18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 172

Austin was straightforward, “Besides the Azure Heart that he gave you last time, he can offer another uncut gemstone, one that's even better than the previous one.”

Surely, medicine can save lives, but it wasn't as precious as a vaccine. He could have gathered all the needed supplies on his own, but it would have been a lot of hassle. So, he preferred to extend this token of goodwill.

Stella understood his logic but found the quantity a bit overwhelming. She took out a pen and adjusted the quantity of the medicine, “This is the most I can provide.”

Who knew how long one could live? In case they ended up living for decades, feasting on seafood every day, both she and Jasper might end up suffering from gout. Without medicine to decrease uric acid, they might die from the pain.

Having worked with Stella for a while, Austin had anticipated her negotiation. He had made sure to leave some wiggle room in the quantity. Without haggling, he agreed readily.

The next day, Stella and Jasper brought the medicine for the trade.

Three thousand pounds of dried goods had been loaded onto the luxury yacht. There was even a crew member ready to teach them how to operate it.

Jasper politely declined, “No need, I got this.”

Stella was surprised. Was there anything he didn't know?

During the handover, the crew member looked as if he had been robbed blind, “This is a Riva, the Rolls-Royce of yachts. The boss bought it for over 80 million, and he never even got to ride it once before the apocalypse hit.”

He kept rambling, sounding like his child was being taken away.

Admittedly, the Riva yacht was opulent. From its design to its paint job, from its performance to its craftsmanship, everything about it exuded superior quality and unrivaled taste. Its interior was extremely luxurious, making it stand out among the world's yacht brands.

The top-tier double-decker yacht was a favorite among royalty, celebrities, and business tycoons in the West. Now, it belonged to Stella.

Austin rushed over with the uncut gemstone. It was larger than the previous one and its color was mesmerizing. It looked like a collector’s item.

If not for the apocalypse, which had overturned the value of jewels, Stella would never have had the chance to touch it. Now, it was worth a bit. But in a few years, it might not even be worth a slice of bread. Otherwise, why would the Odebergs be willing to trade it for medicine? Such shrewd businessmen would never make a losing deal.

Stella handed the prepared medicine to Austin. After verifying that everything was in order, they completed the barter.

Austin eyed the yacht enviously. If he didn't have urgent matters to deal with, he would have loved to set sail for a bit.

Jasper went into the cockpit, checked the controls, and started the yacht. The luxury yacht shot out like an arrow. The harbor was filled with tumbling white waves.

The setting sun deepened from light to dark, from pale to rich, as if half the sky was splashed with fresh blood. The yacht stopped in the vast ocean, bobbing gently in the waves.

Stella stood by the yacht's railings, watching the setting sun reflect off the sparkling sea. It was blindingly beautiful.

Seagulls swooped low over the water, rapidly skimming the surface to snatch up small fish. The breathtaking view was intoxicating.

Suddenly, Stella was embraced from behind. It was Jasper, holding her gently, “What are you thinking about?”

Stella looked into the distance, “Isn’t the sunset beautiful?”

“Yeah.” Jasper followed her gaze. It was indeed stunning.

With their height difference, his chin rested lightly on her forehead, “We might still get to enjoy this beautiful sea and sunset when the apocalypse is over.”

Stella looked at him, her eyes filled with a hint of confusion, “Can the apocalypse end?” It was as if she was asking him, and also herself.

“We’re just starting. We’ll wait until that day.”

Stella thought about it. She was only in her early 20s, and Jasper was only a few years older. As long as they fought against the apocalypse, they might indeed witness a new world.

She turned around and embraced him in the glow of the setting sun. For the first time, she initiated a hug.