Reviews

Review of Hana Yori Dango (2005)

The 2005 live-action adaptation of Hana Yori Dango remains one of the most influential versions of Yoko Kamio's manga, but it is not without flaws.

One of the most noticeable issues is the exaggerated acting style. Many scenes are highly theatrical and over-the-top, which can make the characters feel unrealistic. While this approach is common in manga adaptations, it does not accurately reflect how most Japanese people behave in real life.

The portrayal of wealth and elite school life is also heavily dramatized. The extravagant clothing, lavish displays of luxury, and unusual behavior inside the school often feel more like a fantasy setting than a believable environment. It is difficult to imagine even wealthy students dressing and acting in such an exaggerated manner on a normal school day unless they were attending a special event.

Another limitation is the short episode count. With only nine episodes in the first season, the series could not fully adapt all the storylines, character development, and emotional depth found in the original manga. As a result, certain plot points were condensed, altered, or omitted entirely.

Casting was another point of debate among manga readers. Tsukasa Domyoji is portrayed in the manga as an imposing and physically intimidating figure, but the live-action version cast a relatively shorter actor, changing the character's visual presence. While the performance itself was memorable, it differed from many readers' expectations.

The adaptation also delayed certain character elements. For example, Rui Hanazawa's violin playing, an important part of his characterization in the manga, was barely explored until the second season.

Season 2 introduced several original scenes and story changes that were not present in the manga. While some fans preferred a more faithful adaptation, these additions helped keep the story fresh and unpredictable, even for readers who already knew the source material.

Despite these criticisms, the 2005 Japanese version became highly influential. With the involvement of manga creator Yoko Kamio in the adaptation process, it helped establish many of the conventions later seen in subsequent versions, including the South Korean adaptation Boys Over Flowers, the Chinese adaptation Meteor Garden, and the Thai adaptation F4 Thailand: Boys Over Flowers. In many ways, the Japanese drama served as the template that influenced later generations of live-action adaptations.

Overall, while the series sacrifices realism and manga accuracy in several areas, its strong cast chemistry, memorable soundtrack, and lasting cultural impact make it one of the most important adaptations of Hana Yori Dango.

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Dark suspense with great characters

There isn't much to add to the story that others haven't already extensively reviewed. Partially because with plots like this one, it's actually better to not read too much about it and just jump right into it like I did. The heavy suspense theme isn't usually my first choice of genres but I really enjoyed the pacing of this one. The highlight here is the complexity of the characters and the choices they make that derive from their own individual desires. The series does a great job zooming in on each relevant character and piecing their pasts to their present. This isn't one where there is a idealistic hero or villain but simply grey areas across the board under various circumstances, which is something I appreciate.

Although the overall theme is relatively dark and moody, they are able to counter it with the lighter moments of the past and the natural humor and warmth from interactions. The relationships between the cast are shown in subtle but meaningful ways and there isn't a need to be in your face about it, which I also appreciate. The underlying mystery of the killer and the past is also done really well because you'll find yourself continuously guessing.

My only complaint is that they made it a bit too over-complex at times and especially tried too hard at the end. They didn't highlight certain characters enough to be clear on who they were and what their role was such as Magistrate Wei's right-hand man. They also didn't conclude Qu Sangeng's role well in the end either. So while I wasn't a huge fan of how they ended it, the journey towards it was still quite enjoyable.

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BOYCOTT THIS DRAMA!

Being a regular Kdrama watching fan, it makes me so disgusted and angry that a woman who wanted to live was forced to choose something so heinous. All thanks to that nasty hellspawn that wanted so much money with its crocodile tears and untalented existence that it literally used underhanded ways to silence the officials investigating the case. As a woman with adequate intelligence and logical understanding, would rate this show good only because of powerful actors like Jo BoAh, Kwon Nara, Yoo JaeMyung and everyone else. I feel bad for them but I stand with the decision to cancel this drama permanently until a different male lead is selected.

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A Missed Opportunity for True Comedic and Emotional Brilliance

I feel compelled to share my thoughts regarding the casting and character progression in 'Ya Zhai Die Die Bian Wang Ye Niang Qin Ni Bie Yun'.

