Chapter Summaries

Key Plot Points and Events

• Manager Wang visits Su Ze, intending to recruit him but is turned down.
• Su Ze learns that Manager Wang's nephew is the young man who caused the commotion in the garage.
• Su Ze and Chen Keqing discuss Awakened abilities, with Su Ze planning to guide Chen Keqing later.
• Su Ze discovers a potential threat, Li Zaihua, who is casing the building with ill intentions.
• Su Ze confronts Li Zaihua, learns about his accomplice, and uses his Domain Ability to force Li Zaihua to kill his accomplice.
• Later, Su Ze notices Qin Yushi experiencing a Nightmare Trial.

Character Developments

• Su Ze demonstrates his power and decisiveness in dealing with threats.
• Manager Wang shows concern for the community's safety and well-being.
• Chen Keqing expresses interest in becoming powerful but also shows fear of danger.
• Li Zaihua, a criminal, is manipulated by Su Ze and later eliminates his accomplice.
• Qin Yushi begins her Nightmare Trial, showing signs of distress.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and the struggle for survival in the apocalypse.
• The importance of trust and community in a crisis.
• The dangers posed by unscrupulous individuals taking advantage of the chaos.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Manager Wang have a cordial but firm conversation about recruitment.
• Su Ze and Chen Keqing discuss Awakened abilities, with Su Ze showing patience and understanding.
• Su Ze confronts Li Zaihua, demonstrating his power and control over the situation.
• Li Zaihua manipulates his accomplice, showing his cunning and ruthlessness.
• Su Ze observes Qin Yushi from afar, showing interest in her progress.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze observes Qin Yushi undergoing a Nightmare Trial in her basement.
• A new Contained Object, a Coffee Machine, appears near Qin Yushi's house.
• In the community, a baby is born, and residents try to unite for support.

Character Developments

• Su Ze: He learns from observing Qin Yushi's Nightmare Trial to better protect Chen Keqing in the future. He also discovers the location of the second Contained Object.
• Qin Yushi: She experiences a mutation or evolution, gaining enhanced physical strength. She decides to take risks to escape her basement due to starvation and the increasing danger outside.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptation in the apocalypse.
• The psychological toll of the disaster on survivors.
• The importance of unity and support among survivors.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze observes Qin Yushi without her knowledge.
• Qin Yushi thinks about Su Ze, hoping for his help, although they haven't interacted directly yet.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Yushi wakes up from a dream about Su Ze and decides to escape the basement.
• She plans to eat first to replenish energy, then find an escape route.
• She hears beasts gathering outside and seizes the opportunity to leave the basement.
• On the roof, she sees a figure that might be Su Ze in the opposite courtyard.

Character Developments

• Qin Yushi shows determination and decisiveness in her plan to escape.
• She acknowledges her Awakened abilities and uses them to climb onto the roof.
• She remains calm and analytical even in dire circumstances.

Significant Themes

• Survival and adaptability in the face of disaster.
• The influence of Awakened abilities on individuals and their perception of reality.
• The importance of energy and sustenance for survival.

Character Interactions

• Qin Yushi's thoughts about Su Ze reveal her curiosity and admiration for him.
• Qin Yushi's actions show her independence and self-reliance, as she doesn't rely on others for her escape plan.
• Su Ze's appearance in the opposite courtyard hints at a potential interaction or connection with Qin Yushi.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze, an Awakened, lured away nearby beasts to create a temporary safe zone.
• He's been experimenting with a coffee machine that can produce any drink from reality, testing its limits.
• Two survivors from the basement of the same villa emerge, seeking to escape the contamination zone.

Character Developments

• Su Ze: Shows strategic thinking and calmness under pressure, manipulating the survivors' situation to his advantage.
• Li Zaihua: Unknowingly under Su Ze's control, continues to experiment with the coffee machine.
• The Survivors: Gaunt, fearful, and desperate to escape, they're cautious but willing to trust Su Ze's plan.

