18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 204

Mark detailed every aspect of Eastwood Eden's situation, assuring them that they could stake out a plot near Building 5 for cultivation.

Stella hauled a sack of potatoes from the car boot, weighing in at 20 pounds, which she used to pay the rent.

The trio, along with the dog, drove to Building 5. The distance between the buildings was substantial, and with Building 4 in between, they could enjoy their privacy. It did seem pretty good. "Rosie, Cooper, we're gonna have a new home. Excited?"

"Yeah." "Woof!"

The entrance door to Building 5 was probably made of wood and had been stripped away for firewood during the harsh winter.

Parking the car below the building, they made their way upstairs. Stella had her sights set on the fourth floor. Unit 401 had a large terrace of over 1000 square feet, perfect for farming. Unit 401 was the largest, with four bedrooms, two living rooms, two balconies, and two bathrooms. It was estimated to be around 1500 square meters.

Its natural light and ventilation were excellent, but it had been water-damaged, so renovations would be a major project.

Units 402 and 403 were three-bedroom layouts, which could be cleaned up for rabbit farming.

Stella asked, "Should we stay on the fourth floor or move up further?"

Jasper thought the fourth floor was good. "We don't know when the earthquake will hit. Living too high up might be risky."

Actually the terrace wasn't safe, but at least they didn't have neighbors above them. They planned to install a sliding iron gate for the balcony.

Having settled on the fourth floor, they walked through all the floors, closing the windows in the hallways and securing the fire doors with collected steel wire.

The sixth floor was piled up with sand, cement, and lime used for construction. They could use the sand, but the cement and lime had hardened. Luckily, they had collected plenty in Arcadia. While they weren't professionals in renovation, they could manage. The work might just not look as polished.

Returning to the fourth floor, they discussed the renovations. The renovation was a huge undertaking that was exhausting and time consuming. Stella suggested, "How about we rough it out for a while until we're in sync with the folks at Eastwood Eden before we start renovation?"

It would save them the effort of transforming the place only to move out if things didn't work out.

In contrast to the scattered and independent approach of Sunrise Sanctuary, Eastwood Eden was a cooperative community, with residents following Mark's command. If things didn't work out, it wouldn't be a conflict with one or two people, but with over a hundred. Jasper had no objections, "I'll dismantle two fire doors and modify them to fit the entrance. Then, the Hummer can be parked inside."

They planned to install electrified stainless steel doors at the stairs on the third and fifth floors for added security.

Stella agreed, but insisted on doing things above board. They would make a trip at night, bringing in the necessary items in a truck so they wouldn't be too suspicious.

But first, they needed to clean up the bare unit.

The place was filled with sand and cement chunks, which required a lot of effort. Entering the room, they brought out the cleaning tools and furniture, and fetched two buckets of water. The sunlight was blinding. Working together, they hung up the curtains to keep their privacy intact. In the sweltering weather, even their thermal clothing was of no help. They were sweating buckets.

After hanging the curtains, they hurriedly brought out the air fan filled with ice cubes and recharged themselves with icy watermelon juice.

Rosie was a hard worker. After finishing her juice, she wiped her mouth and continued.

They sprayed water with a shower head to minimize the dust.

It was only in the afternoon that they managed to tidy up. Stella then started bringing out the furniture. After taking a bath in Arcadia, Stella lay down on the soft and comfortable bed. It was pure bliss.

After an hour's nap, Stella awoke to replace it was already evening. It was scorching outside, and the bright sunlight could blind a person.

Stella didn';t want to leave the Cooper and Rosie alone at home, and she brought them along. They left Eastwood Eden and found a secluded spot where Stella left the Cooper and Rosie in the car.

Stella brought out a large truck they had collected from Silver Asylum and loaded it with stainless steel doors, household furniture, kitchenware, etc. Jasper drove the truck back to Eastwood Eden, while Stella followed behind with Cooper and Rosie in the Hummer. The guards at the gate promptly opened it, watching as the truck drove in, further confirming the capabilities of the duo.

Ordinary people couldn't even get their hands on gasoline, but they could drive a massive truck, which was a clear testament to their abilities and strong backing. The addition of the two to Eastwood Eden would only enhance the security.

Word was that Jasper had promised to teach them self-defense. They needed to get their children enrolled. If they weren't around, their children would still be able to survive.

The thought brought a glimmer of hope to those Eastwood Eden residents.

Reversing the truck, they parked it so that the rear was directly facing the entrance of the building, creating the atmosphere of moving furniture.

The patrol team happened to pass by. They enthusiastically offered, "Need a hand?"

Stella declined, "Thanks, but we've got it covered."

"Alright, just give a shout if you need anything."

As the patrol team went away, Rosie looked puzzled, "Stella, why are they different from the people outside?"

They were cleaner, not as aggressive, and they even smiled at Rosie.

Stella thought for a moment before answering, "They're different from those outside because firstly, they have water sources here and can grow food, which barely keeps them from starving. Secondly, they're friendly towards us because they think we are capable of driving away bad people. They need our help to safeguard their things, not just now but in the future too.

"Rosie, remember, even if they're friendly, we can't let our guard down. If their situation becomes like those outside, starving and thirsty, they will also slowly become like those outside.

"And if we're not strong enough, and if they stop respecting us, their attitude will slowly change too.

"So, if we want to live well, we have to make ourselves stronger, to gain the respect and admiration of others. That way, we can live better. Understand?"

Rosie thought for a moment, understanding and yet not quite.

Stella gave an example, "Think about Cooper. Why can he earn Bryce's respect and chase those bald guys away?"

"Cooper's super strong." Rosie immediately got it. "Stella, I want to be stronger than Cooper."

"Okay, how about stronger than your brother?"

Rosie blushed as images of being dominated by her brother flashed in her mind. "Stella, I..."

Her confidence waned in an instant.

"Don't worry. When he was your age, he was nothing compared to you. As long as you stick with it, you'll surpass him one day."

Rosie was motivated, her hands tightly clenched into fists, "Stella, I'll give it my all. When the time comes, I'll be the one protecting you and Jasper."

Jasper frowned a bit from the sidelines, "Why do I get the feeling like Rosie is your real sister?"

Stella shot back, "Isn't your sister also my sister?"

Rosie hugged her tight, "That's right, I love you the most."

Jasper rubbed his nose, a smile tugging at his lips, "Guess I was being narrow-minded."