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.

was certainly busier than during the flood, with people coming and going. However, there

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

and could only walk and look around. She stopped

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

dog since she

ball, a leash, a grooming tool, and deworming

took

a bit excited and held up three fingers. Just

wanting to reveal her wealth, she didn't

reduced the price, "Two pounds. I really can't go any lower. I have

eyes sunk deep into their sockets, giving him a haggard

Stella finally spoke, "Two pounds of white rice or three pounds of broken rice,

taken aback for a moment before excitedly saying, "Three pounds of

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

and pose a threat. He gave Stella the items

got up to leave, Stella noticed Jasper not far away. Rosie was picking a hairband, and he was holding Rosie's hand, occasionally glancing

having trouble choosing, "Which one looks

colors her brother chose for her were ugly. Children liked bright colors, like red, pink, orange, or blue. Looking at what Jasper chose.

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

waved it in front

that was what he meant.

child. If you get pregnant again,

"Miss, buy some to keep at home.

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

she seemed to forget that Jasper was standing behind

up one finger, "Five pounds of white rice