Funny & Infuriating
Filter may be the only true Chinese romcom I have ever seen. I don't often laugh out loud, but I did several times while watching this. I was pleasantly surprised, and eagerly went from episode to episode.Alas, it is not perfect. The conflicts created by the FL being able to change her appearance are incredibly repetitive. There are stretches of time when the FL sadly isn't onscreen because her other personas have taken over.
The ML is a true loser in love - a pitiful guy who makes you want to yell at the screen "get it together!" (Still, a refreshing role to see TJC in)
But I think the most disappointed aspect of the show was the rather serious plot given to the 2nd FL in the last 5 episode of the series. The focus steered away from the lead couple and away from the fun.
Filter managed to stick the landing, but not without countless moments of hair-pulling frustration.
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Love it or hate it - this drama gets people talking
Firstly, I cannot praise this cast enough for their acting skills. There are no weak links and they successfully draw you into the story. Secondly, the disguise transitions are smooth because there was a lot of work by the actors and production staff to make it happen. There were multiple filming of scenes so that support cast could see Li Landi in action and mimic her well. These multiples also gave Tan Jian Ci opportunity to adjust to the different actors and see them as her. It created a perfect fusion of people and objects that brought the bracelet tech to life before our eyes. Thirdly, the writer was quite determined to make us intensely dislike both male and female leads. This was lightened up some by the wonderful best friends making up the second couple, but the only way to decide if you are really up to this drama is to actually view to the end of episode eight. It is here that we begin to understand the magic of the writer and proceed with trepidation to see what comes next. The magic begins and everything seems to go on course til we hit episodes 20 and 21. Here again you have to decide if you are willing to see this through to the end. This is where lots of conversations take place and people are all over the spectrum in opinions of what they think. I can truthfully say I have not seen such animated discussion over a drama before on so many platforms. Lastly, If you choose to persevere to the end of this, you will learn what delighted and deviled us. Why many of us find this unique, fresh and thoughtful with a splash of true comedy thrown in. Why we are engaged in telling each other what we love or hate about it and sharing with family and friends whether they want to hear about it or not. You might even just find yourself joining the conversation.Was this review helpful to you?
I came in with low expectations because I am not a fan of over-the-top comedy. I heard about some of the second-hand embarrassment and seen posts about them. However, I like Landy Li and also want to see Tan Jian Ci in a comedy, so I am giving this a try. Despite what I worried about did come true a little, I had a good time watching the drama, especially in the second half (minus a few episodes).
Comedy
I might drop this drama if I came in blind and knew nothing about it. The second-hand embarrassment comedy really isn’t my cup of tea. Luckily, it tones down after episode 6 or 7. There are actually many funny moments and dialogues that I enjoy and the drama does not need to resort to the overdramatic and crazy stuff. The cast has great comedic timing, the drama has a great message, and the plot despite it being a ‘fantasy’ is sincere. But this is all very subjective. I recognize there are others who enjoy this type of humor or are in need of it at the moment.
Pacing/Plot
As I mentioned, I actually liked the second half of the drama more. I think the arc with Su Miao lasts too long. I was getting impatient and wanted to know when the truth is going to come up and when the leads can start developing their relationship. Fang Jin and Quan Sheng Tang’s arc is a little shorter and I believe when the real Fang Jin showed up that I started to really enjoy the drama. It was during her arc when the message of loving and respecting oneself first truly shines. I also feel back for our poor ML. Not only was he lied to many times, he had 3 traumatic experiences because of the Filter. It was just too much for anyone to endure. I thought he should be angry for longer! I also wish the drama didn’t spend so much time on Gu Yu and Lin Yuan in the last 3 episodes.
Main Leads -Tang Qi (ML) and Su Cheng Cheng (FL) are both flawed by very likable characters.
Tang Qi (Tan Jian Ci) - It’s nice to see Tan Jian Ci play a nerdy scientist/researcher who has never been in love, yet questions his own character when he falls in love twice within a short period of time. Tang Qi has some ‘red flags’ as well. Maybe due to his profession, he is persistent and won’t give up until he gets his answers. His stalkerish and overbearing behavior towards Su Miao and Fang Jin could be alarming. They clearly wanted to avoid him, yet he won’t give up. But you can’t deny he is sweet, caring, considerate and thoughtful. When he’s with Su Cheng Cheng finally, he’s the perfect boyfriend. He is nerdy shy yet assertive, caring and thoughtful, and supportive in the most calming and mature way.
