emberzmars

Hot kisses but I was letdown by Wang Xiao Yi's acting and the lack of chemistry

It had been awhile since I last watched Liang Si Wei and Wang Xiao Yi's dramas. A few members of subreddit CShortDramas mentioned this drama so I got curious and watched it last night. I didn't enjoy it as much as I had hoped for.

What I liked
1. Styling - That red dress worn by FL was gorgeous. Overall her clothes were beautiful & elevated her confidence and coolness level.
2. Romance - Plenty of kisses - this couple wasn't shy about physical touches. ML was really into FL from the get go - he offered a massive help without being asked.
3. ML characterisation - He cared for her from the start of their entanglement. He protected FL when she barged into her family home to reinstate her intentions.
4. The wedding - Beautiful scene.

What I disliked
1. Acting - WXY’s acting was one-note. She delivered her lines like a bored housewife. There wasn't much chemistry between her and LSW. Their Intimate scenes felt stiff / performative - they lacked warmth despite the hot kisses.
2. FL characterisation - She frustrated me. She agreed to a marriage of convenience to achieve her goal but she didn't tap into her big resource (ML). Her constant "Wen Zong" annoyed me.
3. Antagonists - FL's half sister was like a petulant child with her scheming. FL's father was biased while her step-mother was annoying. There was also ML's childhood friend who just couldn't handle the rejection.

Favourite scene
The wedding

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Fun drama about transmigration, shared connection & codependency

I was in the mood for Sun Qian Xun's dramas so I decided to watch her historical drama for a change. The comments were generally positive so I had some expectations. Thankfully they were met.

What I liked:
1. Codependency - I liked that they were bound to each other because of their shared connection. It led to alliance / partnership.
2. Romance - I was surprised by their first intimate scene. It was the first time I saw Sun Qian Xun doing an intimate scene. Anyway the couple was affectionate and I liked the spicy, sweet and hilarious moments. The role play was amusing.
3. FL characterisation - It was cool that FL transmigrated during an internal meeting when discussing drama script. I liked that she used her knowledge to ensure her host wasn't bullied. Loved her bold attitude.
4. Acting - Good chemistry between two leads and it was evident that they had fun onscreen. However SQX was stiff during steamy scenes.
5. ML characterisation - It was great to see different sides of ML. Stern prince, concerned partner & affectionate lover.
6. Plot twist - The last 20 minutes was thrilling!

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's half-sister was manipulative. She even framed her mother to save herself from difficult situation. ML's aunt was freaky & possessive for lusting over ML. FL's father was a scumbag- stupid enough to let his daughter played him.

Favourite scene
When FL saved ML from being assaulted by his aunt

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Enjoyable jiejie romance from ML's perspective

I was checking newly released dramas when I saw the drama poster. The translated title said the wife chases the guy so I was intrigued. The drama was enjoyable despite the unfamiliar cast & specific shot framing.

What I liked:
1. Romance - This is a jiejie romance. Despite the odd reason for ML's unemployment by FL's aunt, the romance was sweet. They took time to cultivate their relationship (no one-night stand) and there were some spicy scenes.
2. Rivalry - There was business rivalry between FL and antagonist and I enjoyed this arc. I think the antagonist was formidable - thank gawd for no jealous sister / childhood sweetheart.
3. ML characterisation - This story was mostly told from ML's perspective. He was a young man who was easily persuaded by quick money gain. His character grew to become responsible adult and I liked that he took lead in one of the companies' initiatives to defeat their rivals.
4. FL characterisation - She was smart & nice. She didn't take advantage of ML's employement, I liked that.
5. Supporting characters - FL's aunt was nice.

What I disliked:
1. Male gaze - The amount of cleavage shots are too many. There was also a scene that shocked me. I thought this drama must be targeted towards male viewers.
2. Ending - I didn't understand why that scene was included.

Favourite scene
When FL agreed to be intimate with ML

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Fast-paced & lighthearted romcom about business rivalry & flirty ML

This drama piqued my interest the day it was released. I liked Nie Bo Xuan's secret child drama with Wei Fan Shu. The English translation of the the title implies a coquettish ML. I watched it today and I liked it!

