In Episode 8, Wen Yifan sleepwalks for the first time, at episode 14 she is still sleepwalking with the same results. Each time, nothing new is revealed. No character development, no insight no progression. Wen Yifan may be very very slowly opening up just a teensy bit to her friends, but with Sang Yan they are still in their same old pattern.
I really do appreciate explorations of trauma, abuse and its effects on the ability to form a contented, thriving adult life and form adult romantic relationships.
But it's just too slow and with no other real themes or storylines besides Wen Yifan learning to trust other human beings and love again, it just isn't holding my interest.
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“The First Frost” is a highly rated (currently on MDL at 9.0) and highly anticipated drama since it was announced. Was it worth the hype? Yes and No. There are so many reviews already so I am going to try to keep it short (LOL) and note down my own thoughts of what I like and dislike.
What I Like:
1. FL/ML Acting - I don’t think anyone would complain about the acting by our main leads, Zhang Ruo Nan and Bai Jing Ting. I was especially impressed with Zhang Ruo Nan in playing such a complicated and layered character. We see pain, controlled anger, embarrassment, shyness, flirtiness and love, all in her face. Bai Jing Ting sheds his sunny personality and plays the proud, arrogant, cold-on-the-outside character so well. Both of their acting is controlled and not dramatic.
2. Wei Yi Fan (FL) - Poor girl suffered so much and I wish her all the happiness in the world. It’s satisfying to accompany her on the healing process. She was abandoned and neglected, and does not think she deserves anything good in this world. It took her a long time, stumbled a few times, to get to the point that she is able to and wants to give/receive love, and believes she’s worth it. She had a few great and controlled confrontations with her family members. I was so proud of her!
3. Romance - it was a long, long journey. But when everything unfolds, and you get to see both sides of the story and how they feel throughout their cohabitation and courting, it was very satisfying. ML giving FL time and proceeding with caution. Him wanting to let her take the wheel (and scared that he would be left behind again). Him feeling powerless that he couldn’t take her pain away. Him wishing to break up with him is her biggest pain and not something more horrible. All these emotions and events throughout their journey are beautiful to see.
4. Visuals - Zhang Ruo Nan is so pretty even if she wakes up with bed hair. Bai Jing Ting looks awesome in black, especially in a suit. Edward Chen and Zhang Miao Yi also look good as a pair and give off totally different vibes.
5. Sleepwalking - The sleepwalking moments brought up so many different emotions. At first, it was funny when ML tries to figure out what’s going on, and their morning-after discussion/flirting. Then as daytime trauma really contributes to sleepwalking, it’s incredibly sad to see FL cries and seeks out comfort from ML.
6. .Flirting/Skinship - Despite being a little embarrassed, it’s nice to see FL flirt and want skinship and seek out kisses. When they have sweet moments, they are adorable and I feel like I’m a voyeur.
7. Prologues/Epilogue - I like how their past and different point of views are shown in the beginning and the end.
What I have Mixed Feelings:
1. Sang Yan (ML) - I debated whether to put this in the “Like” section or not. On the one hand, who doesn’t want a man who loves you unconditionally forever and ever. I love a male lead who does all the sweet things for FL behind her back. I love Sang Yan being all proud and arrogant, throwing sarcastic remarks here and there, yet deep down he’s done so much without anyone knowing. HOWEVER, if you look closely, is it really good to have a man who makes every single life decision revolving around FL? That’s a lot of pressure on the woman! Where are his own hopes and dreams? While focusing on FL, did he forget about his family and friends? Is he really a true Green Flag? I also always have a problem with perfect green flags who are bland and boring. Sang Yan definitely is not boring. So maybe his focus on FL makes him a flawed character, thus, actually more believable than a perfect guy? I AM CONFLICTED!!!
2. Hong Kong arc - Many people commented on the Hong Kong arc. I actually am OK with FL going to Hong Kong because I think that’s true to her character. She’s traumatized and she has a lot to lose now. Of course, it’s noble idiocy in a way, but at least it’s somewhat believable. What I dislike is all logic goes out the door during her time in Hong Kong and ML’s pursuit of her. Hong Kong is one of the most densely populated cities in the world. I don’t believe you could just walk around and locate her. People just willingly give out information to ML, despite not actually knowing FL or verifying that ML is the boyfriend. FL’s change of heart to contact ML also seems so sudden. She held out for so long, so all of a sudden she has come to her senses after just meeting with Qiao Qiao and Su Hao An?
