18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 125

30 planting pots, made of plastic that was not resistant to low temperatures and could become brittle when frozen. However, they were thick, so as long as handled carefully, there shouldn't be a problem. Four packs of compound fertilizer, each weighing about 50 pounds.

Satisfied with the goods, Stella pulled out a flask of liquor from her bag.

Monkey, initially upset about not making a profit, was pleasantly surprised. The liquor alone made the deal worthwhile.

Having secured his goods, Monkey departed.

Jasper, to make Stella's job easier, had stayed out of the transaction, waiting outside with Rosie. Once sure the coast was clear, Stella stowed the items away in the Arcadia.

As she was about to leave, she noticed Jasper talking to Monkey at a distance, apparently negotiating a deal.

Only after Monkey had left did Stella come out.

Back in their neighborhood, Stella didn't rush home. She let Cooper out of her bag for a walk around the block. This guy was well-behaved and knew better than to whine while tucked inside the backpack.

While Stella walked the dog, Jasper watched over Rosie. They stood sheltered from the wind, quietly watching the two frolic in the cold.

The items exchanged were paid for by Stella, to which Jasper asked, "What do you want for today's deal?"

They usually split the goods, but as Jasper was the one primarily looking after the potatoes, Stella didn't want to take advantage of him. So, she included the cotton shoes in the deal, "Any chocolate left?" It was delicious, a bit addictive. "Yes," he replied.

Back on the 18th floor, the planters and fertilizer were temporarily stored in the Arcadia, and the cotton shoes were given to Jasper.

Jasper brought out two boxes of chocolate. Stella, being fair, only took one.

Once inside, Rosie looked up, "Jasper, I want some chocolate."

has alcohol, kiddo. You

later, Jasper dropped Rosie off at 1802, "I need to step out for a bit, can

taking turns watching over

soup for lunch

noodles, looked at him with longing, "Jasper, I

Stella felt obliged to

her surprise, Jasper agreed,

added two more packs of soup to the pot, threw in some

and Jasper's arrival made it even more cramped. But the presence

month later, the residents of 1803 returned safely from their day shifts. This time they looked much better than last

only suffered minor frostbites, thanks to the

safekeeping and to trade for more useful items in the future. Work was different from school, but in just two months, Angela and Lukas had changed dramatically. Especially Lukas, who used to be reliant on women, now stood tall and

past two months, they had faced many dangers but made it through each time,

a grin, hugging a pillow on the sofa. "No matter who it is, as long as I look closely at them in a crowd, I can tell from their gaze,

her ear. "You're a security patrol officer, so the police station should provide professional

managing to stutter out, "Stella, are

he was little, and doctors said he should eat digestible foods. Now he had finally cured his stomach ailment, he was getting stronger

bad." Stella reflected deeply

lately." Okay, as long as

with their food stocks,

they made a good fortune, which boosted unit 1803's confidence. They invited two neighboring families to a meal.

generosity, taught them several close-combat techniques and life-saving skills. The police had also provided training, but their techniques were no match for those of a SWAT officer. Their jobs were different, and their techniques were different. The police

took the training seriously, practicing over

security and was promoted to squad leader, resulting in a

to toughen up. They couldn't be outdone by a woman; they, too, wanted to

but also in their beds at night, discussing how

so, late at night, they practiced choking each