Linda Chung: Steven Ma Accompanied Me Through Stormy Weathers

Thoughts: An interesting read! Both Steven and Linda were asked to draw something (anything) and what you see is what they drew :) Linda wishes for Steven to return and Steven drew a butterfly because he knew it is her favourite. They are so sweet.

I really do hope that they can collaborate again one day :)

In Virtues of Harmony 2, there were many good teachers teaching me how to act. I recall this one scene about (Michelle) Hung Bak Lam having a terminal disease so she thought of ways to make Ivan Sze Gee San (Steven Ma) leave her. When she went to the airport to send Ivan off, Steven told me to show my side profile first then slowly turn around toward him and cry, the outcome would be that much more effective. Even now I still continue using this crying method Steven taught me.

A Journey Called Life
During this period I was at low tide, also the period my homesickness was really intense. I am very grateful having Steven constantly encouraging me and putting up with me. In this series, I portrayed a wet miu. (party girl(?)) with lots of family problems. Also had a stillborn scene. The script closely relates to real life. Can be said among Steven and my collaborated works to be my most favorite and satisfied one.

A Watchdog’s Tale
This series let me see the other side of Steven. I did not expect that shod in flip-flops he could be so uncouth (ma lat) totally departed from his normal refined and polite image. And since this is a comedy, during the shooting my mood was not too heavy.

Ghost Writer
During VOH2's filming I was a rather cheerful woman, but during Ghost Writer's filming it can be said that I fell to the lowest pit. The years within the entertainment circle was like a rubber band tightening around me; it finally snapped during this period. I realized I was not suited for an entertainment lifestyle plus I didn’t have my family in Hong Kong. I was depressed. Plus I suffered constant insomnia. And had bad skin. I knew that Steven at seeing me thus was worried but did not know what to do so kept his silence, staying by my side quietly supporting me. Fortunately, now, on the whole, I have re-adapted to this lifestyle. I try to do more stuff that I enjoy. Also know how to better communicate with friends and to share my concerns, so can gradually cross over deep pits. During Daddy Good Deeds’ shooting, Steven finally saw that I had become more and more sanguine. I’m very grateful to this good brother of mine who has always stood by me and supported me.

Linda’s 'Draw Something' for Steven.
Steven is my good brother, who has witnessed my up and down moods since I entered the industry. He has stayed by my side the whole time. Even though he has now left the company I still hope that Steven, who has not only accompanied me throughout my growth but is also a good partner who worked well with me, can return to my side to continue making more good series.

Steven Ma: Linda Chung is Like My Younger Sister.

Virtues of Harmony 2
This is Linda’s first series, I thought this woman was very pretty, and a bit shy, very well-behaved (guai) and ingenuous. During that time, I constantly had lunch with her to chitchat so that she would be more relax. I recall saying this to her: “This field is not all that complex. But opportunity always exists for one to turn bad. So in everything must put in efforts to learn from it. The most important thing is not to go down the wrong path. To this day, she still manages to do that, and is also still a good woman.(guai nui)

A Journey Called Life
She has matured, her acting skill has also improved, especially her emoting feelings has improved enormously. Our collaborations are mostly small productions, this series is no exception. The story content emulates real life's happenings. It talks about us being husband and wife. It was our second collaboration, but our relationship seems to have gone a notch up, more like brother and sister. To this day, she still calls me ‘gor gor’.

A Watchdog’s Tale
We officially filmed a comedy series, laughter was constant. Also, our characters underwent a big change. I was crude and slovenly, a total uncouth man (malat zai). While she had on this short hair wig to portray a tomboy. Totally a Wu Jun lookalike. Haha! This series increased our tacit understanding of each other. I recall during the shooting, I commented that no series could possibly pose a problem to us because we already knew each other’s strengths and weaknesses so could mutually compensate each other’s deficiency.

Ghost Writer
During this period Linda had serious insomnia, very edgy all the time, and her skin was bad too. Plus the character in the series endured many grievances so that affected her moods too. Could see that it was a tough period for her. I was concerned for her. At the time, I constantly urged her to take rests, to do exercise because besides relieving stress, it can also affect the spirit. After that, we filmed our own separate series, but we still kept in touch and I knew her situation underwent a positive turnaround. During Daddy Good Deeds, she seemed much more happier. At the last (DGD promo), she told me that she do aerobics once every week to keep fit. She seems to be in good spirits. I’m happy for her, and also feel more at ease (on lok) about her.

