Chapter 35. Physician Ji's praise is undeserved.
Ji Yun looked at the few candies lying on the sandalwood table, his thin lips pursed, and his expression clearly paused.
"..."
Before he could react, Meng Yutong stood up, gently patted Xiaoxue's hand, and said softly, "Xiaoxue, go and call the next friend in, okay?"
Xiaoxue's cheeks were bulging from eating. She nodded and jumped off the chair.
This time, she completely forgot to look at Ji Yun's expression and ran out the door. The two little buns tied with red ribbons on her head bounced merrily with her steps.
Next to enter was a boy of about seven or eight years old, who had caught a cold and was coughing softly while covering his mouth from time to time.
Meng Yutong gently inquired about the boy's age and name, then focused on taking his pulse, carefully examined his tongue and throat, and wrote a prescription with clear logic and detailed instructions.
With every gesture, he moved with practiced ease, displaying the composed and capable demeanor of a seasoned doctor.
Seeing that she was handling things with ease, Ji Yun handed Meng Yutong the list of children who needed to be examined that day.
He had already treated most of them, and now only five or six remained, so he simply handed them all over to her.
He finally had a moment of peace, so he sat down quietly and watched.
Perhaps out of boredom from sitting still, he had never liked sweets, especially children's snacks like this. However, looking at the few glistening amber-colored pine nut candies on the corner of the table, he inexplicably picked one up, unwrapped the glutinous rice paper, and put it in his mouth.
The sweet aroma, accompanied by the unique oily fragrance of pine nuts, melts on the tip of the tongue, subtly and surprisingly relieving some of the fatigue from sitting for a long time.
His usually stern face seemed to soften slightly.
More than an hour later, Meng Yutong had finished examining all the children on the roster, either by prescribing medicine or administering acupuncture.
Ji Yun watched from the side and noticed that she seemed to be particularly popular with these children.
She is gentle and patient when dealing with people, like a spring breeze, but she can immediately put on a stern face when dealing with a few naughty children. A few light scoldings are enough to make them obedient. She has a very good grasp of the situation, and the children are quite compliant.
As she was leaving, several children surrounded her, asking when she would come again. Their eagerness to see her again was truly astonishing.
After treating several children, Meng Yutong began to slowly pack her medical kit.
As the sun quietly shifted westward, the warm golden rays of the setting sun slanted through the sliding windows, casting a pale golden glow on Meng Yutong's light blue dress and outlining her slender figure in a hazy, alluring way.
Like a phantom in a dream.
In my dream...
Ji Yun narrowed his eyes slightly, a strange tremor passing through his heart.
Meng Yutong deliberately slowed her movements, but secretly glanced at Ji Yun, who stood motionless to the side as if in a trance.
She wondered to herself what his plans were regarding the recommendation. Why hadn't he given her a straight answer?
Then she thought again that he had already hinted that he was quite anxious, and if she asked again, she was afraid she would displease him. Besides, she was the one who was late today, so she had to be patient and find a way to make amends.
So, after tidying up her medical kit, she naturally reached out and gathered Ji Yun's medical kit from the table, carefully arranging the scattered pulse pillow and needle pouch for him, and gently closing the lid.
"Physician Ji," she said, respectfully handing him her medical kit, "I was delayed by something today and arrived late. Although it was because of saving someone, I still broke our promise from yesterday. How about I treat you to a simple meal to express my apologies?"
Just then, Qiu Niang came in with tea and warmly invited the two to stay for dinner.
Seeing this, Meng Yutong quickly declined, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Qiu Niang, but we have some things to attend to, so we won't bother you any longer."
Upon hearing this, Qiu Niang looked at Meng Yutong eagerly and said, "Miss Meng, the children all love you and keep asking me if you will come again next time."
Most of the children in Ji'an Hall came from impoverished backgrounds and were well-behaved, so she was willing to spend some time looking after them.
Meng Yutong's heart stirred, and she looked at Ji Yun, asking, "Physician Ji, could you please invite me next time you come to Ji'an Hall? After all, there are quite a few girls in the hall, and I might be able to treat some illnesses more cheaply."
Ji Yun's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, and for some reason, his expression looked somewhat stiff. He nodded slightly: "Thank you for your trouble."
