emberzmars

Doctor-soldier romance with mature vibe

I remember watching this drama on the first weekend of April and poof the link was removed 1 or 2 days after. It's no fun because I usually rewatch some parts of drama when writing review and now I wrote based on memory. Anyway it was great watching these seasoned actors in a drama drama.

What I liked:
1. Familiar plot - This drama reminded me a lot of So You Also Like Me, in which FL is doctor while ML is soldier. She even went to conflict zone where ML was stationed.
2. Romance - This drama has mature romance vibe to it. There are sweet & spicy scenes. That makeout session on dining table was hot!
3. Acting - Both Bai Yan and Wang Yi Ran were great in their roles. If I am not mistaken, Bai Yan said some English words in this drama. Was it 'Thank you'? Hhmmm
4. Action - I also liked the action scenes especially the military scenes. Good to see Wang Yi Ran in uniform.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - One of my frustration with this drama is that FL & ML did not communicate at 1 point which led to assumptions.

Favourite scene
Action scenes of ML and his comrades

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A tale of two sisters, second chances and contrasting marriages

I actually found this drama from another drama with the same plot. I read the comments there and some users mentioned that this version was a better drama. I was pleasantly surprised to see Wang Hao Xiang as I liked his performance in a drama with Xu Meng Yuan. This was the first time I watched Shi Yue Yue and Ou Na. I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Great acting by Shi Yue Yue, Wang Hao Xiang, Ou Na and the actor who played Jiang Zhao Hua. Their performances reminded me of Chinese mini drama, 'A Familiar Stranger' because these four characters are intertwined with each other.
2. Romance - DAMN, this drama had the main CP made love in a different way. I was shocked! Shi Yue Yue should be given an award for those scenes. Anyway it was great to see the contrast between the main CP (loving & respectful) and secondary CP (full of negativity & suspicions). I liked that ML was respectful of FL's decision on having a family.
3. Plot - This is my first reborn tale involving sisters. SFL Jiang Zhao Hua was the only given a second chance. It's fascinating to see how her character lived her life after the second chance and also how both sisters made life decisions. FL was more strategic & content with both lives that she had experienced.
4. Locus of control - External vs Internal. SFL always blamed the outcomes of events in her life on other people. She was an interesting character to study.
5. Styling - Beautiful outfits. I liked the wedding outfits worn by both sisters.

What I disliked:
1. Cruelty - SML was cruel, I couldn't believe he did those actions to his wife.

Favourite scene
ML & FL in the bath

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Loved the couple for being flirty, serious & attuned to each other's needs

I came across this drama during my first month of vertical drama exploration. I enjoyed the dramas uploaded on Dramazone YouTube channel & this drama had interesting title. This was the first drama that introduced me to Zhang Yi Yang and Chen Si Che. Glad I watched it because it was very enjoyable romance-heavy drama.

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I liked how his character developed from an immature, reluctant nepo baby to a motivated, hardworking CEO-in-training. Zhang Yi Yang was charming & goofy in this role. At times he reminded me of Dylan Wang most likely due to his visuals.
2. FL characterisation - I loved FL who is an empowered woman with vulnerability (hate Mary Sue) and this drama captured it well. Chen Si Che was excellent in her role.
3. Romance - I liked their romance as there were different dynamics (flirty strangers vs serious colleagues) shown in this drama. They talked regularly about their relationship and were attuned to each other's needs. Chen Si Che & Zhang Yi Yang had great chemistry.
4. Supporting characters - Loved ML's grandpa who sided more with FL than his own flesh & blood. ML's assistant & friends were entertaining too.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonist - I don't like antagonists who physically harm people but I appreciated that there was interesting arc for antagonist.

Favourite scene
When ML rushed to the hospital

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Great acting & dialogue on relationship won me over!

There are plenty of vertical dramas with many remakes and adaptations. I have decided to watch this type of dramas - at least 3 different versions so I can make comparison. For this set of 'Selling eggs' drama, I have watched 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze' starring Du Ya Fei & Yang Shu Yu. I enjoyed that version and got excited to watch this version. I was pleasantly surprised by this version!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin was very different from Du Ya Fei's Dr Shi Lin. The ML here was patient, respectful & sensitive. I loved Huang Bo's portrayal of the character because of his soft facial expressions.
2. FL characterisation - Lin Mian was not a damsel in distress as she made a lot of effort to solve her problems. While there were instances that I disagree with her decision making, those decisions was part of her build. She was young & poor. This is my first drama of Fan Di Yu & I was impressed by her acting. She's got range!
3. Romance - I liked how FL-ML relationship progressed from debtor-creditor to a romantic couple. Unlike the other drama, I could sense this FL's growing attraction towards ML. Even though ML was more expressive with his feelings, both of them had clear communications about their relationship. There were some nice kisses (kisses could be hotter if director filmed the scenes longer or changed the angle).
4. Supporting characters - Now the SML & SFL in this version had more substantial back story compared to 'A Night Deeply Drunk on the Spring Breeze'. Both were sinister and I was shocked!

