CHAPTER 167

Qin Yinong's heartbeat slowly quickened, but she remained calm on the surface as she casually said, "A lifelong commitment."

After speaking, her gaze locked onto Tang Ruoyao, attempting to find any trace of her thoughts through her expression. Tang Ruoyao calmly responded with a soft "Oh" after listening to her words, then gently lowered her eyelashes, lost in her own thoughts.

Qin Yinong was restless and said, "Isn't that how it's usually said? When the parents of both parties meet, they use this kind of rhetoric. Don't misunderstand..."

Qin Yinong stopped.

Don't what? Don't misunderstand? It wasn't a misunderstanding. She wanted to marry her, or even be married by her.

After a moment, Qin Yinong continued the conversation in a dry voice, "Don't be nervous."

Tang Ruoyao softly murmured an "Mm," but still didn't raise her head.

Qin Yinong carefully observed her expression, unable to determine her true feelings. She moved closer, held Tang Ruoyao's hand, and felt a slight tremor in her fingertips. Tang Ruoyao slowly lifted her gaze, her clear eyes gently gazing at Qin Yinong, as if she wanted to say something but hesitated to speak.

"You..." Their eyes met, and Qin Yinong tightened her grip on Tang Ruoyao's hand, almost blurting out, "Will you marry me?"

Tang Ruoyao studied her face, from her deep eyes to her straight nose and rosy lips, and asked slowly, "What about me?"

The diamond ring was still just a design on a computer screen. Qin Yinong swallowed her words and composed herself, saying, "What kind of dish does your brother like to eat? I'll ask Aunt Fang to make it tomorrow."

"He's not picky."

"There must be something he particularly likes. You can ask him."

"Okay."

Ningning had been secretly watching the two of them. Tang Ruoyao slightly distanced herself and sat beside Qin Yinong. Qin Yinong held her hand and didn't let go, while her other hand opened her phone, lowering her head to read a novel.

Both of them were absentminded.

Qin Yinong's thoughts revolved around when she could give Tang Ruoyao the diamond ring and whether a sudden marriage proposal would scare her away.

Tang Ruoyao, on the other hand, shifted her gaze to Ningning. One year was too long. Qin Yinong had already planned their lifelong commitment, and here, Tang Ruoyao needed to work harder.

During the evening's family time, after Ningning finished practicing writing, she went to read a book as usual. Tang Ruoyao picked up the children's handwriting practice book, hesitated with the pen several times, almost biting her lower lip, and felt too embarrassed to write those two characters in it.

Including the time Qin Yinong was in the hospital, she had only known Ningning for less than a month. Now, she had changed her tune, and even Qin Yinong herself found it difficult to accept.

Qin Yinong noticed Tang Ruoyao's puzzled expression as she paused flipping through the book.

Tang Ruoyao closed the pen cap and smiled generously at Qin Yinong, casually saying, "I'm checking Ningning's handwriting."

But her ears gradually grew warmer.

Qin Yinong didn't dwell on it and curved her lips, patting the spot next to her.

Tang Ruoyao hesitated, glanced at the handwriting practice book on the ground, stood up from the floor, and sat beside Qin Yinong. Qin Yinong handed her the book.

The family of three sat on the sofa, engrossed in reading, creating a tranquil atmosphere where one could hear the rustling of leaves outside.

Time passed by second by second.

Rustle—

The pages of the book quickly flipped through the air and fell to the ground.

Startled by the sound, Qin Yinong turned her head and saw that Ningning had fallen asleep with her eyes closed, the comic book slipping from her hands.

The child slept soundly, undisturbed, with tightly closed eyes covered by thick, long eyelashes. Her little head tilted from side to side.

Qin Yinong was about to reach out and pick her up when Tang Ruoyao gently grabbed her wrist, mouthed the words: "Let me do it."

Qin Yinong withdrew her hand.

Tang Ruoyao's hand wrapped around the child's knee, while her other hand encircled her back. With her elbow bent to support her head, she carefully lifted Ningning into her arms and looked down at the path beneath her feet. Slowly, she walked towards Ningning's room.

Qin Yinong followed closely, opening the door for them.

Tang Ruoyao placed Ningning on the soft, pink princess bed, bent down to give her a gentle kiss on the forehead, and stood by the bed for a while before holding Qin Yinong's hand and leaving the room.

