Love Story in the 1970s

A richly crafted, politically grounded drama that shines brightest in its relationships

Love Story in the 1970s is one of those rare dramas that truly commits to its historical moment. Set before, through, and after the fall of the Gang of Four, it offers a textured look at how ordinary lives were shaped—sometimes uplifted, often constrained—by the political tides of the era. The show doesn’t shy away from taboos: blacklist families, the culture of informing on one another, the black market, the biases of the university system, seniority trumping talent, and the sheer poverty of the time. All of it is handled with a grounded, unflinching eye.

The production is exceptional. The sets, costuming, and atmosphere feel lived‑in and authentic, and the acting is superb across the board. Arthur Chen is a standout—his character’s quiet heroism is especially striking given that he spends his days drawing comics critiquing exactly that kind of idealized figure. Sun Qian’s Fei Ni is equally compelling, layered and resilient without ever feeling performative.

The three main couples are the emotional core of the show. Each relationship is distinct, tender, and believable, and you genuinely care about what happens to them. Their arcs carry a strong message about supporting one another, facing adversity head‑on, and finding solutions together. The minor couples, by contrast, feel more like narrative cautionary tales—and honestly, their endings fit.

I’ll admit my enthusiasm dipped in the last six episodes. The emotional turbulence becomes repetitive, and I found myself exhausted by the constant ups and downs. When Mu Yang’s parents finally returned, it felt too late in the story to land with the weight it should have—though that may simply be my preference. The final episodes, set against the sweeping post–Gang of Four reforms and the shift toward meritocracy, although good, I found myself fast‑forwarding through parts.

Even so, Love Story in the 1970s remains a beautifully made, deeply human drama. Its political backdrop is not just scenery—it’s the engine of the characters’ lives. And at its heart, it’s a story about love, resilience, and the quiet courage it takes to build a future in uncertain times.

It’s worth a look and then some 😊

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A warm hug.

"Reality itself is powerful enough. All we have to do is capture it."

This is the quote from the drama that resonates with me the most because it perfectly explains why slice-of-life romance is one of my favorite subgenres. There are no flashy CEOs, no fancy mansions, and no over-the-top romantic gestures. Just two flawed and humble individuals navigating life, learning how to love, and trying to become better people — whether it's for each other or for themselves.

Sometimes when characters fall for one another, they get so consumed by their feelings that they lose their sense of self. But that's not the case with Fei Ni and Fang Muyang. Even when their bond grows stronger, they still hold onto their own hopes and dreams. They stay true to who they are at their core. Even when sacrifices are made, they aren't done at the request of the other. When one fumbles, the other shoulders the burden. When one succeeds, they both celebrate. They are equals. Each other's biggest fan. Their romance is slow-burn, sweet, and most importantly? Healthy. Sun Qian is so natural and bright as Fei Ni, it's like she was actually born in this era. Arthur Chen is so captivating and wholesome as Fang Muyang, I can't help but admire his charms. I adore these two actors as much as I adore their characters. But don't let my praise for the leads fool you. Despite its title, Love Story in the 1970s, this is more than just a love story.

Plain and muted-color clothes, government-issued ration coupons, rustic and cramped homes — the drama doesn't just look like it's set during the Cultural Revolution in China, it feels like it too. It touches on the hardships that many people faced during this time period and highlights the dangers that come with being an outcast in society. To conform is to blend in. To stand out is to make yourself a target. And somehow, following the rules doesn't always promise you safety. You can see the desperation and stress over the scarcity of goods, limited housing, and financial instability in the characters' eyes. You witness the hard choices some have to make for survival, and see how some are willing to throw away their morals, or even swallow their pride, to secure a place at the table. Every single character exists outside of their connection to the leads, and even when I don't always agree with the paths they take, their actions are always aligned with who they are as characters. They feel authentically alive.

It isn't always sunshine and rainbows, and yet, this drama feels like a warm hug. I usually struggle to keep up with ongoing cdramas because of how quickly they release new episodes, but for this one, I was glued to my screen daily. I was addicted. The storytelling is compelling, and the only complaints I have are that the antagonists are too good at getting under my skin. For someone as picky and easily distracted as me, that's a great problem to have, isn't it? That's how you know the entire cast and crew created a masterpiece. From the writing to the directing to the production to the acting — everyone managed to deliver a story so full of heart and consistency that even I couldn't find things to nitpick.

