18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 462

Her question hit him like a punch to the gut, but Bran answered honestly, "Construction. Hauling bricks."

Stella sized him up, noting the scars on his face and hands—evidence of a hard-fought survival. In the face of natural disasters, everyone was equal, even a tycoon's son.

She didn't pry about his life since they'd parted ways. Even if recounted with a smile, the tales were likely steeped in brutal truths.

"How about we treat you to a meal when you're off?" she offered.

At the mention of food, Bran's eyes lit up. "Barbecue?"

"You wish. After all these years of disasters, and you're still dreaming of a feast?" Despite her words, the joy of reunion was undeniable. "Rosie's been working at the plantation. I'll see if I can scrounge up some spices so you can indulge a bit."

Bran perked up. "How are Rosie and your hubby doing?"

She gave him her address. "Doing alright. Swing by when you're free."

Bran lived in Area C and spoke his mind. "Sis, I'm free on the weekend."

Alright then. A weekend it is. They'd have themselves a proper bash.

After ensuring his comrade was okay, Bran went back to his bricks. Stella watched him leave—lean but still proud. He looked much better than the last time she saw him rummaging through trash. He seemed to have found a solid reason to keep living. He no longer ran away from familiar faces out of shame. There he was, half a month in, already hauling bricks. It seemed the privileged second-generation man had fully grasped the harsh reality and was actively engaging with life.

Back home from work, Stella mentioned Bran to Jasper. Ocean Point Naval Station now housed over twenty thousand souls, with a hospital, a salt plant, a food factory, water purification, and plantations all operational. Life was still tough, but better than before. Of the two thousand plus from South Base, even fewer were from Griffith. Stella only knew Monkey's family and Bran.

Beyond the basics, people needed emotional ties and interactions. Planning a meal together sounded pretty good. Jasper suggested, "How about we dine in the submarine? Invite Monkey's family too?"

Stella agreed. They'd set it up for the weekend.

Miranda had harvested potatoes twice and even sold some fast-growing herbs she'd propagated. After consulting with Stella a few times, she'd mastered some massage techniques, benefiting her son and husband's health with regular practice. Monkey, all smiles, appreciated his wife's increasing kindness. He eagerly accepted the dinner invite, pondering what special thing he could bring to repay his sister's hospitality.

But when Jasper had to work an extra half-shift, they decided to push the gathering to the evening. Ten years post-disaster, there was no hope for hot pot seasonings. The submarine had an air extraction system, and Stella had set up an induction cooker and an oven. With some dips and a few hot dishes, they were set for a feast.

With two brothers to consider, Stella wasn't partial. She kicked him lightly, "Young master, need me to spoon-feed you? Go wash your hands!"

After Stella's unique brand of attention, Bran wasn't offended. He withdrew his hand and obediently went to wash. But he couldn't resist a jibe, "Rosie, your cooking's amazing. Got a boyfriend yet?"

Boyfriend? Rosie nearly lost it, tempted to smack him with the ladle. Jasper's gaze swept over, and Bran shrank back, "Bro-in-law, just joking. Don't look at me like I'm a criminal."

Bran was still Bran, ever the rascal, incapable of change. After Jasper's glare, the brick-hauler finally behaved, quietly setting the table. Stella had little interest in the fish cakes he'd brought, leaving them untouched at the side. She cooked a pot of mixed grain rice, modest enough to not raise questions about their resources. Still, the large pot of rice had everyone salivating.

When was the last time they'd had a proper meal? Stella declared generously, "What's with the stunned silence? We might not have much in the way of dishes, but there's plenty of rice."

Monkey, both greedy and considerate, asked, "Sis, this meal's not going to break you, is it?"

Stella retorted, "You already call me 'sis'. Do you think I'd let you go hungry? Eat up without worry."