What I disliked:
1. Poster - Damn the poster was misleading. Huang Bo's Dr Shi Lin gave me a serial killer vibe that I immediately watched the theme song of American tv show Dexter prior to watching this drama.
2. Colour grading - I think the production value (especially the set design & props) was good enough. However I wish the drama was colour corrected because the current setting was dull & might deter people from viewing.

Favourite scene
When FL asked from ML for a loan equivalent to FL's assumed worth

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Pragmatic FL & heartfelt confession made me shed a few tears. What a great bittersweet drama!

I am so excited that a MDL page for this drama has been created because I submitted the New Title. I watched this drama on 6 March 2025 and what drew me to watch this drama was the thumbnail. Fang Zheng Nan's abs to be exact! Anyway I enjoyed this drama so much - I even shed a few tears.

What I liked:
1. Acting - Spectacular acting by Li Ruo Qi and Fang Zheng Nan. Li Ruo Qi was able to evoke different facial expressions and I particularly love her expression of empathy. Anyway male actors rarely make me cry but wow Fang Zheng Nan's acting was so heartfelt that I shed some tears.
2. FL characterisation - I have watched substitute wife dramas before but this drama's substitute wife is the best. Shi Qi was clear about the boundaries set by Lu Huai Nian and adhered to them closely. I liked that she was goal-driven and didn't romanticise about ML's good treatment of her. Oh I also liked how she helped ML with his business problem. That was unexpected!
3. ML characterisation - He was never condescending but hahaha he was delusional for assuming FL to love him. I liked that he treated FL with respect even after their contract ended.
4. Supporting characters - ML's best friend was smart and realist. I liked that he brought some sense to ML. I'd like to watch more of the actor's dramas so please leave a comment if you know his name. I also liked FL's best friend, Miss Tang and the butler.
5. Romance - It was fascinating to watch the FL-ML dynamics grow from employee-employer to pursuit-suitor. Theirs was slow burn romance with 2 or 3 kisses. I liked that they had a proper conversation about their feelings and the divorce.

What I disliked:
1. ML's motive - I didn't quite understand ML's motive for substitute wife.

Favourite scene:
When ML eavesdropped while ML's best friend asked FL about her feelings for ML. Reality finally sunk in for him.

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Love the drama aesthetics and the homage to Hong Kong 90s films

I watched this drama last night after seeing cuts on Youtube. Two thoughts that appeared when watching the cuts: (i) I recognised the main actor Cheng Cheng and (ii) oh, another mob boss story . I didn't realise FL was Deng Ling Shu until I checked the MDL page. Anyway I enjoyed this drama so much!

What I liked:
1. ML characterisation - I noticed the faint similarity between this drama, Captive Love from the Mob Boss (starring Zhang Chu Xuan and Ma Xiao Yu) and No One but You (starring Liu Lan Bo & Zheng Chen Yu). All three MLs were mob bosses and they were aggressive in the pursuit of FL. Out of the three, I liked Liang Tai Sheng the most because he thought of FL's perspectives unlike the other two MLs. This is the second time Cheng Cheng portrayed a mob boss but in this role, he was more ruthless towards anyone who threatens him & his lady love. I enjoyed Cheng Cheng's acting as he was able to portray different emotions of his character.
2. Setting - This story was set in the mid-90s and I love the aesthetics! There was a nice homage to Hong Kong 90s films from a cinema date watching A Chinese Odyssey to colour grading and shots similar to Wong Kar Wai's Fallen Angels and In the Mood for Love.
3. FL characterisation - I loved that she was a working class girl who remained modest and humble even after marriage. She was kind but responded accordingly whenever she was treated badly. I liked Deng Ling Shu's acting in this drama so much more than 'Wild as Hell: The Prince’s Saga , He Is Too Wild'.
4. Supporting characters - ML's right hand man was delightful on screen. I also liked FL's mother.
5. Romance - Slow burn romance. I enjoyed watching ML woo FL. There were many sweet moments with one or two nice kisses. I wish there were hot kisses because both ML & FL were passionate for each other once romance bloomed.
6. Music - I detected familiar tunes in this drama from 'Magic melody' by befour to instrumentals such as 'See the light' by Lim Hyunsik (from Korean tv series 'When the Phone Rings') and 'La valse d'Amelie' by Yann Tiersen (from French film 'Amelie').
7. Styling - FL's outfits were fabulous that I want to wear them. My favourite is the emerald green jacket and midi skirt. ML also looked handsome in the outfits and that hairstyle.

