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.

with people coming and going.

owners were remarkably consistent:

and could only walk and look

with pet supplies and toys, deworming medicine, fur conditioners, grooming tools, nail clippers, etc. If it were before the disaster, he would

dog since she hadn't

teething toy, a chew ball, a leash, a grooming tool, and deworming medicine that hadn't expired and was

didn't mind spending on the dog and took everything she

and held up

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 lower. I

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

"Two pounds of white rice

aback for a moment before excitedly saying, "Three

out three pounds of broken rice from Arcadia and put

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

was picking a hairband, and

was having trouble choosing, "Which

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

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, need any protections?" Protections? Stella was a

one out of his pocket and waved it in front of Stella, "It's genuine,

he meant. Why did

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

at home. They can

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 of curiosity, she asked, "How

to forget that Jasper

up one finger, "Five pounds of white