Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu is offered a high-paying job by an international company.
• He meets Wang Qingya at a barbecue restaurant, and they share a meal together.
• Wang Qingya mentions strange occurrences at her company, including several suicides.
• Chen Yu senses an unusual flickering in Wang Qingya's time torch but can't pinpoint the cause.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu: He remains calm and composed, even when faced with unexpected situations. He shows kindness by paying for Wang Qingya's meal and inviting her to treat him next time. He also expresses concern for her safety.
• Wang Qingya: She appears to be a confident and extroverted woman, but she reveals her exhaustion and frustration with her current life circumstances. She is intrigued by Chen Yu's mysterious aura.

Significant Themes

• The theme of the unknown and mysterious is present, as Chen Yu's Anomaly abilities remain hidden, and Wang Qingya mentions strange occurrences at her company.
• The theme of the passage of time is subtly introduced through the flickering of Wang Qingya's time torch.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu and Wang Qingya share a meal and engage in conversation, with Wang Qingya trying to probe Chen Yu's secrets. Despite his calm demeanor, Chen Yu shows genuine concern for Wang Qingya's well-being.
• Chen Yu interacts with Grandpa Li, a fellow resident in his complex, showing politeness and respect towards the elderly.

Plot Points and Events

• The protagonist and friends explore an abandoned psychiatric hospital at night for thrill-seeking.
• They discover a locked room on the fourth floor with a warning sign, "NO ENTRY."
• They forcefully enter the room, and the protagonist starts recording.
• The video shows a dark room, and then a blood-red eye appears on the screen.

Character Developments

• The protagonist, initially brave and adventurous, starts feeling scared and has a premonition of danger.
• He tries to stop his friends but is mocked for being a coward.
• His fear deepens as they prepare to enter the locked room.

Significant Themes

• The thrill of adventure and the fear of the unknown.
• The tension between curiosity and self-preservation.
• The consequences of ignoring warnings and disregarding intuition.

Character Interactions

• The protagonist's friends mock and disregard his fear, pressuring him to continue the exploration.
• The group dynamic is one of peer pressure and disregard for potential danger.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu discovers the Ghost Controller Forum and purchases the Ghost Shaking Bell.
• He travels to the Imperial Capital to collect the item.
• On the high-speed train, he encounters an Anomaly Controller, Kazuko, who is using her power to steal souls and create Ghost Slaves.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his exceptional strength and calm demeanor in the face of danger.
• Kazuko's true nature is revealed, showcasing her malicious intent and power.

Significant Themes

• The struggle between Ghost Controllers and Anomaly Controllers.
• The consequences of using power recklessly, as seen in Kazuko's ritual.
• The contrast between Chen Yu's responsible use of power and Kazuko's malicious intent.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu interacts with Kazuko indirectly through the livestream, leading to his decision to intervene.
• Kazuko's interaction with the streamer highlights her dual nature and the dangerous power she wields.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu arrives at Imperial Capital Station and is greeted by his personal assistant, Qin Shuyu.
• He goes to Warehouse No. 1 of the Special Affairs Department, where he encounters a suppression system that affects his ghosts.
• Inside the warehouse, he accidentally destroys the suppression system and absorbs the power of the Ghost Talismans, gaining three Eerie Seals.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his power and calm demeanor, impressing Qin Shuyu.
• Qin Shuyu is assigned to persuade Chen Yu to join the Special Affairs Department but finds him uninterested.

Significant Themes

• The power struggle between Chen Yu and the Ghost Controller Forum is evident as he unintentionally disrupts their suppression system.
• The theme of suppression and control over anomalies is explored through the warehouse's suppression system and Chen Yu's absorption of the Ghost Talismans' power.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu and Qin Shuyu meet for the first time, with Qin Shuyu being impressed by Chen Yu's calm and powerful demeanor.
• Chen Yu's interaction with the warehouse's suppression system highlights his disregard for the Ghost Controller Forum's rules and methods.

