18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 20

Given a second chance at life, Stella was well-versed in the dichotomies of human nature.

"I wouldn't want to either, but this standoff isn't helping anyone. Letting them venture out to find supplies is the safest option for us."

When driven to the edge of starvation, people could lose all rationality. When pushed into life or death circumstances, there was essentially nothing they wouldn't do. It was with this in mind that Angela finally agreed.

Stella descended the stairs, addressing Drew, "There's no need for us to search for supplies together. However, we can lend you our rubber boat for a day. Also, I would suggest prioritizing finding a boat over food."

Drew had never expected the tenants of the 18th floor to agree to venture out together. He had merely implemented a strategy where he'd make an impossible demand, then settle for less. His goal was the boat, after all. "Alright, thank you guys."

"But remember, we're only lending this once. What happens if you lose or damage it?"

"Well...we are neighbors..."

"Don't try to sweet talk me. What kind of neighbor would risk others' lives?" Stella was blunt. "This boat is our lifeline. Lending it to you is a gesture of goodwill, but it's not an obligation. Don't push your luck because you have more people. If you push me too far, I won't hesitate to fight back. Who's next?"

Survival was a basic human instinct. They may have outnumbered Stella, but no one was foolhardy enough to risk their lives. After all, the people on the 18th floor were notorious for their ferocity. For a moment, no one dared to speak.

Drew glanced at his silent companions, seething with frustration. They had been all talk earlier, but now they were all as timid as mice. He had no choice but to swallow his pride. After all, his wife and kids were still starving at home. He was leading this expedition, which meant he'd get a larger share of the supplies. Plus, it would be easier to orchestrate things with him at the helm.

"If we damage it, we'll compensate you with another one."

"Verbal promises are hardly binding. We need a written agreement."

"Fine," Drew grudgingly agreed. After all, it was just a boat, so what if he borrowed it and never returned it? Once the floodwaters receded, he could always repay her.

Once they had agreed on the terms, Angela drew up a contract which both parties signed. Upon receiving the boat, Drew's face split into a grin as wide as a Cheshire cat's. He uttered a string of empty pleasantries before dispersing the crowd.

"Mr. Drew," Stella called out, stopping him in his tracks. "You are responsible for the boat. If anything happens, I'll be coming after you."

"Of course."

Stella gave him a chilling smile. "You live in 1303, have a wife and two kids, and your mother has a limp, right?"

Drew paled, his heart pounding in his chest. "Don't worry," he hastily reassured her. "We'll take good care of the boat."

With so many scheming people, how many supplies could a rubber boat retrieve? If the distribution was not fair, chaos would ensue. Stella would love to see them keep fighting amongst themselves!

Returning to the 18th floor, Angela gave Stella the two thousand dollars back, "I intended to pay, but the supermarket was such a mess. We had to run with our stuff. There was no chance to pay."

Stella accepted the money, "Now everything is messed up, but I believe the government will soon be able to control it, then we will have a chance to spend the money."

The money was not spent, but the suggestion was made by Stella, Angela decided to split the retrieved supplies half.