Ki Tae is ripping through traffic, anxiously glancing at his watch as he does. Aunt is on the phone saying that she’s at the real estate agency and she’s there to the rental contract in Mom’s stead. Those two obnoxious ladies are waiting with the realtor. Wearing sunglasses inside. I find that so annoying. Aunt says that the time was set for 10AM. She was told to sign it if he wasn’t at the house by then. Ki Tae promises that he’s on his way. He asks Aunt to wait a bit. More crazy driving. Mom answers the phone and tells Aunt to sign it at 10 AM sharp. She is not budging! Aunt pulls out her seal and breathes on it. Ki Tae arrives at the house and runs around to drag a girl out of the car.
Rental Agency. Aunt gets a call and then apologizes that they’re no longer going to be leasing the apartment. Breathing hard, Ki Tae rushes into the house, announcing that he’s there. Halmeoni and Dad are smiling, looking to meet Ki Tae’s girlfriend. They stop smiling. Mom comes out and greets them. Jang Mi is hiding behind Ki Tae. She steps out from behind him and looks a torn-up mess. Mom stops smiling. Jang Mi’s wearing torn white short-shorts and a purple lace halter and carrying friend chicken. What is she wearing? And what’s with her hair? Jang Mi’s wearing a sweet smile, though. The family can’t help but be slack-jawed.
Roll back to 17 hours before. I think I like how it gives us just a snippet and then rolls backward. I usually absolutely hate it, but it’s really working for me in this series. It’s right after Jang Mi’s court appearance when Ki Tae finds her on the sidewalk. Right where the first episode left off. Jang Mi walks past Ki Tae. Ki Tae falls in behind her. Jang Mi sums up: So, the mom who invited her over was his mom and she thinks they’re dating? Right. And Ki Tae wants her to fake a relationship with him? Yup. And meet his parents? Yes. So what was with the outfit?
Jang Mi stops and looks at him. Does she look *that* desperate for marriage? Ki Tae’s surprised by the question. Like the thought never occurred to him that she was desperate. She can't believe he’s asking her not to marry him but to fake a relationship, like she’s just crazy about getting married. It's so absurd and rude! Ki Tae asks if she would marry him if he actually asked her to? Jang Mi makes a face and tells him not to try flirting with her. No, thank you. Even if he were the last guy on earth, she wouldn't choose him, ever. And that’s a clear sign, if we hadn’t already figured out that they were going to fall in love with each other, that they will be falling in love with each other.
Ki Tae sarcastically thanks Jang Mi for her refusal. He explains that *that* is exactly why he needs her. The whole reason he’s taking her home is so he doesn't have to get married. Saying,“I have a girlfriend. No more blind dates.” Is this his plan? Bingo. Jang Mi tells him to just to talk it out with his family. Ki Tae replies that if that could simply solve it, would he have come all the way there? Ki Tae mentions that he’s a little economically tight at the moment; she just needs to help him until it’s figured out. Jang Mi sees right through that: He needs money from his parents but he doesn't want to live the way they want him to. She asks him why she should help with such a sneaky plan.
Ki Tae declares that he’ll pay Jang Mi. How much does she make an hour? Ki Tae declares that he’ll pay her three…no, five times what she makes. Jang Mi yells back at him that she wouldn't do it even for a million bucks! Ki Tae isn’t giving up. He asks if she wants to try again with Hoon Dong. Through grated teeth, Jang Mi declares that she barely survived breaking up with him because of the humiliation. Start over with him? She starts muttering because the idea is crazy! Ki Tae tells her that she can start a new life with a new face. And he means that literally, since he’s a plastic surgeon. Not at all insulting to imply that her man problems are because she’s ugly.
Ki Tae starts laughing. Clueless to how that was so insulting. He pulls out a business card to prove it, but she shoves him aside. He says that dumped girls come to him all the time, to get prettier and take their revenge. Isn’t she going to take revenge? Looking at her face she should! Wow, so now she's not only desperate but ugly. We now can conclude that Ki Tae is good at insulting people but not at sweet talking them. It’s that surly nature of his.
Jang Mi stops, eyes closed with frustration. She opens them to the business card sitting right in her face and Ki Tae smiling sweetly. She yells, asking what his problem is! She declares that everything that happened is his fault. It all started when he showed up. He was there at all the most humiliating moments! He looks at her like he’s been falsely accused. She continues that she was embarrassed at Hoon Dong’s house because of Ki Tae! And she was even called a stalker!
Holding his hands out like he’s saying ‘whoops,’ Ki Tae declares that it's not 100% his fault. If she were less…Jang Mi cuts him off. Again, not persuading, dude. How dare Ki Tae say that! Does he think she’s a pushover? She swings in his direction as she tells him to leave before things get ugly and she turns him into a dog! I laugh because Ki Tae reflexively grabs his nose. She makes like she’s going to kick him in the shins. Ki Tae jumps backward to avoid her foot. She stomps away muttering about how he’s getting on her nerves!
Jang Mi is walking down the street. Ki Tae’s now following her about 10 feet behind. Jang Mi arrives at her rendezvous with Hyun Hee. She compliments Hyun Hee on how great she looks. She does look really cute. Ki Tae walks up and starts talking to Hyun Hee. He compliments Hyun Hee, too. Hyun Hee leans over and asks who the guy is. Jang Mi waves at him, annoyed, and says to ignore him. Ki Tae answers, telling Hyun Hee his name and handing her his card. Jang Mi tells him to get lost, but Hyun Hee sees dollar signs when she sees that Ki Tae is a plastic surgeon. Ki Tae asks if they’re meeting for drinks; he’ll buy. Hyun Hee laughs and says that she and Jang Mi were going clubbing, actually.
This is news for Jang Mi. Clubbing? She whines that Hyun Hee said she would buy tofu kimchi and rice wine. Ki Tae tells Jang Mi that rice wine sounds gloomy. He looks at Hyun Hee and says that clubbing is best for improving your mood. Hyun Hee smiles. Hyun Hee holds up the bag she’s carrying and says that she brought Jang Mi some clothes. Ki Tae tells Hyun Hee that she’s a great friend, with sense too. Hyun Hee asks if Ki Tae wants to go with them? Jang Mi protests but Hyun Hee ignores her. Ki Tae gratefully accepts. The pair start walking with Jang Mi protesting that she’ll never go clubbing with that jerk!
