Apocalypse: Building And Hoarding My Way Through.
Chapter 12: Let’s Drop The Act.

Chapter 12: Let’s Drop The Act.

As soon as Garvin, Rose, Matthew, and the others laid eyes on Scarlett and the baby, their expressions shifted from weariness to disbelief. Both looked surprisingly untouched by the devastation outside.

"Y-you..." Rose stammered, her voice barely a whisper as she struggled to find words.

"Where did she... get another outfit?" someone muttered. "She doesn’t look like she’s been through the apocalypse..."

"What’s going on here?" another voice whispered.

The group exchanged confused glances, murmuring amongst themselves, their faces filled with curiosity and shock.

Scarlett took a step forward, her eyes warm as they fixed on Rose. "There are supplies in the bathroom," she said calmly, with a gentle smile. "I need you and Matthew to help me bring them out."

Without a moment’s hesitation, Rose and Matthew dashed toward the bathroom. They flung the door open and gasped. Every inch of the space was filled with essential supplies: food, water, baby items, medical supplies, and toiletries. Their astonishment was palpable, and the others, noticing their shock, crowded around the doorway, eager to see for themselves.

"How... how is this even possible?" Rose managed, her voice tinged with awe.

"Where did she get all of this?" someone else murmured as the group turned to look at Scarlett again, who had calmly settled herself on the floor.

"Rose, Matthew, could you start bringing the supplies over here, please?" Scarlett asked gently. "I need to prepare some formula for the baby; she’ll need it with her medicine." She gave them both a reassuring nod.

With wide eyes and a quick nod of agreement, Rose and Matthew began hauling the items from the bathroom, piling them in the middle of the room until the supplies were fully gathered.

Scarlett then handed the baby over to Garvin, who accepted her with an almost reverent expression. Next, Scarlett picked up a bottle and formula, heating the water with a soft glow from her hand as she activated her fire element. She sterilized the bottle, mixed the formula, and then took the baby back, feeding her with calm expertise.

The group remained surprised by Scarlett, eyes filled with questions they barely dared to ask.

Finally, Scarlett broke the silence. "I know all of you are wondering how I got all these supplies," she said, meeting each of their gazes. "It’s thanks to my jade pendant." She raised her hand, revealing the small, glimmering jade pendant that hung from her neck.

The group looked at the pendant in awe.

"A... a jade pendant?" Rose asked, stunned. "Is it that powerful?"

"Did you see the water in her hand earlier? That was from the pendant too, right?"

Scarlett nodded, smiling softly. "The jade pendant stores food and supplies," she explained. "It also grants me control over three elements. But here’s the thing: it only grants those powers to someone it recognizes as its master. However, anyone can use it to store basic necessities."

She paused, letting her words sink in. She just had to lie as the system wouldn’t even allow her to reveal the source of her powers . And besides, trust was rare in times like these, and she knew the pendant would serve as a believable explanation.

The group stared at her, jaws dropping.

"Unbelievable!" they chorused in unison.

"That’s... that’s incredible, Mrs Marlow," Garvin said, genuinely impressed. "I had no idea anyone could be so fortunate."

She cast him a sideways glance, slightly rolling her eyes. Acting so polite just because others are around, she thought. She expected him to be the first person to tell her she was saying crap, scold her. She remembered his habit of playing the courteous boss in front of the staff, only to snap at her in private. But this wasn’t the time for that conversation.

"We have a savior among us now, everyone," Garvin announced, addressing the group. "No more hunger!"

A cheer erupted among the survivors, their faces lighting up with hope. The food and security Scarlett brought made a world of difference in the desolate world outside.

"Let’s prepare some real food," Garvin said, rubbing his stomach. "It’s been ages since I’ve had a proper meal."

The women among the survivors eagerly headed to the bathroom, where they bathed and changed into the extra clothes Scarlett had provided. Even those for whom the clothes were too large or small wore them gratefully, cherishing the rare moment of cleanliness and comfort. Once refreshed, they set to work cooking, and soon the tantalizing aroma of chicken soup and rice filled the air, lifting their spirits further.

As they ate, Scarlett watched with quiet satisfaction, pleased to see them finally enjoying a warm meal. It felt like a small triumph against the apocalypse.

Garvin approached her, holding a plate with steaming chicken soup and rice. "Thank you, Mrs Marlow," he said, his voice surprisingly sincere. "This is... incredible. You’re a lifesaver. Here, take something to eat."

Scarlett accepted the plate with a slight smile. The baby, already fed and medicated, slept soundly in the crib beside her. "It’s just Miss Jerkins now," she corrected him, her voice carrying a note of finality.

"But... you’re married," he pressed, though he quickly fell silent, noting the irritation that flashed across her face.

"Let’s keep things simple," she replied with a smirk. "And as for the gratitude, it all comes down to the pendant, not me." Her eyes sparkled with a trace of mystery.

Garvin seemed to consider this. "Alright, then. Miss Jerkins it is," he said with a faint grin. "Do you think... do you think the pendant could also keep us safe from the monsters out there?" He cast a wary glance toward the locked doors and windows. The growls of the monsters still echoed, a reminder that they were far from secure.

Scarlett’s pulse quickened at the question, and the memory of the system’s warning resurfaced: Garvin is the one who saved you. If he dies, you will, too.

She leaned in close, lowering her voice to a near-whisper. "Sir, please, let’s drop the act. I know this kindness routine is just for show, especially with the others watching. But they’re busy with their food now. You don’t have to pretend."

A smirk curved across Garvin’s lips. "Who said I’m pretending? I might have been strict at work, i love my business and couldn’t afford any slack. But now? We’re in a different world. I’m trying to survive. And if I can help others along the way... then I will."

So he thinks he’s some kind of hero now, Scarlett thought bitterly, biting her lip in frustration. Does he even realize that his ’kindness’ could get me killed? She looked away, swallowing back her anger.

"So can the pendant help with that?" Garvin asked, his gaze fixed on Scarlett.

Wait...from what I know, Garvin is also selfish. Is he asking these questions just so that he can take it when everyone is asleep and leave? Scarlett thought to herself, her gaze fixed on Garvin.