Published at 26th of August 2019 7:31 am

Chapter 3

This chapter is updated by NovelFree.ml

"Wang-Ye, we have found Jun Zhu. She is currently together with Dong Fang Jie."

Liu Yong silently came to the study and reported to his Master who was concentrating on reading the book in his hand.

Long Hao Tian lifted his eyebrows slightly, put down the book in his hand, mumbled to himself and then said.

"Why are Qian Qi and Dong Fang Jie together?"

"This small one does not know. But I saw the two of them at Guanyin Temple and Jun Zhu seems to be having a good time."

Liu Yong narrated what he actually saw at the temple. He was ordered to find out the whereabouts of Jun Zhu but did not expect to see the both of them at Guanyin Temple.

"Is that so?"

Long Hao Tian became pensive and then a sly smile appeared on his lips. If he guessed correctly, that sister of his must have feelings for Dong Fang Jie.

"Wang-Ye, do you want us to bring Jun Zhu home?"

"It is not necessary for the time being. It is alright, as long as her whereabouts are known and I believe Dong Fang Jie will take care of her. Do you know where she is staying now?"

Maybe he can make use of Qian Qi to help him confirm a matter.

"In Xilai Inn, second floor, Room No. 2."

"Very good."

Long Hao Tian stood up, played with the jade ring on his finger and a plan began to form quietly in his mind.

It looks like, Dong Fang Jie will not take the initiative to come to Yan Yun Pavilion. Well, then he does not mind to take the initiative to look for him. Anyway, this period of time, he was bored and had nothing to do. It was seldom he could find something that interests him and if he did not get to the bottom of this to find out the truth, he will not give up.

Now he is very much looking forward to the moment the truth is revealed.

"Liu Yong, get ready. We will make a trip to Xilai Inn."

"Yes, Wang-Ye."

Liu Yong stole a glance at his Master and saw his Master's eyes shining abnormally, showing great anticipation. His heart could not help but trembled. Usually, when his Master had this look on his face, it meant someone was going to encounter bad luck and he sympathized with the person who had aroused his Master's interest.

Really sympathize the person.

***#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#***

The room had simple, clean furnishings and on the bedding, there was also a brand-new water-blue quilt. Without even touching the bedding, it could be easily guessed that the bed would be very comfortable. The bed felt excellent on touching and thanks to her Elder Brother's meticulous care, it seems tonight, Dong Fang Jie will have a good night's sleep.

Every branch of Long Feng Restaurant throughout the country, all have four superior rooms that are specifically reserved for the four siblings to use at any time. Her Elder Brother knew she had always experienced difficulty sleeping in the inns outside and therefore had instructed every restaurant that if she was to stay there, the restaurants had to arrange for the most comfortable bedding for her. It was his hope that Dong Fang Jie would be able to have a good rest since she was constantly on the move.

Just as she had taken off his outer robe, ready to go to bed, suddenly a shadow flew past her door and window.

"Who is it?!"

She shouted in a low voice, picked up the sword resting on the table and the next moment, she chased after the shadow. She followed the shadow through the gallery into a small courtyard. Then she came upon a tall figure drinking and sitting on a stone seat in the middle of the courtyard with a slightly relaxed expression on his beautiful face.

"You are here. Tonight's moon is beautiful. I purposely had some food and wine prepared. Come, let's eat together."

When Long Hao Tian saw Dong Fang Jie, he lifted the wine cup in his hand, made a gesture of invitation at Dong Fang Jie while he watched her closely with his deep black eyes.

Fine eyebrows, the clear and bright pair of eyes, white delicate porcelain oval shape face, beautifully curved lips, all these distinctive features displayed on his exquisitely beautiful face.

Long Hao Tian wondered if he had guessed correctly that this Jade Face Hunter standing in front of him who made all women in this world obsessed with him, is really a woman. Then if he is to put on women's clothing, in addition to his refined beautiful face, what type of amorous feelings will he arouse? Long Hao Tian squinted his eyes deeply and found that he had an abnormal expectation towards the thoughts he had in his mind.

At this moment, a gust of cold wind blew lightly, tugged at the white robes on Dong Fang Jie which made him look slimmer and a strange feeling unexpectedly flared across Long Hao Tian's chest.

"Wang-Ye, you really exhibit such an interest to come so late in the night with wine and food."