Qiu Niang was naturally delighted and immediately smiled broadly, repeatedly saying "good." Without delaying the two's business, she told them to be careful on the way and then left the house.
After Qiu Niang left, the room returned to quiet.
Meng Yutong looked at Ji Yun again, a hint of expectation in her clear eyes: "Then... Physician Ji, shall we go for dinner now?"
Actually, she could postpone the recommendation for a while, and find an opportunity to get to know the physicians at the Medical Academy, and then ask other physicians to recommend her.
However, she was preoccupied with the opening of her clinic, and with the deadline for registering for official appointments in May fast approaching, she dared not waste any time. Finding Ji Yun was, for her, the fastest and most convenient method.
She knew Ji Yun well; he was an extremely stubborn and honest person. As long as she could see her sincerity and ability, recommending him would be feasible.
I'll explain my lateness to him when we have dinner later; he won't hold it against me.
Seeing her respectful expression and gentle attitude, Ji Yun immediately knew what she was thinking.
Very well, it would be good to hear how she plans to explain her lateness today. If she were a person with great skills but a lazy and unreliable nature, he would certainly not agree to recommend her.
He reached out and took the medical kit from her, his fingertips brushing against her slightly cool fingertips. He seemed to pause for a moment, but his expression remained unchanged. He simply nodded almost imperceptibly and said, "Mm."
Seeing that Ji Yun finally agreed, Meng Yutong felt a little relieved. She picked up her medical kit and went out of the house first to wait for Ji Yun at the entrance of Ji'an Hall.
After she left, Ji Yun paused briefly at the desk before slowly walking out.
The two walked out of the hospital gate one after the other.
As dusk settled and a cool evening breeze rustled the wildflowers beneath the door, they swayed gently and lovelyly.
Just as Meng Yutong was about to ask where they had gone, her gaze was drawn to a slender figure in the corner.
A boy of about seventeen or eighteen years old squatted there and looked up at the sound. He was handsome with red lips and white teeth, clear eyes and a clean temperament. He was none other than He Haochuan, who had been crying his eyes out in the teahouse just now.
He had tidied himself up and looked pure and bright, with the youthful vigor of a young man.
Upon seeing Meng Yutong emerge, He Haochuan immediately stood up and rushed forward, his face filled with gratitude: "Miss, my father has woken up and is in much better spirits. I've come specifically to return your hairpin!"
As he spoke, he took out a plain handkerchief pouch from his bosom, carefully peeled it open layer by layer, revealing a spotless silver hairpin inside, and presented it to Meng Yutong with both hands.
His eyes lit up slightly, afraid that Meng Yutong would find it disgusting, "It's all washed clean, it's not dirty."
Meng Yutong took the silver hairpin, feeling a trace of lingering warmth on her fingertips, and asked gently, "Is your father well?"
He Haochuan's cheeks flushed slightly. He put away his handkerchief and quickly said, "I'm much better! My father has been saying that he wants to come and thank you in person for saving my life. But he has just woken up and is still weak, so it's really inconvenient for him. Once he's better, I will definitely accompany him to visit and express our gratitude! But... but we still don't know your name?"
"Meng Yutong," she told frankly.
He Haochuan's eyes lit up, and he bowed deeply, his voice clear and sincere: "Miss Meng! On behalf of my father, He Haochuan thanks Miss Meng again for saving my life!"
Meng Yutong was somewhat embarrassed by his earnest gratitude and waved her hand, saying, "It was nothing. I am a doctor and just happened to be there. There's no need to worry about it. I'm just glad your father is well."
Only then did He Haochuan notice the tall, aloof figure behind Meng Yutong.
He squinted slightly, examining Ji Yun with a youthful curiosity, then subconsciously took a half step back, his gaze shifting back and forth between Meng Yutong and Ji Yun for a moment before suddenly exclaiming in realization, "Ah!" "Young master, I recognize you! You are the distinguished guest who often comes to our Qingfeng Tea House for tea!"
He turned to Meng Yutong, his smile bright, "So, I saw Miss Meng not long ago. You came to our teahouse to return an umbrella, didn't you?"
Ji Yun nodded lightly. He often went to Qingfeng Tea House. Although they hadn't talked in depth, he had met He Hong and his son He Haochuan many times. Every time He Haochuan saw him, he would greet him very warmly.