Next thing we see is Hyun Hee dancing with a guy in a club. Jang Mi’s changed her clothes – to the outfit we saw at the beginning of the episode – and is sitting, sulking at one of the tables. She’s drinking, a lot. Ki Tae arrives and orders another drink. Can’t tell if it’s for him or for Jang Mi. Jang Mi’s slurring makes it obvious that she’s drunk now. She asks Ki Tae if he thinks that by acting like this that she’ll join him in his con. Ki Tae made her a criminal and stole her tofu kimchi! Ki Tae tells Jang Mi that he’s sorry. He misunderstood her and unintentionally hurt her. Jang Mi reflects on that.
Ki Tae adds that he’s suffered just as much as she has. Really? Heart broken, humiliated, compared to?.. He had juice thrown on him, was hit by a beer bottle, so they should just call it even and make up! She pshaws that thought and gets up to leave. Ki Tae yells after her, asking where she’s going now. Maybe that drink was for him, because he sounds a little drunk, too. She yells at him to stop following her! She’s going to the restroom!
In the restroom, Jang Mi is massaging her temples, moaning that her head hurts. So that’s how her hair got messed up. Headache massage. Hyun Hee arrives and asks where Jang Mi found the plastic surgeon. Jang Mi replies that it’s not what she’s thinking. He’s friends with that bastard, Hoon Dong. Hyun Hee can’t believe that Ki Tae’s a friend of the guy who made her into a stalker. Why's Ki Tae with her? Jang Mi sighs and says that this is what she’s saying. What is she doing? She wants to go home.
Hyun Hee stops Jang Mi from leaving the bathroom and tells her that this is her problem. They have a ton of Plan B's here. Why does Jang Mi think she suggested a club? Just because she lost a guy doesn't mean it's the end of the world. Hyun Hee wanted Jang Mi to have a good time. Jang Mi asks if Hyun Hee wants her to have a one-night stand. Hyun Hee’s not suggesting that. She means Jang Mi should heal herself. Hyun Hee drags Jang Mi out onto the dance floor.
Jang Mi’s having a great time getting her groove on, but whenever a guy starts dancing with her, she moves on. Hyun Hee sees and groans. She starts to go grab Jang Mi when she encounters a guy grooving around *with sunglasses on.* I hate him already. He talks like Steve Martin's 'wild and crazy guy.' Guy asks how big her party is. Hyun Hee says two and Guy says they have a party of two too. Hyun Hee adds she’s with a really pretty girl. Who Ki Tae thinks needs to get plastic surgery. Sorry. A little snark going on. Guy likes that idea. He’s out with a rich friend. They can have a double date. Hyun Hee agrees since her friend was feeling lonely.
Jang Mi is crazy dancing. Hyun Hee comes to grab her and Jang Mi doesn’t want to go. Hyun Hee drags her anyway. And guess who the rich friend is… Hoon Dong. Of course. Guy tells Hoon Dong that the girl is dying of loneliness. Hopefully they can tap those tonight! Yeah! Really hate Guy even more now. They make their way over to Hyun Hee. Jang Mi hasn’t turned around and Hoon Dong starts dancing with her. Then they turn around. They stop dancing.
Guy’s surprised they know each other. Hoon Dong immediately gets on his high horse; does she really have to be like this?! Jang Mi yells back; does he think she came to see him? Hoon Dong asks if he’s supposed to believe that this is a coincidence. She came to a club for a one-night stand with some guy and it just “happened” to be him. Jang Mi can’t believe him. One-night stand? He was going to pick up a girl for some fun tonight? She’s now a criminal because of him! Hyun Hee realizes that this is the jerk. Hoon Dong tells Guy that this is the girl he told Guy about. Guy can’t believe the Stalker followed Hoon Dong here, too.
Everyone’s stopped dancing, because of the ruckus the four are making. Where’s Ki Tae? Hyun Hee clarifies that Hoon Dong is the guy that charged Unni (Jang Mi) with stalking? Guy says that Jang Mi got her friend involved too! Hyun Hee looks at Guy like she wants to punch him as he declares that they planned it all out. Hyun Hee asks what Guy’s talking about since he hit on her first. Finally Ki Tae has noticed the commotion.
Hoon Dong demands Jang Mi tell him the truth. Why did she come there? Hyun Hee asks him if he’s deaf. Jang Mi became a criminal today and wants to forget about it. Hoon Dong doesn’t believe it. He was the target of course. Jang Mi asks if Hoon Dong is saying she can't go clubbing? He can have fun and she can't? She starts poking Hoon Dong as she yells that she just happened to run into him! It's no crime! Hello? Ki Tae?
Guy asks if Hoon Dong wants to call the cops. Hyun Hee can’t believe Guy. The ink on the sentence hasn't even dried up yet! Ki Tae finally arrives, immediately wrapping his arm around Jang Mi’s shoulders and telling her that he looked all over for her. Then he asks Guy what he’s staring at. I love that his voice is daring Guy to keep doing it so Ki Tae can punch him. Hoon Dong can’t believe it. He looks a little pissed that Ki Tae has his arm around Jang Mi. Ki Tae looks at Hoon Dong like he’s surprised and asked when Hoon Dong got there. Hoon Dong starts to ask why they’re together when Ki Tae cuts him off and says, didn’t he tell Hoon Dong? He’s seeing Jang Mi.
Hoon Dong is shocked. He looks like you could knock him over with a feather right now. His mouth is hanging open. Ki Tae is smiling. Jang Mi is just looking at Hoon Dong. She slaps Ki Tae’s arm off her shoulder and walks off. Ki Tae tells a gaping Hoon Dong that they’ll talk more later and hurries after Jang Mi. Hyun Hee gives them both a glare and leaves too. Hoon Dong almost falls over.
Jang Mi leaves the club. Ki Tae runs after her, asking if she’s just leaving. Does she just want to be made a fool of again? Not looking at him or stopping she asks why he help her, since he’s Hoon Dong's friend. Ki Tae replies that this is why he can help her to get her revenge. Jang Mi stops walking but doesn’t look at Ki Tae. Looking at her, Ki Tae says that he will make Hoon Dong fall for her. The moment Hoon Dong does, she can dump him the same way he did her. She turns to look at him, the heartbreak evident on her face. She asks if she’ll really be able to do that. Does she have that in her, to be cold like that? Ki Tae looks a bit uncomfortable as he tells her that she just needs to do as he says.