This slice-of-life romance reminds us that we are defined more by our resilience than our setbacks, and we can overcome anything as long as we have each other. Hope might give us the courage to keep going, but hard work takes us further in life than anything given to us for free. Is it preachy? Yes. Is it cheesy? Also yes. But it's the kind of story that leaves you feeling good inside, and we need more of that in this world. I highly recommend!

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Heart warming, Optimism, Youth, Hope

In a world full of hot-intense dramas, Love Story In The 1970s is like the soothing cool breeze in a scorching summer evening. It's absolutely a warm, soft drama set in the retro era. Fei Ni is a girl who represents nearly every fenale who wants to keep studying no matter how many set backs life throw at you. Fang Muyang is like spring breaking into winter's territory with the hope of bringing life to the world. He is full of life & light. Optimism is his other name. Their story of growth and falling in love is not the only heart-touching thing in the story. The portrayal of each family in this drama doesn't feel fictional, it's like we are literally peeking at China's 70s era society.
Let's talk about the second leads. The second lead cp is a bit toxic in the beginning but they eventually set aside their own poison and decided to heal & love.
All over it is a great drama, comfortable to watch. It gives us hope and warmth that we should never give up on our dreams.

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A simple story of the meaning of love

I’m not always a big fan of Chinese love stories as it can get long and convoluted. This series with Arthur Chen and Sun Qian is just what the doctor ordered. The pacing is well done, a slow burn to a growing relationship. I specially enjoyed watching China back in the 70’s and saw how people lived. It completely changed my point of view, not the dark stories I’ve heard. People are people no matter where you are, it’s th circumstances that differs. And this love story stayed true to what people go through.

It talks about the challenges living a communist China where the deeply rooted culture sets the tone. The chemistry of the lead actors where superfluous and just grows on me, it’s not hyped and feels real. You can see Fei Ni slowly opens what’s been hidden deep inside her heart to Fang Mu Yang. The supporting characters as well added a parallel storyline that was not distracting as they too have their own challenges to overcome. The focus on their hopes and inspirations is very welcoming in a dreary life of Communist China in the 70’s I’m glad it’s only 29 episodes so unnecessary fillers which C-Dramas are notorious resulting in flat endings. I feel scriptwriting is crucial, just like preparing a perfect meal, don’t overdo the ingredients. This is what this series is about, the right amount of ingredients slowly cooked to perfection.

Arthur’s acting has gotten better as he gained more experience but sometimes his good looks can also be his challenge as it can distract my focus. It’s the thought of “he’s too good looking to be true”, and in comparison to Sun Qian’s simple looks and her superb acting she truly dominates the storyline.

This show has so many memorable and relatable moments that makes me want to see more of the lives of Chinese in the years when I was growing up in Asia.

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Home is wherever we are, together.

Love story in the 1970s (Chinese Title <<纯真年代的爱情>> Love in the innocent Days) is Adapted from Meng Zhongde's Novel ''The Love of a pragmatist'' of Jinjiang literature City .It is set in the premise of Mid to Late 1970s, Ending years of China's cultural revolution, a turning point of history from factory workshops to re-education camps ,from banned literatures to College entrance exams. This drama felt like a love letter to that difficult era,it tells people even on the coldest of days,human heart will still find warmth.

The male protagonist,Fang Muyang, & his sister Fang Mujing comes from a family with a bad political background, one of the "Black Five Categories".Their parents were sent to do manual labor somewhere unknown ("re-education camps") & Fang Mujing severed ties with family in order to stay at the university as a Math teacher and participate in classified research. 2nd Male lead, Qu Hua,is a neurosurgeon with impeccable credentials, He appears refined, calm, reliable, & comes from an influential Military family of grace.