Summary of "Handprints on the Door" Chapter

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu enters Warehouse No. 1 to retrieve the Ghost Shaking Bell.
• He discovers that the Ghost Talismans suppressing the anomalies have been destroyed.
• He encounters the Anomaly Emperor Bell, which kills him with a single chime, but he's revived by the Time Ghoul.
• Chen Yu uses the Time Ghoul to suppress the Anomaly Emperor Bell and retrieves it.
• Afterward, he leaves the warehouse with Qin Shuyu, and the place is soon cordoned off by the government.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his ability to control multiple anomalies and his resilience against their attacks.
• Qin Shuyu shows concern for Chen Yu's safety and understands the seriousness of the situation in Warehouse No. 1.

Significant Themes

• The power and danger of anomalies are further emphasized.
• Chen Yu's unique ability to control anomalies and his growing confidence in his powers are highlighted.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu and Qin Shuyu work together to retrieve the Ghost Shaking Bell.
• Chen Yu keeps his newfound Anomaly Emperor Bell a secret from Qin Shuyu.
• The government, represented by Zhao Tiejun and other Anomaly Controllers, arrives at Warehouse No. 1 to investigate the situation.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Tiejun discovers a terrifying existence's handprint on an anomaly gate in Warehouse No. 1, which silenced all the anomalies inside.
• He enters the warehouse and encounters the anomalies in a state of dormancy, suspecting it might be connected to Chen Yu.
• Chen Yu receives a briefcase containing materials for the ritual to worship the Anomaly God from a Ghost Controller, including an anomalous skin, a ceramic jar, an Anomaly Brush, incense sticks, and a manual.

Character Developments

• Zhao Tiejun shows concern for his team's safety and is willing to face danger alone.
• Chen Yu demonstrates interest in the anomalous skin and its potential dangers.
• The Ghost Controller shows professionalism and detachment, warning Chen Yu about the risks of the ritual.

Significant Themes

• Risk and Consequence: The ritual carries risks, and the characters are aware of the potential dangers involved. They must weigh the benefits against the costs.
• Anomaly Power and Control: The characters' abilities to control and manipulate anomalies are crucial to their roles and the story's progression.
• Trust and Teamwork: Zhao Tiejun's concern for his team and the Ghost Controller's professionalism highlight the importance of trust and teamwork in facing anomalies.

Character Interactions

• Zhao Tiejun and the Ghost Controller (Lu Ziyang) show a professional and respectful relationship, with Lu Ziyang double-checking Zhao Tiejun's safety after he exits Warehouse No. 1.
• Chen Yu and the Ghost Controller (young man) have a brief interaction, with the Ghost Controller warning Chen Yu about the ritual's risks and the anomalous skin's potential dangers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu obtains a ritual kit for worshipping an Anomaly God from the Imperial Capital.
• He returns to Qingshan City and plans to use the ritual to control an S-class Anomaly.
• On the Ghost Controller Forum, he finds several S-class Anomaly bounties, including Yingchun City's Turnaround Street, Haibin City's Ghost Ship, and South Xinjiang's Ghost Gu.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his calm and calculated approach to Anomaly control, planning to use the ritual for maximum gain.
• Qin Shuyu shows concern for Chen Yu's well-being and invites him to visit the Imperial Capital, but he declines.