Specifically, I want to highlight the phenomenal performance of Hong Qiao, who portrays the initial, oversized version of the female lead, Qun Wan Rong Yue.

Hong Qiao is an exceptionally gifted actress who brought an undeniable charm, vitality, and immense versatility to the screen. She successfully broke the typical mold of historical drama leads by embodying a character who is simultaneously oversized, incredibly talented, beautiful, and multi-faceted.

Her screen presence is magnetic, and she handled both the fierce bandit identity and the chaotic motherhood of five children with absolute grace and comedic perfection.

While this is by no means an attempt to underrate Zhou Yi Qian’s performance—who is a capable actress in her own right—the decision by the producers and directors to switch actresses feels unfair to Hong Qiao's incredible acting calibre.

Had Hong Qiao been allowed to continue her journey throughout the entire story as an oversized beauty, it would not have altered the core plot at all. Instead, it would have elevated the entire series.

Her unique dynamic with the male lead (the Prince) and her interactions with the five children would have offered significantly more hilarious, heartwarming, and groundbreaking moments. It would have proven that charisma, talent, and romantic chemistry are not defined by conventional style standards.

The production team missed a golden opportunity to deliver something truly unique and progressive. Hong Qiao’s expressive acting skills deserved to be showcased until the very end, which would have been far more satisfying and entertaining for the viewers.

She is a standout talent, and I sincerely hope to see her leading more dramas where her full range can be appreciated without interruption.

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Um bom drama, mas nada além disso

Esse é um bom drama para se ver quando você quer descansar um pouco de romance, mas não se enfiar na deprê ou em histórias muito sombrias. Seo Kang Joon tá INCRÍVEL no papel, e entrega bastante ação, charme e diversão! As cenas dramáticas são um pouco exageradas, mas se resolvem logo. Esse foi o primeiro drama que eu vi a Jin Kijoo, e achei que ela tem uma boa atuação para comédia, mas falta um pouquinho de molejo para drama. Já vou avisando, se você está aqui pelo romance, dê meia volta. Romance é - literalmente - a última coisa que importa nesse roteiro. Tem um pouco de tudo, ação, drama, comédia, e até mesmo uma pitada de romance, mas tudo isso é executado de uma forma simples. É bom, mas nada além disso.

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I enjoyed this

There were a few plot twists I wasn't expecting, so I think the writers were on the exceptional side.
cultural ideals were kind of delightful.
There were a few funny moments.
One detractor is that one of the actors took too long to deliver his lines, so I thought "meh"
That's the only detractor.
Otherwise, pretty entertaining and creative compared to other "cultivation" series I've seen.
The camera angles were pretty good, as were the sets.
Kind of got lost on one area, but otherwise pretty good.
I generally don't care for Chinese Dramas, but this was good.
Got me going to the last episode.

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Too many admirers in the kitchen

This drama was overall really good. I felt that both leads did a great job in their roles. I don’t believe I’ve ever seen a FL so bombarded with admirers before. Most women in these historical dramas are demure and cut unwanted attention off quickly before it goes too far but this FL didn’t do that at all. I really don’t understand the relationship with the 2ML since he was so arrogant and rude to everyone including the FL. She also let things linger on with the nephew of the ML that she shouldn’t have. She was supposed to be this intelligent woman that could any situation but when it came to admirers she was really dense. The last straw for me was when her husband comes back from war badly injured she just ignored him and had a nervous breakdown over the death of the 2ML. I get it that you’re upset but my word the show of pain was just over the top. Your husband passes out in the same room and she seemed to care less. If I was the ML I would have found the divorce papers and used them so she could be free to find another “friend”.

