18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 40

Stella scrutinized her surroundings, spotting traces of rabbit droppings.

Cooper was always starving before, so he valued survival supplies more than she did, not even sparing the wild rabbits..

Stella searched around and indeed found a burrow. She quickly blocked it with mud. Before long, a grey figure emerged from the burrow, scampering away.

Cooper chased after it, seizing it by its neck and slamming it to the ground. After a few rounds, the wild rabbit lay motionless.

Cooper then brought the carcass back to Stella, wagging its tail to ask for praise. Good boy!

After petting Cooper, Stella resumed her exploration, pulling out another rabbit from the burrow.

In the end, she found three more medium-sized rabbits. A whole rabbit family now clustered together.

Wild rabbits were not worth rearing like farm rabbits, especially since she and Cooper were not lacking in meat. She swiftly killed them and threw them into the Arcadia.

On her way back, she made a detour to the place where the pig was slaughtered and collected all the construction materials piled up in other buildings into the Arcadia.

When the Arcadia bag made things disappear, Cooper's eyes widened with fear. “Woof!”

Stella patted its head. “Don't worry. I know magic.”

By the time she got back to the apartment, it was getting late. As usual, countless eyes were peeping at her. They felt relaxed when they saw Stella returning with just a bundle of firewood.

Seemed like the people living on the 18th floor weren’t always so lucky.

As soon as she entered the building, Cody greeted her, “Why are you back so late? Lukas and I were just about to go out looking for you.”

Stella replied, looking weary, “I searched several places. Couldn’t find any dog food. I didn’t even see any moldy bread.”

“Everything nearby has been thoroughly checked. Finding something is not easy.” Lukas seemed worried. “I heard some blocks have been looted. We need to be careful even if we don't venture out.”

After a few words, Stella went into the house to change her raincoat and pull up the greens growing on her balcony.

The vegetables, nourished by a nutrient solution, were growing well, albeit their leaves were slightly yellow. They looked different from those grown under normal sunlight, but on rainy days, this was already quite good.

Eating only meat was not good for the stomach. She picked up a bag of mushroom spawn and went to apartment 1803.

The trio were very surprised. Not only did Stella have fresh vegetables, but she also had mushrooms. “Stella, you should go on a survival challenge show.”

“I'm just lucky. When I moved out, I happened to buy a box of mushroom spawn online. I didn't expect them to actually grow into mushrooms.”

“Is there anything you can't do?”

“Following Stella, we definitely won't starve.”

The atmosphere was cheerful, and they busied themselves in the kitchen.

Soon, Jasper and Rosie came over to help, bringing ten eggs and half a pound of pasta.

“Stella, it's good to have you home.” Angela smiled, “When you're not here, the 18th floor feels so quiet. But look at it now, so lively.”

Stella was in a good mood. “Wait and see. I'll show you what I can do tonight.”

She led the group, who were inept at cooking, and started the lively night. Cody chopped ribs. Lukas cleaned lean meat. Angela picked vegetables, and Rosie clung to the mushroom. “Stella, I want to grow mushrooms too.”

Rosie was so well-behaved, and Stella nodded. “Sure, I'll give you one tomorrow. Be sure to take good care of it.”

Rosie looked at Jasper as if seeking his approval. “Jasper.”

Sensing the longing in her eyes, Jasper said, “Remember to thank her.”

Rosie happily threw herself at Stella. “Thank you, Stella. I can grow mushrooms.”

Stella stroked her hair. “Take good care of it.”