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I adored her for being physically strong. She fought her rival's goons.
2. ML characterisation - I liked the flirty nature of ML. He called her jiejie and I loved it because jiejie romance is my favourite. I also liked that he had serious side - he was protective over FL.
3. Styling - I loved FL's outfits! Great styling for a girlboss.
4. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's right hand man - he's hilarious! I also liked FL's male friend, her mother & brother.
5. Antagonist - I liked the arc given to the antagonist - he was FL and ML's business rival. It's great that there was no green tea FL in this drama.
6. Duration - This drama is just slightly over 90 minutes. Well-paced and lighthearted drama.
7. Tactic - FL used a smart tactic to lure ML out of hiding. I liked it!

What I disliked:
1. Hidden identity - I wish ML had confessed his actual identity when FL confronted him.

Favourite scene
When ML interrupted FL's meeting with his right hand man

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Dysfunctional contract relationship with FL realising her worth in the end

I watched a few duds these few days so I turned to Huang Bo list of dramas and chose this one because of the 1 million views on youtube. So this is the pilot drama I have seen fans talking about. I had strong emotions while watching this drama. Overall I liked it.

What I liked:
1) FL's best friend - I loved Nuo Nuo for bringing FL back to reality. She gave great advice & reminders to FL.
2) Acting - Great performances by An Qi, Huang Bo & actress who played ML's ex. I shed a tear when FL considered abortion.
3) Styling - I liked the uniforms: pilots, flight attendants, ground crew. They fitted the cast. FL wore a lot of white so I wonder if there was any significance to the chosen outfits.

What I disliked:
1) ML characterisation - I hated Song Yi Chen for treating his wife with indifference during their marriage. I also disliked him for not setting clear boundaries with her ex - why was she allowed to hold his hand / arm? Why did he prioritise her during emergencies?
2) FL characterisation - Lin Rou was a doormat for allowing her husband to trear her that way. I also disliked her passive nature.
3) Romance - Severely underdeveloped. The only genuine romantic scene I saw was when both wore white outfits. ML never expressed his feelings for ML. However I must say the kiss at the start was steamy but moment gone once ML became a douchebag.
4) Antagonist - ML's ex was shameless. Despite being told off by ML, she still insisted that ML loved / wanted her.

Favourite scene
When FL told Nuo Nuo that she wanted to live for herself

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Poignant tale about second chance at love and in life

This drama was recommended to me by a reddit member as we discussed second chance romance dramas. I wasn't aware of this story but the given synopsis was intriguing that I watched it 2 days after the recommendation. It was emotional & thought-provoking - I enjoyed this drama immensely.

What I liked:
1. Writing - Wow, just incredible writing that led me to question life choices. I loved the mature handling of second chance, not just in romance but also at life. I empathised with FL for the tough decisions she had to make regarding her relationship with ML. I liked that fantasy seeped into the story.
2. Acting - Sublime performance by Zhang Xin Yi. I cried a few times because I felt FL's pain. Li Meng Yuan was great too although I wish he had cried when he found out about FL's struggles.
3. ML characterisation - I liked him for genuinely wanting to work on their relationship. He was a confident young man who was inept at expressing his feelings and concerns for FL.
4. Romance - The drama started with a spicy scene which later made me emotional. Post-reborn FL was hesitant in following what had been done before and I understand those feelings. ML seemed genuine in pursulng FL (he's not about chasing the unattainable) and slowly they build trust & confidence in their relationship. I must say the kissing scenes were hot - Li Meng Yuan demonstrated desire & lust very well. Oh and I liked the supporting characters' romance even though it was super short.
5. Supporting characters - Wow I am impressed with the little arcs given to FL's mother, her senior and ML's mother. I also liked the open-minded grandpa of FL.

What I disliked:
1. FL's father - There isn't an obvious antagonist for this drama but I guess FL's father could be called a baddie. He was selfish and that meeting with ML's mother was extremely embarrassing. He didn't care about saving face.
2. Bai Yingluo - This "white moonlight" tried to ruin FL & ML's relationship but good thing she had very little screentime.

