18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 202

It had been over a half month since the interview, and Mark assumed the two wouldn't show. He felt a twinge of regret. He could see that these two young men had some chops, and the neighborhood was in dire need of such people.

But then, out of the blue, they showed up.

Driving into the neighborhood, Mark personally showed them around the houses.

"We have plenty of vacancies here. The houses in Phase One are all fully furnished, but the lower floors are occupied. For safety and to avoid conflicts with the neighbors, each floor is only occupied by one family. They just lock up the fire doors and it's fine. The upper floors are empty. It's very quiet, but it also tends to be hotter there. The third building in Phase Two was renovated by ourselves, so it's a bit rough, but there are vacancies on the lower floors. Would you like me to show you around?"

Stella wasn't interested in the first three buildings. "Mark, we have a dog, and it's not very convenient living in a multi-story building. Having our own space would be better for everyone. Can we check out Building 4 or 5?"

The dog weighed around 90 pounds, always wagging its tail in front of people. People were gonna drool in envy.

If it wasn't for the severe earthquake that cracked open the whole of Griffith, causing most of the buildings to collapse, Stella wouldn't have thought about moving into this neighborhood.

Mark was surprised, "Buildings 4 and 5 only have the exterior renovated, and the interiors are still in the rough state. They're not very suitable for living."

Stella insisted, "That's okay. We can do the interior ourselves."

Sensing their concerns, Mark didn't push it. "Alright, it is up to you."

Just as he was about to show them around, suddenly his walkie-talkie buzzed with an anxious voice, "Mark, Mark, those villagers are here again to seize the water source. There are more people this time than last."

Immediately after, the sound of a horn rang out.

"Jasper, Stella, both buildings are unlocked. You can go up and have a look," Mark said hurriedly. "There is a little issue in the neighborhood. I need to go handle it. Excuse me."

And with that, he rushed off.

In this heat, water was the most valuable resource. It was necessary for survival, and for growing precious crops.

Eastwood Eden had a lot of unplowed land, which was gradually being cultivated by the residents to grow sweet potatoes, irrigated with the precious water. The crop looked ready to harvest.

During this time, many residents were getting by on the sweet potato sprouts, plucking them when they grew long enough.

Stella even noticed several types of drought-resistant pigweed, which would thrive with just a bit of water. In the past, it was used to feed pigs or as pig food, but now considered precious food.

It might give you a sore throat, but if you chop it up finely, it was a hundred times better than gnawing on tree bark or eating clay.

Watching Mark's retreating figure, Stella asked, "Should we go see the houses or watch the commotion?"

Jasper thought for a moment, "Mark was able to form a rescue team after the earthquake and defend Eastwood Eden. He should be fine. But since we're going to live here, it wouldn't hurt to get to know the other residents."

Stella thought about it and agreed.

When Stella and Jasper drove to the neighborhood entrance, both sides were already at a standstill. The issue was about the water source, and tensions were high.

There were noticeably more people on the other side than last time.

The well that Eastwood Eden dug was the only water source in the vicinity. The defeated villagers from last time had rallied more locals. Each one armed with a hoe or a club, their faces twisted with rage. They were determined to drive out the people of Eastwood Eden.

"This land was originally confiscated from our village, so the water source naturally belongs to us. You're not the owners here. Stop hoarding the water. If you know what's good for you, get lost. Or we will show you who’s the real owner here."

"What do you mean 'your land'? If the developer didn't pay you, would you have given up the land? What a joke!"

"Shut up, the land use right has a term limit. Now that the developer is gone, the land naturally belongs to us. You didn't pay for the house and you think you have a say?"