How to Stop the Villain from Going Crazy

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[Good news] : She transmigrated into the well-known Phantom of the Opera

[Bad news] : It was the horror movie version!

After waking up, Bo Li discovered that she had transmigrated to the 19th century. In the 19th century, smog was severe, tuberculosis was prevalent, and sanitary conditions were bleak. It was possible to step into a pile of manure at any moment.

To make matters worse, she had transmigrated into a crossdressing circus worker.

This was an era where short-haired, pants-wearing women would be harshly judged, so no one doubted her gender. They just thought she was an overly pretty boy.

However, as time went on, she would grow taller, and her feminine features would become more obvious. The circus was a mixed crowd. If she didn’t leave before adulthood, her crossdressing would be exposed sooner or later.

Before leaving, she convinced an ab*sed teenager in the circus to leave with her. She planned on opening a haunted house with him.

***

Author’s Note: Bo Li is mentally 6 years older than Erik, but they’re physically the same age. Bo Li will be a little afraid of Erik at the beginning, but she will soon enjoy his behavior. If the male lead’s every move doesn’t thrill the heroine, then what’s the point?

Associated Names
One entry per line
如何阻止男主发疯
如何阻止男主發瘋
Related Series
N/A
Recommendations
Surviving as a Maid in a Horror Game (2)
Confined Together with the Horror Game’s Male Lead (1)
Doomsday Asylum (1)
Welcome to the Rose Mansion (1)
Thought It Was ‘The End’, Only to Return to a Changed Genre (1)
My Family Is Very Odd? (1)
Recommendation Lists
  1. Interesting Story I Have Read (BG)
  2. My top BGs
  3. To be read list
  4. Promising TBRs huhuhu
  5. shalala

Latest Release

Date Group Release
03/22/25 Void Blue c3
03/22/25 Void Blue c2
03/22/25 Void Blue c1
11/01/24 Fuyu Neko c73
10/29/24 Fuyu Neko c72
10/28/24 Fuyu Neko c71
10/28/24 Fuyu Neko c70
10/25/24 Fuyu Neko c69
10/25/24 Fuyu Neko c68
10/23/24 Fuyu Neko c67
10/23/24 Fuyu Neko c66
10/19/24 Fuyu Neko c65
10/17/24 Fuyu Neko c64
10/16/24 Fuyu Neko c63
10/08/24 Fuyu Neko c62
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Review
19 Reviews


Fuyuneko
Fuyuneko
Aug 09, 2024
Status: Completed
I like the author's unique take on a horror movie villain by showing that fear can be enjoyable when it occurs in a safe environment. That's why people like going to haunted houses and watching horror movies.

In other yandere novels, the female protagonist loves the male lead despite his yandere tendencies, but in this one, she revels in his behavior towards that and tells him that. He's 100% her cup of tea.

The author does a good job showing how and why Bo Li falls for him, which I think is... more>> an essential requirement for a romance novel.

A few random moments after they're together:

Spoiler

There's a moment when Erik threatens to kill the people she loves if she leaves him, and she tosses back that he should kill himself first because he's the person she loves the most. She's so good at diffusing the situation and getting him to walk away from the ledge to the horror genre.

There's also a moment when he tries to trick her to say something, and she quickly catches on and teases him. It's a sweet moment while showing that she is very smart too.

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My main criticism is that MC acts very OOC for 2.5 chapters around the midpoint of the novel. Several Chinese readers also commented on it. I think it would have been fine if MC admits that her behavior was poorly thought out and that she regrets it after the act, but the author double downs on it by trying to justify why MC's behavior isn't OOC and that it wasn't bad. Alternatively, if the author had built up to that moment so the readers can understand why MC would do something that's so drastically different from her previous morals that would work too. Anyways, I would suggest pretending those three chapters don't exist and skipping them.

The circus/haunted house concept felt like it was built on clouds. I don't think the author had a clear idea of what she wanted to do with this, so its a jumble of ideas without cohesion and practicality.
---

For the majority of the novel, other than Erik's skills and his past before going to the Palais Garnier (and also horse named Cesar), there's not much from the original Phantom of the Opera novel. Its more like a spinoff than a fanfic.
Spoiler

There's also a brief cameo by Christine and Raoul, and then a longer one by Daroga near the end of the story. Happy endings for everyone.

