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.

saw him rummaging through trash. He seemed to have found a solid reason to keep living. He no longer ran away from familiar faces out of shame. There he was, half a month in, already hauling bricks. It seemed the privileged second-generation man had fully grasped the harsh reality and

mentioned Bran to Jasper. Ocean Point Naval Station now housed over twenty thousand souls, with a hospital, a salt plant, a food factory, water purification, and plantations all operational. Life was still tough, but better than before. Of the two thousand plus from South Base, even fewer were

and interactions. Planning a meal together sounded pretty good. Jasper suggested, "How about we dine in the

it up for the

son and husband's health with regular practice. Monkey, all smiles, appreciated his wife's increasing kindness. He eagerly

was no hope for hot pot seasonings. The submarine had an air extraction system, and Stella had set up an induction cooker and an oven. With some dips and a few hot dishes, they

produced a slab of smoked meat. "Sis, this is the good stuff. Took me

meat looked

but Stella dared not

he wasn't

chilies-plants readily available from the plantation where Rosie worked, ensuring they had what they needed. The smoked sausage and salted

ever, quipped, "Sis, following you means never going hungry." He was helpful and even pitched in with the prep. Miranda and her son picked the

pound of fish cakes. He had long since shed any pretense of dignity, choosing to

sister

only those stronger than him, like Stella and Jasper, who had seen his countless humiliations. In front of them,

treated everyone like a client, always leaving room

you're gonna flatter me, lay it on thick." It

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