Significant Themes

• Manipulation and Control: Su Ze manipulates the situation and the survivors to his benefit, while controlling Li Zaihua.
• Survival and Desperation: The survivors' desperation to escape the contamination zone is a driving force in their actions.
• Resourcefulness: Su Ze's ability to adapt and use resources at hand (like the coffee machine) to his advantage.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and the Survivors: Su Ze presents himself as a helpful ally, offering a plan to escape, but his true intentions are unclear.
• Su Ze and Li Zaihua: Li Zaihua is completely unaware of Su Ze's control, treating him as a normal person while they work together.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze, a survivor, plans an escape route from the Contamination Zone, involving a decoy to distract monsters.
• Two survivors, a man and a woman, agree to Su Ze's plan, with Li Zaihua, Su Ze's colleague, acting as the decoy.
• The man and woman successfully escape in a car, but the woman is killed by a tiger that attacks the vehicle.
• The man's car eventually loses control and rolls over, leaving him unconscious.

Character Developments

• Su Ze: Shows strategic thinking and leadership in planning the escape, but his true intentions remain unclear.
• Li Zaihua: Displays bravery and selflessness by volunteering to be the decoy.
• The Man: Initially cooperative, but prioritizes his own survival over others, leading to the woman's death.
• The Woman: Nervous and inexperienced, she struggles to handle the situation and ultimately becomes a victim.

Significant Themes

• Survival of the Fittest: The man's actions highlight the harsh reality of the apocalypse, where self-preservation often trumps morality.
• Trust and Betrayal: The man's betrayal of the plan raises questions about trust among survivors.
• Consequences of Actions: The man's decision to prioritize his own safety leads to tragic consequences for the woman.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Li Zaihua: Their prearranged signals and cooperation suggest a strong bond and shared understanding.
• The Man and The Woman: Their interaction shows a lack of communication and coordination, leading to the woman's death.
• The Man and Qin Yushi: Their brief encounter hints at potential future interactions or conflicts.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Li Zaihua, the investigator, is killed and devoured by beasts outside the villa.
• Qin Yushi, initially planning to escape, changes her mind after hearing screams and decides to investigate.
• She discovers a scene of a person being devoured by beasts, which she believes might be Su Ze.

Character Developments

• Su Ze remains indifferent to Li Zaihua's fate, viewing him as a disposable tool.
• Qin Yushi struggles with her expectations of Su Ze and her desire to escape, ultimately deciding to investigate the screams.

Significant Themes

• The harsh reality of survival in the Contamination Zone, where humans are vulnerable to beasts and each other.
• Qin Yushi's expectations and disappointment in Su Ze, highlighting her need for hope and guidance in this chaotic world.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze observes Qin Yushi's actions from a distance, intrigued by her decisions.
• Qin Yushi, despite her fear and desire to escape, can't shake off her curiosity and concern about Su Ze, leading her to investigate the screams.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Qin Yushi finds Su Ze alive and well, despite believing he had died.
• Su Ze makes coffee using an electrical appliance despite the power outage, raising Qin Yushi's curiosity.
• Qin Yushi asks Su Ze why he's there, and he teases her about knowing too much leading to faster death.
• Qin Yushi decides she wants to know the truth despite the risks.

Character Developments

• Qin Yushi shows her courage and determination by deciding to know the truth, even if it's dangerous.
• Su Ze reveals more of his mysterious nature and his ability to think deeply about the Apocalypse's rules.

Significant Themes

• The theme of curiosity and the consequences of knowing too much is explored.
• The special nature of Su Ze's abilities and his potential superiority over other Awakened is hinted at.

Character Interactions

• Qin Yushi and Su Ze's dynamic shifts as they interact more openly, with Qin Yushi showing more of her personality and Su Ze revealing more of his thoughts.
• Su Ze teases Qin Yushi, showing a playful side, while Qin Yushi stands up for herself, showing her resilience.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze reveals he knows the couple who left the villa, identifying the man as Tao Chu and the woman as Lin (whose full name he doesn't know).
• Su Ze uses the villa's coffee machine to extract blood from Tao Chu's heart, killing him.
• Tao Chu dies suddenly in the Contamination Zone, unaware of what caused his death.