[ 5 hours ago ]
Ki Tae takes Jang Mi to a restaurant where she’s slurping down her ramen. He watches her eat with an expression like he’s trying to figure out if she’s okay or not. He asks if she’s coming. She frowns and says that meeting his parents is a bit much. Ki Tae asks if she loves him. Confusion from Jang Mi. He tells her that she doesn’t need to get on his parents’ good side when she doesn’t even love him. She can do whatever she wants. She starts to be swayed that then tells him to let her get sober first. Ki Tae looks at his watch and sighs. He mutters to himself about what a slob Jang Mi is (when she eats).
[ 3 hours ago ]
Jang Mi is wandering down the sidewalk with Ki Tae protesting after her that she can just go to the house. Jang Mi protests that she can't go empty handed!
[ 1 hour ago ]
Ki Tae is dragging Jang Mi towards his car. She’s protesting that she doesn’t want to go. She’s still wearing her club clothes. He opens the cars and she stops. She begs him to let her change her clothes. He tells her she looks perfect and shoves her in the car.
Switch to Jang Mi standing in front of the family with a big smile on her face. She bows deeply and greets them. Dad is smiling. Almost like a lecherous old man. Halmeoni is inwardly groaning and Mom’s mouth is hanging open. Ki Tae announces that this is his girlfriend. Mom tries to recover from her shock. She states that it's so early today… Jang Mi smiles. Ki Tae says that he spent all night persuading Jang Mi to come home with him. Which is the truth. He brought Jang Mi home before she changed her mind. Halmeoni asks if they were together all night?
Jang Mi smiles and apologizes for the short notice. Only the convenience store was open. She offers them the plastic bag she’s carrying. Dad smiles and thanks her for the present, taking it. He tells them to sit. Mom is not happy. They adjourn to the living room. Man, I would be embarrassed, even if I wasn’t dating the guy. Club clothes… Dad’s sitting across from Jang Mi, smiling to himself. Definitely looking like a dirty old man. Of course, Ki Tae doesn’t notice, but then, he’s not actually really dating Jang Mi.
Mom arrives carrying a throw blanket. She gives Dad a look and he clears his throat. He is a dirty old man. Jang Mi thanks Mom for the blanket and puts it over her legs, with Ki Tae helping, of course. She mutters that she'll feel drunk if she’s warm. Mom almost spills the tea she’s pouring. Ki Tae glances over at Mom and suppresses as smile. Halmeoni says that Jang Mi must have a high alcohol tolerance. Not that I’ve seen. Jang Mi answers that she does because her parents own a shop that sells liquor. Shocked faces, including Ki Tae’s.
Jang Mi turns to Mom and apologizes for not making it last time. Mom says she understand it wasn't an easy decision. They’re not sure of their relationship yet. Jang Mi smiles and thanks her for for understanding. She turns to smile at Ki Tae, putting her hand on his leg, and says that they made it official not too long ago. They’re still getting used to each other, so they (the family) can just watch the relationship grow. Another suppressed smile from Ki Tae. I’m holding back mine, too. Jang Mi says that she doesn’t understand why people need to get the family's permission like this. Yes, the parents can pick who you'll spend the rest of your life with. But the ones taking responsibility for that choice are the ones getting married. Mom loudly puts her cup down into its saucer. Another stifled smile.
Halmeoni asks if Jang Mi is saying that she and Ki Tae don’t want them to get involved. Jang Mi enthusiastically nods. Mom is not happy. Jang Mi says that they’ll love each other and fight like crazy. Glance at Ki Tae who looks all lovey dovey at her. Oh boy. Jang Mi adds that when they're sure they want to be together, then they’ll come again for official permission. Ki Tae turns his head away from everyone because he’s having a hard time controlling his smile. Jang Mi asks if the family could please wait until then.
Jang Mi picks up her tea and saucer and takes a sip, with Ki Tae helping her hold the saucer like a doting boyfriend. He glances at his family. Dad’s got a smile on. Mom still does not. It’s like she’s thinking that Ki Tae is doing this to punish her. Ki Tae asks if the tea is good. Jang Mi says that it’s warm; it's really helping her hangover. Dad smiles again and Halmeoni tries not to smile. Mom still isn’t smiling. Ki Tae smiles and playfully bumps Jang Mi with his shoulder.
Mom asks Jang Mi whether she thinks she should know about Ki Tae’s family. He’s the only son for 3 generations (you know). Jang Mi’s stopped smiling and has started blinking heavily as Mom says that their family is not extremely conservative but they have their own ways. Jang Mi would probably have to change her lifestyle. It just looks like Halmeoni rolled her eyes. She should keep that in mind in her relationship with Ki Tae.
There’s snoring. Jang Mi has fallen asleep – I had a feeling it was coming when she started blinking like that – and falls forward onto Mom’s shoulder. Everyone is surprised. Ki Tae starts coughing into his hand to keep from laughing out loud. He puts his head down and keeps his hand over his mouth. Jang Mi reaches up to wrap her arm around Mom. Mom, without looking at Jang Mi, reaches up and pulls Jang Mi’s arm off of her. Then she shoves Jang Mi off of her, by pushing Jang Mi backward with a hand to her forehead. Heh. Mom continues to just look straight ahead.
Ki Tae pretends to be attentive. Jang Mi kicks her legs out so that they’re laying across his lap. He reaches down to make sure the blanket is still covering Jang Mi’s legs. Aunt arrives, with Halmeoni cringing. Aunt greets Ki Tae happily and then asks who the girl is. Ki Tae tries to pat Jang Mi on the face to wake her, but she is out.
Later, Jang Mi and Ki Tae are leaving the house. The family sees them out. Jang Mi bows deeply and apologizes for falling asleep. It’s obvious that she feels terrible. Dad thanks her for feeling so comfortable around them. Ki Tae isn’t sure how he feels about that. Jang Mi smiles thankfully and Mom glares over at Dad. Aunt starts to say that she’s sorry she missed it but catches herself and changes to say that she didn't get to talk too much to Jang Mi. Halmeoni tells Jang Mi to come again; they can have rice wine together. Jang Mi claps her hands together and declares that she’d love to. Her pancakes are the best! Halmeoni likes her, I can tell. Mom is still not smiling. She tells Jang Mi to have a safe trip back. Jang Mi apologizes again and bows.
