My favourite vertical drama: tight screenplay, great acting and many steamy kisses!
There are 4 versions using this plot. The first version is titled "The Tenderness of Wild Bones" starring Charon and Meng Lu. The second version is titled "Zero Ambiguity" starring Li Shengjie and Zhao Zaoer. The third version is titled "Gentle Wild Bones" starring Wang Chen Peng and Zhai Xin Ran. I came across the fourth version on Youtube but didn't continue watching past 2 minutes because FL was antagonistic towards ML that I was turned off. I watched this version first then looked for and watched versions 1 & 2 after completing this drama. This Wang Chen Peng-Zhai Xin Ran's version is the best and my favourite version! "Wen Rou Ye Gu" / "Gentle Wild Bones" is the best written vertical drama I have ever watched! I watch this drama on repeat ever since my first watch on 6 February 2025. Oh, damn the poster is hot and unique!What I liked:
1. Romance - OMG the start of the drama was blazing hot with sweet and playful moments! They were plenty of steamy kisses in this drama and the best part is that FL also enjoyed and iniated some kisses. ML really loved FL as he always looked for opportunities to kiss her. There were many sweet and tender moments too. My favourite tender moment is when ML comforted FL who was having her period.
2. ML characterisation - ML Jian Yu Chen is an investor at FL Wen Ni's company. Overall he is a greenflag ML with playful side. He is devoted towards Wen Ni and his moments of jealousy was cute to watch. His love language is physical touch and acts of service. This drama is the first time I watched Wang Chen Peng's acting and gosh I was very impressed. He is a great kisser.
3. FL characterisation - FL Wen Ni is a designer or an architect. Out of the 3 versions that I watched, I like this version of Wen Ni the most. She is confident, smart, self-assured and playful during certain private moments with ML unlike the other two versions. She didn't realise that ML had a crush on her until much later in the drama and Wen Ni appreciated Jian Yu Chen's love and vowed to learn to love him (this element was missing in the other 2 versions). This is my third drama of Zhai Xin Ran and this is my favourite as she had more moments to show her acting skills and had sizzling chemistry with Wang Chen Peng.
4. Supporting characters - I love Mr Ning and this drama had the best version (the actor who played Mr Ning is handsome too). I also like Shirley, FL's close colleague. She and another female colleague were always intrigued by FL-ML dynamics. This version also has better arc for FL's parents. Overall this drama utilised the supporting characters very well and this is very rare in micro and mini dramaland.
5. Antagonists - Surprisingly this drama doesn't have conventional antagonists. FL & ML's supposed exes wanted to "get back" with FL and ML but they were not hostile / aggressive.
6. Music - I enjoyed the music featured in this drama. The song for the last scene was very fitting.
What I disliked:
1. Safety - There was a scene in which FL & ML went to a construction site. They held safety helmets instead of wearing them on their heads. Then an accident happened, which is silly because that's avoidable.
Favourite scene
When Mr Ning discovered that Wen Ni and Jian Yu Chen were a real couple. I loved that both of them were cool with the discovery i.e. didn't stand further and gave lame excuses to cover up
Holiday fling that grew into true love - I ❤️ this drama!
I wrote a review of this drama on subreddit CShortDramas so copied & pasted here.I never paid attention to new releases but when I found out that Zhao Zhen Dong and Cui Yi Liang acted together in a drama, I immediately paused another vertical drama that I was watching and watched Love at First Sight instead. It usually doesn't take long for me to complete a vertical drama but I had to prepare dinner, eat, shower & write 2 posts for r/CShortDramas and finally at 1.30 am local time, I am writing this review.
What I liked:
1. Romance - I liked it A LOT because it was realistic. “What would you do if you met a person who could be THE ONE while on vacation?” - that always in my mind and I totally understand hesitation about long-distance relationship (LDR) when the romance is still new. Distance does make the heart grow fonder for these two.
2. Acting - Great to see Cui Yi Liang in a softer role because she always portrayed a domineering woman or a woman enacting revenge for the injustice she faced in the past. I also liked Zhao Zhen Dong's raw performance because I have not seen him in this type of role.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was bold but sensible. I also loved her honesty about her feelings and expectations. It's great that we got to see FL at work. She was a capable lawyer but most importantly a great friend.
