The first signs of spring crept quietly across Uji.
Buds emerged on slender branches outside the farmhouse, and the cold, crisp air carried the scent of rain-soaked earth and young growth. Morning mist clung to the garden rows, where green shoots promised the beginnings of this year's first full harvest.
Inside, the stillness of dawn was gently interrupted by the soft rustling of fabric. Hana, wearing a loose robe, hummed quietly as she folded a baby blanket. Across the room, Haru and Yui slept in twin cribs near the hearth, their tiny breaths rising and falling in sync.
Phuby, meanwhile, sat on the floor at the low table, sipping his morning tea. The laptop in front of him cast a faint glow on his face. He scrolled through order receipts from their soft-launched brand, Uji Garden Produce, and reviewed delivery schedules with the local cooperative.
The twins had been born nearly a month ago, and the farmhouse, once a dusty and tired relic of rural Kyoto, had transformed into a warm and bustling home. With the farm operational and Hana finally able to move more freely, the family had eased into a rhythm that felt, for once, sustainable.
A soft chime interrupted his thoughts. He blinked and looked at the upper corner of his screen.
🔔 System Notification:System Shop – Weekly Refresh ActiveEligible Regions: Cirebon, Tokyo, Kyoto, Uji🛒 New Items Available: 6⚠️ Cashback Requirement: Minimum Rp10.000.000 per transaction✅ Double Cashback Status: Active
Phuby raised his eyebrows and smiled. "Another shop refresh."
Hana looked up from the blanket she was folding. "Ooh? Anything interesting this time?"
He tapped open the interface, and semi-transparent holographic panels expanded above the table, casting light across the tatami.
System Shop – Weekly Refresh
Eligible Region:
Japan: Kyoto, Tokyo,
Indonesia: Cirebon
Smart Greenhouse Kit – 60 sqm, climate-controlledPrice: Rp 25.000.000
Premium Compost System – Full eco setup, odorlessPrice: Rp 15.000.000
High-End PC Set – Kyoto Series – Ultra fast, modern designPrice: Rp 32.000.000
Traditional Japanese Outdoor Bath – Hinoki WoodPrice: Rp 120.000.000
Children's Japanese-Style Furniture Set – Twins SpecialPrice: Rp 20.000.000
Garden Automation Kit – Drip irrigation + moisture sensorsPrice: Rp 18.000.000
Hana leaned closer and her eyes immediately sparkled. "The Hinoki bath! Phuby, please tell me—"
"I was already planning to," he smirked.
She clapped softly. "A cypress wood bath, outside, under the stars? That's so us."
With a nod, Phuby mentally queued the purchases. He selected three: the Hinoki Outdoor Bath, the Smart Greenhouse Kit, and the Garden Automation Kit. A practical blend of indulgence and farming efficiency.
Transaction CompleteCashback Generated: Rp 326.000.000Delivery: All items will appear on-site within 2 minutesManual Legal Steps Required for applicable installationsCheck item zone near farmhouse
Final Calculation:
Starting Balance: Rp 31.193.000.000
Purchase: Rp 163.000.000
Cashback: Rp 326.000.000
Final Balance: Rp 31.356.000.000
Outside, just beyond the farmhouse's wooden walkway, the faint hum of arrival sounded. As expected, several sealed crates appeared as if they had been delivered moments earlier by a discreet contractor—always placed logically, always silent.
"You've officially become a system tycoon," Hana teased as she leaned into him.
Phuby grinned. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
"It's not. It's like having the genie from Aladdin—if the genie only dealt in agriculture and architecture."
He laughed and kissed her forehead.
Later That Day — Visitors at the Gate
A gentle knock on the garden gate startled Yuji, who was inspecting the spinach rows. He quickly wiped his muddy hands and opened the gate. A middle-aged woman in a beige kimono stood with a polite smile, accompanied by a younger man with a clipboard.
"We're with the local agricultural cooperative," she said. "We've been hearing about the new farm here. Some of the older farmers are… curious."
Yuji nodded and led them to the porch. Hana offered tea, and Phuby quickly brewed a pot of roasted green leaves from their own crops. The couple introduced themselves—representatives from the regional farming group, interested in their approach.
"You've attracted a lot of quiet attention," the woman said. "Some say your harvests are ahead of schedule."
Phuby offered a modest smile. "Good workers. Careful planning. And my wife has a green thumb."
"I do not," Hana said instantly. "But I'm enthusiastic."
They all laughed.
Phuby explained their mix of traditional Japanese techniques and small-scale automation. They didn't reveal the system, of course, but instead emphasized community hiring and respect for land.
When the visitors left, they expressed hope that the Uji farm could become a model for sustainable revitalization without turning the area into a tourist circus.
Evening — First Bath Under the Stars
By sunset, the Hinoki bath had been fully assembled. Set in a secluded corner of the garden, surrounded by tall bamboo fencing and smooth river stones, it gave the illusion of being in an ancient mountain inn.
Hana approached the steaming water, carrying both babies in a soft sling. "You're joining me."
"Absolutely," Phuby said, gently taking Haru while she settled in first.
The scent of wet cypress and steam curled in the night air. Phuby slipped in beside her, careful not to splash. The soft gurgle of water, the coos of the babies nearby in their cradle, and the endless sky above made for a surreal moment.
"This," Hana whispered, resting her head against his shoulder, "feels like a love story."
"I think we're writing it together."
She giggled. "You're so cheesy when you're relaxed."
Later — A New Opportunity
With the babies asleep and Hana napping, Phuby opened his laptop again to check on deliveries. A new message blinked at the top of his inbox.
Subject: Kyoto Small Business Grant – Uji RegionDear Mr. Soewandi,We are pleased to inform you that your farm has been nominated by the local cooperative for the Kyoto Sustainable Initiative Grant...
It wasn't money, but access—networking, official support, and connection with other modern rural businesses. The recognition alone meant a stronger foothold in Japan's tightly knit agriculture circles.
"System," he whispered. "Any tips?"
System Tip:Land used for sustainable agriculture may yield new hidden benefits in future upgrades.
He looked at the twins sleeping peacefully, then to Hana curled in the futon beside them.
"I want to build something that lasts," he said softly.
And maybe, just maybe, that meant planting seeds that went far beyond the farm.