Chapter 79. Let's get serious.
After the Xia family settled back into their old home, Pei Meizhu was the first to visit them.
Ye Peixiu drove her here.
As soon as she entered the yard, she bowed respectfully and greeted the two elderly people who were drinking tea in the corridor.
She truly possessed the bright and generous demeanor of a young lady from a prominent family.
Grandma Xi was very pleased to see that she was beautiful, poised, cheerful and lively. She said with a smile, "Mr. Ye and Qingwan have mentioned you many times. Today I finally get to meet you."
"In the study in the early evening."
Xia Huiqing said, "Go find her."
Upon meeting in the study in the side hall, Pei Meizhu pulled Xia Qingwan along, examining the pages thoroughly. Inevitably, there was another round of sighs and pleasantries.
She glanced at Ye Peixiu, who was leaning against the desk reading a book, and whispered in Xia Qingwan's ear, "I knew all along that my uncle..." The harsh words were on the tip of her tongue, but she managed to soften them, "He's a serious person, very aloof, but I never expected him to be so tactless!"
As she spoke, her tone softened a bit, "...However, my aunt is actually a very nice person. If she did anything bad in the past, it must have been at the behest of my uncle or that grandfather of the Ye family. She is actually very easy to get along with, so don't worry or overthink it."
Xia Qingwan smiled and said, "Weren't you supposed to be spending the Lunar New Year in England? Why did you come all this way back?"
"And you're telling me? I called my aunt to wish her a Happy New Year, and she told me about this. I immediately bought a plane ticket and flew back." Pei Meizhu crossed her arms. "You have no idea how angry I was on the way here!"
Perhaps she thought of herself who was separated from her lover and couldn't help but feel the same way.
The two girls hadn't seen each other for a long time and had a lot to talk about, so they chatted and laughed for a long time in the side hall.
Ye Peixiu had another dinner appointment, so he said goodbye before noon.
Grandma Xi strongly invited Pei Meizhu to stay for lunch.
Thinking that it was the Lunar New Year and she would be eating alone in her villa if she went back, Pei Meizhu respectfully accepted the invitation and happily stayed for lunch.
With Pei Meizhu around, the Xia family's dinner table, which usually kept silent while eating and sleeping, became lively.
She talked about the trivial things of studying in the UK, how she missed Chinese food, and also said that she had heard several physics professors in the UK mention Xia Huiqing's research, which made Xia Huiqing smile and ask a few more questions.
The atmosphere was harmonious and joyful.
After dinner, the two girls sat on the sofa in the living room, studying the jigsaw puzzle that Pei Meizhu had brought.
Xia Huiqing was drinking tea and reading a book on the side.
"I've fallen in love with puzzles lately," Pei Meizhu said as she poured out the puzzle pieces and arranged them by color. "Sometimes when I can't sleep at night and my mind is wandering, I get up and put the puzzle together. As I do, my mind calms down."
"Mr. Wang came to see you late this evening."
Grandma Xi, who was wearing gloves and cutting dead branches outside, stepped onto the porch and spoke loudly.
Xia Qingwan and Pei Meizhu looked up together.
Grandma Xi stepped aside, accepted the gift, and said, "Oh my, you even brought something. You're too kind. Over the years, our whole family has been so grateful for your care and concern."
Mr. Wang, who arrived, said, "I should have come yesterday, but I was busy with work and couldn't find the time. It's too late to bother you."
As he spoke, he stepped into the entrance hall, looked towards the living room, and his voice stopped abruptly.
Pei Meizhu knelt on the carpet beside the sofa, supporting herself with one hand and holding a puzzle piece in the other hand, looking up at him.
Wang Jingzi smiled as usual and said, "Sorry, I didn't know there were guests."
Xia Huiqing introduced, "This is Mr. Ye's cousin, Qingwan's friend." She thought that after this introduction, the two young people would greet each other automatically. Unexpectedly, Wang Jingzi just smiled and nodded slightly, while Pei Meizhu sat back on the carpet, lowered her head, and continued to count the puzzle pieces.
Xia Qingwan, who has always disliked social greetings, took on the responsibility of livening up the atmosphere. She chatted with Wang Jingzi and Pei Meizhu, trying not to let any words fall to the ground.