Su Cheng Cheng (Landy Li) - I applaud Landy for wearing minimal makeup for most of the drama with pimples here and there. But it’s quite a stretch to say Su Cheng Cheng and Landy Li are unattractive. She’s so pretty! Poor girl has gone through a lot her whole life despite trying to work hard and be the best that she could be. Who could have faulted her for falling into the slippery slope or opening the Pandora box of the Filter. Su Cheng Cheng is a female lead that I root for from beginning to the end. She’s hardworking, smart and observant, who when given the chance, excels in her work and doesn’t have to rely on any guy.
Romance
Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng really tested my patience. It took a very long time for the truth to be revealed and a chance for them to be together. I would have liked another episode or two of the courting, and then another episode of them being cute together. But once they are together, the drama rewards my patience with their sweet interactions. I love an adorkable nerdy ML, and Tan Jian Ci delivers big time. Whenever I see them together, I grinned like an idiot with a big smile on my face. It doesn’t hurt that their kisses are spaced out well (not feeling forced or like fan service) and they are not dead fish kisses.
Gu Yu and Lin Yuan are also very cute together. I enjoy the development of their romance from enemies to lovers. They have great chemistry and just take up enough screen time for me to care about their storyline without taking too much time away from the main leads. However, when the reason why Lin Yuan was hesitant to date Gu Yu was revealed, I have a feeling that reason is going to cause some trouble in the future. And I was right. They took up the last 3 episodes of the drama, and I wish that time was devoted to our leads instead. That little bit also doesn’t jive with the general theme of the drama, but it’s more about them. But they have great chemistry and it doesn’t hurt to see another green flag boyfriend on my screen.
Acting + Supporting Cast
The four main leads did not disappoint. I’ve seen them in many other dramas before and know that they can act. Tan Jian Ci was excellent playing this nerdy and adorkable male lead. It’s a big contrast when he’s the professional developing the next big item, and when he’s in love and acting all inexperienced. Landy Li’s role also demands her to have a range of emotions, and she delivers. The rest of the supporting cast did well with a mix of veterans (FL’s super supportive parents) and child actors (younger versions of the leads).
Production
I find it interesting that I don’t like the makeup in this drama, especially the men” Tan Jian Ci, Gao Han Yu and Wang Hong Yi. Compared to when I saw Gao Han Yu in “Dine with Love” he looks less handsome with a pale and gaunt look. Is it just me thinking that? Landy Li with her minimal makeup looks so much prettier than some with the white cakey foundation. On the other hand, “Filter” has an interesting and eclectic OST. I don’t think we can find another song in any other drama that’s about an alpaca. Too bad I can’t find the full OST on Spotify. It is always lovely to hear Tan Jian Ci sing in his drama.
Overall, I had a good time watching this drama. I would recommend this if you are looking for something lighthearted and funny, and don’t like some over-the-top comedy. Fans of Tan Jian Ci and Landy Li should check this out as well. “Filter” has a good message and it’s more than loving and respecting oneself. In the last episode, when the 'final touch' product was introduced, the leads spoke of a very important message to convey. I believe that’s the main moral of the story/drama. I don’t want to spoil it, but will put that in the comment section. Because this was a slow start for me, I can't give this a solid 8.5+. But it's on par to how I feel about "The First Frost" and "The Best Thing" - an 8.25
Completed: 4/6/2025 - Review #564
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This review may contain spoilers
funny, heart-rending, then sweet
Finished 4-5-25Rating: 8/10 stars
Pros:
• Frequently laugh out loud funny.
• There is a llama, and a llama-related song. It. Is. Amazing.
• Cute main couple with a very slow burn romance.
• Cute secondary couple who offer a lot of support to the main leads.
• A strong theme of self-acceptance.
