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.

up their supplies, Stella

of the Eastwood Eden, she had specifically chosen an open truck. Upon reaching the agreed-upon location, Monkey was already waiting, and surprisingly, Austin

a cigarette hanging from his

about Aqua Base acting up, so we left an hour early. Just as we were reaching the foot of the mountain, we noticed the

doesn't kill

and Austin was curious about her request for iodine

was arrested following a tip-off. He's

into this supply line to earn some supplies. Not willing to give up, he asked, "Can you think of any other way

aren't very decent. They buy water from you and then turn around to report you for rewards. If it weren't for my previous supplier's strong connections, he would have been dead by now. Water is becoming

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

idea. But if you're caught, you're going to be in deep

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

and Austin would have it delivered that night. Austin readily agreed to find iodine tablets for her, "But it's not a common medication,

I'll trade you some grain

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. It won't be easy to find such seeds, and even if you do, they

area, Stella transferred the water tower into Arcadia, and

going out. She spent her days seemingly

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

do you

want to plant sweet potatoes, peanuts,

wouldn't grow well in the heat, but the

only to

plants in such high temperatures would be