18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 459

Stella had only been to the hospital twice, and their paths never crossed.

When the asteroid hit Earth, Collin was sent off on a transport ship, drifting on stormy seas for months before safely reaching Hope Point yesterday.

Without taking a break, he volunteered to work at the hospital. Thinking of the kind and benevolent Mr. Lee, Stella couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, though she also admired Collin's unwavering dedication.

"Doc, I'm from the Kindle Society too," she said, opening her backpack and pulling out a packet of sugar cubes and a box of tea leaves. "I was lucky enough to find some rare metals, traded them for a submarine to get back. I didn't lose any of the supplies I brought from home. Take these for now, I'll bring some more food another day. You're not in great health, you need to recuperate quickly to handle your work better."

The items were precious, and Collin hesitated to accept them. "Doc, compared to the knowledge you've given me, this is nothing," Stella insisted. "The base is developing steadily, and it'll only get better. You can't let yourself fall apart."

Unable to refuse her heartfelt offer, Collin accepted the gifts. After chatting a bit longer, Stella left the hospital.

On her way to the docks, she passed by the Research Institute and saw a line of survivors waiting to apply for jobs. She found out that the Institute was setting up a food processing plant, hiring nimble workers to handle the fish, especially to remove the poisonous glands. The production standards were high, requiring protective gear to avoid injuries, making the compensation several times higher than regular jobs.

"Pick me! I've been filleting fish for ten years at a supermarket before the catastrophe. I could do it blindfolded."

"My family has been in the fish-slaughtering business for three generations. I can carve designs on fish bones."

The competition was fierce, almost leading to fights, scaring away the interviewers.

With some time before the ferry's last run, Stella wandered into the Supply Exchange Center. Besides sea salt, they were now selling fish cakes. Fish cakes were a new product with an introductory discount, and an average survivor's daily wage could buy half a pound. If mass production became a reality, the price would drop even more. Clearly, the base's current goal was the well-being of its people, offering products not for profit but for the survivors' sustenance.

Stella arrived too late; the fish cakes were already sold out. Nevertheless, the news of edible mutant fish had everyone buzzing, even the service staff seemed more cheerful. "I tried the fish cake I took home yesterday. The taste was okay, but I felt fine afterward, and today I woke up feeling more energized."

since we've had meat. Now that we're getting

even gather for a hearty hot

us much, but the benefits are good. I

leaving the Supply Exchange Center, Stella didn't head to the dock

out to greet

hesitation, Stella replied, "I agree

discuss the compensation. Also, I'll

Stella's expression turned serious. "Sir, I'm not there yet in terms of ideological awareness. If the day comes when we

would you

Stella wasn't being modest; her convictions really didn't measure up. However, Justice was keen on recruiting them, and

insist on this, I might

Justice in his tracks. "Oh,

produce more in the future, we'll have to wait

have to report to the hospital tomorrow, and

If you run into any

tomorrow, and you'll guide her." With no outsiders around, Justice spoke frankly, "I can't vouch for her medical skills yet, but

"Stella."

had misheard. "What's her

seem young, but she's saved pilots at sea, brought a hero's ashes home, and

but laugh. "Stella is my student. She's already teaching

at the hospital, she surely had her reasons, and Collin wouldn't