• I loved that the male lead kept falling in love with the female lead because her personality was just so attractive to him, regardless of her appearance. It was so cute, and really resonated with me.
• fun scifi McGuffin in the form of the bracelet. It was often used by the characters to solve problems in quite clever ways. There was a logic to how it worked that made the show scifi rather than fantasy, and I really appreciated that. Cdrama fantasy often feels illogical and random to me.
• At times deeply emotional. Even though a lot of the plot was comedic, I really believed in the connections the male lead had with the various forms of the female lead. And I really believed in his devastation when he was forced to let them go (because of course the female lead doesn't want to keep playing these characters forever). I actually cried at one point. (If you're wondering when, it was the goodbye at the bottom of the rainbow staircase. The Fang Jin story arc SLEW me.)
Cons:
*some spoilers below*
• In-universe, the female lead is supposed to be unattractive and also super strong/athletic. In reality the actress is pretty and tiny. So yeah, some major suspension of disbelief is required, and it also really waters down the supposed core message of the show: that it's what's inside that counts and you should embrace your authentic self. Easy for the female lead, when her only problem appears to be low self esteem, since she is clearly pretty and about 90 pounds!
• There was not nearly enough time dedicated to working through the trauma the male lead experienced. He literally saw a woman he cared about die from being struck by lightning right in front of him. And that was just the start! Although he is understandably enraged and bitter at the female lead when he realizes what has been going on, he fairly quickly gets over it. His friend even tells him, "Nobody actually died, that's a good thing." He was angry for about a half an episode before he starts realizing that all the things he loved about those other people were actually the female lead. He basically falls in love and forgives her in half an episode.... I feel like I'm underselling this so let me emphasize: in half an episode he forgives the person who forced him to literally watch people die in front of him MORE THAN ONCE. Yeah. I needed a bit more of him being mad and processing that shit.
• The last three episodes were totally pointless. Seriously, if you watch this drama do yourself a favor and consider episode 29 to be the finale. The last three episodes are really slow, not funny, lay the schmaltz on way too thick, and for some reason introduce an idiotic storyline involving the second female lead being pregnant, totally going against her character the whole rest of the show. It was a struggle to finish what was otherwise a great show, so please SAVE YOURSELF.
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This review may contain spoilers
But what if, in real life, we had a bracelet filter?
If you want to take a break from heavy and emotionally draining dramas, Filter is a good choice. It’s a mix of comedy, romance, and light drama, sprinkled with themes of friendship, family, career, and relationships. I’d describe this drama as a breath of fresh air—the story feels unique, timely, and carries meaningful messages for its viewers.Personally, I even found myself more interested in the second male lead and the female lead, haha! But beyond the love lines, what really stood out to me were the lessons the drama wanted to share.
Every person has their own strengths and weaknesses—it’s up to us how we use them to become the best version of ourselves. Everyone also has their own kind of beauty. In a world where technology and advertising companies dictate beauty standards, sometimes we forget that true beauty lies in the eye of the beholder, and it’s our uniqueness that makes us truly beautiful.
The drama also reminds us that technology isn’t inherently bad. When used properly, it can help us grow and progress. But when misused, it can cause harm. Filter highlights that progress is never a bad thing—as long as it’s used for good.
Overall, Filter is a heartwarming watch that entertains while delivering thoughtful reminders about life, beauty, and the way we use modern technology.
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What heart wants.
A very unique and timely drama understanding human emotion. This is a very interesting way to show that it's not always about the outside appearance, but the good nature within. The portrayal by the leads is truly remarkable.But my favorite is the second lead. I don't know why, but it feels so natural. Yuan Li is an amazing friend and a strong one, too. Her parents abandoned her after their divorce, yet she grew up with a good and kind heart. She reminds me of my one friend. And Gu Yu, the very mature guy that I love. He understands his boundaries, and he is also a tremendous support for everyone. I don't know It's just clicking on me. Love them.
Overall, it's a really fun drama to watch. I will rewatch some of the funny scenes. Just try it, guys. :)
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Hilarious and heartwarming with great characters.