His gaze swept past He Haochuan and finally landed on the silver hairpin in Meng Yutong's hand.
The hairpin gleamed faintly in the twilight, its shaft adorned with three tiny peach blossoms. As I recall, it was the same hairpin she wore when I first met her.
Combining He Haochuan's words about "saving a life," he instantly understood that she was late today because she had saved He Hong, the owner of Qingfeng Tea House.
This woman is of pure heart; she is neither selfish nor indifferent to the danger before her. This compassion and sense of responsibility in the face of crisis is especially valuable to a doctor.
Meng Yutong nodded with a smile: "Young man, you have a good memory. But we still have some things to attend to, so we won't talk any longer. You should also hurry back to take care of your father."
Upon hearing this, He Haochuan, though reluctant, nodded repeatedly: "Alright! Alright! Miss Meng, young master, please take care!"
He bowed deeply again before turning around and running briskly toward Qingfeng Tea House.
After He Haochuan left, Meng Yutong turned to Ji Yun, her bright eyes shining especially in the pale golden sunset: "Physician Ji, it's not far from here to Helelou Restaurant, why don't we go there for a meal? Their Huaiyang cuisine is quite exquisite."
Upon hearing this, Ji Yun frowned slightly.
He keenly noticed that, starting today at Ji'an Hall, she had quietly changed her way of addressing him from "Young Master Ji" to "Physician Ji".
The way she uttered those three words gave him a momentary illusion.
It felt as if I were still on duty in the orderly hall of the Medical Academy, discussing official business with my colleagues.
Ji Yun twisted the strap of the medical kit, suppressing the inexplicable feeling rising in his heart.
He had no particular preference for restaurants, only seeking quiet and elegant ones. Helelou was precisely the place he visited the least, simply because it was always bustling with noise and crowds.
He didn't reveal these thoughts, only nodding and saying, "Okay."
The two said no more and walked one after the other through the deep alleys of Xinglifang, and entered the Imperial Street where the lights were just coming on.
The clamor of voices filled my ears, and the lights of various shops came into view.
The two strolled along, and soon, the three-story building with its flying eaves and brackets, bright lights, and bustling crowds came into view across the street.
On the huge lanterns hanging in front of the building, the three gilded characters "Helelou" stood out prominently in the twilight.
With the recommendation on his mind, Meng Yutong naturally couldn't be careless about this meal.
She led Ji Yun straight up to the second floor, away from the noise of the lobby on the first floor, and chose a private room by the window, separated by bamboo curtains.
Outside the window, one can see the bustling corner of the Imperial Street, while inside, it is much quieter.
The two took their seats one after the other at a table covered with plain brocade. There was a large round table, with one seat between them.
The waiter, quick-witted and agile, approached with a thick menu on gold-flecked paper, a fawning smile on his face: "Greetings, esteemed guests! Would you like some tea to soothe your palates? What signature dishes would you like to order? Let me tell you."
Meng Yutong's gaze swept around and naturally settled on Ji Yun diagonally opposite her. A polite smile played on her lips. She didn't say anything, but simply gestured to the waiter with her eyes: Please, sir, order.
The waiter was quick and efficient; he hurriedly handed over the menu with a bow.
Ji Yun did not raise his hand to take it. His slender fingers simply pushed the edge of the menu lightly, causing it to slide towards Meng Yutong. His voice was calm: "Miss Meng, please order whatever suits your taste. I have no dietary restrictions."
Meng Yutong's lips twitched downwards slightly.
No dietary restrictions? It seems Ji Yun has practically nothing he can eat!
He doesn't eat scallions, ginger, or garlic, and he absolutely won't touch bamboo shoots, yams, eggplants, or anything else.
He neither ate nor said anything.
Recalling his past life in the Ji family mansion, the kitchen would meticulously prepare a table of delicacies, but nine times out of ten, it would invariably trigger his taboos. Whenever this happened, he would pick up his chopsticks and only stir the glistening white rice in his bowl, remaining as silent as a jade sculpture.
Meng Yutong thought to herself: How could he be "not picky about food"? He's clearly "having nothing to eat".
This picky habit was unknown to anyone in the household before the century. It was only after she married into the family and paid close attention to everything that she was able to pick out these taboos little by little from his silent rejections and subtle frowns, and then carefully instruct the kitchen staff to avoid them.
