Chinese Language Convo Club
by Lindi P and Company
This podcast series is a collection of talk show style lessons, created to help English speakers better understand Chinese language and culture. A long time student of Chinese, I am joined on this series by Chinese native speakers and language teachers, Will Xu, Kappa Zhao, and Neo Zhang. We wanted our lessons to be casual and fun as well as informative - hope you enjoy learning Chinese with us. New Episodes are available every other week.
Episodes
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Murder in Old Beijing: A True Crime Mystery | Learn Chinese
A young woman goes missing in 1937 Beijing. The next morning, her body is discovered near a mysterious tower. Who killed Pamela Werner—and why was the case never solved? In this special true-crime episode of Chinese Language Convo Club, Vicky and I explore one of old Beijing's most haunting...
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How to "Try" (Or Not!!): Expressing Effort & Intentions in Chinese
Trying to learn Chinese? Trying to go to bed earlier? Or trying to explain that you really didn’t mean to upset someone? 😅 Vicky and I explore how to say “I’ll try,” “I’m doing my best,” and “I didn’t mean to” in everyday Mandarin. With relatable examples, a mini role-play, and a few laughs…
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How to Turn Chinese Input into Speaking: A Lesson w/ Maayot 怎么把中文输入变成口语？跟 Maayot 上一堂课
What does a Maayot Chinese lesson look like? In this special episode of Chinese Language Convo Club, I am joined by Yunyun, a Chinese teacher from Maayot, for a hands-on Chinese lesson that takes us from input to output. Using the saying 不要把鸡蛋放在一个篮子里 — “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”,...
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Are You Overthinking Again? 又开始内耗了？
Ever replay a conversation in your head and wonder, “Did I say something wrong?” Or send someone a message, get no reply, and immediately start imagining the worst? There’s a very Chinese word for that kind of mental spiraling: 内耗 (nèihào). In this episode of Chinese Language Convo Club, Lindi…
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I’m Supposed to Be Where?! 我约重了！
Ever looked at your calendar and realized you’re supposed to be in two places at the same time? 😬 In this minisode, Lindi and Vicky talk about what happens when you accidentally double-book yourself—and the natural Chinese expressions you can use to explain it. Learn how to say “I double-booked...
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Slow Down & Recharge: Mindfulness in Chinese | 放空 · 充电 · 活在当下
Need a moment to slow down and recharge — while practicing your Chinese? In this episode of Chinese Language Convo Club, Lindi is joined by returning guest Kapa to explore natural Chinese expressions connected to mindfulness, relaxation, awareness, and being present. We unpack useful expressions...
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What Is Emotional Value?! 情绪价值 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One phrase has taken Chinese social media by storm: 情绪价值 (qíngxù jiàzhí). But what does it actually mean? In this episode of Chinese Convo Club, Vicky and I explore one of today's most popular Chinese buzzwords through natural conversation, real-life examples, and interactive pronunciation...
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🎙️ 回头见! A Quick Podcast Update
Just a quick hello to let you know what to expect over the next few weeks! Vicky and I are taking a brief summer break while we're both traveling, but this is only a pause—not a goodbye. We'll be back soon with more real conversations to help you sound more natural in Mandarin. In the meantime,...
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健身小白 (Fitness Newbie) Real Chinese for the Gym 💪
Ever walked into a gym and had no idea what anything was called? In this rebroadcast, Vicky and I explore useful Chinese vocabulary for fitness beginners, from treadmills and elliptical machines to stretching, warming up, and sticking to it. You'll learn practical words and phrases like: ✅ 健身教练...
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Speak More Naturally: Replacing 很好 in Everyday Chinese
Do you say 很好 (hěn hǎo) every time someone asks for your opinion? In this episode of Chinese Language Convo Club, we show you how native Chinese speakers describe movies, weather, and people using more natural and expressive vocabulary. You'll learn useful words and phrases including: ✅ 精彩...