What I disliked:
1. Antagonists - As usual there are always love rival. ML's admirer & self-proclaimed fiancée was delusional. FL's ex was pitiful at first but later on proved to be a scumbag.

Favourite scene
When ML bonded with his mother-in-law

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Great visuals but romance was lacking

I was very excited when I found out that Guo Yuxin was working with Shen Hao Nan on a drama. Saw this drama on Thursday and watched it a day after. I finished it feeling less than satisfied.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Yes, finally Guo Yuxin didn't have to cry her heart out for a man! I liked Song Ning for her courage & self-reliance. She solved her problems - definitely not a damsel in distress.
2. Plot - I'd say I never imagined the story would go that way, mostly in a good way. I was entertained throughout the drama.
3. Styling - Ok we know Shen Haonan is gorgeous and the styling from hair to clothes was impeccable. Guo Yuxin's styling was on point too. I love her magenta gown. She looked like a mermaid which made me think of Mermaid Husband (I'd love to see a remake with Guo Yuxin as FL).
4. Supporting characters - Despite the short airtime, I really liked Kang Xu. First impression gives a big impact and oh boy, he did. I also liked ML's mother & assistant. The dynamic between ML's mum & dad was fun to watch.

What I disliked:
1. Romance - For a couple pairing that is visually stunning, the romance is lacking. Yes there were some kisses and handholding but there was little time spent on the development of FL & ML as a couple. Most of the time was spent on FL's battles with her love rivals.
2. Ending - What??? C'mon at least give us a bedroom scene. I know Shen Haonan & Guo Yuxin had done intimate scenes (Your Trap & World Upside Down being my favourite dramas respectively).
3. Work - It's a bummer that we only got to see glimpse of FL's work. Her interview scene was great because the casse study had a personal touch to it.

Favourite scene
FL's interview at another company

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Unpredictable in good way + wonderful arcs for 3 main characters

I am a massive fan of Wen Mo Yan so I was delighted to see a new drama out in the first quarter of the 2025.

What I liked:
1. The plot - Wow, I was surprised at every turn as all my guesses of where things were going were incorrect. Making a few historical characters with little known back story was a great move to be creative with character development. It's refreshing.
2. FL characterisation - I liked Ye Ji Nan. She's a history buff which was advantageous to her but she was sensible while exploring. I enjoyed watching Wen Mo Yan playing Ye Ji Nan in modern and historical eras.
3. ML characterisation - I liked Feng Zhi Li. He was a known tyrant but later we saw his other sides. I liked that we saw his baddie side in third act. This is my first time watching We Ji Feng's acting and I was pleasantly surprised by his performance. He was able to express different personas of Feng Zhi Li and overall he was charming.
3. SFL characterisation - Princess Zhi Fan was a delight to watch. She's a capable, smart and beautiful army general. I also enjoyed watching her character development. This is my first time watching Liu Jia Xi's performance and I was impressed.
4. Romance - It was a fun ride at the start since Ye Ji Nan was brought into the royal concubine's body and she had to impersonate. I loved it when she realised that she should seize the opportunity to have a romantic relationship with the King. Yes, there were several kisses but what made me enjoyed watching their romance is the affectionate and tender moments. It was good to see the couple being tested in their relationship due to ML's severe action.
5. Ending - I thought it would go another way but hey I really liked this ending.
6. Stying - The outfits worn by the main three characters were beautiful. I love some of the royal concubine's robes.

What I disliked:
1. Supporting characters - Ling Shan and Yan Ming were underdeveloped characters. I was intrigued by Ling Shan and wanted to see him more on screen.
2. Dubbing - I was dismayed when I heard FL's voice in the first episode. That wasn't Wen Mo Yan's voice. Apparently most characters were dubbed. I wonder why.

Favourite scene
When FL found out that ML knew about her real identity

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FL fitting as ballerina, sweet romance

I saw clips of this drama on my Youtube shorts. As I clicked play, this drama's plot seemed familiar to me as I recognised the names of FL, ML, FL's ex and FL's occupation. This is the second version of the plot that I have watched version. The other version starred Wang Xin and Lei Xiaomi.