As soon as Qin Yinong stepped out, Tang Ruoyao hugged her, burying her face in the crook of her neck.

Qin Yinong raised her hand and gently stroked Tang Ruoyao's head, unable to suppress a smile. She was no stranger to this affectionate gesture, akin to that of a big dog. Most of the time, Tang Ruoyao appeared mature in front of her, but occasionally, like now, she gave her a sense of novelty and fondness.

She suddenly remembered Lin Ruohan's words. How did she say it again? "A little puppy under the bed, a little wolf on the bed." It actually suited Tang Ruoyao quite well.

Tang Ruoyao's grip on her arm loosened, and Qin Yinong thought she was about to let go of her. But to her surprise, Tang Ruoyao's body became light, and she lifted Qin Yinong off the ground.

Qin Yinong swallowed the gasp that rose to her throat in time, clutching the fabric of Tang Ruoyao's clothes in front of her and whispered, "What are you doing?"

Tang Ruoyao smiled and said, "Carrying you back to the room."

Qin Yinong turned her head to look at the stairs and insisted, "It's not safe. I can walk on my own."

Tang Ruoyao had confidence in carrying her up, but she was also afraid of accidentally dropping her. She thought, why did they have to live in a villa? If they were still living in their previous home, she could have carried her all the way to the bed.

On a night when they couldn't do anything, they each took a shower and sat at the head of the bed, busying themselves with their own tasks and chatting sporadically.

Tang Ruoyao opened her tablet and logged into her work email. There was a script sent by Mu Qingwu.

Qin Yinong was reading a novel.

Tang Ruoyao closed the current page and glanced at Qin Yinong's phone screen, asking, "Where are you in the story?"

Qin Yinong replied indifferently, "Just reached the chapter where they confessed their love."

Tang Ruoyao remembered the scenes of Wen Shuxian rolling around on her dormitory bed with an auntie-like smile whenever she encountered such scenes. She smiled and said, "Don't you feel anything?"

"What do you mean?"

"Like, it's sweet...or something."

"Hmm?" Qin Yinong seemed to have not paid attention to what she said. She couldn't multitask very well. When she was reading, she focused on the book, and when she was chatting, she focused on the conversation.

"It's nothing." Tang Ruoyao leaned over and kissed the woman's smooth cheek. "Keep reading."

Qin Yinong continued reading earnestly.

Before going to sleep, Tang Ruoyao asked about Qin Yinong's thoughts on the web novel "Lin Gaze at the Wolf." Qin Yinong lazily nestled in her embrace, half-closed eyelids, and yawned, saying, "The two main characters argue a lot."

Tang Ruoyao asked, "But didn't they get together?"

Qin Yinong said, "They argue after getting together."

Tang Ruoyao: "..."

Wasn't this supposed to be a sweet novel recommended by Wen Shuxian? Or is this author named Xuan Jian deceiving people?

Qin Yinong thought for a moment and smiled, "It's quite interesting."

Tang Ruoyao said, "That's good. Let's sleep, goodnight."

"Mm." Qin Yinong adjusted herself comfortably in Tang Ruoyao's embrace and said, "Goodnight."

Lately, she had been sleeping deeper and deeper, as if trying to make up for the lost sleep of the past decade. Occasionally, she would have nightmares at night, but upon waking up, she would find herself still nestled in Tang Ruoyao's arms and could fall back asleep.

The next morning, as usual, they woke up a little after six o'clock, went downstairs to exercise. Tang Ruoyao worked out while Qin Yinong watched, her eyes a little envious. She still had at least another half month before she could start physical therapy.

The piano in the adjacent music room started playing on time.

After finishing her workout and taking a shower, Tang Ruoyao came out of the bathroom dressed neatly. She buttoned up her collar and said, "Shall we go pick up Tang Fei together with Guan Han? Guan Han hasn't left yet, right?"

Tang Fei might pretend to be mature, but she was only twelve or thirteen years old this year, so as her older sister, Tang Ruoyao should be more considerate.

Qin Yinong called Guan Han and replied, "No, I told her to come over and pick you up."

After breakfast, it was not even nine o'clock in the morning when Tang Ruoyao got into the driver's car and left.

