----
[Beautiful Gong Shim]
[Episode 5]
What's wrong?
Let's go in.
This looks like a very nice restaurant.
- It must be expensive. - Don't worry about that.
Just get better. I'll just have to live off of ramen for about two months.
Are you telling me to eat or not? You're making me feel bad.
I'm telling you to eat.
Let's go in.
We'll worry about money later.
It looks very expensive.
Let's go in.
I guess there's no parking spots.
Must be packed.
It must be a famous place.
I guess so.
- Don't copy me. - Don't copy me.
200,000 won...
150,000 won.
Why is it so expensive?
Pick something good.
Would you like to order?
My stomach!
- Ow! - What's wrong?
Your stomach hurts?
Come on, sit down. What are the symptoms?
What hurts? Should I call 911?
My stomach!
My stomach...
What are the symptoms?
My stomach...
We should go to the hospital. Does it hurt a lot? Are you okay?
Let's hurry.
Oh, no!
- Let's go in. - Okay.
- I'm sorry, did I scare you? - No.
- Sir, you need to leave your car key. - I'm sorry.
Let's go in.
What do we do? Let's hurry.
I'm okay now.
What's this? You lied?
Didn't you see the menu?
It's a minimum of 100,000 won per person. Are you out of your mind?
Seriously... What do you take me for?
I can afford that, let's go.
Go where?
My arm...
You won't fool me twice.
I meant it this time.
What's wrong with you? This is all your fault.
I'm sorry.
Let's go.
I didn't know you were so famous. I saw you on TV.
You're a lawyer, right?
That's embarrassing.
This is why I didn't want to be on the TV show.
Yes, that's me.
People say I look different in real life. I'm surprised you recognized me.
I don't think you look that different.
Right.
I'm Gong Mi.
[Cheonpungan Law Firm: Gong Mi]
My name is Suk Joon Soo.
I'm sorry, but I don't have a business card.
It's okay.
Didn't you say you work near the furniture studio?
Yes, I'm planning to open up a restaurant near there.
Oh, a restaurant... Then are you a chef?
No, I just run a restaurant business.
I can't cook.
Enjoy your food.
Please eat.
I'm telling you upfront that we'll be splitting the check.
Okay.
I'm sure you were taken aback.
Yes, a little bit.
When I focus on something
I just run forward like I'm running a 100-meter race.
I'm sorry if I took you by surprise.
No.
After that rainy day when you gave me a ride in your car
I thought about you a lot.
I could tell you were a good person, and we have similar tastes.
I had a very good feeling about you.
I had a good feeling about you, too.
But if you compare yourself to a 100-meter race
I like to think of myself as a marathon
maintaining my pace until the end, and enjoying my surroundings.
Is that your answer to if you would like to date me?
I would appreciate if if you would think of me as a new friend.
I just got turned down, right?
You just want to be friends?
Looks good.
Stop copying me.
This is all your fault.
I'm dying here...
Don't copy me!
If I didn't get you, you would have broken your nose.
Yes, thank you very much.
Forget it. I can do it.
Stay still. You can't even move your hand.
What should we eat for dinner?
Pork feet are good for muscle aches.
- Really? - I don't know.
That's what it says here.
[Miss Pork Feet]
If you didn't become a lawyer, I'm sure you would have become a con artist.
Yes, I'm trying out both.
I'm hungry, let's go.
Here's your food.
Thank you!
What are you doing?
Here, have some water.
Give me your hand.
Your hand.
Will you be able to use the chopsticks with your hurt hand?
If I can't do this, I should just starve.
Since you are hurt, I'll take all your crankiness.
Which part is the best?
Here, try this.
Come on, eat.
- Why are you overreacting? - Overreacting?
You got hurt because of me, I should take care of you.
Come on, eat.
Wait...
I'm pushing it down. Hold still...
Okay, done.
Pretty. All done.
Runny nose.
- What are you doing? - Blow your nose.
It's okay, blow your nose.
One more time.
Nice and clean.
It's good.
Let's tie your hair back.
What are you doing?
The ends keep going in the food.
We should tie your hair
since you can't hold back your hair with your hurt shoulder.
Okay, eat to your heart's content now.
What is it now? You're going to say something, right?
Don't.
I wish I could share this moment with someone.
What do you mean?
Suk Joon Soo would love to see you like this.