Significant Themes

• The theme of ambition and contentment is explored through Chen Yu's decision to stay in Qingshan City rather than pursue development in the Imperial Capital.
• The power dynamics between humans and Anomalies are highlighted, with Anomalies posing significant threats and humans seeking to control them.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu interacts with Qin Shuyu, who tries to convince him to stay in the Imperial Capital but ultimately respects his decision to return home.
• Chen Yu's interactions with the Ghost Controller Forum hint at a larger community of Anomaly controllers and the dangers they face.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu decides to target the Ghost Ship anomaly after evaluating the bounties.
• Wang Qingya, a woman Chen Yu knows, is targeted by an Anomaly, causing her to commit suicide by jumping off a building.
• Chen Yu revives Wang Qingya using his Time Ghoul's power but senses an Anomaly's aura on her.
• A woman in a black dress, an Anomaly Controller, jumps off the building and escapes Chen Yu's Time Ghost Domain.
• Chen Yu encounters Chen Liguo and Cheng Shu, an Anomaly wielder, at the scene of the suicide.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu: He gains new Anomaly powers (Ghost Seal, Anomaly Emperor Bell, Worshiping the Ghost God) and strengthens his physique. He also decides to target the Ghost Ship anomaly.
• Wang Qingya: She quits her job and is targeted by an Anomaly, causing her to attempt suicide. Chen Yu revives her, but she remains unaware of the incident.
• Chen Liguo: He appears more tired and anxious due to handling many cases. He senses that Cheng Shu is hiding something but cannot intervene due to Cheng Shu's authority.
• Cheng Shu: He is an Anomaly wielder with superhuman perception. He senses Chen Yu's presence but keeps it a secret from Chen Liguo.

Significant Themes

• The increasing presence and influence of Anomalies and Anomaly wielders in the world.
• The power dynamics between ordinary people and Anomaly wielders.
• The consequences of Anomalies on human life and society.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu interacts with Wang Qingya, reviving her after she attempts suicide.
• Chen Yu encounters Chen Liguo and Cheng Shu at the suicide scene, with Cheng Shu sensing Chen Yu's presence but keeping it a secret.
• Chen Liguo and Cheng Shu interact, with Chen Liguo sensing that Cheng Shu is hiding something but unable to intervene due to Cheng Shu's authority.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu uses the Anomaly Emperor Bell to amplify his Ghost Seal, creating a powerful chilling aura that decimates nearby plants and trees.
• He travels to Binhai City, where a Ghost Ship is due to appear, and sets up a ritual using the Curse Skin, Anomaly Brush, Anomaly Ink, and Sacrificial Ghost Incense.
• The Ghost Ship emerges from the sea, and Chen Yu successfully boards it through his ritual.
• He encounters Ghost Slaves, Anomalies controlled by the Ghost Ship, which he suppresses using the Anomaly Emperor Bell.
• Chen Yu reaches the ship's wheel, grasps it, and is pulled into a terrifying, anomalous realm where he feels the Ghost Ship's power and struggles against the sea's pressure.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu adapts to the surge of power in his body and learns to use the Anomaly Emperor Bell effectively.
• He demonstrates increased control over his Anomaly power and Ghost Seals.
• Chen Yu's determination and composure are evident as he faces the Ghost Slaves and the terrifying sea.

Significant Themes

• The power of Anomalies and their control over other entities.
• The struggle against overwhelming odds and the ability to adapt and overcome.
• The consequences of choosing the wrong path, as seen in the Ghost Ship's history.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu interacts with Qin Shuyu, his personal assistant, who arranges his entry into the cordoned-off area.
• He encounters and suppresses Ghost Slaves, demonstrating his authority over them.
• Chen Yu's consciousness merges with the figures controlling the Ghost Ship in the anomalous realm, experiencing their struggle together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• The time ghost realm erupts, causing the ghost ship to be attacked by skeletal waves.
• Chen Yu, the ship's captain, struggles to control the ship but suffers heavy injuries.
• The sea and sky crack, revealing a terrifying skeleton, which is then destroyed by an invisible force.
• The ghost ship lands on the shore, causing alarm among the authorities.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his resilience and determination in controlling the ghost ship, despite severe injuries.
• Chen Yu's left eye manifests the form of a time ghost, indicating his growing power.
• Song Weiguo, the Special Affairs Department head, shows concern and strategic thinking in response to the ghost ship's landing.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against overwhelming odds and the determination to overcome them.
• The power of anomalies and the threat they pose to humanity.
• The consequences of provoking powerful anomalies, as seen in the ghost ship's landing.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu's interaction with the ghost ship, as he becomes one with it and gains control.
• Chen Yu's communication with Qin Shuyu, his liaison, regarding the cursed skin from the "Guide to Worshipping the Abyssal God."
• Song Weiguo's interaction with his secretary, Xiao Tang, discussing the ghost ship's disappearance and its potential threat.

