18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 577

Mark didn't waste any time bringing Evan on board. One would manage the paperwork, while the other kept the peace. They had worked together back in Griffith, so they knew each other well. This partnership was bound to be seamless.

Stella walked up to them. "Evan."

Evan nodded. "Perfect timing."

Seeing Poppy, both angry and helpless, Stella asked, "What's going on?"

"Stella, someone's stolen the livestock from the farm."

Stella was stunned. ".

"..."

So, the big-shot head of the Inspectorate came all this way just to investigate

some missing farm animals? This was Evan, a key figure in Griffith's justice system, usually dealing with high-stakes cases. And now, he's chasing after stolen poultry?

But then again, in these catastrophic times, human life had become cheap.

No joke, livestock was now incredibly valuable. It wasn't just about feeding people; they were crucial for maintaining ecological balance.

To put it bluntly, these animals weren't just livestock; they were symbols of civilization.

Overnight, more than twenty animals had vanished from the farm: chickens, ducks, geese, quails, and turkeys, all ready to lay fertile eggs. It was downright infuriating.

The worst part? The thief knocked out the farm guard. In the freezing cold, the poor guy bled out in the snow.

Security at the base was tight, with firearms and ammunition strictly prohibited. Petty theft happened, but the farm was owned by the boss's daughter, and the base had a 20% stake in it.

Poppy couldn't figure out who would be so bold as to stir up trouble like this.

Nearby, the victim's family wailed as if the world was ending.

brow furrowed. “Evan, can you catch the

He was calm and steady. "Not a big deal, but it'll

him. Stella wasn't worried. "Alright,

the station. Aside from ensuring

Stella readily agreed.

turned to Poppy. "What's your plan for dealing

Poppy replied, "Don't worry, Stella. I've got

air of

messed-up world, life's cheap. They're making a scene to get a better deal,

we give them a pair of breeding chickens and offer the guard's son his

"And if they don't

a victim. We're offering this out of compassion; it's

was impressed; Poppy truly was Shane's rightful

anything comes up, you know where

neighboring greenhouse, Stella saw workers busily insulating the structure against the heavy snow, meticulously clearing the

of the greenhouses. Stella didn't disturb

saplings were thriving, lush

care of an agricultural expert appointed by the state, a man in his fifties with gray at

the mulberry and honeysuckle saplings with a

The base has a chance now. We need

and devastated many crops, but it only invigorated

asked, "Uncle, what do

through the planting season. These plants love sun and withstand drought. If we can establish a green canopy, we can expand our planting area. In a

know you understand agriculture. These seedlings are

a frequent visitor to the farm, well-acquainted with Rosie and the others. "Youth

made Stella inquire. "May

Horace Hsin, a

from the official base in the province. What truly shocked Stella was that his mentor was none other than the renowned agronomist known for his

suddenly asked. "Horace, if I could get you hybrid

replied. "It's tough, but with the

them, salvaged from a high-tech agricultural outpost. She had barely planted any, and hundreds of