Character Developments

• Qin Yushi: Becomes more accepting of the apocalypse's horrors and shows curiosity about Su Ze's abilities.
• Su Ze: Exhibits his power and knowledge of Contained Objects, showing he's undertaking a dangerous investigation.

Significant Themes

• The horrors of the apocalypse and the acceptance of its reality.
• The power dynamics between humans in the post-apocalyptic world.
• The allure of potential rewards for undertaking dangerous tasks.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Qin Yushi: They interact more openly, with Qin Yushi showing interest in helping Su Ze, and Su Ze teasing her about her role in his plans.
• Su Ze and Tao Chu (off-screen): Su Ze's actions indirectly cause Tao Chu's death, demonstrating his power and ruthlessness.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze finishes preparing the containment items and decides to send Qin Yushi to the Safe Zone.
• Qin Yushi asks to take a bath before leaving, and Su Ze agrees.
• On their way to the car, they encounter beasts, which Su Ze easily dispatches using his purification ability.
• Su Ze takes Qin Yushi to his car, planning to drive her to the Safe Zone.
• Su Ze reveals he has destroyed the Coffee Machine, though he hasn't.
• Su Ze stops at Qin Yushi's home and propositions her, saying she can join him if she pleases him.

Character Developments

• Qin Yushi maintains her composure despite her anxiety and fear, showing resilience and adaptability.
• Su Ze displays his power and confidence, toying with Qin Yushi and enjoying his dominance.
• Qin Yushi's desire to survive and join Su Ze's group grows, leading her to consider his proposition.

Significant Themes

• Power dynamics and manipulation, as seen in Su Ze's treatment of Qin Yushi.
• Survival and adaptability in the face of the Apocalypse.
• The consequences of one's actions, as Qin Yushi faces the repercussions of her earlier teasing of Su Ze.

Character Interactions

• Qin Yushi and Su Ze's dynamic shifts from initial hostility to a tense, manipulative relationship.
• Su Ze's interaction with Qin Yushi is marked by sarcasm, dominance, and provocation.
• Qin Yushi, despite her initial confidence, becomes more cautious and calculating in her interactions with Su Ze.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze and Qin Yushi drive to the school safe zone, but Su Ze stops the car before entering to avoid suspicion about his abilities.
• They walk the rest of the way, with Su Ze leading and Qin Yushi following, her foot injured.
• Su Ze teases Qin Yushi, lifting her leg into a split, causing her to complain about her butt "splitting in two."
• They enter the school safe zone (SC-38) and go their separate ways.
• Su Ze meets his roommates, Wang Zixin and Sun Bin, and gives them gifts. He plans to share some secrets with them.

Character Developments

• Qin Yushi shows her playful and teasing side, trying to provoke Su Ze.
• Su Ze demonstrates his playful and dominant side, teasing Qin Yushi and showing off his strength.
• Wang Zixin is grateful for the cigarettes and considers trading them for other supplies.
• Sun Bin is sincere and appreciative of the gifts Su Ze brought back.

Significant Themes

• Trust and secrets: Su Ze plans to share secrets with his roommates, showing trust in them.
• Power dynamics: Su Ze's strength and control over Qin Yushi highlight the power dynamics between them.
• Resourcefulness: Su Ze's ability to find supplies and gifts for his friends shows his resourcefulness in the apocalypse.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Qin Yushi: They continue to tease and challenge each other, with Su Ze maintaining control over the situation.
• Su Ze and his roommates: They reunite warmly, with Su Ze sharing gifts and planning to share secrets, showing a strong bond between them.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze shares information about Awakened individuals with his roommates, advising them not to rush into Awakening.
• Qin Yushi meets Su Ze's roommates and walks him partway back, discussing the deteriorating school atmosphere.
• An argument outside the school escalates, revealing an Awakened individual and marking a step forward in the apocalypse's progression.
• The next day, Chen Keqing struggles with melting ice for water, and Su Ze offers to help.

Character Developments

• Su Ze maintains his Awakened identity but keeps his true abilities secret.
• Qin Yushi shows concern for Su Ze's safety and expresses her desire to please him.
• Chen Keqing takes on household chores, showing responsibility and resourcefulness.