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The horror movie version Erik isn't prone to theatrics or addicted to morphine like the original Phantom for example. While's he's a genius, he's not a mad genius like the original Phantom. Part of it is because Bo Li is meeting Erik in his late teens vs a Christine who meets him in his late 40's to early 50's. <<less
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Neomys anomalus
Neomys anoma
Aug 21, 2024
Status: c20
About the Translation: The translator (Fuyu) is doing an absolutely bang-up job. There are a lot of very specific terms and phrases, and I can't imagine translating this piece was an easy undertaking. But they're doing a great job managing all the specific terms and presenting a clean, polished (grammatically correct!!) final version. Bravo, Fuyu/team! Nice work! I can't wait to read more. They've also been publishing chapters at a fantastic pace. I binge-read all twenty currently available chapters in one night. So I don't think we'll have to wait... more>> too long for the total MS—which is a rare treat with translated works.

About the Story Itself: If you're put off by the fanfiction-esque premise, don't worry—it isn't like that at all. I've read more than my fair share of fanfiction, and so I expected the main character to be a self-insert OC in yet another My Immortal-esque, "Only I Can See His True Inner Beauty" Phantom of the Opera fix-it fic. Truthfully, I expected to hate it. But it's tagged for horror and romance, and I am a simple rat that really likes this combination, so I'll try anything that promises both. And I am so pleased with how wrong I was! This story is so much fun!

The protagonist is extremely witty, and I love her pithy observations about her transmigration into a schlocky horror universe (and about horror films in general). The ML is surprisingly endearing for how utterly monstrous he is—sweet, creepy, and yet to show his face. He may be a silent and monstrous killer, but he's a touch-starved, shy, socially awkward one, who only really listens to our FL. Which is exactly the horror/romance sweet spot I like. If you like it, too, then give this story a try. <<less
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Cleclerc
Cleclerc
Aug 29, 2024
Status: Completed
Couldn't put this book down. Yandere? Check. Phantom of the Opera? Check. Anxious Avoidant attachment style? Check. SEWING?!
Spoiler

The boy's out here making her clothes! And her food!And doing the dishes!

I really appreciate how the author shows the extreme anxiety and deep rooted shame that drives the ML's actions. You can see how the maladaptive behaviors (shame, anxiety, control, intimidation, mu*der) formed as a survival strategy and how difficult it is for him to change. No 2D characters here.

I also like how the FL acknowledges that her mindset, preferences, and actions are not normal, healthy, or ideal. She knows what the reality of the situation is. No delulu here either.

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Lyndiz
Lyndiz
Feb 28, 2025
Status: Completed
This book was, without a doubt, one of the most intense and mesmerizing literary experiences I have ever had. The way the author intertwines horror and romance is simply magnificent, crafting a narrative that is both chilling and passionate, dark and beautiful. With each page, we are drawn into a whirlwind of emotions, as if walking through a hall of distorted mirrors where every reflection reveals a new facet of the characters and the story itself.

The male lead is a fascinating study of the delicate line between genius and madness.... more>> Calling him a lunatic would be an oversimplification, for his distorted nature did not emerge from nowhere—it is deeply rooted, meticulously built, making him as terrifying as he is captivating. What enthralled me most was the evolution of his feelings. He did not fall in love with the female lead at first sight; instead, we witness, with remarkable clarity, the slow and tumultuous journey from hatred to tolerance, from tolerance to acceptance, and, finally, to love. His inner struggle upon discovering these newfound emotions is nothing short of a spectacle—like someone who, after dwelling in eternal darkness, is suddenly blinded by the light and cannot decide whether to flee or surrender to it.

And when he does surrender, when everything finally falls into place, he becomes an unexpectedly devoted husband. There is something poetic about watching a heart, once hardened by chaos, learn to beat for another.

The female lead, in turn, is no less compelling. Perhaps she always had a dormant madness within her, or perhaps she was shaped by the influence of this sociopathic genius. Either way, her courage is nothing short of admirable. Faced with an abyss, she recognized that her only way out was through the most dangerous man around her. And rather than fearing him, she approached him with boldness, bending the rules of the game to her will. She does not play the victim, nor does she hide behind false innocence—her decisions are sharp, strategic, and undeniably enthralling.

The ending stole my heart and sealed my unwavering admiration for this work. Yes, I admit my opinion is biased, as this book belongs to the very genre that fascinates me the most. From the synopsis alone, I knew I would be captivated—and I was not mistaken.

