He Jun and Jiang Shan were sweating profusely in the monitoring room. Upon seeing me enter, they snapped to attention and saluted. I quickly returned the gesture and shook their hands. “Comrades, you’ve worked hard. If it can’t be fixed, forget it. After all, this isn't officially our responsibility; it’s their company’s equipment that's substandard.”

Sometimes I felt utterly helpless about these six ‘Super Warriors.’ Each of them was freakishly powerful, yet they leaned on me like children. There was no helping it; I possessed a substance within me that could temper their volatile emotions.

Jiang Shan said, “Yes, Team Leader. We checked all the instruments; everything appears normal. The issue is likely with the signal transmission lines, but we need the original construction schematics to trace the fault, and that’s tricky—it involves crawling into the ventilation ducts.”

I said, “In that case, don’t bother fixing it. Report to their company tomorrow and have them handle the inspection themselves.”

He Jun said, “Understood, Team Leader. We’ll go out on patrol now.”

Two heavy-duty flashlights remained on the desk; they grabbed them and headed out. Tonight, we had no spare high-intensity flashlights to lend out. We needed to see what that Wang Yongle might try next.

Being bored late at night and lying awake is agony, but falling asleep is bliss. Just as I was drifting off, a sudden knock echoed on the door. Who could it be? If it were Xia Huren and the others, they would just walk in. Could it be that woman from upstairs?

Groggy and unsteady, I went to open the door, only to find an old man! Where would an old man be coming from upstairs? He must be a ghost. I immediately lunged forward, grabbing his wrists. “Confess now! What wandering spirit are you, sneaking around here to frighten people!”

“It hurts, it hurts!” the old man pleaded for mercy. “I’m Zhang Tou, the night watchman here. The power suddenly went out, and I came to borrow a light.”

The night watchman, Zhang Tou? Impossible. We were the night watchmen; there couldn’t be anyone else on duty. So, I sternly demanded, “Stop lying to me! Besides us, who else is guarding this place? Tell me, are you being directed by someone with ulterior motives?”

The old man grimaced and pointed upstairs. “If you won’t lend me one, fine, I’ll leave! I’ve lived a long life, and this is the first time I’ve met such an ill-mannered young man.”

Could he be the watchman for the mall upstairs? The upstairs mall connects to the underground garage, and although that passage is locked at night, it wasn't impossible for him to have a key and slip in through the garage.

Never mind. Given his age, he was unlikely to be a malicious person, and I had seen his shadow under the light just now, so he couldn't be one of those legendary ghosts. Treating an elderly man this way felt rather dishonorable.

I released the old man. “Elder, please don’t take offense. Strange things have been happening here for the last couple of days. Have you noticed anything unusual over on your side?”

Zhang Tou said, “Unusual? No, just frequent power outages. When the power goes out, it’s pitch black, and you can’t see a thing. If I need to check the area at night, I have to find someone to borrow light from.”

I felt a bit apologetic. Although I didn't have a spare heavy-duty flashlight, the one I was using was still there. I casually grabbed it from the table near the door and handed it to the old man. “Take this. Remember to return it to us after daylight. Also, when you head back later, please make sure the garage door is locked securely. Don't let any outsiders slip in.”

Old Zhang Tou took the flashlight and walked away, muttering, “Good, good.”

Old Zhang Tou, bent over with age, shuffled away and disappeared around the corner into the twisting corridors. Watching his receding figure, a certain memory suddenly surfaced in my mind. What was it? I couldn't quite grasp it for a moment, and the discomfort made me break out in a cold sweat. I decided to stop thinking about it and go back to sleep.

My phone was right beside the pillow. Seeing the phone, a beam of light finally illuminated my mind. I was so agitated my legs felt weak. Trembling, I opened a photo saved on my phone—the one Da Ganliu was clutching in his hand just before he died. It was him! Identical to the man who had just borrowed the flashlight!

Ah! I let out a shout, scrambling out of bed and rushing out. Turning the corner of the hallway, I looked ahead. The corridor was silent and lifeless. Zhang Tou had vanished without a trace. Taozi, seeing my panic, followed me out.

