18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 225

Austin extinguished his cigarette and stepped aside to talk in discretion, "I need to stock up on medicine and water, and fast. Can you help?"

"Austin, you know how valuable medicine is. It's hard enough to get a few life-saving pills, let alone a batch."

"I know." Austin explained, "The recent earthquake trapped my son under the rubble. It was the official rescue team that risked their lives to get him out." He was a man who believed in returning favors. The rescue team was short on medical supplies and many of the survivors they saved were left to die due to this shortage.

Stella felt heavy-hearted, "With so many survivors, how many can you save even if you donate medicine?"

The amount she and Jasper had, wasn't enough to make a significant difference. And with the way things were going, there were likely countless disasters waiting to happen.

Accidents, like when Rosie was concussed by hail, could happen at any time. If she gave away her chances of survival, who would lend a hand when she needed it?

Austin had been through enough to know that when pushed to the edge, people would do anything to survive. That was why he sympathized with the earthquake victims. "I want to donate to the rescue team, as a way to repay them for saving my son."

Many of the team members were injured during the rescue and were also facing the shortage of medical supplies. His plan was to donate a batch of medicine.

Stella sighed, "My previous supplier has been conscripted into mining. All his medicine has been confiscated."

Austin frowned, "Okay, I'll figure something else out for the medicine. Can you arrange for the water?"

Apart from the medicine, a shortage of water was another major cause of death due to heatstroke.

Stella paused before responding, "I can arrange a truckload of water for you to donate."

As for who ultimately received the water, that was uncertain. But at least they could say they did their part.

Austin was relieved, "What do you want in return?"

"The water quality isn't as good as before, but it's clean. It's safe to drink once boiled." Stella didn't mention trade goods, "Consider it an anonymous donation from me. If the government asks, you can't give me up."

Austin was surprised, "Do you know how precious water is now after the earthquake and the collapse of many wells?" Many people were driven mad by thirst and had to resort to drinking their own urine.

Of course, Stella knew. A truckload of water, about 20 tons, could save many people. Otherwise, she wouldn't donate it.

"I've also been helped by the official rescue team. This truckload of water is my way of giving back."

Austin thought for a moment and then lowered his voice, "Have you heard about the reconstruction plans after the disaster?"

Stella shook her head.

Austin, being a businessman, had access to more information than the average person. "The government knew about the earthquake well in advance. They've been collecting steel, factory buildings, and other materials.

“They made promises to the willing donors, turning the donated assets into points. These points could be used for future supplies or to offset costs during reconstruction, granting many preferential rights. All text © NôvelD(r)a'ma.Org.

“The government hasn't announced their reconstruction plans yet, but any donations or acts of heroism during the disaster would be included in the point calculation."

Despite his cunning in business, Austin was a man of principle, and he hadn't forgotten Stella's life- saving grace. "Water is the most scarce resource right now. If you donate under your name, you could earn quite a few points."

Stella laughed, "That's just how I am. When I do good, I don't leave a name."

Austin, who would insist on leaving his name when doing good deeds fell silent.

"Just kidding. We'll find another way to earn points. The main thing is, I don't want to attract any trouble because of the water." Stella was straightforward, "If you want it, I'll arrange for the truckload of water. If you really want to thank me, how about helping me find radiation suits?"

"Radiation suits?" Austin was taken aback, then his look changed, "We've been old friends for a while now. Do you know something I don't? You should give me a heads-up, so I can prepare."

He thought more about it, and found it more likely. She wasn't someone to be taken advantage of, and the things she hoarded were rather peculiar.

"You're overthinking." Stella laughed, "With the way things are, any disaster could happen. I'm just being prepared."

Austin looked thoughtful, "You suspect the earthquake could cause a nuclear leak?"

"I wouldn't dare spread rumors. They'd send me to mine coal for that."

Austin pondered. Seafood had been contaminated and mutated by a virus. What else was impossible? If there really was a nuclear leak one day, would there be any hope for humanity?

Thinking about it made him feel incredibly heavy. Regardless, they had to focus on the present.

After arranging a time to pick up the water, Austin left with Monkey.

On her way back to Eastwood Eden, Stella saw Mark and his team repairing a well near the second building. She approached out of curiosity and saw the old well digger preparing to go down the well for repairs.

He was tied with a rope so that if there were a collapse in the well, the people above could pull him up immediately.

Stella looked at the old well digger. His face was peeling from the sunburn, and his hair was speckled with white. He was in his fifties. In this post-apocalyptic world, just surviving required all one's energy.

Back in room 401, Stella didn't hide the fact that she was donating water.

Jasper thought for a while, "Most of Griffith's deep wells collapsed, and the water is murky after the earthquake. The water in Arcadia is clear and of good quality. It would be hard not to raise suspicion if we donated it. Why don't we donate the rainwater and well water we've been collecting?"

Stella had the same idea.

The collected rainwater could be purified with a water purification tablet. The well water was a bit murky and needed to be filtered.

20 tons of water was a big job. Luckily, Jasper had foresight and had stocked up on a water purification filter. Otherwise, they would have been exhausted.

Jasper went into Arcadia and installed the filter. He drained the water from the water tower and filtered the well water one by one.

Time was of the essence, so Stella quickly planned to left. But then, Jasper caught her hand. He looked a bit uneasy, "Cooper's hearing is too good."

Stella looked confused.

"And Rosie's hearing isn't bad either, despite her age."

Wait, what was he trying to say?

"I'm having trouble getting in the mood." He was always worried that either Rosie would knock on the door or the dog would scratch at the lock.

Stella realized, "You..."

"Should we... try here?"

Stella stood still, feeling embarrassed.

Jasper reached out to her.

...

After catching up on some sleep outside Arcadia, she awoke with a scratchy throat. Without delay, she popped a couple of lozenges into her mouth.

All because of Jasper!