What an amazing love story with an impactful message of loving oneself and also not letting biases color your thoughts of someone!! How in the world is this drama not rated higher? It has been a long while since I watched a drama where I didnt FFWD or 2x it. I was so apprehensive about how they would handle him falling innlove with her other “versions” but they handles it so cleverly. I started the drama feeling badly for FL and then it shifted to empathasizing with ML, especially as we realize why he doesn’t see the qualities in FL that he finds attractive in the other versions of her. I realized my own bias against ML and learned to see beyond the face value of things just as ML does with FL as the drama progresses. I loved that there was no push amd pull - the character said what they were thinking and wholeheartedly fell into love. The drama didn’t require SFL/SML to drive the story. OTP did a fine job moving the story along with their own character development with the help of some amazing side characters amd extras. The family and friendships were spectacular as well. Not all is the bestie relationship absolutely top-notch but even the work colleagues realistically change from somewhat toxic to truly valuing FL. The heartfelt message is so clear - your inner self shines through no matter your outer appearance and if you truly love someone, it’s their soul you love. I appreciate that they took the last 3-4 episodes to drive it home and even went a little on the nose for the people who didnt understand the message in the bracelet arc of the story.Some other notes:
The humor was humoring! I laughed out loud in so many parts.
Second couple was phenomenal as well. They had me giggle, crying and cheering them on as well.
ML acted out his loss and self-hate for falling in love so easily again so well. FL was relatable and so very likeable. I do find it funny that she is considered “not attractive” im the drama but I get it, you can’t expect people to watch otherwise.
ML knows how to kiss!! The skinship was great!
(Tiny spoiler) They tied in his eye issue nicely from the color disapparing to him finding her when she goes invisible. Leave the science and realism at the back of your mind. This is definitely a fantasy genre.
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FILTER : UNFILTERED BRILLIANCE.
"Filter" seizes attention and refuses to let go and obsession intensifies. This drama shatters expectations, delivering a comedic whirlwind unlike any other C-drama. Each episode pulses with vibrant energy, leaving viewers breathless with laughter and anticipation.Tan Jianci and Li Landi dominate the screen. They command attention with masterful comedic performances. Their chemistry ignites a wildfire, their expressions amplify every punchline, and their energy propels the narrative to new heights. They embody comedic brilliance.
Beneath the humor, "Filter" unveils a profound message. It champions self-worth, bolsters confidence, and demands respect. The drama challenges societal norms, offering a refreshing perspective on beauty. It reminds viewers that true beauty radiates from within, celebrating individuality. Every confident girl shines, and "Filter" ensures this message resonates deeply.
"Filter" weaves humor, mystery, and heartfelt moments into a captivating tapestry. The unique storyline grips viewers, the stellar cast delivers powerhouse performances, and the impeccable comedic timing lands perfectly. This series demands attention from any fan of engaging entertainment, especially those who have invested time.
Tan Jianci redefines talent. He balances comedy, wit, and emotional depth effortlessly. His expressive eyes convey volumes, and his comedic timing strikes gold, episode after episode. He proves talent, not superficiality, dictates an actor's worth.
Li Landi charms with intelligence and emotional depth. She portrays her character authentically, earning unwavering admiration. Her chemistry with Tan Jianci sparkles, elevating every interaction. She dominates every scene, establishing her presence as a formidable force.
The ensemble cast elevates the script. Their natural chemistry amplifies the humor, ensuring every joke lands with impact, even after prolonged viewing. Unlike comedies that rely on exaggeration, "Filter" finds equilibrium, producing genuine laughter throughout.
The unpredictable plot intrigues and delights. "Filter" maintains a lighthearted tone while keeping viewers perpetually engaged, even as the storyline deepens.
For those seeking a drama that evokes laughter and showcases exceptional talent, "Filter" delivers. Tan Jianci and Li Landi captivate with outstanding performances. This series invites family viewing, creating shared moments of joy.
Verdict: A Resounding, Sustained Triumph
"Filter" emerges as a refreshing, exhilarating drama. Tan Jianci and Li Landi's brilliance illuminates the screen. Those who haven't yet discovered "Filter" miss a sustained masterpiece.
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This review may contain spoilers
I Wasn’t Ready for This Drama to Be This Good!
