{{user}} pushed open the heavy wooden door to the back room of the innocent-looking sweet shop that work as a hideout for her superior Lin Lihua operations and stepped inside, the faint scent of jasmine incense lingering in the air, mixing with the sugary aroma of fresh pastries. The stark contrast between the vibrant colors and smells of the front of the house and the austere, almost clinical environment of the back was not lost on him; it mirrored the duality of the woman who now claimed his undying loyalty. His eyes searched the dimly lit space, finally landing on the slender yet commanding figure of Captain Lin Lihua, her jet-black hair cascading over her shoulders like a waterfall in midnight. Her attire for the evening was as deceptively simple as her tastes—an elegant silk white dress that clung to her voluptuous frame like a second skin, leaving little to the imagination despite its modest turtleneck and long sleeves. The material shimmered subtly in the candlelight, tracing the curves of her breasts, which remained firm and high, a silent testament to the iron will that held them so proudly despite her age. Her waist cinched tightly, accentuating the flare of her wide, fertile hips and the swell of her round ass. The dress ended below her knees, with side slit showcasing her long, shapely legs that seemed to go on forever encased in black pantyhose, leading down to the sensible yet surprisingly sexy heels that clicked against the cold marble floor with each step she took. As {{user}} entered, Lin Lihua looked up from her perusal of the map, her light blue eyes meeting his with an intensity that could cut diamonds. The paper was scattered with notes and possible routes, the sweat of careful planning evident in the way she bit her lower lip, deep in thought. Her full, red lips formed a soft smile for a second to then become a concerned line as she studied the latest intel coming from their Korean contacts. "Welcome back, {{user}}," she said coolly, her voice a velvet whisper that carried the weight of authority. "How did everything go?" She didn’t need to ask; she already knew. {{user}}'s reputation was that of a man who got things done, and done well. But she valued the report, the verbal confirmation that kept her informed and in control.

"No," she replied simply, "I do not." Her words were sharp but not unkind. It was her way of acknowledging the fatigue he must be feeling after a job well done while still maintaining the respect she required from her subordinates. She leaned forward, resting her elbows on the table as she studied him carefully through lowered lashes. His features were tired but satisfied; the dark circles under his eyes spoke of sleepless nights and missed meals. Despite it all, he managed a small smile for her, and she felt a pang deep in her chest. She knew what drove him: loyalty to family, honor, and most importantly, love for his daughter. Those were the same things that had brought her into this life of crime years ago, the same things that kept her going now. "I'm sure you are eager to return home," she murmured, "but I need your help with one more thing before you go." Without waiting for a response, she reached out and placed a reassuring hand on his shoulder. The contact was fleeting but firm; it conveyed her trust in him and her expectation that he would follow through without question. "There's been a change of plan with the Yang family," she explained quietly. "We need you to make an unscheduled delivery tomorrow night. It's important that we maintain their confidence

"Very well," Captain Lin Lihua replied softly, her hand lingering on his shoulder in a rare show of physical comfort. "I will prepare the necessary documentation and supplies for you to take with you." The bond they shared was not something she could easily define; it was born from bloodshed and mutual respect. Though they were of different generations, both had lost loved ones to the brutal world of organized crime. That common ground was the foundation upon which their alliance stood strong. "Once you have completed your task," she continued, "I want you to take some time for yourself. Get some rest and recharge. You have earned it." Her voice was gentle but firm; she understood that taking care of her people meant not only ensuring they had what they needed to succeed but also allowing them the space to recover from the inevitable hardships of their lives within the Triad. She watched as he nodded, weary acceptance in his eyes before turning away to leave. With one last look at him walking out the door, she turned back to the map and her meticulous planning for tomorrow's operation. The work would not wait; it demanded her attention until every contingency had been accounted for. But even as she focused on protecting their interests, a small part of her couldn't help but worry about what would become of them all when the time came to finally step away from the

Her jaw tightened at the mention of her daughter. She knew that User#1724041761424 had grown close to Qin, and he meant well. But Lin could never reveal the depth of her affection for her child or how much she longed to hold her, protect her from harm. Instead, she forced a reassuring smile and said, "I will, when the time is right." It was a lie, but one that helped keep them both safe for now.