Steven’s 'Draw Something' for Linda
There was this one scene that was shot at a jewelry store. During the break Linda was taken by a butterfly pendant and so for the first time in her life she bought a diamond pendant. She said she loves butterflies a lot and that whenever she sees one she would be very happy. I remember what she said, so today I especially drew a butterfly to make her happy.

Steven once spoke out on Linda's behalf subsequently incurring TVB's wrath.

Steven Ma: TVB should do some self- reflection.
The male lead in PSL (Ghost Writer) and also Linda’s most collaborated partner-in-crime and good friend, Steven Ma revealed that witnessing her tearful break down distressed him. “The main reason was due to exhaustion from over work. Too tiring! She’s always been very anxious about her work performance; she had to film series, cut records, and film movies at the same time; always insisted in doing them all perfectly. So bringing on constant insomnia. Her mother wasn’t here in Hong Kong, so I made Ching pu leung herbal tea and watercress soup for her, and also constantly chatted with her. But the most important thing is for her to get some rest….” Linda by nature is pliant so did not dare demur when given series projects to do.

Steven entreated: “TVB really needs to re-examine her workload arrangement! Although she is a tvb managed artiste but still management needs to properly plan her workload. Piling her with a heavy workload and having her doing it all is not necessarily a good thing. She has to be able to handle it. Have to see if 'xiu pang yao' (young friend) can even breathe first? Even if she can do it, she won’t look good (leng), and her voice won’t sound good either! Sooner or later, she will be wrung dried, her health neglected.”

Source: TVB weekly# 722
Translator: Tamaya @ AF Read More →

Virtues of Harmony 2 Random Screencaps #1

Here are some random screencaps of Linda in her first series, Virtues of Harmony 2!!! I am currently watching some of her parts in there xD

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[Official Drama Page] Virtues of Harmony 2

Cute Moments between Linda and Steven 1

Random Screencaps 1

Casts: Nancy Sit, Bondy Chiu, Cutie Mui, Yvonne Lam, Joyce Chen, Frankie Lam, Bernice Liu, Michael Tse, Louis Yuen, Johnny Tang, Lee Kwok Lun, Kingdom Yuen, Helen Ma, Johnny Ngan, Stephanie Che, Lau Dan, Steven Ma, Hawick Lau, Linda Chung, Chan Man Na, Lam King Kong, Yu Yeung, Rain Lau, Yau Ching, Jojo Shum, Albert Lo, Lam Wing Tung, Robert Siu, Teresa Ha, Yu Mo Lin

Couple Pairings:
Frankie Lam & Bernice Liu
Michael Tse & Bondy Chiu
Johnny Tang & Joyce Chen
Steven Ma & Linda Chung
Louis Yuen & Yvonne Lam
Lee Kwok Lun & Kingdom Yuen
Johnny Ngan & Helen Ma
Yu Yeung & Chan Man Na

Storyline Overview:
Since the Kam family of the Ming Dynasty made a vow under the wishing tree to be together forever for every generation, in the blink of an eye we arrive in Hong Kong in 2003. Yau Nim Chi has become the owner of a HK style cafe, Chi was a police officer in her youth and after marrying the "Tung Mat Yuen" cafe owner Kam Wah, she left her position to look after the three young children that Wah had with his previous wife. The eldest son was Kam Nin, second son Kam Yuet and youngest daughter Kam Yat and although they were not borne from Chi, they see her as their natural mother and the family lived together harmoniously. After Wah died, Chi took on the role of father and together with Wah's sister Kam Sa Sa, they continued to look after the cafe and although it is a small business, they had a comfortable life; eighteen years later, Nin, Yuet and Yat have grown up and each has their own successes.