“What’s wrong, Boss? You’re acting jumpy.” Taozi asked me.

“That old man just now was weird!”

“What old man?” Taozi asked.

My voice trembled. “The Zhang Tou who came to borrow a light. He was exactly the same person in the photo Da Ganliu held when he died. You were watching the stock market when he knocked, and I went to open the door. I lent him a heavy-duty flashlight. He claimed to be the night watchman from upstairs.”

Taozi’s cat face was full of innocence. “When did an old man show up? You weren't sleeping just now; you were moving around opening and closing doors, babbling nonsense. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

My expression immediately darkened. This was a far greater strangeness. Taozi claimed she hadn't seen Zhang Tou at all! It was as if I had been performing a one-man show.

Seeing my change in demeanor, Taozi knew I wasn't joking. The two of us shifted forms and rushed out, but we searched all three floors and found no sign of him. No matter how fast Zhang Tou was, if he was human, he couldn't possibly outpace me and Taozi!

I quickly called Xia Huren. “Tiger, anything unusual on your end?”

Xia Huren replied, “The power seems unstable. All three elevators are out of service. We’re heading down now via the east emergency stairs. How are things where you are?”

“Let’s talk when you get back,” I hung up. The situation was too complicated; I didn't even understand what was happening myself, so how could I explain it to Xia Huren over the phone?

Back in the monitoring room, I tried to recall everything carefully. I remembered confronting that old man before; the memory felt crystal clear and entirely real. It couldn’t have been an illusion, could it?

Yet, Taozi insisted that she was engrossed in watching the US market’s late-night session because the earlier acquisition attempt had cost her some US dollars, and she was trying to recoup the losses. Suddenly, I got out of bed by myself to open the door. Taozi hadn’t paid much attention then because the stock market action was intense. Later, when she looked up again, I was standing at the door, gesturing and mouthing words to myself. Then, I returned to bed and seemed to resume sleeping, only to jump up and rush out again a moment later with a loud yell. Fearing something was wrong, she quickly followed.

According to Taozi, the Zhang Tou who borrowed the flashlight never existed! Had I merely had a very vivid dream? This felt somewhat similar to what Xiao Chuchu experienced before. Could there be some abnormal entity here influencing everything?

Jingle-jingle, the duty phone rang, interrupting my train of thought. I snatched up the receiver. “Hello, this is the Yuejin Construction duty station.”

The voice on the other end was ice cold. “Send a flashlight up to me.”

Thud! The receiver slipped from my grasp. Another request for a flashlight! I was drenched in sweat!

Fear has nothing to do with one’s personal power; it’s an innate reaction, just like joy, anger, sorrow, and pleasure. I knew very few things in this world could genuinely harm me, yet the pit of my stomach was filled with growing dread concerning this act of borrowing a flashlight!

“Hello? Hello! Who is on duty today? The power system is irregular, and you aren't even checking it? I’m starting to doubt the competence of you Red Dragon Security Company employees.” The cold voice continued through the receiver.

Damn it. Although the voice was unfriendly, hearing it somehow settled my nerves because I knew she wasn't a ghost—she was the woman from upstairs.

Apparently, the power upstairs was faulty, and she needed a watchman to lend her a light. This flashlight had to be lent to her, because that woman was clearly influential. If I offended her, what if she refused to pay us tomorrow and had us fired?

I picked up the receiver, calmed my racing heart, and said, “I am an employee of Red Dragon Security. We are currently investigating the cause of the power system failure. We will send the flashlight up immediately. Please wait a moment.”

“Very well. I am in the General Manager’s Office on the 18th floor. Hurry up.”

What should I do? Everyone was coming to borrow a light. That previous flashlight… right! Where was my flashlight? If Zhang Tou was an illusion, then my flashlight should still be here!

Taozi had already perceived my thoughts. Our eyes both darted to where the flashlights had been placed on the desk. Unbelievable! The flashlight was there!