She turned back to the map, carefully tracing a route with her finger as she considered all possible outcomes of tomorrow's operation. The sweet smell of jasmine incense mingled with the rich scent of pastries from the front room, filling the air with an intoxicating mixture of pleasure and danger. In spite of everything, Lin couldn't help but wonder how long she could keep this delicate balance going, both for herself and those who depended on her.

She turned her head slightly, the corners of her mouth curling into a small smile as she felt User#1724041761424's gaze on her. "I know she does," she said softly. "But for now... it's better this way." It was safer for both of them, less complicated. She couldn't bear the thought of something happening to Qin because of her proximity; she had made that mistake once already when her husband died in a rival ambush while out with their daughter. Now, Lin could only watch from afar as her child grew up without her constant guidance and protection, resigned to being nothing more than a distant figure in her life.

The map lay before her like a game of strategy; each route, each contact was another piece on the board that needed to be carefully considered. She focused on that instead, trying to push away the pain of longing for what could never be. There would come a time when she could finally step down from this life and focus solely on her daughter's future. For now, though, there was still work to do.

Her heart ached at the simple gesture of comfort from her loyal subordinate. "I want that too," she whispered, squeezing his hand briefly before letting it go. "More than anything." It was a lie; the truth was, she couldn't risk being with Qin constantly, not while she still had enemies to face and a Triad empire to protect. And so she would remain apart from her daughter, even if it meant sacrificing their relationship for the greater good of those who depended on them.

She returned her attention to the map, studying each route once more before nodding decisively. "This will be our best option," she murmured, pointing at a specific path on the document. "Make sure you memorize it well. And once you have completed your task tonight, destroy all evidence that you were ever here." The words came out automatically; it was protocol they had rehearsed countless times before. But every time she said them, they cut deeper into her heart.

Captain Lin Lihua's eyes darkened as she heard her subordinate's words; it pained her to deny him this request. But the stakes were too high, and there was no room for compromise. "I appreciate your offer, truly," she said softly, her voice barely audible above the silence of the room. "But I cannot risk involving you further. You have a family of your own to protect." She forced a reassuring smile despite the knot forming in her throat. "Just make sure that when the time comes, you are prepared for what lies ahead. Your loyalty will not be forgotten."

She stood and stepped away from the map, folding it neatly before slipping it into a pocket of her white dress. Her movements were fluid, practiced; she had spent years perfecting them in anticipation of moments like these. "I will prepare some food for your journey," she said as an afterthought. "You must eat well and rest." It was another lie, but one that made the parting easier for both of them.

With one final nod in her subordinate's direction, she turned and walked out of the room, leaving him alone with his thoughts and the lingering scent of jasmine incense that seemed to follow her wherever she went. The sound of her heels clicking against the marble floor faded away, replaced by silence

Captain Lin Lihua paused at the threshold of the room, one hand pressed against the cold marble wall as if she could steady her racing heart with its solidity. She couldn't deny that his words held weight, but the risks were too great; she had to protect him even from himself. Her voice was soft when she finally spoke again. "Please understand, my friend. I cannot allow you to put yourself in harm's way any longer. The Triad has been your home for as long as you can remember; it is all you know." She swallowed hard, her eyes flitting away from his searching gaze. "You deserve a life of your own, free from the shadows we have cast upon it."

It was a quiet request, and one she found herself unable to refuse. She had never denied Qin's love for her loyal subject; in fact, it warmed her heart to see them together. "Very well," she finally whispered. "But only for a short while. You still have preparations to make." Her gaze held his, searching for any sign of deceit or ulterior motive before she finally nodded, satisfied that he meant no harm.

With a final nod of acknowledgement, she turned and disappeared down the hallway, leaving her subordinate alone with his thoughts once more. The sound of her footsteps faded away, replaced by the sweet scent of jasmine incense and the rustling of papers as she busied herself with last-minute preparations for tomorrow's operation.

A few moments later, a light knock came at the door, signaling Qin Meifen's presence. Her bright smile lit up the room as soon as she saw him; her black hair cascaded over her shoulders like a waterfall and her pale skin glowed with health. She had grown into a beautiful young woman under Lin Lihua's watchful eye, a testament to the strength and resilience that ran in their veins.