4. ML characterisation - Yes, another ML not a CEO. He was a gentleman - he respected her wishes not to discuss LDR. I also loved that he was strategic by sending care packages. That last “courier” was touching.
5. Styling - Cui Yi Liang always wear fabulous clothes in most of her short dramas I have seen. She was gorgeous in this drama. ZZD had various types of outfits from laidback handyman look to the more sophisticated suit. Well you know you gotta dress well when meeting the parents.
6. Language - Aaaaawwww another vertical drama with significant Cantonese dialogue. Loved hearing ZZD speaking Cantonese.
7. Proposal - Aaaaaawwww so sweet. I loved it that both had the same idea but FL popped the question first.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - Mei who was sister to ML's friend. She took advantage of ML when he was drunk and that is just unacceptable. If roles were reversed, it'd be a massive fuss. Anyway I was glad that he noticed before it was too late & told her that they were no longer friends.
Favourite scene
Last “courier” for FL
Although FL was barely an adult, I enjoyed this older man-younger female romance
I enjoy Zhang Yi Lun's acting so when this drama appeared on my YouTube dashboard, I was intrigued. This is my first drama of Liu Lan Ge. To my surprise, I enjoyed this drama.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL is a young university student that is not annoying, thank gawd! She is sensible for her age and despite being infatuated with ML and pressured by family, she is focused on her studies and career.
2. ML characterisation - ML is smitten with FL once she saved him from being hunted. I like the contrast between tough boss and sweet lover. I like that he is respectful and doesn't coerce FL into being physically intimate with him. It is wonderful to see Zhang Yi Lun playing an edgier character.
3. Romance - Considering FL is 19 at the start of the drama and is 7 years younger than ML, I like the pacing of their love story. There is enough push and pull between them. The zipper scene is a good ignition to their blossoming romance although it does seem random. It's cute that the ears of both leads were red during a scene in which FL was drunk.
4. The ending - I liked the graduation scene. The very last scene was sweet.
5. Styling - Styling for both FL & ML were on point. I loved ML's jacket with embroidered birds. The qipao would have looked prettier without the strings. Oh I found FL's swimsuit unflattering.
What I disliked:
1. The auction - I am tired of auctions with ridiculously high bids.
2. Antagonists - I dislike FL's mother and FL's school rival who is envious of her.
Favourite scene
The zipper scene
Short & crisp vertical drama with great acting!
I was intrigued by He Cong Rui as I had seen his name attached to some dramas with some of my favourite vertical drama actress. Decided to watch Huang Jin Tai as my first He Cong Rui drama and my first no-romance drama. I was impressed!What I liked:
1. Acting - He Cong Rui & Zhou Heng Yu were mesmerising on screen. Both shiwed good micro expressions.
Praises should also be given to the actor who portrayed pre-betrayal Chu Qin as he managed to showcase Chu Qin as a general and as a brother / friend to Fourth Prince Yan Li.
2. Writing - Well executed story of brotherhood & betrayal. Even antagonists were written well.
3. Supporting characters - I like Wu Ming's right hand man, Chu Qin's female soldier.
4. Directing - At 1 hour 46 min, this drama is short and crisp. Director & screenwriter were able to showcase different arcs without being too draggy.
What I disliked:
1. Ending - I actually liked the cliffhanger. I just disliked not knowing if there is season 2 or not. If there is, season 2 better be good!
Favourite scene:
When Yan Li confirmed his suspicion of Wu Ming's identity
Sassy FL, sweet ML, smart kid...what's not to like about this drama?!
Found this drama while perusing Youtube channel. I was intrigued by ML being a gangster boss so I watched this drama.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Shen Zhu Xin was sassy, smart & funny. I liked how she bonded quickly with the kid. Song Yu Jia excelled in this role. I liked her reaction upon finding out the truth about the daughter & I also liked her decision to be apart while figuring things out.
2. Romance - Their kissing scenes were hot but what I enjoyed most was the progress of their relationship from strangers to co-parents then lovers.
3. Outfits - ML looked damn fine and handsome in all his outfits. I especially loved the all black ensemble he wore when his love rival treated them to lunch.