In "Scheming in the Shadows," Chen Yu receives a message from Qin Shuyu, while Chu Shimiao struggles with her inner turmoil and the influence of the anomaly within her. Meanwhile, a group of Anomaly Users, led by Gao Shengtài, discuss their next move regarding Chen Yu, with the higher-ups offering ancient Ghost Controller relics as compensation for capturing him. Chen Yu, meanwhile, continues his daily routine and communicates with the Ghost Controller Forum, agreeing to cooperate with the Archaeology Bureau on an expedition in exchange for a primal Curse Skin. He then pilots the Other Shore Ghost Ship, experiencing a sense of excitement and control over the Anomaly.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu explores the Ghost Ship, encountering Ghost Slaves and a secret room.
• He discovers a captain's cabin with a lantern containing an Anomaly Flame.
• The captain's voyage log reveals his determination to reach the legendary Shore.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his resilience and determination, facing and overcoming the terrifying power of the Anomaly Flame.
• The captain of the Ghost Ship is portrayed as resolute and confident, willing to risk everything to reach the Shore.

Significant Themes

• The theme of exploration and discovery is emphasized as Chen Yu delves into the secrets of the Ghost Ship.
• The power of determination and resilience is highlighted through both Chen Yu and the captain's voyage log.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu interacts with the Ghost Slaves, using his Time Ghost Domain to suppress them.
• He also interacts with the Anomaly Flame, integrating it into his body temperature.

Summary of Chapter 93: The Final Piece

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu discovers the captain's log, which reveals the ship's history and the previous captain's encounters with anomalies.
• An anomaly, seemingly the previous captain, attacks Chen Yu, but he defends himself using his Time Ghost Domain and Ghost Hand Seal.
• Chen Yu obtains the captain's coat, which allows him to fully control the Other Shore Ghost Ship and repair its damage.
• The sea chart reveals dangerous areas with high-level anomalies and Great Sea Disasters, and Chen Yu realizes he's not yet strong enough to explore them.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his growth in power, successfully activating his Time Ghost Domain and Ghost Hand Seal multiple times.
• Chen Yu shows caution and strategic thinking, considering the risks of exploring dangerous areas.

Significant Themes

• The theme of power and control is emphasized as Chen Yu gains full control over the ship and learns about the dangers lurking in the eerie sea.
• The theme of exploration and discovery is present as Chen Yu studies the sea chart and realizes the extent of the unknown and dangerous areas.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu interacts with the anomaly of the previous captain, which attacks him, leading to a confrontation and eventual resolution.
• Chen Yu's anomalies within him react to the sea chart, hinting at their connections to the areas depicted.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu explores the Other Shore and finds it dangerous, deciding to return.
• Chu Ling'er sends a rabbit-headed monster to scout Chen Yu's location, which he easily defeats.
• A Ghost Controller, Sun Jie, approaches Chen Yu but is intimidated and leaves.
• Gao Shengtài, Sun Jie's superior, threatens Sun Jie to continue the mission, using his grandmother's health as leverage.
• Chu Ling'er sends a bear plush toy to Chen Yu's home, intending to deliver a message.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his power and cold demeanor, intimidating Sun Jie and showing no mercy to the rabbit-headed monster.
• Sun Jie shows fear and hesitation when facing Chen Yu, revealing his lack of resolve and courage.
• Gao Shengtài shows his manipulative side, using Sun Jie's grandmother to pressure him into continuing the mission.
• Chu Ling'er shows resourcefulness and determination, using a puppet to scout Chen Yu's location and then trying to deliver a message herself.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and intimidation: Chen Yu's power and cold demeanor intimidate Sun Jie, while Gao Shengtài uses his position and leverage to control Sun Jie.
• Manipulation and coercion: Gao Shengtài manipulates Sun Jie by threatening his grandmother's health, highlighting the dark side of the organization he represents.
• Resourcefulness and determination: Chu Ling'er shows determination in trying to deliver a message to Chen Yu, using a puppet to scout his location and then trying to approach him herself.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu and Sun Jie: Chen Yu intimidates Sun Jie, who is sent to communicate with him, leading to Sun Jie's retreat.
• Gao Shengtài and Sun Jie: Gao Shengtài manipulates Sun Jie by threatening his grandmother's health, pressuring him to continue the mission.
• Chen Yu and Chu Ling'er: Although they don't interact directly, Chu Ling'er sends a puppet to Chen Yu's location, and he responds by suppressing it and trying to attack her through the medium.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chu Ling'er, a Pioneer squad member, infiltrates Chen Yu's residence to capture him.
• Chen Yu uses his Broken Sword to restrain Chu Ling'er and her puppet doll.
• He interrogates her about the Pioneer organization, their motives, and the other squad members' abilities.
• Chen Yu's Ghost Mist Anomaly subdues the other Pioneer squad members, extracting their controlled Anomalies.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu: Displayed his ruthless and cold nature, contrasting with his previous kind and gentle image.
• Chu Ling'er: Showed fear and desperation, but also revealed her cunning side by trying to negotiate with Chen Yu.