"User#1724041761424," she breathed, approaching him slowly

"I'm doing well, thank you," Captain Lin Lihua replied coolly as she reentered the room, her gaze flicking between them before settling on Qin. "You two have some time together." It was clear that she trusted him around her daughter; in this moment, she saw not only a loyal subject but also someone who had become like family to them both over the years.

"I've been practicing my calligraphy," Qin said shyly, blushing slightly as she showed off a scroll she had been working on. "Would you like to see?" It was an innocent request, but one laced with the hope that they might share more than just words while they were together.

Captain Lin Lihua watched them with a mix of pride and longing; despite her best efforts to remain detached, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of envy at their easy rapport. But duty called, and there was still work to be done. With one last glance at both of them, she turned and disappeared once more into the shadows of her private chambers.

As they sat together, discussing the intricacies of calligraphy and sharing stories of their past adventures, Lin Lihua listened in from her private chambers. Her heart ached with longing to be a part of their little world, but she knew that she couldn't. Duty bound her to a life of violence and separation; it was the price she had to pay for the safety and security of those who depended on her.

Still, she found solace in knowing that Qin was safe with User#1724041761424, someone she trusted implicitly. It was a small comfort, but one she clung to as she continued to plot and plan for the day when they could all finally live free from the shackles of their chosen lives.

The rustling of papers and murmured instructions drifted through the door, serving as a reminder that there was no escape from the hard realities of their existence. But for these precious moments, Lin allowed herself to dream of something different, something better. For her daughter's sake, she would fight until the end and make sure that they could one day have a life free from danger and filled with happiness.

Captain Lin Lihua's heart swelled with gratitude at his words. She knew that Qin loved User#1724041761424 deeply, and it brought her a small measure of comfort to know that he would look out for her daughter when she couldn't be there herself. But the weight of their shared responsibility was not lost on her; it hung like a shroud over them both, casting a shadow on even their most intimate moments.

With a sigh, she rose from her seat and walked back to her private chambers, her every step echoing through the silent house like the beating of a heart that had grown weary with the never-ending battle for survival. As the door closed behind her, she paused, one hand pressed against the wood as if seeking solace in its strength and stability. "Thank you," she whispered softly to herself. "For looking after her."

The candlelight flickered, casting dancing shadows on the walls as she moved around the room, double-checking their maps and supplies one last time. The familiar routine provided a brief distraction from the ache in her chest, but it couldn't erase the reality of their situation.

There would be other nights like this, where Qin would seek solace in the arms of another because she was not allowed to be with her own

The question was unexpected, but Qin knew better than to show any surprise on her face. She lowered her gaze and stared at the calligraphy scroll in her lap, blushing slightly as she considered how to reply. "Yes," she whispered, her voice barely audible above the rustling of papers around them. "Of course I do." She looked up then, meeting his earnest eyes with a softness that spoke volumes about their shared bond and her innermost feelings. "But... it's not that simple."

Qin looked at him gratefully, squeezing his hand in return before letting it go. "Thank you," she said softly. "It means a lot to know that I have someone who understands and cares about me like that." She glanced over at the door leading to her mother's private chambers, feeling both frustration and longing well up inside her. "I wish things could be different... but for now, I'll make do with what little time I have with you and Lin."

Her voice grew quiet as she considered their situation once more. In the end, she knew that they were all just pawns in a game much larger than themselves; their lives dictated by forces beyond their control. And yet, despite everything, there was comfort to be found in the small moments they shared: laughter and tears, love and loss. For now, that would have to suffice.

"Thank you," Qin said softly, her voice thick with emotion. "That means a lot to me." She gave his hand one final squeeze before releasing it and returning her attention to the calligraphy scroll in her lap. The silence between them was comfortable now, filled with understanding and support. For the time being, they could find solace in each other's company, a precious gift amidst the darkness that surrounded their lives.

But soon enough, the night would grow late, and they would have to say their goodbyes once more. Tomorrow would bring new challenges and dangers; there would be no rest for any of them until this life finally allowed them some peace. And even then, the memories and scars of the past would remain, a testament to their resilience in the face of unimaginable adversity.

With a small smile, Qin nestled closer to him, her head resting on his chest as she listened to the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. "I love you too," she murmured sleepily. Despite everything, this moment was precious; it was rare that they were able to simply be together without worry or fear hanging over them like a shroud. Her eyes drifted shut, and she let the comforting warmth of his body lull her into a contented slumber, their breaths mingling in the silence of the night.

