Chapter 339
Brandon had his mind set on a n of action. "This volcanic ash has been lingering forever. Once it starts raining. we could be in for acid rain, and
who knows how long it''llst. If it''s potent enough, it could eat right through our roofs. Anyone who can get their hands on ss should do it. If you
can''t, start digging a basement as a backup n."
The vis were double-storied. As long as they weren''t doused in sulfuric acid, they could withstand even a year or more of this, especially with a
basement.
Sure, the homeowners might seemckadaisical, but when push came to shove, no one really wanted to kick the bucket. Envy for those fancy ss
conservatories wouldn''t do any good. Better to dig a basement and y it safe.
With the new folks from Eastwood Eden chipping in, the neighborhood organized another security patrol. The team wasn''t asrge as during the
endless night. with folks taking turns every three days.
The watch points were mainly at themunity gate and the asional patrol around the area.N?velDrama.Org copyrighted ? content.
Nobody knew when the acid rain would hit, so whenever they weren''t on watch, they''d be digging basements like mad, piling up the dug-out soil for
future nting.
Austin was the only one who could afford to chill. With his ss conservatory and a basement as secure as Fort Knox, he had all the time in the world
to pester his neighbor. "Hey Jasper, need help digging that basement?"
"We''re good, thanks though."
The rooftop conservatories were built like extended awnings, offering solid protection against the corrosive rain as long as no major storms blew in.
The walls had been reinforced, so even a bit of erosion wouldn''t be a big deal.
Jasper wasn''t idle either. Whenever he could, he''d shut the door behind him and get an early night or ate morning, avoiding Cooper and Rosie
outside. He''d teach Ste how to fly a ne or handle a yacht. It was all theoretical, of course, but being prepared could save their lives one day.
As Jasper remembered, the smog couldst a year, so Ste frequently visited the Institute of Herbal Medicine. The art of herbal medicine was deep
and vast, and with such a golden opportunity at hand, she wasn''t about to let it slip by.
Disasters were merciless, and the virus had imed many medics. Talent in that field was dwindling and might vanish altogether one day.
Despite the proximity, traveling through the smog was inconvenient, so Ste decided to bunk at the institute. She''d study intensely for several days,
then head back to the vi to absorb and digest the information, and spend time with Jasper, Cooper and Rosie.
Now that the Eastwood Eden crowd had moved in, they''d greet Ste whenever they saw her. She''d respond with a polite smile but rarely engaged
further. It was better to maintain a lukewarm rtionship—too many ties could be problematic.
Since being kidnapped. Bran would still be yful and carefree, but there was a clear sense of maturitypared to the past. He''d sometimes show
up with his dog Buddy, looking for a free meal, even hauling over a poker table. "Come on, let''s have a game." he''d say with a cigarette dangling from
his lips, the epitome ofid-back cool.
He and Austin were two of a kind, both merrily smoking away. The two hit it off in Building 50. sharing tips and experiences despite Bran''sck of
management expertise. Gone were the days of flip-flops; Bran now sported spotless leather shoes.
One morning, Ste stared out into the foggy abyss. "Seems the fog is lifting."
Jasper opened the window. "It sure is.”
After more than half a year of smog, it was finally thinning, visibility expanding by the day.
Five meters, ten meters, fifteen, fifty... As the fog cleared, the mood lifted, and the survivors seized the opportunity to start nting.
After dinner, Ste took Cooper and Rosie for a walk. Suddenly, a loud crash echoed ahead—sounded like a car.
Could it be Bran?
Whether it was the end of the world or not, gossip was human nature, especially when stomachs were full.
Indeed, it was a car crash. Only instead of Bran, it was Lindsay who was driving. She had run off again, and when Bentley tried to stop her, he was
sent flying.
Dead or alive. who knew? But there hey in a pool of blood.
Lindsay cradled him, wailing, "Doctor, somebody help, please save him!"
Ste was speechless. The crying was so heart-wrenching, who could doubt her love?
Sigh, cherish life, and stay clear of Bentley''s girl.
It was a teachable moment for Cooper and Rosie. Ste said, "Remember, if you find someone you like one day, stick with them if it''s right. If not, just
part ways. Don''t cling to a lost cause at the expense of your own life."
Rosie looked puzzled. "Mhm."
Cooper, bewildered, barked softly.
Not wanting to get sttered with blood, Ste steered clear with Cooper and Rosie in tow.
After a few days’ rest at the vi, Ste was back at the institute. Dr. Garcia had some free time, so Ste seized the opportunity to visit her mentor
with a gift in hand.
Thrilled to find someone so eager to learn in these dire times, Dr. Garcia took her under his wing, involving her in research projects.
Collin was bugy y too. The institute
had receivedaé donation of ss
from the kind folks at Griffith, and he
was nning an expansion to build
another greenhouse. He didn''t say
who-denated it, but Ste could
guess—it was the Porras family,
bartering ss for medicife through
their connections. Content belongs
to NovelDrama.Org
Collin had considered building the greenhouse at Griffith, but then thought better of it. Even though it wasn''t far away, what if the acid rain had indeed
fallen as predicted by the authorities?
Ste helped with the construction, and after ten days, they were ready to transnt new herbs.
After being away for so long, Jasper came to visit with Cooper and Rosie. Coaper, being too conspicuous, didn''t linger at the institute and left after
one night. Jasper said little, but Cooper''s eyes were full of reluctant longing
With so much to learn, Ste had less time for family. She crouched down to pet Cooper. "Stay good at home, and once I''m done, I''lle back to
keep youpany.”
The research institute not only had to cultivate medicinal herbs but also had to take on the responsibility of providing medical services by conducting
consultations
Without a hospital, people would still
fall ill. With fev doctors to go
around, they Were stretched thin.
One day Ste was out with Collin
the nextwith Dr. Garcia tackling”
complex cases. She barely had time
forhérself, let alone to visit home.
She was like a sponge, soaking up
everything she could. Content
belongs to NovelDrama.Org
In the blink of an eye, another two months passed.
The military delivered some supplies. including clothing resistant to acid and alkali corrosion. There were only 20 sets in total, not enough for
everyone to have one. It was understandable, considering the sheer number of groups that needed them.
Ste ran her fingers over the fabric of the protective suit. surprised at its thinness. It felt almost like a raincoat and she wondered what sort of
newfangled material it was made from.
She picked upxthe instruction
manual. It digit specify the material,
but it did include directions for =~
putting ition and emphasized safety
precautions—notably that it wasn''t
advisable to wear the suit formore
thas 20 hours in an environment
with a pH level of zero. Content
belongs to NovelDrama.Org
The technology behind making these suits wasn''tplicated, suggesting that it must be material shortages that were the bottleneck.
The butterfly effect was in full swing; nobody could predict when the acid rain would hit.
Ste turned to Collin, her expression serious. "Dr. Collin, if the government''s handing out these suits, acid rain''s a certainty. We don’t know when it''ll
hit, but we''ve gotta be extra careful whenever we step outside."