CHAPTER 247: SITUATION ON THE CAMEL TOWER AREA

"If the government comes back again, tell them we’re still short on supplies," Elena instructed, a sly glint in her eyes.

She was simply buying time until the extreme heat arrived.

The more desperate they became, the more power she held.

Perishable resources were her greatest weapon; when scarcity turned critical, the government would have no choice but to crawl to her door.

That’s when she would welcome them—smiling sweetly—while bleeding them dry for every ounce of their arrogance, especially that group of scientists who once tried to scheme against them.

"For Lieutenant Fern, we’ll visit the government evacuation center later," she continued.

"Alright, I’ll take note of it, boss. Then, I need to return and help the others. It seems the promotional opening attracted a lot of customers," Ramon replied.

"Lots of customers?" Elena asked, her brows lifting as she realized this military center was about to get even busier.

Ramon then explained the reason. "The refugees, along with residents from nearby areas, flocked here as soon as they heard about the shop opening."

"In just a day? The news sure travels fast. How will the others handle them?" Elena asked, amazed at how quickly the word had spread.

"We really need more staff. Should we consider recruiting from the military base?"

"Not for now; maybe the influx will stabilize later. For now, we’ll help for a while," Elena replied calmly.

"No need, boss. I think we can still handle it," Ramon quickly declined, with his tone firm.

He was worried, remembering how Elena had felt dizzy just the day before. The last thing he wanted was to add to her workload.

"Alright then, let’s head over and see the situation first."

The trio quickly headed to the front of the store, and the sight that greeted them was unexpected.

The entire area buzzed with life.

Customers filled every corner, their chatter blending into a lively hum.

Faces lit up with anticipation as they lined up, eager to place their orders for much-needed supplies.

It seemed that the sudden appearance of the sun had given people the courage to step outside after months of darkness.

The staff was then busy catering to the needs of every customer.

Lydia, Jessa, and Aunt Joana worked tirelessly, while Butler Aki handled item retrieval from the Southern Inventory Sector.

With his marked storage box, Butler Aki had full access to that sector—a trust Elena gave without hesitation.

She treated this old man as more than just a servant; to her, he was a family member.

In her past life, Butler Aki had always been her pillar of reason whenever she felt overwhelmed.

His advice had always been on point, and she valued it deeply.

Yet, his life ended far too soon—cut short as he bravely shielded Grandpa Caldwell during the mutated beast invasion.

Her chest tightened at the tragic memory.

This time, she vowed silently, this old man will live well and in happiness.

Aside from that, teenagers from Paradise Homes were also present.

Busied themselves helping customers carry supplies.

They worked diligently, but the overwhelming number of buyers made it challenging to keep up.

Seeing that they needed more staff, Elena then greeted the teens warmly, offering words of encouragement before moving to stand beside Lydia to assist customers.

Lydia smiled at her, and the two women worked together seamlessly.

Soon, a customer approached nervously, clutching something in her hands.

"Please, can you check if this jade is real?" the woman asked, holding out the stone with hope in her eyes.

Elena accepted it and, with practiced ease, sent the jade into her space, letting the Golden Tablet verify its authenticity.

"Please wait a moment and have a seat."

The customer nodded anxiously.

A few seconds later, Elena returned with the result. "Ma’am, the jade is authentic—high-grade, in fact."

The woman gasped in relief as Elena updated her account points, allowing her to choose more supplies.

"This... then I’d like medicine for fever and cough, some meat and fish, water purification tablets, and non-perishable food."

Elena nodded, committing the list to memory. "Ma’am, you still have plenty of points left. Everything today is 20 percent off, so you can add more items if you like."

"Then... can I have water tanks?"

"I’m afraid those are sold out," Elena replied apologetically.

"Oh... then add Paradise Ointment for the remaining points."

"Noted. Here’s your order number. We’ll call you once everything is packed. And Ma’am, please help yourself to the free soup station over there."

"Thank you," the woman said gratefully before moving toward the soup line.

Elena turned, only to find Ethan staring at her with furrowed brows—his expression unreadable.

He wanted her to relax, but seeing how happy she looked catering to customers, he let it slide.

"Wife, let me handle this. Just sit next to me, okay?"

Elena chuckled at his worried tone. "I’m fine, husband. This isn’t tiring at all. Serving customers is actually fun."