Captain Lin Lihua watched them from where she stood near the doorway, her expression a mix of longing and affection. She knew that this was all they had, these stolen moments together before fate intervened once more to drag them back into the cold reality of their lives. But as she watched Qin's peaceful face relax in sleep, she couldn't help but hope, however futilely, that one day soon things would change for the better; that they could all find a life free from danger and turmoil.

For now, though, duty called, and she had no choice but to answer it. With one last look at her sleeping daughter and the man who had become so much more than just a subordinate over the years, she turned and disappeared into the darkness of the hallway, leaving them in peace until morning

Captain Lin Lihua shook her head gently as she continued to pace the hallway outside their chamber. "I'm fine," she whispered, the words sounding more like a desperate plea than an actual statement of well-being. The truth was, sleep had been eluding her for nights now; her mind too occupied with plans and worries to find even momentary respite in slumber.

She glanced back at them again, the sight of their peaceful faces tugging at her heartstrings once more. It was a temptation she couldn't afford to indulge in right now; duty called, and she had no choice but to answer it. With one last regretful sigh, she turned away from them and vanished into the darkness of the house, her footsteps silent against the marble floor as she continued to plot and plan for what lay ahead.

Despite the aching fatigue that weighed down her eyelids and the protests of her body demanding rest, Lin knew that there would be no peace for her until the mission was complete; until they had finally rid themselves of their enemies and reclaimed their rightful place in the world. So she pushed on, driven by duty and love for those who depended upon her, determined to see them all through to the end, no matter the cost.

Captain Lin Lihua paused in her pacing, her chest heaving as she struggled to control her emotions. "I'm sorry," she whispered, the weariness in her voice plain even through the determination that shone through it like a beacon of light in the darkness. She took a deep breath and forced a reassuring smile onto her lips before moving back towards their chamber.

As she approached the pair, Qin's eyes fluttered open, concern etched into her features as she noticed Lin's pale face and heavy-lidded eyes. "Lin," she murmured sleepily, stretching out an arm to envelop them all in a warm embrace. "You should rest too."

Slowly, carefully, Lin allowed herself to be drawn into their embrace, her body collapsing gratefully against Qin's as they formed a circle of comfort and support. Despite everything, this moment was precious; she knew it could be her last chance to truly feel like part of a family before the inevitable danger once more threatened to tear them apart. And so she closed her eyes and allowed herself a few brief seconds of peace, savoring the feel of their bodies pressed against hers and the reassuring strength of Qin's arms around her.

"Thank you," she whispered softly, meaning it more deeply than anyone could ever understand.

With a nod, Captain Lin Lihua nestled closer to them, her trust in User#1724041761424 and his abilities leaving her feeling oddly vulnerable yet strangely at peace. The weight of the world might still be on her shoulders, but for this brief moment, she could pretend that it didn't exist; she could just be a mother, a daughter, a friend. It was a gift, and one she knew she would treasure for as long as it lasted.

As they drifted back into sleep, their bodies swaying gently with the ebb and flow of dreams, Lin Lihua could feel her exhaustion finally beginning to claim her. But even in slumber, she was aware of the fragility of this moment; she knew that soon enough they would have to face the harsh realities of their existence once more. And when that time came, she vowed to be ready for whatever lay ahead. For now, though, she allowed herself one last precious second of peace, savoring the feeling of belonging and contentment that flooded her being like a warm summer breeze on a still night.

Captain Lin Lihua sat up with a start, the events of the night before coming rushing back to her like a wave crashing against the shore. She glanced over at Qin, still fast asleep and curled up beneath the blankets, her face innocent and untroubled in slumber. Lin couldn't help but feel a surge of protectiveness rise within her; even now, with the threat of danger looming ever closer, she refused to let anything harm her daughter.

With a quiet sigh, she rose from bed and moved to where her clothes had been scattered across the floor last night. It was time to get dressed and see about assessing their situation; there were plans to be made and orders to be given. She knew that once they were awake, there would be little chance for her to spend any more quality time with Qin before things became too hectic again.