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5 Ways to Forgive in Chinese: From "It's Fine" to "I Need Time"
In Chinese, when someone says “sorry,” the most common response is “没关系 (it’s okay).”But in real life, different situations call for different responses. In this episode, we’ll walk you through the different levels of forgiveness—from small mistakes to more serious situations—and teach you…
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Beyond 没关系: Responding to Apologies Naturally in Chinese
If someone says 对不起… what do you say back? “没关系” is easy. But what if it’s not fine? What if you want to sound more sincere… or more honest? In this episode, we explore the language of forgiveness in Chinese — from holding a grudge (怨恨) to truly letting go (释怀). Through a relatable, real-life...
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Earth Day Chinese 🌍..Talk About the Environment Naturally (Not Like a Textbook!)
Want to talk about the environment in Chinese without sounding like a textbook? 🌱 In this Earth Day special episode of Chinese Convo Club, we teach you real-life Chinese vocabulary and natural speaking patterns to discuss environmental protection, sustainability, and daily habits—the way native...
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How to Say “No” in Chinese (Without Actually Saying No 😏)
Ever felt stuck when you needed to say “no” in Chinese… but didn’t want to sound rude? In this episode of Convo Club, we break down one of the trickiest real-life communication skills: how to politely refuse in Chinese—without ever actually saying “no.” You’ll learn: Common “soft no” phrases…
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“上头” Doesn’t Mean What You Think… (4 Real-Life Uses Explained!)
Have you ever heard someone say “上头” (shàngtóu) and wondered what it means? In this episode, we break down one of the most commonly used (and confusing!) slang expressions in Chinese. From describing an addictive song to talking about getting tipsy, referring to your boss, or even just meaning…
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“It’s Way Too Early!”: The Chinese Idiom 八字还没一撇 (Intermediate)
In this episode, we explore a very common and natural Chinese expression: “八字还没一撇 (bā zì hái méi yī piě).” Literally, it means “the character ‘eight’ hasn’t even had its first stroke yet.” Native speakers use it to describe situations where something hasn’t even started or taken shape yet, but...
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Gen Z Chinese Workplace Slang: 5 Buzzwords Everyone Uses (Upper Intermediate)
What do 牛马 (corporate workhorse), 内卷 (involution), and 躺平 (lie flat) really mean in today’s China? In this episode, we break down 5 viral Chinese buzzwords that reflect Gen Z workplace stress, competition culture, and emotional burnout. You’ll learn real-life example sentences, pronunciation...
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Chinese New Year Explained: Real Traditions, Real Mandarin (除夕 & 大年初一)
What really happens during Chinese New Year — beyond the fireworks and red envelopes? 🧧 In this episode, we walk you through Chinese New Year’s Eve (除夕) and New Year’s Day (大年初一) as they’re actually celebrated in everyday life. You’ll learn essential real-world Mandarin, common traditions, and…
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3 Chinese Love Words You Must Know: 暧昧, 约会 & 表白
In this episode of Chinese Language Convo Club, we delve into three essential Chinese love words that come up again and again in real-life dating conversations: 暧昧 (ambiguous feelings), 约会 (going on dates), and 表白 (confessing your feelings). With Valentine’s Day around the corner, Vicky and I…
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Cheers in Chinese: How to Toast, Sip, or Politely Say No
What does “干杯” really mean—and do you actually have to finish your drink? In this episode, we explore Chinese drinking culture, from casual dinners with friends to formal business banquets. You’ll learn key toasting phrases, pronunciation tips, and polite ways to decline alcohol—without losing...
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资深吃货! Learn Festive Chinese Food Slang for the Holidays
We'll be back in a few weeks to bring you more fun lessons on Chinese language and culture, but in the meantime, celebrate the holidays and boost your Chinese vocabulary in this quick five-minute bilingual episode! 🥟✨ Learn how to describe a true foodie (资深吃货), talk about a big holiday feast…
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What NOT to Give: Chinese Gift Taboos (Upper Intermediate)
Think gift-giving is easy? Not always — especially in Chinese culture 😅 In this episode, we talk about Chinese gift-giving taboos and the surprising reasons why things like clocks, shoes and other seemingly normal items, can send the wrong message. With funny examples, natural dialogues, and...
