18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 291

Austin was not sure how long the eternal night would last, he reckoned it was time to follow his son's footsteps and embrace self-sufficiency. He started to grow vegetables and raise chickens and ducks in his backyard. "You have the resources to do so, but I'll pass."

Stella had plenty of fish and a flock of sheep at her disposal. "The temperature fluctuation is already significant during the polar day, and I worry it would be even more dramatic during the perpetual night. I won't waste my efforts."

Austin decided to give it a try. He had nothing better to do during the endless darkness after all. So, he requested Stella for some vegetable seeds, planning to utilize his backyard and rooftop.

If he couldn't manage, he could always ask Monkey and his crew for help, and share the surplus produce with them.

After he left, Stella contacted Lukas via walkie-talkie, "Lukas, I've heard rumors that the eternal night may arrive in the coming months. Stock up on food and reinforce your doors and windows.

The eternal night might lead to a rise in crime. You might need to reconsider continuing your work."

Lukas turned serious, "We'll see about the work situation. We've just secured a house, and we'll be moving in next month. We'll probably have nothing left but a few bottles of whiskey and some brown sugar. Can you help us look out for any food resources?" "Sure, I'll keep an eye out for you. If I have any surplus vegetables, I'll dry them out and give them to you."

"Thanks, Stella."

"Don't mention it, just be careful."

The government had not made an official announcement yet, but those with reliable sources were already stirring up anxieties.

Monkey and his crew came over with their families. The women started planting hardy potatoes and vegetables not only in Austin's backyard and rooftop, but they even utilized the front yard. The men helped install electrical fences on the high walls, including those of Building 50.

Stella, unsure when the eternal night would arrive, decided to install the electrical fence in advance. As a token of thanks, she gave them 10 pounds of corn kernels, asking them to install a diesel generator as well.

She knew how to dismantle the device, but reassembling it was another story. Austin had the manpower, why not use it?

Arcadia had enough electricity, but they needed a source for the times when power might be needed.

The actions of Building 49 and Building 50 stirred up the nerves of other households in the community. Those without a diesel generator approached Austin, hoping to get one.

Austin, unable to replace enough supplies, went to Stella for help.

"Sorry, I don't have any left. I've gone through a great deal just to exchange for a second-hand one."

Austin had to replace a solution on his own. He managed to get a few, and traded them for food.

Although Austin lacked the physical strength of those living in Building 50, he was smart. He secretly gathered Monkey and his crew, built a basement in the villa, and stored all the food. "Remember, not even your wives can know about this. Whoever can't keep his mouth shut, I'll break his head."

After scolding his men, Austin gave each of them a bag of food, reminding them, "We don't know how long the eternal night will last. If it really comes, we can't go out to conduct business anymore, so be frugal with your food. You all live together, and in times of danger, stick together. Right opposite is the police station. If one day you are really in danger, all of you can move over to my place."

Meanwhile, a community meeting was held regarding the safety issues of the eternal night. This was a matter concerning every household, so everyone attended.

The eternal night was like being blindfolded. To protect the community, it was suggested that each household should install a light in front of their house. Not only would this facilitate security patrol, but it could also deter criminals to some extent.

Despite the fact that the safety of others was none of her business, Stella still made a suggestion, "Installing lights at the front door is not safe. If a criminal wants to get in, they can easily break the light with a rock. I suggest installing the lights under the eaves of the second floor and protecting them with a cover."

However, Stella suggestion fell on deaf ears, since Stella did not treat the Vice Chairwoman's son's illness, which almost cost him his life. The Vice Chairwoman did not ridicule Stella openly; she just pretended not to hear.

On the other hand, Bran agreed with her, "Stella is right. Let's do as she suggested."

As soon as the community meeting ended, Samuel caught up with them, "Mr. Jasper, Mrs. Stella."

Stella turned back, "What is it?"

Samuel warned them in advance, "Mark said the eternal night is approaching, and suggested we quit our jobs and return home to guard our apartments."

Stella was surprised. The job at the community paid well in food, and the work was relatively easy. Many people envied this job, and she didn't expect Mark to suggest they quit.

With no outsiders present, Samuel spoke the truth, "Mark said that the community is the safest place during the polar day, but it'll be the most dangerous during the eternal night. This place could be the first target for criminals. He asked me to remind you to protect yourselves."

No wonder the people of Eastwood Eden obeyed Mark unconditionally, he truly had foresight and a keen understanding of human nature.

Stella asked curiously, "Is Mark still living with you?"

"No, he moved to the City Hall. But he always solves our problems as soon as we ask for his help."

Actually, they were reluctant to quit this job, but nothing was more important than their lives. Besides, they had managed to stock up some food over the past year. Who would protect their families while the young men were out working? They needed to go back and devise a defense plan in case criminals attacked during the eternal night.

If the timing was not off, the eternal night should still be two or three months away. Stella asked, "When are you leaving?"

"Normally it's two weeks, but the captain said we can leave only after replaceing suitable replacements. I guess it will be about a month."

Indeed, not just anyone could serve as a security guard in a wealthy community. Besides physical fitness, their background also needed to be checked. It would be troublesome if they accidentally hired a wolf in sheep's clothing.

...

After a series of twists and turns, Lukas and Cody finally became homeowners. It was still a tiny two-room apartment, with the two families right next to each other.

Even though they could earn a living, they nearly broke their backs for these house. They didn't have the resources to renovate, and even the doors and windows were second-hand goods selected by Stella from Arcadia.

In addition, each household was gifted with a 10-pound bag of cracked corn and chunks of sun-dried sweet potatoes, along with a few pounds of dried vegetables. It was a housewarming gift from her and Jasper to both families. The housewarming dinner was held at Lukas' place, with Angela and Kitty cooking. They enjoyed a simple meal together.

"Stella, Jasper, our food might be modest compared to what you're used to. Please don't mind it," they said.

Stella complemented both families, "Being able to purchase a house in such a short period of time is no small feat. No one else in Griffith can match that. Give it another year or two, and living in a villa will not just be a dream." Cody laughed heartily, "Just wait, we'll be neighbors with you and Jasper soon."

After dinner and some chatting, Jasper and Stella headed home.

Just as they entered the neighborhood, they noticed that the Porras family's mansion was bustling with moving trucks and busy workers. They were surprised to replace out that Bran had somehow convinced Shane to start building a fence around the property. If even the Porras family, with their team of bodyguards, felt the need to build a wall, it left the other families in the neighborhood feeling rather uneasy.