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.

wild boar was brought back, Jasper cleaned it up and cut it into thin strips according to Stella's instruction. When the time was right, they took the boar and

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

meat was poured into the pot, with seasonings and chili added, and then continuously stir-fried on the stove. To prolong the shelf life, the meat sauce was

slices of meat had all been braised and placed in a basin to drain. Hearing Cooper's warning, Stella put everything that shouldn't appear back

that's me," she

to grill the meat. "How's your

time. We only had these two, and plan to finish the

gathering several hundred pounds of new rice, Cody breathed a sigh of relief. "Once this batch is done, we won't have to worry

willing to go there, there's still a chance to survive. The three of them sat around a charcoal stove, placing the drained braised meat on the grill. When the meat loses most of its water, it grills

damp; only with more salt can it be preserved longer," Stella

back to the 18th floor to

down, and the three of them, along with the dog, ate their fill with bread.

I don't know which lucky man will benefit from it in the future." Stella glanced

ate and didn't say anything, but he instinctively looked

Cooper ran over to join in on the

stroked its head,

be ridiculous." Cody joked,

"Cooper,

baring its

"Ah, I was wrong.

Cooper not only did not let go, but also

full meal of laughter and noise, they continued to grill meat in the night. A pound of raw meat was grilled into half a pound of dried 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

needed to do was change into their own sheets and clothes. With Cooper

the trade, exchanging four wild boars for over 800 pounds of new rice. They cooked a pot of