Ki Tae loads Jang Mi into the car. As he gets in, Jang Mi tells the family that they’ll get going. She waves brightly. Halmeoni waves vigorously back as the car drives away. Aunt grabs Halmeoni and tells her to stop waving. Mom watches the car go, still not happy. She goes in first.
As they drive away, Jang Mi sighs. She feels bad about lying to them. Ki Tae tells her that she was an expert at it; the lies just came out so smoothly! Jang Mi replies that she was only saying what she honestly thinks. Jang Mi mutters that this is bad, though. They became too comfortable with each other the first time they met. What if the family really wants them to get married? Ki Tae replies that Jang Mi doesn’t need to worry about that; she don't know his mom. Jang Mi replies that she’s most worried about Mom. She was generous the whole time. Ki Tae declares that Mom wasn’t being nice, she was training Jang Mi.
Halmeoni grabs a caffeine drink. Mom approaches and tells Halmeoni that she’ll take the drink. It's full of caffeine. The implication is that Halmeoni shouldn’t be drinking it. Halmeoni protests that it's okay once in a while. Mom replies – her voice is always so non-threatening. How does she do that? – that Halmeoni won’t be able to sleep tonight. She’ll make Halmeoni some plum tea instead. Halmeoni sighs and hands over the drink, with a frown.
Mom picks up the box of energy drinks and as she’s leaving the living room, Halmeoni announces that she approves. She likes Jang Mi. This gets Mom to pause. Halmeoni adds that she’s sure that Mom is against her. Halmeoni asks Dad what he thinks. Dad chuckles and says that his opinion wouldn't matter much. Halmeoni frowns as he says that he always respects and follows his wife's opinion. Aunt makes a face like he’s full of it. Mom tells Dad that he really doesn’t care about such things. Dad goes back to his newspaper. There is something definitely off in their relationship.
Aunt declares that Ki Tae seems to like Jang Mi. She adds that Jang Mi is Dad’s type. He clears his throat and looks more deeply at the paper as Aunt giggles. She stops giggling when she looks at Mom. Aunt immediately declares that she’s against Jang Mi. She hates girls that are prettier than she is. Dad clears his throat again and gets up and leaves the room. Halmeoni says that Ki Tae came home thanks to Jang Mi. It's been 3 long years. It's the first time Ki Tae ever brought a girl home. She proposes they give the couple some time since that's what the couple wants.
There’s a pause as Mom stands and looks at the back of Halmeoni’s head. Halmeoni tells Mom to say something. Mom replies that Jang Mi said she doesn't need their permission. Mom leaves the living room. With her voice lowered, Aunt asks Halmeoni if she really likes Jang Mi. Aunt declares that age has really softened Halmeoni. Halmeoni says that above everything, Jang Mi’s funny. Plus, she shook up Mom. Halmeoni giggles.
Mom is getting Halmeoni that plum tea she promised. She stops and declares that it's so weird. This isn't the Ki Tae she knows. Driving, Ki Tae declares that Mom won't kick Jang Mi out, but she won't accept Jang Mi either. Jang Mi nods. Mom’s ambiguous. Ki Tae says that Mom will take as much as she can get and make you leave when you're sick and tired. Mom maintains her angelic image without having to hurt anyone herself. That's how she deals with people. Ki Tae declares that it's… people management.
Jang Mi looks at Ki Tae and asks about people management. Isn't that about dating? Ki Tae says that dating is about personal relationships, too. Jang Mi should learn from Mom. They arrive. Ki Tae tells Jang Mi to get out. When she asks, “Why?” he declares that it’s for revenge. How ominous sounding! Next thing we see is Ki Tae drawing on Jang Mi’s face. She asks what he’s doing. He replies that men are sensitive to visual changes. He puts down his pen and spins her chair around so they can look at her in the mirror. She seriously looks like a cat right now.
Ki Tae declares that her breasts could use another 200cc in size. Jang Mi smacks her hands across her chest. He adds that she could use thigh liposuction and Botox for the arms. She shoves his hand away and tells him not to touch her. Love that she likes herself just the way she is.
Make over montage! Jang Mi comes out dancing and Ki Tae says that she needs to appeal to *guys.* She runs back into the dressing room to change. Next outfit, I think is really cute, even if it is strapless. Ki Tae takes a quick look as Jang Mi blows a kiss in his direction and declares that she shouldn’t be so obvious. She should be subtle. He goes back to his magazine. Her next selection, he doesn’t even look at. He snaps his finger and sips his coffee. The girl hands over the clothes Ki Tae has picked out. Jang Mi takes them. Her face looks like she wants to slug Ki Tae.
Jang Mi awkwardly exits the dressing room. Ki Tae has a small moment where his eyes pop out of his head. Jang Mi smiles and he quickly recovers to frown again. He hands over his card and tells the salesgirl to charge it. Jang Mi immediately starts to protest him paying. She takes his card from the salesgirl and hands it back to him.
Hyun Hee walks by and sees them. She sounds upset when she says, “Unni!” They glance in her direction. Ki Tae stands up and whispers to Jang Mi that they have to act like a couple. Mom is meticulous. Jang Mi whispers back, asking about her revenge. He whispers that they have to do it, especially for her revenge. Besides, she’s worth every penny. Jang Mi laughs and starts smiling at Hyun Hee. So does Ki Tae. She waves and says hello.
Jang Mi is now walking down the street, confident, flipping her hair like she’s a super model. She heads to Bon Cafe (Hoon Dong’s place). Yeo Reum sees her as she’s looking around and comes over wearing a smile. Jang Mi’s about to not talk to him, when Ki Tae’s voice tells her that players are terrible flirts, 24/7. She looks back at Yeo Reum and smiles. He tells her, “Hi again.” She orders a grapefruit juice. Ki Tae tells her to think of all men as potential boyfriends. Jang Mi stands there and smiles.
Yeo Reum looks at her outfit and asks why Jang Mi looks so much prettier today. Mixed reactions from the other wait staff. Jang Mi laughs, flattered. Ki Tae’s voice tells her not to be fooled by it. She shouldn’t flutter because of the opponent's compliments. She stops smiling. She nods and declares that she changed her style a bit. She tells him that he should try a change, too, since he has a nice build. Ki Tae’s voice tells her not to be generous with her compliments. Yeo Reum asks Jang Mi if she’ll pick out an outfit for him someday. She works at a department store, right? I can’t believe they’re flirting by talking about buying him clothes. Ki Tae’s voice tells her to use the key phrase, now. Jang Mi smiles and tells Yeo Reum, “Sure.” He should call her. She hands over her business card. Ki Tae’s voice adds, “Sometime,” so Jang Mi adds, “Sometime,” to her invitation.