They are incredibly difficult to please!
Remembering that she was the one asking for a favor, she suppressed her emotions, opened the menu, pondered for a moment, and ordered:
"Stir-fried lotus root slices, braised beef with soy sauce, stir-fried shredded chicken with celery and green onion, and stewed scallops and dried shrimp in a jade pot."
These dishes are more than enough for two people.
However, as soon as Meng Yutong finished speaking, she suddenly remembered the hawthorn incident from the previous night. Ji Yun was a man of meticulous attention to detail and keen insight; even the slightest carelessness would fall into his notice.
She had casually ordered the dishes, but subconsciously avoided his little-known dietary restrictions, choosing only his usual favorites. It was hard to guarantee that he wouldn't become suspicious.
A slight chill ran through her, but she remained outwardly calm. She casually traced a line on the menu with her fingertip and added as if on a whim, "Hmm, add a dish of stir-fried yam and wood ear mushrooms, and a dish of stir-fried asparagus tips."
Upon hearing this, the waiter looked troubled and kindly reminded him, "Sir, the five dishes and one soup you ordered are more than enough for four or five people, let alone two. Perhaps we could remove these two vegetarian dishes to avoid wasting money."
Meng Yutong suddenly realized, as if she had just ordered too much, and looked up at Ji Yun, asking, "How is Physician Ji's appetite? Should we bring some more?"
Ji Yun's gaze swept slowly over the dishes she had ordered, as if they were tangible objects.
The first four strokes were clearly marked in sequence, but the last two strokes reversed direction abruptly, as if it were done on purpose.
The probing look in his eyes grew even deeper: "Miss Meng, you can remove the two dishes you ordered later. Three dishes and a soup are enough for the two of us."
Meng Yutong seemed completely oblivious to the deeper meaning in his words, and readily turned to the waiter: "As Physician Ji said, remove the last two vegetarian dishes."
The waiter repeatedly replied "Yes," and quickly retreated with the menu in his hand.
The private room fell silent for a moment. Ji Yun picked up the celadon teapot on the table, slowly filled two plain porcelain teacups, and gently pushed one of them towards Meng Yutong: "Thank you for your hospitality today, Miss Meng."
Meng Yutong accepted the teacup with both hands, her fingertips touching the warm cup to steady herself. She raised the cup and said, "It was my fault for not keeping my promise. I offer this tea in place of wine to Physician Ji. Thank you for your magnanimity in not holding my lateness against me."
“After your grandmother personally came to the Ji residence to annul the engagement that day,” Ji Yun lowered his eyes, gazing at the green tea buds floating in his cup, his voice revealing neither joy nor anger, “my grandfather instructed me that although the marriage agreement between our two families is dissolved, our old friendship still exists. If you have any difficulties, I will do my best to help. You don’t need to be so polite.”
He pronounced the words "try his best" with exceptional clarity.
Upon hearing the words "annulment of the engagement" again, Meng Yutong's heart rippled slightly, yet she also felt a growing numbness.
She recalled the rumors that had been circulating recently, and felt that Ji Yun's mention of this matter now carried a hint of questioning.
She put down her teacup, looked up to meet Ji Yun's gaze, and said with a helpless tone, "Physician Ji, you flatter me. It's just... there have been some absurd rumors circulating these past few days, claiming that the Meng family has failed to meet the standards of the Ji family? Young Master Ji is like snow on a high mountain, noble and unparalleled, worthy of admiration. It is truly my humble Meng family, with shallow fortune, that is unworthy of your brilliance. Moreover, it has caused your reputation to be damaged because of me, and Yu Tong is truly uneasy about it."
She adopted an extremely humble posture and spoke earnestly. Rather than apologizing, she wanted to convey that the rumors were not what she wanted to spread, nor were they what she spread. She was a victim and knew that she was unworthy of him.
He knew, of course, that she hadn't spread the rumor.
He had Qing Shu investigate; it was his father who spread the word.
Another strange thing.
He hadn't figured out the reason yet, and when he heard her so eager to clear her name, a fleeting, unfathomable emotion crossed his eyes. He lowered his head and took a sip of the warm tea in his cup.
The tea soup tasted far inferior to the mellow aroma of Qingfeng Tea House upon tasting, with a distinct bitterness and roughness in the aftertaste. I swallowed it with difficulty and felt only a mediocre experience.
