18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 184

The new development probably wasn't updated on the map. That wasn't a surprise.

Jasper had shared the general direction of the rescue efforts, and Stella had a hunch. They headed southwest. The area was a newly developed suburb, a part of the city's expansion, and indeed, new properties were under construction, and the land was rather vast.

Jasper drove while Stella navigated. Upon reaching the area, they were met with the sight of abandoned buildings, dried-up riverbeds, and cracked earth.

They drove up an overpass and, using binoculars, Stella spotted a few buildings that showed signs of habitation. After she eliminated the old ones, they drove around, and sure enough, they found the place - it was the Eastwood Eden.

It was a riverfront luxury development, and the main entrance was grand yet artistically designed. There were about a dozen buildings inside, spaced far apart. Had the disaster not struck, the properties here would have started at $5 million.

Although the development was massive, it didn’t seem to house many people. Surprisingly, it was a whole other world inside.

There was a security booth at the entrance, and there were six guards on duty. Calling them guards might not be accurate. Judging by their clothes, they seemed to be residents of the community. Noticing the Hummer parked at the entrance, they immediately became alert, "What do you want?"

Stella leaned out the window, flashing a friendly smile, "Hey there, we're looking for a place to rent. Do you have any vacancies?"

Renters? The guards didn’t let their guard down, "Where did you come from, and why do you need a place?"

"We live near the university town, and our house has developed cracks. It’s not safe."

The guards whispered among themselves, "We have places, but you need to pay rent and pass an interview."

An interview for renting? Stella was surprised, but she got it. After all, in a world post-disaster, trust was a rare commodity. Who would dare to let strangers in?

Despite the surprise, Stella noted that the Eastwood Eden seemed united. They even had residents on guard duty. Unlike Sunrise Sanctuary, where anyone could walk in and the gates wide open and unguarded.

Stella couldn’t help but become more interested, "How much is the rent?"

"Depending upon the conditions, it ranges from 10 to 20 pounds of grain per month."

"Is it coarse grain?" Stella asked. After receiving an affirmative answer, she inquired, "When is the interview?"

"Wait here. I'll go and inform them now."

Before they arrived, Jasper had already driven around Eastwood Eden. The entire community was enclosed by walls, and the top embedded with shards of glass. Plus, the residents took turns guarding the entrance; they seemed to have a strong sense of security.

Even though they were sitting in their car, Stella was observing the guards at the same time.

They say you can't judge a book by its cover, but in a world post-disaster, you often had no choice but to do so.

Their car windows had anti-spy film. Even though the guards were scrutinizing them, Stella only sensed caution and wariness, but no malice. Besides, she had the advantage of having Jasper, an expert lip-reader, by her side.

She found herself looking forward to living in the Eastwood Eden.

After waiting for about half an hour, the interviewer finally arrived. He was a man in his forties, wearing an old but clean gray T-shirt. His lean, square face had a scholarly look.

He stepped out of the community, and they got out of the car. Jasper recognized him. He was the man who had led the community in forming a rescue team after the quake.

The man extended his hand, "Are you two looking to rent a place?"

Jasper shook his hand, "Yes, we'd like to have a look around here."

It was hot, and they were soon sweating. The man invited them into the guard booth and introduced himself, "My name is Mark. May I know your names?"

"My name is Jasper."

Mark invited them to sit down and handed them a couple of palm-leaf fans.