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Ashes to Crown: 9 Episodes In, 24 Still Doesn't Feel Like Enough

🎬 Quick Take
🔹 At the time of this review, 9 episodes have aired.
🔹 My biggest complaint? 24 episodes doesn't feel like enough.
🔹 The more time I spend with these characters and their world, the more I want the journey to last.
🔹 My personal rating standard is simple: writing, directing, and acting.
🔹 For me, all three clicked by episode 4, and by episode 9, that feeling only grew stronger.
🔹 Current first impression: 9.5/10
🔹 I still think you should watch and decide how it lands for you.
🔹 Would I rewatch? Yes

💚 Why You Might Like It
🔹 Revenge, political intrigue, and emotional storytelling
🔹 A female lead with intelligence and determination
🔹 A story where choices matter and alliances come at a cost

📕 Overview
🔹 24 episodes, Historical Romance Political Drama
🔹 Adapted from the novel Empress Chu by Xi Xing.
🔹 Chen Du Ling plays Chu Zhao, a woman given a second chance to rewrite her future.
🔹 Zhou Yi Ran plays Xie Yan Lai, a military figure whose path becomes intertwined with hers.
🔹 The story begins when a woman who has lost everything is given a second chance to change her fate.
🔹 What pulled me in early was how the drama balances personal stakes and political stakes without letting either overshadow the other.

🌸 How It Felt Watching
🔹 I got invested quickly.
🔹 Since writing is one of the foundations of how I rate a drama, I found each episode meaningful and engaging.
🔹 By episode 9, waiting for new episodes had already become the hardest part.
🔹 I was already attached to the characters and invested in where their journey would take them.
🔹 Themes: revenge, redemption, fate, loyalty, ambition, power, second chances

✨ Cast & Acting
🔹 Chen Du Ling as Chu Zhao: By episode 9, I was fully invested in Chu Zhao and wanted to see her succeed no matter what obstacles stood in her way.
🔹 Zhou Yi Ran as Xie Yan Lai: Every time he appeared on screen, I found myself paying closer attention. I am especially curious to see where his journey leads next.
🔹 Supporting cast: There were a few supporting characters I would not have minded seeing even more of.

🎵 OST
🔹 Holding a Chess Piece (执棋) by Jane Zhang
🔹 Dim Light (幽光) by Liu Yu Ning
🔹 Clearly Know (明知道) by Yang Yu Qing
🔹 Persistent Heart (执心) by Zhang Zi Ning
🔹 Feeling Something in My Heart (心有所感) by Chen Du Ling & Zhou Yi Ran

🎞️ Production Style
🔹 I enjoyed spending time in this world.
🔹 The costumes, sets, and overall atmosphere made it easy to stay immersed in the story.
🔹 The pacing kept me engaged from episode to episode.

☕ Tea Notes
✨ What worked
🔹 Strong female lead with clear goals
🔹 Engaging political intrigue
🔹 Strong pacing
🔹 Beautiful costumes and production design
🔹 A story that made waiting for new episodes difficult

✨ What didn't
🔹 24 episodes still doesn't feel like enough
🔹 I would have liked a little more time with some of the supporting characters

☕ SpillTheDramaTea's Rating: 9.5/10
🌿 Tea-Scale: Rich and satisfying with a lingering aftertaste

✏️ Nine episodes in, I am not counting down to the ending. I am just looking forward to seeing where these characters go next and wishing I had more time to spend in their world.

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Scariest Thing I’ve Seen in a Long Time!

This first episode may as well have been a horror movie. Izumi is far more annoying in this movie than others, and because Rohan isn’t there for most of the movie to balance out her annoying personality, we are stuck with her and when things get tense I find myself not even rooting for her the way I normally would for a protagonist. She has the facial expressions of Shirley Temple in an adult’s body, with these curls in her hair and wearing this loud flamboyant dress that looks like it came out of the renaissance fair. But even after dressing up so much, she doesn’t look attractive because of her ugly facial expressions and has zero sensuality or mystery about her. She comes across more like a pouty toddler with a double chin. Her character is way too nosy and even after seeing how scary and weird Saion and her brother were with Saion eating a few tongues for lunch etc, Izumi still doesn’t back off. She is obtuse, aggressively nosy, and entirely blind to the visceral, vertical danger staring her in the face. Eating a tongue for lunch should be an immediate, absolute cue to drop the rope and run. The brother gave her a chance to leave and she could have avoided the whole second half of the movie but she had to stick her head into the creepy stuff that “manga artist” was doing like licking pages and stuff.