Why are you bringing him up all of a sudden?
Don't try to connect me with Director Suk Joon Soo.
I was just kidding...
Even if you're kidding, don't try to connect me with Director Suk.
I mean that.
I would appreciate it if you could think of me as a new friend.
Gong Shim, it's good to see you. Going to work?
I'm late, don't talk to me.
How are you feeling?
I'm all better, you don't need to worry about me.
If you are going to say stuff to me again, just go home.
- I'm on my way to the company, too. - Our company?
- Yes. - Did you get a job there?
Why do you keep going there?
I told you about that mess I created, I'm trying to resolve that.
What kind of a mess did you create that you keep coming back?
I scratched up the chairwoman's car.
Oh my God! I'm completely speechless.
How did you scratch up her car when you don't even have a car?
I'm late.
Why are you talking to me when I'm late? Stop following me.
Wait! Wait...
Wait! Over here!
That hurts...
How embarrassing...
Just go.
Come on, go.
Wait...
Oh my God...
- Can you do that again? - Okay.
Why did you get off when I got you on?
I almost rode it all by myself. How's your knee?
- Are you trying to show off right now? - Yeah, I can't do that?
Wasn't I great?
Look... You were running like this and fell.
Then I picked you up, and dropped you off on the bus.
You really don't know why I got off the bus and into this expensive cab?
It's because I'm embarrassed!
I was waiting for that bus to just pass by...
Why did you pick me up and put me on that bus?
- I did the wrong thing again? - Yes.
So keep your distance from me.
Goodbye, then.
Have a good day at work.
Didn't you say you had stuff to do here?
- You don't have an appointment? - Of course I do, but...
I'm about two hours early.
Maybe I should go wait at a cafe.
Two hours? Please put your head on straight.
"Please put your head on straight."
Gong Shim.
Still, my heart aches because of Director Suk Joon Soo.
The fact that I had to hear him say he was good to me out of pity
makes me feel so embarrassed.
Stupid fool.
Sir, I'm innocent.
- I didn't fabricate the evidence. - What are you talking about?
She just confessed to fabricating the evidence with you!
Attorney Choi, how can you do this? Why are you lying?
Let's be honest.
You fabricated the evidence with me on the trademark infringement case.
I have evidence of you discarding the logo design on purpose.
I threw that out because she told me to get rid of it.
Why are you doing this? You knew everything.
You said yourself that you're forging evidence.
If they start investigating our firm because of this
we'll have to close down!
Were you trying to close down our firm?
Here's my letter of resignation.
If we take the blame and leave, the firm won't get impacted.
I'm sorry.
Sir, this is unfair.
You didn't hear what she said?
This is the your fault! It had nothing to do with the firm.
- Sir, I can't accept this. - Resign right now!
No, you are fired. Get out!
Attorney Choi, does this make you feel better?
I told you I would teach you a lesson.
I don't need to work at a law firm.
I'll do whatever it takes to drag you down.
Your family doesn't have the money to open up a law office for you.
I'm going to open up my own office.
If you have nowhere to go, come work for me. I'll be good to you.
Why should I go there?
I have no business there!
It's the restaurant grand opening. You need to be there.
It's your restaurant. It's got nothing to do with me.
This is for our company.
This isn't my restaurant, it's our company's restaurant.
Our restaurant?
How dare you say that!
Bastard.
Grandma.
- Hello. - Yes, hello.
Would you wait for minute?
Sure.
Why are you being so negative?
- I... - You're no different from your family.
You reported my grandson, Joon Pyo, deceased.
Your family just wants to take all of my money!
Do you think I consider you my grandson?
I will take it that you won't come to the grand opening.
Attorney Ahn Dan Tae.
You asked me for time, so I gave it to you.
So answer me now.
Will you grant me my wish and look for my grandson, Joon Pyo?
I'm sorry, but I don't think that's something I can do.
That's not something I feel confident about.
Is that your answer?
I'm sorry.
I'm sure you've already looked into professionals
but I think it'll be better for you to look for someone with more expertise.
I've tried everything.
The last time I saw Joon Pyo was when he was four years old.
[26 years ago]
- Thank you for coming. - Yes.
[Suk Joon Soo]
Joon Pyo's mom took Joon Pyo too Joon Soo's first birthday party.
That was the last time.
Please go on in.
