Apocalyptic World: Surviving with my husband and my cute little babies-Chapter 213: Information organization

Later that afternoon, Oslo visited Elena and Ethan to discuss the newly established ’Paradise Homes’ for the children.

They had repurposed Aunt Joana’s old unit, setting it up with just beds to house kids who had either lost their guardians or had been abandoned near the Paradise Shop.

Of course, everything was done quietly to ensure that families who could still care for their children wouldn’t try to send them to Paradise Homes just for convenience.

Since most residents and customers rarely went upstairs and stayed near the Paradise Shop, it spared them the trouble of discovering its existence.

"So far, there are about thirty kids under eighteen lingering around the shop. They’re extremely malnourished, and there isn’t enough food to keep them going," Oslo reported.

"How did they survive this long?" Elena asked, amazed by their toughness and will to live.

"It’s because of the Paradise Shop. We’ve been giving free soup to the kids, so at least they have something warm in their stomachs."

Elena raised her brows—offering free soup had only been a spur-of-the-moment gesture to comfort customers waiting for their supplies.

But when she noticed kids hanging around, she decided to let them have some, too.

’With just soup, how could they survive?’ she wondered, though she didn’t dwell on it.

What mattered most was that they were surviving.

Oslo continued, "Out of the thirty kids, about three-quarters are ten years old or younger. Some are toddlers, even infants."

Elena stayed quiet and let her husband take over.

He had promised to handle this, sparing her from getting too emotionally involved.

"Alright, we’ll take them in and make sure they have enough to get by—but not too much," Ethan said.

"For those older than ten, let’s give them jobs at the Paradise Shop. They can help with packing or customer service."

"Got it, Chief," Oslo nodded, taking notes.

"For the younger ones, let them help take care of each other. Tell them we’ll check in every day. Anyone who breaks the rules will be disciplined. Also, open up the 26th floor—they can use it as their bathroom."

"Noted."

After that, they discussed the rules and the tasks the kids could help with inside the Paradise Shop.

"What are the government and military planning to do about the kids in other areas?" Ethan asked, thinking about those still scattered across different buildings.

He was curious about the path they would take—would they ignore the burden or take responsibility for the next generation?

"Don’t count on the government. You know they only act when there’s something in it for them," Oslo replied.

"As for the military, they’re still settling down around here. It’ll take time before they can do anything for the kids on their end."

"I see. Then that wraps up our discussion for now."

Oslo nodded in response. "Then I’ll head out now, Chief... Sister-in-law."

Without delay, Oslo went straight to the kids lingering around the Paradise Shop.

He approached the older ones and offered them jobs in exchange for food and shelter.

At first, they were cautious—especially those who understood more about their situation—but eventually, they agreed.

They no longer cared whether they lived or died, or what this man truly wanted from them.

The promise of food was too tempting to resist.

But the younger ones still felt uneasy, unsure if this man would really care for them. Their eyes held a quiet hopelessness.

"Master... what about the younger ones? Are you willing to take them too?" a fourteen-year-old boy asked.

He had become the group’s leader over the past few months, guiding them through this harsh, ruined world.

He had grown attached to the little ones.

The thought of leaving them behind weighed heavily on him—especially since his own parents had also abandoned him.

His eyes landed on a few toddlers, frail and clearly malnourished, probably too young to even understand what was happening.

He wanted to help them... but he was barely surviving himself.

"First of all, I’m not your master. Just call me ’boss.’ Our true master will appear when the time is right," Oslo replied, pausing for a moment as he noticed the boy’s nervous expression.

"We’ll take in the younger ones too—but only if all of you take good care of them."

The boy was stunned. He hadn’t expected this man to accept the younger children as well.

But soon, he composed himself. He knew that in this world, nothing came for free.

"Then, boss, what do you want from us?"

Oslo smirked. "Honestly, you should be thankful to our Mistress and Master. They’re the ones generous enough to save kids like you."

He carefully twisted his words, making the kids feel grateful toward Elena and Ethan.

"The price you’re talking about is simple: you will gather information from the customers and residents around this building—quietly. From the smallest news to the more serious stuff, write everything you hear each day."

"You want us to become spies?"

"Spies? That sounds too intense. Let’s call it being informants."

"Alright, please continue, boss."

Oslo chuckled. These kids, shaped by hardship, had become sharp, cautious, and quick to understand.

"Second: you’ll also be responsible for recruiting other lost kids like yourselves to join our organization."

"No problem with that," the boy replied.

The more people he could recruit, the more lives he might save.

But deep down, he stayed cautious—he wouldn’t just bring in anyone, afraid that a wrong choice might anger this man.

"Third," Oslo continued, "we have a partnership with the Paradise shop. So, you’ll be working for them."

He didn’t want the kids to know that he was actually part of the Paradise shop.

Instead, he made it sound like his group was strong enough to form a deal with them.

The boy was shocked once again.

This man was powerful—powerful enough to form ties with the Paradise shop.

But he couldn’t understand why they wanted to use kids instead of adults.

Then again, who cared about that?

After all, many people dreamed of working there, but the shop was difficult to approach.

The staff were mysterious, and not just anyone could win their favor.

If they really got to work inside, then no one would dare bully them again.

The boy looked at Oslo with wide eyes, full of awe.

"Amazed? As long as you stay loyal to us, we’ll make sure you never go hungry again. So, do we have a deal?"

"If what you said is true, then I, Keith, promise to follow your instructions without question."

"Good. Later, gather your friends and come to this unit quietly. This will be your home from now on."

"Thank you, boss," Keith said gratefully, about to kneel along with the others when Oslo raised a hand to stop him.

"No need for that. I’d rather you show your gratitude through actions."

And just like that, the foundation of Elena’s information-gathering organization was born.

Meanwhile, Elena and Ethan were choosing a location to store the supplies ordered by the military.

Most of the buildings had either been destroyed or frozen over, making it difficult to find a place strong enough to hold tons of supplies.

"Let’s choose the building near the supermarket," Ethan suggested, while offering her a piece of dried fruit. "That area’s still in good shape, and it’s close to us."

"Have you already checked around there?" she asked, chewing with enthusiasm.

Seeing her eat like a cute little hamster, Ethan chuckled and leaned in to kiss her lips, tasting both the dried fruit and her sweetness.

"What are you doing? Can you be serious for once?" she said, lightly scolding him.

"Alright," he grinned.

"Remember when we skated going to Building A? Along the way, I spotted an abandoned building nearby. No one lives around it."

Elena nodded, listening carefully.

This was an important transaction, especially with jade and antiques involved.

So, everything had to go smoothly.

"I had Xander check it out," Ethan added. "If it’s safe, we’ll use that building."

"Okay, let’s wait for his report," Elena said, popping the last piece of dried fruit into her mouth.

She then changed the subject.

"Let’s head to the Southern Inventory sector next to check the supplies. The military ordered a large batch, so I’ve decided to use some of the stock we hoarded before the disaster began."

Ethan agreed and added.

"Also, we need to check the aquatic section. Daniel said the fish ponds are getting too crowded. The aquatic livestock can’t move freely."

"Then I’ll set up more ponds later," Elena replied.

"Fish meat is selling well these days. Should we announce a special meat sale at the shop?"

"Good idea. Let’s launch the promo next month and offer a discount," Ethan agreed.

Since the fish stock was overflowing, lowering the price would encourage customers to buy more and help prevent excess from piling up.

With their plans in place, the two headed straight to the Southern Inventory sector, where they met with Butler Aki to discuss the supplies they needed.