Now even Taozi was speechless. She thought I was sleepwalking—if so, where did the flashlight go?

We looked at each other, cold sweat breaking out. Finally, I spoke first. “This is truly bizarre. Call Tiger and have him send one up. Since this matter has sought us out, we won't rest until we figure it out.”

Taozi jumped onto my shoulder, clinging to my neck, trembling. “Right, we won't rest until we figure it out.”

Just as I was about to make the call, we heard the voices of Xia Huren and the five warriors. Since they were already coming down, I decided to take on the task of delivering the flashlight myself. Though frightened, I secretly hoped to see that woman again.

Xia Huren and the others entered the monitoring room. Seeing my ashen face, he asked, “Is everything alright, Old Qian?”

I sighed. “It’s a long story. I’ll explain when you get back. First, give me two flashlights. A manager upstairs needs one, and I’ll take it up to her.”

Xia Huren exclaimed, “There’s someone upstairs?”

I explained to him, “She probably entered through the garage when the surveillance system was down. She’s in her office with the door shut, so of course, we can’t see her.”

Xia Huren frowned. “I think we should start guarding the intersections separately starting tomorrow night. This place is definitely not right. The power system for several floors keeps flickering on and off. We just checked the distribution room carefully, and there were no faults.”

Jiang Shan picked up two flashlights. “Team Leader Brother, let me go up. The elevator is also out of order. Walking up ten-plus floors would be exhausting.”

Jiang Shan had no idea about my secret agenda. I took the flashlights. “I’ll go. Since you all have to walk up, I can just ‘fly’ up.”

I had no need to hide my abilities in front of them. With that, my form blurred as I entered supersonic speed. I soon stood before the door of the General Manager’s Office, while the brothers downstairs were still gasping in awe. “Big Brother is indeed Big Brother; truly formidable.”

Bang, bang, bang. I knocked three times. A female voice called out loudly from inside, “Who is it?”

“Security from downstairs, delivering the flashlight.”

The door opened, and in the dim, flickering light, a woman stood before me, clad in a loose-fitting dressing gown.

I handed her the flashlight. “If there is nothing else, I need to go back on patrol.”

The woman’s brow was deeply furrowed, and the mature, imposing expression on her face couldn't entirely mask a flicker of terror. Seeing that I was about to turn away, she suddenly spoke. “What is your name?”

“Zhao Qian. Zhao from Zhao Qian Sun Li, Qian from Zhao Qian Sun Li.”

“Heh heh,” the woman let out a rare laugh. “Come in and sit for a while. Wait until the power is restored before you leave. I’m quite frightened being alone here.”

I thought to myself, You invited the wolf into your own house; don’t blame me if something happens. The office was luxurious and distinctly feminine, perfectly matching her demeanor.

“Sit down. There’s a water dispenser over there; pour yourself a glass.” Apart from that single laugh, everything else the woman said sounded cold and distant.

I casually poured myself a glass of water. She sat in the lavish executive chair behind the desk, clutching one flashlight, while I sat on the sofa opposite, holding the other. Neither of us spoke at first. In truth, we both knew I was just there to provide moral support. Once the power returned, I would leave obediently. But what if the power didn't come back tonight? Would we sit facing each other until morning?

She thought I didn't know what was under that gown. I had done what I done, and I knew exactly what I had seen. As I sat there, my thoughts began to wander astray. Taozi hissed at my shoulder, “Boss, I give up on you. After experiencing a moment of terror, you immediately revert to your pervert mode.”

I said to Taozi, “Every man possesses the desire for beauty. Fear or no fear, are we going to become monks just because of what just happened?”

She noticed me looking at the cat on my shoulder and finally spoke. “Your cat is very cute.”

I almost shot back, Your snake is very cute too.

“Thank you for the compliment. I agree.”

Silence descended again. After a short, awkward pause, her phone rang.

“Dad, I’m at the company. I’m working late tonight, so I didn’t go home… What! Is Mom okay now? I’m going to the hospital right away!”