The female protagonist, Fei Ni, is a kind of girl who shines through her ordinary charms,She works in the factory at daytime,mends old clothes under night light, plans for her dreams of becoming a writer, She's one rare of a kind for her time, Ambitious,intelligent, hardworking & Empathetic.Fang Muyang & Feini were Middle school classmates.They meet Again when He got hospitalized From a rescue accident, saving lives & becoming a "Hero".Feini takes the initiative to take care of the comatose Fang Muyang not because of childhood sweetheart feelings, but because she wants a spot in the university recommendation (College entrance examination was abolished at that time & replaced by an unfair recommendation system).After some turn of events, They eventually get married to get the housing allotment of the Hero, & starts a Bunk-bed couple life.

"Marrying first and falling in love later" sounds cliché, But the screenwriter managed to make this plot feel real and comforting.There were no third-party conflicts between them, no dramatic misunderstandings, only tender details in everyday life - Genuine & sweet. Well, not always too sweet because someone is determined to sabotage their housing unit,& ironically, the tension, fear & following events of almost getting exposed of the "fake marriage" kept bringing them closer and closer as the time goes by. This gradual development of their feelings is truly touching.Fang Muyang is gentle & kind at heart, He is deeply devoted to Feini, doing his best to give her a good life, and treating her family as his own.This couple is portrayed as people who suffer hardships & make sacrifices silently at home.They face problems & solve them together, they support each other’s dreams & passions & try their best to pursue them together. They are like two good people deserving of all good things in life.At the end of the day, Fang Muyang & Feini are not only victors in love, but also the most simple "light chasers" of that era.

Qu Hua & Fang Mujing get married as a mutually beneficial arrangement & gradually fall into a tug-of-war in emotional storms, creating a strong dramatic tension.They have highly compatible personalities, Both are talented, clean-cut, composed, awkward,& somewhat arrogant. Wang Tianchen brought Qu Hua to life, both in appearance and acting skills.Guo Xiaoting, with her cool and aloof attitude, perfectly captured Fang Mujing's qualities & beauty.This two actors possess a relatively mature and refined demeanor, befitting the era.For some viewers, the push & pull dynamic of this second lead couple may outshine the charm & innocence of the leads,yes they are THAT passionate & charismatic, endearing in their own ways.

As the characters are interconnected, their interpersonal bonds are strong, along with Fei family dynamics as a core. The script is Solid with brisk plot development & consistent character Growths. The usual life in the 70s China felt raw : the simple achievements of doing Carpentry on their own, Coupons to get permission for meat,drinks, making & repairing a TV out of old instruments, everything felt so real to
make it a heartwarming period drama with lighthearted comedic touch, further enhanced with Nuanced but captivating performances of the Actors. Fei family father, Fei Mingde is another character who moved hearts of the audiences, His love for his family is unconditional, & he gives his children absolute respect. Actor Wu Yue did exceptionally well carrying the depth of fatherly love, he did his role so convincingly that i couldn’t help tearing up at some emotional scenes.Fei mother's actress was great as well.

Third couple are Feini's brother Fei Ting, & her best friend Lin Mei.I loved how realistic Fei Ting's character was, firm, confused & vulnerable, having a passionate interest in culinary stuffs, bro just wants to cook 🤣.The fourth couple is factory director's Son, Ye feng & ML's old acquaintance Ling Yi, well they are a perfect match for each other lol.

Director Chen Chang's use of cinematic language is appreciating, from using a drilled cookie tin as a flower vase of lead couple's newly decorated house, to using the same holed biscuit tin to create a nightclub like lighting setup at midnight in the film projector scene of listening to Mozarts...the camera focus, Angles & directions...All seemed like real artful skills.Chen Feiyu & Sun Qian served striking chemistry, whether it is in the earlier hospital days of consuming carrots,or on the difficult days in the tents of post earthquake shelters.

The production team's attention to detail is commendable,they richly created an era atmosphere set of the 1970s, restoring old 50s & 60s factory workshops for filming location, sourced enamel mugs & old sewing machines from old markets, built a dormitory building on the site of the former Chongqing University of Mining and technology. The dormitory iron beds, old Fashioned tea cups,propaganda slogans,worn out clothing patches are all recreated to give the audience a truly immersive experience. The actors lived in the factory area for two weeks beforehand, experiencing life with ration coupons and operating machines. Chen Feiyu cut his hair short and practiced his craft, the calluses on his hands were real. Sun Qian's work pants were worn faded, with even the loose threads on the cuffs showing authentic wear. These small details give the entire series warmth ,not just a retro feel, but authenticity.