The grapefruit juice arrives as Hoon Dong does. He sees Jang Mi from the back and thinks that this is some new, hot customer. He peers over his sunglasses at her and nods with approval. Yeo Reum tells Jang Mi that the drink is on him. Ki Tae’s voice says that being polite is for her benefit, not others. Jang Mi smiles sweetly at Yeo Reum. From behind them, Hoon Dong pulls off his sunglasses and declares that he’ll buy the drink. He owns the place, after all. He starts to tell her that she looks familiar when she turns around to glare at him. Shocked Hoon Dong face.
Hoon Dong starts doing little karate chops in Jang Mi’s direction as he asks what she wants. The staff laugh at him. She holds up the juice and says she was there for that. She turns around and, putting a hand on Yeo Reum’s arm, nods a goodbye and walks out of the restaurant. Yeo Reum sighs. Hoon Dong looks from Yeo Reum to Jang Mi and then chases after her.
Hoon Dong asks Jang Mi if she came all that way for just a cup of juice. Without stopping or looking at him, she asks if that's something she would do. He demands to know what she’s up to. Ki Tae drives up. Jang Mi gets in the car and puts on her seatbelt. Ki Tae waves and they drive off, leaving a speechless Hoon Dong.
After a minute, Jang Mi stops pretending to be indifferent. She breaks out into a big grin and asks Ki Tae if he saw Hoon Dong’s expression. She declares that the part-timer was falling for her, too. She must be born with it. Ki Tae tells her not to overact. It's just the start now. Jang Mi can’t help but beam and giggle to herself. Ki Tae takes a sip of his grapefruit juice and asks Jang Mi what she wants for dinner. She declares that she’s good. She'll get off at the subway station.
Ki Tae declares that they haven't dated very long. Pasta will do. Jang Mi asks why he’s being so considerate. Ki Tae scoffs at the notion that he might like Jang Mi, too. He tells her not to get carried away. Aunt is behind them. Jang Mi immediately turns around to look. Ki Tae hisses at her not to. She can’t believe his family stalks him. He snarks that it's a family full of love. Heh.
Aunt is driving with a scarf on her head. She blows at it, not taking her hands off the wheel, and mutters that she’s so hot. Ki Tae starts changing lanes to give Aunt a hard time.
Ki Tae and Jang Mi end up at a restaurant. Jang Mi glances behind her and Aunt ducks out of sight. She sighs and says that Aunt must be hungry. Ki Tae should ask Aunt to join them. Ki Tae raps the table indignantly and tells her not to turn away from him. Their eyes should be glued to each other, like they're the only people in the world. Jang Mi says, with a straight face, that he’s saying such romantic words with such an unromantic expression. She adds that his family will catch on with that face. She declares that they should just drink wine.
The waitress is struggling trying to open the wine bottle. From how Jang Mi is chewing on her thumb, it must have been for a while. Jang Mi tells the girl that she’ll do it. The girl protests but Jang Mi says that she likes the feeling of opening wine bottles. The waitress apologizes and leaves. Ki Tae watches Jang Mi open the wine bottle. Finally the cork comes off. Jang Mi smiles at Ki Tae. Ki Tae looks down at his pasta, frowning. Not looking up, he tells her that she has an obsession with being kind to others. She replies that it’s just easier to do it herself.
Jang Mi smiles as they toast. Ki Tae’s still frowning. He tells her that she wants others' acknowledgment and love. Jang Mi chugs her glass and nods with appreciation over the wine. She replies that it seems like people's acknowledgement and love means nothing to him. Some people live for that. But, those from loving families would never understand. He rips apart some bread as he responds that loving families have their issues too. She tells him that he’s spoiled. Ki Tae ought to be grateful they care about him. And what does he mean that it's kindness for her? It's kindness for him. Being polite is good for both of them. She pours herself another glass as she declares that that's life.
Jang Mi picks up her glass and turns around to look at Aunt. Aunt starts trying to hide (and failing). Jang Mi lifts the glass and tells Aunt, “Cheers.” Ki Tae looks at Jang Mi and tells her that she get used by people a lot, right? Not acknowledgment and love… It's obvious. Jang Mi retorts that she’s letting him take advantage of her since she has a goal now. Once she gets her revenge on Hoon Dong, it's over. She points her finger at him as she tells him that she hates his attitude and his way of thinking. He snaps back at her that she should never drink! She really shouldn’t. He mutters to himself that he shouldn't have bought drinks. Jang Mi tells Ki Tae to be good to Mom. Mom wants love too.
Ki Tae drops Jang Mi off. They stand outside her house. He extends an invitation for a charity event for young cancer patients and tells her to make some time for him this weekend. Ki Tae says that his friend is the host. He wants rumors to spread about them, then Mom will believe them. Jang Mi chuckles ironically and says that it’s funny. She thought she'd never be able to date again and this is how it’s happening. She tells him thanks. He replies that she doesn’t need to thank him. It's 100% for him. Wow, he can be really cold sometimes. She’s thinking the same thing, too, because she makes a face at him.
Ki Tae leans in. From Aunt’s angle, it looks like they’re kissing good night. Ki Tae says through his teeth that Jang Mi should go in. Jang Mi starts laughing awkwardly and shakes Ki Tae’s hand and gives him a arm hug. She tells him that she misses him already as she walks inside, waving at him. He watches her go and waves, too. Aunt calls Mom and tells her that she checked.
Hoon Dong gets out of his car and wonders why he came there. He decides, since he’s here already…
Jang Mi is at work. Hyun Hee approaches and tells Jang Mi that she has a visitor. It’s Yeo Reum. Nice fake out! He’s there for that shopping she promised. She starts to fidget and he asks her if he came when she didn't mean it. Did he make her uncomfortable? She replies that she’s working right now. She glances over Yeo Reum’s shoulder and sees Hoon Dong peeking around the corner looking at her. Really, dude? You dumped her, accused her of stalking, and now you’re following her? Yeo Reum tells her that he’ll get going, but she stops him and asks Hyun Hee to cover for her.
Jang Mi and Yeo Reum start walking together, arm in arm, with Hoon Dong following them. Jang Mi smiles widely and says that she’s glad he came. Hoon Dong can’t believe it: Gong Ki Tae and Han Yeo Reum? Hyun Hee plops her hand on his shoulder, about giving him a heart attack.