CRACK! A blinding flash of lightning outside, followed by a deafening thunderclap. It was raining. No wonder the weather had been so muggy these past few days; heaven had been holding it all in.

That clap of thunder startled the female manager. Unfortunately, unlike the little women at my home who would burrow into my arms at the sound of thunder, her voice trembled. “You’re Zhao Qian, right? Can you take me down to the underground garage? My mother had a sudden heart attack; I need to get to the hospital.”

I stood up. “You’re being too polite. I work for you now; escorting you down is part of the job.”

It seemed the manager was pleased with my response. She asked me to wait outside the office while she went into the suite to change. After some deliberation, I didn't try to peek; I had already seen her in detail earlier, so I decided against it.

When she reappeared, my eyes lit up. This woman was something else. She looked about the same age as Yi Xiaorou, possessing a completely different aura from Zhao Fen, Zhao Fang, or Fang Yanmeng. A perfectly tailored professional skirt suit accentuated her killer figure, making her absolutely eye-catching.

As we passed the elevator lobby, I hesitated briefly before leading the way toward the elevators. Xia Huren had said they weren't working, but if I made her walk all eighteen floors down, I feared her delicate body would need a doctor before we even reached the ground floor. Besides, her mother was in emergency care. I had to try; hopefully, the power had been restored to the elevators by now.

Elevator No. 2 stood with its doors wide open. She seemed uninterested in No. 2, walking over and pressing the button for the other one. No response. She tried Elevator No. 3 next; still nothing.

She looked hesitant but finally bit the bullet and stepped into Elevator No. 2. I followed right behind her—I certainly couldn't let her show more nerve than me. Her reluctance to enter No. 2 likely stemmed from rumors she’d heard. Since she dared to enter now, why shouldn't I?

Whether it was luck or bad luck, Elevator No. 2 was operational now. After pressing the button for the 1st floor, it began its descent.

Under the normal lighting inside the elevator, I secretly took a good look at her face. She was a mature and beautiful woman, her appearance matching any of the girls around me. Perhaps due to professional habit, she remained expressionless, giving off an aura that felt cold and unapproachable.

She stayed silent, and I kept quiet as well. The elevator smoothly passed through the floor indicators. Soon, we dropped below the 13th floor when—BAM!—the elevator suddenly stopped on the 11th floor! We exchanged a look, a deep fear gripping both our hearts. The buttons for the 11th floor had been removed; how could anyone be picking up a ride here?

We didn't have time to think. Whoosh! The automatic doors slid open on both sides.

“Ah!” she shrieked, diving behind me.

I was startled too. The door was only halfway open when a ghastly female specter, tongue lolling out, lunged toward us! Fear aside, Taozi and I were quick on our feet. I threw a punch, followed by a dull thump and a cloud of dust.

The elevator doors opened fully, and Taozi and I stared dumbfounded. It wasn't a tongue-lolling female ghost at all. Outside the elevator door was a solid wall, upon which was painted a colorful image of a female vampire facing us. The tension, coupled with the visual effect of the doors opening on either side making the painting seem to move, had caused us a false alarm.

As my heart settled, a new question arose: why did the elevator stop on the 11th floor, and who painted that hideous image to scare us?

“Are you alright?” I asked the woman hiding behind me.

She cautiously peered out. “I’m fine, I’m fine. My surname is Cheng.”

It seemed my performance had impressed her; she even told me her last name. Could I perhaps sweet-talk her into staying a couple more days?

“Manager Cheng, this building of yours is quite strange. I’ve encountered odd things every night since I arrived two days ago.”

Manager Cheng said, “I know. I’ve heard about what’s been happening here. Do you, Red Dragon Security, have the capability to resolve these issues? I’m willing to give you a raise and bonuses.”

I wasn't entirely confident about that. “We’ll do our best,” I said. As I spoke, the elevator doors automatically closed, and it began descending again.

One floor down, snap! The elevator stopped again, and the doors started to open automatically!