Gradually, Xia Huiqing noticed the unusual atmosphere, picked up her book and stood up, saying, "You two chat, I'll go help Ah Xi."
As soon as she left, Xia Qingwan looked at Wang Jingzi and then at Pei Meizhu.
Pei Meizhu hasn't said a word since Wang Jingzi appeared.
Suddenly it fell silent.
She just kept repeating one sentence in her mind: I can be friends with my ex, and we should exchange pleasantries as usual.
However, he couldn't move his mouth or squeeze out words from his throat.
He was sitting on the sofa, and she could see the hem of his trousers in her peripheral vision.
Xia Qingwan wondered if she should step aside for a moment, "I'll go take a look—"
Before she could finish speaking, Pei Meizhu grabbed her sleeve and shook her head slightly.
Xia Qingwan hadn't stood up yet, so she had to sit down again.
This agonizing atmosphere didn't last long. Pei Meizhu stood up and said to Xia Qingwan, "I have to see a friend, so I'll be going now. Take good care of your injury, and I'll come visit you another day."
"……good."
"I'll go tell Grandma Xia and Grandma Xi."
Pei Meizhu said this, walked around the coffee table, passed by Wang Jingzi's knees on the sofa, and went to the entrance.
Xia Qingwan chased after him, "How are you going? Do you want me to take you there?"
"No need, I can just walk to the gate of the compound and take a taxi. It's a good time to relax."
Wang Jingzi remained seated on the sofa without moving.
After Xia Qingwan saw Pei Meizhu off and returned, Wang Jingzi stood up and said, "I should go now, I have a meeting."
"Okay, drive carefully."
Xia Qingwan saw Wang Jingzi off at the door.
Grandma Xi was still puzzled, "Why did you leave after sitting for such a short while?"
Xia Qingwan said, "Mr. Wang is busy with work."
"Yeah, I heard he got promoted?"
"You know all this?"
"I heard from your grandmother Liang that Mr. Wang was trained and promoted by Mr. Ye. His future should not be underestimated."
A few people were chatting. At the sentry post at the gate of the compound, Pei Meizhu was walking silently with her handbag. Wang Jingzi's car followed slowly behind her at first, but finally sped up and passed her at a leisurely pace.
Just after seeing the two people off, Xia Qingwan helped Grandma Xi cut a few bunches of dead branches to put in the vase, and then she heard the sound of a car coming from the gate.
The Xia family's old house is at the end of the road, and usually no other cars pass by.
Xia Huiqing said, "Qingwan, go see who's here."
Xia Qingwan took off her floral gloves, and before she even reached the courtyard gate, she heard a burst of children's laughter and screams.
A Maybach SUV was parked on the side of the road, and next to the car were Sheng Junchi, Ji Shuyu and their family of three.
Two servants followed behind, carrying gifts.
Xia Qingwan turned around and called out to her grandmother, welcoming the guests into the house in a lively and cheerful manner.
The family of three sat down in the living room, and the whole house became noisy again.
"I've come to wish you a Happy New Year and also to check on Qingwan," Ji Shuyu said with a smile. "When I told my father I was visiting the Xia family, he mentioned that he had taken your classes back then."
Xia Huiqing carefully searched her memory, "...Oh, your father is..."
“Yes, Dad said you have high professional standards and rigorous scholarship; you are a rare gem of both virtue and talent,” Ji Shuyu said. “Are you going back to Tsinghua University to teach after the New Year?”
"Well, it's been a long time since I've been on the podium, so I'll try teaching an undergraduate course first."
"That's great, this year's students are so lucky."
While they were exchanging pleasantries, Sheng Junchi walked with the child by the window. Grandma Xi, who loves children, happily teased and coaxed the child, her face beaming.
Xia Qingwan sat on the sofa for a while, then went to the window to look at the children.
After playing for a while, the child waved and ran over to his mother.
Grandma Xi asked, "Are you planning to have this one child, or more children?"
Ji Shuyu helped the child comb his hair and said with a smile, "Both parents are urging me to have another child. I plan to get pregnant soon and have another one."
Upon hearing this, Sheng Junchi glanced at her and said to Grandma Xi with a slight smile, "It's just that I'll have to trouble Shuyu again."
Although he had returned home to live, the two of them hardly spoke to each other at home throughout the year. However, when they visited relatives and friends, they still treated each other with respect, so that outsiders could not see any abnormality.