Favourite scene
When FL told ML why she was hesitant about being in a romantic relationship with him

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Second chance after a near divorce. Too bad I disliked FL

I watched this drama after watching Decad starring Zhang Ruo Chen and Wang Zi Yi. I love that version so much so I was curious about this version. I've always liked Zhang Lei's visuals so yes there was some expectations. I have mixed feelings about this drama.

What I liked:
1. Romance - Good balance of push & pull between ML & FL. There was a dash of spice in their romance.
2. Male model scene - This scene was brutal. I liked that male models went all out to entertain their target. And it was great way to punish SFL.
3. Styling - I liked the clothes worn by ML & FL.
4. The ending - Even though it is a cliffhanger, we get to see the attic.

What I disliked:
1. FL characterisation - Unfortunately I disliked FL. She had this mean vibe towards ML i.e. she always wanted to see ML cry and thought of ways to see him cry. She also seemed guarded even with ML, I feel.
2. Antagonist - SFL was annoying as hell.
3. Chemistry - There was lack of chemistry between Zhang Lei & Xu Dan.

Favourite scene
The ending

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Shameless FL, Smitten ML and fun sibling dynamics are the reasons I love this drama

I watched this drama as it was highly recommended by a reddit user. This is my second drama that has both Zhao Guan Yu and Lin Zi Rong. I freaking love this drama! I watch this drama on repeat.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - OMG Lu Shi Man is shameless and I LOVE IT! She is smart and unintentionally funny. She's not a spoilt , annoying heiress. Lin Zi Rong totally owned this role.
2. Comedy - I laughed out loud too many times.
3. Romance - FL met ML by chance, and girl was thirsty and forthcoming hahaha. ThenML was smitten and wanted to be in a relationship with her, which I found quite endearing. Because of the existing rapport between Lin Zi Rong and Zhao Guan Yu (they collaborated together too many times that I lost count), their intimate scenes were hot and believable. There were also sweet gestures for example ML backed her up when her mother was criticising her.
4. Sibling dynamic - The interactions between Lu Shi Man and her brothers were especially fun to watch. Despite the bickering and slight misunderstandings, it was clear that the brothers genuinely love and are protective of their sister. Out of the 3 brothers, I liked the eldest the most because he had opposite personality from Lu Shi Man.
5. Styling - FL got a cool style - the music lover outfit, the black & white schoolgirl-like outfit, the blush dress she wore when she accompanied her eldest brother to a social event. I also liked the outfits worn by ML and FL's third brother.
6. Supporting characters - I loved the three brothers, FL's best friend & ML's assistant.

What I disliked:
1. FL's mother - I disliked her for being biased.
2. Ending - Since this is a transmigration story, I'd like to know what happens to Lu Shi Man in real life.

Favourite scene
FL's cousin tried to frame FL but that backfired

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FL focused on searching for missing sister & never tempted by hot baddie

I was in the mood for Han Yu Yong dramas so I selected this drama today. I enjoyed it.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was focused on finding her missing sister and I liked that she didn't entertain the temptation.
2. Supporting characters - I liked her accomplices with second one being a nice surprise. Amazing sisterhood there. I was sympathetic with ML's friend.
3. Revenge arc - It's great that the plans were carefully thought out & implemented.
4. Tension - Director was good at capturing sexual tension between FL & ML on screen. Seduction scenes were nicely done especially the last one. A shirtless baddie with great physique is always appreciated!

What I disliked:
1. Crime scene - I felt this scene was unbelievable as per what supporting character said.
2. Motive - I still didn't understand ML's motive.

Favourite scene
When ML's friend prepared a nice surprise for FL

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Coming of age tale that looks into perception of beauty, self-worth & finding love

I watched this series in December 2023 during year end break. A hilarious clip that featured the water splash scene led to me watch this series. I expected a light, fluffy tale of college romance but oh boy, I was shocked. 'Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo is a coming of age tale that tackles issues such as perception of beauty, self-worth and finding love.