Dong Fang Jie looked at the wine and food on the stone table and her eyebrows wrinkled slightly. She wondered deep in her heart, what was Long Hao Tian's purpose in coming? In the day, she had to accompany Jun Zhu to tour around and at night she had to deal with this difficult man. What is the matter with these two siblings? Sure enough, being too popular is also a hassle and could not help but sigh in her heart.

"Don't just stand there. Why? Are you afraid that I will eat you?"

Seeing Dong Fang Jie stood there without moving, Long Hao Tian said flippantly in his deep low voice.

"Wang-Ye really likes to joke."

Dong Fang Jie slowly walked towards him, lifted her robes and sat down opposite him. She took the cup filled with wine from him and down it with a gulp.

Long Hao Tian looked at him without blinking. His hand propping up his chin, he stared at him......the look of pride when he drank and his handsome face laughing slightly.

"Are you not afraid that I will put a potion into the wine?"

"There is no injustice and no enmity between Wang-Ye and me. I believe Wang-Ye will not do anything that is harmful and not beneficial to Wang-Ye."

Dong Fang Jie picked up some spicy fried fish with her chopsticks and when she tasted the spiciness, she instantly woke up. It was really spicy and too hot for her, unconsciously stuck out her tongue, quickly filled up a cup of wine and drank it in one breath.

An unusual light flashed in the dark silent eyes of Long Hao Tian as his black eyes watched Dong Fang Jie's childish manner with blinking. An indescribable feeling suddenly rose like thunder and struck into his heart which had always stayed as calm as a lake.

"You don't like spicy food?"

He watched as Dong Fang Jie ate a few mouthfuls and then his tears and snot started to flow. He looked very embarrassed but it was strange that Long Hao Tian could not look away.

This Dong Fang Jie is really a disaster. He found his interest in him was getting greater and greater. If Dong Fang Jie is really the woman he met that night at the hot spring pool then he will never escape from him.

"Love and hate. I like to eat spicy food but every time when I eat, I feel extremely embarrassed but especially like the hot tingling feeling after tasting the spiciness. I have disgraced myself in front of Wang-Ye."

Why is this Long Hao Tian not eating? His pair of eyes is always staring at her and making her hair stand on ends.

Long Hao Tian's handsome face showed a slight smile. He observed Dong Fang Jie's relaxed appearance and asked with interest.

"Are you not afraid of me?"

"No. Please believe me, I really respect and admire you."

Perhaps if Dong Fang Jie's tone did not sound like mockery, Long Hao Tian would have believed him.

"Why didn't you ask why I came so late at night to drink with you?"

Dong Fang Jie pretended to seriously think for a while then randomly answered.

"I thought because Wang-Ye was unable to sleep, therefore came to have a drink with me." Then the next moment, she continued to savor the spicy dishes.

A deep and clear laugh drifted in the night sky........

His black eyes stared at Dong Fang Jie in complexity, his handsome face showed he was in deep thoughts with a smile hanging on his lips.

"Dong Fang Jie, you are an interesting person. It has been a long time since I feel so happy talking with someone."

"Oh, it must be true there are boring people beside Wang-Ye, if not Wang-Ye would not have come to chat with me so late in the night."

Dong Fang Jie lifted her eyebrows, paused with her chopsticks and gave Long Hao Tian a glance.

She was certain Long Hao Tian's purpose in coming to look for her was not simple but perhaps it was in the quiet of the night that made her lower her guard and chat with Long Hao Tian freely.

"You're right. It is true there is no one as interesting as you around Ben-Wang. If let's say, Ben-Wang is to come often to drink with you, will you welcome Ben-Wang?"

His deep black eyes stared at him. This Dong Fang Jie, regardless of whether he is a man or woman, would still arouse his interest. He was not in a hurry to find out the truth instead he wanted to look for more opportunities to get along with him. After all, he seldom gets to meet people who could make him laugh without restraint.

"Of course, Wang-Ye is welcome but as Wang-Ye knows, I have job responsibilities, constantly on the move and whereabouts uncertain. I'm afraid, it will be difficult for Wang-Ye to find me."

Dong Fang Jie poured wine into the cups for both of them and said in a sincere tone with a hidden meaning. She tried her best not to get entangled with Long Hao Tian.

