Ethan Clark said, "We are actors. Those temp workers who died before were not actors. They wouldn't go around searching, and even knowing there were ghosts in the building, they still recklessly stepped into the pitch-black stairwell. But in the end, without exception, they all died. This means the ghost is outside the stairwell and can move freely."

　　Owen Grant was confused: "Then why did they lock the stairwell?"

　　Ethan Clark suddenly looked toward where the female boss's office was, deep in thought: "Tell me, why would a boss put her office on the noisy first floor? What is she... afraid of? What is she subconsciously avoiding?"

　　Ethan Clark compared the first floor to the other floors and suddenly had an answer.

　　—"The elevator."

　　Ethan Clark said calmly, "She's avoiding the elevator. With her office on the first floor, she doesn't have to use the elevator. So she's forcing us to take the elevator. With the stairwell locked, we have no choice but to use the elevator."

　　Owen Grant suddenly saw the light, a chill running down his spine.

　　Just as Ethan Clark finished speaking, his phone screen lit up.

　　[Plot exploration +3.]

　　Owen Grant couldn't see the phone screen light up.

　　Ethan Clark smiled, pushed up his glasses, and looked at the lock on the stairwell door, saying, "Now I can be sure there's nothing in the stairwell."

　　Owen Grant listened blankly.

　　Time was running out. Ethan Clark made a quick decision: "I'm going out to buy something, and I'll get someone to come unlock the door. Since they've set working hours, it should be safe when it's not work time. Wait here for me."

　　Caleb Turner was definitely busy searching the building right now and wouldn't make a move on Owen Grant while he was gone.

　　Just as Ethan Clark was about to leave, Owen Grant grabbed him, and with a nervous gulp, asked an important question: "Mr. Clark, you're going out to buy things—do you... have any money?"

　　Ethan Clark patted himself down, his face stiffening.

　　He had no cash on him, and his phone was completely taken over by the horror movie actor app, so he couldn't use any payment apps.

　　Outside the horror movie:

　　[Hahahahaha, I was just admiring how clever he was a second ago, and now this]

　　[So cute]

　　[Who carries cash these days? Those newbies definitely don't have any money either, and the secretary and the female boss have both left, so where's he going to get money? The plan must be ruined, right?]

　　[Idealism is beautiful, but reality is harsh]

　　[He went to the bathroom to tidy up, looks like he really gave up, huh]

　　[He went to the female boss's office]

　　[Huh, he still walked out and hailed a cab without changing his expression]

　　[Damn, doesn't he have no money? This is interesting!]

　　[Why did he hide his phone?]

　　[Holy crap!!!]

　　On screen, when the taxi driver finished the meter and was ready to collect the fare, Ethan Clark patted his pockets and suddenly looked a bit embarrassed: "Sir, I didn't bring my phone."

　　The taxi driver looked at him suspiciously, but seeing his neat and refined appearance, his elegant and proper demeanor, and the watch on his wrist worth a month or two of the driver's salary, he didn't seem like someone who would scam him. He probably really forgot, so the driver was a bit at a loss.

　　Ethan Clark spoke at the right moment: "I really have something urgent right now. I work right where I got in your cab. How about you come by tomorrow afternoon, and I'll pay you triple?"

　　Ethan Clark took a business card from his pocket and handed it over: "This is my boss's card. If you're still worried, I can write you an IOU."

　　[Damn!! I remember the female boss said she'd come back every afternoon to check. He can just borrow from her then!!]

　　[So scheming ahhhh]

　　After writing the IOU, the driver was immediately reassured: "Alright, you can get out now."

　　Ethan Clark waved at him with a smile.

　　[You can do that?!]

　　[Look at that face!]

　　A while later.

　　[Omg, the supermarket girl was even easier to convince. He's a scammer, a scammer!]

　　[It's not like he won't pay it back, he'll just pay tomorrow]

　　A bit later.

　　[The hardware store uncle seemed suspicious, so he just handed over his watch as collateral]

　　Finally.

　　[The locksmith followed him without a word]

　　[No more words, I'm following him]

Chapter 5: The Vengeful Spirit in Red (4)

　　Just a couple of hours ago, the sun was still setting, but now, thanks to the time manipulation, it was completely dark outside.

　　Near 10 p.m., Owen Grant stood anxiously at the entrance of the office building, waiting for Ethan Clark to return.

　　He didn't know what Ethan Clark went to buy, but it was taking so long.

　　In the heavy moonlight, Logan Clark walked expressionlessly, graceful and at ease, his aura cold, aloof, and lazy, making him look just like a handsome, noble vampire in the night.

　　—If you ignored the fact that both his hands were loaded with shopping bags of all sizes.

　　Passersby stared in shock.

　　"Is he out shopping with his girlfriend??"

　　"He's so handsome and strong, and doesn't complain at all. I want a boyfriend like that too!"

　　They couldn't help but look behind Logan Clark: "Huh, no girlfriend, it's just him..."

　　...

　　From a distance, Logan Clark saw Owen Grant and thought, "Little Ethan, we're here, your turn."

　　Ethan Clark played along perfectly: "Best boyfriend ever!"

　　Because of the time manipulation, Ethan Clark couldn't get a cab back as he wished, so he had to call on Logan Clark to be his tractor.

　　Logan Clark was helpless: "You..."

　　His coldness shattered, leaving only doting affection in his tone.