Qin Yinong watched her leave and saw Aunt Fang, who had just returned from the supermarket with bags of groceries, looking delighted with her pockets full. Qin Yinong shifted her gaze and saw Ji Shulan bending over to pick vegetables in the vegetable garden.

Aunt Fang asked, "What should I address the young master?"

Qin Yinong answered, "Tang Fei. A literary name, Fei."

Aunt Fang didn't understand the big characters, and just as Qin Yinong was about to explain, Ji Shulan was already beside her, explaining which "Fei" it was.

Just like that, Qin Yinong suddenly felt a hint of nervousness, belatedly.

She looked down at her clothes, hurriedly went upstairs, opened the closet door, and spent half an hour choosing her outfit in front of the full-length mirror. She even sat in front of the dressing table and applied a delicate light makeup.

Ningning was also dressed in a fairy-like white dress, little leather shoes, and wore a beret. With her black hair and fair skin, she looked like a little fairy.

......

On the other side, the car stopped at the entrance of the building where Tang Fei lived, and the rear window rolled down.

Tang Fei waved at her, "Sis!"

Tang Ruoyao looked at the pile of gifts at Tang Fei's feet, which formed a small mountain, and sighed, "..."

The driver opened the trunk and moved the gifts inside. Tang Fei helped him, and after finishing, they thanked him and got into the back seat.

Tang Fei chuckled, "Didn't you ask Guan Han to come pick me up? Why did you come in person?"

Tang Ruoyao raised her hand and ruffled the young boy's short hair, smiling, "Sister wanted to see you earlier."

The young boy was in that awkward stage of desperately wanting to become an adult, so Tang Fei shrugged his arms, making a goosebumps gesture, and said, "Wow, you've become so cheesy after falling in love." His fair earlobes turned secretly warm beneath his black short hair.

Tang Ruoyao flicked his forehead with her finger.

Tang Fei burst into laughter.

It had been a long time since he had seen Tang Ruoyao, and he couldn't express those cheesy words of whether he missed her or not, so he talked about his new life at school instead. His math teacher was from the Mediterranean, the Chinese teacher told them a new story every day, and the English teacher had a very standard accent because she had returned from studying abroad... and so on.

The vehicle entered the residential area, and Tang Fei clenched the fabric of his knees tightly, not saying a word, his whole body tense.

Tang Ruoyao found it amusing: What a little brat.

She said, "Don't be afraid, the Qin family is very nice, and you've met your sister-in-law... you remember, right?"

Tang Fei's chin tightened into a straight line, and he said stiffly, "I know."

Tang Ruoyao didn't try to ease his nervousness any further. When she first met Ningning... it was a past she didn't want to dwell on. It's best to get used to it.

The black SUV parked in the yard, and when Tang Fei got out of the car, his legs almost gave way. Tang Ruoyao also didn't feel too good.

Everyone from the Qin family was waiting outside the gate to greet them.

Qin Yinong stood at the forefront, holding Ningning's hand, radiant. Ji Shulan and Aunt Fang stood behind them. Everyone was dressed up, and even Ji Shulan had put on a qipao.

Tang Ruoyao and Tang Fei: "..."

Tang Fei didn't dare to approach, so he lowered his voice and pleaded for help, "Sis."

Tang Ruoyao took on the role of an elder sister, shielding Tang Fei behind her, and holding his wrist, she stepped forward step by step.

As the moment approached, she stepped aside and introduced with seriousness, "This is my younger brother, Tang Fei."

The scene seemed eerie, quite different from what was expected, but Qin Yinong still followed her lead and introduced, "This is my daughter, Qin Jianing."

The two parents, well, the older friends and the younger ones exchanged a glance.

Ningning held Qin Yinong's hand and timidly glanced at the tall and slender young boy in front of her. She softly said, "Hello, big brother."

Tang Fei's mind went blank, and he replied dazedly, "Hello, little sister."

Qin Yinong squatted down, patiently and gently instructing Ningning, "He is Aunt Tang's younger brother, what should you call him?"

Ningning thought for a moment and said, "Uncle."

Tang Fei snapped out of his blank state and quickly corrected her, "I'm your uncle."

Ningning looked at Qin Yinong, who nodded.

She pursed her lips and whispered, "Uncle."

Ningning finally got it right.

Qin Yinong continued to introduce Tang Fei, "This is my mom, you can call her Aunt Lan, and the other one is Aunt Fang."

