Chapter 291
Austin was not sure how long the eternal night wouldst, he reckoned it was time to follow his
son''s footsteps and embrace self-sufficiency. He started to grow vegetables and raise chickens and
ducks in his backyard.
"You have the resources to do so, but I''ll pass."
Ste had plenty of fish and a flock of sheep at her disposal. "The temperature fluctuation is already
significant during the pr day, and I worry it would be even more dramatic during the perpetual
night. I won’t waste my efforts."
Austin decided to give it a try. He had nothing better to do during the endless darkness after all. So,
he requested Ste for some vegetable seeds, nning to utilize his backyard and rooftop.
If he couldn’t manage, he could always ask Monkey and his crew for help, and share the surplus
produce with them.
After he left, Ste contacted Lukas via walkie-talkie, "Lukas, I''ve heard rumors that the eternal
night may arrive in theing months. Stock up on food and reinforce your doors and windows.
The eternal night might lead to a rise in crime. You might need to reconsider continuing your work."
Lukas turned serious, "We''ll see about the work situation. We''ve just secured a house, and we''ll be
moving in next month. We''ll probably have nothing left but a few bottles of whiskey and some brown
sugar. Can you help us look out for any food resources?"
"Sure, I''ll keep an eye out for you. If I have any surplus vegetables, I’ll dry them out and give them
to you."
"Thanks, Ste."
"Don''t mention it, just be careful."
The government had not made an official announcement yet, but those with reliable sources were
already stirring up anxieties.
Monkey and his crew came over with their families. The women started nting hardy potatoes and
vegetables not only in Austin''s backyard and rooftop, but they even utilized the front yard. The men
helped install electrical fences on the high walls, including those of Building 50.
Ste, unsure when the eternal night would arrive, decided to install the electrical fence in advance.
As a token of thanks, she gave them 10 pounds of corn kernels, asking them to install a diesel
generator as well.
She knew how to dismantle the device, but reassembling it was another story. Austin had the
manpower, why not use it?
Arcadia had enough electricity, but they needed a source for the times when power might be
needed.
The actions of Building 49 and Building 50 stirred up the nerves of other households in the
community. Those without a diesel generator approached Austin, hoping to get one.
Austin, unable to find enough supplies, went to Ste for help.
"Sorry, I don''t have any left. I''ve gone through a great deal just to exchange for a second-hand one."
Austin had to find a solution on his own. He managed to get a few, and traded them for food.
Although Austincked the physical strength of those living in Building 50, he was smart. He
secretly gathered Monkey and his crew, built a basement in the vi, and stored all the food.
"Remember, not even your wives can know about this. Whoever can’t keep his mouth shut, I''ll break
his head."
After scolding his men, Austin gave each of them a bag of food, reminding them, "We don''t know
how long the eternal night willst. If it reallyes, we can''t go out to conduct business anymore,
so be frugal with your food. You all live together, and in times of danger, stick together. Right
opposite is the police station. If one day you are really in danger, all of you can move over to my
ce."
Meanwhile, amunity meeting was held regarding the safety issues of the eternal night. This
was a matter concerning every household, so everyone attended.
The eternal night was like being blindfolded. To protect themunity, it was suggested that each
household should install a light in front of their house. Not only would this facilitate security patrol,
but it could also deter criminals to some extent.
Despite the fact that the safety of others was none of her business, Ste still made a suggestion,
"Installing lights at the front door is not safe. If a criminal wants to get in, they can easily break the
light with a rock. I suggest installing the lights under the eaves of the second floor and protecting
them with a cover."
However, Ste suggestion fell on deaf ears, since Ste did not treat the Vice Chairwoman’s son''s
illness, which almost cost him his life. The Vice Chairwoman did not ridicule Ste openly; she just
pretended not to hear.
On the other hand, Bran agreed with her, "Ste is right. Let''s do as she suggested."
As soon as themunity meeting ended, Samuel caught up with them, "Mr. Jasper, Mrs. Ste."
Ste turned back, "What is it?"
Samuel warned them in advance, "Mark said the eternal night is approaching, and suggested we
quit our jobs and return home to guard our apartments.”
Ste was surprised. The job at themunity paid well in food, and the work was rtively easy.
Many people envied this job, and she didn’t expect Mark to suggest they quit.
With no outsiders present, Samuel spoke the truth, "Mark said that themunity is the safest
ce during the pr day, but it''ll be the most dangerous during the eternal night. This ce could
be the first target for criminals. He asked me to remind you to protect yourselves."
No wonder the people of Eastwood Eden obeyed Mark unconditionally, he truly had foresight and a
keen understanding of human nature.
Ste asked curiously, "Is Mark still living with you?"
"No, he moved to the City Hall. But he always solves our problems as soon as we ask for his help."
Actually, they were reluctant to quit this job, but nothing was more important than their lives.
Besides, they had managed to stock up some food over the past year. Who would protect their
families while the young men were out working? They needed to go back and devise a defense n
in case criminals attacked during the eternal night.
If the timing was not off, the eternal night should still be two or three months away. Ste asked,
"When are you leaving?"
"Normally it''s two weeks, but the captain said we can leave only after finding suitable recements.
I guess it will be about a month."
Indeed, not just anyone could serve as a security guard in a wealthymunity. Besides physical
fitness, their background also needed to be checked. It would be troublesome if they identally
hired a wolf in sheep''s clothing.
...
After a series of twists and turns, Lukas and Cody finally became homeowners. It was still a tiny
two-room apartment, with the two families right next to each other.
Even though they could earn a living, they nearly broke their backs for these house. They didn''t
have the resources to renovate, and even the doors and windows were second-hand goods
selected by Ste from Arcadia.
In addition, each household was gifted with a 10-pound bag of cracked corn and chunks of sun-
dried sweet potatoes, along with a few pounds of dried vegetables. It was a housewarming gift from
her and Jasper to both families.
The housewarming dinner was held at Lukas'' ce, with Ang and Kitty cooking. They enjoyed a
simple meal together.
"Ste, Jasper, our food might be modestpared to what you''re used to. Please don''t mind it,"
they said.
Steplemented both families, "Being able to purchase a house in such a short period of time
is no small feat. No one else in Griffith can match that. Give it another year or two, and living in a
vi will not just be a dream."
N?velDrama.Org holds text ? rights.
Codyughed heartily, "Just wait, we''ll be neighbors with you and Jasper soon."
After dinner and some chatting, Jasper and Ste headed home.
Just as they entered the neighborhood, they noticed that the Porras family''s mansion was bustling
with moving trucks and busy workers. They were surprised to find out that Bran had somehow
convinced Shane to start building a fence around the property.
If even the Porras family, with their team of bodyguards, felt the need to build a wall, it left the other
families in the neighborhood feeling rather uneasy.