Significant Themes

• The impact of the apocalypse on societal norms and morality (as seen in the incident on the sports field).
• The growing awareness and acceptance of Awakened individuals.
• The importance of preparation and information in facing the apocalypse.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze shares information with his roommates, showing concern for their safety.
• Qin Yushi and Su Ze maintain their playful, teasing dynamic.
• Chen Keqing and Su Ze show affection and concern for each other, with Chen Keqing taking on more responsibilities.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze visits YC-14 Safe Zone daily to maintain morale and monitor progress.
• A text message from the authorities informs survivors that rescue isn't imminent, causing chaos and despair in the Safe Zone.
• After a day of disorder, the Awakened restore order, but promiscuity and pleasure-seeking increase among survivors.

Character Developments

• Su Ze remains calm and composed amidst the chaos, contemplating the right timing to assert his control within the Safe Zone.
• Chen Keqing initially worries about the situation but learns to trust Su Ze's capabilities.
• Tan Xuanyuan, a female streamer, offers herself to Su Ze, revealing the growing moral decay among survivors.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for survival and the loss of hope in rescue.
• The decay of moral values and increase in immoral behavior in the face of despair.
• The power dynamics within the Safe Zone and Su Ze's strategic planning to maintain control.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Chen Keqing grow closer as they face the chaos together, with Chen Keqing learning to trust Su Ze's judgment.
• Su Ze interacts with various women who approach him, revealing his high standards and disinterest in casual encounters.
• Tan Xuanyuan approaches Su Ze, offering herself and representing the growing moral decay among survivors.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Tan Xuanyuan visits Su Ze, offering to serve him, but he declines.
• Chen Keqing, who was hiding, isn't jealous and jokes about the situation.
• Su Ze reveals he met Qin Yushi and brought her to Su University.
• Deng Xiang, an Awakened and the Security Team's Dark Knight, patrols the Safe Zone. He discovers a woman being restrained by two men in the logistics station.

Character Developments

• Su Ze maintains his high standards for potential partners.
• Chen Keqing shows maturity and understanding, not feeling threatened by Tan Xuanyuan.
• Deng Xiang demonstrates responsibility and diligence in his security duties.

Significant Themes

• The changing dynamics of relationships in the apocalypse.
• The importance of maintaining order and security in the Safe Zone.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Chen Keqing's playful and open relationship.
• Deng Xiang's discovery of a potential crime scene, hinting at the darker side of human nature in the apocalypse.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Deng Xiang interrupts a rape in progress and tries to save the victim, Tan Xuanyuan.
• Zhao Wenhui, the rapist, frames Deng Xiang for the crime.
• A crowd gathers, and Deng Xiang is falsely accused and attacked.
• Manager Wang and his family try to defend Deng Xiang, but the situation escalates.

Character Developments

• Deng Xiang: Starts as a hero trying to save a woman but ends up falsely accused and overwhelmed by the situation.
• Zhao Wenhui: Initially portrayed as a fitness coach maintaining order, but later revealed to be a rapist who frames Deng Xiang.
• Tan Xuanyuan: The victim who initially cries for help but later falsely accuses Deng Xiang.
• Manager Wang: Stands up for his nephew but is cornered by Zhao Wenhui's accusations.

Significant Themes

• False accusations and their consequences.
• The mob mentality and how it can be influenced by powerful individuals.
• The struggle of the weak against the strong in a post-apocalyptic society.

Character Interactions

• Deng Xiang vs. Zhao Wenhui: A physical confrontation between the two, with Zhao Wenhui gaining the upper hand due to the false accusation.
• Deng Xiang vs. Tan Xuanyuan: Tan Xuanyuan's false accusation leads to Deng Xiang's distress and eventual loss of control.
• Manager Wang vs. Zhao Wenhui: Manager Wang tries to defend his nephew but is verbally cornered by Zhao Wenhui.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Zhao Wenhui, a fitness coach, severely injures Deng Xiang, a high school student Awakened, after a fight.
• Manager Wang and her husband intervene, preventing Zhao Wenhui from killing Deng Xiang.
• Su Ze and Chen Keqing discuss the injustice against Deng Xiang and Liuzi.
• Su Ze learns that Tan Xuanyuan helped frame Deng Xiang due to coercion and temptation.
• Su Ze discovers a new Awakened who provides information about the Nightmare Trial's destination.
• Zhao Wenhui is appointed to manage supplies in SC-35, becoming a hero and gaining power.
• Deng Xiang's condition worsens unexpectedly.