This man is too unfathomable and too cunning. Her Shi-xiong's warning still sounded in her ears......if you do not want your identity exposed, it is better to stay far away from this man.

"Then it is agreed. As long as I am able to find you, you must accompany me to drink and relax."

It was not that Long Hao Tian did not understand the hidden meaning of his words but the more Dong Fang Jie was guarded against him, the more reluctant he was to let him off easily.

Cold sweat flowed down Dong Fang Jie's back. She gritted her teeth and promised with a bitter smile on her handsome face.

"It is agreed."

"Then please take care of Jun Zhu and once she has played enough, she will be taken back home."

That sister of his wanted to play for a month before she will obediently return home and since she was with Dong Fang Jie, he felt rest assured. When he thought of his sister's expression on mentioning Dong Fang Jie, her shy and timid look clearly showed she liked Dong Fang Jie. The saying was true when a girl is of age, she must be married off.

Dong Fang Jie froze when she heard Long Hao Tian's words. Could it be........he quickly swallowed the food in his mouth and said anxiously.

"Wang-Ye, Jun Zhu is considered golden branch with jaded leaves*. It is really inappropriate for her to follow me around in danger.

(Golden branch with jaded leaves means a beauty of noble birth)

"Ben-Wang trusts your ability. There is no need to say any more about this matter. It is late. Let's finish this drink and you can rest early."

White porcelain cups clinked in mid-air, giving out a crisp sound of porcelain clashing against porcelain. Long Hao Tian was the first to drink, then put down his cup and when his black eyes lifted, he was suddenly startled.

His eyes rested on Dong Fang Jie's handsome face. As a result of drinking wine, his cheeks were red and in the soft yellow moonlight, he was indescribably beautiful.

"Dong Fang Jie, if you are a woman, I will never let you go."

Long Hao Tian's voice had a trace of oppression, his black eyes looked into Dong Fang Jie's eyes and saw his expression of shock.

Their eyes met in mid-air.......

A pair of scorching black eyes revealed an unusual fanatic determination to possess.......

A pair of bright eyes revealed panic........

***#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#*#***

A splitting headache.

Due to insomnia and a hangover, Dong Fang Jie's face was pale when he got up. Holding his head, he sat on the bed.

It was all because of Long Hao Tian's words last night. She was so scared that she could not sleep and tossed and turned the whole night. She had brought such a big problem upon herself.

Remembering the serious look on Long Hao Tian's face last night, she involuntarily shuddered. Her premonition had really come true.

Ai!...... This is really bad. If her Shi-xiong finds out, she will be nagged to death and also not to mention, if her three elder brothers find out, it will be disastrous for her.

Knocks at the door could be heard and the voice of the waiter sounded.

"Fourth Young Master, are you awake? I have brought water for you to clean up."

"Come in."

After getting approval, the waiter pushed the wooden door opened and went in. The first thing he saw was the handsome face of Dong Fang Jie and was momentarily distracted. Then he saw the displeasure on Dong Fang Jie's face, quickly gathered his wits and poured the hot water into the wooden basin sitting on a rack beside the bed. He hung up a clean cloth towel on the rack and asked.

"Fourth Young Master, will you be taking your breakfast in your room or eating outside?"

"I will have my breakfast outside and by the way, get me a cup of strong tea."

Dong Fang Jie massaged her forehead with both her hands and displayed a dark expression.

Her head is exploding with a headache! She will drink a cup of strong tea and see whether it will help her.

"Yes. If there is no more instruction, this small one will leave."

As the waiter was closing the wooden door, he stole a glance at the person in the room and it was hard to conceal the person's stunning appearance. So far, he had only seen the First Young Master come to the restaurant and the sons of Dong Fang Family is really one more handsome than the other. But this Fourth Young Master is really too beautiful and it is not surprising the whole country called him Jade Face Hunter.

After washing her face with hot water, Dong Fang Jie felt slightly better. Picking up the sword, Qing Hong Sword which had never left her side, she went out.

When she reached the second floor, she chose a corner seat near the window and sat down. As soon as the waiter saw her, he quickly served up a pot of hot tea and the breakfast that was already prepared.

"Fourth Young Master, please enjoy your breakfast."

Dong Fang Jie drank a cup of the strong hot tea and her spirits lightened up. She picked up a meat bun, took a few bites and then heard whispers which seem to be discussing some matters behind her.