"It would be good to have another one. The two children are about the same age and can keep each other company."
Grandma Xi said.
Sheng Junchi, Ji Shuyu and their family of three sat at Xia's house for half an hour, and finally stood up to say goodbye.
As the car drove away, Grandma Xi couldn't help but sigh, "Look, what a beautiful child."
The Xia family was quiet for a while, and then there was another knock on the door.
Grandma Xi went to open the door, muttering, "What's going on today? They're all coming in waves today."
Standing at the door were Lin Xiangyu and Shi Xiaoyu.
Xia Qingwan came out to greet them, saying, "Why did you two come together?"
"Sister Xiangyu told me."
Shi Xiaoyu said happily.
"Weren't you at your hometown? Why did you make a special trip?"
Xia Qingwan asked.
"Oh, forget it. My family keeps nagging me to get married. It's driving me crazy. I'm going to come back to Beijing a few days early under the pretext of visiting you."
Shi Xiaoyu chuckled.
Grandma Xi was busy serving tea, water, and snacks for quite some time.
He sighed, leaning on his lower back in the kitchen, "I haven't had a moment to rest all day!"
Xia Huiqing came over and said, "Leave the fruit to me and cut it. You go and take a rest."
Grandma Xi sat down on a small stool used for picking vegetables, supporting her back. She lowered her eyes and pondered for a while, then a smile slowly spread across her face. "...However, seeing how introverted and quiet Qingwan is, I used to worry that she wouldn't make friends and would be all alone wherever she went. But now, it seems that this child actually has quite a few good friends." As she spoke, she glanced at Xia Huiqing and said softly, "...You can rest assured now."
Xia Huiqing peeked into the living room.
The three little girls, each holding a cup of hot tea, gathered together and chatted happily.
She asked, "When is Mingzhou coming?"
"Say we'll have dinner tonight."
Grandma Xi sighed again, "Seeing that the children are all developing on their own and have their own circles, we two old bones should just take care of ourselves."
Xia Huiqing put the fruit on a plate and carried it to the living room. Then she returned and said, "I think it's time to hire a younger servant."
"Finally had a change of heart?" Grandma Xi joked. "...But to be honest, Mr. Ye's idea was pretty good before. Hiring a caregiver to live with us would be helpful if we had any minor illnesses or pains."
Xia Huiqing glanced at her, as if asking why she kept talking about Mr. Ye all day long.
Grandma Xi shrugged, feigning innocence.
As darkness fell, Xia Qingwan saw Lin Xiangyu and Shi Xiaoyu off and returned to the kitchen to help Grandma Xi.
Around 8 p.m., just as a table of dishes was prepared, Xia Mingzhou arrived with his girlfriend.
Xia Huiqing and Grandma Xi were naturally overjoyed. "Boy! You didn't even tell us in advance that you were bringing your girlfriend. We didn't prepare anything."
"What else are you preparing? We, the younger generation, are here to wish you a happy new year."
Xia Mingzhou's girlfriend looks gentle and generous. She is the same age as Xia Qingwan. Although it is their first meeting, the two of them have a very compatible aura.
A steaming hot reunion dinner was served, and the five people sat around the table in a harmonious and joyful atmosphere.
After a day of welcoming and seeing off guests, Xia Huiqing and Grandma Xi couldn't help but feel a real sense of reunion during the New Year when they sat down with their two children to have a good meal.
After dinner, Xia Huiqing and Grandma Xi went back to the bedroom and fiddled with something for a while, then came out with a stack of red envelopes, saying they were a meeting gift and New Year's red envelopes for Xia Mingzhou's girlfriend.
Xia Mingzhou, accompanied by his girlfriend, formally wished the two elders a Happy New Year.
Xia Qingwan and her cousin hadn't seen each other for a while, and the two siblings chatted in the side hall.
"The last time we met was before you went to Nairobi," Xia Mingzhou said with a smile. "And then, you came back from Nairobi without saying a word and got back together with Mr. Ye. And even caused such a thing. You've had a very exciting six months."
In a blink of an eye, Xia Mingzhou is almost thirty years old.
He was no longer the hothead who fought with Sheng Junchi in the club. He had developed a mature and steady demeanor, and only when he smiled could one vaguely glimpse his spirited and cheerful nature.