It is a perfect example of when a work is made with care & dedication,no matter how much was the resources, it will hit the audience with it's genuinity & thoughtfulness. It made me happy when i saw this drama topping All charts of Ratings & Views in China during it's broadcast period, unexpectedly becoming one of the most successful TV dramas of 2026. I immensely enjoyed the 29 episodes ,& really wished for even more.Some stories stay with me & lingers for a long time,i think this will be one of those for me.I hope the viewers who are reading this to get an idea will enjoy it as much as i did.

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Love that endures time and hardships

What stayed with me the most about this drama is the way it portrays love as something that grows quietly through time, shaped by loyalty, sacrifice, and the people who stand beside you no matter what. The drama doesn’t rush its emotions. Instead, it patiently builds a world where relationships feel grounded in everyday moments, in shared struggles, and in the deep sense of responsibility characters feel toward one another. I loved how the story highlights not only romance but also the importance of family and support systems, showing how love can exist in so many different forms. There’s a warmth running through the entire narrative, almost nostalgic, as if you’re watching lives unfold rather than just a scripted story. By the end, what remains isn’t only the romance but the feeling that these characters truly became each other’s home.

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A romance made up of small moments rather than big gestures, that feels realistic yet idealistic

Let me start of by saying Love story in the 1970's has no break up at all, nothing comes close and a HE, which I love. A few annoying side characters, one especially but most of the characters are very endearing and nice, and even the ones that aren't are quite relatable and understandable, they feel real. I think thats a key of this cdrama, it feels realistic yet somehow showed a damn near perfect romance, striking a very difficult balance between realistic and romance. First 5-6 eps set up the story so starts a bit slow in my opinion, but after that and especially ep 11 onwards after the fake/contract marriage between ml and fl, it becomes a really well written, sweet and innocent love story between ml and fl. I think you see where this goes, fake/contra t marriage turns into real love, while it's predictable and cliche I have to say how they've done it here has been great. ml and fl are so cute together, their relationship developing is so so sweet, starts with ml liking fl from the start and seeing fl slowly fall in love with ml as well so endearing and sweet. You really see ml and fl falling for each other, their love feels real and relatable, not some far fetched or crazy love story, but really realistic but also sweet and innocent, it made you feel warm, was an ideal type of love.

Like I mentioned before, their romance is all about the small things, making food for each other, fanning each other while they work, and especially supporting each other in their work life/ambitions no matter what. Their support for each other is so sweet, always cheering the other up when they face a setback at work or something like that. Overall its a pretty low angst drama though, some moments of angst and a few obstacles but it never effects their romance, mainly the angst and obstacles are in their work life and future ambitions. Their romance, once it begins never stops and is always steady and strong. Their support for each other is constant but not loud, just providing constant comfort and a safe place for the other.

There are two other side couples, both have no break ups as well, although one side couple comes close. One is sweet and supportive like the main couple, the other starts quite bumpy but also turns into a really sweet love story. They both offered different perspectives on a relationship compared to ml and fl's story, but also were quite nice. Overall the love stories, especially between ml and fl were so well written and acted. Once again, the focus is on the small things, small moments that show their love and care for each other, and seeing them fall in love makes you feel warm and sweet.

Last like 3-4 eps were good, but don't get me wrong a bit anticlimactic, as usual with period dramas it incorporated a lot of Chinese propaganda in the last 3-4 eps, but for me I didn't mind as we still got a lot of sweet moments between ml and fl, like ml brining home a coffee maker from work to share with fl, and them dancing together during the night as he played piano. Small things like that make their relationship so sweet, and there romance so realistic but also very romantic. But a heads up did get a bit propaganda full in the last few eps but wasn't too bad as ml and fl's romance still shined.