Significant Themes

• The power dynamics between Anomaly Controllers and their controlled Anomalies.
• The ruthlessness and desperation of those pursuing Chen Yu.
• The contrast between Chen Yu's public image and his true nature.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu and Chu Ling'er: A tense interrogation, with Chu Ling'er trying to negotiate a deal while Chen Yu remains indifferent and threatening.
• Chen Yu and the Pioneer squad: Chen Yu's Ghost Mist Anomaly overpowers the Pioneer squad members, extracting their controlled Anomalies.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu uses the Ghost Mist to suppress and plunder anomalies from five Anomaly Controllers in less than three minutes.
• He finds a toy box filled with dolls made from living people, which he burns, releasing trapped souls.
• The toy box transforms into a toy megaphone when Chen Yu uses it on the Ghost Speaker anomaly.
• Chen Yu tests the megaphone on a doll controlled by Chu Ling'er, causing it to explode.
• He contacts Qin Shuyu about the Pioneer organization and asks her to clean up the remaining Anomaly Controllers.
• Chen Yu discovers a Nuò Ancestor Mask among the transformed anomalies, which can summon an anomaly god.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his overwhelming power, suppressing five Anomaly Controllers with ease.
• Chu Ling'er decides to leave Qingshan City after witnessing Chen Yu's terrifying power.
• Qin Shuyu realizes Chen Yu's strength and decides to clean up the remaining Anomaly Controllers.

Significant Themes

• The power of anomalies and their ability to erode humans.
• The theme of entrapment and control, as Chen Yu plans to use the Nuò Ancestor Mask to summon and absorb an anomaly god.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu and Chu Ling'er: Chen Yu terrifies Chu Ling'er with his power, causing her to leave Qingshan City.
• Chen Yu and Qin Shuyu: They communicate about the Pioneer organization and the cleanup of remaining Anomaly Controllers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu dons the Nuò Ancestor Mask, which bonds with him and summons an Anomaly God.
• The Anomaly God possesses Chen Yu, transforming him into a powerful, flame-wreathed being.
• Chen Yu absorbs the Anomaly God's power, causing the mask to fall off after an hour.
• The Nuò Ancestor Mask changes, displaying a third eye and a twisted character.
• Chen Yu learns he can summon the Anomaly God at will using the "Flame" Ghost Seal.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu: Absorbs the Anomaly God's power, gains control over the Nuò Ancestor Mask, and becomes more powerful.
• Anomaly God: Possesses Chen Yu, tries to take over his body, but is completely absorbed and controlled by Chen Yu.

