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.

certainly busier than during the flood, with people coming and going. However, there were more onlookers, and very few successful

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

wanted and could only walk and look around. She

supplies and toys, deworming medicine, fur conditioners, grooming tools, nail clippers, etc. If it were before the disaster, he would be making a fortune. But now, no one

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

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

and took everything she might

up three fingers. Just three pounds

a lot for others, but not for Stella. Not wanting to reveal her

she wouldn't agree, hurriedly reduced the price, "Two pounds. I really can't go any lower. I have a child to

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

forward, Stella finally spoke, "Two pounds of white

aback for a moment

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

see it and pose a threat. He gave Stella the items

Jasper not far away. Rosie was picking a

trouble choosing, "Which one

red, pink, orange, or

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, need any protections?" Protections? Stella was a bit confused

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

meant. Why did think she would

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

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

embarrassed. But considering that Arcadia had three thousand of them, and she would never use them, she decided to ask the price of the condoms. She was wrapped from head to toe with only her eyes exposed; there was no question of being embarrassed. So, out

to forget

held up one finger, "Five pounds