4. ML characterisation - Despite his background, he was a sweet man. It's refreshing to see a loving single dad with full custody of his child on vertical drama. I really liked that he was respecful of FL and didn't coerce or threaten her to forgive him. Cheng Cheng was great in this role as he was able to portray different sides (tough boss, caring father, sweet lover) of his character. His voice & physicality reminded me of Korean idol-actor Ok Taecyeon.
5. Supporting characters - I liked the daughter and ML's right hand man. They were such delight to watch!
6. Prejudice - It's great that writer demonstrated different types of prejudice e.g. poor person, kid brought up by single parent, former gangster.
What I disliked:
1. FL's family - Another drama with bad family members. The arc was short but that restaurant scene was entertaining.
Favourite scene
The first restaurant scene in which FL was introduced to ML & his daughter
Sports meets noona romance
I love Zhou Yu Tong's acting in Begin Again. I had never watched Wu Lei's acting so I watched this cdrama for both of them.What I like:
1) Wu Lei's acting - wow, I was blown away by his commitment to the role. He really looked like a top-tier athlete and his good looks is a bonus.
2) Tennis - I must have overlooked the synopsis because I didn't expect plot to focus on tennis coaching. As tennis fan in 2000s, I enjoyed the tennis scenes immensely. I love watching Wu Lei & Xia Hao Ran playing tennis & their physicality. Great to also see community from coaches to nutritionist.
3) Supporting characters - My favourites are Coach Zhang Yan, Jiao Jiao & Luo Nian.
What dislike:
1) Liang You An's characterisation - her character started off great in the first few episodes when she was at Y Space. Then I didn't like her character when she acted more like a manager than a girlfriend. I dislike when she made decisions for Sang Chuan without discussing with him.
2) Y space involvement - too much interference & I think the later parts were unnecessary because the club was already financially independent.
3) Second leads' romance - I wanted to see more Coach Yan - Luo Nian's romance because of the emotional baggage they have is intriguing.
Favourite scene:
Song San Chuan first match that he won. What a thrill!
I loved this drama for the chemistry, career-focused and communication between the leads
I am a massive fangirl of Wen Mo Yan. I was delighted to find out that she has collaborated with Wang Dao Tie again as I enjoyed the drama in which she played a hotel employee. I watched this drama almost immediately upon its release. I was not disappointed - I love it a lot!What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I loved that she severed ties with her families. She was smart and thought ahead of everyone else.
2. ML characterisation - He was calm & collected but when things were not right, he called them out. I liked that he told off his son at internal meeting for the rude behaviour and told off Wen family for their daughter's rude remarks about FL.
3. Romance - At first, the relationship seemed like a game to FL. Slow with a lot of flirting and teasing. I liked the build up because I felt their relationship was truly built on love and not just lust. I liked that they communicated a lot - they didn't keep their different views to themselves. I also liked that they had each other's back.
4. Career - This drama leaned heavily towards FL and ML's professional lives. I liked it because it reduced the power distance between ML (the boss) and FL (the employee). FL proved her worth at the company.
5. Supporting characters - FL's housemate, ML's sister and Assistant Jing were wonderful characters.
6. Acting - Wen Mo Yan and Wang Dao Tie continued to demonstrate palpable chemistry in this drama. Wen Mo Yan is always great at playing smart, mature woman and it's evident here. Wang Dao Tie gave a more restrained performance here because of the ML character but it was suitable and complementary to Wen Mo Yan's FL character.
7. Styling - I loved the wardrobe worn by the leads.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's grandfather was evil. I also disliked Su family for favouring foster daughter over FL the biological daughter. Both Su & Wen families were nasty. FL's ex boyfriend was pathetic for two-timing FL and for being a spoilt brat at work.
2. Dubbing - I think Wen Mo Yan's voice was dubbed because her original voice is distinctive. I wish they had used her original voice.
Favourite scene
When ML gave in and kissed FL for the first time.