"Did you hear the news? This morning, the body of a woman was found in the temple ruins in the west of the city and she had died miserably. From the state of her messy clothing, it can be guessed that she was raped before she was killed. The most tragic was the murderer sliced off the skin from her entire face.

"Wow! It this true or not? Don't say any more, I'm going to vomit."

"It's the truth. On my way here, I also saw Chief Guard Zheng from Yamen* bringing his guards to the scene."

(Yamen is similar to police stations)

As soon as Dong Fang Jie heard the news, her face became serious. She dropped the meat bun in her hand, stood up and walked towards the stairs.

"Fourth Young Master, where are you going? You still have not eaten your breakfast......."

The waiter brushed past Dong Fang Jie on the stairs and seeing the serious expression on his face, he excitedly shouted after him.

"I have other important things to do."

Dong Fang Jie briefly replied. As she passed the counter on the first floor, she gave Wang Qin a slight nod and then disappeared like a gust of wind in front of everyone.

West of the city, there was a group of people gathered in front of the temple ruins. The person who first discovered the body, after witnessing the horrific scene, his face had turned pale. He was telling the other people about the gruesome murder and what he had seen. After listening to him, everyone had the expression of fear on their faces. With curiosity and fear, they constantly threw glances at the temple. At this time, there were two guards stationed in front of the temple to prevent anyone from entering.

When Dong Fang Jie arrived at the temple ruins, she saw a wall of people blocking her path and she shouted politely into the crowd with a smile.

"Fellow villagers, please give way."

Everyone heard and one by one they opened up a path for her. All eyes rested curiously on her, whispered and tried to guess her identity.

"What is happening inside?"

Dong Fang Jie took out her medal for verification and asked the two guards.

"Chief Guard Zheng is inside with the Coroner. Da-Ren, please go in."

The two guards did not dare to block her and bowed to show their deep respect for her.

Dong Fang Jie stepped over the threshold and strode in with big steps. When she looked at the scene, she frowned with a serious expression. The female dead body in the temple ruins was exactly what she had overheard in the restaurant. Obviously, after being raped, the woman's skin was completely sliced off from her face. Seeing the dead woman's horrible face, she could not endure and quickly looked away. After working as an officer for such a long time, this was the first time she had seen such a gruesome corpse.

"Dong Fang Brother, you are here."

"Zheng Brother, what have you found out?"

Dong Fang Jie tried to stay calm, suppressed the discomfort she felt and focused her eyes on the face of Chief Guard Zheng.

"As you can see, the deceased's face was skinned after she was raped. The murderer is very cruel. Who is so inhumane to actually do this?!"

When Chief Guard Zheng said those last words, his voice was full of agitation and indignation. He really wanted to plunge a knife into the murderer to take revenge for the dead woman this very instant.

Suddenly there was a commotion outside the temple ruins which attracted the attention of both of them.

"Who are you? The public is not allowed to enter!"

The two guards denied the two people entry and held up their swords to prevent them from taking a step further.

"Such boldness! This is no place for you to speak. Retreat!"

Liu Yong stood in front of his Master and shouted loudly at the two guards.

Dong Fang Jie heard Liu Yong's voice and turned her head around. She did not expect to see Long Hao Tian, she felt surprised and quickly stepped forward.

"Master Long, why are you here?"

Long Hao Tian folded his arms across his chest, unconsciously wrinkled his eyebrows with contempt on his handsome face for the guards who had looked down on him.

"Dong Fang Jie, it's good that you are here. Tell them, am I considered a casual person?"

"Of course, you are not considered a casual person but why is Master Long here?"

Her eyebrows wrinkled and was puzzled why she is also able to meet him here. This Long Hao Tian is really like a deceased's soul that is yet to disperse*.

(A deceased's soul that is yet to disperse means even though something had passed but its influence still lingers)

"Dong Fang Brother, who are these two people?"

Following behind, Chief Guard Zheng looked at Long Hao Tian. He could see Long Hao Tian was an extraordinary person exuding an aura of nobility. He also noticed Dong Fang Jie's respectful voice tone which made him curious about the person's identity.

Then Dong Fang Jie pulled Chief Guard Zheng aside and whispered into his ear.