- What brings you here? - What do you mean?
Of course, we should be here.
Joon Pyo, say hello to your auntie.
Hello.
Hi.
It's a clown!
Don't run, you'll fall!
Don't be too upset that Mother and Father couldn't be here.
It's not like it's the Chosun Era, he may have been born out of wedlock
but they don't even treat him like a human being.
Anyway, thank you for coming.
You don't need to thank me. You should go greet your guests.
Okay.
Where did Joon Pyo go?
Joon Pyo?
- Hello? - Is this Joon Pyo's house?
Yes, this is Joon Pyo's home.
If you want to find him, get 100 million won ready.
Is Joon Pyo okay?
Joon Pyo!
Joon Pyo.
Joon Pyo!
Joon Pyo.
Joon Pyo!
Oh my goodness...
Joon Pyo!
Mom!
Joon Pyo!
Oh, no!
Step aside!
Excuse me... Are you okay?
Call 911! Call 911...
My Joon Pyo...
Butterfly...
When I saw children going to kindergarten, I would think of Joon Pyo
and wonder if he was in Kindergarten.
When I saw students in uniforms
I would wonder if Joon Pyo was going to school.
When I saw young adults, I would wonder if Joon Pyo grew up well.
You think time erases everything?
I've never forgotten about him for a single day.
That's what family is...
- Attorney Ahn Dan Tae. - Yes, Chairwoman.
I may be an old woman, but I've been running this company for decades.
I've met tens of thousands of people.
I know a good man when I see one.
Attorney Ahn Dan Tae.
Please rethink your response.
I won't keep asking.
But please keep it a secret that I asked you to look for my grandson.
Yes. I understand, Chairwoman.
I came by to see the chairwoman. If you're busy, I can come back.
No, have a seat.
I had something to tell you, too.
- Can I talk first? - Okay.
Did Gong Shim give you the cold shoulder by any chance?
What does that mean?
You don't know?
You don't even understand that? What's wrong with you?
Did Gong Shim diss you? No, you wouldn't understand that, either...
How can I say it another way?
Did Gong Shim act like she didn't know you and deliberately ignore you?
Yeah, she did do that when I saw her this morning.
How did you know?
I've got my ways.
Oh, since you live in the same house?
Yeah, I guess.
I don't know how to say this to you...
Let me be straightforward.
Joon Soo, did you ever tell Gong Shim that
you're only good to her because you pity her?
What?
No way, why would I say that to her?
Those low-class girls keep flocking to you because you're so nice to them.
What? Am I wrong?
No, you are absolutely right.
Stop being so kind to them out of pity. Okay?
Okay.
Did Gong Shim hear me?
It's a misunderstanding then. A big misnderstanding.
Where was she listening from? Underneath the desk?
Maybe she heard from the door opening.
Anyway, she must have heard.
How do I undo this misunderstanding? I should go see her.
What do you think about Gong Shim?
What do you mean?
What are your thoughts about her?
She's cute and makes me feel good when I'm around her.
What about you?
I never thought about it.
She's like a little sister. A bratty little sister.
Dan Tae, I have something to say to you.
Okay.
You heard when you were standing in front of the chairwoman's office, right?
- What Grandma said to me... - Yes, I didn't mean to, but I heard.
I'm not on good terms with Grandma.
I've never been close to her.
Have you ever heard about Joon Pyo from her?
She did tell me that you used to have a cousin.
There's only one reason why I can't be on good terms with my grandmother.
It's because of Joon Pyo.
She believes it's my fault that Joon Pyo went missing.
That's why I hope Joon Pyo comes back home alive.
Then I would be able to get along with Joon Pyo and with Grandma as well.
What is it at this late hour?
Nothing much, you don't need to worry about me.
You don't have anything to say to me?
No, nothing.
Did you resolve that mess you created with the chairwoman?
No way.
Your life is unfortunate, too.
Then you should take me out to dinner.
Why should I buy you dinner?
That's true.
Mr. Ahn Dan Tae, can you look at me when you are talking?
Okay, you can tell me the details in person then.
Okay, goodbye.
What are you doing?
Why do you keep talking to me when I'm trying to talk on the phone?
I was talking to myself then?
You were conversing with me not knowing that I was on the phone?
Oh, my stomach.
I guess I've made you laugh again.
Is it that funny?