Let me start by saying—I had zero expectations going into this drama. I was just here for Li Landy’s newest project, hoping for something enjoyable. But what I got? A drama that pulled me into an emotional rollercoaster I didn’t even know I needed.Sure, there have been a few new dramas this year that gave me tingles (Grab Your Love and Study Group comes to mind), but nothing has hit me quite like this one. I’ve been waiting for that one drama to completely absorb me, to make me feel something real. And this? This might just be it.
1. STORY — I'll only spill the story until Su Miao, you can watch the rest on WeTV or any other streaming platforms ;]
At first glance, the plot might seem simple: two people, Tang Qi and Su Cheng Cheng, who knew each other in the past, meet again as adults. Back then, Su Cheng Cheng had a crush on Tang Qi, but life took them in different directions—she abandoned her dream of becoming an athlete and pursued a career in beauty products, while Tang Qi became one of the co-owners of a start-up.
Their reunion at an alumni gathering takes a sour turn when Tang Qi casually calls her ugly (which, let’s be real, is a crime I still don’t forgive). The once-admired image she had of him instantly shatters.
But then, something magical happens.
On her way home, she buys flowers from an old lady, who gives her a mysterious bracelet. Su Cheng Cheng thinks nothing of it—until she saves a little boy chasing his balloon. In that moment, her entire appearance changes.
Tang Qi witnesses her act of kindness and falls for her at first sight, completely unaware that this woman—whom we come to know as Su Miao—is actually Su Cheng Cheng.
From that moment on, Tang Qi becomes obsessed with Su Miao, determined to win her over. He convinces her (unknowingly, his long-lost crush) to become the face of his brand.
At first, Su Cheng Cheng uses this opportunity as "leverage," playing along while keeping her real identity hidden. But as Tang Qi falls deeper, she starts questioning—does he love her because of her appearance? Or is there something more?
When Su Cheng Cheng’s sister (Su Qing Li) and best friend (Lin Yuan) decide to erase Su Miao so she can live as her true self, she witnesses something unexpected: Tang Qi’s complete devastation. He doesn’t just mourn Su Miao’s disappearance—he blames himself for losing her. And in that moment, Su Cheng Cheng realizes—Tang Qi truly loved Su Miao, not just for her beauty, but for her kindness and personality.
“That day... I didn’t even see her face. I didn’t know what she looked like, yet my heart was racing. For the first time, I understood love at first sight.” – Tang Qi
2. CASTING
👉 Tan Jian Ci as Tang Qi – Perfection. His performance is so immersive that you can feel every emotion—his jealousy, excitement, confusion, heartbreak, and love. He embodies Tang Qi in a way that makes you forget you’re watching a drama.
👉 Li Landy as Su Cheng Cheng – First of all, let’s address the real crime here: how is anyone calling Li Landy ugly in this drama? Unbelievable. That aside, she plays Su Cheng Cheng flawlessly—capturing her struggles and emotions perfectly.
👉 Supporting Cast – From her sister (Su Qing Li) to her friend (Lin Yuan) to Tang Qi’s friends (Gu Yu and Zhou Jin Li), everyone fits their role perfectly. Plus, the chemistry between Lin Yuan and Gu Yu? Adorable.
👉 Su Miao & Fang Jin – Since I’m writing this review while episode 15 is the latest, I’ve only seen two of Su Cheng Cheng’s personas, but they are fantastic. Each persona still feels like Su Cheng Cheng while maintaining distinct characteristics.
3. MUSIC
The OSTs are mostly playful, especially the opening and ending themes. While they may not be the most memorable tracks ever, they fit the drama’s overall theme perfectly—balancing humor, romance, and heartwarming moments.
4. REWATCH VALUE
If you’re like me, you’ll find yourself replaying certain episodes just to catch all the small details you might’ve missed the first time. The humor, the emotional beats, and even the subtle character interactions make this one worth revisiting.
I’ve already rewatched some episodes while waiting for new ones to drop, and I still find myself laughing at scenes I didn’t notice before.
5. FINAL THOUGHTS
If you love dramas that mix romance, identity shifts, and emotional depth without being overly complicated—watch this now.