Makeover montage! They settle on an all-black outfit. Yeo Reum smiles and says that Jang Mi is working so hard for him. She remembers Ki Tae’s advice that being polite is for her benefit, not others. She tells him that she had fun. It's like playing with dolls. Yeo Reum smiles slightly and asks Jang Mi that since he was her doll, will she pay for him. Her eyes bulge in alarm as Ki Tae’s voice tells her that people take advantage of her. Yeo Reum laughs, because he was kidding. He pulls out his card and says that he’ll pay in full.
Hoon Dong is walking with Hyun Hee. He points to a purse and tells her that it would suit you. She giggles appropriately. He sees a wallet and likes it. He asks if he can get 20 of them. When Hyun Hee asks about 20 of the same item, Hoon Dong says that a friend is having a charity event and he wants to donate them. He winks at her. Hyun Hee declares that Hoon Dong is nicer than she thought. He’s not sure what she means. She laughs and said that Jang Mi had her thinking that he was the worst kind of loser. Hoon Dong’s smile gets less relaxed. Hyun Hee supposes that it's because Jang Mi loved him so much and was really hurt.
Hoon Dong blinks at that comment. Hyun Hee smiles and tells him that she can see why Jang Mi fell so hard for him. Really? You’re going to start flirting with him? After how he dogged your friend? Hoon Dong squirms uncomfortably. Hyun Hee says that she’ll have his order sent by UPS. She walks off and Hoon Dong sighs, still uncomfortable. But it seems more about Jang Mi than getting hit on.
Se Ah is sitting at a restaurant, drinking a smoothie and reading a book. It’s Hoon Dong’s restaurant. Yeo Reum arrives and hands her back her card. She asks if he bought something nice. He thanks her and asks why she did it. She replies that her party guests should look their best. Hoon Dong arrives and tells Yeo Reum to scram. He sits at her table and says that he sees her often these days. Is she there to see him? Se Ah declares that she’s leaving now. Burn! She turns to Yeo Reum and tells him she’ll see him this weekend. Hoon Dong tries to get her to stay for some dinner, but she doesn’t even acknowledge him as she leaves.
Hoon Dong turns and looks at Yeo Reum. She invited him, too? Yeo Reum nods and says that she bought him an outfit too. How could he turn her down? Hoon Dong yells at Yeo Reum that he was hitting on Jang Mi too, smiling with his tiny eyes! Yeo Reum innocently asks, “Me?” Jang Mi was kind to him first. Hoon Dong snaps that Jang Mi’s always kind to everyone. He sighs with frustration and says that that's her problem. Yeo Reum looks at Hoon Dong and asks him, “But, didn't you two break up?” Hoon Dong replies that they did but… He realizes what he’s doing. He starts giving Yeo Reum a hard time about how Yeo Reum bussed the table. Yeo Reum laughs, pats Hoon Dong on the shoulder and asks if he should ask Jang Mi to go to the party, too. Hoon Dong glares at him as he walks away.
Se Ah is driving in her convertible. She calls Ki Tae and declares that she needs him to go to a party with her. He wants to know why. She tells him that he’ll see. She tells anti-social Gong Ki Tae, that she’ll take him there so he doesn’t sleep all day. She says that she’s almost there. Ki Tae tells her that he already has a date. Se Ah’s not sure how to respond to that. Ki Tae tells her not to worry, he’ll see her there. She hangs up and doesn’t look happy about this development.
Those are HIGH heels. Really cute, though. Wow! Jang Mi looks great. I love the dress and it’s a good color for her, too. Jang Mi’s walking. Hoon Dong leaves his restaurant, whistling. He looks nice too, although it’s a casual dressy. They run into each other. He takes off his sunglasses and they stand there, awkwardly. He asks her to talk for a moment. Indifferently, she asks what they need to talk about. Hoon Dong, looking serious, says that he wants to apologize. She looks at him and blinks. With no hint of flippancy, Hoon Dong tells her that he’s sorry. Honestly.
Jang Mi’s indifferent exterior is starting to crack. Hoon Dong declares that he wants her to go somewhere with him. A pause. Ki Tae walks up and says that he’s sorry but they have plans. Hoon Dong looks at Jang Mi like he can’t believe that she’d just go. Se Ah drives up in the distance in her convertible. Ki Tae’s practice must be right by Hoon Dong’s restaurant, because Ki Tae was just at his office and now he’s there and she was coming to get him… Plus, earlier, when Ki Tae was drawing on Jang Mi’s face, the shot prior to that had them arriving outside of the restaurant.
Ki Tae tells Jang Mi that they should go. He puts his arm around her and begins to walk her away. After about 10 feet Jang Mi stops and says that she wants to hear him out. She starts to go back, but he grabs her and walks her away. He puts her in the car and they drive away. Neither Se Ah nor Hoon Dong are happy. Se Ah gives Hoon Dong a ride.
In the car, Jang Mi mutters that Hoon Dong seemed to mean it. Ki Tae sighs and asks if she’s going to fall for a simple sorry? Did she forget about people management? She sighs and says that it’s not her thing. She’s a one-man type of girl. Ki Tae sighs and tells her not to be hasty or she’ll regret it. He could be managing people too. She needs to stay on your toes. Jang Mi shouldn’t let Hoon Dong see through her. Jang Mi sighs.
Lots of girls in bikinis. Jang Mi and Ki Tae arrive. She feels awkward and he walks with his hands in his pockets as if he could care less. She wonders what kind of charity event this is. Se Ah walks up and declares that they should all have a good time. Hoon Dong walks up, wearing his sunglasses – at least he’s outside this time. He looks ticked. Jang Mi looks at him awkwardly. Se Ah declares that those who are giving should have fun, too. Ki Tae remembers he needs to introduce Se Ah to Jang Mi. Jang Mi nicely bows when they’re introduced.
Ki Tae starts to introduce Jang Mi when Se Ah cuts him off, saying that she already knows who Jang Mi is. Ki Tae’s surprised, until she adds that it’s because of Hoon Dong. Now Jang Mi feels really awkward. Which I think is exactly how Se Ah wanted it. Jang Mi thinks to herself that Hoon Dong wanted to bring her there? Ki Tae tells Hoon Dong that he didn't think Hoon Dong would be there. Hoon Dong replies that Se Ah wanted him to come. Hoon Dong hopes that Ki Tae doesn’t feel uncomfortable about him being there with Se Ah, since Ki Tae doesn't hold on to the past.
