The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 247

Chapter 247

“Can’t help it,” Nicole said lightly. “I’ve got connections upstairs.”

A thousand pounds of potatoes in exchange for six fully sealed protective suits resistant to oil, water, acid, and alkali, the kind equipped with oxygen tanks. She also wanted six pairs of acid-resistant rain

boots.

Zeph already had two sets, but in times like this, backups mattered.

“We don’t have any in stock,” Weasel admitted, “but I can ask around for you.”

The weather was brutally cold, so Nicole went into the department store to wait.

When the cold became unbearable, she used the excuse of going to the restroom and slipped into her storage space to warm up.

There was no point wasting time inside, so she pulled out rice, started cooking, and prepared several

dishes to store away for later.

About three hours later, Nicole arrived at the agreed meeting point. Weasel showed up right on time,

panting heavily.

“Found them. The gear was stored well and didn’t freeze up, but the seller’s only willing to trade three suits and six pairs of boots.” He clicked his tongue. “Honestly, it’s not worth it. Maybe trade for something else?”

No. Even three suits were absolutely worth it.

That was the advantage of gathering supplies ahead of everyone else. If acid rain really came one day, 1,000 pounds of potatoes wouldn’t mean anything anymore. At that point, those suits would be the difference between life and death.

She specifically wanted the highest-grade protection available, too.

“I’ll take the deal.”

Weasel stared at her in disbelief.

Since when did Nicole ever take a loss in business? Had the cold frozen her brain?

Still, he would make a profit in the middle either way, so he wasn’t about to complain.

They agreed to exchange goods at a remote office building after he retrieved the supplies.

Nicole arrived early and carefully confirmed there was no surveillance nearby before entering the building

The higher the floor, the better the visibility.

Over an hour later, she finally spotted Weasel approaching with a massive sack on his back. Only then

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did she take the potatoes out of her storage space.

A thousand pounds total, packed into several oversized bags.

The protective suits were brand new, tightly wrapped in layers of white insulation film. The quality looked excellent at first glance, and the rain boots were just as solid.

Nicole was satisfied. After inspecting everything, she slung the supplies onto her back and prepared to leave.

“Still got more goods?” Weasel asked eagerly.

“I do.” Nicole paused for a second. “This time, I want gas masks and oxygen tanks.”

“No problem. I’ll keep an eye out for you.”

By the time Nicole returned to Crownview Residences, Zeph was downstairs, walking Poppy and Cola.

The moment Cola spotted her, he instantly shifted into four-wheel drive mode and launched forward like a furry missile, making excited little whining noises as he slammed himself against her legs.

Zeph walked over. “Are you cold?”

The cold cut straight through the bones. Even with temperature-regulating gear underneath, Nicole still

couldn’t stop shivering. She genuinely didn’t know how ordinary survivors managed to endure this

weather.

Zeph reached into his military coat and pulled out a hot water bottle. “There’s charcoal burning upstairs.”

Nicole hugged the hot water bottle against herself and hunched her shoulders as they headed upstairs.” Have you been waiting long?”

“No. Just came down.”

Yeah, right.

Poppy had obviously been running laps with Cola for a while already. The little girl was still breathing

hard.

Meanwhile, Poppy looked energetic as ever. “I’m not cold, Nicole!”

Of course, she wasn’t.

Zeph had trained her thoroughly by now. Her punches, crossbow stance, knife handling, and even the way she held a gun all looked surprisingly professional.

She looked like a cute little girl, but she was a fully trained combat gremlin underneath. 1

The moment Zeph opened the apartment door, warm air rushed over them.

For some reason, Nicole suddenly felt happy.

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Zeph poured her a cup of hot water, and the warmth sliding into her stomach finally eased the chill gnawing at her body.

After resting for a bit, Nicole carried the protective suits and boots into the master bedroom.

Zeph inspected everything carefully, even testing the materials with acidic and alkaline liquids.

“No issues.”

The longer they worked with people like Weasel, the more Nicole realized those smugglers were surprisingly reliable when it came to business.

Nicole looked genuinely impressed. “They already reserved the next batch of potatoes. I asked for gas masks and oxygen tanks.”

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