Both elderly ladies showed friendly smiles, evidently having a good impression of Tang Fei.

Tang Fei said, "Aunt Lan, Aunt Fang." Like waking from a dream, he went to the trunk and took out the prepared gifts, only to find that Guan Han had already moved everything inside.

Ji Shulan said, "Come on in and have a seat."

She took the lead in guiding them inside.

Tang Fei noticed her limp leg, but after a quick glance, he no longer focused on it, considering it impolite.

The mature Tang Fei became timid in front of real adults.

Qin Yinong poured him a glass of water, and he quickly stood up, only able to say "Thank you" before sitting down. Even after sitting, his hands were trembling. He didn't dare to look around or speak loudly, relying on eye contact with Tang Ruoyao for any needs.

He didn't dare to look at Qin Yinong, so he shifted his gaze to the only person in the room younger than him, Qin Jianing.

It was Qin Jianing's first time encountering an unfamiliar male figure entering the house, and a hint of curiosity arose within her.

Tang Fei bears some resemblance to Tang Ruoyao. He has long limbs, thick eyelashes, and a fair complexion. He is a gentle and refined young boy, harmless and lacking aggression when he is quiet.

Tang Fei and Ningning's eyes accidentally meet, and Ningning quickly looks away, her cheeks blushing. This happens twice in a row, so Tang Fei stops looking at her and lowers his head, staring at the tip of his shoe.

Seeing his reserved demeanor, Qin Yinong suggests that Tang Ruoyao take him for a walk in the yard.

Tang Fei follows Tang Ruoyao, feeling relieved.

Qin Yinong sits beside Ningning and asks her, "What do you think of your uncle?"

Ningning meekly replies, "Uncle is handsome."

Qin Yinong smiles and continues, "Do you like your uncle?"

Ningning remains silent, neither expressing liking nor disliking.

Qin Yinong softly says, "Can't you tell Mom?"

"No," Ningning shakes her head. She changes from sitting to kneeling, straightening her upper body and leaning close to Qin Yinong's ear. She says, with a hint of surprise, "Uncle is a boy."

Qin Yinong doesn't understand and says, "Yes, he is indeed a boy."

Ningning tilts her head and asks, "Is uncle a boy or a man?"

Qin Yinong becomes more confused and answers her, "He is a boy. He's only twelve years old, still a child in front of adults, just like kids around your age."

Ningning sighs and says, "He's so tall." Tang Fei is already 1.7 meters tall.

Qin Yinong says, "You will also grow tall."

Ningning asks, "Can I become as tall as him in the future?"

Qin Yinong ponders for a moment and says, "You should be able to reach his current height, but his future height is uncertain because he will continue to grow."

Ningning blinks and asks, "Why?"

Qin Yinong says, "Because he is a boy."

Qin Yinong suddenly realizes that Ningning is now at the age when they start learning about reproductive health. If she hasn't dropped out, her kindergarten curriculum would have already included such topics.

It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that she grew up in a circle of women. The elders were all females, and even the occasional visitors like Guan Han and Ji Yunyao, as well as the female voices on the phone like An Ling and Tang Ruoyao, were all females. Now, she doesn't even go to kindergarten anymore and has even less contact with the outside world. In the world, there are both males and females, and it may not be beneficial for her growth to be constantly surrounded by this kind of environment.

Tang Fei's appearance happened to make up for this deficiency. Tang Fei? Qin Yinong thought, although he is a bit higher in seniority, he can be considered a peer.

"Didn't you sound imposing on the phone yesterday? And you said you were disappointed in me? Huh?"

Tang Fei, who was already as tall as Tang Ruoyao, now hangs his head and follows behind her, looking like a wilted eggplant. He says, "Sis, stop teasing me. Aren't you afraid when you suddenly see so many people?"

Tang Ruoyao thinks to herself: Besides Ningning, I'm not afraid of anyone, really.

"I just need to adjust," Tang Fei takes a deep breath, looks around, and sees the colorful flowers and swaying swings. Suddenly, he smiles and says, "Sis, does this count as marrying into a wealthy family?"

"But I haven't married yet." Tang Ruoyao corrects him seriously.

"You will eventually." Tang Fei waves his hand dismissively.

Tang Ruoyao remains silent, but a faint smile appears on the corner of her lips.