Finally a Yao Guan Yu performance that I love. Great chemistry & fabulous wardrobe
I like Yao Guan Yu's face card but his dramas can be hit or miss for me. I could never find a drama that I truly enjoy both his acting & chemistry with leading lady. Now Undercover Affair is one of my favourite mini dramas so I was pleasantly surprised that Han Le Yao has started vertical dramas. Oh, it's funny that when I started watching vertical dramas I thought Yao Guan Yu gave the same vibe as Leo Yang. Anyway I watched She's Fiercer than Gunfire last weekend and wow, I enjoyed it immensely. I finally found a Yao Guan Yu drama that I enjoy!What I liked:
1. Styling - Yao Guan Yu looked utterly fabulous in floral, bright outfits. Great wardrobe too for FL and ML's right hand man.
2. Romance - Great push & pull dynamics and done in various scenes. I loved their kisses - fiery!
3. FL character - One of the characters with most growth I've seen in vertical dramas. She went from a desperate nobody to confident queen.
4. ML character - Cool, calm & collected. Confident leader.
5. Acting - My favourite Yao Guan Yu performance. Delighted to hear his real voice. Han Le Yao gave a superb performance too as she was able to portray 2 different people.
6. Training - It was fun to watch FL going for various training to impersonate ML's stepmother. I enjoyed the weapons training and the stakeholder meeting preparation.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - ML's rival was shameless. I also disliked ML's stepmother.
Favourite scene
When FL joined the stakeholder meeting chaired by ML
Chinese vertical drama with the best VFX, action sequences & the most Kdrama vibe
I am a fan of fantasy / supernatural tv series. When a reddit friend told me that this drama is similar to Korean drama My Demon, my interest was piqued. To be honest, I dropped My Demon because the poor writing did not meet my expectation. However for Along with the Gods / Bound to the God, I had little expectations. I was extremely impressed by the quality of this drama and enjoyed it immensely.What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - I instantly liked FL Shen Yu Zhen right from the beginning because she acted like a shrewd businesswoman and negotiated terms & conditions of the partnership with ML, unlike the FL in My Demon (she just accepted ML’s terms & conditions blindly).
2. ML characterisation - I liked ML a lot! He enjoyed his role as god but wasn’t cocky (unlike the ML in My Demon - he seemed to loathe his work). He was nice and honest with FL.
3. Writing - Along with the Gods is a Chinese vertical drama with the most Kdrama vibe. Kudos to the writer of Along with the Gods for making this drama an improved version of My Demon. Along with the Gods has depth and maturity that My Demon lacks.
4. VFX - I was impressed by the visual effects - I must say it has one of the best VFX and action sequences in the world of vertical dramas.
5. Romance - I liked the romance arc - slow burn with good push-and-pull dynamics. There was even a little twist in the third act - past lives & reincarnation, which pays homage to My Demon but wasn’t draggy.
6. Acting - Great performances by both Sun Qian Xun & Li Bo Yan. SQX is known more for her comedic roles - Shen Yu Zhen is one of the few serious characters that SQX has portrayed and she nailed the role. Along with the Gods really showcased Li Bo Yan’s acting prowess - his character has a big role in this drama. It was cool to see Li Bo Yan fight baddies! We already know that there is great chemistry between SQX and LBY so I was convinced by the romance arc.
7. Family - It is the core theme of this drama. FL is adopted granddaughter of a rich lady and I liked that the grandmother did not chose her biological granddaughter as the heir - she chose based on merit.
8. Styling - Wonderful wardrobe for FL & ML. I wrote a reddit post about this combo of black pleather jacket - white shirt - black tie - black trousers before watching this drama. So I chuckled when I saw Li Bo Yan wearing this ensemble. He looked very handsome of course!
What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's sister was greedy and evil with her husband being her Mr Yes Man / follower. Fang Hang Xing was alos evil and manipulative. Good thing all three got their retribution.
Favourite scene
When ML asked for a kiss from FL
Tan Zhen Hao's very kissy in this drama about revenge against abusive family
I was intrigued by the poster and Tan Zhen Hao when I checked new releases on that day. I was unfamiliar with the main actress but decided to watch it anyway. I was surprised by a few things - I liked this drama a lot!Trigger warning: violence.
What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was smart to go into a partnership with ML to enact revenge.
2. ML characterisation - I liked that he was compassionate and kind.
3. Romance - I was surprised by how kissy Tan Zhen Hao was in this drama because the other dramas I watched was sweet not spicy. I liked that there were affections & emotional intimacy in their relationship.
