The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 228

Chapter 228

After dinner, Nicole gave Hughie’s group five pounds of pickled greens and dried cabbage along with three pounds of frozen potatoes. In exchange, she accepted a gold chain, two packs of cigarettes, and a

box of insulin from them.

In truth, none of it was particularly useful to her storage space, but everything needed a believable source. That way, they could accept the food without feeling indebted, while she could still keep her secret hidden.

The three of them were thrilled with the trade and thought they had gotten an excellent deal.

“Nicole, you’re seriously good at bartering,” Jeremy said.

Nicole looked both modest and smug at the same time. “That’s because we happened to have things people actually needed. Otherwise, trading isn’t nearly that easy.”

And it was true. If they hadn’t found medicine and other valuable supplies back then, they probably wouldn’t have survived this long.

“Don’t remind me.” Beatrice looked genuinely pained. “If I’d known the world was really ending, I would’ve cleared out every store I saw back then. Instead, we left everything for other people.”

Hughie immediately comforted her. “Don’t beat yourself up over it, honey. Nobody knew it would turn into a real apocalypse. Compared to most survivors, we’re already doing pretty well.”

Nicole suddenly felt a little guilty herself and quickly changed the subject.

“What do you think about me becoming a reseller?”

Otherwise, every time she wanted to exchange things for them, she would struggle to explain where it all

came from.

If someone had good instincts and reliable supply sources, reselling could actually be pretty profitable,

but the risks were enormous.

Not only were there countless criminals targeting black-market traders, but even the authorities had started cracking down hard on profiteering.

Price gouging and market manipulation carried serious penalties now. In severe cases, people got executed. Lesser offenders got shipped off to the coal mines.

Jeremy shook his head immediately.

“Better not. Trading enough for daily necessities is fine.”

Hughie looked worried, too. “Didn’t we already plant potatoes? Once those grow, food won’t be as big a problem. Worst case, we can trade medicine or alcohol later.”

Now that the three of them had jobs, they felt they weren’t contributing enough to the floor anymore, so

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they didn’t plan on taking a share of the cold-resistant potatoes.

Of course, that was only what they said out loud.

Nicole had no intention of doing something as stupid as looking for trouble.

“Alright, I’ll listen to you guys,” she agreed easily. “Still, if there’s anything you need, I’ll keep an eye out while trading.”

They already had enough clothes and bedding, and honestly, nobody on the 18th floor could clearly define what they lacked anymore.

“Just use your judgment,” Jeremy said. “More dried vegetables would be great. Meat too, if you ever come across any.”

After delivering Hughie’s group their share, Nicole carried supplies over to Zeph’s apartment as well: two pounds each of pickled greens, dried cabbage, and frozen potatoes.

Zeph accepted them with a quiet thank-you. “What do you want in exchange?”

Nicole honestly couldn’t think of anything she needed. “Whatever you think is fair.”

Back home, she climbed into bed with a book.

Not long afterward, Cola trotted back carrying a box in his mouth. Nicole opened it and froze for a

second.

Zeph had traded her chocolate.

Not just any chocolate either. It was the same luxury heart-shaped brand as before, ridiculously expensive before the apocalypse.

Well, she figured she might as well eat it.

Honestly, it tasted amazing. Back before the disaster, she never could’ve afforded this kind of brand. Funny how worthless it felt now.

Hughie’s group only had two days off.

The night before they left again, Nicole went over to help them pack. She prepared emergency medical kits for them and taught them a few basic ways to handle external injuries in dangerous situations.

Poppy suddenly ran over, holding a drawing.

“Jeremy, I finished my picture!”

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