Tang Fei keenly notices and, with his hands behind his back, sighs, "Girls grow up and leave, huh."

Tang Ruoyao retorts, "You only know how to act mature in front of me."

Not willing to admit defeat, Tang Fei challenges her, "It was my first time meeting them. I hadn't adjusted my state of mind. I won't be like this later!"

Tang Ruoyao chuckles.

Tang Fei says indignantly, "Just wait and see."

Tang Ruoyao wonders to herself, "Wait for what?"

Around lunchtime, the two of them head back together. When they reach the door, Tang Ruoyao's phone rings. It's Qin Yinong, and she answers it.

Qin Yinong says, "Have you eaten?"

Tang Ruoyao takes a step inside and replies, "I'm already back."

Qin Yinong puts down the phone and smiles at her, calling out to the young boy next to her, "Xiao Fei, come and have a meal."

Tang Fei gives a faint smile and says, "Sure, Sister-in-law."

Qin Yinong freezes.

Tang Ruoyao: "!!!"

Tang Fei quickly follows up with a concerned inquiry, "Sister-in-law, how have you been recently? You were at the hospital before, and I... have been busy with my studies, so I haven't visited you. I apologize for the rudeness."

Qin Yinong's heart was immersed in honey, and she didn't even realize that the corners of her lips silently curled upwards as she said, "No need to be polite, it's nothing serious."

"Tang Fei," he called out, and Qin Yinong's eyes curved slightly.

Tang Ruoyao cleared her throat forcefully and shot Tang Fei a fierce glare.

Are they never going to stop?!

With his back turned to Qin Yinong, Tang Fei stuck out his tongue at Tang Ruoyao and added with a mocking tone, "Sister-in-law, I'll go to the kitchen and bring the dishes."

Qin Yinong cooperatively smiled and said, "Little brother-in-law, you can sit there."

Tang Fei had originally planned to leave it at that to avoid getting hit, but upon hearing her words, he bantered back, "How can that be, sister-in-law?"

Qin Yinong's eyes curved playfully, "Of course, little brother-in-law."

Tang Ruoyao had completely lost her mind.

What are these two doing? Qin Yinong is also at fault. Tang Fei's childishness can be forgiven, but why is she getting involved?

Tang Fei rushed into the kitchen. Regardless of how he convinced the two grandmothers, he managed to snatch a bowl of soup and brought it out, placing it in the center of the dining table. Perhaps it was hot because as soon as he put it down, his fingers immediately reached for his earlobe.

Ji Shulan came out and saw him, asking with concern, "Did you burn yourself?" She put the plate down and reached out her hand towards Tang Fei.

Tang Fei's eyes welled up with tears.

He had never had grandparents since he was born. During holidays, he would go with Jiang Xuezhen to visit her parents, but he wasn't the only grandchild, let alone the favored one among the younger generation.

He put his hand down and smiled, saying, "I'm fine, thank you, Grandma."

Unintentionally, he used the wrong term of address.

He didn't notice, and Ji Shulan didn't realize either. She kindly said, "We have a medicine kit at home. If you get burned, let Grandma give you some medicine."

Then Aunt Fang, who came out of the kitchen, heard this messed up hierarchy and was at a loss for words.

Everyone took their seats.

In this significant gathering, Tang Ruoyao opened a bottle of juice and poured it into the glasses in front of everyone, except for Qin Yinong and Tang Fei, who had tea in front of them.

Ningning held the cup with both hands, took a small sip, shivered a bit, stuck out her tongue, and said, "It's so cold."

Everyone laughed, finding it cute and adorable.

Qin Yinong reminded her, "Don't drink too much, or you'll get a stomachache."

Ningning obediently nodded and put the cup down.

Qin Yinong was the first to raise her cup, stood up solemnly, and said, "I offer a cup of tea instead of wine, to toast to Xiaofei. First, I want to thank you for coming to my house as a guest, and secondly, I want to thank you for accompanying Tang Ruoyao all these years. I will cherish your sister dearly."

Tang Fei also stood up, looking composed, and said, "I want to thank you as well. For supporting her all the way, I hope that in the future, you two can weather the storms together and never leave or abandon each other. If one day you mistreat her, I will be the first one to object."

Qin Yinong smiled and said, "Don't say you object, even I won't agree."

