18 Floors Above the Apocalypse

Chapter 20

Given a second chance at life, Stella was well-versed in the dichotomies of human nature.

"I wouldn't want to either, but this standoff isn't helping anyone. Letting them venture out to find supplies is the safest option for us."

When driven to the edge of starvation, people could lose all rationality. When pushed into life or death circumstances, there was essentially nothing they wouldn't do. It was with this in mind that Angela finally agreed.

Stella descended the stairs, addressing Drew, "There's no need for us to search for supplies together. However, we can lend you our rubber boat for a day. Also, I would suggest prioritizing finding a boat over food."

Drew had never expected the tenants of the 18th floor to agree to venture out together. He had merely implemented a strategy where he'd make an impossible demand, then settle for less. His goal was the boat, after all. "Alright, thank you guys."

"But remember, we're only lending this once. What happens if you lose or damage it?"

"Well...we are neighbors..."

"Don't try to sweet talk me. What kind of neighbor would risk others' lives?" Stella was blunt. "This boat is our lifeline. Lending it to you is a gesture of goodwill, but it's not an obligation. Don't push your luck because you have more people. If you push me too far, I won't hesitate to fight back. Who's next?"

Survival was a basic human instinct. They may have outnumbered Stella, but no one was foolhardy enough to risk their lives. After all, the people on the 18th floor were notorious for their ferocity. For a moment, no one dared to speak.

Drew glanced at his silent companions, seething with frustration. They had been all talk earlier, but now they were all as timid as mice. He had no choice but to swallow his pride. After all, his wife and kids were still starving at home. He was leading this expedition, which meant he'd get a larger share of the supplies. Plus, it would be easier to orchestrate things with him at the helm.

"If we damage it, we'll compensate you with another one."

"Verbal promises are hardly binding. We need a written agreement."

"Fine," Drew grudgingly agreed. After all, it was just a boat, so what if he borrowed it and never returned it? Once the floodwaters receded, he could always repay her.

Once they had agreed on the terms, Angela drew up a contract which both parties signed. Upon receiving the boat, Drew's face split into a grin as wide as a Cheshire cat's. He uttered a string of empty pleasantries before dispersing the crowd.

"Mr. Drew," Stella called out, stopping him in his tracks. "You are responsible for the boat. If anything happens, I'll be coming after you."

"Of course."

Stella gave him a chilling smile. "You live in 1303, have a wife and two kids, and your mother has a limp, right?"

Drew paled, his heart pounding in his chest. "Don't worry," he hastily reassured her. "We'll take good care of the boat."

With so many scheming people, how many supplies could a rubber boat retrieve? If the distribution was not fair, chaos would ensue. Stella would love to see them keep fighting amongst themselves!

Returning to the 18th floor, Angela gave Stella the two thousand dollars back, "I intended to pay, but the supermarket was such a mess. We had to run with our stuff. There was no chance to pay."

Stella accepted the money, "Now everything is messed up, but I believe the government will soon be able to control it, then we will have a chance to spend the money."

The money was not spent, but the suggestion was made by Stella, Angela decided to split the retrieved supplies half.

"I can't take it. You didn’t even spend the money." Stella immediately rejected, "Furthermore, you risked danger to grab these supplies."

"We can't calculate it like this. Without you, we wouldn't have been able to get the supplies, let alone bring them home."

Both parties were resolute, Stella finally had no choice but to accept two packets of noodles, some fuel blocks, and dried vegetables, but she absolutely refused to take anything else.

After she left, Lukas discussed with his girlfriend, "The person in 1801 seems cold, but feels quite righteous. We are being targeted right now, we need to be united. Besides, without his help today, we can't keep our stuff safe."

Angela agreed, "How about sending some stuff over? It can be seen as a formal introduction, and we can help each other in the future."

Lukas packed five kilos of rice and went to knock on the door of 1801.

Stella watched them paddle away from the building, six men armed with clubs. The sight of the boat made the other residents green with envy. Some even thought of seizing it but were deterred by their weapons.

When Jasper came knocking, Stella answered it. "Do you know where we can find gas?"

"I do," Stella admitted. "But the gas station is located in a low-lying area and was evacuated before the typhoon hit. It's probably underwater now."

Despite the dire circumstances, Stella was determined to help. "There are a few diners near the apartment complex. They use gas cylinders. Maybe we can salvage some?"

Lukas immediately agreed. "Our current priority isn't food, it's gas. Let's give it a shot. But we have to be quick. If we wait too long, there'll be nothing left."

Jasper had no objections, so they decided to go for it. Angela stayed behind to guard the apartment with Rosie while Jasper took a rubber boat and some gasoline.

Rosie was a little afraid of Angela, but she bravely nodded her agreement. "Please come back soon, Jasper."

Jasper ruffled her hair affectionately. "We will."

And so, while the rest of the building went out in search of food, the 18th-floor tenants decided to look for gas cylinders.

"Should we find any extras, we could always trade them for food," Lukas suggested.

As soon as they started the rubber boat’s engine, they drew the attention of many people. Some even dared to approach them, only to be sprayed with water from the dinghy's wake.

The diners were submerged, but the apartment complex provided a point of reference, so they weren't hard to find. Stella took out a portable diving mask and waterproof miners' lamp. However, they faced a dilemma. Lukas was too weak to dive, and Stella lacked the lung capacity to dive and pry open the doors.

Jasper took the diving mask. "I'll do it."

After he put on the diving mask and headlamp, Stella tied a rope around him. "The current is strong. If you run into trouble, tug the rope."

Once Jasper dove, Stella and Lukas stood guard, armed with their clubs, and kept an eye out for potential thieves.

The floodwaters were murky to the utmost degree. Peering into the distance, Lukas blinked in surprise. "Stella," he called out. "What in tarnation is that?"