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.

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 every

wasn't sure what she wanted and could only walk and look around. She stopped at

pet supplies and toys, deworming medicine, fur conditioners, grooming tools, nail clippers, etc.

since she

a chew ball, a leash, a grooming tool, and deworming medicine that

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

and held up three fingers. Just three

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

"Two pounds. I really can't go any

his eyes sunk deep into their sockets, giving

pounds of white rice or three

taken aback for a moment before

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

took it and stuffed it into his thick clothes, fearing that someone would see it and pose a threat. He gave Stella the items and explained how to use the deworming medicine as he packed up his stall, ready to

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

trouble choosing,

like red, pink, orange, or blue. Looking at what

stance of the man behind the woman and came up with an

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

he meant. Why did think she would

a child. If you get pregnant again, it could be

some to keep at home. They can be

to ask the price of the condoms.

attention was diverted, and she seemed to forget that Jasper was standing behind

"Five pounds of white