Don't believe everything you see and everything you hear.
What are you talking about?
I was talking on the phone, but you thought I was talking to you.
What are you trying to say?
Even if somebody gets hurt hearing someone else speak
they should know that those words might not all be the truth.
You keep saying stuff that only a cult leader would say.
Another career for me. Lawyer, con artist, cult leader.
I think the cult leader is the best fit for you.
Still, it does seem like you were able to look into my troubled heart.
Bye then.
I can look through you because I know everything.
My daughter-in-law, more beautiful than the flowers...
You really don't know?
How can you tell me that Joon Soo will take care of it?
There's a line of girls who want to marry him, I'm upset that he won't listen.
Hey, that old fart is no easy lady.
You think she'll give her wealth to your family?
Wait until she dies...
I won't be surprised if she gives all her wealth to the government.
What can I do? It's not like I can change her mind.
Mother, people will laugh at us when they realize how little we actually have.
That's why we need to get that old fart on our side.
We should marry off Joon Soo to a cute girl, and have her use her charms.
She'll give birth to a child, and make that old fart happy.
She'll have to come on our side then.
- You think so? - Do I think so?
That's the only way. Go to the company, and start nagging Joon Soo.
Work isn't what's important now. Marrying him off is the most urgent matter.
Yes, Mother. I'll do that.
- Hello. - Yes, hello.
Why didn't you give me the script for today?
What's today's topic?
Attorney Gong. Something happened.
What is it?
Well... We got an order from above.
They don't want you on the panel anymore. I'm sorry.
Yeah?
If you called me sooner, I wouldn't have come all the way here.
I'm sorry, we just received the order, too.
- Director, this way... - Okay.
Goodbye, then.
Gong Mi, I'll be honest with you. subtitles ripped and synced by riri13
You should give up on getting a job at a big law firm like ours.
You're on the blacklist.
That's why I came here to ask you for a favor.
Please help me out. I won't ever forget your kindness.
I'll be in trouble if I get involved with you right now.
I have no power, I'm sorry.
This is really unfair. I've been framed.
I have a court hearing, I need to go. Be strong.
Hey...
Thank you, Attorney Ahn. You saved me.
Don't say that, you were proven innocent because you weren't guilty.
You've gone through so much already.
It's so hot out, should we go for some cold noodles?
- Sure! - Okay!
Let's go then.
Yes.
[Court]
[Welcome Miss Korea Contestants]
Don't get frightened.
Joo Jae Boon! That's her.
Jae Boon, you came.
- What were you doing all this time? - It's been so long.
- Why is it so hard to see you? - I know.
I'm so glad to see all of you.
- I'll start coming out now. - Isn't she still so pretty?
Tae Hee's here.
You came?
Yeom Tae Hee, the one who won the choice award?
Yeah.
She's been coming here?
She stopped coming after getting married to the son of a second wife, no?
You didn't know?
Tae Hee's husband got adopted by the first wife.
You don't know that she's the Star Group's wife?
What?
Yeom Tae Hee's the Star Group's wife?
Jae Boon is here, too.
Oh, that's Jae Boon?
Jae Boon, it's been so long.
I heard that you would be here.
Tae Hee, it's so good to see you.
- You are still so pretty. - You haven't changed at all.
How do you keep getting younger?
Nothing compared to you.
Remember you said that first prize winners are different from birth.
Do I still look like a mere Choice Award winner?
How can you say that? No way.
I'll be buying today.
Eat a lot and enjoy yourself.
Let's see each other often.
Okay, Tae Hee. Thank you. Yeah. We should do that.
Sir, you can't do this.
I know, but I'm in an urgent situation.
Mrs. Joo Jae Boon is on our store's blacklist.
She keeps wearing the clothes, and coming back to return them.
This time, we can't allow it.
My wife is sick in the hospital.
Even if she wants to wear this, she can't.
What?
Can I please get a refund, so I can use it for the hospital fee? Please.
Cry more.
A signed contract can only be repealed with another formal document.
We believe the current contract must be upheld.
Next, I'm sorry.
Next, Attorney Gong Mi.
My thoughts are a little different.
The forfeiting of inheritance rights is only possible
after the benefactor passes away.
Only then does the document come into effect.
That document alone cannot be...
Why are you watching that again? How many times has it been?