3. The hijack of Grandpa - The grandparents are important in being the catalyst of Qiao Qiao and Su Hao An’s romance. Unfortunately, instead of spending more time on the couple, too much time is spent on grandpa. The second leads could be so cute together, yet I got bored of their interaction when grandpa is in the middle of it all. I would have liked to see more flirting, loving moments or deep conversations.
4. Sexual Harassment/Assault - The girl can’t get a break. I am not sure we need so much screen time on this subject to inform viewers of the trauma that FL has endured. What’s worse is that we don’t see any satisfying consequences to these men’s actions. They were not punished enough (or we don’t see that on screen). Yes, the main villain might be punished, but those court scenes are so ridiculously done. I would rather see him bleeding to half-dead, or in tremendous pain in the hospital.
I would recommend “The First Frost” for its excellent acting and the incredibly long, steadfast and moving journey between the leads. It’s not a romantic comedy, but quite a heavy watch due to the trauma that FL has endured. I debated rating this a 8.25 or a solid 8.5. In the end, I compared how I felt after watching “The Best Thing” right before “The First Frost” (I know they are different genres), and concluded I like them both equally for different reasons. Thus, I am giving it the same rating of 8.25 (rounding up to 8.5).
Random Observations:
1. Why is Sang Yan always so wet after a shower? Doesn't he towel off? LOL. 😍
2. Who knew Bai Jing Ting is so muscular under that sexy black suit. 🔥
3. Xiang Lang is really annoying. Back off already, little kid.
4. Isn't it weird and rude for FL to butt in and teacher a little girl ballet when the real teacher is sitting right there?
5. Aww.. ML is FL's warm sun that brings her comfort.
6. FL is really adorable when drunk.
7. Thank god no one is dubbed, even those with a Hong Kong accent.
8. Lovely OST
9. Really cute and unique proposal
10. Damn.. this is a long review and I said I wanted to keep it short. 🤣
Completed: 3/19/2025 - Review #556
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Not a soft lighthearted drama (not my type)
So this is a hard one to rate. I first like to say I have never liked this girl in dramas, both dramas I have seen her in I have either dropped or stopped watching thinking I would go back but never did. She is not that bad of an actress, she knows how to cry on demand and is cute in some dramas so not bad but it's the kissing scenes in every drama of hers and I know it is hard for actors to maybe do those scenes but I like to see the love and there actors who choose the profession. I understand it might be hard for her and I could never do it but I am not an actress.Aside from that this drama already 5 episodes in is not a soft light hearted drama, I use dramas to escape from my life and find justice and happiness. But in this drama there is a lot of talk about SA and hard things people go through so it might just be me but I like fluff (like in admist a snow storm of love - that kind of love or hidden love even lighter and princess) but this drama goes to much about SA not just once with the female lead but also at her work to it is like no matter where she goes SA or the talk of it maybe starting to happen. I have a feeling they will mention it agian and that's why she left school and stopped talking to him because something happened to her. So that's a total of what 3 times. Its just too much. I just think it's to sad in the begining that making me not want to keep watching it. I like the male lead but I still feel there is no connection between the leads.
Idk this drama got a lot of hype and it might be for some people but for me it is hard to rate it is also so early so I don't want to judge to much but it is too much at the begining and I like fluff, good vibes. We all know things happen in real like but I don't want to watch about it as I said I like to escape reality. But I understand it might be for some people as well.
