Si Yehan pondered the question briefly, then put it out of his mind. It wasn't important to him.
If he really wanted to know, he could conduct an experiment back in the real world or, given the chance, observe a ghost killing someone in an instance.
Without supernatural powers, however, even if he could touch a ghost, he wouldn't be able to do anything. He wouldn't even be able to struggle.
Cutting off the endless stream of thoughts in his head, Si Yehan raised his eyes and saw the four of them deep in thought.
Si Yehan finished the water in his cup and tossed the disposable cup into the trash. He stood and said, "I'm leaving first. If you want to think it over, you can stay here and discuss it among yourselves."
The four exchanged a few simple pleasantries with him before becoming absorbed in their discussion.
The weather was pleasant, and all was calm, but Si Yehan didn't linger to admire the scenery. He didn't return to his room either. He had slept long enough the previous night, and sleeping any more would only become boring.
The second-floor restaurant, the engine room, and the cargo hold were the only places on the cruise ship he hadn't visited yet. With that thought, Si Yehan headed straight for the second floor.
He pushed open the door to the second-floor restaurant and found a long corridor before him. A hint of amusement spread through his dark eyes. Enormous mirrors floated along both sides of the corridor.
Clearly, those four had put a great deal of thought into designing the ship. It was an excellent place for an experiment.
Si Yehan walked down the corridor. A scarlet carpet stretched ahead, and each step produced a crisp sound, even amplifying his footsteps.
At night, with no light anywhere, this place could greatly heighten a prey's fear.
As he thought this, not a trace of emotion surfaced in Si Yehan's eyes. He now had some clues about the ship's past mentioned in the other letters, though it wasn't important to him.
Only after passing through the corridor did he fully enter the restaurant.
It was extremely spacious, with dozens of food pickup counters and marble floors. The names and images of the dishes scrolled continuously across the screens above.
No one stood at any of the pickup counters. A line of text scrolled across the small screen beside each one: automated ordering; the kitchen staff would deliver the food to the pickup counter.
Si Yehan glanced at the dazzling array of dishes and drinks, but felt little interest. He didn't place much importance on satisfying his appetite, and since he had eaten a little that morning, he naturally wasn't hungry now.
In previous years, when his physical training was particularly intense, he had eaten quite a lot each day and needed a great deal of meat.
Now, he no longer needed nearly as much.
Si Yehan saw tables arranged throughout the restaurant. It was very similar to his middle school cafeteria, the only differences being that these tables were made of better materials and disposable tableware was laid out at every seat.
Having learned that there was a place here he could use, Si Yehan didn't look around any further. He made a point of checking the restaurant's hours: seven in the morning to eight at night. Anyone wanting a late-night meal only had to inform the service staff.
In that case, he could make sure that whoever he lured into the Mirror Corridor wouldn't be able to hide in the restaurant.
After all, even running at full speed, a person would need several dozen more seconds to cover the distance between them.
So who should he lure in here?
Si Yehan first ruled out Chen Zhongshou and Wang Yuxiu. He needed the former to test another killing rule, and his circumstances were extremely suitable. The latter was quite clever; if he tricked her into coming here alone, she might draw further inferences and work out the true killing rule.
As for Jin Zhiguang, he could be used to test the killing rule involving lustful thoughts. The powerful people had deliberately arranged for service staff to wear short skirts, which was presumably connected to this.
Cheng Zhuiyu, on the other hand, was extremely suitable. She was fat and unnimble, making her all too suitable for this corridor.
The only remaining problem was how to lure her into this corridor of mirrors.
She wasn't stupid; Si Yehan had seen that during their conversation earlier. Perhaps he could tempt her with the restaurant's food. For her to have grown so fat, she had to be a glutton, and she was certainly lazy as well.
After a little thought, Si Yehan had already planned out the circumstances of Cheng Zhuiyu's death: first trick her into the corridor, then lock the door from the outside.
As for whether closing one's eyes while looking in a mirror would work, he presumed it wouldn't. Judging by the Weird Game's style, standing in front of a mirror counted as looking into it.
Even if it did work and Cheng Zhuiyu survived, Si Yehan would personally send her on her way, and force some details out of her before she died.
As for whether she told the truth or lied, Si Yehan had his methods for that too.
With that thought, Si Yehan walked out of the mirror corridor and went straight to the deck outside the first-floor entertainment hall.
The sunlight was bright, but not harsh or dazzling.
He didn't spend long there before finding a security guard on duty. The man had regular features, though he was somewhat short, and his eyes were extremely sharp.
Si Yehan needed only one look to recognize him as the man who had stood behind Yan Jingxing yesterday, pointing a shotgun at him.
In a cool voice, Si Yehan said, "Show me the way. I'm going to the cargo hold."
The moment the security guard saw Si Yehan, his eyes flickered sharply. He seemed somewhat afraid, with a hint of admiration as well. "Sir, it's you. Ordinary passengers certainly aren't allowed in, but you're Manager Yan's honored guest, so of course you may go. I'll take you there right away. My name is Yang Rui. I'm happy to be of service."
The guard was exceptionally obsequious. With him leading the way, Si Yehan entered the cargo hold without trouble.
Two armed security guards stood watch outside the hatch.
Yang Rui went up and said, "This gentleman is Manager Yan's honored guest. He's here to buy goods."
The two guards looked at Si Yehan with added respect and apprehension, then stepped aside and opened the cargo hold's door.
Despite the distance, Si Yehan heard them clearly. He was rather interested in the goods behind the hatch.
What exactly were they smuggling?
The moment the door opened, the sound of crying reached them. Men's and women's voices mingled, along with the cries of infants still in swaddling clothes.
Yang Rui led the way and explained, "Sir, the cargo hold contains guns and ammunition, even special drugs, as well as some human resources. There are handsome men and beautiful women, and children specifically sold to wealthy people who can't have children. Have a look and see what you'd like to buy."
Si Yehan stepped into the cargo hold and saw narrow iron cages stacked together, as well as a "small mountain" concealed beneath black cloth at the back.
When they saw someone arrive, fearful gazes turned toward them from the cages, along with two resentful ones. A voice cursed, "You rich, heartless beasts."
They were a good-looking pair of siblings, an older sister and younger brother, dressed in rags. Their eyes were full of resentment, and their brows showed nothing but defiance.
Yang Rui was immediately displeased. He picked up two rags and went over to gag the siblings, then looked at Si Yehan apologetically. "Sir, these two used to be children of a wealthy family, but their parents were too kind and offended Manager Su, so they were dealt with. These two were kept to be sold to wealthy people with special tastes."
Si Yehan looked at the stacked iron cages and the helpless people inside, somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected there to be so much prey on this ship. There would be plenty to slaughter.
In a little while, he could take a few head of goods to slaughter and kill Yang Rui along the way.