The Apocalypse Survival Manual (Three Days Before Doomsday, I Stockpiled Billions) novel Chapter 350

Chapter 350

Nicole finally understood. Oakhaven Gardens only took people who had the ability and the mindset to work together and survive.

Alex paused, then smiled.

“Ms. Floyd, you’ve got a good eye. Yes, we have a well. One of our residents knew how to dig it, and everyone pitched in. Each household gets about half a bucket of water a day. Do you still think ten pounds of grain is expensive?”

From their conversation, he had already made up his mind about them and clearly wanted them to join.

The community had people with all kinds of skills, but no doctor, and their defenses weren’t strong. They needed someone like Zeph.

“We’ll think it over and get back to you in a couple of days.”

They were used to staying cautious. A place that looked like a safe haven in times like this could just as easily be a trap. They didn’t rush inside to look at the units. It was better to understand everything about Oakhaven Gardens first than walk in blind.

They drove off, but didn’t head home. Instead, they found an unfinished building with a wide view and settled in

to watch.

According to Alex, Phase One had two completed buildings. Phase Two had three more with only the exterior finished. Later, the residents renovated Building Three and rented it out.

Zeph watched through binoculars. Sure enough, only three buildings showed signs of life. The other two were empty.

From the clothes hanging on balconies and the small planting setups, it looked like each floor, except the higher levels, had only one household.

Most likely, they had sealed the stairwell fire doors on each floor, adding another layer of security. It was a practical setup.

The development itself was large, with open areas originally meant for future construction. Now, they were filled with scattered shade structures, and drought-resistant sweet potatoes grew in the soil.

There was a riverbed not far from the complex. Groundwater here was likely more abundant, which explained how they managed to dig a well and grow crops. 1

By comparison, life in Oakhaven Gardens was far better than elsewhere.

But the better the conditions, the more it would attract attention.

Zeph noticed that aside from the guard post at the entrance, there was another lookout in the rooftop garden of Building Two, used to monitor the outside.

There was also a patrol team circling the complex every half hour. They clearly understood how dangerous things were outside.

“I don’t think they’re the problem,” Zeph said, “but they have something everyone wants. Their defenses aren’t strong. If things keep getting worse, it’s only a matter of time before they lose it.”

Food mattered, but water mattered more. If word got out that Oakhaven Gardens had a steady water supply, it

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+15 Benus

would turn into a fight.

Dealing with ordinary survivors was one thing. As long as the community stood together, they could hold. But if organized groups showed up, that would be different.

Nicole thought it through. The risks were real, but anywhere else would be just as dangerous. With a kid and a dog, constant instability wasn’t an option.

And there was still the risk of collapse when the earthquake came. If they chose wrong, all of it would be for nothing.

In her previous life, Oakhaven Gardens hadn’t collapsed. That didn’t guarantee anything this time, but it still made it a better bet.

She spoke up. “Let’s watch it for a few more days. If everything checks out, we move in.”

Zeph nodded. “Works for me.”

For several days, they came back at the same time with Poppy and Cola, observing Oakhaven Gardens from every angle.

Life inside followed a steady routine. Key positions were equipped with loudspeakers and radios.

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