Chapter 312
Lukas approached Ste with a proposal, "Hey Ste, our ce is like Grand Central Station—
everyone''s always around, and we''ve got no room to store supplies. Can we stash our stuff at your
ce until we find a spot?"
Ste was cool with it. "Sure thing, I''ve got some connections here. If you guys are craving a steak
or something, just let me know in advance, and I’ll see if I can trade for it."
The gang was thrilled, feeling a fresh wave of hope wash over their tough lives.
After they had eaten their fill, Cody got down to business. "Ste, we''re thinking of quitting the
neighborhood watch." Now that they weren''t scraping by, putting life and limb on the line didn’t
seem worth it.
Ste was genuinely happy for them. "That''s great news. These dark times are way too risky. Once
we weather this storm, you can always look for work again."
Once the meal was over and they had yed a few rounds of cards with Cooper, it was time to say
goodbye.
Ste handed over some lentils and chickpeas for them to take home—sprouting them for a change
of pace from the constant diet of cornmeal porridge.
As they were leaving, she fished out a set of keys from her pocket. "The house is pretty secure, and
I reckon it''ll stay quiet for a while. My other ce is just sitting empty, so feel free to crash there until
we need to figure something else out."
With their performance today, she knew that if the day ever came when the neighborhood fell, she
trusted them to do right by her.
But Cody declined, "Thanks, but that''s a lot to ask of you. Besides, we''re not doing too bad now.
We''ll find a bigger ce when the timees."
After closing the gate behind them, Ste sat on the couch. Her earlier smiles and warmth were
reced by a touch of uncertainty.
Jasper came over. "What''s up?"
After a moment, Ste shared her concerns. "I took the helicopter and fuel for myself. Do you think
that''s unfair?"
"We were after that stuff from the start. If we split it all now, what happens the next time something
like thises up?" Jasper felt it needed to be said, even if it might upset Ste. "We''ve all
changed, Ste. It''s not about being selfish or greedy. It''s just that our needs and interests are
different now."
Back in the day, on the 18th floor, they were all in it together. But times had changed. Cody and Kitty
had their own crew now.
"I believe you still care about Cody and the rest, and they care about you. But the world''s changed,
and so have our goals."
He didn''t fault Cody and the others; life just had different levels now, and stockpiling supplies
together like in the old days didn’t fit anymore.
He didn''t see Ste as greedy. "If you insist on splitting everything equally, it might make them
overlook that even friendship has boundaries. If they get used to it, you might end up like Ang,
and they''ll be her brother and sister-inw."
An unequal share would make them reflect on their own needs. Ste probably knew this deep
down, which is why she imed the helicopter and fuel. Jasper''s words helped her see things moreN?velDrama.Org owns this.
clearly.
"You''ve had issues with my decisions for a while, haven''t you? Why do you still put up with me?"
"You''re my wife. Who else would I put up with?" In a world without marriage certificates, Jasper had
long considered Ste his true wife.
"Thanks, Jasper," Ste said, resting her head on his shoulder. "If I ever get out of line, let me know,
okay?"
As they shared a moment, Jasper teased, "How are you gonna thank me?"
"How do you want me to thank you?" she yed along.
With a mischievous grin, Jasper suggested, "Call me daddy?"
Steughed and whispered into his ear, "Daddy."
Rosie and Cooper were still ying downstairs when the adrenaline-fueled Jasper scooped her up.
"Enough excitement for now. Let''s celebrate properly." He closed the door and turned on the lights.
...
After a crackdown, the outside became much quieter, and there hadn''t been any trespassers
scaling the walls of the neighborhood for several days.
The residents of the neighborhood had adapted to the prolonged darkness and developed keen
ears. Sometimes, they could identify who it was just by the sound of footsteps. Different heights,
sizes, ages, and types of shoes produced distinct sounds, not to mention the contrast between
regr residents and intruders.
Some residents, finding humor in their situation, even made bets during their patrol duties, ying a
game of guessing based on the sound of footsteps. The losers would buy cigarettes or offer a
serving of peanuts.
In the pitch-ck darkness, a familiar dog barking could be heard from outside. Cooper immediately
stood up, feeling a bit excited as his tail wagged. It seemed that Cooper really liked Buddy. Ste let
him out for some fun—standard rules, just within the yard.
When she opened the door, she saw Buddy wasn''t alone; he was pulling a wheelchair. In the
wheelchair was a... white mummy.
Upon closer inspection with a shlight, Ste realized it was Bran, all bandaged up, and she
almost burst outughing. "What happened to you?"
"Have you no heart?" Bran cried out, "I got beaten up pretty bad."
Ste was puzzled. "Are all your limbs broken?" He didn''t seem that badly hurt when they rescued
him.
Bran was frustrated. "Those minor injuries healed ages ago. This is from my old man''s beating."
Oh, right, Bran had iting!
Bran was there to settle scores; he was furious. "You''re ruthless. You outright asked for a
helicopter." If only she had asked for less, he wouldn''t have ended up like this.
Ste calmly retorted, "Is your life really that cheap that it''s not worth one helicopter?"
Of course not!
Bran was at a loss for words, and his face turned red with anger. "But you can''t just ask for 100 tons
of fuel. You might as well ask for my life!"
Ste was at her wit''s end. "Seriously, without fuel, what''s the point of having a helicopter? Just for
decoration?"
Bran didn’t care one bit; his heart was already trampled beyond recognition. Little did he know,
Ste had a sharper barb ready. "When are you jetting off again? Who knows, maybe I''ll score
myself another helicopter."
Bran felt like he was about to have an aneurysm!
Ste didn''t bother to coddle his fragile ego. Instead, she asked with a hint of curiosity, "Did you
manage to find Lindsay?"