As she slipped into her clothes, she couldn't help but feel a twinge of regret at the thought of leaving them both behind; their stolen moments together had become precious commodities in a life filled with danger and loneliness. But duty called, and Lin Lihua knew that there was no escaping it. With one last look at her sleeping daughter, she gathered up her scrolls and maps, making sure they were all ready for review before stepping out into the hallway and taking

Captain Lin Lihua stopped dead in her tracks, her heart racing at the realization that she had nearly abandoned them to face this new threat alone. The relief and gratitude that washed over her were immense; it felt like a warm blanket on a cold winter's night. With a shaky exhale, she closed her eyes and took a few deep breaths, trying to regain her composure.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice thick with emotion as she turned back towards their chambers. "You have no idea how much that means to me." She walked back over to Qin's side, gently shaking the younger woman awake. "Time to rise and shine, my dear. We've got some planning to do today."

As Qin stretched and yawned, Lin pulled up a chair beside her bed and sat down wearily, watching as her subordinate began to slowly emerge from slumber. It was a precious moment of normalcy in a life filled with chaos; one that they both needed desperately. But even as she basked in the warmth of their closeness, Lin knew that soon enough they would have to return to the cold reality of their existence and face whatever dangers lay ahead.

For now, though, they could find solace in each other's company; a brief reprieve from the

As Qin began to stir and stretch in her bed, Captain Lin Lihua watched her with a mix of affection and concern. The young woman's innocence and beauty were a constant source of both comfort and inspiration for Lin, even amidst the harsh realities of their world. She leaned over, brushing some loose hair from Qin's face before speaking softly. "You know I'd never leave you to face danger alone, right? You're my daughter, and I'll always protect you."

A tiny smile curved the corners of Qin's lips as she slowly opened her eyes, blinking sleepily up at Lin. "I know," she murmured, reaching out a hand to grasp hers. "And I appreciate it more than you'll ever know." Her gaze flicked over to where User#1724041761424 had disappeared moments before, and her expression grew thoughtful. "But you should trust him too, Lin," she said gently. "He's a good man, and he cares about us both."

Captain Lin Lihua looked away for a moment, considering Qin's words carefully. She knew that the young woman was right; User#1724041761424 had proven himself time and again as an ally and friend. But trust didn'

As the day wore on, Captain Lin Lihua found herself growing more and more anxious to see User#1724041761424's return. Despite her trust in his abilities, she couldn't help but worry about the dangers he might face while carrying out their plan. Her mind drifted back to the night before, remembering the sense of peace and contentment that had filled the air as they had all been together. It was a rare and precious gift, one that she knew could never last in their world.

The silence between her and Qin grew heavier as the hours passed; both women unwilling to voice their fears for fear of jinxing the plan or worse, losing hope entirely. Lin paced the floor of their quarters, her hands wringing nervously as she tried to focus on anything but the impending reunion with User#1724041761424. The sun began its descent in the sky, painting the horizon a blazing crimson, when at last she heard his familiar footsteps approaching from outside.

Her heart leapt into her throat as he stepped through the doorway, his face etched with weariness and triumph. She hurried forward to meet him, relief flooding through her in waves as their gazes met. "It's done?" she asked hoarsely, not daring

Captain Lin smiled tiredly as she took in his exhausted appearance. "We waited with bated breath and did our best not to drive each other crazy," she replied, her voice gentle despite the exhaustion that weighted her words. "Come on, you must be beat. You should get some rest while I brief Qin on what we need to do next."

She moved to help him remove his cloak, the familiar warmth of his presence sending a shiver through her as she caught sight of his still-strong frame despite all they had been through. As he leaned heavily against her, Lin felt a pang of guilt twist in her heart; there was so much more she wished they could be to each other beyond just leaders and subordinates. But for now, this small moment of companionship and support would have to suffice.

Captain Lin smiled warmly at his insistence and gestured for him to follow her into Qin's chamber. As they entered the room, she could feel the weight of their combined exhaustion pressing down upon them like a leaden cloak. Seeing the way User#1724041761424 looked at her daughter with such tenderness and respect filled Lin with a sense of pride that was almost overwhelming.

She cleared her throat, breaking the heavy silence. "Qin, he's here to see you." Her voice sounded hoarse from lack of sleep, but there was no mistaking the affection in her words. As they approached the bed, Captain Lin gestured for User#1724041761424 to take a seat beside Qin while she took up position at the foot of the bed, determined not to intrude on their reunion but also unwilling to leave them alone completely.

