Ludwig Company's prepaid rent was $$9500$ at December $31,2020,$ and $$13,500$ at December $31,2021.$ Ludwig reported rent expense of $$24,000$ on the $2021$ income statement. What amount would be reported in the statement of cash flows as rent paid using the direct method?

$$24,000.$

None of these answer choices are correct.

$$28,000.$

$$20,000.$