Even in the corners of his eyes and brows, there was a hint of peace, as if he were immersed in happiness.
"Brother, is your work going well?"
"It's pretty good. I've overcome every difficulty, but it's been fulfilling and gives me a sense of purpose."
Xia Mingzhou lit a cigarette and said.
Back then, when the Xia family patriarch was carried up, all the younger generations of the Xia family benefited from it. Not only his business, but also his aunt Xia Changliu's company, all gained momentum.
Talking about his girlfriend again.
He chuckled and said, "It was she who pursued me."
In recent years, he has been focused on his career, paying no attention to anything outside of work-related social engagements. He has had a few casual flings, but they were all superficial and never came to fruition.
Until this girl appeared.
She seemed a gentle person and didn't talk much, but she went to his office to bring him lunch for several days in a row.
At first, Xia Mingzhou was stunned.
Thinking: Bringing food to boys? This is an old trick from centuries ago.
"We've been together for over a year."
Xia Mingzhou said, "I plan to propose to her this year on her birthday."
Xia Qingwan was very curious, "When did you start thinking about marrying her?"
"...A few months ago, I drank too much at a social event, and she took me home. I lay on the sofa and fell asleep for a while. When I woke up, I saw her moving a footstool to sit next to the sofa. She held my hand and fell asleep on top of me."
Xia Mingzhou finished his story slowly and laughed to himself, "...This is quite mysterious, isn't it?"
Xia Qingwan smiled and said, "That's great."
The brother and sister chatted in the side hall for a while. When they came out, they saw Grandma Xi holding Xia Mingzhou's girlfriend's hand, smiling, as if she liked her more and more.
Xia Mingzhou left with his girlfriend. Even after the car had driven a long way away, Grandma Xi was still smiling and looking around.
That night, a heavy snow fell.
The next morning, Xia Qingwan got up and looked out the window. It was all white outside. Snow was still falling, and there was a light mist between the sky and the earth.
The air was crisp and cool, but it didn't feel cold; instead, it had a refreshing and invigorating quality.
While eating breakfast, Grandma Xi said, "After this heavy snowfall, the weather will warm up. In the blink of an eye, it will be spring."
The snow kept falling, and the big flakes were like catkins, floating down slowly and leisurely, which seemed to convey the feeling of the long passage of time.
In the afternoon, Xia Huiqing received a phone call.
When she spoke on the phone, her brows were slightly furrowed and her expression was serious, using only short words like "OK," "Okay," and "OK."
Yes, as soon as the phone was hung up, Grandma Xi asked, "Who is it? What happened?"
"The Ye family is coming."
Grandma Xi was stunned. "...What do you mean? Why don't I understand? Is Mr. Ye coming?"
"And his family."
"His family?!" Grandma Xi asked involuntarily, "What are they doing here?"
"Give us a happy new year and watch Qing Wan."
The call was from Mr. Ye himself, saying sorry for disturbing him.
"Oh, I thought I had already visited Qingwan in the hospital. This time I came to visit..."
"Change your clothes."
Xia Huiqing put down the book and stood up.
Grandma Xi quickly followed, "Yes, yes, change into new clothes."
While changing clothes in the bedroom, Grandma Xi muttered to herself, "Huiqing, do you think their visit this time is meant to express their stance?"
After all, the matter between the two children had caused a lot of controversy a few years ago, and this time such a big thing happened, it was appropriate for the two families to sit down and have a chat, and talk about this matter seriously.
"When soldiers come, generals will block them; when water comes, earth will dam it."
Xia Huiqing said lightly.
Chen Axi couldn't help but laugh, "Judging from your posture, anyone who didn't know better would think you were going to start a fight. In my opinion, Old Master Ye is a sensible person. He was at the hospital that night and visited Qingwan at Ye Garden again. This time, he certainly won't be here to give you a hard time, right? As for that Mr. Ye's father..."
As he spoke, he snorted coldly, "Just wait and see. I don't care how powerful he is outside. If he dares to say anything unpleasant when he comes to our house, I will immediately pick up the inkstone and rush over to beat him. I'm an old man with no name or surname, so I'm not afraid of anyone."
This time it was Xia Huiqing who couldn't help laughing.
Xia Qingwan, who was reading in her bedroom, received a call from Ye Peixiu and came downstairs.