And as my final thought, I dare to say: perhaps the only truly sane person in this story is the reader. Or, perhaps, by diving so deeply into this world, we have all crossed the threshold of madness without even realizing it. <<less
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sslsdm
sslsdm
Sep 06, 2024
Status: c90
omg omgg this has the same vibes as my fave QT arc 😭 Gowd I love this vibes so much, the feeling of FL have to be super carefull in front of a batsh*t crazy ass lunatic like ML ♪⁠~⁠ (⁠´⁠ε⁠`⁠ ⁠)

And I love how both of the leads (up until ch 39) aint two dimensional main character ʘ⁠‿⁠ʘ this FL use her brain to think, and ML aint easly getting swayed by her "kindness"

Will edit after I read fullyy (⁠◕⁠ᴗ⁠◕⁠✿⁠)

Edit : SOMEBODY BETTER TELL ME WHERE I... more>> HAVE TO READ EXTRA CH91 AND 92 BC IM GOING BALD RN (ofc the free one, im a broke bish) 😭

anw, aside from that two extra last chaps that I dont read, I fully enjoy this story 😭

p.s : if u dont like slow~ type of romance, ig this aint for you bc it will make u bored. <<less
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Zero_0000
Zero_0000
Aug 18, 2024
Status: Completed
It's been a while since I found a good Yandere story. Just a warning—the male lead isn't just obsessive, possessive, or cold; he's a true Yandere with a screw loose. But he still has a sane side, so you can rest assured that no tragedies will happen.

What made this story different from other transmigration stories is the female lead and the way she thinks. Sometimes, I feel like she has masochistic tendencies, hehe. I also love the male lead. I just love faithful characters, which makes me enjoy reading stories... more>> with Yandere leads.

The plot focuses more on the romance rather than having much of a plot. Still, the mindsets of the two leads are written very well. To those planning to read this story, definitely give it a go. <<less
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XVA
XVA
Apr 25, 2025
Status: c109
Literally amazing

Ig this is technically a fanfic, but writing is unique and protagonist is incredibly relatable with her love for horror movies and her special aesthetics haha

Romance is amazing and the dynamic between the main character Polly and the horror movie Phantom Erik is chefs kiss

Reading at ch109, void blue translation
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Njtrisha
Njtrisha
Mar 03, 2025
Status: Completed
One of the best novel I've read so far.. I really like how the author mixed romance with horror, at first I thought it's going to be full on horror novel but I didn't expect the intense romance in the story... The chemistry between Bo li and Eric were off the chart, kind of brainwashed me to be also like her if I was in her situation which is very toxic.. but the story is totally my cup of tea..
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Zerganinja
Zerganinja
Aug 27, 2024
Status: c28
Hello. Am writing this because maybe Fuyu (The TLer) give an extra chapter 😉. Anyhow, serious review.

I want to start with how I appreciate how the author seems to have intellectual decency and not sugarcoating the Yandere during his impulses—thanks to Fuyu for making it easy to read and latch on to.

The TL. Go read it, TL is such a blast to read and is able to exhibit the scene's emotional beats. That should be enough.

The Writing. 3rd person with a 1st person touch is the best medium for every... more>> novel out there. Simple but eengaging. Won't dwell of these any longer.

The ML. I like how the ML isn't the normal ML that says: "interesting", is intrigued by the FL or that type of jazz. He literally is an animal and has no idea of basic human concepts of such for him to be the Yandere cold-hearted ML. He desires warmth. (maybe in the future). He's a beast, an animal to be exact. And the writing shows that. But at the same time, smart.
Spoiler

he knows he's being decieved by the FL, and is treated with care by her just for her self-preservation.

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But the point stands that he legit doesnt care in that sense but instead is confused like a beaten dog given hugs. And it adds to a the depth of the story in my opinion. He needs a hug and the prose reflects that.

The FL should also be given some points. She understands him to the point that I believe she's not intellectually smart but just emotionally smart. What I mean by that is that there are scenes where
Spoiler

the FL fails to gather info around her surroundings. Doesnt make backup plans. Doesnt really investigate much which caused the incident where they needed to leave early.

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In these scenes a girl boss FL would not have done so, and I appreciate she has her limits. Like very much.

She is emotionally intelligent because instead of treating the ML as a fiddle or marionette with intrigue. She instead reacts to what the MC is feeling and adjusts her actions to acquire results.

Instead of proving a point through dialogue and scheming. She gives hugs and human warmth to the poor fellow. And she does these on the spot sometimes, because ML still has these evil impulses and she does these as a reaction—it feels natural when she does it.

Spoiler

Her kissing, hugging, and giving human warmth to him when the impulses get to him due to his confusion is an interesting conflict. And im glad, again intellectual decency, the story is able to acknowledge it's a reflex caused by survival instinct and should be fixed in the near future. But at the same time, she feels safe around him. Like, it's such an understandable reason why she feels safe around him (won't dwell by giving examples, read the story or reread some emotional beats then you'll understand to those who haven't) that I think the author must've written this story twice and had some feedback.