Ki Tae replies that the past isn't important. He puts his arm around Jang Mi and pulls her close, declaring that the present is. Hoon Dong doesn’t like that answer. Neither does Se Ah, but she puts on a smiling face and asks to borrow Ki Tae so they can greet Professor Choi. That leaves Jang Mi alone with Hoon Dong, but Hoon Dong walks away, leaving Jang Mi by herself. One of the other guests marvels that when the daughter of Ganghan's chief director is hosting a party, all the doctors of Seoul show up. Jang Mi looks over at Ki Tae with Se Ah. Ki Tae is cordially bowing with Se Ah smiling at his side. They totally look like the perfect power couple. Korea’s Beyonce and Jay-Z. Ki Tae laughs easily as Jang Mi watches.
Screaming Girls. I call them girls because no self-respecting woman screams like that when a cute guy shows up. Yeo Reum has arrived, wearing the outfit that Jang Mi picked out for him. He’s also wearing sunglasses. Jang Mi sees him and waves, smiling. Yeo Reum smiles and waves back… and walks right past her to go talk to Se Ah. That’s who he was waving at. Se Ah and Hoon Dong welcome him. Jang Mi mutters to herself that Yeo Reum had another goal too. Way to really make her feel like crap, Ki Tae.
Hoon Dong gets a call. It’s Hyun Hee. She looks very cute. She claims that his order was delayed so she brought it there personally. Yeah, I’m sure that it was ‘delayed’ as in, you didn’t bother trying to get in to the UPS guy… Hoon Dong thanks her for coming and she smiles broadly. He’s sorry if it was any trouble. She tells him that she had skip lunch so she’s hungry. Now that’s not fishing for a date at all… Hoon Dong asks her if she wants to grab something. Hyun Hee’s like, “Really?!” Ah! She’s making me want to slap her! She only likes Hoon Dong because he’s rich. He’s clueless.
Hoon Dong walks up to Se Ah and says that he brought something for the auction. She asks him what’s the deal with the wallets. Hoon Dong says that it's a charity auction, so he wanted to help. And he thinks he’s being so smooth. Se Ah squints at him and says that it isn't that type of auction. The guys around her (including Ki Tae) chuckle at Hoon Dong for being an idiot. When Hoon Dong tries to ask, Se Ah smiles and tells him that he’ll find out soon. She appreciates the thought. He awkwardly takes the wallets back.
Jang Mi is at the buffet table. She declares that she’ll just eat. Food is best. As she tries to get some food, Yeo Reum comes up and takes the tongs out of her hands and starts using them. She starts to make small talk. Yeo Reum answers that he’s heard that she’s kind to anyone. Jang Mi tries again to get some food and Yeo Reum stops her again. He says he thought she was interested in him. She replies that he wasn’t interested in her either. Third try blocked. Yeo Reum tells her she shouldn’t judge others like that. They do a little sword fighting with the tongs before Jang Mi gives up.
Yeo Reum tells Jang Mi that with all the chaos with the juice on Ki Tae… She puts her tongs down and asks him what he’s trying to do. He reaches over and puts the plate that he’s been filling up on top of hers. He looks at her and says that it’s not nice to see her acting like Hoon Dong. That stings her. A drunk woman wanders up to Yeo Reum and says that she saved him a seat. He walks off with her, leaving Jang Mi standing there.
The announcer declares that they’re going to start the main event: the Male Auction! All the eligible men climb up on stage. Se Ah drags Ki Tae up to the stage. When he protests, she tells him that it’s for a good cause. He tries to just give a donation, but he and Yeo Reum end up on stage. Hoon Dong walks up the Se Ah and asks if she wants some help. He tells her that he would've dressed up if he'd known. All the guys look like a bunch of bugs. She tells him to go ahead.
The auction starts. Lots of bidding and men performing. Ki Tae’s turn. He barely says that he’s a plastic surgeon. Yeo Reum introduces himself as a good cook. That gets the women’s lather going. Lots of bidding. $300! $500! $700! Drunk lady bids $1,000! Jang Mi is laughing and clapping. Hoon Dong is annoyed that someone else is getting the hooplah. Emcee asks what Ki Tae is good at. All he can come up with is that he’s good at eating. Women start bidding on Ki Tae. $300! $500! $700! $800! $900! A bidding war breaks out between some older women. Se Ah chuckles. Ki Tae looks at Jang Mi and she shrugs. He looks over at Se Ah and she shrugs with her eyes.
Emcee declares that now they’re going to do a battle between Ki Tae and Yeo Reum! Ki Tae tries to get out of it, so Yeo Reum has to pick: dancing. Yeo Reum starts dancing and the women go wild. $1,500! $2,000! $3,000! $3,500! $4,000! Drunk lady bids $5,000! Emcee declares that she’s the winner. Emcee turns to Ki Tae. The cougars are ready to claim their prize. Ki Tae relulctantly says that he’ll dance. He starts doing some Elvis moves. He mouths to Jang Mi to bid on him. $2000! Cougar bids $3500! Se Ah’s trying hard not to laugh. $4,000! Ki Tae is killing himself dancing, trying not to be bought by the cougars. $4500! $5000! Jang Mi starts to feel really bad for Ki Tae. And then Se Ah bids $10,000. Her plan all along.
The bidding goes on until no one is left… except Hoon Dong. The Emcee forgot about him. He covers by saying that he saved the best for last. Hoon Dong declares that he owns a French restaurant and will feed the ladies pasta forever. No one bids. Se Ah chuckles. Jang Mi looks like she feels like crap. Finally someone bids. Jang Mi for $18. Subs say this is a curse word in Korean. There's a cuckoo sound effect which covers what she says. Before the Emcee can say sold, Hoon Dong says that he’s still got to do his talent. Emcee asks Hoon Dong if he doesn’t want to be won. Hoon Dong protests that he’s never seen Jang Mi before. He declares that he used to want to be in an idol band. But his singing is bad. So is his dancing. Emcee proposes they throw Hoon Dong into the water. The crowd cheers that they’ll pay for that. Jang Mi cringes because she knows this is humiliating for Hoon Dong.