Now I’m going to have nightmares for weeks. It’s a bad sign when a high control environment says “you’ve seen too much, you’ve learned too much..now we have to get rid of you!” How stupid and naive Izumi has to be to stay in that horror house just to find out the crazy murderous things Saion is doing to write her manga by cutting off people’s tongues! And then even after being targeted and her tongue almost chopped off and somehow after feeding her a recorder full of thousands of voices, (and Saion biting off her own tongue and dies I guess?) - even then stupid Izumi screams after Saion trying to save her? What on earth? Does Izumi have no survival instinct at all? Does she want to die at their hands? Good grief she’s annoying as hell. I seriously found myself wanting her to die or be taken by the bad guys. I guess because of her naive and stupid acting, it balances out the weirdos in the rest of the cast. Because it was all truly terrifying.

Anyway, what is it with the Rohan episodes and tongues? That confessional movie also had this disturbing tongue scene. Not cool and way too weird! The only reassuring parts were when Rohan came on the screen at the beginning and end. Even after all of it was over, Izumi has the gall to say “Oh I wanted to find out what would happen at the end of Midhope manga! Aw man!” Like don’t you realize that this manga artist almost killed you and chopped off everyone’s tongue and absorbed their voices like a demon? “What is wrong with Izumi?” That should be the next episode title!

Mika is scary, Izumi is annoying. The combination is strange.. it has some rewatch value though. The music and sound really makes it more scary.

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Eye for an Eye..........

What happens when the system fails? DOWN WITH THE SYSTEM!!! EYE FOR AN EYE!!!
If only the monstrous deeds done IRL were punished in the same light. It's only a dream for now. But this drama gives life to the hope the same could be done in the future~
The similarities to Juvenile Justice were nice albeit that one was more heavy and more criminalistic in nature by the end but the same theme. Putting kids in their place and if they cannot reform, put them away~
An organization dedicated to righting wrongs in the educational system. The main characters had dark stories behind their organizations forming. The cases they were tasked with encompassed all sorts of misdeeds done knowingly by teens and the occasional teachers and adults with influence outside like to overbearing parents. So all involved different approaches~
This was engaging and impossible to put down. Cast all played their parts to perfection. The hard nosed attacks was refreshing during a time IRL where kids are coddled and get away with anything. This is a must watch and could easily warrant a second run like Taxi, Crash, and Bloodhounds~

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Different than I expected

I'm not sure why I never chose to watch this even if this series has been in my list for a long time and I'm a big Narawin. I wanted something emotional so I decided to choose this one and from the description itself it did sound like an emotional series soooo. I have to say tha after watching this series it might've become on of those "comfort series without comfort". I really feel bad about missing out this fucking banger and poor homophobes, they don't get to see masterpieces like these very often.

It was soooo weird watching this as an 18 yeasr old and Phuwin playing 18 years old, since's he's obviously 19-20 years old. He looked way to mature playing a 18 year old. I had to laugh a bit because in the very first scene Phuwin REALLY reminds me of Wilhelm from the Swedish BL Young Royals.

I understand Nuengdiao's mom might've been in shock from her husband dying and very overprotective. She genuinely seems like a sweet woman but one small thing after he died irritated me. She was so fucking stern. I was really surprised when Nueng came out to her and she just casually accepted it. I was totally wrong about Nueng's mom. Palm's dad irritated me actually and I disliked him worse than Nueng's mom. He kept leaving his own kid out of everything even if Nueng clearly said certain things were okay, like driving to school with him. Only later on, of course, I started to get his dad more and more.

The difference between Palm and Nuengdiao being treated is super big, and through the whole series they really highlight this, till the last scene. Nueng is clearly always seen as the 'rich kid' who people hate on because he has money. They try to scam him or are simply jealous. At the whole school it didn't make a lot of sense to me, but it was mentioned Nueng was bullied before aswell, it wasn't new. I don't understand why his mom or the principal never did something about it, but you can clearly notice the bullying being after class so no teachers would notice.