What I liked:
1) Friendship - This drama shows the start of a friendship between Kim Bok Joo and Joon Jung Hyeong in first 2 episodes. I like how the series show the growth of their relationship from friends to best friends then lovers. When one was facing hardships, the other person was there for him/her. A true friend.
2) The romance - Because we see the grow in their friendship, the change of their relationship trajectory, from friends to lovers, was believable. I like that after ML realised that he had feelings for Bok Joo, he acknowledged them and took action.
3) Perception of beauty - I love this drama for showing the perception of beauty and for featuring a female lead in an unconvetional setting. She is a weightlifter & was raised by a single father so some perceived her femininity as "lacking". That scene when her crush (Jung Jae Yi) saw her in her "least feminine" form truly broke my heart. I couldn't stop crying because I felt her anguish.
4) Sports - I love watching massive sports events such as Olympics and FIFA World Cup and always fascinated with sports drama. I love that this series was set in a sports university and as vieweres, we were exposed to several sports discipline such as weightlifting, swimming, artistic gymnastics. I also appreciate that this drama demonstrated performance slump and post-tournament depression.
5) Writing - This is one of the best written tv series I have watched. Both Bok Joo and Joon Hyeong experience tremendous character growth in this series.
6) Acting - Brilliant acting by Lee Sung Kyung & Nam Joo Hyuk. This drama is the first work of them that I have watched. Definitely keen to watch their other work.

What I disliked:
1) Selfishness - I find Bok Joo's best friends were selfish at times. They were self-absorbed with their own feelings that they could not see that Bok-Joo was actually suffering mental block.
2) Fat-shaming - Joon Hyeong fat-shaming Bok Joo at the start of the series is not cool.

Favourite scene
When Jung Jae Yi saw Bok Joo weightlifting

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I enjoyed this series despite its flaws

Never planned to watch Strong Girl Nam-soon but yourdramachingu's clip on YouTube convinced me to give this series a go. I watched Strong Woman Do Bong Soon after this series so I had no expectation of Strong Girl Nam-soon. I see a lot of negative reviews for this series before writing this review. Here are my thoughts.

What I liked:
1) Family - This is the central theme of the show, which sets this series apart from its prequel. The FL had different upbringing because she went missing when she was a child but lucky for her, her adoptive parents were kind people whom raised her well. I also liked that Hwang Geum Joo felt secure of her role as biological mother of Namsoon. That scene when she brought Namsoon's adoptive mother to meet Namsoon was really touching - I cried.
2) The romance - I enjoyed watching the relationship of Namsoon and Kang Hee Shik. They got off the wrong foot the first time they met but later they became allies and eventually lovers. Despite Namsoon's childlike mannerisms at the start of the series, she didn't act like a child or played coy when it comes to romantic relationship. I like her take charge behaviour!
3) Kang Hee Shik - I like his character and as a romantic interest, I am more team Hee Shik. This is my first time watching Ong Seung Wu's drama. I think he did well in his role.
4) Homeless friends - I like both Ji Hyun Soo and Teacher No because of their kindness towards Namsoon when she was struggling in her environment. They also had story arcs.
5) Byeon Woo-seok - His visuals are insane, his high cheekbones and height amazes me. He is very handsome with that styling.
6) Music - I like Itzy's song for this drama.

What I disliked:
1) Comedy - There are too many slapstick comedy scenes in this series. I think this drama would rate better if the writer had focused more on the origin/genetic side of superstrength power in the format of drama rather than the use of the superstrength power in the format of comedy.
2) Characterisation of main female characters - There was so much potential with the developments of side characters such as Hwang Geum Joo, Gil Joong Gan but then they became bland. A lot people were turned off by Namsoon's characteristics which is the writer's fault. Perhaps the writer wanted Namsoon to exhibit similar characteristics as Bong Soon (childlike) but I think this is the wrong move because it led stronger comparisons and harsher comments.
3) Gil Joong Gan's love story - I don't have problem watching a love story of aged individuals. However given that this series focused too much on comedy, the love story of FL's grandma did not add any value to this series. Well other than creating suspicion of that guy's intentions.
4) Hwang Geum Joo - I hate that she fat-shamed her son. It was obvious that she favoured Namsoon because Namsoon was welcomed with open arms. Good thing Kang Nam In didn't harbour any negative feelings towards his twin sister. I also disliked the way Geum Joo treated her husband and brother.
5) Ryu Shi Oh - He's a clear cut baddie from the start but there was too much screen time for his character that people romanticised him. He did not fall in love with Namsoon, he was obsessed with her powers which is a total red flag. He has a fitting ending.

