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.

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

on the stalls were varied, but the needs of the stall owners were remarkably consistent: food, coal,

what she wanted and could only

stall owner was a veterinarian who used to run a pet clinic before the disaster. The stall was filled with pet 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

prepared anything for the dog since she hadn't found him earlier, but now she couldn't

leash, a grooming tool, and deworming medicine that hadn't

took everything she might need, "How much

bit excited and held up three fingers. Just

others, but not for Stella. Not wanting to

agree, hurriedly reduced the price, "Two pounds. I really can't go any

sunk deep into their sockets, giving him a

forward, Stella finally spoke, "Two pounds of white rice or

moment before excitedly saying, "Three

looking for her purse, took out three pounds of broken rice from

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

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

was having trouble

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

protective stance of the man behind the woman and came up with an idea. He stealthily moved closer and asked, "Miss, need any

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

was what he meant. Why did

If you get pregnant again, it could be life-threatening. The

buy some to keep at home. They can

of the condoms. She was wrapped from head to toe with only her eyes exposed; there was no question of being embarrassed.

she seemed to forget that Jasper was standing

finger, "Five pounds of white rice or