This is a romance grounded in reality, feels realistic yet perfect, you really could see clearly the process of each falling for the other, it showed so well in their acting and how their relationship was written. I also loved their communication, whenever one faced trouble at work or something, they would talk about it soon after, supported each other and cheered the other up, was very sweet and refreshing to see their communication and having no secrets.

fl did start of with ulterior motives for approaching ml, but after thats cleared up in a few eps, and like I mentioned their marriage started off a contract one to help fl's brother, but once they agree to a marriage contract and get married, around eps 10-11ish, thats where the drama and especially the romance, really gets going. From there they have a damn near perfect relationship, literally perfect and green flag from them both, and yet it also felt realistic and relatable. I think thats why I really enjoyed this drama, the romance between ml and fl was full of sweetness and romance, but it didn't feel unrealistic like some romance cdramas do. Somehow the romance was perfect and idealistic, yet realistic at the same time, I think it was all the small moments they included that showed their feeling for each other, no big acts or gestures were needed, just small but constant shows of support and love. I really think they struck a perfect balance of the romance being realistic but also idealistic and romantic, allowing us to feel warm and fuzzy without it being too farfetched. The small moments they shared with each other felt real but also romantic. The writers did a great job writing this romance and the actors pulled it off perfectly.

For those wondering, in ep 17, fl's parents find the marriage contract ml and fl at first signed when they agreed to get married to help fl's brother, I know cliche but it was well handled and over quickly so I didn't mind that much, this was also where they publicly professed their love for each other and shared their first kiss. Both their love confessions were very sweet and after this ep, the marriage contract had no other impact going forward. Also like I said, this isn't a kiss heavy or hot and heavy romance, although there are a few kisses going forward, but its a sweet innocent romance, where their love and care is showed through small moments and gestures rather then a lot of intimacy, although there is some.

There is one main 'villain' character, she is annoying and stubborn, seems to be incredibly jealous or fl always out to get her, but she gets her karma in the second last ep. Besides her though I feel like there were no real other villains, there were so other characters that were annoying at times or did bad things, but they felt relatable and you understood why. I think this drama did a great job of not being overlay dramatic for the most part, everything felt grounded mostly.

Overall, the ml and fl had a damn perfect relationship once married, and I was just so surprised at how much I enjoyed their romance, especially as I wasn't really expecting this drama to be my cup of tea tbh. The other 2 main side couples were also really nice, their roads were a bit more bumpy then ml and fl's but they showed different aspects of a relationship, both of them feel realistic as well and showed different conflicts that a relationship can go through, but they both also showed love and supporting winning in the end and had no break ups.

If you're looking for a mostly angst free romance cdrama with a damn near perfect relationship that is sweet and innocent, idealistic and romantic, yet also realistic and relatable, give this a try, I don't think you'll regret it.

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Some stories don’t just entertain you, they quietly stay with you.

If you're looking for a heartwarming with great storylines C-drama, this drama is definitely for you.

The rating here are not overhyped because this drama really deserve the recognition. I truly love the atmosphere and the storylines, magnificent!!!! This drama has became one of my top-tier comfort C-dramas, the kind that warms your heart long after the last episode ends. The love between Fang Muyang and Fei Ni unfolds so gently, yet so deeply. It feels like watching two souls slowly find their way back to each other. Their chemistry feels effortless, the kind that doesn’t need grand gestures to be felt. And what makes it even more beautiful is that the story doesn’t belong only to them. Every supporting character carries their own little universe of emotions, making the journey feel even more alive.

By the time the 29th episode ended, I realized that I wasn’t ready to leave their world yet. It was my hardest goodbye. (The ending is just perfect).

Some dramas are watched. This drama is lived.

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A Hidden and heartwarming Gem

I originally started this drama for Chen Fei Yu with no expectation (more like I didn’t know what to expect), but I ended up discovering an absolute masterpiece. My heart is so full after finishing it… this show is a hidden gem that deserves to be known !

Beyond Expectations: Hope and Resilience

The 1970s was a difficult era, but the drama is so heartwarming. It shows how people found happiness despite every delusions and difficulties. Once the main couple is together, their bond is unbreakable.. they are simply happy and fearless against the world. It’s a beautiful lesson in love and resilience.