Favourite scene
When Hwang Geum Joo reunited Namsoon and her adoptive mother

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Enjoyable revenge drama marred by poor acting

I enjoyed Undercover Affair and wanted to check out Leo Yang's other work. So I watched this drama and was disappointed in particular the acting of main actress.

What I liked:
1. Story - Revenge seems to be a popular theme for mini dramas. Female lead's parents were killed by a group of 4 friends and the surviving daughter sought justice. I like how the story unfolded though there were some noticeable plot holes e.g. how did FL get that scar.
2. Romance - Wow, there are many kissing scenes in this mini drama and most of them were hot. Too bad Chen Su Jun was stiff & emotionless.

What I disliked:
1. Acting - I noticed that actresses in mini drama tend to overact but Chen Su Jun's acting is underwhelming. She didn't have range of facial expressions. She seemed bored or zoned out most of the time. It'd be great if she could express conflicted feelings when Zhu Guan Wen confided in her or express desire when she gave in to Guan Wen's kisses.
2. Bao Er's adopted brother - I don't understand the purpose of having adopted brother appearing in Lianghe Town. Perhaps his purpose to make Guan Wen insecure but it'd be better if director & writer could show his role in Xue Tong's vengeance plan.
3. Last love scene - I find it disturbing because Guan Wen was drunk & aggressive. So that scene looked like a coercion. I wish Leo Yang gave a different spin to the scene by expressing self-loathing and love for Bao Er at the same time.

Favourite scene
The conversation and make out session in episode 16.

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Had potential but poor execution

I was curious about this series because of the title and synopsis. Was looking forward to a refreshing tale of Cinderella but oh boy, what a disppointment. I got bored mid-way through the series but persisted because I want to mark this series as 'Complete',

What I liked:
1) Lee Jun Young - This is the second work of his that I've watched (The Impossible Heir being the first one). Lee Jun Young did well in a role that's been assigned to him - flawed & a little eccentric but charming chaebol/CEO. He is handsome and has a nice build and height, which are important traits for a male lead.
2) Supporting characters - It's great that the stepmom and stepsisters were nice people (unlike the classic Cinderella story) and were given some backstory so their characters were not just 2D. I also like Baek Dong Ho and Youngbae though I wish writer developed a better friendship arc for Dong Ho and Jae Rim.

What I disliked:
1) Shin Jae Rim characterisation - It's hard to like her because she was ungrateful brat and shallow even till the end. I wish there was more character growth because it's frustrating that female lead was still in self-pity mode in second last episode. Gosh she should have taken the opportunity to travel to Berlin and self-discover. There were very few scenes of Jae Rim as a person, as opposed to her as a stepsis and stepdaughter, a employee, a love interest.
2) Pyo Ye Jin - She is miscast unfortunately. I expected female lead to be wholesome and charming even when being a damsel in distress (best example is Giselle of Disney's Enchanted). However Pyo Ye Jin couldn't demonstrate these traits though the seduction scenes were a nice attempt).
3) Romance - The most frustrating part in a romance story is when a couple hardly communicates. This happens in the series - there are too many mixed signals from Cha Min, it's tiring. Plus there is no chemistry between Pyo Ye Jin and Lee Jun Young.
4) Fantasy elements - I'd say the fantasy scenes put a damper in my enjoyment of the series. The seduction scenes were fine because they tell viewers that Cha Min was falling for Jae Rim. But for example the "homeless Cha Min". They feel like a filler.

