18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 122

Lukas, who earned his own keep, was incredibly tough and resilient. "Sure, next time we get the day shift and it's not too far from the apartment. We can reassess the situation after the shift."

Angela was worried sick at the thought of Lukas getting hurt, "If things get too dangerous, we'll just quit. For now, it's best to keep earning."

The trio did a quick inventory. Their stash, including the rationed food from their workplace, added up to almost fifty pounds. That included canned goods and frozen potatoes.

They handed all the remaining goods to Stella for safekeeping, hoping to barter them for food when the opportunity arose.

Cody tucked away the cigarettes gratefully. Those would come in handy for socializing at work, breaking the ice with colleagues or buttering up the bosses. He might even score some easier duties with these. Stella left with her things, not wanting to disturb their rest.

The usually quiet hallway became lively again in the afternoon. For some reason, Stella felt a strange sense of peace.

The weather was getting colder and colder. If it wasn't for their thermal clothing, Stella feared that even breathing in the cold outside air could choke her.

Angela knocked on the door, holding two pounds of rice, which she offered Stella as a token for guarding their place.

Stella refused, "Even when you guys aren't around, I still need to live here right? The reputation of the 18th floor precedes it. As long as there's no trouble, I don't need your protection rations."

She didn't take it, and neither did Jasper.

Finally, Angela proposed, "Come over for dinner today, our treat."

That was a tempting offer.

Stella was starting to feel the silence of the 18th floor unnerving. Jasper, although a living, breathing human, was not much of a talker. Occasionally, he would strike up a conversation with her, but it was always a bit awkward. She felt awkward, and Jasper did too.

Their daily interactions were limited to a few words, making the atmosphere uncomfortable. Perhaps it was the aftermath of the bikini party and her previously brash words that made things weird between them.

Regardless, the return of the people in apartment 1803 was a welcome change for Stella.

insisted she didn't need to contribute anything. "Just come over, and if you like, you can help with

tired of

be the one cooking. The next generation of cooks was already being

with pickled greens and lean meat stir-fried with

were all scavenged by Stella from the trading market. "I traded several

she scavenged them,

tightly. After sealing it for three months, they tasted just

it couldn't compare to fresh vegetables, having something to eat in this freezing weather was already a luxury. Angela was delighted, "We'll take as much

vegetables was

was excited too, "Stella, how

a moment, "Three or four

the future,

wasn't enough, they could use food or dog food

do. She turned to Jasper and asked, "Do

her for a

5 pounds of pickled greens, cabbage, and frozen potatoes to the 1803 crew. In return,

these things hardly had any impact on Arcadia, but she needed a source for the supplies. It not only ensured they

three of them were pleased with the

replied modestly and proudly, "That's because we have good stuff to trade, which just happens to be what they need.

other valuable items early on,

of the world, we should have grabbed everything we could. Now others are benefiting from our mistake." Lukas quickly consoled her, "Don't beat yourself up, honey. No one could have predicted the

about me becoming a second-hand dealer?" Otherwise, she wouldn't have

Not only were there dangerous robbers and thieves, but the authorities also cracked down heavily on it. Speculating and manipulating the market, once caught, can lead to severe consequences, with serious offenders facing death penalties, while others

didn't approve, "I don't think that's a good idea, just barter enough

We won't starve. If necessary, we

now and contributed nothing to the 18th floor, so they had no intention

you guys." Stella agreed readily, "Let me know if you need anything else,