgrade to the intermediate fiberglass rod.

With the proceeds from selling ordinary quality fish and the initial 1,000 gold, we can afford to buy two fiberglass rods, six to eight trout soups, and the remaining money should be spent on bait—5 gold each."

Meng Xian's plan was meticulous, highlighting her commitment to efficiency.

"Before the tackle shop closes at 5 PM, we'll need to purchase the fishing rods and supplies. We'll use the new rods, set aside the trout soups and bait, and focus on fishing until two in the morning."

She glanced at Zhou Mingrui, noting his growing concern. "It rains regularly on the 3rd of Spring, so we'll use the 50 pieces of wood from the first day to craft another shared box.

With our props bought in advance, we can head directly to the river in front of Sam's house at 6 AM. This is a level 4 Venus fishing spot."

Meng Xian's eyes gleamed with enthusiasm as she explained, "Fishing on the second day will be sufficient to improve our fishing skills. As a novice, you'll likely reach level two by noon, almost level three by the end of the day.

With level three fishing skill and the effect of the Trout Soup's Fishing Skill -1, catching a catfish will be challenging, but you should still be able to get a silver star catfish.

Overall, fishing on rainy days in spring yields the highest returns."

Zhou Mingrui's eyes widened with a mix of awe and apprehension. He swallowed hard and stammered, "But if we stay out fishing until 2 AM, I remember that we'll faint outside, be rescued and sent home, and one-tenth of our money will be deducted as medical fees, up to 1,000 gold…"

His voice trailed off as he stared at Meng Xian, clearly troubled. "And we'll have spent all our gold on fishing gear, leaving us with no money for the medical fees."

Meng Xian's smile was faint but unwavering. She glanced at Zhou Mingrui with an almost innocent look in her eyes. "Yes, if we don't have any money left, we'll have to accept the free trips back to the city."

Zhou Mingrui's expression was one of disbelief. "Are you serious? This sounds like a game of cultivating immortality, not a casual farming game!"