Favourite scene
When Jae Rim had too much drinks and had to pee.

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Main characters with depth & growth, mature romance, good office drama = one of the best Cdrama

Here We Meet Again is one of the best Chinese modern drama I've watched. It is quite rare to have both female and male characters that have separate backstories but they grow as individual and as a couple.

What I liked:
1) Writing - There were multiple arcs i) Xiang Yuan, ii) Xu Yan Shi, iii) their romance, iv) big office drama, v) Xiang Yuan and her grandfather, vi) friendships, vvi) workplace dynamics. All main arcs were done well.
2) Xiang Yuan characterisation - I love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. She started as a granddaughter of a business tycoon who was not in the family business but then took on the challenge given by her grandfather to avoid marriage by working in one of the family companies. I enjoyed watching her journey as a boss-in-training. Xiang Yuan is also smart, rational and capable. There were instances that she could abuse her power but she did not do so. Xiang Yuan is kickass female lead.
3) Xu Yan Shi characterisation - He is handsome, sexy nerd played brilliantly by Zhang Bin Bin. I also love watching the growth of Xiang Yuan's character. It's great to see the multiple hats worn by Yan Shi in this series: i) office worker, ii) friend, iii) lover/life partner, iv) father figure/brother, v) university student/mentee . It's great that he seized a chance to do his own thing instead of catering to other people's needs at the end of the series.
4) Romance - I love love love their relationship. From schoolmates to co-workers then later on lovers and partners. Their relationship was healthy & mature. They had disagreements but which couple never argued? I liked their banter which each other - sometimes it seemed one-sided like the yakult scene involving Yan Shi's brother. Their romantic scenes are hot too - I like when Yan Shi tried on the suit that Xiang Yun bought for him.
5) Family - I like that there was a contrast between Xiang/Situ family and Xu family. Amazing dynamics between Xiang Yuan and her grandfather - their scenes are delightful to watch. I also enjoyed the interactions between Yan Shi and his brother, and between Xiang Yuan and her brother even though there aren't many.
6) Friendships - There are many types of friendships explored in this drama. My favourite is the brotherhood formed by Yan Shi and his close university friends. I also liked that technical team members formed friendship & cared for each other.
7) Supporting cast - wow supporting characters played important role in this series even Mr Bai and Feng Jun!

What I disliked:
1) I wish Gao Leng-Chen Shu romance was further developed by showing growth of both characters. I think Gao Leng shouldn't give in so easily to Chen Shu's plea.
2) The ending could have been better. With the time jump, I'd love to see Xu Cheng Li as a teenager or young adult.

Favourite scene
When Xiang Yuan was revealed to be granddaughter of Chairman Situ. I didn't expect the reveal would be done in that way!

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Best mini drama I have watched!

I am not a fan of Chinese historical dramas but wow A Familiar Stranger blew my mind.

What I like:
1. Well executed story - Only 18 episodes with 15 min each episode but the screenplay was superbly done. No time for unnecessary side plots or filler scenes. The plot twist I did not see coming.
2. Scene framing - Two scenes stood out for me. When General Xiao confronted Shi Qi about the painting - the walk from the room to exterior of the room & contrast between Shi Qi's dress and others so beautiful. Another favourite frame is when all 4 lead characters were at night market. The distance, the warmth just wow me.
3. General Xiao's characterisation - rational & strategic thinker up to his personal matters. Warm, understanding partner. Very rare to see green flag main male character on screen.
4. Acting - all 4 actors with main roles did extremely well. Special mention - Cheng Lei has the right looks & stature as army general. His flirting & smiles are so adorable.
5. Child actor - Yuan Bao had substantial role in this story!
6. Ending - Great, sentimental one.

What I dislike:
1. Second leads' Love story - I find the story of how Shen Qin started to love the Prince is bit confusing.
2. Kisses - Wish Shi Qi did not avoid General Xiao's kissing attempts too much.

Favourite scene:
When General Xiao tended to his wife's wounds. The sexual tension was killing me!

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