The late morning sun filtered through the sliding doors of the newly completed farmhouse, illuminating the polished wooden floors and the soft tatami mats in the hallway. Outside, the fresh breeze carried the faint aroma of tea leaves and young earth, blending into the sounds of tools and conversation as the farm bustled with early activity.
It had been a few days since the full renovation of the farmhouse wrapped up. The structure, now a beautifully modernized version of its original form, stood gracefully against the gentle backdrop of Uji's countryside. Though modern appliances and amenities had been installed throughout, the home retained its traditional Japanese warmth—sliding shoji doors, low ceilings with exposed wooden beams, and a spacious genkan to welcome visitors.
Phuby stood on the back veranda with a clipboard in hand, watching the crew in the field. It was a tranquil moment—almost surreal. The family had long since returned to their respective homes. Mrs. Wulan and Om Luky had gone back to Cirebon to manage the house and Toko Kue Palm Sari. Meanwhile, Mr. Haruki and Mrs. Aiko had returned to Tokyo, with promises to visit once the baby arrived. Now, only Phuby and Hana remained in Uji, managing both the house and the young farm taking root beside it.
Down the slope of the hill, Kenta Sakamoto was walking through the neatly lined tea rows, marking adjustments on a worn field notebook. He paused to wave up at Phuby before continuing to check the soil. A few meters away, Yuriko Hayashi was crouched between rows of strawberries, trimming leaves and chatting lightly with Yuji Tani, who was transporting compost in a small wheelbarrow.
"You've got a good team out there," Hana said, stepping beside Phuby with a steaming mug of roasted barley tea.
He accepted it gratefully. "They know what they're doing. I just provide the resources."
"You provide more than that." She leaned her head on his shoulder. "You gave them a new start."
Phuby smiled. "Maybe they gave us one too."
Inside the house, the energy was equally calm. Emi Fujiwara had arrived early that morning, humming softly as she wiped down surfaces and folded some of the linens. She worked in silence, steady and unobtrusive, her presence now a part of the rhythm of the home.
Later that afternoon, Phuby and Hana sat down to finalize their furniture purchase for the farmhouse interior. They had already agreed on a simple, modern Japanese aesthetic—wood tones, soft lighting, and subtle decor to match the serenity of the countryside.
A few days earlier, they had gone to a specialty showroom in Kyoto city, selecting everything they needed room by room. Tatami sets, a full dining table, futons, futon storage cabinets, traditional-style sliding wardrobes, bathroom fittings, a modern but discreet kitchen set, and a complete entertainment setup for the shared living space. The guest room was also furnished with thoughtful touches—an homage to both Cirebon and Tokyo, combining Indonesian batik wall scrolls with minimalist Japanese accents.
The total came to Rp 180.000.000 for all the quality furnishings and delivery.
As always, Phuby used the system to make the purchase through an integrated payment method. The moment the amount was confirmed, his balance adjusted automatically.
Rp 31.193.000.000 – 180.000.000 = Rp 31.013.000.000+ Rp 360.000.000 cashbackFinal Balance: Rp 31.373.000.000
Once the system finished updating, a soft chime echoed in Phuby's mind.
"Purchase complete. Cashback processed. Keep investing wisely, Phuby."
He glanced at Hana, who had caught the faint glow from the interface. She grinned knowingly. "System again?"
"Yup."
"You're spoiling this farmhouse."
"It's going to be our home. Our child's home, too."
She leaned in and kissed his cheek. "Then let's make it the best one."
That evening, as the wind danced through the tall trees along the edge of their land, Phuby and Hana sat on the engawa—side by side, fingers entwined. The farmhouse behind them was warm and full of life, and the field before them held the promise of growth.
And now, finally, with the foundation laid, it was time to think of the future. Not just the baby on the way, but the dream they were planting in the soil of Uji—together.