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. However, there were

stall owners were remarkably consistent: food, coal, or medicine. They came every day but left empty-handed

and could only walk and look around.

to run a pet clinic before the disaster. The stall was filled with pet supplies and toys, deworming medicine, fur conditioners, grooming

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

a leash, a grooming tool, and deworming

the dog and took

a bit excited and held up three fingers. Just

Stella. Not wanting to reveal her wealth, she didn't rush to

hurriedly reduced the price, "Two pounds. I

man was thin as a rail, his eyes sunk deep into their

of white rice or three pounds of broken rice,

man was taken aback for a moment before excitedly

of looking for her purse, took out three pounds of broken rice from Arcadia and put it

clothes, fearing that someone would see it and pose a threat. He gave Stella the items and explained how to use the deworming medicine

far away. Rosie was picking a hairband, and he was holding Rosie's hand, occasionally glancing in her

trouble choosing,

chose for her were ugly. Children liked bright colors, like red, pink, orange, or

the woman and came up with an idea. He

and waved it in front of Stella, "It's genuine,

he meant. Why

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

"Miss, buy some to keep at home.

would never use them, she decided to ask the price of the condoms. She was wrapped from head to toe with only

seemed to forget that Jasper

one finger, "Five