18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 49

Both sides were cautious, wary of each other's intentions, the vast expanse of floodwater between them was the perfect buffer.

202 pounds of wild boar meat was traded for 202 pounds of fresh rice, with another transaction scheduled for 7 p.m.

Upon returning, Stella had already prepared everything: a frying pan, salt, spices, crushed chili peppers, and supplies for the night. Concerned for Angela's safety, Lukas was also asked to stay.

Upon seeing them, Drew, with a broad grin, blocked the staircase. "Where are you folks off to? Running around like this must be exhausting. How about we lend you a hand and bring everything back in one trip?"

They had a few rubber boats follow the residents on the 18th floor in the morning, but Jasper had managed to shake them off. Despite their daily excursions, the supplies Drew brought back were dwindling, causing dissatisfaction among the group members. They often compared their haul to that of the 18th floor.

"Just a few bundles of firewood, there's no need for Mr. Drew to worry." Stella replied with a tight-lipped smile, "Our resources are limited. Even if we were to bring back a few bundles of firewood, I'm afraid there wouldn't be enough to go around."

"Stella, you misunderstand. It's just a neighborly gesture. We wouldn't take your things."

"Well, we can't accept." Stella was firm. "There's no such thing as a free lunch, is there? You've already borrowed our boats; you wouldn't want to borrow our firewood too, would you?"

Drew choked on his words, his face turning green. These stubborn people, they better not fall into his hands.

The journey to Ivywood Estates was far; it took more than an hour by speedboat and was almost at the edge of the city. Ignoring the floodwaters beneath their feet, it was indeed a beautiful natural haven. Green mountains and forests could be seen, along with distinctive, chic villa clusters.

The lower terrains were already flooded, the floodwaters had already reached the front yards of the higher terrains, and everyone had been evacuated.

All the collected supplies were centralized in the highest building of the villa. There were furniture, water tanks, several unused gas cylinders, scattered boxes of charcoal, and more.

Jasper and Cody went up the mountain to bring down the wild boar, while Stella cleaned the kitchen to prepare the brine.

slow. It was quicker to first boil it in a pot to lose the water, then grill it over charcoal. When the wild boar was brought back, Jasper cleaned it up and cut it into thin strips according to Stella's instruction.

two left, Cooper was put on guard at the door while Stella took out

and chili added, and then continuously stir-fried on the stove. To prolong the shelf life, the meat sauce was stir-fried until very dry, smelling

placed in a basin to drain. Hearing Cooper's warning,

that's me,"

a fire to grill

the place where we killed the pig last time. We only had these two, and plan to finish the trade by tomorrow

a sigh of relief. "Once this batch is done, we won't have to worry for a year or two. By then, order should be restored,

to survive. The three of

only with more salt

to grill, Stella went to braise more meat. Once ready, they could be taken back to the 18th floor to be heated up and then served. Smelling the meat aroma, Cody couldn't help but swallow. He grabbed

them, along with the

make a sarcastic comment, "Such a great cooking skill, I don't know which lucky man will benefit from it in the future." Stella glanced at him and calmly replied,

say anything, but he

ran over to join

head, "I'll live

joked, "You can't cross

ordered, "Cooper, growl

over, baring its teeth,

mercy, "Ah, I

Cooper not only did not let go, but also

meat. A large bag full of it weighed several dozen pounds, plus meat sauce and braised pork. Once everything was done, it was already past three in the morning. With another trade scheduled for the morning, the

were still there, and all they needed to do was change into their own sheets and clothes. With Cooper on night watch, everyone

for over 800 pounds of new rice. They cooked a pot of soup, ate