I'm gonna be sooo honest, I forgot about ChimonPerth. And I have to admit, I secretly kinda shipping Nueng and Ben... SHHH. They were kinda cute together and I'm gonna be honest, I feel bad for Ben. Ben clearly had feelings for Nueng since the beginning and you can see the conflict in emotions Nueng has between choosing. He clearly has an eye for Palm butttt he does not refuse Ben specifically. I might feel even worse for Chopper though because bro is genuinely in an unrequited love situation. Poor Ben and Chopper bro.

Respectfully I do NOT like Nuengdiao. I know some people might not like this but hear me out. I grew up extremely poor and kept REALLY understanding Palm's side of the story but because of that I wasn't really looking at Nueng wth a neutral eye. I also didn't like how he kept causing all of the fights and how he broke up w my poor Palm. I get that Nuang has clear depression but I get depression from seeing another fucking fight on my screen.

A bit technical, I'm in fucking love with the colour grading and effects they've used through the whole show. AND I am for sure trying out Roti Sai Mai lmaoo. Actually originally I thought they were talking about Surinamese roti with cotton candy and I was like "huh who would do that?" and then realised they were talking about Roti Sai Mai.

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Recommended watch

This has been on my watchlist for a while and when I saw it was leaving Netflix I jumped on the chance to watch it before it is gone. Thankfully I did not read the reviews before watching it. Only after finishing did I skim some of them and I understand the perspective that maybe this didn't have a "message". It reminds me of J-drama where it depicts reality and wont always carry a message or lesson. AND THAT IS OK!
Personally I connected so much with this drama, first because I have a close family member who also became a quadriplegic after an accident, so I can grieve the loss of what could have been. Of the difficulties and the process of healing physically, emotionally and even the healing that wont ever happen but you learn to accept so you can have some peace. This circled back towards the end when Ju-ran was sick and he comforted her as well. I learned that crying is part of being comforted, I dont have to always smile and feel relief. It is ok to cry as it is a type of comfort.
I've also been through a gestational loss so I could kind of understand and cry along with Yeong-jae. Oh then pain! Of course it's nice to have a happy ending where they dont suffer any losses, and end up together without much pain. But for me this was a therapy session, feeling understood and seen through a drama. I appreciated this so much and I needed a good crying session.

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not my cup of tea

1st couple
Well, that was quite interesting? Did the writers think that everyone read the novel? Their whole story was so messy and confusing. The first episode was good, but then it went pretty quick down(Hill) issjjdnwjjsjdmd.
They literally liked each other from the start, so their arc felt a bit unnecessary. I was excited for their backstory, but PLOT TWIST: They liked each other from the start there as well...
Literally nothing made sense in my opinion.  Why did Easter think that Hill likes his sister, weren't they literally dating?? Couldn't he just tell his sister that he likes his friend? Also, why.. just WHY did they make out in Hill's house when they KNEW that their relationship was unwanted?? Their whole arc felt like a misunderstanding, and they should've just dated from EP1. Btw can we talk about the fact that he decided to study medicine because Ter glazed him for treating a small wound??? You study MEDICINE because of a small comment? If they wanted Hill to pursue medicine because of Ter, at least try to make it reasonable.
Also, I wish they explained better on WHY Hill liked Easter. Or why Easter liked Hill.
I mean yeah, he's Hill is handsome and rich, but he's pretty bland in my opinion. He was quite monotone. If it wasn't for Pond, I'd never finish their arc for sure. Fun fact, he was one of the reasons why I watched it in first place.
And Easter.. He wasn't the most likable character in the show. At least not when he's with P'Hill. He's quite funny around North and his friends tho.

