18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 110

Facing his invitation, Stella flatly declined, "No thank you, we're just civilians."

Evan shifted his gaze to Jasper, saying, "What about you? If I'm not mistaken, you have a military background. The country needs people like you now. Have you considered joining us?" Rosie, taken aback, instinctively clung to his arm, "Jasper."

Jasper, calming his sister, responded, "I've been discharged due to an injury. Our parents are dead, and I have to take care of my little sister."

"I'm sorry," said Evan, somewhat regretful. "If you change your mind, you can always replace me at the police station."

They got in the car and left. With plenty of time to spare, they headed to the mall.

Throughout the journey, Jasper was solemn and silent. Although he was usually a man of few words, Stella could tell something was off. He seemed a bit downcast. Could Evan's words have affected him?

It was possible. Military men were known for their spirit of sacrifice and dedication, and his skills were definitely up to par. His discharge due to injury could just be a ruse.

He probably had deeper secrets, and only retired because he had no choice. Yet, the responsibilities and mission of a soldier were still tormenting him.

People always had to make choices. You can't please everyone.

Rosie held her brother's hand, a smile appearing involuntarily in her eyes.

Stella couldn't help but lower her head, just as Cooper looked up, his eyes reflecting her full image.

Cody and Lukas were fooling around in front, with Angela following behind.

The mall was crowded, and for safety reasons, Stella put the dog in her backpack and entered the bustling market.

It was her first time here, but Cody and the others had been here several times and were familiar with the place.

Despite the cold, it was certainly busier than during the flood, with people coming and going. However, there were more onlookers, and very few successful trades.

The goods on the stalls were varied, but the needs of the stall owners were remarkably consistent: food, coal, or medicine. They came every day but left empty-handed every time.

Stella wasn't sure what she wanted and could only walk and look around. She stopped at a stall.

The stall owner was a veterinarian who used to run a pet clinic before the disaster. The stall was filled with pet supplies and toys, deworming medicine, fur conditioners, grooming tools, nail clippers, etc. If it were before the disaster, he would be making a fortune. But now, no one was interested.

Stella hadn't prepared anything for the dog since she hadn't found him earlier, but now she couldn't resist.

She picked a teething toy, a chew ball, a leash, a grooming tool, and deworming medicine that hadn't expired and was unopened.

She didn't mind spending on the dog and took everything she might need, "How much for these?"

He was a bit excited and held up three fingers. Just three pounds of rice.

Three pounds of rice might be a lot for others, but not for Stella. Not wanting to reveal her wealth, she didn't rush to accept, but instead pretended to be distressed.

The owner, fearing she wouldn't agree, hurriedly reduced the price, "Two pounds. I really can't go any lower. I have a child to feed."

The man was thin as a rail, his eyes sunk deep into their sockets, giving him a haggard appearance.

When Angela and the others moved forward, Stella finally spoke, "Two pounds of white rice or three pounds of broken rice, which one do you want?"

The man was taken aback for a moment before excitedly saying, "Three pounds of broken rice."

Stella, under the pretext of looking for her purse, took out three pounds of broken rice from Arcadia and put it in a black plastic bag.

The man quickly took it and stuffed it into his thick clothes, fearing that someone would see it and pose a threat. He gave Stella the items and explained how to use the deworming medicine as he packed up his stall, ready to go home.

As she got up to leave, Stella noticed Jasper not far away. Rosie was picking a hairband, and he was holding Rosie's hand, occasionally glancing in her direction.

"Stella." Rosie was having trouble choosing, "Which one looks better?"

The colors her brother chose for her were ugly. Children liked bright colors, like red, pink, orange, or blue. Looking at what Jasper chose. It's all black, white, and gray. No wonder Rosie didn't like them.

Stella bent down to help Rosie choose, when the vendor, a shrewd man, saw the protective stance of the man behind the woman and came up with an idea. He stealthily moved closer and asked, "Miss, need any protections?" Protections? Stella was a bit confused and didn't react for a moment.

The vendor mysteriously took one out of his pocket and waved it in front of Stella, "It's genuine, and the quality is definitely guaranteed."

Damn. So that was what he meant. Why did think she would need them?

"With the current situation, it's hard enough for you two with a child. If you get pregnant again, it could be life-threatening. The child might not be born, and even your life could be in danger."

The vendor was eagerly promoting his product, "Miss, buy some to keep at home. They can be used repeatedly, guaranteed to be worth your money."

Stella felt very embarrassed. But considering that Arcadia had three thousand of them, and she would never use them, she decided to ask the price of the condoms. She was wrapped from head to toe with only her eyes exposed; there was no question of being embarrassed. So, out of curiosity, she asked, "How much?"

Her attention was diverted, and she seemed to forget that Jasper was standing behind her.

The vendor held up one finger, "Five pounds of white rice or flour."

Five pounds of rice or flour for a condom? Ah, she was going to be rich.

Of course, she wasn't planning to sell them now. Those who came here were struggling to survive, and it wouldn't be easy to sell them. Once the stock was depleted, she would bring them out to trade with the wealthy, exchange them for gold, jade, antiques for Arcadia, or trade for something she didn't have.

Seeing her frown, the vendor thought she found it expensive and started to show off his persuasive skills, "Miss, I can see you're not short of food, but you can't neglect entertainment. These are brand new and unopened. I need four and a half pounds of food to get these. I can't sell them at a loss, can I? If you think it's expensive, I have second-hand ones here. They're just two pounds of food. The quality is durable, and you can check the goods on the spot. By the way, what size do you need?"

Second-hand? Stella was instantly thunderstruck, feeling nauseous.

Yet the vendor, oblivious, glanced at Jasper, "Bro, what size are you?"

Stella, who had misspoke, realized too late and instinctively turned to look at him.

Whether it was because Jasper was a man of self-cultivation or simply did not understand, his deep gazes remained calm, "No need, thank you."

Stella felt mortified. Without another word, she turned and hastily retreated.

"Hey, hey, hey, don't leave. We can negotiate the price. Don't you want the hairband?"

Rosie, bewildered, "Jasper, my hairband."

"There are prettier ones further ahead."

"What's up with sis Stella?" Rosie looked up, asking her brother, "Is she mad at me?"

"It's not about you." Jasper contemplated for a moment, "She's probably just feeling shy."

As long as she wasn't mad at her, Rosie felt relieved. She quickly paced forward, shouting, "Wait up for me, Stella."