Character Developments

• Zhao Wenhui: Becomes more powerful and influential in SC-35, showing ruthlessness in his actions.
• Deng Xiang: Suffers severe injuries and becomes a victim of injustice, with his condition deteriorating.
• Su Ze: Continues to manipulate events from behind the scenes, seeking opportunities to make a move in SC-35.
• Chen Keqing: Becomes more aware of the darker side of human nature.

Significant Themes

• Injustice and corruption of power
• The darker side of human nature
• The struggle for survival and resources in the apocalypse

Character Interactions

• Zhao Wenhui vs. Deng Xiang: A fight between two Awakened, showcasing Zhao Wenhui's combat experience and ruthlessness.
• Su Ze and Chen Keqing: Discuss the injustices against Deng Xiang and Liuzi, highlighting their growing awareness of the world's corruption.
• Manager Wang and her husband: Intervene to save Deng Xiang, showing their loyalty to him despite the circumstances.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze finds Deng Xiang's frozen body in a Contamination Zone, indicating suicide.
• Su Ze discovers Deng Xiang's death was due to despair from being falsely accused and unappreciated.
• Su Ze records a conversation where Tan Xuanyuan and Zhao Wenhui discuss their crimes, including Deng Xiang's murder.
• Su Ze plans to show the video to Manager Wang (Deng Xiang's aunt) to clear Deng Xiang's name.

Character Developments

• Su Ze: Shows empathy and determination to help Deng Xiang posthumously. He uses his abilities to gather evidence and plans to intervene.
• Deng Xiang: Though deceased, his character is revealed through Su Ze's investigation. He was a kind person who helped others but was driven to suicide due to false accusations and lack of support.
• Tan Xuanyuan & Zhao Wenhui: Revealed as criminals who exploit and harm others, including Deng Xiang and an unnamed woman.

Significant Themes

• Injustice and its Consequences: Deng Xiang's suicide is a result of being falsely accused and not believed, highlighting the theme of injustice and its severe consequences.
• The Struggle for Truth and Justice: Su Ze's investigation and planned intervention emphasize the struggle to expose the truth and bring justice to light.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Chen Keqing: Chen Keqing supports Su Ze's decision to intervene, showing trust in his abilities and commitment to justice.
• Tan Xuanyuan and Zhao Wenhui: Their interaction reveals their criminal nature and lack of remorse for their actions, including Deng Xiang's murder.
• Manager Wang (Wang Yan) and Deng Xiang's Uncle: They discover the truth about Deng Xiang's death and decide to seek justice for him, despite the risks involved.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Wang Yan sets up a projector in the courtyard to play a video revealing the truth about her nephew's death and Deng Xiang's innocence.
• The video causes an uproar, and people gather to watch, leading to Zhao Wenhui's return and subsequent confession.
• Zhao Wenhui kills two elderly men and tries to disperse the crowd, but Su Ze intervenes, killing Zhao Wenhui and his accomplices with an invisible blade.
• The courtyard falls silent, and onlookers are terrified of Su Ze's power.

Character Developments

• Wang Yan: Stands up for justice by revealing the truth, showing courage and determination.
• Zhao Wenhui: Desperate and cornered, he resorts to violence and admits to his crimes, ultimately leading to his death.
• Su Ze: Reveals his power as an Awakened, striking fear into the hearts of those around him.

Significant Themes

• Truth and Justice: Wang Yan's actions highlight the importance of revealing the truth and seeking justice, even in difficult circumstances.
• Power and Fear: Su Ze's display of power instills fear in those around him, demonstrating the influence and control that power can hold.
• Consequences of Actions: Zhao Wenhui's violent response to being cornered leads to his downfall, showing the consequences of one's actions.

