18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 209

Mark was elated, "Stella, we've reached an agreement with the neighboring village. We're going to teach them how to drill wells."

Had it not been for their impressive display of strength that day, it would have been impossible to bring the village's arrogance down a notch and negotiate peacefully.

After the discussion, they had come to believe that the Eastwood Eden community genuinely wanted to help them drill wells.

Stella admired Mark's approach. Instead of resorting to brute force, he had chosen to negotiate the issue even when they held the upper hand. He might look weak physically, but he knew how to use his wit.

"Good job," Stella said, her joy undimmed. "Just remember to stay safe."

"We wouldn't have been able to turn things around so quickly without your help."

Stella smiled. "Mark, you said it yourself - once you join Eastwood Eden, you're family. No need for formalities."

She later shared the news with Jasper.

Jasper wasn't surprised. "In a post-apocalyptic world, it's survival of the fittest. It's rare for someone like Mark to choose kindness over retaliation. We can not blame the villagers for being skeptical. We took our time before deciding to join Eastwood Eden too." By helping the villagers secure a water source, they could put their safety concerns to rest.

But what about after the earthquake? With buildings collapsing everywhere, the living conditions were rapidly deteriorating, and Stella couldn't help but worry. "Do you know what happened to Eastwood Eden after the earthquake?"

Jasper shook his head. "We'll have to wait and see. If it's too dangerous, we'll leave."

Stella agreed. There were no safe havens in a post-apocalyptic world.

to pick up their supplies, Stella had

Upon reaching the

Austin greeted, a cigarette hanging from his lips. "How

hour early. Just as we were reaching the foot of

"What doesn't kill you

iodine tablets. He knew her supplier could even get access

Stella mentioned her supplier, her face darkened. "My supplier was arrested

line to earn some supplies. Not willing to give up, he asked, "Can you think of any

my previous supplier's strong connections, he would have been dead by now. Water is becoming scarcer, and their internal checks are getting stricter. I can't

reported me?" Austin was taken aback. "My clients are all wealthy. Who

But if you're

make more money, Austin didn't push it. "Alright, we'll work together when

up the water truck the next day, and Austin would have it delivered that night. Austin readily

you some grain

Stella had a new idea. "Austin, can you get your hands on some grain seeds? The kind that can be replanted." Austin was skeptical. "It's been two years since the disaster.

tower into Arcadia, and the rest of the supplies were openly transported

truck load of water, Stella stopped going out. She spent her days seemingly lounging at home, but in

either. Apart from their thrice-weekly classes, they spent their time digging up soil from the ground beneath the building and transferring it to the rooftop. With the iron gate installed and the sunshade pulled up, the rooftop started to look like a real garden. Rosie crushed the clumps of soil and placed them into the

teased her, "What do

want to plant sweet potatoes, peanuts,

the heat, but

some seeds and asked Jasper to teach her how to plant them, only to find out that neither of them knew how to. Stella ended up

was easy, but protecting the plants in such high temperatures