18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 462

Her question hit him like a punch to the gut, but Bran answered honestly, "Construction. Hauling bricks."

Stella sized him up, noting the scars on his face and hands-evidence of a hard-fought survival. In the face of natural disasters, everyone was equal, even a tycoon's son.

She didn't pry about his life since they'd parted ways. Even if recounted with a smile, the tales were likely steeped in brutal truths.

"How about we treat you to a meal when you're off?" she offered.

At the mention of food, Bran's eyes lit up. "Barbecue?"

"You wish. After all these years of disasters, and you're still dreaming of a feast?" Despite her words, the joy of reunion was undeniable. "Rosie's been working at the plantation. I'll see if I can scrounge up some spices so you can indulge a bit." Bran perked up. "How are Rosie and your hubby doing?"

She gave him her address. "Doing alright. Swing by when you're free."

Bran lived in Area C and spoke his mind. "Sis, I'm free on the weekend."

Alright then. A weekend it is. They'd have themselves a proper bash.

better than the last time she saw him rummaging through trash. He seemed to have found a solid reason to keep

thousand souls, with a hospital, a salt plant, a food factory, water purification, and

the basics, people needed emotional ties and interactions. Planning a meal together sounded pretty good. Jasper suggested,

agreed. They'd set it

techniques, benefiting her son and husband's health

had to work an extra half-shift, they decided to push the gathering to the evening. Ten years post-disaster, there was no hope for hot pot seasonings. The submarine

sly grin, produced a slab of smoked meat. "Sis, this is the

smoked meat looked

Stella dared not

wasn't looking,

Stella had prepared leeks, mustard greens, bell peppers, and chilies-plants readily available from the plantation where Rosie

Miranda and her son picked the veggies on the side, the

long since shed any pretense of dignity, choosing to hustle for brick-hauling work. "Sis, got any barbecue? I've been

shifted. That was his sister there. Bran

respected only those stronger than him, like Stella and Jasper, who had seen his countless humiliations. In front of them, he could forgo pride, but that didn't mean others could disregard him. Especially not someone like Monkey, a mere trader, even though Austin himself had

neighborhood. Monkey, seasoned in business, treated everyone like a client, always leaving room for face-saving. Unbothered by Bran's attitude, Monkey chuckled, "Looks like the young master's gotten

it on thick." It had been ages since anyone had praised him. Oh, how he missed his diamond-studded slippers, the

hands of the junior chef, with bell peppers stir-fried with smoked meat, steamed salted fish with fermented black beans, and garlic chili sauce. The aroma made Bran's stomach growl uncontrollably. Unable to resist, he