The acting is truly top-tier. The chemistry between the leads is electric, but the entire cast is phenomenal. The family circle’s bond was so authentic and warm that it felt like we were witnessing the Life of a true family. I am going to miss these characters so much!

Also I am truly impressed by the production quality. The directing and editing are flawless.. the way they used slow-motion at exactly the right moments and integrated archival footage was genius. Every detail on the screen and the perfect pacing added a touch of magic.

The Most Satisfying Conclusion

It is so rare to find a drama where the ending feels this perfect. I loved that every character received the right retribution for their actions. It felt incredibly fair and left me with a deep sense of peace and satisfaction.

Overall, this is a high-quality production with a soul. It’s a poignant, visual, and emotional journey that leaves a lasting impression. If you want a story with incredible performances and a lot of heart, please do not miss this one!

I just finished it and I already miss it.. miss them..

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The idea of love that anyone would want

I love this drama! I rarely write reviews because I am too lazy to type but this one had me write one. Hahahha! It's so underrated and people needs to see the beauty of this drama..

I dare not to say but this has been my biggest surprise this year. I just randomly started it without expecting anything and ended up loving it until the end. Although amnesia trope wasn't my cup of tea, it didn't last long and it's a major plot for our main leads to be together and start their "fake marriage". What I love the most is there's no breakup, no misunderstanding, no obsessive 2ML/2FL, no common and usual miscommunication between the leads/couple.. We get to see other love stories too by the 2nd and 3rd couple that I believe has its own beauty too.. It's a perfectly imperfect kind of love that anyone would love to have..

Then there are villains here, the product of time and the world they live in, they most likely to have this kind of behavior which is detestable because they thought that's how they can survive. They are annoying especially this one character who has major inferiority complex and a parttime evil snake too hahahaa. I am glad that each and everyone get what they deserved! Some has character development, but those who are purely evil has no redemption arc (yay!). That's when we should know that every actions we do has consequences that we will have later on and glad this drama gives us the better ending for these annoying characters!

I have to commend as well the beautiful sceneries that being shown whenever they are changing the scenes..

I love the FL so much!! Fei Ni on the other hand represents all girlies out there who are strong despite the trials she is experiencing. Someone who never gives up, someone who dares to laugh and cry, a kind of woman who has a beautiful heart and choses to strive more than to hate someone. Life during that time wasn't easy but it never back her down, she continually holds on to her dream and hope for a better future..

Marriage is a scary thing for me, not because of marriage itself but the person whom I am marrying.. But if it's like the ML, Fang Muyang who looks at you like you're the best thing that happens in his life, who supports you in every way he can, who protects you and never raises his voice at you, someone who wants the best for you, someone who makes you laugh at silliest things, who will dance with you at night, and is patient with you and respects your every decisions in life.. I think it will be less scary when you meet someone who is right for you.. And that's the beauty of their relationship and marriage 😊 soo beautiful and ideal that you would want one too hahahha.. Although it started as "fake" (maybe for Fei Ni hahaha), it becomes the truest and realest kind of love and marriage they deserve..

It's been a beautiful (and short T_T) journey we have here.. If you're looking for something warm and soothing drama with all the world's chaos now, this will be a sweet experience.. No angst, no unnecessary fillers, just watching the beauty of this kind of love being slow and steady, simple and meaningful, sweet and innocent..

btw, this is a retro cdrama, expect the propaganda, just glad it's minimal here and mostly at the end!

That's it. yes I am indeed a yapper! Hahaha Thanks for reading until the end^^

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Underrated gem

I loved it so much. Such a beautiful love stories. Clean, reciprocity, devotion, love, building slow partnership, mature love. This drama gave me so much joy.

The ML and FL are so inspiring. Beautiful cast, lovely story, amazing interpretation.

The chemistry is amazing. I love also the second couple. The acting is graceful. I love FL acting, you will see every emotion on her face with so much intensity. The lessons and the inspiring real love friendship connection and the importance of humanity and kindness are so beautiful expressed

It was difficult sometimes to see this controlled life, the communist periods. They had a hard life. I am grateful to live mu life.

A sign that people need to be together, to show solidarity. In the times we live in, we have forgotten kindness and togetherness, to really help each other.

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