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.

contribute anything.

they were tired of eating

no objections since she wasn't going to be the one cooking. The next generation

dishes: bacon stewed with pickled greens and lean meat

from the trading market. "I traded several pounds of them. If you like them, you can

them, they were actually

bottle tightly. After

oil after being rehydrated. Although it couldn't compare to fresh vegetables, having something to eat in this freezing weather was already a

struggle of not having any vegetables was something the restroom

was excited too, "Stella, how much

moment, "Three or

in satisfaction, "In the future, if you have

could trade any unwanted items for it. If that wasn't enough,

to do. She turned to Jasper and asked, "Do you

at her for a moment

pickled greens, cabbage, and frozen potatoes to the 1803 crew. In return, she received a gold chain, two packs of cigarettes, and a box of insulin

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

them were pleased with the trade,

to trade,

early on, they might have run

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

the subject, "What do you think about me becoming a second-hand dealer?" Otherwise, she wouldn't have

could be profitable if you had a good eye for valuable goods and sources. However, the risk was high. 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,

that's a good idea, just barter enough for us to live

plant potatoes? We won't starve. If necessary, we can

were working now and contributed nothing to the 18th floor, so they had no intention of sharing the cold-resistant

know if you