He put down his teacup, looked up, and a very faint smile appeared on his lips:
"That saying is not wrong."
The tone was clearly flat, yet she inexplicably found it somewhat grating.
She gave a slight smile: "There's no need to care what others say."
Meng Yutong glanced outside and felt slightly annoyed: Why is the waiter serving the food so slow?
The two remained silent, making the meal extremely uncomfortable, with a strong sense of "not being able to agree on anything."
"Sir, the dishes are here!" Just then, the waiter pushed open the door with a tray, quickly arranged the three dishes and soup on the table, and called out, "Please enjoy your meal!" He then bowed and withdrew, closing the door behind him.
Meng Yutong secretly breathed a sigh of relief, picked up her silver chopsticks, and smiled faintly: "Physician Ji, please."
The two picked up their chopsticks and began to eat, and for a moment the only sound at the table was the soft clinking of bowls and chopsticks.
The beef dish happened to be placed next to Ji Yun. Meng Yutong picked up two slices of lotus root with her chopsticks, but found them bland.
She glanced at the plate of glistening beef out of the corner of her eye. If she were to pick it up, she would have to walk past him. But as soon as the thought crossed her mind, she realized it was inappropriate and looked away, silently picking up another slice of lotus root with her chopsticks.
Ji Yun glanced at her subtle movements, raised his hand, and naturally switched the lotus root slices in front of her with the plate of yellow beef.
"Miss Meng is hosting today, so please don't be shy."
Meng Yutong readily agreed and picked up a piece of tender beef: "I hope Physician Ji enjoys his meal."
"The sachet recipe you mentioned last time has a soothing and calming scent. I asked Qingshu to find some lychee peels to make the incense." He paused, his tone inquiring. "I wonder if you mind? If you find it inappropriate, then I won't use it."
Meng Yutong swallowed the food in her mouth and said calmly, "I don't mind. To have won the favor of Physician Ji, my prescription must have some merit."
Ji Yun was referring to a prescription she made when she was a child. Back then, she would just mix the ingredients herself according to medical books, and her technique was still quite clumsy.
In her previous life, to relieve the insomnia of her and her son, she painstakingly researched and improved a formula that was far more effective than this one. That was her true labor of love, and the fragrant pillow she gave to Madam Ji before was made using this formula.
She planned that when her clinic opened in the future, she could first use this improved formula to make some calming sachets to give to the neighbors. If the effect was good, it would be a good opportunity to make a name for herself.
As for this old prescription from childhood, its value is limited, so giving it to him won't hurt. It can also be a convenient way to add some favor to the recommendation process.
The two chatted for a few more minutes about Ji'an Hall, and the meal was finished at a leisurely pace.
As I left Hele Tower, it was already dark. Lanterns on both sides of the long street lit up one after another, spreading out warm yellow halos, and pedestrians hurried home.
"Where is Miss Meng going? I'll see you off." Ji Yun asked calmly, turning his head.
"Let's go to Peach Blossom Street." Meng Yutong did not refuse, thinking to herself that he might mention the recommendation on the way.
The two walked side by side to Wangxian Bridge and stepped into the center of the bridge.
A cool evening breeze blew along the riverbank, gently brushing against their clothes. They could clearly hear the clanging and hammering sounds of repairs coming from the Jufu Inn under the bridge, a scene of bustling activity.
"Let's leave it here. Thank you, Physician Ji." Meng Yutong stopped at the bridge and nodded to him.
Ji Yun nodded slightly, then turned around and took a step to leave the bridge.
Meng Yutong's heart sank, and she took two quick steps to catch up: "Physician Ji, please wait." She raised her voice slightly and asked directly, "I wonder what Physician Ji's plans are regarding the recommendation? I was indeed the one who broke my promise today, and I have already apologized to Physician Ji. If you have no intention of recommending me, please tell me clearly so that I can find another way and avoid delaying each other."
Ji Yun stopped in his tracks and slowly turned to look at her.
The flowing water under the bridge reflects the lights on both banks and the sparse stars in the sky, and the shimmering waves make his profile look even more refined and elegant.
“Miss Meng,” he began, his voice still cool but carrying the rigor of a physician, “a doctor’s word is of utmost importance. To break a promise is never a proper thing to do.”
