Mysteries:Lord Of The Dream Realm

Chapter 18:Gaming Bonding

As Zhou Mingrui gazed at the purple-haired Abigail in the grocery store, he couldn't help but reflect on the fixed dialogues in "Stardew Valley," even as he felt a pang of amusement. Abigail's cheerful voice greeted him, "Hey, how did you know I was hungry? This looks delicious!" She looked at the quartz he had just gifted her, her eyes lighting up with genuine appreciation.

Zhou Mingrui found himself chuckling at the absurdity of it all.

His thoughts drifted to the myriad conversations he'd had with villagers and the endless cycle of gift-giving and friendship-building. "Girl, you have really good teeth..." he muttered, a playful grin tugging at his lips. It was a familiar refrain, one he'd seen countless times while playing, but it still amused him.

With a resigned sigh, he controlled his character to leave the grocery store. He mounted his beloved pony, its reins clinking as he set off towards the next location to deliver gifts to the villagers. The landscape of Pelican Town stretched out before him, bathed in the soft hues of autumn.

The favorability system in Stardew Valley was both a delight and a challenge. Zhou Mingrui had invested significant effort into building relationships with the villagers, aiming to reach the coveted ten hearts with each of them. He knew that as friendship deepened, the villagers' conversations would grow warmer, and special events would be triggered, potentially leading to romantic cutscenes.

Among the twelve NPCs that could be pursued romantically-six men and six women-he was particularly focused on those who intrigued him the most. Each relationship could be deepened through thoughtful gift-giving and engaging in meaningful interactions. The limit for ordinary villagers was ten hearts, but for the romanceable NPCs, the limit was set at eight hearts. After reaching eight hearts, a bouquet of flowers could solidify a romantic relationship, and a mermaid pendant could lead to marriage. The friendship limit could extend to fourteen hearts, a testament to the game's intricate social dynamics.

Zhou Mingrui reflected on the unique nature of Stardew Valley, often referred to humorously as "Cuckold Valley" due to the extensive modding possibilities.

The game allowed for a wide range of relationships, including same-sex marriages and even unconventional pairings, like marrying Mayor Lewis. The freedom to break traditional boundaries was part of the game's charm, showcasing the creativity and flexibility that modding brought to the experience.

As he rode through the picturesque scenery, he couldn't help but appreciate the depth of the game's social system. Talking to villagers every day and giving gifts twice a week were essential for increasing their favorability. His efforts had paid off, raising the favorability of all Pelican Town's villagers to over six hearts each.

Autumn had arrived in the game, and Zhou Mingrui was deep into his seasonal routine. Despite his initial reluctance, Meng Xian had eventually set aside her Extreme Challenge land reclamation plan. They had divided the tasks: Zhou Mingrui handled farming and foraging, occasionally fishing to supplement their income, while Meng Xian delved into the mines, mining, battling monsters, and gathering fibers.

As Zhou Mingrui passed the Community Center, he paused to pick wild berries and blackberries. He glanced at Meng Xian's screen, watching as she continued her relentless mining and monster-hunting. Her dedication was unwavering, a stark contrast to his more leisurely pursuits.

Zhou Mingrui's thoughts drifted back to Meng Xian as he rode home. He had often wondered about Meng Xian's fascination with the mines. Her commitment to mining and monster-fighting wasn't driven by enjoyment but by a deeper, more personal drive.

When Zhou Mingrui had asked her about it, Meng Xian had explained her motivation with a calm intensity. "It's not about enjoying it," she had said. "It's about setting a goal, working tirelessly towards it, and the satisfaction of getting closer to that goal. It's a process I find fulfilling."