Hey, next time, make sure you shut that lawyer next to you up
so he'll stop questioning everything you say.
Cut him off when he tries to talk. Did you have a good recording?
I may not be in your position now, Yeom Tae Hee.
But my day will come soon.
When Gong Mi gets to be a famous lawyer on TV
you think I'll bow my head to you?
Who are you talking to?
The Choice Award.
Oh, Choice Award... Gong Mi, let's eat.
I don't feel like eating.
- I'm going out. - Hey...
The neighborhood ladies saw you on TV, and want your autograph.
This is the first time I get to boast after winning the beauty pageant.
Can you give me five autographs? Autographs?
Should I give you the autograph?
My last name is Gong, too.
- Okay, they won't know. - Cool.
The president is waiting for you.
Before that, I need to apologize to you.
What do you mean?
A few days back, you heard what my mom and I said in the office, right?
I didn't know you were there, I was just playing along with my mom... I lied.
I still shouldn't have done that.
I'm sorry.
My mom gets really upset if I talk back to her.
I would have to make up for it all night, kissing up to her.
I would have to sing and dance for her.
So if you were hurt at all, please know that I didn't mean that.
I hope you will forgive me.
It was nothing to get hurt over.
That's a relief.
Are those papers for the president?
Yes, a few phone messages, and I was getting tomorrow's schedule ready.
- Can I help you? - Pardon?
My father's eyesight has gone bad in the last few years.
He's embarrassed to wear reading glasses in front of people.
If you increase the font size, he'll be happy.
Here.
Thank you.
At my dad's gathering today...
He'll be drinking a lot.
He would like it if you bring him a beverage to help with the hangover.
Is he an angel?
I need to keep my distance... Keep my distance.
Here.
The message came in when you were in the morning meeting.
Okay...
I like these big font sizes.
You have a lot of papers to look over, I didn't want your eyes to get tired.
I increased the font size, so it'll be easier to read.
Okay, I'll read it over. You may go.
This...
What's this?
I thought you would be drinking a lot at tonight's gathering.
I thought it might be helpful if you drink that before you go.
Okay, I'll drink it later. You can go.
Wait.
These are movie tickets that expire today.
You should go with your boyfriend...
I mean...
You should go with your friend.
- Really? - Forget it if you don't want to.
No.
Thank you...
Thank you.
Thank you for your advice.
Thanks to you, I got complimented by the president.
That's good.
And he gave me tickets to a movie tonight.
Oh, I've been wanting to see this.
You are so lucky.
Really?
Then do you want to...
Really? I can go with you?
I would be so grateful!
Goodbye.
Secretary Gong.
Don't make any mistakes, and keep up your good work.
What's going on?
You do things to get complimented? What the heck...
Mr. Dog is leaving.
Goodbye.
What's this?
You got complimented?
Are you trying to kill me with a heart attack?
The president was complimenting you. You must be a talented employee.
Thanks to Director Suk's advice, I got complimented.
- You and Joon Soo got close again? - We were always close.
The president gave me movie tickets.
Wow...
Then you need someone to watch that with?
I'm a little busy today...
That's a good thing. You should be busy.
Director Suk told me he's not busy today.
You are going to watch the movie with Joon Soo?
Yes.
It happened that way.
Then, goodbye.
Mr. Suk Joon Pyo's case is not just a simple missing person's case.
It's a kidnapping case, a violent crime.
I went to the police station to ask for all files
starting with April 22, 1990 when he went missing
to May of 1993 when the investigation was closed.
Then you are going to look for Joon Pyo?
Yes, I'll try my best to find him.
Thank you, Ahn Dan Tae.
No, Chairwoman.
But I do feel at a loss.
There's no way to find out whether Joon Pyo is alive or not.
I'm not sure where to start the investigation.
I'm sure Joon Pyo is alive.
This must have been his necklace.
I'm sure it's the necklace I gave to Joon Pyo.
Some man called our house recently.
He said he had something to say.
That's the man I waited for when you took me to the park.
But he never showed up?
He never showed up.
But I'm sure Joon Pyo's alive.
I didn't tell anyone that I received Joon Pyo's necklace.
You have to keep this to yourself.
Can you promise me?
Yes, I promise you.
Auntie, have you heard from Dad? Did he get to Philippines safely?
Yeah, your dad did call me.
He got to the Philippines safely.