Crowd chants for Hoon Dong to get dunked. Hoon Dong agrees, but says that he’s doing it for *her.* She'll know who she is. Hyun Hee smiles like he means her. Hoon Dong says that she’ll know that she’s his girl. Jang Mi looks like she’s going to be sick. Yeo Reum isn’t smiling but looking uncomfortable. Ki Tae mutters that Hoon Dong wants everyone. Hoon Dong dramatically goes and does a belly flop into the pool. Ouch.
Everyone laughs and no one bids. Emcee declares that Hoon Dong is for free if any girl will go in too! Hoon Dong’s standing in the water, shivering. Jang Mi slowly, with determination, walks into the pool. Ki Tae sighs with frustration. Hyun Hee looks upset. Jang Mi walks over to Hoon Dong and tells him, “Let’s go.” She takes his arm and escorts him out of the pool, leaving one of her shoes behind. Dang! Those were nice shoes, too. Once they’re out of the pool, Jang Mi and Hoon Dong look at each other. Ki Tae watches to see what’s going to happen. She lets go of Hoon Dong’s arm and they just look at each other.
Now Hoon Dong’s shivering, sitting at a table under a tent. Jang Mi’s brought him a towel, which she throws onto his head. She sits. He thanks her. She asks if he meant it. He doesn’t know what she’s talking about. She says that he still doesn't feel any remorse, eh? Hoon Dong asks her if she was hoping they were going to start over? He almost looks hopeful. Indignant, she asks him if he’s crazy. There’s no way! He sighs and his face says that he was hoping she was going to say yes. Hoon Dong says that he thought they could be friends. Really? After how you treated her? She can’t believe him, either.
Incredulous, Jang Mi can’t believe he can be like that. Hoon Dong says that he thought he couldn't, but with her it seems possible. She seemed cool with things, since she was with Ki Tae and Yeo Reum. Hoon Dong declares that it's not all about dating when thinking in terms of having a 'good relationship.' Why must couples who break up become enemies? They don’t have to, unless one of them is a cowardly jerk who gets the other arrested for being a stalker! I'm sorry. I'm just not going to let that go. Hoon Dong says that they could encourage each other and just be friends. Because Hoon Dong does not live in reality. Jang Mi looks away.
Hoon Dong thanks her for what she did and starts to suggest something they should do, but she cuts him off and tells him that they shouldn’t meet again. Hoon Dong’s surprised. She clarifies: even as friends, they shouldn’t meet. Hoon Dong doesn’t understand why not. Stoically, Jang Mi declares that her feelings for him were real. She’s still embarrassed by that. She gets up and walks away, leaving Hoon Dong thinking.
Jang Mi walks, one shoe missing. Ki Tae is waiting for her. He looks like he feels bad for her. She tells him that they should forget about her revenge. He says that he’ll take her home. She replies that she’s sorry but they need to forget about their deal, too. He tells her to just wait. He'll bring more towels. He leaves to get the towels and she starts walking again. She takes off the other shoe. Yeo Reum calls her name. He has her other shoe and her purse. Aw. Yeo Reum kneels down and Jang Mi has a Cinderella moment.
As Yeo Reum puts her shoes on her, Jang Mi thinks that it didn't matter who benefited from Yeo Reum’s act of compassion, whether it was for people management or not. Ki Tae comes back and sees it. Jang Mi thinks that she was glad that someone was with her. Ki Tae looks at the towels he’s holding. Jang Mi’s stomach growls. Yeo Reum laughs and says they should eat. Now. Se Ah walks up to Ki Tae, who’s still watching Jang Mi and Yeo Reum. She asks when he wants to do their date. He starts to asks why she bid on him and she tells him that she did it for the children. That's all. He asks what he can do to be worth $10,000? She smiles and tells him to just buy her a meal. Now.
Hyun Hee has found Hoon Dong, who’s sitting with his head in his hand. She asks if he’s okay. She asks him if he wants to go eat now? Jang Mi’s voiceover declares that no one stooped low (was being a coward). Yeo Reum puts his jacket on Jang Mi’s shoulders and they start to leave together as she thinks that they all just wanted to be with someone. Her phone rings. Jang Mi’s eyes bulge wide as she asks “Who came over?” She turns around to look at Ki Tae, who’s also on the phone. Appalled, he asks the caller, “What! Where did she go?!”
Oma is on the phone. She asks Jang Mi how she could do it and declares that she was so surprised. She tells Jang Mi to come home now. Oma hangs up the phone and grabs the tray with the grapefruit juice. She brings it out to where Mom is and apologizes for this being all they have. Mom apologizes for the short notice.
Thoughts
We got to know our hero and heroine more this episode and I am liking them more and more. Even if Ki Tae is being a jerk to his Mom by having Jang Mi act awfully to give Mom a hard time. For how rude Ki Tae is, it really seems like it’s just because he’s never been around someone who doesn’t want something from him. The girls were never interested in him, but they were interested in his money or his status. That’s all the girls were like for him or Hoon Dong, until Jang Mi. With Jang Mi, she genuinely loved Hoon Dong, which is what caught Ki Tae’s attention, and she’s a genuinely kind, polite person, which I think is why he cares about what happens to her. He tries to act indifferent, but he’s starting to genuinely feel badly when she’s hurt by his butthead best friend.
I mentioned that Jang Mi was a genuinely kind, polite person – which is one of the reasons I really like her. Here’s some of the places I see that part of her: (1) having to bring a cake when she’s visiting his parents, (2) how she bows deeply to most people, (3) how she gives him a hard time about how he treats his mom, (4) how she was worried about Aunt being hungry, (5) how she had compassion on the waitress and opened the bottle of wine, (6) how she saved Hoon Dong when he was being totally humiliated. I really am starting to like her a lot, because of this part of her character.
I’m really not starting to like her friend, Hyun Hee, though. The girl is totally scoping in on Hoon Dong. I totally think it’s because he’s got money. Even if he wasn’t her best friend’s ex, she still should consider him off-limits because of the player he is. But she’s flirting with him all over the place. Make me want to gag.
I’m not sure how I feel about Se Ah. She “seems” to be a nice person. And I can understand her fighting for Ki Tae, because it really seems like she wants him back, even though he’s not wanting to come back. He’s clueless, of course.
I mentioned that I felt bad for Mom. There is something definitely off with their family and it really feels off in the Mom-Dad relationship, like he’s hen-pecked or something. Ki Tae’s been describing her as a master manipulator and I wonder if that’s true. I really do wonder what her deal is. And what happened that made Ki Tae leave home 3 years ago and not come back since?
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