4. Alliance - I liked that partnership was formed to defeat the antagonists.
5. Acting - Both leads gave good performances. There was good chemistry between them so the romantic scenes were believable. I was moved when FL was surprised by ML's action.
6. Styling - I liked the outfits worn by FL. Some people on youtube commented on the thick makeup on Tan Zhen Hao but he has always been pasty to me.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - Abusive family. I couldn't believe they imprisoned her. Her ex fiance was nasty too. I also disliked Lu Si Yao a delusional &possessive woman who acted like a spoilt toddler.
2. FL's action - I didn't understand why would she return home knowing that she would be locked in the room.
Favourite scene
When FL was moved by ML's action
Ridiculous contract relationship plot that I enjoyed a lot thanks to the good acting
I enjoy dramas about contract relationship so I got curious when a link to this drama was requested on subreddit CShortDramas. I noticed that it's available on iQIYI so I decided to watch it there. It's ridiculous but I loved it!What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She was sensible & charming. She understood the terms of her contract and abide by it. I loved her.
2. Romance - Damn, the kisses at the start of their relationship were hot even though ML claimed that he wasn't happy with the arrangement made by his mother. I liked that both did the chasing at different stages of their relationship.
3. ML characterisation - He was grouchy but most of the time a nice guy.
4. Supporting characters - I liked Assistant Wang, ML's mother, FL's brother.
5. Acting - Both leads gave great performances and had good chemistry. They were able to express different emotions of their characters. I was moved during some scenes.
6. Plot - Ridiculous from having gazillion siblings to ML being tied to wheelchair during their marriage registration. However I enjoyed this sillyness.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - ML's childhood friend was pathetic. I wish ML's mother hadn't feel obliged to allow her to stay with them.
2. Bullying - Gosh, she was bullied twice at the workplace. Thank gawd she fought back.
Favourite scene
Their first intimate scene and the morning after
Great VFX, romance & character development led to my enjoyment of this supernatural drama
I was drawn to this drama when it was a fresh release but somehow I didn't have the urgency to watch it until the first week of October. I was in the mood for supernatural themed vertical dramas so I chose to watch this drama. It went over my expectations - I enjoyed this drama immensely.Edit: I forgot to add trigger warning - abuse, attempted rape, suicide.
What I liked:
1. Fantasy - Great VFX. I loved it when ML went to FL's patisserie to save her from baddies. I also liked the abandoned building scene.
2. Romance - Their blind date was cute. I liked that they were sweet & affectionate right from the start. Wow, I was surprised by the kisses. Full of passion and desire (I knew Zhang Bei Xi can kiss but hadn't seen Jin Yanna doing steamy kisses).
3. FL characterisation - She had a traumatic past but was compassionate and mentally strong. She could also stand up to bullies. Qualities that I like in a female character. Jin Yanna gave a great performance here.
4. ML characterisation - I was surprised by how ML was written. I had assumed that he would be domineering & cocky since he was the devil but no, he was actually sweet and compassionate. I liked that he prioritised FL's wellbeing. Great acting by Zhang Bei Xi - this is my favourite role of his.
5. Supporting characters - The cat / ML's subordinate was entertaining especially when he interacted with ML and the little girl! I also liked the little girl.
6. Secrets - I liked the fact that both FL & ML had secrets that they were ashamed to share with each other. This added a layer to their characteristics.
7. Styling - ML wore great outfits - Zhang Bei Xi was devilishly handsome. FL's outfits were appropriate for her character too.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - FL's school mate was vicious for bringing down FL because of a stupid grudge. I did, however, like the arcs for the antagonists.
2. FL's mother - I disliked her for asking FL to return the little girl to her adoptive parents. She should have supported FL's decision.
Favourite scene
When ML asked his subordinate to sleep in another room
Combustible chemistry between Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao kept me vested in this long drama
There are multiple versions of this plot and if I am not mkstaken, this drama is version 1. I watched this drama after watching version 3 by Han Yu Tong, Zeng Hui & Zhao Ting Yi. I enjoyed this drama very much.What I liked:
1. Romance - Fiery, hot kisses but what stood out for me is their affections toward each other. There were tender moments and playful banter and I loved every single of those moments.