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Still though. The deceiving part is still there. There are moments where she does plan ahead now and is adapting to the world. And sometimes tricking him
Spoiler

a white lie about making a troupe for outcasts but when given the chance, it becomes a goal because she thinks she might die cuz she lied to him about this

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. Basically, the story knows to tell truths and make her lie while being understandable. Like it isn't s*upid.

Most shoujos and joseis don't tackle this part of an FL that much in a serious setting and from a horror story—you'll only see these emotionally intelligence from goody-FLs. But both EQ and some deception is a nice combo. But the fact that the author was able to incorporate psuedo-empathy as a strength in a survival horror romance on a FL who needs to decieve without feeling forced or out-of-placed is impressive.

My final thoughts. I believe your time would be well spent if you following this novel. It's quite short and I somewhat wished it had more. But I'll take a quality story than a quantity one. Don't worry. If I remember the TLs are halved. So we have 83% til we reach the end (at chapter 28 as of now) <<less
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Panda93
Panda93
Aug 15, 2024
Status: Completed
A great, engaging, titillating read! Don’t be turned off by the fanfiction esque premise, it’s written with descriptive imagery and is very immersive. *Content WARNING* for use of the n word by an African American female side character (context is that she wants to avoid discrimination and suspicion of her being the person delegated to buy a piece of property, so she refers to herself as such)

Also, lots of gore.

Age gap between fMC and ml, (phantom)
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hammie_2
hammie_2
Nov 25, 2024
Status: Completed
I really loved the story as it was interesting. Since I am not the type to read books with fan fictionesque trope, I thought I wouldn't like this but oh boy it was so fun to read. I practically binge read it in a day. After reading this book, I really had a different ending I could think of for the Phantom since his demise and his fate in the original works was too tragic. Also, thanks for the quality translation from Fuyu. I loved that some parts were explained... more>> in the translation whenever there are instances in some scenarios in the novel that are kind of somehow inaccurate with the culture in the setting.

Spoiler

I am not sure but I somehow think what Fuyu is talking about in which the FL became OOC for at least 2.5 chapters (approximately 3 chapters) is when she used Charles to kind of force Eric into becoming proactive with her (I am not sure if that is the appropriate word I can use to describe what she wants but that is what it looks to me). I am not sure although I had some others assumptions but I won't be spoiling much for those who will view this.

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I have already completed the raw version and I will be waiting for Fuyu Neko's translations. Thank you for introducing me to this gem (⁠´⁠ε⁠`⁠ ⁠). I am also the same with the other reviewer who only got to see the extra chapters until 90. I have already read up until Chapter 90 and will be waiting for the extra two chapter (until 92). Below is not really a spoiler but my thoughts only.

Spoiler

I just somehow realized that the author likes to create a fanfiction story about The Phantom of the Opera and those were the previous works. Still I am contemplating whether to read those two as it may give me a different Eric and I don't want to spoil it. At least for me only.

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Ebb
Ebb
Nov 19, 2024
Status: Completed
What a novel, this one is really great for a quick read, plots, character development are done well, really worth the time. The MC and ML are also not your average Joe, they appear to be more realistic with real motives, romance is done well. Reall enjoy this one.
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Rida
Rida
Oct 06, 2024
Status: c13
I read up till chapter 13 and then had to drop it. The story had an interesting concept, but the execution left much to be desired.

... more>>
Spoiler

I also can't understand what the FL is thinking, and not in a good way. In the last chapter, the ML basically tortures the circus trainer and, although the FL knows she'll have to deal with the fallout, asks him to (physically) sleep with her. I found that really idiotic, especially because at this point, she already knows that he doesn't deal well with physical affection. Her answer to this? Hugging him.

And from the reviews I've read, this will carry on happening whenever the ML reacts violently- she'll show him an act of affection to calm him down.

I just find the FL's behaviour weird- I'm still hung up on her asking him to sleep with her. I understand it's not s*xual but why? She's known him for a maximum of 2-3 days at this point, mind you. And I wouldn't have a problem with this if it was that sort of novel, but it doesn't fit the atmosphere or her thought process so far.

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All in all, definitely not my cup of tea. And it's such a shame, since the FL seemed really smart at the start. <<less
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peropera
peropera
Sep 01, 2024
Status: --
Starts off strong, but falls off a good chunk in the middle. I've dropped it in the later mid-way point so I don't know if it picks up in the end, but it gets pretty unbearably dull in the middle. It's pretty disappointing because I'm also a fan of the novel it's based off of.