The three of them straightened each other's clothes and tidied up the already tidy and warm living room.
After a while, a convoy drove over.
Grandma Xi immediately stood up, her expression serious, "Here I come!"
Xia Qingwan went out to look.
He laughed when he got back, "It's the security team, they're checking outside."
As they spoke, a small team lined up at the door and said, "Excuse me, ladies and gentlemen, we need to go inside to check. We apologize for disturbing you."
Xia Huiqing said, "Please come in."
The inspection was completed quickly, the main force withdrew, and only a few people were left at the gate guard post.
About twenty minutes later, a convoy of seven or eight cars slowly drove in from outside.
A secretary got out of each car first, holding an umbrella and opening the door.
A group of people, each holding a big umbrella, walked in along the courtyard path in the snow.
Each building was dressed in black, white, and gray, and when you looked out the window, the view reflected the heavy snow in the distance and nearby, creating a neat and dignified scene.
Xia Huiqing of the Xia family was in the lead and shook hands with the old man of the Ye family.
"Professor Xia, long time no see."
"Please come in."
The elders took their seats on the sofa next to the coffee table.
Xia Qingwan met Ye Peixiu's father for the first time.
He sat next to the old man, looking solemn and calm, never smiling, and very oppressive.
After exchanging a few pleasantries about the New Year, the old man, on behalf of the family, gave Xia Qingwan a red envelope containing lucky money.
Xia Qingwan stood up, took it and said thank you.
Perhaps because the roads were slippery due to the snow, the old man used a cane. He leaned on the end of the cane and said, "The two families' children have been dating for so many years. We should have come to visit them long ago to express our feelings."
After a few pleasantries, the old man looked at Xia Qingwan and said, "Qingwan, how is the injury on your arm?"
"Much better."
"Okay," the old man gestured to the secretary behind the sofa to put the ointment and supplements on the table, "Take good care of yourself at home. After the New Year, when the weather warms up, if you have time, come to the old house in Xishan to find me and play a game of chess with me."
Xia Qingwan nodded, "Okay, thank you, Grandpa."
She nodded in greeting, and when she looked up, her eyes met Ye Peixiu's who was sitting on the sofa opposite. There was a smile in each other's eyes, which was meaningful.
"Tingwen was careless a while ago and I scolded him," the old man tapped Ye Tingwen's leg with his cane, "...go and pour tea for the two elders to apologize."
Grandma Xi had never seen such a scene before, and she had lost her previous imposing manner. She sat next to Xia Huiqing, maintaining the most dignified and proper demeanor she had ever shown. But when she heard the topic turn to Ye Tingwen, she immediately stared at him with wide eyes.
Xia Huiqing smiled instead, "You're joking. Since it was an accident, there's no need for apologies."
Ye Tingwen had not been ordered around like this for decades. He calmly got up and poured tea.
"That's not true. In front of us, Tingwen is still a junior, so it's only natural for him to pour tea for the elders."
Xia Huiqing took the teacup and put it back on the coffee table.
"Even though Pei Xiu grew up with me, he's still young and has many shortcomings in his conduct. I hope Professor Xia will teach him more in the future. Don't be polite to him, just talk to him when necessary."
"Not at all. Over the years, we have been able to get through everything smoothly thanks to Mr. Ye's help."
"This kid is filial and considerate," the old man said, "but this is also because Qingwan is by his side, always accompanying him and supporting him."
The conversation flowed back and forth without ever getting bogged down in anything, yet the atmosphere remained tense throughout.
The smiles between them were welded on their faces, without any expression.
Old Master Ye sighed, "We've been through a lot, and as time goes by, we've come to realize how important it is to have someone close to you."
"Fortunately, the two children are of one mind. Over the years, Qingwan has been busy with her studies and research, while Peixiu went to the countryside for training and then returned to the capital. They did not neglect their work and always thought of each other. Now, their hardships have finally come to an end."
The old man smiled and said, "Let's wait until we become relatives and visit each other more often."
"There's no rush. Let's wait until Qingwan graduates and see what her plans are."
Xia Huiqing said.
“…That’s natural,” the old man smiled. “That’s natural.”
After a few more pleasantries, the old man stood up.
A whole bunch of them stood up in a flash.
"There are so many of us, we can't stay for long, so we'll take our leave first."
Xia Huiqing and Grandma Xi were in front to see the guests off.