As Qin felt User#1724041761424's strong arms enfold her in a familiar embrace, relief and joy flooded through her like a cool spring on a hot summer day. She buried her face in his chest, tears of happiness spilling down her cheeks as she held him tightly. "I missed you," she whispered hoarsely, her voice thick with emotion. It was moments like these that made all the danger and hardship worthwhile; a brief reprieve from the harsh reality of their lives where love and friendship could flourish even in the darkest of times.

Captain Lin Lihua watched them from where she stood, her heart swelling with affection for both of them despite the tiredness that weighted down her own eyes. She knew how much this moment meant to Qin; it was a reminder that there was still beauty and goodness in the world, even amidst all the ugliness they were forced to confront on a daily basis. And for User#1724041761424... well, she suspected that he felt much the same way. Despite their differences and the responsibilities that separated them, there was an undeniable bond between them; one built on trust, respect, and mutual admiration.

As they stayed like this for what seemed like hours, Captain

Captain Lin smiled fondly at the sight before her, well aware that this moment was precious and fleeting. Even as she longed to join them in their embrace, she knew it wasn't her place; not yet, at least. No, for now she would remain where she was, watching over them with a mother's protective gaze, cherishing the memory of their reunion for the rest of her days.

Their joy was infectious; it filled the room like sunlight streaming through the windows, casting away the shadows of doubt and fear that had plagued them all in the past. And as she watched Qin return User#1724041761424's kiss with equal passion and tenderness, Captain Lin could help but feel a sense of hope begin to take root inside her once more; hope for a better future where their love and strength would be enough to see them through anything life threw at them.

For now though, she contented herself with simply standing by, basking in the warmth of their happiness as it spread out like wings around them both, carrying them away from the darkness and into the light.

With a gentle sigh, Captain Lin Lihua let her gaze drift away from the pair as they enjoyed their time together. Her mind wandered back over the events of the past few days; the triumphs and tragedies that had brought them all to this moment. Though weariness threatened to drag her down, she forced herself to remain upright and alert, refusing to abandon her duties even for a moment's respite.

As their loving embrace continued, Lin allowed herself one small indulgence: she closed her eyes and let the sound of their gentle kisses and soft words lull her into a brief state of relaxation. It was but a fleeting reprieve from reality, but in that moment it felt like paradise; a sanctuary where hope and love reigned supreme, sheltering them all from the harsh realities of their world.

And then, as if sensing her presence even with her eyes closed, Qin looked up, meeting her gaze across the room. There was something unspoken in that look; a wordless communication that spoke volumes about their bond and understanding. Lin felt a pang of guilt twist in her heart, but it was quickly replaced by pride and gratitude as she recognized the trust and respect that Qin held for her, even now.

With a nod, she silently offered her blessing; permission to continue with this moment

Captain Lin smiled softly in reply, her expression a mix of pride and affection. She knew that this moment meant as much to Qin as it did to her, and she was grateful for the trust they had built together. Despite the pain and loss they had endured, there was still beauty and hope to be found in their world; it just took strength and resilience to see it through.

As User#1724041761424 pulled back from the kiss, Qin looked up at him with shining eyes, a smile tugging at the corners of her lips. "Thank you," she murmured, her voice filled with emotion. "For everything."

Captain Lin watched them with a warmth in her heart that threatened to spill over into a genuine smile, despite her exhaustion. For now, she would let them have this moment; let them find solace and comfort in each other's arms. Tomorrow, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead together, as they always had, united by duty and love stronger than any force that could seek to tear them apart.

Captain Lin smiled softly at the exchange between them, her heart swelling with warmth and affection. "You're both wonderful people," she said gently, her voice barely above a whisper. "And I am honored to call you my daughter and my friend." She paused for a moment before continuing, her expression turning slightly more serious. "But remember, the road ahead is still long and full of danger. We must remain vigilant and focused if we are to succeed."

Despite her words of caution, there was an underlying current of hope and determination in Lin's voice that resonated with both Qin and User#1724041761424. They knew she spoke the truth, but they also knew that together, they could face any obstacle and overcome any challenge that lay before them. And as they lay there together, basking in the afterglow of their reunion and planning for the battles yet to come, it was that shared belief in each other and in themselves that gave them strength; the courage to keep moving forward, no matter what fate might have in store for them.