Chapter 191
After leaving Arcadia, the two continued to pack, chatting about everyday matters. Before long, it
was noon and someone brought lunch over.
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Three dishes and a soup, a bnced mix of meat and vegetables, along with a bottle of high-proof
vodka.
“I’m not a fan of alcoho. Should we send it back or keep it?”
“It is Bryce''s thoughtfulness, we should keep it. Let''s save it for Cooper. He enjoys a swig or two
when he''s bored.”
“Woof.” The boozy dog circled around Ste.
“Look at that, just mention alcohol and he gets excited.”
Despite the chat, Ste had no intention of eating the base’s food. Even though the chances of it
being poisoned at this stage were slim, it still made her uneasy. She stowed it away in Arcadia,
taking out their own stockpile.
Rosie, the little drama queen,ined while eating. "Jasper, this jerky is rancid, not as tasty as
what Ste makes."
“No waste is allowed. There are people out there who can''t even find tree bark to gnaw. When we
get a chance, Ste will make you something yummy.”
After lunch, they pulled all the curtains and went to sleep. They talked about anything that came to
mind. Tired of talking, they slept, waking up around five o''clock. Someone came to inform them that
the evening banquet was at seven o''clock.
Out of respect for Mr. Bryce, Ste chose a clean outfit. She suspected there would be many
women at the banquet, so she applied some lipstick to avoid being mistaken for a handsome man.
As for Rosie, she couldn''t be more worried. She didn''t want to bring her to the banquet, but she was
worried about leaving her alone. Ste picked out a pair of jeans with suspenders and an
inconspicuous cotton T-shirt for her.
Being fair, she also groomed Cooper’s fur.
When it was about time, the three of them headed out. Leading the way was Cooper, moving with a
fierce stride, as if he wanted to pounce on every moving leg.
As the sun set, a handful of tattooed men were heading home. Seeing a beauty and a little girl, they
couldn’t help but whistle.
Cooper chased after them, almost causing the unarmed to run for their lives. Climbing trees didn''t
help, as Cooper would just jump two to three meters high.
The tattooed men were almost scared to wet themselves.
There were also armed men, but they knew better than to confront the neers who were
weed by the boss. Even though they were upset, no one dared to fire a shot.
Cooper’s ferocious barking echoed three miles away. Seeing that he was about to tear a man’s
throat out, Ste finally called out nonchntly, “Cooper,e back.” Immediately, Cooper turned
from a ferocious dog to a tame puppy and obediently returned to his owner.
After that, no one dared to provoke them again.
On their way to the mansion, the trio and their dog strolled leisurely, seemingly chatting but actually
assessing the distribution and terrain of the base.
At the mansion, they went through a security check and entered a centrally air-conditioned interior.
The evening banquet was impressive, with a whole roastmb filling the air with aromatic spices.
It was just Bryce and Teddy again, with Bryce even switching to a casual suit. “Well, it is so good to
be young. Jasper, you look vibrant, and your girlfriend is equally striking.”
Ste gave a forced smile, "Thank you, Bryce."
Bryce tried to engage Cooper, but the aloof dog ignored him. He then turned his attention to Rosie,
praising, "What a cute little girl."
Despite her young age, Rosie could sense his intentions and hid behind her brother, leaving Bryce
embarrassed.
Jasper exined, "She''s shy around strangers."
“No worries, children are like that. Come, take a seat." Bryce sat down at the head of the table and
apologized, "I''m truly sorry, Jasper. You just arrived, and we should have thrown a grand wee
party for you. Unfortunately, Alpha Outpost picked a fight with us and disrupted our peaceful
mealtime.
“Even in this post-apocalyptic world, there are rules to follow. Alpha Outpost, backed by their
supporters, tantly vited these rules. They even deployed armored vehicles and annihted our
people.”
He spoke passionately, his expression a mix of anger and sorrow. Jasper listened quietly, choosing
not toment.
Sensing the awkward silence, Teddy tried to lighten the mood, "We''re sending a few people to settle
the score with Alpha Outpost. They''ll be back a bitte. Hope you understand."
Ste broke her silence, "I believe under Bryce''s wise leadership, Silver Asylum will surely triumph."
“Indeed.” Teddy concurred, “The roastmb is ready, shall we start, Bryce?”
“Of course, tonight we feast!” Bryce announced.
“I apologize, but I''m not much of a drinker. I''m still feeling the effects of the drink that I had at noon,
and I really can''t drink more.” Jasper declined.
Teddy opened a bottle of red wine, "You have to drink, tonight''s banquet is in your honor."
“Old professional habits. I really can''t drink much.”
Ste intervened, "It''s been two years since the end of the world, who cares about old professions.
Since Bryce insisted, let’s have a drink."
Jasper remained silent but didn''t refuse. Bryce seized the opportunity to ask, "It seems like Jasper
had quite a unique job. What did you do that you managed to maintain such discipline even after
two years?"
Ste didn''t hold back, "He was a SWAT officer. He was discharged due to injury and even faced
disciplinary action. The habits ingrained by such a unit are hard to break. Even after two years, he''s
still not fully adjusted."
Bryce looked impressed, "So Jasper is a special talent. No wonder you''re so skilled. Truly
remarkable."
“You are ttering me, Bryce.” Perhaps triggered by unpleasant memories, Jasper looked a bit
downcast, downing his drink in one go.
Teddy quickly refilled his ss.
The fresh roastmb was brought to the table, its aroma tempting everyone. Bryce tried to continue
the conversation, but Jasper remained silent and took another drink.
Ste stepped in, "Bryce, he was wronged when he left the force. Don''t rub salt in his wounds."
“My apologies.” Bryce took a drink as punishment, "It''s all water under the bridge now."
Thanks to Bryce''s favoritism, not only was Cooper allowed at the table, he was even given a whole
lamb leg.
Bryce smiled at him, "Eat up, it''s leg day."
The little mutt, though clearly drooling, still nced at Ste for permission. "Go ahead," Ste
voiced, "This is a treat from Bryce. Remember to thank him."
The dog barked at Bryce, as if to say, "Woof," which actually meant, “Eat my shorts, Bryce."
"Hah, hah, hah."
Bryce had taken a liking to this little dog, and he was sure that eventually, it would be his. When that
time came, he would take the time to train it properly, to ensure its loyalty.
As for these three people, well, they were quite interesting, to say the least.