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.

than the last time she 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 salt plant, a food factory, water purification, and plantations all

pretty good. Jasper suggested, "How about we dine

it up for the

mastered some massage techniques, benefiting her son and husband's health with regular practice. Monkey, all smiles, appreciated his wife's

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 had an air extraction system, and Stella had set up an induction

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

meat

but Stella dared not

wasn't

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

with the prep. Miranda and her son picked the veggies on the side, the boy's eyes frequently darting to the chopping board,

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

That was his sister there.

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 to handle him with

his tone was much more restrained than in his former high-class neighborhood. Monkey, seasoned in business, treated everyone like a client,

flatter me, lay it on thick." It had been ages since

of the junior chef, with bell peppers stir-fried with smoked meat, steamed salted fish with fermented black beans, and garlic