Eldest son Kam Nin works in a fashion company as Merchandising Manager and although he is appreciated by his manager Wong Sheung, he is considered as competition by another Merchandising Manager in Ka Yan Company, Man Kwai Fei. The two have their own stances and in work are always fighting to win each other, whilst the smooth and cunning Sheung watches over but does nothing, so as to allow the two to show their talents whilst he reaps all the rewards. Sheung has an only daughter Wong Yee who has been spoilt from an early age and has never been through any hardship and studied fashion design at a top school in England. On one occasion, when returning to Hong Kong on vacation, she gave up her studies for the sake of an argument and decided to find herself a job, Sheung is very concerned that her naivety will lead her to be tricked, so he secretly arranges for her to work in his company and they reach an agreement that they will keep their connections a secret as she is sent to be a fashion designer in his company. With no social experience, Yee sees her work as a plaything and is forever leaving her work to the very last moment before the deadlines, causing much frustration for Nin, who does everything by the rule book and wants to fire Yee, at this time, Sheung steps in to say that she has a three year contract with them and he cannot fire her, Nin doesn't know whether to laugh or cry.

Second son Kam Yuet also works in Ka Yan Company as a Merchandiser but he is under the supervision of Nin's nemesis Fei, who sees him as a problem and takes every opportunity to criticise his work. Yuet has a girlfriend in the company who is also a Merchandiser called Lam Yuk Lo, Lo has always seen Yuet as a likely candidate for marriage and is very controlling over him, but he is willing to bear with this. Lo is very petty and is a little woman and has a sworn sister at work Shek Mei, although the two have differing personalities, when Lo joined the company three years ago, she quickly became good friends with Mei, who has been neighbours with Yuet since she was young. Mei's parents Shek Tai Chuen and Chan Kiu are old workers at Tung Mat Yuen so Mei grew up with the three Kam siblings and is particularly close to Yat with whom she often discusses her feelings. Yat has seen very early on that Mei is attracted to Yuet, but she has never let on her feelings to him and when she saw that Lo started dating Yuet after joining the company, then she can only put her feelings away in her heart. Because Yat is aware of Mei's feelings for Yuet, she does not have any good feelings towards her sister-in-law-to-be and often argues with her.

Kam Yat has had a love for acting since she was very young and after her A-levels, she entered the TV station's acting school, after graduating she has only had bit parts in her shows, but this has not wained her enthusiasm towards acting and because she is immersed in the world of the media, she has seen many faces of human nature and she has a deep hatred for those people who mask their true selves and have fake personalities. Ko Yee Hong is a designer at Ka Yan Company and also Yat's neighbour and his appearance and character gives people the impression that he is a homosexual, but Yat is adamant to go against these opinions by saying that Hong is just pretending to be gay so that girls will put their guard down and he can take advantage of them, she vows to break through this false image of his. In reality, Hong is not really homosexual, but he is also not as Yat thinks pretending to be gay to take advantage of girls, it is actually just that Hong is very picky and petty and a lover of beauty and perfection which makes him give people the wrong impression about his sexuality, including his natural father Shek Tai Kei.

Kei is the brother of Shek Tai Chuen, with an artiste name of Man Wong Kei he was a star of the films of the seventies where his first film gained him Best Actor award at the Sri Lanka Film Festival and gained him a period of notoriety. At the time, Kei was brainwashed by his success and he threw away the present given to him by his devoted fan Kam Sa Sa, she found out about his bad behaviour and changed her opinions on Kei, until this day Kei's career has taken a downward turn and now takes on the odd role for "mature" actors at the TV station, Kei still doesn't know that that fan who he hurt so many years ago is the same Sa who is the neighbour who keeps arguing against him.

It is not only Kei who is not at peace with Sa, there is also Wan Ying Gei who was a high school classmate of hers, at the time the two were like sisters, but later they became enemies and after so many years, they treated each other as strangers until later Gei married into the Kam family and became their Auntie and the reason for their disharmony is finally revealed.

For twenty years, Chi has watched her children grow up and worked with Sa to manage the cafe and take it to its current success and she takes pride in this. However, Chi has still one wish unfulfilled and that is to find Law Tin Fu, who is the brother of the three children's natural mother Law Bing. When Fu was lost, he was only a baby and Chi only knows that he had a birthmark on his body and has no other way of recognising him, so after so many years she has not had any news of him.

On the day of Chi's 48th birthday, after an incident with an error in a tenancy contract, an unwanted guest arrives at the Kam Family who is nasty tenant Lau Gam. Gam's irresponsible behaviour causes much trouble for the Kams. Eventually, as a result of a major argument with the family, they find that Gam is their long lost uncle of thirty years Law Tin Fu and the tranquility of the Kam family is about to be met with some great waves!