Character Interactions

• Wang Yan and Su Ze: They interact briefly, with Su Ze acknowledging Wang Yan's efforts in seeking justice for her nephew.
• Zhao Wenhui and the Crowd: Zhao Wenhui's aggressive behavior towards the crowd leads to their fear and retreat.
• Su Ze and Zhao Wenhui's Accomplices: Su Ze's intervention results in the death of Zhao Wenhui and his accomplices, instilling fear in the remaining onlookers.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze learns about scientific research on Awakened individuals, which he finds unlikely to yield significant results.
• Principal Gao expresses concern about the increasing number of Awakened and potential conflicts in YC-14 Safe Zone.
• Su Ze attends a security team meeting, asserting his authority and intention to maintain order using violence.
• Chen Keqing learns about Tan Xuanyuan's death and Su Ze's previous conversation about becoming an Awakened.

Character Developments

• Su Ze demonstrates his leadership and indifference to management, preferring to maintain order through his strength.
• Chen Keqing shows concern for Su Ze's safety and expresses hesitation about becoming an Awakened.
• Principal Gao reveals his respect for Su Ze's authority and willingness to follow his lead.

Significant Themes

• The struggle for power and control in the Safe Zone.
• The desire to become an Awakened and the risks involved.
• The tension between Su Ze's indifference and his responsibility towards the Safe Zone.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Principal Gao discuss the increasing number of Awakened and potential conflicts.
• Su Ze declines ambiguous invitations from female Awakened individuals.
• Chen Keqing and Su Ze discuss Tan Xuanyuan's fate and Chen Keqing's reluctance to become an Awakened.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze finds a woman captive in a Contamination Zone, rescued her from a perverted Awakened man who was collecting women's underwear as trophies.
• Su Ze learns about the 'Falling' Contamination Zone's danger and the rule of the Nightmare Trial: one cannot run, only walk.
• Su Ze and Chen Keqing discuss the origins of Incantations and Awakened, with Su Ze speculating about Pioneer Rules in the Apocalypse.

Character Developments

• Su Ze: Shows his power and mercy by rescuing the captive woman and gathering information about the Nightmare Trial. He also displays his intelligence by pondering about the origins of Incantations and Pioneer Rules.
• Chen Keqing: Shows her determination to survive by expressing interest in challenging the Nightmare Trial after Su Ze's assurance of safety. She also demonstrates her intelligence by asking about the origins of Incantations.

Significant Themes

• Power and its consequences: The perverted Awakened man uses his power to harm others, while Su Ze uses his to protect.
• Pioneer Rules: The idea that the first to gain power or knowledge have an advantage but also face higher risks, and latercomers may fall behind.
• Survival and determination: Both Su Ze and Chen Keqing show determination to survive and adapt to the Apocalypse.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and the captive woman: Su Ze rescues the woman and unties her without asking questions, showing mercy and understanding.
• Su Ze and Chen Keqing: They discuss the origins of Incantations and Awakened, showing mutual respect and trust. Chen Keqing expresses her interest in challenging the Nightmare Trial, and Su Ze supports her decision.

Key Plot Points and Events

• Su Ze discovers another Awakened in a Contamination Zone.
• Chen Keqing finds and reads Su Ze's diary.
• Su Ze shares new Nightmare Trial information with Chen Keqing, including rules and incantations.
• Su Ze considers when to gift Chen Keqing Avalon.

Character Developments

• Chen Keqing becomes more comfortable with her intimacy with Su Ze, showing less hesitation in her actions.
• Su Ze continues to keep some of his abilities secret, like Father God's Listening.

Significant Themes

• The blurring line between reality and dreams, reflecting the Cthulhu Mythos setting.
• The importance of intelligence and preparation for Nightmare Trials.
• The value and hard-earned nature of resources like Avalon.

Character Interactions

• Su Ze and Chen Keqing's relationship continues to develop, with Chen Keqing showing affection and Su Ze being more open about his feelings.
• Su Ze shares information and plans with Chen Keqing, indicating trust and partnership.
• Chen Keqing's curiosity leads her to read Su Ze's diary, revealing her growing comfort with their relationship.