What I liked:
1. Styling - Wang Xiaoyi, who played FL, looked beautiful in several outfits in particular red dress & traditional outfit that she wore for dancing. I also like the tracksuits. Wang Nan with silver hair looked like anime character - that was cool moment which reminds me of Lighter & Princess.
2. Ballet - I love the scenes where FL danced ballet. Wang Xiaoyi was graceful & elegant.
3. Romance - Sweet romance. Milder intimate scenes compared to Wang Xin-Lei Xiaomi version.

What I disliked:
1. Variety show - There was a solo female contestant in the variety show. It made the show imbalanced.
2. Duration - This drama's duration is 1 hour 45 minutes. I wish drama was at least 2 hours because I wanted to see more romantic scenes.

Favourite scene
FL dancing ballet

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Spicy & funny start - highly entertaining drama

I am glad to have found this page - I watched this drama on 15 January 2025. I am Zhang Chu Xuan's fan and always search for her dramas online because I know I would be entertained. I am familiar with Wang Yi Ran so I was excited to see their collaboration. I was highly entertained.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - FL was originally an overworked surgeon who fainted in an operating room and when she woke up, she found herself in the 80s, sleeping next to ML. She used her knowledge of modern medicine to earn a living and at the same time helped other women to be empowered.
2. Romance - The very first scene was spicy & funny - I love a take charge FL! I like the pacing of romance development between FL & ML. I know my gal can kiss but damn it was my first time seeing a carnal Wang Yi Ran (previous dramas that I watched didn't have real kisses).
3. Comedy - Both Zhang Chu Xuan and Wang Yi Ran excelled in their roles. I enjoyed their comedic bits so much. ML's right hand man was funny too.
4. Music - Zhang Chu Xuan was cute singing that famous song at the end.

What I disliked:
1. Transmigration - I assumed FL could stay in the 1980s instead of going back to 2020s. It'd be nice if there was an explanation.

Favourite scene
When FL gifted amulet to ML and ML's feelings soon after

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Sweet & endearing romance of a stylish blind man

I remember browsing Dramazone videos on Youtube and adding this drama to my watchlist. I was intrigued by story of blind ML & I thought the actor looked like Fan Zhixin. Finally watched the drama last night and I enjoyed it very much.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - She is such a kind & endearing character but not a doormat. She did a mistake & immediately apologised and I like that (dislike Mary Sue characters). Zheng Chen Yu was well cast as Su Shi Qi.
2. ML characterisation - It's good to see his character grow throughout the series. Once he realised he misunderstood FL, he apologised to FL & cared for her. I like that his character's blindness is real. Wang Zi Lin gave good performance too.
3. Romance - Slow burn done right with enough push & pull. I like that he felt attraction for FL even when he couldn't see. What a beautiful visual for ML once he regained his sight!
4. Supporting characters - ML's assistant side comments are hilarious! I was genuinely surprised by how FL's stepmom & sister characters were wrapped up. ML's brother character was well developed.
5. Styling - ML had great hairstyle & outfits. FL wore pretty outfits too and I like her casual wear because fit her cool personality.

What I disliked:
1. Blackmail - I actually didn't like that FL's actions after being blackmailed. Glad she found sense.

Favourite scene
When ML regained his sight and saw FL for the first time

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Outstanding drama about hidden identities + older woman, younger male romance

I picked up this series because of Feng Xiang Kun. I loved his performance in another vertical shot drama about FL using her blood to heal ML illness. I must say that I didn't expect this vertically shot drama to be outstanding. I could watch this drama over and over again - this is one of my top 5 favourite vertically shot dramas.