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小确幸: A Way To Find Joy in Stressful Times (Intermediate)
Feeling stressed or overwhelmed? In this episode, we talk about the popular Mandarin phrase 小确幸 (xiǎo què xìng) — the Chinese concept of “small but certain happiness” that has become a modern lifestyle mindset across Asia. You’ll learn:• The meaning and origin of 小确幸• Why it became so influential...
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Starbucks Bearista Frenzy: 饥饿营销? + Giveaway!
In today’s episode, we’re doing something a little different—we’re going to explore a trending topic: the viral Starbucks Bearista Bear cup. Why did it sell out instantly? Why were some stores given only one or two? And what’s the Chinese term for “Manufactured Scarcity”—a marketing strategy that...
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😏 How to “Fake It Till You Make It” in Chinese — 蒙混过关 Méng Hùn Guò Guān (Upper Intermediate)
Ever tried to bluff your way through an exam, a project, or even a date? In this episode, we dive into the hilarious (and slightly sneaky) Chinese idiom 蒙混过关, which literally means “to muddle through a checkpoint.” We’ll chat about this useful expression, when it’s risky, and how Chinese people…
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空无一人的巷子(The Deserted Alley): Learn Chinese with a Ghost Story + Mini Quiz
Practice your Mandarin with a chilling Chinese ghost story 空无一人的巷子! Learn spooky new words like 纸钱 (zhǐqián) “ghost money,” 低语 (dīyǔ) “whisper,” and 门缝 (ménfèng) “crack of a door” as you follow 小王 (Xiǎo Wáng) through a deserted alley late at night. 🎧 Listen for comprehension, build vocabulary…
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How to Use 离不开 (lí bù kāi): The Chinese Phrase for ‘Can’t Live Without’
In this episode, we explore the Chinese phrase 离不开 (lí bù kāi) — which means “can’t live without.” Learn how native speakers use it to express dependence, habits, and deep connections. We’ll break it down with clear examples, a short dialogue, and pronunciation practice to help you sound more...
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露馅儿 Explained: When Your Secret Slips Out in Chinese
In this episode, we dive into the Chinese slang phrase 露馅儿 (lòu xiànr) — literally “the filling is showing.” Learn how native speakers use it to describe moments when secrets slip out, someone accidentally reveals too much, or a cover-up fails. We’ll share clear examples, cultural context, and…
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Chinese "Back-to-School" Slang: The Phrase "神兽归笼" (Upper Intermediate)
It’s that time of year again — back to school season! In this episode, we dive into the popular Chinese expression 神兽归笼 (“the mythical beasts return to their cages”), a humorous way parents describe sending kids back to school after summer break. You’ll learn how this phrase is used in daily...
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Pumpkin Spice Latte: The Fall Favorite Explained in Chinese | Mandarin Learning Podcast (Pre Intermediate)
Fall means Pumpkin Spice Latte season! ☕🍂 In this episode, we dive into the phenomenon of the PSL while teaching you how to order it in Mandarin Chinese. Learn essential café vocabulary, practice real-life dialogues, and discover how seasonal drinks are talked about in Chinese. Perfect for...
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Don’t Shoot Yourself in the Foot… in Chinese😅
When Your Own Actions Come Back to Bite You — Mandarin Style Want to sound more natural in Mandarin? Learn the Chinese idiom that can mean not only making the kind of mistakes that hurt yourself, but also when your plans to harm someone else backfire. 小李：听说老赵匿名举报同事偷懒。 Xiǎo Lǐ: Tīng shuō Lǎo Zhào...
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不得已 - How to Say "I Had No Choice" in Mandarin (Intermediate)
不得已："不得已" is typically used to express that an action or decision was made out of necessity rather than desire, usually because of circumstances that leave no alternative. It's often used in situations where one is reluctantly forced to make a choice. 小明: 你怎么突然辞职了？不是说好要坚持下去的吗？ (Xiǎo Míng): Nǐ…
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Video: New York Impressions (全中文）
In our most recent short video, Vicky takes us to explore some of the highlights of New York City. Come along with us as we take in the sights of The Big Apple, all in Chinese.
