18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 579

Upon learning that the oil was still being split fifty-fifty among the team, the members were so shocked it was like fireworks had gone off in their heads. This wasn't just striking it rich overnight; it was like hitting the jackpot repeatedly.

But they were a conscientious bunch, and since none of them had cars, they decided to trade all their shares for points, leaving the precious resource to Griffith. Jasper and Stella alone were due to receive over 9,000 cubic feet. Everyone was curious to see how they'd handle their windfall.

Jasper, with his sights set on moving up, knew the smart move was to convert his share to points. Stella, needing fuel for her wheels, chose to keep half for herself.

After several days, the relentless snow finally stopped, but the temperature refused to climb. Stella headed to the base’s service center to sign a contract, trading 20% of her farm and livestock shares but gaining 100 acres of land in return. This new land was earmarked for planting mulberry trees, honeysuckle, along with other hardy plants, medicinal herbs, and wild grasses. She was also given tax breaks as an incentive. As long as conditions allowed, the farm would only grow in size.

The farm started hiring laborers in droves to clear the snow and plant the mulberry trees and honeysuckle. Once the snow melted and the dry, sandy soil was nourished, they'd plant other trees to prevent erosion and sow different crops. Providing food for the workers, the farm saw smiling faces even on those dressed in thin layers—they were all aiming to earn enough points to make clothes for themselves.

Good news came from the livestock farm: the first batch of hens had started laying eggs. Fresh fertilized eggs, no less! The base’s survivors were even happier than Stella. With chickens laying eggs and eggs hatching chickens, they could look forward to a day when eggs and chicken meat would be part of their diet. Life suddenly seemed to have a new purpose.

Poppy wasn't just diligent in managing the farm; she even had workers collect the fallen feathers from chickens, ducks, and geese, saving them for down jackets. And thanks to Evan’s efforts, the poultry theft case was cracked. It turned out to be a few survivors who had temporarily moved into the city. News of the livestock farm had somehow leaked out, and they'd recruited some Australians who had survived, sneaking into the farm under the cover of the snowstorm to steal.

The most dangerous place, as the saying goes, is often the safest. Instead of fleeing the base, they hid there, waiting for the commotion to die down before making their escape. For several days, all was calm in the city, and the police merely made a show of investigating. Seeing no real pursuit, the thieves felt safe to leave. But they were caught red-handed at the city gates and all were taken back to the police station. Some of the poultry had already been eaten; the rest were found stuffed in bags, drugged and unconscious. No more words needed; it was off to the coal mines for them.

Nicholas had passed away, and although Daniel was still nursing a back injury, he insisted on bringing his daughter to pay their respects. The living conditions at the base were harsh; most people were simply buried in a hole without even a mat, but Nicholas had insisted on a proper funeral. The loss of a son had taken a toll on the couple; Nicholas even had strands of white hair showing.

When Stella walked in, Nicholas mustered his energy to apologize, “My dear niece, my wife was worried sick about A-Wei’s sickness and spoke out of turn in her distress. I would like to formally apologize to you here.”

“No need, Uncle Xiao,” Stella quickly intervened, her expression filled with regret. “I grew up in an orphanage and survived over ten years of disasters. I'm hot-headed and I was also at fault that day…”

The back-and-forth apologies went on, and Nicholas even had his wife come to apologize. The truth about that day had already spread. Although Mrs. Xiao was at fault, Stella's hot temper had not been entirely appropriate. However, in the light of today’s events, both parties seemed to have given ground, and the base commander’s daughter did not seem the impetuous sort after all, showing she could be restrained.

Plus, Reagan’s life was saved because Stella had timely provided the necessary medication. So, as long as they didn’t cross her, there was hope she could be relied upon should they fall ill one day. Realizing this, the old guards had a new plan in mind, looking at Stella with a different gaze.

Nicholas felt like vomiting blood, but Mr. Daniel was a respected former superior, and he dared not show his true feelings. He even took Daniel aside, subtly expressing his wish to have his son buried in the heroes’ cemetery. Stella, with her sharp ears, almost laughed out loud. Did Nicholas really not know how his son had died? Indeed, a thick skin could get you far in this world.