What I liked:
1. Bai Yan - Wow, I was impressed by Bai Yan's acting. I have watched Bai Yan's other drama - I remember her face but didn't remember the drama nor the title. However in this drama, she was very convincing as a female entrepreneur caught in family dilemma who later regretted her decision to involve ML. Very good at conveying different emotions.
2. Si Nan characterisation - She's cool, calm and collected but at the same time, she had moments of vulnerability that she let off. I also like that she was never jealous of An Ran when ML first mentioned her name. I like that she's sophisticated too!
3. Outfits - Si Nan's outfits were beautiful. From the red dress, to that grey & pink jacket, all white business suit and the gorgeous green dress - I love all her outfits.
4. Feng Xiang Kun - I enjoyed his performance as a kept man who gradually fell in love with FL. He managed to show different sides of Bai Xi Hao - flirty, serious-at-work, genuine care. The Korean perm hairstyle suit him and made he seemed younger than Bai Yan when in reality, Bai Yan is only 1 year older than him.
5. Shots - This drama was very well shot. It felt coherent throughout the duration, like a movie instead of a compilation of very short clips. 'Fake Love' also gave me same vibe as mini drama 'Destined to Meet You'. The framing and lighting/colour were different from other vertical drama.
6. Romance - It started off as a kept man relationship but gradually became a relationship with genuine feelings and affection. I could sense they were emotionally invested in each other as time passed. There were plenty of kisses and romantic gestures which I enjoyed - they were hot & sweet. Bai Yan and Feng Xiang Kun had blazing chemistry and seemed comfortable with each other.
7. Tropes - This drama explored few tropes: older woman younger man romance, hidden identity, rich woman poor man. They were done well. I particularly like this drama for featuring FL that is more successful than ML as this trope is rare in any East Asian dramas.
8. FL's bro - He's unhinged and villainy but he did have moment of being a good person. I like the actor's performance but can't seem to find his name. He looked familiar but can't recall which drama I've seen him.

What I disliked:
1. FL's ex-boyfriend - His arc could have been better. At times he was like a caricature rather than a real character. Not sure whether bad acting was due to actor's choice or director's instruction.
2. FL's father storyline - I don't sense much value from this storyline to FL's personal or professional life.
3. An Ran-Bai Xi Hao relationship - I felt like Xi Hao still wasn't aware of An Ran's manipulation by the end of this drama. I wish there could be confrontation - I wouldn't mind few minutes more added to this drama.

Favourite scene
The start - smart, alluring & sensual.

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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

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Deng Ling Shu shines in this opposites attract rom-com

I am a big fan of Zhao Ting Yi's acting. I didn't like Deng Ling Shu's FL in the Prince is Wild drama but her acting in the drama with Cheng Cheng was good. I had not watched The wife with an agenda before watching this drama so I didn't know about their chemistry. Good thing I enjoyed this drama a lot.

What I liked:
1. FL characterisation - Her post-transmigration attitude was awesome. She was bubbly, smart & dazzling.
2. ML characterisation - He had rigid personality but slowly let loose as he got to know FL.
3. Tone - Funny from the get go.
4. Acting - Deng Ling Shu shone during comedic bits. She managed to exude joy & bubbly into her character. Zhou Ting Yi gave good performance though I found this was non-challenging role for him. Their chemistry was great.
5. Supporting characters - Butler is the MVP. Delighted to see Peng Yao playing FL's best friend. Other characters that I liked include ML's grandma, ML's assistant - loved them for being understanding.
6. Romance - Slowburn because FL was more concerned about her future. I enjoyed watching ML longing for FL's touch & affections. I loved the notes.

What I disliked:
1. Communication - There were assumptions made by ML about FL's actions. I wish ML had talked about his insecurities / concerns with FL instead of making assumptions.
2. Antagonist - FL's ex was a narcissist.

Favourite scene
When FL confessed to ML about her feelings

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Handsome men amidst an underwhelming republican drama

I underutilised my wetv subscription so I browsed the catalogue and found this drama. Deng Kai is one of the actors that fascinates me even when he portrays anti-heroes and scumbags.

What I liked:
1. Deng Kai - I really liked his acting in this drama especially the vulnerable moments. Episode 17 is my favourite episode. Oh, I was delighted to see him without wig. As Taylor Swift says in her lyrics, "He is tall and handsome as hell".
2. Kisses - Many hot kisses. My favourite is when ML pulled FL towards him so she was on top of him and they kissed passionately.
3. Supporting characters - I liked Liang Xiao, Li Tian and Gao Qi. Zhao De Biao was a surprise - quite a memorable character.
4. Visual - Wow, many handsome actors in this drama: Deng Kai, Ryan Kuo, Liu Bo.

What I disliked:
1. Investigation - I feel that this main plot was not focused enough. This drama is about ML investigating the impostor but all that I remembered is the love triangle.
2. FL characterisation - FL started strong at the start but then became wishy washy once the second act started. She seemed unfocused with her mission and her love life. I found Tan Yan Yan's acting underwhelming.
3. Romance - Apart from the kisses, romance was lacklustre. I felt like she was stringing along both men.
4 Ending - After all the sacrifices SML made, the couple just became like that?

Favourite scene
When ML confessed his feelings and asked FL if she had feelings for him

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