It’s fun, emotional, and full of moments that will make you smile, cry, and scream into your pillow.
For now, I’m giving it a solid 9/10. But depending on how the story progresses, this could easily go either way.
My only hope? That it keeps up its amazing pace and delivers a satisfying ending. Please, no pointless fillers!
If you haven’t started this drama yet, do yourself a favor—go watch it. You won’t regret it. At least I didn't 😊.
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Beauty in Imperfection
"Filter" – The Funniest Chinese Drama I’ve Watched!This drama is packed with humor and wacky situations while still feeling fresh and original.
Su Chengcheng is an ordinary girl struggling with insecurities about her appearance. Just when she hits rock bottom, she stumbles upon a high-tech, magical bracelet—a "filter" that allows her to change her appearance at will. As she experiments with her newfound ability, she crosses paths with her former high school crush, Tang Qi, who finds himself drawn to every version of her created by the filter. But what happens when the illusion fades?
Beyond its brilliant humor, Filter explores meaningful themes such as the beauty of imperfection, the contrast between outer and inner beauty, self-discovery, and self-love. The series delivers a deep message while maintaining its lighthearted charm.
Li Landi and Tan Jianci, along with the rest of the cast, do an excellent job of bringing their characters to life. There isn’t a single dull moment—from start to finish, it's full of laugh-out-loud scenes! With its compelling storytelling, relatable characters, and perfect balance of comedy and depth, Filter truly stands out as one of the best dramas of the year.
A hidden gem you shouldn´t miss!
✨ Quote:
Tang Qi: "I love seeing you all dressed up and made up, but I love your real, bare face even more."
Su Chengcheng: "I get it. No matter how much we dress ourselves up during the day, we have to accept and love our true selves. Only by facing our real selves can we truly enjoy life and embrace beauty."
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A beautiful All rounder of a Drama
This drama was a beautiful watch. I will try to talk about this drama without giving any spoilers. Filter is a drama that clearly conveys modern day issues with beauty and the perception of beauty.I loved how realistic the approach to mental health and other conditions are portrait.
The Central stories beautifully written with a fully fleshed out character development for both the male and female lead. The story itself takes you On a candid Journey of understanding, laughs and suspense.
The music and OST was so beautifully chosen, literally speaking to each scenes emotional depiction. Each actor was perfectly cast for their role. I will definitely be watching this for the fifth time considering I watched it twice in a row just to be able to pick up parts the little nuances that I missed the first time this is definitely a must watch.
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Funny and entertaining but too long
A seriously funny show that catches you off guard with its humor making you quite literally laugh out loud. Definitely one of the funniest shows I have seen in a while, at least at parts. The humor in this show lands well and is spaced appropriately and the actors that all play the variations of ChengCheng are phenomenal in connecting the small nuances of the character creating a convincing thread between them. A little heavy handed at times but the overall messaging of loving yourself and looking beyond appearance creates a pleasant story. An drama that is able to entertain with its moral compass but falls a little short making it just your average watch.There are many things I truly loved about this show. The idea of beauty is not only skin deep, the comedy, and the actors abilities to portray the same character in different bodies convincingly. But what fell short for me were some of the character arcs and relationship progression. When it comes to ChengCheng and Tang Qi I felt like their dynamic was not properly explored prior to him discovering the truth. Had the drama opted to let him see the things he liked about the personas also in Cheng Cheng's true form and allowed him to begin to like her naturally that way I think I would have liked that more. But he never really shows her any interest until he realizes the truth and Cheng Cheng did not seem overly interested in him after being heartbroken over her crush ending in the very beginning. So the lack of chemistry and natural relationship progression was missing leaving a disconnect. Also Tang Qi lacks proper character development. His character goes from fairly silly in his pursuit in the beginning making his character a bit aloof but once together he seems almost like a different character.
This drama is also too long. There were a couple arcs that could have been omitted and brought the show to 24 episodes and I think that would have saved a bit of the fatigue I began to feel while trying to finish this. The grandma and pregnancy arcs were unnecessary to me and did not add much value to the overall show. The sponsorships for this show also began to feel very very obvious with the overuse.
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