Upon seeing this, Long Hao Tian's handsome face sank slightly and an inexplicable unhappy feeling rose from his heart. The action of the two people was a bit too close for comfort.

Then he noticed the expression on Chief Guard Zheng who was pulled aside, had changed drastically. With quick steps, Chief Guard Zheng walked up to him, cupped both his hands into a fist and bowed respectfully. Then he said fearfully.

"Wang.......Master Long, please forgive this small one's mistake for not recognizing you. Please forgive me."

"It's alright." Long Hao Tian said. He shook his sleeves and did not look at Chief Guard Zheng, instead his black eyes rested on Dong Fang Jie and in his deep voice, he murmured. "What actually happened here?"

Dong Fang Jie glanced at his solemn face and thought in her heart, this man is really temperamental. However, she still told him briefly about the case.

"What have you decided to do next?"

Long Hao Tian asked the person in front of him and noticed the shadows under his eyes. Didn't he have a good rest last night?

"I will discuss this matter with Chief Guard Zheng again and hope to solve this case in the shortest time possible. Please be rest assured, Master Long."

Dong Fang Jie promised. If this case is not solved as soon as possible, it will definitely cause uneasiness among the people.

"Did you find out the identity of the deceased?"

Long Hao Tian threw a glance at the corpse and asked in a heavy tone.

"Not yet......"

Suddenly a commotion in the crowd was heard outside the temple and then an old couple was seen pushing through the crowds, moving quickly forward.

"Such boldness! This is not the place for you to enjoy yourself. Quickly leave!"

The two guards shouted out loudly, strode forward in big steps and blocked the old couple from entering.

"No! Please these two Da-Ren, we are not here to enjoy........."

As the two elderly were pushed out, they anxiously pleaded for mercy and were so panic-stricken that they did not know what to do.

"Just a moment."

Dong Fang Jie called out to stop the guards and came to stand in front of the two elderly people. When the two guards saw her, they retreated and Dong Fang Jie asked the old couple in a nice manner.

"These two elders, why did you come here? Or is it that you know the deceased?"

When the old man saw Dong Fang Jie was so polite, he quickly grabbed her sleeve and said.

"Da-Ren, we came just to have a look. The day before yesterday, our granddaughter said she wanted to burn incense for her dead parents but until now she has not returned home."

"These two elders, please come with me."

As soon as she heard the old man speak, she quickly led the old couple into the temple. When the two elderly saw the dead body, they burst into tears.

"Heavens! It is really Yun Er! Her clothes are the clothes I had personally sewn for my Yun Er! Yun Er, my good granddaughter........."

The old woman was so grief-stricken that she cried out loud. When she saw her granddaughter's horrifying face, she cried until she collapsed into the old man's arms, unable to bear such a big blow.

Some people in the crown recognized the old couple and whispers could be heard in the crowd.

"So, she was the granddaughter of Sun Lao. It's such a pity. I heard Sun Yun Er is a beauty and did not expect she would die tragically at such a young age. What will become of these two elderly in future?........"

"Elder,are you sure this woman is your granddaughter?" Dong Fang Jie asked.

The old man's eyes were red, comforting his wife in his arms and did not turn his head for he could not bear to look at the corpse of his granddaughter again. Choking with emotions, he said.

"That's correct. The set of clothes Yun Er is wearing was sewn by my wife. If you don't believe me, you can take a look at the red dragonfly birthmark on her right palm."

Dong Fang Jie bent down and held up the right hand of the deceased. Turning over the hand, there was indeed the mark of a red dragonfly. It seems the deceased was really Sun Yun Er.

"I would like to express my condolences to these two elders, please restrain your grief. We will find the murderer as soon as possible and bring him to justice to account for this murder." Dong Fang Jie promised with a stern look.

"Master Long, Dong Fang Brother, we have to return to Yamen. We will take our leave."

Chief Guard Zheng ordered his men to cover the dead body with a piece of white cloth and then use a stretcher to carry the corpse back to Yamen. The two elderly wept piteously as they followed behind them. After the crowd had dispersed, only Dong Fang Jie, Long Hao Tian and his servant stayed behind.

"How are you going to handle this case?"

Long Hao Tian's handsome face showed a serious expression. He felt this case was not as simple as it looked. Perhaps it was only just the beginning.