Credits: Em (www.TVBSpace.net)
Credits: http://www.virtuesofharmony.net/main.html Read More →

[Interview] Linda Chung, Innocent Not Stupid

“The Jade Girl” erupted in one scene, and was recommended for TV Queen by netizens

Linda Chung, this Hong Kong entertainment industry’s “newbie female artiste” had always given people the image that she was just a Jade Girl. Other than the symbolic ‘teh’, weak and refined voice, that causes one to remember her rumours regarding her relationship with Raymond Lam, and even then she only stood by Raymond’s side, smiling sweetly like a good girl, happy to be an accompaniment. However, in the recent airing of the drama [Yes Sir, Sorry Sir], Linda moved the word in the final episode’s “Miss Cool”, and her emotional scene with her crying made others change their negative views towards her. Netizens also recommended herfor the role of TV Queen, causing quite an uproar.

Important Word toNote: Breakthrough
Obtaining the title of TV Queen is fated, I am not anxious about it

Yangcheng Wanbao: The character you portrayed, Miss Cool, in [YSSR] was very well received by the public, and the viewers even want to recommend you for the role of TV Queen. Do you have confidence to get this title?

Linda: I am really very happy! (laughs) But I never thought of getting TV Queen, if I could get the “My Favourite TV Character” award I would already be very happy. As to TV Queen, I would have to leave it to fate. Furthermore, it is only June, and there is a long time to go before the Awards, I think there is no need to be anxious.

Yangcheng Wanbao: “TV Pioneer” Charmaine Sheh will begin to change her contract with TVB. As to being one of the “Four New Best Fadans”, will you make “the top actress” your new goal?

Linda: Recently, there were really many reports comparing Kate Tsui, Myolie Wu, Fala Chen and myself, I think these are just promotional tactics. As to myself, I would most definitely have such hopes for myself, and I hope that I could get more people to approve of this. This time, I feel that my performance has been a good account to viewers.

Yangcheng Wanbao: Having been in the industry for 7 years, do you feel that it is time for a breakthrough?

Linda: Actually I don’t feel that I have been in the industry for 7 years. My seniors say, after 7 years one would be enlightened, but for acting skills to mature, 10 years is required. I personally have not reached the point where I can control my character, a lot of the time it is my character controlling me, so I feel that I am still in the learning stage. Filming is something I really like, and to me, it is not just a way of earning money, but this job brings me much satisfaction, such as the fact that my characters can become role models for children and youth. Because most of the characters I have acted as were Jade Girls, or strong personalities because of numerous experiences, many parents have told me that my characters have caused their children to become more good in nature.

Yangcheng Wanbao: From [Can’t Buy Me Love] to [Yes Sir, Sorry Sir], you have been filming many comedies in a row, would you consider leaning towards this area for future development?

Linda: I would not limit myself in the path that I am to take, I would like to try everything first. However, the ‘sexy look’ would definitely be something that I canno pull off. (laughs) I do not like exposing too much, even if it is only the thought of being sexy would not cultivate the right feel.

Yangcheng Wanbao: In the drama you are currently filming, [Yue Fu’s Hidden Dragon], what role are you playing?

Linda: A pioneer dancer. Upon receiving this role, I was still quite anxious, because dancing is not my greatest strength, but I will put in my best effort to act out this character.

Yangcheng Wanbao: You have had quite a few tries in the area of music, do you prefer singing or acting?

Linda: I like singing, because singers can express their own personality and feelings. When I am singing, I would maintain a very clean and pure image, and be myself. Currently, there are very few girls with this type of image, I feel that I can take this chance to dominate the market, haha!


Important Word to Note: Harsh Training
When I first entered the industry, it was tough and I cried everyday

Yangcheng Wanbao: Have you had any performance inclination since young?

Linda: Actually when I was young, I was a very typical girl. Graduating from high school at the age of 17, I was waiting to enter university. In those two months, I had really nothing better to do and when I was shopping, I saw an advertisement for a beauty pageant and my sister helped me get an application form and signed me up. Initially, I thought that I would finish my studies and go out to teach, I never thought of being an actress. In Canada, I was a very introverted young girl, but whenever I went on stage to perform, I would instantly change into a really confident person. When I first signed a contract with TVB, I was quite uncertain and it took me a lot of persuading to convince my parents to allow me to try out for two years. If I couldn’t make it, I would then go back to Canada to work or get married, who knew that one shot would carry me through all these 7 years.