You can see the other reviews for the good points, so here are the bad points.

The romance

... more>>
Spoiler

It gets so repetitive. Maybe FL's reaction to the ML is unusual and interesting enough, but the same scenario happens over and over again. ML tries to kill her and FL does something affectionate, and then ML stops in his attempt. Repeat this over and over again and that's basically their interaction in practically almost every single meeting they have. I assume it morphs into something else near the end, but for many chapters, this is their relationship. ML disappears for awhile and when he comes back, it's to repeat the cycle of him trying to kill FL and FL doing an affectionate action to prevent him from killing her. Like I get it, they're going for slow burn, but it's just a repeat of this scenario. There's development sprinkled in between, but this is their main source of interaction.

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The story

Spoiler

I think atmosphere was one of the things that made the story very interesting, but after the circus arc, the atmosphere drops off tremendously. It's too focused on the circus that the suspense gets lost. Okay, new setting and FL is more acquainted in the world so it's not horrible if the horror elements disappears. However, the circus arc is very boring. I think the draw of this novel is the relationship between FL and ML and her attempts at survival, now it's simply a business arc which is not done in a particularly revolutionary way. The romance takes a backseat to this circus business arc as well. The atmosphere gets more towards unintentionally silly too, since absurd things happen so FL can flourish her business, which makes the random attempts at continuing its haunted atmosphere seem out of place. The biggest problem in the business arc is that ML is just too convenient and OP. Why try to solve things in an innovative or interesting manner if the solution is simply "make ML use one of his many cheats." The attempt to make FL some sort of business woman seems like just because the author wanted to make this sort of setting for FL instead of thinking it would help the story at all. I would have no problem with this being the focus if the author did this in a way that was interesting.

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Overall, it has the outline of something very interesting, but it ended up falling flat in my opinion. The translator is doing a fantastic job though! <<less
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Suckerforshipping
Suckerforshi
Feb 07, 2025
Status: Completed
this novel has me so hooked! The character dynamics are impeccable, and the horror and romance go hand in hand, which I personally really, ABSOLUTELY, TREMENDOUSLY LOVE??!?@, !? The ML isn't your typical yandere like "interesting" or "you're the first person to ever blah blah blah I love youuu!" no. He's cold, he's calculating, he's mu*derous (especially towards FL, but he tolerates her), but overall, he's realistic. And when he does start to recognize his feelings towards FL, he's ... more>>
Spoiler

so down BAD. And ✨️mu*derously jealous✨️ towards anyone and anything that lays their eyes on her!

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she's not a Mary Sue, but she does have her strengths and she shows them when it's needed. I could go on and on but long story short, READ IT. If you love horror and romance wrapped in a bow, READ IT. If you love a thrill, READ IT. The translation is also really smooth! Shout out to Fuyu, you amazing translator!! 🫶🫶🫶🫶 <<less
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Akazumi
Akazumi
Jan 02, 2025
Status: --
It's the best novel I've ever read. The main character has a scary and mysterious personality that makes you feel enchanted and unforgettable, The content is very good in terms of developing relationships, The hero is very obsessed with the heroine.
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Aman_khara
Aman_khara
May 22, 2025
Status: --
It deserves the 5 stars. Like the concept is too interesting and the intellectual of both the FL and ML is great. Like the courage of FL to live with a psychopath and feel safe even when he has a dagger in his boots is so shocking and intriguing.

I am not into horror series but this one is fun and not so dramatic giving me courage to focus on the story instead of feeling chills back on my spine.
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miclice
miclice
Jun 13, 2025
Status: Completed
I seriously love how ML is so obsesses with FL. And she doesnt care abt it. She truely love his aggressive side, she didnt even try to change him or tried to blend it. She doesnt have stock holme syndrom. But he is her type, her soulmate and her fetish.
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Pomelit
Pomelit
May 31, 2025
Status: Completed
Spoiler

FL is very strange, but in a good way. She cheers on Yandere's side of ML and makes him lose his temper.

Rarely in any works do they focus on the era and how unpleasant and dirty it really was, as well as on attitudes towards women.

I really like ML. He is a man who does not know care and love, and the first thing he feels for FL is something other than indifference and hatred, he immediately wants to kill her because he feels strange. But at the same time, he can't do that because it hurts him that FL will be hurt. I really love such wild yandere hungry for love. This is probably the most unpredictable ML of all such novels that I have read.

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