Mike replied, "About these... When that woman opened the door at noon, my pinhole camera captured all three of you. Though the footage was a bit blurry, I've already gotten a general look and was mentally prepared."

"As for the smell you mentioned?"

"Well, it is a bit stinky, but it's nothing compared to what I've smelled before."

"Back in the U.S., I worked on a case involving a serial killer who stored all his victims in a basement, pickling them in giant vats. It was summer, and the basement was stuffy and hot. The stench of rotting corpses was a hundred times worse than this place."

Xiao Peng's eyes lit up upon hearing this. "A serial killer? You've handled cases like that?!"

Mike nodded while continuing to pick the locks.

During their days trapped here, Xiao Q, Xiao Peng, and Ke Bei, having found no way to escape and with nothing else to do, had resorted to pure conversation as their only entertainment. Most of their discussions revolved around Ke Bei's detective career, as the profession carried an air of mystery.

Xiao Peng had previously watched *Detective Conan* and assumed Ke Bei's detective life would be similar, given how alike their names were. However, after hearing Ke Bei recount his actual experiences, he realized he had been overestimating things.

Private detectives in China? The police would never let them near real cases, much less give them opportunities to solve crimes. Their work mostly involved investigating affairs, tracking cheating spouses, or conducting corporate surveillance. These were the kinds of jobs Ke Bei usually took.

Forget serial killers—he hadn’t even handled ordinary criminal cases. Well, unless you counted catching petty thieves or recovering stolen goods.

Just like that, the glamorous, mysterious image of detectives shattered in Xiao Peng’s mind. And it wasn’t just him—Xiao Q’s illusions were crushed too. As a criminology student, he had consumed countless detective novels, movies, and TV shows, all of which painted detectives as brilliant sleuths taking on thrilling cases.

Reality, however…

Yet Mike’s brief description reignited their idealized image of detectives. Even Ke Bei’s eyes sparkled with interest.

"Does working as a detective in the U.S. mean you get to handle serious cases like that often?" Ke Bei asked eagerly.

Mike shrugged. "It’s hit or miss. I’ve dealt with plenty, sure, but I’ve also taken on the usual divorce cases, corporate espionage, and wealthy family dramas."

By then, Mike had completely removed the three shackles binding Xiao Q.

Once freed, Xiao Q felt an overwhelming sense of relief. He stood up, stretched his limbs, and after a moment, began jumping around the living room in sheer exhilaration.

Xiao Peng and Ke Bei watched enviously.

Next, Mike worked on Xiao Peng’s restraints. About ten minutes later, both Xiao Peng and Ke Bei were freed as well. They mimicked Xiao Q’s actions, stretching their stiff limbs after being shackled for so long.

Once they had loosened up, the three picked up their long-unworn pants from the floor and pulled them on. As for underwear?

Well… all three pairs were stained yellow with filth. Best to leave those behind.

"Now that you’re free, what’s the plan?" Mike asked.

Xiao Peng answered first, "I’m going home! I never want to step foot in this hellhole again!"

He was genuinely terrified, never wanting to relive imprisonment.

Xiao Q nodded. "Same. I’m heading home too."

He had initially signed a contract requiring him to stay in the apartment for seven days. Though he wasn’t sure exactly how long he’d been here, it had definitely exceeded that timeframe. That meant he wouldn’t have to worry about breaching the agreement or paying any penalties for leaving early.

After speaking, Xiao Q glanced at Ke Bei, whose unkempt beard now rivaled Zhang Fei’s legendary scruff.

Unlike them, Ke Bei had entered the Alice Apartment purely out of curiosity after signing the contract. His purpose wasn’t revenge—it was to find traces of his missing father.

So far, he had found nothing.

Whether Ke Bei would willingly leave the Alice Apartment remained uncertain.

Understanding Xiao Q’s unspoken question, Ke Bei said, "I’ll leave for now too. I need time to recover—physically and mentally. Even if I’m searching for my dad, it’ll have to wait."

Xiao Q exhaled in relief. He had feared Ke Bei would insist on staying, despite the danger.

"By the way, Mike, what about you?" Xiao Q turned to their rescuer. He had asked about their plans—but what were his?

"I’m staying. I still have unfinished business here," Mike replied.

"Since all three of you plan to leave, are you going now or staying overnight? It’s almost 1 AM."

The response was immediate and unanimous: "We’re leaving NOW. No staying!"

Their time as Su Mi’s captives had left deep psychological scars.

"Alright, let’s go."

Mike led the way, with the three men following. Though they had stretched their limbs after being freed, their movements were still stiff and awkward from prolonged confinement. It would take time to readjust.

The four opened the door, stepped out of Room 1001, and closed it behind them. The sound triggered the voice-activated lights in the 10th-floor hallway, instantly illuminating the previously dark corridor.

They walked toward the elevator, which was still parked on the 10th floor.

It seemed no one had used it since Mike arrived. Understandable, given the late hour.

Mike pressed the button to summon the elevator down.

Behind him, the three chatted about their plans—first, a thorough shower, making sure to scrub every inch clean, especially… certain areas.

Just as they were fantasizing about their post-escape routines, the elevator doors slid open with a soft chime, its interior lights spilling into the hallway.

But Mike didn’t step inside.

Puzzled, the three stopped talking and craned their necks to see why.

What they saw would haunt them forever.

No wonder Mike hadn’t moved.

Because standing inside the elevator was someone they recognized—someone they both feared and despised.

Su Mi.

She was alone in the elevator.

Against four of them, even without Mike’s help, the three could have easily overpowered her.

But the way Su Mi was dressed tonight was unlike anything they had seen before.