Yangcheng Wanbao: When you first came to Hong Kong alone, without any acting experience whatsoever, that was difficult, huh?

Linda: The first drama I filmed was [Virtues of Harmony], and all the other actors were experienced ones, like Nancy Sit, Louis Yuen, and Kingdom Yuen. Although that was a comedy, I was unable to relax, and simply too nervous, when I didn’t laugh I appeared so serious, everyone around me felt that I was composed and calm, but my heart was pounding so hard in my chest. Then, I acted the most partner films with Steven Ma, and he said that I had the potential, but I wondered if he said the same to every newcomer. (laughs) During the toughest period, I cried every day. After 3 years from entering the industry, I rarely talked to other actors or others in my company, buying food and eating alone. Later, I slowly let myself go, and made a few good friends such as Shirley Yeung, Tavia Yeung and Leanne Li, confiding in each other, and helping me become happier.

Yangcheng Wanbao: Having acted so many characters, which one do you like the most?

Linda: I like too many of them, I am a very greedy person! [Heart of Greed]’s Sheung Joi Sum, [A Journey Called Life], [Legend of the Demigods], [Yes Sir, Sorry Sir],[Twilight Investigation], and another [Heavenly In-Laws], unfortunately this series never aired.

Yangcheng Wanbao: There is a great disparity among the characters of your favourite roles, are you a person that loves challenges?

Linda: I don’t know. I want to try different things, but sometimes in the midst of challenge I would feel very nervous. There was one period of time in which I was continuously acting as a “Super Good Girl”. Many scenes would need me to cry, making me almost faint with the effort of crying! Then, I really wished for a different character. I need to continually accept different characters, before I can progress!


Important Word to Note: Good Good Girl
I am naïve, but I rarely ever get bullied

Yangcheng Wanbao: There was a time in which you became the spokesperson of the “Good Girl” image, were you afraid that the image might stick at that time?

Linda: Linda Chung’s image is “Jade Girl”! Be it in real life or in my work, this is my true personality. Maybe this way, the image might have been too firmly set in the public’s mind, so people might feel that I am doing the same thing over and over again, but these few years, I have actually tried many different roles, such as the wayward girl in [A Journey called Life], [Legend of the Demigods]’s old woman, the rebellious girl in [Gem of Life], the stupid but pretty model in [Twilight Investigation], and [Yes Sir, Sorry Sir]’s cool teacher Miss Cool, but the audience still feel that I am a ‘Good Girl’.

Yangcheng Wanbao: In the entertainment industry, isn’t it difficult to be a Jade Girl?

Linda: There were reports saying that I was on bad terms with some of my colleagues, and there were also rumours that were completely untrue. I feel that I am very fortunate, I do not become the subject of such publications very often. I do not feel that it is too difficult to be a‘good good girl’, maybe this could be something to do with my family background. I did not come from a very wealthy family, and my parents taught me from young to be upright, and showered me with love. Having entered the industry, I do not feel that I have turned bad. Other than work, I do not care at all about the other things.

Yangcheng Wanbao: Wouldn’t this innocent personality of yours be really easy to manipulate or bully?

Linda: Actually this personality would result in two possible effects—you are too pure, and become easy to bully, or people could not bear to bully you, and instead be even nicer to you. I am very rarely bullied. Innocence is not equivalent to stupidity, and I think things to be abit more simple than normal, but would try my best to behave professionally in my workplace, and others would have no chance to knock me down.

Yangcheng Wanbao: You have really never had any incidents of suffering grievances?

Linda: Everyone has unhappy experiences, and I had such incidences when I first entered the entertainment circle. During that time, there were many notices, but those that were arranged to start work the earliest and knock off work the latest entirely did not have time to sleep. I was also misunderstood to be “acting stupid” before, and at that time I was really hurt. But these things only happened once or twice, so I am very grateful.


Important Word to Note: Relationships
I am not a ‘small woman’, I am a ‘middle woman’

Yangcheng Wanbao: Your career has taken flight, what about your hopes for relationships?