He told me to tell you not to worry.
Goodness...
He should have called me.
I'm glad to hear he got there safely.
Okay, Auntie.
Okay, Dan Tae. Goodbye.
Ji Yeon, I'm going back to the Philippines.
Don't worry about anything. Thanks.
No! No...
Did the movie start?
Joon Soo...
Ah...
I feel so shy...
I'm sure nothing's going on...
[Mr. Pervert]
Pervert?
Why isn't she picking up the phone?
Why is he doing this?
I need to go make a phone call.
Hurry back.
What is it?
Hello?
What? What is it?
I called you five times, and you never picked up.
If you had picked up, you think I would have kept calling?
I told you I'm at the movies. What's this about?
Um... How do you turn the boiler on?
The boiler's not working.
Why are you asking me that now?
It's so hot, why do you need the boiler?
Why are you yelling at me?
Forget it, just look online.
I'm sure it's up there. I need to go.
Hello...
Should I tell her that I ate the poisonous plant?
No, she'll be happy.
I need an excuse to call her.
Sorry... Sorry.
Did you make the call?
Now, it's video chat?
Where are you?
I told you I'm at the movies.
I don't think so.
Where are you?
Look! Look...
It's the theater, right?
It is.
What's wrong with you? What's this about?
No, I want to watch the movie for free, too.
If you hold the phone up to the screen, I can watch the movie for free, too.
What do you think? Good idea, right?
You want to get arrested?
Hang up the phone.
- Busy? - No.
I'm sorry, Director Suk.
You didn't get to enjoy the movie because of me, right?
No, I enjoyed it.
You took me to the movie, so I should buy you dinner.
But I have to meet somebody for the restaurant opening.
No, I should get going, too.
Goodbye.
Gong Shim.
Have you tried this place?
They are very famous.
No, I've never been here.
Come.
Here you go.
Goodbye, enjoy.
- Welcome. - Hi.
- There are four in your family, right? - Yes, four people.
Go home and enjoy it with your family.
- It's good here. - Thank you.
Four servings of kimchi and meat dumplings, please.
Okay, four servings.
Can I get one more serving wrapped separately?
Okay, one more wrapped separately.
Oh, upstairs?
If we don't have enough, we'll eat it. If there's plenty, I'll freeze it.
- How much? - Here you go.
- I'll pay for the one separately. - Okay.
Okay then.
One for 6,000 won. Four for 24,000 won, please.
Thank you.
Enjoy.
Goodbye.
Dan Tae, isn't that Gong Shim?
No. I was just bored.
It is Gong Shim.
- No, does it look like her? - It looks exactly like her.
Look at that hairstyle.
What other hairstyle could I make using this?
Permed hair?
- Don't get mad. - Don't smile.
Don't smile. Your face makes me mad.
- Go. - Okay.
What are you doing?
It's nothing. Did you like the movie?
Yes, thanks to you I enjoyed it very much.
You eat triangular rolls everyday, you should try these dumplings.
These are from a very famous restaurant. Director Suk bought them for me.
Don't eat this.
Don't eat it.
- What are you doing? - I love these triangular rolls.
What's wrong with you? Don't you have any manners? What are you trying to do?
You called all through the movie.
You don't even feel bad, right?
Yeah, let's just forget about that...
I thought about you and bought these dumplings for you.
You disregard my gesture, and eat something else in front of me?
- No, I was trying to eat this first-- - Forget it!
I don't understand you at all. You are not worth trying to understand.
Even if we run into each other, pretend not to know me.
Gong Shim! That's not it!
- Gong Shim, you're mistaken-- - Forget it!
Are you okay?
Did you get hurt? Let me see.
I'm okay.
Let me see.
I'm fine, I'm not hurt. Just go upstairs.
Oh, no...
Is this because you fell down the stairs last night?
Is it broken?
Gong Shim.
I have something to tell you.
Okay, tell me.
I didn't know you were this hurt.
Why are you doing this?
I don't want you to hang out with other guys anymore.
----
[Beautiful Gong Shim]
Then the one who gets the ball from Gong Shim will go first.
- Fighting. - Fighting.
Who is this company crush that keeps playing with Gong Shim's heart?
- Gong Shim. - Gong Shim.
- Eat Korean food. - I'll eat American food.
- What do you want? - Is this really necessary?