Tang Fei said, "That's good. I'm the junior, I've said my piece, sister-in-law can do as she pleases."

Both of them had made their statements.

Ji Shulan also raised a cup to Tang Fei, with similar words to Qin Yinong, thanking him for his companionship. She assured him that our family will treat your sister well, so please rest assured.

Tang Ruoyao lowered her head, her ears turning red, and her hands under the table were almost twisted together.

They were just meeting Tang Fei, why did it become so formal? She silently complained in her heart, but she couldn't help but feel happy because she could truly feel Qin Yinong's sincerity in handling this relationship.

She was such a thoughtful and considerate person. Even though she didn't have parents on her side, she still wanted to give this relationship the attention it deserved.

Qin Yinong sat down, reached under the table, found Tang Ruoyao's hand, held it, leaned over, and whispered, "What's wrong?"

Tang Ruoyao couldn't bring herself to speak. Her face was completely red, and she wished she could bury herself in Qin Yinong's embrace.

Qin Yinong chuckled and lightly rubbed the back of the young woman's hand with her fingertip.

"Mom." A weak voice came from her ear.

"Hmm?" Qin Yinong turned her head to look at Qin Jianing.

Ningning clung to her ear and said, "I also want to raise a cup to Uncle."

"Okay." Qin Yinong specifically instructed, "Just stay seated, don't stand up." She was still taller when standing.

Ningning raised her cup and said, "Uncle."

The newly appointed uncle was a bit bewildered. It took him two seconds to realize they were calling him, and he hurriedly stood up in a fluster, only to remember that he didn't need to stand and quickly sat back down, raising the cup with trembling hands, not daring to take a breath.

Ningning tilted her head and said, "Wishing Uncle good health and academic success."

Tang Fei thought for a moment and said, "Then I wish you peace, joy, and happiness."

Ningning stretched out her hand, but her short hand couldn't reach, so Tang Fei placed one hand on the table and leaned over to clink glasses with her.

Tang Fei finished his drink in one gulp.

Ningning took a small sip, then turned to look at her mom with sparkling eyes, implying that she wanted to be praised.

Qin Yinong gently touched Ningning's head.

Ji Shulan called out, "Come on, let's eat the dishes, we've all had our fill of drinks."

Everyone picked up their chopsticks and enjoyed the meal.

Tang Ruoyao didn't say a word at the table, but today she was the true protagonist. This table was accomplished because of her. Naturally, everyone paid attention to her. Qin Yinong served her dishes, Ningning also served her, Aunt Fang poured soup for her, offering more whether she wanted it or not, Ji Shulan almost put all the dishes in front of her, and whatever couldn't fit was placed in front of Tang Fei.

In front of the girl's family, how could the "boy's" family not behave properly!

Tang Ruoyao endured the sweet torment, and the meal felt exceptionally long.

After they finished, she took the opportunity to temporarily hide in the restroom, finally getting a moment to catch her breath.

Qin Yinong helped Ningning dry her hands in another restroom, glanced at the closed door opposite, and sent Ningning to the living room before walking over herself, gripping the door handle and turning it open.

Tang Ruoyao heard the sound and quickly turned on the tap, pretending to wash her hands seriously.

Qin Yinong closed the door behind her, smiling, and said, "It's me."

Tang Ruoyao thought to herself: Even if it's you, it doesn't change much.

Qin Yinong squeezed some hand sanitizer into her palm, enveloped Tang Ruoyao's hands, rubbed them to create foam, and then rinsed them under the tap, drying them.

Tang Ruoyao turned around and hugged her.

Qin Yinong gently patted her back and asked softly, "What's wrong?"

"It's nothing," Tang Ruoyao replied. "Isn't it just an afternoon tea gathering? Once we get through today, everything will be fine."

She took a deep breath and said, "Let's go out."

The living room was filled with sunlight.

Ningning sat in her designated spot, holding an open calligraphy practice book in her hands. As Tang Ruoyao passed by her, she suddenly heard a faint voice saying, "Mommy."

Author's Note:

What does everyone want to say to Teacher Qin, Miss Yao, Ningning, Tang Fei, the characters who haven't appeared, and the author-sama today?

PS: Shiliu: Whatever sum of money her mysterious note gave you, I'm willing to double it!!!

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