Linda: I place much emphasis on my relationships, I must be friends with that person for two years before I could consider dating him, and once I start dating him I would already be thinking of marriage. Although I really do want to date, and hope to get married and have children, this cannot be rushed and I think I would leave it to Mother Nature to decide.

Yangcheng Wanbao: Having been in the entertainment circle for so long, you have not had feelings towards anyone?

Linda: I would hide it even if I did have feelings for someone, and I would not tell anyone about these things. When it comes to relationships, I always deal with things in a very low-profiled way.(laughs)

Yangcheng Wanbao: If you date, would you choose to develop the relationship in the ‘underground relationship’ way?

Linda: This is a matter of time, when both parties feel that it is time, the members of the public will know.

Yangcheng Wanbao: In the face of relationships and work, how would you make a decision?

Linda: I have a ‘little woman’ side, but I could not say that I am entirely one, I should be considered a ‘middlewoman’—when I am in my late teens or early twenties, my career definitely comes first, but after that family is important as well. If I meet someone I love very deeply, I would surely choose family.

Yangcheng Wanbao: What is your idea of an ideal better half?

Linda: The most important would be that he is practical, compassionate and good to his family members, and could give me a sense of security. He must be willing to start a family, and cannot be going around with a playboy attitude. As to appearance, this is completely not important, as long as he looks good to me. I will also not consider his wealth.


Reporter’s Impression

Each time there is a promotional event, Linda Chung is not a hot spot for mass interviewing, but each time she definitely gives one the feeling of familiarity and warmth, she will not be false or try to catch media attention, but will answer according to the questions posed to her,and makes people feel good towards her. This telephone interview was done while Linda was attending the Blessing Ceremony for [Yue Fu’s Hidden Dragon], during the break. On the phone, Linda was busy preparing by setting her hair, putting on makeup, but she still seriously and conscientiously answered each and every question. Although her Chinese is not good, she still tried to force out words of Mandarin here and there, and was really cute. As she said herself, naïveté is not equivalent to stupidity, and in this really colourful entertainment circle, maintaining a innocent and pure heart is not easy at all, how could she be a stupid woman?


Column Captions
Innocent Girl vs. Bad Girl

3 years into entering the industry, Linda Chung had the chance to take part in the large-scale production [Heart of Greed]. In the drama, she acted as a “Good Girl”, Sheung Joi Sum, who was loved by many people. She and Raymond Lam acted as partners in the drama, and in the process many rumours were started regarding their relationship.

[A Journey Called Life]
Linda acted as a “Wet Girl in Mongkok” (wayward female youth) Sze Ka-ka, and her character progressed from a bad girl lacking the warmth of family relationships, to a positive one. In the drama, Linda even had fighting and pregnancy scenes, and the filming was quite much of a challenge.

[Legend of the Demigods]
This drama was another of Linda’s breakthroughs, her character as “Ho Choi Mui” (meaning lucky girl) had a great range of ages to act. She had to act as a youth in her late teens to a 70+ year-old woman. Although she sacrificed her image for the production, the character helped Linda to attract many younger fans.

[Twilight Investigation]
Linda acted as a“Pretty Model” Zhong Tak-yi, and had many cute ‘gwing’ facial expressions during the show, and the muddle-headed, silly acting brought great comic relief.

[Yes Sir, Sorry Sir]
Linda acted as a cool-on-the-outside, warm-on-the-inside female teacher Miss Cool (extreme right), and was cheated of her feelings by a police officer (Moses Chan). This character that experienced such a depth of emotional trauma caused many viewers to adopt an approving stance towards Linda, and she finally managed to drop the “vase” image.

Translated by ibellchu@Linda Cottage
Source: LindaGarden@Weibo

Thoughts: Thanks to Bell for the awesome translation! Really enjoyed this article ;) Linda is so modest. It must have been hard for her during the first few years of acting =( Can't imagine how it is to live in a foreign land alone. Glad to know that she've loosen up since then and made friends =)

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Virtues of Harmony Linda and Steven Moments 1

It was adorable when Linda and Steven pretended to live with each other xD During the 7 days they were together, the bittering pair gradually fell in love with each other. They cooked with each other and both failed miserably. Then when Linda was frightened because of the thunder, Steven was there to sooth her down. He sang to her and told her stories. That was probably the cutest scene of all!

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