UPDATE:
I updated my rating. If you can make it though the first couple episode past episode 5 or 6 I would say then it is cute. I don't like how the guy is like kind of going about things like him saying to get close to her or to have her like him "how can you take advantage of me when you sleep walk in to my bed" making a big deal when he liked it. You know when she already went though a lot and I feel just need comfort not to feel bad. But maybe it just how it was written or acted but I don't think it was okay or a way to get a girl. Don't get me wrong I love this troupe where a guy just wants to spend time with the girl he likes and he likes her first so he says ridiculous things and makes the girl spent time with her and then the girl realized she likes him. But in this situation when there is a lot of depth and a lot of past trauma idk if this is the way but that might just be me. I think the connection got better but I seem better dramas with way better connection between the leads. I think they some parts are cute and I like the female lead is not shy anymore like most couples after they get together where the girl is shy. I LOVED that, she would do things for him to not just him doing things for her. That is something I wish was in more dramas and it was cute mutual love. I think for me I don't like the depth of the character I think it is a lot and not bad but just to much. Like I said like happy fluffy and all the tropes in the book. Give them to me. Give me non hard topics.
Since it got better I changed my rating to a 6.5 because it is a drama I will finish and be happy about it. But it is not a drama I will watch agian. So my 6-7 is normally like okay but will not watch agian. My 4-5 are dropped and I never really rate anything lower then 4 unless it is Thai dramas because those are a hot freaking mess and make no sense and should never even be a show. Don't find to many dramas shitty but Thai and Japan dramas which I haver never will watch anymore. My personal opinion.
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Ghost You Almost Lost
For the obvious reason I sticked to this for Bai Jing Ting. I'd definitely wouldn't miss how good looking BJT is in this drama. But, the truth is, I almost dropped this drama midway.My honest opinion, first, I didn't watch Hidden Love, so, I have totally no clue about the cast and how was this correlated to HL. Only a friend here in MDL explained to me the correlation and should I say was able to convince me to complete this drama.
Sang Yan, His character would be every womans dream to have as a partner. Very Loyal, Extremely Persevering, Well-off, Truly Caring, Absolutely good looking, Deliciously Hot and yes, the most important thing, A very good kisser. 😍His character is very interesting. You would feel from the beginning episodes how he was emotionally hurt from a HS breakup, searching, longing for the only woman he loved for more than 6 years and counting.
On the other hand, Yifan, the woman that our ML longed for. Suffered from a dark past, continuously healing from pains physically, emotionally from being abandoned, letting go of the man she loves and for every dark moments in her life may it be from family or work. And part of her healing process was experiencing sleepwalking resulting from her PTSD. Yes, she had no choice but to work on her own at a young age after losing her dad from sickness and having a selfish mom who puts her own welfare first than her children.
So, the story basically evolved with these two main characters. Having their friends on the side that added to the gist of the story. I won't dig in further to the story but will just point out things that didn't made this drama fit in to my cup of tea. The first half of the drama I think got me hooked. Though, I'm a bit confused with the flashbacks as it began immediately with a breakup. But, it deemed necessary to understand the entire plot. So, the meet up after 6 years or so got me hooked. You already know that the ML wouldn't let such opportunity pass and will never let go after finding what he longed for. Ok, here's the thing, first, FL chose to reside in a slum area given her financial capability, I guess that's the only kind of residence she can afford. But, even if you're in a dire strait situation, I believe it's necessary to prioritize safety. she has friends and co workers who can help her find a safer place to live in, but she did not. So, she had to experience again another dark encounter which she could have avoided. And so, the cohabitation with ML happened. the most interesting part I guess. Of course, this is where the romance should build up again between the two. Btw, SY being a hero, physically beating those bad guys to save his beloved FL is one of the notable scenes of his character. Everything was going into its right track and yes, the MC made it to the point of being officially together despite the trials they encounter along the way. And so, after being officially together, the FL decides to shut off everyone once again including her beloved SY. Simply because she wants to save everyone from her criminally violent Uncle who resurfaced and continuously doing act of violence to every people around her. This was the make or break for me of this drama. Like, WTH? you left your man and decide to let go. Now you found him again and decided to give it a go, then now you decide to go again without leaving any trace. Like, you even surpassed the level of a high profile criminal at large.
Yes, I did try to understand what she have went thru as I described earlier. Still, for someone who's partly healed and was able to start a relationship already, why do you need to ghost the people who truly care for you? They don't deserve that. Guess what, after they met again in 6 months, No apologies from her. Why? because everyone thinks she's a victim. She doesn't need to apologize. ML embraced her with open arms. No questions asked simply because he learned what she has went thru. Sorry, but, not for me. It is still rude to ghost anyone. Specially when people are kind to you. They deserve an apology from being ghosted.