Significant Themes

• Power and Control: Chen Yu's absorption of the Anomaly God's power and his control over the Nuò Ancestor Mask highlight the theme of power and control.
• Transformation: Chen Yu's physical transformation into a flame-wreathed being emphasizes the theme of transformation.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu interacts with the Anomaly God, which tries to possess him but is ultimately absorbed and controlled.
• The Pioneers discuss their failed recruitment plan for Chen Yu and decide to find his weakness to control him.

Summary

Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu leaves the gym and witnesses an old man, Grandpa Li, collapsing with strange symptoms.
• Grandpa Li dies suddenly, his body rapidly decaying, suggesting an Anomaly attack.
• Chen Liguo, a police officer, investigates but is warned off by Cheng Shu, an Anomaly Controller.
• Chen Liguo is attacked by the Anomaly of the Ghost Footprint but is saved by Chen Yu.
• Chen Liguo becomes an Anomaly Controller and sees the true face of the Anomaly Era.
• Chen Yu, also an Anomaly Controller, enters a Crevice to confront a familiar Anomaly, Chi.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu: Shows concern for Grandpa Li, displays knowledge of Anomalies, and enters a Crevice to confront Chi.
• Chen Liguo: Becomes an Anomaly Controller after being attacked by the Ghost Footprint Anomaly.
• Cheng Shu: Warns Chen Liguo about the dangers of Anomaly cases.

Significant Themes

• The hidden, terrifying world of Anomalies.
• The powerlessness of ordinary people against Anomalies.
• The consequences of becoming an Anomaly Controller.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu and Grandpa Li: Chen Yu shows concern for Grandpa Li but arrives too late to save him.
• Chen Liguo and Cheng Shu: Cheng Shu warns Chen Liguo about the dangers of Anomaly cases.
• Chen Yu and Chi: Chen Yu enters a Crevice to confront Chi, a familiar Anomaly.

Summary

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu discovers the captain's coat can wield the power of the Other Shore Ghost Ship, temporarily suppressing the darkness.
• An Anomaly Flame within Chen Yu is stimulated by the darkness, revealing a terrifying Stitched Anomaly.
• The Stitched Anomaly, which fears light, is composed of stitched Anomalies: Ghost Hands, Foot-Stepping Anomaly, and a Ghost Eye.
• Chen Yu uses the Broken Sword to weaken the Stitched Anomaly, but it can self-repair.
• Chen Yu plans to use the Ghost Hand Seal and the Anomaly Emperor Bell to connect with the Ghost Hands and control them.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates adaptability and strategic thinking in dealing with the Stitched Anomaly.
• The Anomaly Flame within Chen Yu shows responsiveness to the darkness, hinting at potential future developments.

Significant Themes

• The struggle against overwhelming odds and finding unique solutions.
• The interconnectedness and interdependence of Anomalies, reflecting in the Stitched Anomaly's composition.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu's interaction with the Stitched Anomaly is primarily a battle of wits and strategy, with Chen Yu trying to outmaneuver the Anomaly.
• Chen Yu's internal struggle with the Anomaly Flame hints at a potential internal conflict or growth.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Chen Yu enters a crevice and encounters an Amalgamation Anomaly, which he identifies as the "stitched" anomaly.
• He completes a ritual to worship an Anomaly God, which allows him to temporarily control the Anomaly Hands.
• Chen Yu defeats the "stitched" anomaly, absorbing its power and merging its parts to create boots.
• The crevice collapses, and Chen Yu escapes with the Shore.

Character Developments

• Chen Yu demonstrates his power and control over anomalies, growing stronger after absorbing the "stitched" anomaly's power.
• Ouyang Meng experiences a vivid dream about Chen Yu's encounter with the "stitched" anomaly, hinting at a spiritual connection between them.

Significant Themes

• The exploration of anomalies and their power dynamics.
• The blurring line between reality and dreams, suggesting a spiritual connection between Ouyang Meng and Chen Yu.

Character Interactions

• Chen Yu interacts with the "stitched" anomaly, ultimately defeating it and absorbing its power.
• Ouyang Meng's dream serves as a connection to Chen Yu's actions, although they are unaware of each other's existence.