"In the meantime, I still don't have a plan. I will stay here to continue investigations. Master Long, why are you coincidentally here?"

"It's not a coincidence. I have to attend to some urgent matters, so had to leave early and passed by here."

"In that case, please forgive me for not sending you off."

Dong Fang Jie was trying to get rid of him in a roundabout way. It is better for this annoying man to leave as soon as possible.

"Why? In a hurry to get rid of me? Don't forget the agreement between us. Jun Zhu will now be placed under your care."

Long Hao Tian's black eyes looked smilingly at him. The more anxious Dong Fang Jie wants to get rid of him, the more he does not want to grant him his wish because Dong Fang Jie had aroused his interest.

"I'm afraid I have to carry out investigations on this murder case and really can't accompany Jun Zhu. Why don't you........"

"I believe you will protect Jun Zhu well. All these will have to trouble you. Ben-Wang will come to look for you again."

Long Hao Tian interrupted him and did not give him a chance to decline. His black eyes looked at Dong Fang Jie deeply and pensively before he turned around and left with Liu Yong following behind him.

Dong Fang Jie stared at his retreating back, could only shake her head and smiled wryly.

Outside the main door of Long Feng Restaurant, a beautiful lady in a yellow dress had stood for a long time. She had her arms folded across her chest, watching the people walking around on the streets with an unhappy look.

"Young Miss, I wonder when Dong Fang Jie will be coming back. How long are we going to wait for him?"

Xiao Lan asked her Mistress who was standing beside her. Early in the morning, Jun Zhu had hurriedly came over and did not expect it was a wasted effort. They had already stood as Door Gods* at the door for nearly a sichen* (two hours). It seems Dong Fang Jie would not be coming back.

(The Chinese believe Door Gods guard the doors and gates to protect against 'evil spirits' and to encourage the entrance of 'good spirits'.)

"I don't know either."

Long Qian Qi felt so angry that she stomped her feet on the spot. Dong Fang Jie did not seem like one who breaks his promise but if he did not return, she really did not know where to look for him.

"Young Miss, he's back! Dong Fang Jie has returned!'

Xiao Lan excitedly pointed at the figure in front who was walking towards them.

"Dong Fang Jie, where did you go? You're finally back!"

Long Qian Qi went forward to question him angrily. All this while, she had never waited for anyone and only others would wait for her. She did not expect she had to wait for a sichen for him and if she was not interested in him, she would have left long ago.

"Jun Zhu, I'm afraid I am unable to accompany you. A murder case had happened and the murderer is still at large. For the safety of Jun Zhu, it is safer for Jun Zhu to return to Jing Wan's Mansion as soon as possible."

Dong Fang Jie briefly told her about the case, hoped this spoilt Jun Zhu will be scared and return home as early as possible.

After Long Qian Qi listened to the case, she was filled with indignation. Not only was she not scared but she was even more determined to stay.

"This is abhorrent! How can there be such cruel people in this world? I don't care! I will not go back! I must see with my own eyes, what that heartless person looks like, one who is able to attack a girl so viciously."

Dong Fang Jie did not expect her reaction would be like this and could only sigh in her heart. It seems she had no choice but to keep Jun Zhu firmly by her side.

"Well, if Jun Zhu has already decided to follow me and run around then Jun Zhu must not complain."

Long Qian Qi smiled like a flower in bloom. She took the initiative and happily hooked her hands on his arm and said.

"I understand. I promise to be obedient, listen to you and will not cause you any trouble."

Last night, her Elder Brother had come to look for her and Long Qian Qi had thought her Elder Brother came to take her home. Unexpectedly, her Elder Brother had actually agreed to let her stay on the condition that she remains under the protection of Dong Fang Jie. Since her Elder Brother had agreed, she certainly would play with confidence until she was satisfied.

"Jun Zhu, you must not forget what you have promised."

Dong Fang Jie forced a smile. After her difficult brother had left and now there is this troublesome sister. This pair of brother and sister is really entangled with her.

"Once said, a team of horses is unable to pursue*. First, you must accompany me to have breakfast, then after that, I will listen to everything you say."

(Once said, a team of horses is unable to pursue means once a promise is made, it will be kept)

Long Qian Qi did not allow him to refuse and dragged him into Long Feng Restaurant. Dong Fang Jie could only helplessly let her be.

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