2. Acting - Wow, I couldn't believe than Cao Sai Ya is 5 years younger than Chen Ming Hao but portrayed a jiejie to ML. This is my first time watching Cao Sai Ya drama and I was impressed by how she carried the role. I don't watch many Chen Ming Hao dramas but this role impressed me. I also loved their combustible chemistry. I must say I prefer this couple to real life couple Han Yu Tong and Zeng Hui when it came to FL-ML romantic scenes. I also liked the performance by actor who played the antagonist. Damn he was very tall and had menacing aura while in character.
3. FL characterisation - I liked that she wasn't a tough girl all the time. There were moments of vulnerability and it was wonderful to see her let ML see those moments.
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant was an astute observer who subtly hinted to SML who never caught them because he was self-absorbers. SML's friend gave sound advice after SML humiliated FL and I liked that chat. ML's bestie was entertaining to watch. I also liked Shen grandpa - his interactions with ML were fun to watch.
5. ML characterisation - He was compassionate, sweet and "puppy" like. I liked that he was respectful of his brother - he didn't pursue FL once he saw and knew FL was going out with his brother.
6. Styling - Cao Sai Ya looked gorgeous in the outfits she wore. I also liked the outfits chosen for Chen Ming Hao & SML - they matched their contrasting personalities.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - SML Zhou Jing Su in this drama was more ruthless & narcissistic. He was willing to destroy FL's career in an attempt to get FL to resume their relationship.
2. Duration - If I am not mistaken, the drama was close to 3 hours. It was too long for me but the romantic scenes between FL and ML kept me vested in this drama.
3. Wedding dress - I didn't like it because the cutouts cheapened the look of a bride. I wish stylist had chosen a classier wedding dress.
Favourite scene
FL & ML having a playful banter then suddenly SML was at the door of FL's apartment
FL dumped by boyfriend but she later went out with his younger bro
I watched this drama within the weekend of its release because it was hotly talked about in subreddit CShortDramas. This is another version of Cao Sai Ya - Chen Ming Hao drama but I watched this version first. I enjoyed this version but I must say that Cao Sai Ya & Chen Ming Hao was a better couple - I enjoy their lovey dovey scenes so much more.What I liked:
1. Romance - Good mix of sweet & spicy. Spicy start to their relationship.
2. FL characterisation - Emotionally strong. Never allowed anyone to bully her.
3. ML characterisation - I liked his protectiveness. I also liked that he prioritised FL in his life.
4. Zhou Ting Yi - He was captivating on screen. I got it why FL stayed with him in a secret relationship for four years.
5. Supporting characters - I really liked ML's grandpa. I also liked ML's friend who was also an ally to FL (he was the jewellery designer).
6. Grovelling - This was my second time in 12 hours that I watched SML on bended knees begging for forgiveness.
What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - He treated FL badly. He was egoistic & condescending. He did not deserve FL.
2. Rich brat - The girl who wanted to marry ML & was mean. I was glad no one from Shen family bought her antics.
Favourite scene
When FL met Shen grandpa for the first time
Wasted opportunity with too little romance & too much screentime for antagonist
I am a fan of both Lin Zi Rong and Yang Yu Bin so I was delighted to see that they work together in this drama. Unfortunately I was disappointed with how this drama turned out.What I liked:
1. Yang Yu Bin - He was very handsome despite his character being two-dimensional.
2. Styling - I liked FL's wedding gown. Very whimsical.
3. Supporting characters - I liked that FL's grandpa acted as ML's love advisor.
What I disliked:
1. Screentime - ML first appeared in the 39th minute and he did not have much screentime. What a waste of opportunity.
2. Antagonist - Adopted sister acted like a petulant child. I found adopted brothers, especially no. 4 & 2, were very two-dimensional. It was also icky that the brothers were raised as potential husbands to FL and they all lived together. I thought these adopted siblings had too much screentime and their arcs did not interest me. I increased speed to 2.0x whenever they appeared on screen.
3. Romance - It was underdeveloped. I wish screentime allocated to antagonists was re-distributed to the romance story.
Favourite scene
When FL surrendered to ML

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