18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 110

Facing his invitation, Stella flatly declined, "No thank you, we're just civilians."

Evan shifted his gaze to Jasper, saying, "What about you? If I'm not mistaken, you have a military background. The country needs people like you now. Have you considered joining us?" Rosie, taken aback, instinctively clung to his arm, "Jasper."

Jasper, calming his sister, responded, "I've been discharged due to an injury. Our parents are dead, and I have to take care of my little sister."

"I'm sorry," said Evan, somewhat regretful. "If you change your mind, you can always find me at the police station."

They got in the car and left. With plenty of time to spare, they headed to the mall.

Throughout the journey, Jasper was solemn and silent. Although he was usually a man of few words, Stella could tell something was off. He seemed a bit downcast. Could Evan's words have affected him?

It was possible. Military men were known for their spirit of sacrifice and dedication, and his skills were definitely up to par. His discharge due to injury could just be a ruse.

He probably had deeper secrets, and only retired because he had no choice. Yet, the responsibilities and mission of a soldier were still tormenting him.

People always had to make choices. You can't please everyone.

Rosie held her brother's hand, a smile appearing involuntarily in her eyes.

Stella couldn't help but lower her head, just as Cooper looked up, his eyes reflecting her full image.

Cody and Lukas were fooling around in front, with Angela following behind.

The mall was crowded, and for safety reasons, Stella put the dog in her backpack and entered the bustling market.

It was her first time here, but Cody and the others had been here several times and were familiar with the place.

than during the flood, with people coming and going.

stalls were varied, but the needs of the stall owners were remarkably consistent: food, coal, or medicine. They

sure what she wanted and could only walk

stall was filled with pet supplies and toys, deworming medicine, fur conditioners, grooming tools, nail clippers, etc. If it

for the dog since she hadn't found him earlier, but now she

a chew ball, a leash, a grooming tool, and

on the dog and took everything she might need, "How

was a bit excited and held up three fingers. Just

Not wanting to reveal her wealth, she didn't rush to accept, but instead pretended to

fearing she wouldn't agree, hurriedly reduced the price, "Two pounds. I really can't go any

thin as a rail, his eyes sunk deep into their sockets, giving him a

moved forward, Stella finally spoke, "Two pounds of

was taken aback for a moment

took out three pounds of broken rice from Arcadia and put it in a black plastic

a threat. He gave Stella the items and explained how to use the deworming medicine

got up to leave, Stella noticed Jasper not far away. Rosie was picking a hairband, and he

having trouble choosing, "Which

her were ugly. Children liked bright colors, like red, pink, orange, or blue. Looking at what Jasper chose. It's all black, white, and gray. No wonder Rosie didn't like

bent down to help Rosie choose, when the vendor, a shrewd man, saw the protective stance of the man behind the woman and came up with an idea. He stealthily moved closer and asked, "Miss,

vendor mysteriously took one out of his pocket and waved it in front of Stella, "It's genuine, and the quality is definitely

that was what he meant. Why did think she would need

for you two with a child. If you get pregnant again, it could be life-threatening. The child might not be born, and even your

vendor was eagerly promoting his product, "Miss, buy some to keep at home.

to ask the price of the condoms.

she seemed to forget that Jasper was standing

held up one finger, "Five pounds