Apocalypse Queen: My Space, My Rules Chapter 13: A Favor

Praised like that, Serena broke into a bright, innocent smile.

A police officer walked over and asked, "Ms. Townsend, why were you carrying a nail gun and a combat knife?"

Mariella remained completely calm. "My house is being renovated, so I bought the nail gun as a backup. As for the combat knife, I carry it for self-defense. The day before yesterday, I was attacked by a mastiff in the neighborhood. If it hadn't been for a kind person stepping in to help, I might have died in that dog's jaws. If you don't believe me, you can ask this officer."

She pointed to Donald, who had responded to the incident two days ago.

He spoke up for her, "I was the responding officer that day. Someone deliberately released a mastiff to attack her and was carrying a switchblade and a handgun. It was attempted murder, and she acted in self-defense."

After going through something that dangerous, it made perfect sense for Mariella to carry some protective tools.

Another officer nodded and said to her, "Ms. Townsend, you risked your life to save the kindergarten children. That qualifies as an act of bravery. Once the case is finalized, the government will award you a bravery bonus."

Mariella waved her hand, treating her merit with modesty. "That won't be necessary. I just did what I was supposed to do. If you must issue a bonus, please donate it to people who need it more."

The principal led the teachers in applause. The children clapped as well, and the surrounding residents joined in.

Just like that, Mariella became the heroic woman famous throughout Celestine Ridge.

...

To express his gratitude, Matthew specially invited Mariella to lunch.

After thinking it over, she agreed.

The three of them went to an upscale restaurant, and Matthew asked Mariella to order.

She ordered grilled steak, cheese omelet rolls, shrimp sandwich rolls, mixed vegetables, and a cup of Blue Mountain coffee.

She wanted to act a little more reserved, but after living through the apocalypse, she found it hard to control herself whenever she saw delicious food.

Matthew and Serena also placed their orders. He ordered a latte and got his daughter a freshly squeezed orange juice.

"Ms. Townsend, thank you so much for saving Serena." Matthew expressed his gratitude once again and added sincerely, "If there's ever anything you need help with, just say the word. I'll do everything I can."

Mariella smiled faintly. "What a coincidence. I do need a favor, Dr. Lester."

Matthew paused for a moment, then answered frankly, "Of course. Please go ahead."

"You've been practicing medicine for many years. You must know plenty of pharmaceutical reps. Could you help me obtain a batch of medications?" Mariella seized the opportunity without hesitation.

Matthew had originally been a surgeon at a state-owned hospital, but later Harvey had recruited him to be a private doctor.

Mariella and Matthew both worked for Harvey, so they were somewhat acquainted.

Matthew had lost his wife and raised his daughter alone, often bringing Serena with him.

Sometimes, Mariella would help take care of the child. Over time, Serena became close to her.

In her previous life, Serena had been killed by criminals at the kindergarten on this very day. Matthew had been devastated, and his hair turned gray overnight.

In the fourth year of the apocalypse, he refused to remove Mariella's kidney for transplantation to Roxanna. Because of that, Harvey retaliated, expelled him from the base, and he was killed by rioters.

Mariella owed him a favor, and she also genuinely liked Serena, so she stepped in to save her today.

Originally, she hadn't planned to ask for anything in return, but Matthew's connection was too valuable to waste.

She would share some of the medical supplies she stocked with him later.

As a doctor, he would definitely need those life-saving resources during the apocalypse.

Matthew nodded and agreed. "No problem."

Mariella immediately pulled a thick notebook from her bag and handed it to him. "Here's the list of medical equipment and medications I need. Please prepare the quantities listed at the back."

He flipped through several pages, stunned by the dense list of medical devices and the wide variety of medicines and vaccines.

There was not only a complete set of surgical instruments, but even oxygen generators, shadowless surgical lamps, stethoscopes, blood pressure monitors, and glucose meters. There were also all kinds of disposable medical supplies, routine examination, and treatment equipment.

The variety of medications and vaccines was even more astonishing. Especially the different types of condoms—she wanted 20 boxes of them.

He looked up, his gaze toward Mariella completely changed. "Are you... planning to open a private hospital?"

Mariella smiled calmly and fabricated another imaginary friend. "A friend of mine plans to open a private clinic and asked me to help acquire a batch of standard medical equipment, medications, and vaccines."

After a pause, she asked, "There's nothing illegal on the list, right?"

Matthew steadied himself and reviewed the list carefully before answering, "No, there isn't."

"Would you be willing to help, Dr. Lester?" Mariella pressed while the moment was right.

After receiving his confirmation, she immediately transferred five million dollars into his account as a deposit. She would pay the remaining balance once he confirmed the total cost of all the medications.

"My friend is in a hurry," she added. "I appreciate your help in getting this done as quickly as possible."