She was genuinely happy to acquire more jade and antiques, which she badly needed.

Ethan finally gave in, but he made sure to handle the retrieval of items so Elena could stay at the counter, entertaining customers.

He also coordinated with Butler Aki to handle the logistics.

Soon after, Ethan called the order number, letting the customer know her supplies were ready.

Upon receiving everything, the woman thanked Elena profusely before leaving the shop with a bright smile.

The sight reassured Elena, especially knowing that military officers were guarding the area as the customer returned to her unit.

Elena quickly moved on to assist another customer, her enthusiasm undiminished.

Ethan, on the other hand, stayed alert, ensuring his wife didn’t overwork herself.

While they catered to more customers, they also observed the overall situation.

It didn’t take long for Elena to learn that the military had publicly announced the arrival of extreme heat, warning that it would be severe and urging everyone to prepare.

She sighed softly. She hoped the people would take the warning seriously.

After several busy hours, they finally left the military section and visited to check the Building A branch.

And the moment they arrived, Jetro greeted them with an update.

"The customer count dropped significantly because of the new branch at the military center," he reported. "Everyone flocked there after hearing about the discounts."

"I see. Then tomorrow, give this shop discounts too so the flow balances out," Elena instructed.

"Roger that," Jetro replied, making a note.

"By the way, how is Shantel now?"

"She’s recovered already. I’m not sure about the details though—better ask Xander. He’s always visiting her."

Elena’s eyes widened slightly, sensing something unusual. "Oh? Then I’ll check on her later. I was planning to mark her anyway."

She trusted Aunt Liza and Xander’s judgment, so if they approved of Shantel, there was no need to worry.

After a quick look around, Elena noted that business was still steady.

Customers were buying essential items in bulk to prepare for the impending extreme heat.

’Jades, antiques... I want them all,’ Elena thought with a secret smile.

Satisfied, they headed upstairs to check on Shantel’s situation.

Ethan then knocked on the door, catching her attention

"Who’s there?" Shantel asked cautiously, her voice low but alert.

"It’s me, Ms. Shantel," Jetro replied from outside.

Hearing a familiar voice, Shantel relaxed and opened the door slightly.

"Sir Jetro, is there something I can help you with?" she asked, her eyes drifting curiously to the masked figures behind him.

"Someone wants to talk to you. Mind if we come in?" Jetro said politely.

Shantel hesitated for a moment, then stepped aside and opened the door fully, allowing them in.

Elena and Ethan entered, observing her quietly as they walked past and sat on the sofa.

Elena then spoke first, her tone calm yet firm. "Shantel, have you heard about the Paradise shop? If you agree, we’d like to hire you."

"I..." Shantel’s cheeks flushed slightly.

The Paradise shop was famous, and working there felt like an opportunity she had never imagined.

"If this is truly the Paradise shop, then I have no problem with it," she replied with a nervous smile.

Elena’s lips curved into a warm smile as she nodded at Jetro, signaling him to explain the details.

A few minutes later, Shantel sat stunned as she listened, then slowly nodded, agreeing to all the conditions without hesitation.

When she discovered that her best friend, Aunt Liza, was part of Paradise, her trust in them became absolute.

Soon after, Elena placed a delicate leaf-shaped mark on her hand—a sign granting her full access to the Northern Blacksoil sector, where she would assist Aunt Liza.

Shantel’s eyes welled with tears as she bowed slightly. "Thank you... thank you so much. I finally have a place I can call home."

Elena gave her a reassuring smile before standing up with Ethan. "Settle in. We’ll see you again soon."

Leaving the unit quietly, the couple entered the space, where a large blueprint awaited them on a long wooden table.

Uncle Anthony stood nearby, his hands resting proudly on the rolled-out paper.

"Niece," he said with a smile, "this is the most comprehensive blueprint we’ve ever made. Please, have a look."

Elena stepped closer, her eyes scanning the detailed design of what appeared to be an enormous ice plantation.

"I think the design looks perfect. Thank you for your hard work, Uncle."

Uncle Anthony’s chest swelled with pride as he nodded.

"You’re welcome, Niece. This is my job, and nothing makes me happier than helping you succeed."

Elena smiled warmly at his words.

Without wasting time, she teleported to the Eastern Lake Sector.

The moment she arrived, she opened the [Building] interface and then moved swiftly as she activated it.