“However,” his clear voice came from behind him, unhurried, “a doctor’s heart is benevolent, and it is understandable that you are eager to save people. As you wish, I will recommend you for the first volume.”
Meng Yutong's body suddenly stiffened. She abruptly closed her eyes, her long eyelashes trembling slightly, a mixture of regret and relief sweeping through her heart.
His earlier gesture of turning away now made him seem impatient.
My footsteps were stuck on the bluestone slabs of the stone bridge, and for a moment I couldn't go up or down.
Her fingertips unconsciously traced the medical tablet in her bosom, and her turbulent emotions gradually calmed down. A sense of relief and joy belatedly spread through her, instantly dispelling her previous embarrassment and anger.
She slowly turned around, her tone now calm: "How long will it take to recommend someone for the upper volume?"
Ji Yun glanced at the brightly lit, still-under-renovation clinic behind her and replied, "It shouldn't delay your opening date, Miss."
"Thank you, Physician Ji." Meng Yutong bowed respectfully.
She suddenly realized that the opening of the clinic was just the beginning, and many things to come would likely be inextricably linked to the Medical Academy and to him, the mainstay of the Medical Academy.
Although the engagement is called off, this connection should not be severed. If we can use his connections to get to know more people in the medical academy, it will be entirely beneficial to the clinic.
I really shouldn't have acted so impulsively just now.
With a thousand thoughts swirling in her mind, she looked up, a slightly apologetic smile blooming on her lips, and explained, "There seemed to be some small insects bothering me on the bridge just now, so I waved my sleeve to drive them away. I apologize for any rudeness, Physician Ji."
Ji Yun's gaze swept across her face, and his eyes seemed to twitch slightly. After a long silence, he slowly replied, "It's early summer, and mosquitoes are starting to appear. We should be careful."
Meng Yutong twitched the corner of her mouth and then waved her sleeve in a pretentious manner, "It's really annoying. Physician Ji should also keep an eye on it."
Ji Yun nodded.
A gentle night breeze stirred the bridge as the two stood facing each other in silence. Only the murmuring of the flowing water beneath the bridge and the distant clanging of repair work echoed through the air.
After a moment, Ji Yun spoke again, but the topic shifted to something else: "The last question in the medical examination, your prescription was quite unique. You used a lot of Poria cocos and Polygala tenuifolia to calm the mind, but reduced the amount of Hematite to reduce its sinking effect, and added Citrus medica and Prunus mume to soothe the liver and relieve nausea. How did you come up with such a solution?"
Meng Yutong thought for a moment and replied, "My grandmother used to suffer from 'bloating and vomiting, and insomnia.' Most doctors would prescribe strong sedatives to stop the vomiting, but these would damage her spleen and stomach. My grandmother was already old and had a weak spleen, plus she had old injuries, so she really couldn't withstand such treatment. Buddha's hand can regulate qi without depleting it, and green plum can soothe the liver and harmonize the stomach. This prescription is simple, but it is most suitable for her constitution."
The old lady possessed superb medical skills, but aside from teaching her, she almost never used or displayed them. Having suffered from this chronic ailment for so long, Meng Yutong took it upon herself to research and improve the prescription to treat her grandmother, and the results were excellent.
She was naturally very confident in this prescription that had already been tested, so when Bai Zhi was worried about the medical examination a while ago, she was not worried at all.
However, this symptom is not common, and it is unknown how the person who set the question came up with such a question.
"Young lady, you are skilled and experienced in using medicine, and you are very thoughtful. You are especially adept at understanding the interaction of medicinal properties and the overall balance of the prescription," he said. His usually cool and indifferent phoenix eyes revealed a hint of undisguised admiration at this moment. "The ingenuity of this prescription is even greater than that of mine."
Meng Yutong was slightly taken aback.
Suddenly, she heard Ji Yun's praise again, no longer the superficial "gentle and quiet" of her previous life, but a genuine affirmation and admiration for her medical skills.
This time, however, I felt strangely calm, and it didn't stir up much of a ripple in my heart.
Instead, it evoked a sense of the mysteries of life.
In her past life, she was very disciplined and her thoughts were all about how to please others, fearing that she might make a mistake.
Now, following one's heart brings a different kind of scenery.
She suddenly smiled with relief, "Physician Ji, you flatter me."
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