18 Floors Above the Apocalypse
Chapter 325

Stella spent a good half-day spying through her binoculars, noticing several figures in white hazmat suits emerging from the building, accompanied by the masked Evan and a few police officers.

Experts from the Institute of Medical Research had arrived, but the naked eye couldn't identify whether the herbs were toxic. The safest bet was to take them back for testing.

After several years of natural disasters, the medical community had suffered great losses. Survivors who fell ill had no choice but to endure. The arrival of two truckloads of medicinal herbs was like rain after a long drought.

Evan had never worked with them before, but realizing the significance of these herbs, he gently reminded, "These herbs were anonymously donated by a philanthropist from Griffith, specifically for treating the smog virus. I hope they'll be used as intended." Collin shook his hand firmly, "Rest assured, Evan, we'll strictly adhere to the donor's wishes. If you get a chance, please convey our gratitude."

Evan couldn't help but ask, "Do these herbs really work against the smog virus?"

"It's too early to tell, but they're all geared towards liver and lung protection. Judging by the quality of the herbs, they seem quite promising."

While they were talking, two large trucks drove into the police station, and a group of soldiers methodically loaded the herbs and escorted the research institute colleagues back to Swan Hill. After handshakes and goodbyes, the trucks slowly departed.

Stella put down her binoculars, deep in thought.

The research institute had the best protective gear, followed by the military and police. Clearly, officials had been preparing to fight the smog for a while now. She hoped they would win this battle. Riding her electric scooter back to the neighborhood, she faintly heard coughing from more than one home, which put her on high alert. Could the virus be more dangerous than she thought?

"Dr. Stella," someone emerged from Building 19, coughing and wheezing heavily, "Do you have any medicine?"

"No," Stella replied without blinking, "Even if I did, I wouldn't give it to you."

She might have been more polite to anyone else, but she didn't bother hiding her disdain for Julia.

"How can you be so cruel? You clearly have medicine and refuse to share," Julia protested, staggering from a high fever, "We're from the same community. Aren't you going to help a neighbor in need? I won't ask for free. I'll trade something for it." "Why should I help you?" Stella retorted, "Ever since I moved into Building 50, you've been nothing but trouble, constantly stirring up drama. Everything you do is aimed at making people's lives miserable because you think 'nouveau riche' like me don't deserve to live among you. The past is long gone, and yet you still act like you're some kind of aristocrat. It's not like you weren't given a chance, and instead of appreciating it, you used Carey's death to instigate Sophia to screw with us. Who do you think you are, acting entitled to my help? Get sick. It serves you right."

"I never did any of that!" Julia was fuming, nearly passing out from lack of breath. But remembering she was at Stella's mercy, she tried to soften her voice, "Stella, there's been a misunderstanding about the past. Please let me explain."

Stella scoffed, riding her scooter away, leaving Julia in the dust.

Back in Building 50, she disinfected herself thoroughly with alcohol. Checking the backyard, she saw Smoky and Snowy, quietly munching on grass.

After dinner, Austin's voice crackled through the walkie-talkie, "Stella, switch to the community channel."

His voice sounded rough, and Stella asked with concern, "Did you catch it too?"

"My throat is so sore, feels like swallowing razor blades," Austin chuckled bitterly, then reassured himself, "Dylan's feeling a bit better after taking the herbs you gave him."

"Keep taking them, and drink plenty of fluids. They should help prevent it."

As she tuned the walkie-talkie, a loud knocking came from downstairs, "Dr. Stella, we've come to trade for medicine. Please open up."

It wasn't just one person; a whole crowd had gathered, some covering their mouths with handkerchiefs, others with clothing over their faces.

Stella ignored them, focusing on tuning into the community channel.

The community channel was buzzing. Julia, between coughs, accused Stella of withholding medicine, calling her heartless and accusing her of leaving others to die.

Building 50 had made its name from a single fight, and considering its brilliant battle history during the never-ending night, its surprisingly cordial relationship with the Porras family, the majority of the people in the neighborhood were keen on getting into their good books. Even if they grudged the alliance, they had to suppress their feelings. With that in mind, Julia's reckless 'devil may care' attitude was truly bold.

Because of Carey's death and Julia's manipulation, Sophia joined in the chorus with theatrical gusto.

The wise remained silent, choosing to curry favor with Building 50 instead. Although they were wary of Building 50, the fear of death was greater.

Stella, uninterested in their pleas, entertained herself by listening to the drama unfold on the walkie-talkie.

Angela, known for her fiery temper, couldn't contain herself, "Even if Stella had medicine, why should she give it to you? Shut your trap, or believe me, I'll take your door off its hinges."

With that, Monkey joined in the fray.

This group of two-way merchants lacked in many skills but not in verbosity, but each one were capable of infuriating Julia to the point of coughing nonstop.

"Julia, I suggest you save your breath before you pass out," Bran chimed in with a slow tease, "Who told you Stella has a cure? I'm like a brother to her and I didn't know. Try accruing some good karma for once. Talk less, breathe more, and maybe you'll live longer. The smog's only just arrived, and even the official experts are still figuring out how to combat the virus. Stop spreading rumors and undermining our community unity. What are you trying to achieve? We've got a neighborhood of highly educated and sophisticated residents. Do you really think a few words from you will have them running to Stella for medicine like idiots?"

The group standing at the door of Building 50, hoping for medicine, fell silent.

Julia dared to challenge Stella but wouldn't dare cross the Porras family. "I... I didn't say she had the antidote, but she does have herbs, and several homes have used them."

"And that's your business how? With all the crap you've pulled, what right do you have to ask for her medicine?"

Bran, the fiery third son of the Porras family and heir to the richest man in Griffith, cursed freely.

Unfortunately, before he could finish, Shane's cane came swinging down, "You little bastard, watch your language. You might not care about your reputation, but I sure as hell do!" "Ow! Are you trying to murder your own son?"

Stella turned off the walkie-talkie, unable to suppress her laughter, "Do you think Bran is trying to ask me for medicine in a roundabout way?"

Jasper nodded in agreement, "I think so."

She mentioned the recent shipment of botanicals to the research institute, a hint of concern lacing her words. "The ingredients have been delivered to them, but who knows when they'll come up with the right formula."

It was nothing pressing, yet she felt compelled to check in.

To her surprise, Jasper, her unwavering pillar of support, objected. "The smog virus is raging like a tempest, and everything is different from the past. The formula will need continuous clinical trials. They're bound to be swamped with patients, which means the risk of infection is sky-high."