Aside from the lack of emotions I get from the FL, I've lost my interest to the entire drama after what she did for the second time to ML.I skipped most scenes till the end just to know how it ended for them. Everyone was touched with that proposal but, I was glad that ML didn't went down on his knees as I think it's not well deserved. I agree this is anothe double standard drama. Oh yes, I'd like to point out too that at least, the culprit admitted his crime and the victims got their justice. The mother deserved to be disowned.
As a romance freak, BJT nailed the kisses but the FL wasn't able to execute it well. Even the intimate scene should have been spicy. But, when you look at the FL given the back kisses, you'll find no emotions at all.
I won't delve in further with the side characters but the SC had their own fair share of romance which was cute too. Only the downside was the grandfather issue which ate unnecessary time. Oh yeah, I liked the support guys as well like Xiang Lang, Mu ChengYun and Duan JiaXu. Definitely hot looking guys too.
Overall, SY as they say is totally a green forest for this drama. Good thing he's definitely hot and good looking. As some say, His stalking FL for several years could have given a wrong impression and might cause misinterpretation of obssession. But, of course, with such hot looking guy, who would think he is obssessed and stalking the woman he loves. Honestly, the FL's character failed for me. I don't remember any positive thing she did for ML. And that line of living 6 yrs more than the ML just to cover the suffering ML has encountered, it's like she's trying to look more pitiful. I just don't by that. Sadly, she doesn't want people she loves leave her, but, she has a habit of leaving them behind.
Definitely this is not the drama for me, but BJT nailed again his role. Hope he gets a green FL on his next drama.
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Tension, Tension, Everywhere
As someone who devoured the novel with the restraint of a squirrel, I was, as usual, a wee bit skeptical about the drama adaptation.Thankfully, the drama gets so much right with Bai Jing Ting and Zhang Ruonan as leads. While it makes a few adjustments for pacing and side character development, it stays faithful to the heart of the novel: two people who once let misunderstandings and bad timing tear them apart, finally getting the second chance they deserve. And yes, Sang Yan is still the same smug menace we all love.
Sang Yan and Wen Yi Fan’s dynamic is the heart of this story, and the drama adaptation absolutely nails it. Sang Yan is exactly as he should be: annoyingly charming, quick with a joke, and 100% the kind of man who would rather jump down a cliff than admit he’s been emotionally wrecked for years. Meanwhile, Wen Yi Fan remains the warm but emotionally-guarded girl who is composed outwardly but internally, also a wreck.
Sang Yan spends much of the first half acting flippant. Throwing out shameless one-liners? Check. Smirking like he owns the world? Check. When Yi Fan looking at him like he’s an overgrown child? Double check. Bai JT and ZhangRN do this so well.
Come Ep 17 a.k.a. The Moment I Ascended to Another Plane of Existence: Sang Yan, who has spent YEARS acting like nothing matters, finally lays his heart bare with vulnerabilities all laid out, though to a sleeping Yi Fan. The scenes immediately after totally turned the relationship. At this point, my logical self had clocked out. All that remained was my romance-loving soul screaming.
The drama is as much about first love and tardy communication as it is about timing, growth, and learning how to not mess up a good thing for the second time. If you loved the novel, you’ll love this adaptation. If you’re new to the story, prepare yourself for an emotionally -constipated male lead who thinks he is smooth, a sharp and independent heroine who can dismantle his entire existence with a look, AND enough emotional tension to power a small city.
Highly recommended!
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Such a beautiful love story with a gorgeous cast
I haven't fallen so hard in love with a Cdrama since watching Till the End of the Moon five times through. I am very picky about dramas and often stop after 1 episode if it doesn't pick up. The First Frost is just amazing in every possible way.The heart break that is going on with the female lead the viewer eventually discovers but she keeps it to herself and doesn't tell the male lead.
The male lead is so good - Bai Jingting. The facial expressions and longing for the female lead are filled with longing but not creepy.