2nd couple:
I love their characters, but I enjoyed their story much less than others. Another case of he didn't have to do allat.
I'll be so frank rn: I'd hate Johan if I was North..
Okok, basically when they first showed up on my screen, I was happy cuz I thought "Yay finally a couple with a storyline after the HillEaster disaster". Well, that didn't age well. They had so much potential, but I feel like the story was a lil toxic for LITERALLY NO REASON. Hear me out, I loved their backstory 10/10, Johan was adorable. I also loved their on screen chemistry (I think on and off screen, they have the most chemistry from all of the couples).
So what's the problem? Johan is my problem. I don't understand why he had to do the whole creditor-debtor bullshit, instead of straight up courting North. Did he have a reason I missed?  If I was North, I'd fall 100% for a rich handsome guy if he would nicely approach me. But, if someone would charge me for breaking things while I was high, I'd be fuming. No, cuz imagine your bestie calls his boyfriends' friend to pick u up, while you're drunk. A guy you don't even know btw?? This guy happens to be rich, so you stay in his rich ass house, and then he acts surprised when something breaks?
Since North was already financially struggling, I hated this plot so much, cuz imagine you work multiple hours a day, just to pay for something you ACCIDENTALLY broke. And whenever Johan would tell him to not overwork himself, I'd roll my eyes and scoff CUZ WHO'S FAULT IS THAT???
When they started dating and Johan would pay him for hugs and kisses, I was deadass like "does y'alls whole relationship involve around money?".
When Johan went to Boston, I got flashbacks from 2gether when Sarawat left for two fuckin weeks. IT CAN'T BE THAT DEEP??? North has been single for years. Now, he can't live a few weeks apart? The craziest part is probably that North is the most outgoing character, with the most friends in the show. He could hangout with anyone, but he chose to cry over his boyfriend. Well whatever, I think as a part of the single community I can't complain but ye.
But as I said, they had hella chemistry and their characters individually are comedy pure. They're just a lil cooler + more sassy when they're not tgt.

What I liked:
- Awesome Cast
-Cinematography
-Friendship of doctors
-Johan x Arthit
-North
-Tonfah

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A Strong Start And Finish!

Due to the length and number of episodes, this might be a difficult binge but I managed it. The first episode instantly pulls you in wifh the story of 2 bullied high school boys. We see their perspective and what feeling like going to school feels like. Until the male lead steps in and boy! WHAT AN INTRODUCTION! I was simply delighted!

Unlike most plots surrounding bullying, this drama doesn't stick to one school or one type of case. The protagonists move around from school to school. The victims also differ but the common theme is it's all related to problems at school level. That was gopd because I could see their line, "if adults are afraid of children, the country is done for" (paraphrased) becoming problematic as throughout history young people and students have led to a revolution. Of course context matters. In a school setting, if teachers are afraid of students, they will turn a blind eye to injustices.

The drama overall is an easy watch! I loved when the FL was introduced in episode 3! With every episode I was curious how the team will tackle these new situations. And I'm sure I won't be alone in wishing that such a department actually existed in the world. I haven't read the webtoon to make comparisons but I wonder if that is the reason why they didn't cover sexual harassment and assault cases among minors. Or perhaps they wanted to highlight other cases?

I enjoyed the action but my enjoyment at times was ruined by the camera moving too much. I understand that the aim was to dramatise it and express more movement but it felt like it was a cover for the ability of the actors. There were many parts that were still enoyable but perhaps not my favourite show for action for this reason. I would enjoy the overall scene but I didn't bother to rewatch the action sequences like I usually do because nothing was clear. Just too much movement during the harder fight scenes.

The team worked really well together so after Taxi Driver, this team's chemistry is great.

The music is also fun to listen to!

Give it a watch and hopefully you will enjoy it too.

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Love, Fate, and Heartbreak

I just loved the ML! This drama was hilarious, but it also had me crying so much because of both the ML and FL. I was not okay. This show broke my heart in some parts.

I was a little disappointed with the side characters. I didn't like them as much as I hoped I would, and I got annoyed by their behavior at times. I also found the FL's voice kind of annoying at first, but I could handle it.

What I really loved was how this show focuses on emotions and how powerful they can be. Sometimes you just need someone in your life to help you find and unlock those emotions. I also liked how the drama shows that when you truly love someone, living can feel like hell itself, causing you to lose yourself.

This show touches on some really heavy themes, such as how love can drive people mad and how, if you truly love someone, you can let them go. It also shows how fate can be unfair and that you can't run away from who you are, because it will always find you.

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