Xia Qingwan was the last one to come.
The crowd squeezed her, and before she knew it, she was walking beside Ye Peixiu, and the two of them were far behind.
Amid the voices of people saying goodbye and greeting each other in front, Ye Peixiu hooked his finger with hers, lowered his head slightly and said, "I'll come to see you tonight."
Her eyes were still looking in the direction of Grandma Xia in front of her, and she nodded calmly.
Ye Peixiu squeezed her hand.
Finally, this group of big Buddhas were sent away, and soon the sentries were also withdrawn.
Back in the house, Grandma Xi let out a long sigh, "...It's really scary, look at that style."
He added, "No wonder Mr. Ye is so handsome, his mother is so beautiful."
Xia Huiqing glanced at her sideways. "Before they came, you looked so majestic. But after they came, why didn't you say a word?"
“You’re the eldest in the family, how dare I speak?”
Grandma Xi smiled shamelessly.
Xia Huiqing couldn't help but laugh.
Chen Ah Xi winked and said, "You're just talking about me. I think you're relieved, right?"
"That's because at least this matter has come to a conclusion."
"That's true."
Chen Ah Xi said, "The stone that was weighing on my heart has finally fallen to the ground. I feel relieved."
Xia Qingwan kept her head down, quietly clearing the table.
In the past, I could never have imagined that such a scene would happen.
Now the Xia family's old house has returned to silence, covered with heavy snow. It is so peaceful that she wants to cry and laugh at the same time.
It's like a dream.
My heart was pounding, and scenes from the past flashed through my mind, as unreal as an old dream.
She can now openly and legitimately have Ye Peixiu.
Thinking of this, I wished it would get dark soon so I could see him.
-
After dinner, Ye Peixiu drove over.
Xia Huiqing and Grandma Xi were reading in the side hall, leaving space in the living room for them.
In the past few days, there were always many people around when the two met, and they had not been able to be alone together. Now that they were in the living room, they had to be careful at all times and not be too intimate.
Standing by the window, each holding a cup of tea, one on this side, the other on that side, they smiled at each other.
"With so many people coming and going these past few days, aren't you tired?"
He asked.
"fine."
Yesterday, I didn't feel tired at all despite welcoming and seeing off guests all day. But today, this afternoon's event was so grand that it took my breath away.
"...I've never seen Grandma Xi sit so upright before, like she did this afternoon."
She chuckled softly.
Ye Peixiu also laughed, and said softly, "...From now on, you can rest assured."
She lowered her eyes and nodded.
It's finally above board.
There is no need to overthink or worry.
Ye Peixiu stretched out his hand, lightly circled her wrist and pulled her closer, sliding it upwards, across the already shallow mark on her arm.
"Does it still hurt?"
"It doesn't hurt anymore."
She asked, "How are you? Have you changed your dressings on time these past two days?"
"Still worrying about me."
His fingertips were still stroking her arm, the sleeve of her black coat, revealing a piece of the white cuff of her white shirt, and then the watch of low-key and noble texture.
The blue veins on the back of her hands, contrasting with her fair and tender arms, make people want to have some skin contact.
The tea was cold and no one had time to drink it.
In the dead of night, I finally had no choice but to see him off.
Xia Qingwan walked him to the gate.
I don't know when the snow stopped.
All you see is white, and there is only complete silence and tranquility between heaven and earth. When you step on it, there is a creaking sound.
Xia Qingwan was led out of the courtyard by his hand and was told, "The road is slippery now, drive carefully."
She waved her hand, "Bye."
He seemed very sensible and decent.
It was as if there were still other people around.
Ye Peixiu seemed to think she was being a bit too proper, so he smiled, pulled her closer, lowered his head and gently kissed her lips, laughing at her, "So proper now?"
He kissed her again, still smiling, "When it's just me and you, you like to act like a spoiled child and act like a spoiled brat..."
Xia Qingwan hit him with his fist and said, "Stop talking."
He cupped her fist and pulled her into his arms. "Okay, okay. Seriously, make time for me tomorrow."
"what?"
"Let's have a serious date." He lowered his eyes, his features showing the gentleness of a mature man, and his words were filled with a hint of playful teasing. "It's been a few days since we've been alone together. Don't you have anything to say to me? Don't you want to act coquettish?"
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