Zhang Ruonan has such a sweet face but very lovely and seems fragile but is in fact a strong woman. Together they make a fantastic couple. The music is equally beautiful and one song I especially loved was Amid the Raindrops by Crispy Band. It really conveyed the pain and longing of the couple but especially the female character.
I just can't say enough about this show. China is really making fabulous shows that are the best in the world.
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Disappointed - drama plot differs from the book
I want to start by saying I read the novel and I was really excited for this drama. Unfortunately, while it is still not a bad watch, I wish they stuck to the original plot of the book. to be completely objective, I'm giving a lower review because they didn't stick to the plot of the book.SPOILER ALERT!
They changed the plot where WYF runs away a second time when her uncle comes back to intimidate and taunt her. Complete opposite of the book where she faced him head on. The writers also made her abusive uncle a security guard in her work place, but in the book he was waiting for her outside of her work.
I wished the writers followed the plot of the book, since WYF had a character growth and she was now able to stand up to her abusers. I feel like the drama took that away from her and made her kind of damsel in distress and SY is her prince charming/knight. I'm sorry if i keep repeating myself, but she was beautifully written in the book imo. I'm extremely disappointed by the change.
SPOILER END
BUT
Other than the plot change, I loved the acting! I think both BJT and ZRN did a fantastic job. If you didn't read the novel like I did, I do think you will enjoy this drama. All characters are likeable, well written script with no plot holes, very nice cinematography, good music, amazing acting from the cast.
Yes, I would recommend this drama objectively. I just personally feel like they could have done better with the drama.
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Impressive production
Where to begin?More stories would do well to follow this kind of production. This story is real in that there are people out there like them. The harassment is a reality for some girls growing up.
And there are introverted, caring men like the male lead. He loved her in a soul-to-soul way; I've experienced this kind of love. It's unique, deep, and unbreakable. The other person has the power to hurt you emotionally and yet you keep loving them. You give and give because you genuinely love them as yourself. It's a truly beautiful thing. But there are real painful aspects that come with it.
God bless you all.
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Xiao Bai & Zhang Ruonan Forever!
You know a drama is good when it makes you forget everything else. “The First Frost” gave me peace, love, healing—and one of the best on-screen duos in existence. Bai Jingting and Zhang Rounan act like they were tailor-made for each other. Their chemistry is unspoken, powerful, and incredibly tender. You feel it in every pause and every glance. I watched this with my heart in a puddle and now I’m emotionally attached. To the characters? Sure. But more than that, to the idea that these two humans might just be perfect for each other IRL. It’s giving OTP energy.Was this review helpful to you?
He is her “sun”
This Drama has had a profound effect on me. It is one of the best dramas one of the best filming I have yet to see. Literally Heart fluttering, gut wrenching, heart rendering, superb acting, great writing and story development, beautiful cinematography, with a great musical score that matches. The storyline is very difficult at times due to incredible traumas but yet the gentleness and the healing of kindness takes my breath away. I wasn’t sure I could watch Due to personal traumas in my own family with sexual assault but I’m glad that I am watching because this film does a beautiful job in expressing the healing powers of undeniable love, and friendship and kindness and gentleness can help you heal with the traumas in getting on in life.I am currently only on episode 7 I am mesmerized by the acting and of the beauty of this film even though the script deals with very ugly and really hard circumstances. The male lead’s unwavering love and his dedication for her even through his undeniable pain is so well written and believable. His behind the scenes never changing devotion-always there for her - His acting ability to portray his pain and sorrow and loss of his first love and anger and all those emotions that go with it yet he never stopped loving her- is truly gifted. They are both very gifted actors. The female lead does such a great job in such a difficult role. She did an amazing job in reflecting how the traumas that she endured as a young girl would and could affect her life -her lack of self-worth, her doubts about herself and worth, the loss of loved ones and the betrayal of loved ones , her shame that she felt unnecessarily, and being a victim of such horrendous neglect and crimes. She was a reporter and a beautiful ballerina -the use of dance for healing and escape from her hell was so well done by the writers.