Manager Cheng seemed to have learned her lesson this time. Before the doors fully opened, she dodged behind me. I felt a surge of defiance. Who was pulling this prank? If it’s a person, I’m not afraid. If it’s a ghost, then bring it out so we can have a proper fight! I still didn’t know if a B-Class superhuman could defeat a ghost. This was the perfect chance to test it.

Filled with resolve and standing at full alert, I waited for the doors to open wide, only to feel a wave of disappointment. This time, there was no wall outside the door; it was a normal corridor, dimly lit by a single yellow light far in the distance, casting this area into shadow and coldness. We could see clearly—there was nothing in front of the elevator doors.

Manager Cheng’s face was bloodless, and she remained silent. I also couldn't find the right words to address this situation. We watched the elevator doors close automatically and continue their descent.

At the 9th floor, the elevator stopped again. When the doors opened, it was still an empty corridor. A few discarded plastic bags in the corner were fluttering as if moved by an unseen force, though there was no wind. A heavy rain must have been falling outside, making the air oppressive, yet both of our hearts grew colder.

It was the same on the 8th floor, and the 7th floor. Manager Cheng’s nerves were beginning to collapse. She hadn't believed in ghosts before, otherwise, why would she be sleeping in her office late at night? She had assumed the employees were just spreading baseless rumors. Although the mass resignation of the security guards later hinted that something unusual was afoot, most people rarely believed in ghosts and spirits unless they saw or experienced them firsthand. Now, she was undergoing that painful reality.

It wasn't just her; I too felt agitated and uneasy. What kind of drama was this? I desperately wanted to smash the elevator into pieces with a single punch!

The 4th floor arrived. Both of us had grown accustomed to the fear during the stops, and now, if the doors didn't open automatically, we’d find it strange. Fortunately, they opened right on schedule.

The atmosphere was too oppressive. I casually said to Manager Cheng, “Manager Cheng, your elevator needs another repair. Playing games like this will turn anyone into a nervous wreck eventually.”

Manager Cheng also felt that speaking might ease the tension in this moment. She replied, “Yes, tomorrow I’ll instruct the maintenance department to completely overhaul the building’s electrical system. If this continues, something is bound to happen…”

Her words suddenly caught in her throat, her eyes wide open, staring fixedly at the elevator control panel. I looked up. The overload indicator was flashing incessantly!

Excluding any mechanical failure, the total weight of us—two people and one cat—multiplied by three wouldn't even constitute overloading. Even though her figure was more voluptuous, our total weight definitely wouldn't exceed 55 kilograms.

Could there be something else inside the elevator? A 'lift ghost'? I’d never heard that ghosts have weight; otherwise, how could they fly?

Both of us, perhaps without meaning to, immediately thought of ghosts. Our eyes frantically scanned our surroundings, as if the air were suddenly crowded with descending passengers whom we, being pressed amongst them, couldn't see.

Taozi and I were both at a loss. In a situation like this, strength was useless. Fortunately, although the elevator paused for a slightly longer duration this time, the overload light soon went out. The doors automatically closed, and the descent resumed.

We felt a flicker of relief, but the elevator barely traveled a few seconds before it lurched and then stopped dead. The lights in the cabin began to flicker erratically again.

“What do we do?” she asked me, her tone showing a hint of negotiation, a stark contrast to her previously commanding voice.

“The power system probably failed again. Let’s climb out. We have no cell service here. We can’t wait until tomorrow for someone to rescue us, especially since you need to get to the hospital urgently.”

I opened the ventilation hatch on the elevator ceiling and sent Taozi up first to check the situation. It turned out we were stuck between the 4th and 3rd floors.

I squatted down to the ground and said to President Cheng, "Step on my shoulders, and I will lift you up."

President Cheng was hesitant, but she glanced at the elevator shaft, which was sealed like a can, and began to lift her foot to lean onto me. She was wearing a skirt that was a little shorter than her knees, which made moving around quite inconvenient; bracing herself against the elevator wall, she managed to shakily stand upon my shoulders.