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见怪不怪 - What It Really Means in Daily Life（Upper Intermediate Chinese Idiom)
"见怪不怪" (Upper Intermediate)—a dialogue about adapting to unusual phenomena, such as colleagues wearing slippers in the office. Includes example sentences for practice. Dialogue: A：你看，那个新同事居然在办公室里穿拖鞋！ (A: Nǐ kàn, nàgè xīn tóngshì jūrán zài bàngōngshì lǐ chuān tuōxié! ) A: Look, the new guy is...
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偏偏: Unexpected Situations in Mandarin - Usage and Examples
Dialogue: #1 小明 (Xiǎo Míng): 今天我准备去跑步，天气很好。(Jīntiān wǒ zhǔnbèi qù pǎobù, tiānqì hěn hǎo.) 小丽 (Xiǎo Lì): 可是偏偏下雨了，真不巧。(Kěshì piānpiān xiàyǔle, zhēn bù qiǎo.) 小明 (Xiǎo Míng): 我也没想到，真是的！(Wǒ yě méi xiǎngdào, zhēn shì de!) 小丽 (Xiǎo Lì): 偏偏遇到这种情况，真是倒霉。(Piānpiān yù dào zhè zhǒng qíngkuàng, zhēn shì...
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Language Learning Secrets (Upper Intermediate)
This week, my friend Giacobbe joins me all way the from Bangkok, Thailand to discuss practical ways to master a new language. A great lesson for anyone needing a little inspiration to persevere on your language learning journey while hopefully getting a few fresh ideas. Btw, this is my first...
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They’re Beefing! Mandarin Slang for Fights & Feuds (Beginner)
In this week's minisode, Vicky and I have some beef with each other. How exactly would you say that in Chinese? Listen in to find out :)
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Listening/Speech Training: Chef Wang & Online Cooking Video
Chef Wang Makes Steamed Buns with Shrimp: 哈喽，大家好，我是王刚。本期视频为大家带来一道特色菜:...
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Online Cooking Video (Upper Intermediate)
甲：你在吃什么？真让人眼馋啊！ Nǐ zài chī shénme? Zhēn ràng rén yǎnchán a! Person A: What are you eating? It really makes my mouth water! 乙：是我自己做的馒头炸虾球。第一次做的，结果还不错。 Shì wǒ zìjǐ zuò de mántou zhà xiā qiú. Dì yī cì zuò de, jiéguǒ hái búcuò. Person B: It’s mantou fried shrimp balls that I made myself. It’s my…
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From Screen to Stove - Mandarin Inspired By a Cooking Video (Advanced)
We watch a Chinese cooking video and try to follow along—spoiler: it’s harder than it looks! Learn tasty new vocabulary, hear real kitchen phrases in Mandarin, and pick up expressions you can use next time you cook (or pretend to). Brought to you by YouTube's Chef Wang. 食用 Edible, to use for food...
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吃一堑长一智: How to Say "Learn From Your Mistakes" in Chinese(Intermediate)
Mistakes happen — but in Chinese, there’s a perfect phrase for turning failures into wisdom: “吃一堑长一智.” Join us as we break down its meaning, share real-life examples, and show you how to use this saying naturally in conversation. A: 你上次被骗的事还记得吗？ Nǐ shàng cì bèi piàn de shì hái jì de ma? Do you...
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Short Video: 巴塞罗那圣家族大教堂
Vicky is back and very shortly we'll be making some new podcast episodes. Until then we'd like to share with you some of the places Vicky went to during her trip, one of which was Barcelona, Spain. In this video, she is showing us the views at the Sagrada Family Basilica, one of Spain's most…
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Listening/Speech Training: Restaurant Review & What a Rip-Off!
Restaurant Review: 今天来打卡的这家金春禧，专做经典传统鲁菜，走进大厅就可以看到明亮的落地窗，窗外可以看到大海，海景的座位都是需要提前预定的，水饺是这里的特色，口味种类也很多，各种海鲜馅料，都是当天调制，现包现煮，糖醋鱼是特色，酸甜的汤汁，肉质细腻，蟹黄干捞粉丝煲也特别入味，喜欢吃鲁菜的朋友可以去试一下. Jīntiān lái dǎkǎ de zhè jiā JīnChūnXǐ, zhuān zuò jīngdiǎn chuántǒng lǔ cài. Zǒu jìn dàtīng jiù kěyǐ kàn dào míngliàng de luòdìchuāng,...
