18 Floors Above the Apocalypse novel Chapter 509

Facing the tough situation, Mark kept his cool. "These Russians are just regular survivors, not cunning politicians. They still have some humanity left. But after being oppressed by Union Base, now that they've taken charge, they're naturally cautious about the future."

Being vigilant meant they were hyper-aware of potential threats. The Russians thought Australians, with their peaceful ways, would make ideal partners. But the long history of Eastern civilization still made them wary.

After all, Russia had only been a 'big brother' for a few decades, while Australia had been a beacon for thousands of years. This sense of superiority and deep-rooted thinking ran in their veins.

Facing natural disasters and the apocalypse, they might bow their heads but were skilled at seizing opportunities. Stranded in the Arctic, Mark had no better way to save himself. He just hoped the day when the Russians turned into complete villains would come later rather than sooner.

For now, all they could do was wait. Staying alive meant there was still a chance.

While the two men whispered to each other, Stella and Jasper sat in an igloo, warming themselves by a crackling fire, roasting sweet potatoes and yams.

The situation for Mark and his group made it clear they weren't free at the base. Russia's turf was no joke.

Stella opened her mouth but didn't know what to say. Jasper spoke first, "People change. We can trade veggies with Russia, but we can't let our guard down."

As for other matters, he advised not to jump to conclusions too quickly. He peeled a roasted yam and handed it over gently, "Try this."

Stella bit into the fragrant, steaming yam, comforted by the dogs and wolves around her, feeling a warm current in her heart.

Rosie munched on a sweet potato. "Sis, are we really going to grow veggies in the ice house?"

Stella nodded. "We can try. If it doesn't work, we'll use the reserves we stored in Arcadia."

During those years in the villa, Rosie had cultivated her own garden, and they still had supplies they hadn't used.

Rosie was eager. "Let's start planting tomorrow."

The igloo entrance was narrow, with a windproof curtain keeping the warm air in. It was quite cozy. With grow lights and a heater, they should manage.

If they ever grew tired of planting, they could spend the day in Arcadia and the nights in the igloo.

Stella felt no pressure, leaving the task to Rosie. "Do a good job. Our future trade with Russia depends on you."

Keeping her busy would spare her from overthinking. So, Rosie got to work, setting up hydroponic containers in the igloo, adjusting technical parameters, and ensuring proper lighting and warmth.

Jasper supported his sister, finding heating pipes and tools from Arcadia to create a constant temperature system for the planting containers.

Meanwhile, Stella was busy preparing for the New Year. In this post-apocalyptic world, hanging red lanterns and pasting fortune characters in an Arctic dwelling was as close as they could get to celebrating the Lunar New Year.

She hung a few small red lanterns in the living room and placed some customary plants. Then, in Arcadia, she decorated the villa with couplets and large red lanterns.

The New Year's Eve dinner was lavish, with chicken, duck, seafood, stuffed tofu, sauerkraut stir-fried with pork intestines, and a pot of aged rice wine.

The container was too narrow for the full spread, so the family moved into the spacious villa in Arcadia to feast. After a lively dinner, Jasper and Stella gave Rosie a red envelope for luck. Even the canine couple got theirs, with fish and pork bones inside.