Gutwrenching, yet I can’t seem to stop watching. I have to say really well done to the writers because these are not an easy topics to portray or discuss when you talk about sexual assault , verbal + mental abuse. Again it really may be one of the most beautiful films I’ve see. My prayer is that there’s some happiness for them for the rest of their lives after everything they’ve been through that’s my my hope and my prayer in watching this to the end.
update:
Now that I’m to episode 10 currently there’s even so much more to this film in the storyline not just sexual assault but family trauma, abandonment, verbal abuse, some physical abuse but also tremendous kindness of others and love from others that can heal those wounds it’s a very intricate and complicated and loving and heart and gut wrenching drama all in one which represents life and how it can unfold.
update: just finished. The writers did not let me down at all. Literally my breath is still taken away.
I cannot say enough good things about the acting of everyone but especially especially the male and female lead. The chemistry is undeniable the love shown between these two over the years through all the heartache was truly amazingly portrayed. It was tough at times because of the subject matter but so well worth the watch I will definitely rewatch. Job Well done to everyone involved in this drama thank you for sharing all your incredible talents.
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love isn’t just about grand gestures....
The chemistry between the ML and FL in First Frost is just chef’s kiss. You can feel the tension, the longing, and the love in every single interaction. It’s not the over the top, dramatic kind of romance , it’s deep, raw, and filled with emotions that linger even in silence.The FL’s trauma is genuinely heart-wrenching. Her struggles feel so real, and you can’t help but feel for her. Every moment where she hesitates, pulls away, or gets lost in her pain hits right in the feels. And then there’s the ML an absolute green flag. His love for her is unwavering, patient, and so, so touching. He never pushes her, never forces anything he’s just there, steady as a rock, loving her in the purest way possible.
Honestly, if you love slow burn, deeply emotional romance where love isn’t just about grand gestures but about understanding, healing, and being there , this drama is a must-watch.
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This review may contain spoilers
Tell me were you sent by my dad to take care of me.....No.....I volunteered.
The First Frost has some of the best lines that will just stick with you. There are so many that I am just going with one. I have never read the novel so I didn't really know what to expect for Sang Yan's story. Even though I do think this focused on more of Wen Yifan's story then his but like I said I have never read the novel. For me this show kept me hooked from the first episode I wanted to know what happened between these two, and what all had she been through that she felt like she had to do everything on her own. Also with the second couple I would of love to see more of their story with less of his grandparents being in it. I loved the best friend of Wen Yifan and would of loved her love story but it felt like it just turned into his grandparents story more than anything.SANG YAN-
Is probably one of the best male leads to ever be seen. He is just way to good to be true. He never gave up on Wen Yifan and never moved on from her. Even when he believed she had just dropped him because he had a one sided love for her. Sang Yan was never mad at her for her doing this to him either just devastated and still try to find some ways to be involved in her life. (Even though some people may find this a be a bit of a stalker like behavior). He even blames himself for not seeing everything she had been through when he was still in her life.
WEN YIFAN-
This poor girl has just been through so much and even didn't have her family on her side. Her whole world came crumbling down when her dad dies granted she got to stay with her grandmother for a little bit but she couldn't take care of her for very long. Sang Yan was her only light through everything she had been through but to get away from her family she ran from everyone including him. I don't see how anyone couldn't feel for this girl through her story. She did what she thought was best for her at such a young age when her mother wouldn't even help her. She does love Sang Yan and doesn't move on from him either.
ZHONG SI QIAO-
I have to mention this girl through my review cause I really liked her and believe everyone should have a best friend like her in their lives. She is always there for her friends even when the tend to forget about her and she always wants whats best for them and that they are always happy. She doesn't act like other friends in dramas when a boy she likes actually likes her best friend and not her. She doesn't get mad at Wen Yifan doesn't blame her or even turn on her. She will not let a boy stand in the way of their friendship. Like how can you not like this girl through this drama. Even though I thought the whole grandparent story could of been shorter still really enjoyed watching this girl.
The First Frost is definitely going to be a top modern drama for me. I have such trouble with modern dramas so when I do get ones I really do enjoy it does mean something. I have very few modern dramas I have actually loved. Sang Yan and Wen Yifan's story is one that will definitely stay with me for awhile, but as I always say everyone is different and you may not agree but give it a chance and see.
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