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What a Rip-Off! Real Chinese Restaurant Review — Complaints, Disappointment & Drama (Pre Intermediate)
Join me and my good friend and guest host Kapa Zhao, as we talk about what a restaurant review might say if the dishes don’t quite live up to one’s expectations. Vocabulary: 正宗 ( zhèngzōng)– Authentic 特意(tèyì) - For a special purpose, specially 枣庄辣子鸡(zǎozhuāng làzǐ jī)– Zao Zhuang Spicy...
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Short Video: 在金春禧点菜 (全中文）
To watch this video on Youtube, follow the link below: https://youtu.be/DKDNrLaL3Sg 几周前，我和我的朋友Max看了一篇关于金春禧的好评。下周，我的好朋友Kapa Zhao和我将讨论一篇负面评论，这篇评论是由一位没有得到他所期望的客户写的。与此同时，Vicky也去了一趟青岛，亲自去参观了这家历史悠久的餐厅，决定自己做出判断。你怎么看呢？根据我们的第一次评论和你看到的内容，如果你有机会到青岛，中国，你会考虑去这家餐厅吗？ Jǐ zhōu qián, wǒ hé wǒ de péngyǒu Max kànle…
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Minisode:幸灾乐祸 (Intermediate)
幸灾乐祸 (Xìng zāi lè huò) Lindi: 你听说了吗？小李失业了。(Nǐ tīng shuōle ma? Xiǎo lǐ shīyèle.) Have you heard? Xiao Li lost his job. Vicky: 是啊，我知道。其实我觉得他有点活该。(Shì a, wǒ zhīdào. Qíshí wǒ juédé tā yǒudiǎn huógāi.) Yes I know. Actually I think he deserves it. Lindi: 你怎么会这么说？(Nǐ zěnme huì zhème shuō?) How can you…
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Restaurant Review Breakdown: Real Mandarin from a Chinese Foodie (Upper Intermediate)
In this episode, we take a real review we found on a Chinese website and break it down word by word—so you can learn how to describe food, setting and atmosphere, like a native speaker. Join my friend and Chinese teacher Max, as she walks us through a this review written about a restaurant in...
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How To Talk About 小资情调 — Lifestyle, Taste & ‘Bourgeois Chic' in Mandarin (Upper Intermediate)
What does it mean when someone says a place or person is “小资”? In this episode, we break down this nuanced phrase and explore how it’s used to describe a certain type of urban, cultured lifestyle—sometimes elegant, sometimes a little pretentious. Perfect for learners looking to understand modern...
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Listening/Speech Training:Frozen Video Call & Tips for Online Meetings
Frozen Video Call: 小明: 你今天干什么了？。。。(Xiǎomíng: Nǐ jīntiān gān shén me le?) What did you do today? 小丽。。。。。 小明：嘿。。你能听得见我吗？(Hēi.. Nǐ néng tīng dé jiàn wǒ ma?) Hey..Can you hear me? 小丽: 。。嗯。我现在能听见了，但是你的画面卡住了。(Xiǎo lì:Ǹg. Wǒ xiànzài néng tīngjiànle, dànshì nǐ de huàmiàn kǎ zhùle.) Uhh..I can hear you…
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Rebroadcast: Tips for Better Zoom Meetings in Mandarin (Upper Intermediate)
我们今天讨论一下关于怎么样更好的开视频会议，能吸引人们来参加视频会议的时候，多一些讨论并且提出问题. Today we will be talking about how to have more interactive online meetings - a rebroadcast of a favorite episode Vicky and I recorded early on. If you like this one, pls check out The Zoom Meeting Disaster, which delves a bit deeper into what…
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About this show
This podcast series is a collection of talk show style lessons, created to help English speakers better understand Chinese language and culture. A long time student of Chinese, I am joined on this series by Chinese native speakers and language teachers, Will Xu, Kappa Zhao, and Neo Zhang. We wanted our lessons to be casual and fun as well as informative - hope you enjoy learning Chinese with us. New Episodes are available every other week.
Hosted by
Lindi P and Company
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