And the Winner Is Love Episode 8 Recap
> And the Winner Is Love Recap
Despite Chong Xuezhi having gathered Lingzhi herb for the hunter, the hunter couple remained resolute in seeking revenge for their son, Wei Zhen, who was killed by Chong Xuezhi's father, Chong Ye. Just as they prepared to bury her alive, Shangguan Tou intervened, descending to rescue Chong Xuezhi. He admonished the couple, pointing out that their actions of knowingly harming an innocent person were no different from Chong Ye's madness when he "went crazy" years ago.
Chong Xuezhi, understanding her father's grave mistakes, knelt before Wei Zhen's tombstone, bowing her head in solemn apology. She vowed that the martial arts world would no longer suffer bloodshed because of Hall of Flames. Refusing to let Shangguan Tou harm the couple, she allowed them to leave. Shangguan Tou then declared his intention to protect her completely from that moment forward, to investigate the string of mysteries, and uncover the truth and the traitors.
Meanwhile, at Sword Manor, Lin Zongxing was shocked to receive news of Chong Xuezhi's death and the destruction of the Nine Moves of Lotus God manual. He expressed concerns that Hall of Flames, now in a vulnerable state, would become a target for other sects. He immediately ordered Xia Qingmei to visit Hall of Flames under the guise of offering condolences, instructing him to observe the situation and report any developments.
While Emei Sect and Huashan Sect gloated over the news, the leader of Huashan Sect even ordered a bell to be prepared as a "gift" for the "condolence." Back at Hall of Flames, Liu Li meticulously examined the retrieved body. She discovered that a finger bone had a healed fracture with an osteophyte, indicating it was an old injury.
Concluding that the body could not be Chong Xuezhi’s, as Chong Xuezhi had never suffered such a severe injury, Liu Li reported her findings to Yuwen Muyuan, staking her life on her assertion. Yuwen Muyuan, who had been deeply mourning Chong Xuezhi, was relieved yet cautious. He instructed Liu Li and Zhu Sha to secretly leave the Hall to search for Chong Xuezhi, starting from where she fell off the cliff.
He kept Che Qu with him to continue uncovering the traitors within Hall of Flames. He also told them to address him as Palace Lord to maintain the pretense of Chong Xuezhi's death until she returned. Shangguan Tou led Chong Xuezhi away, having her change into female attire. As they journeyed, Chong Xuezhi, aware of the perilous path ahead, decided to slip away while Shangguan Tou slept, unwilling to be a burden.
However, just as she turned to leave, Shangguan Tou opened his eyes, playfully remarking that she not only intended to escape but also to take his horse. Embarrassed, Chong Xuezhi abandoned her plan and continued to travel with him. At Hall of Flames, Huashan Sect arrived with ill intentions, bringing a large bell as their "condolence gift."
Yuwen Muyuan found their behavior disrespectful and hostile, refusing them entry and engaging in a verbal exchange with their chief, who openly mocked Chong Ye and the Nine Moves. Xia Qingmei, representing Sword Manor, arrived shortly after, offering genuine condolences and expressing regret for Chong Xuezhi's death, which Yuwen Muyuan appreciated. On the road, Chong Xuezhi and Shangguan Tou overheard Green Shark Gang disciples discussing Chong Xuezhi's supposed death.
They graphically detailed her "mutilated" body and openly fantasized about killing her for fame, also disrespecting Shangguan Tou. Enraged, Chong Xuezhi moved to confront them, but Shangguan Tou stopped her. He explained that her current status made her a target for those seeking renown, and confronting them would only lead to endless pursuit. Realizing the danger, Shangguan Tou changed their destination.
Instead of returning to Hall of Flames, which he deemed too risky due to the traitors within, he decided to take Chong Xuezhi to Winehouse of Fairyland in Suzhou and Hangzhou. At Winehouse of Fairyland, a popular music hall, Shangguan Tou introduced Chong Xuezhi to his old friend, Zhong Tao, the Tianbao warrior known as Langya. Zhong Tao, initially surprised by Shangguan Tou's company, teased him about newfound responsibility.
As they watched the performances, several female entertainers eagerly approached Shangguan Tou, making Chong Xuezhi feel a bit uneasy. Soon after, Hongxiu, the charming and astute proprietress of Winehouse of Fairyland, greeted them. Despite her initial surprise at Chong Xuezhi's identity as the Young Palace Lord of Hall of Flames, Hongxiu showed no animosity. She agreed to Shangguan Tou's request to provide refuge for Chong Xuezhi and to help gather information about the Nine Moves of Lotus God.
Zhong Tao then revealed that Shangguan Tou once shaved his head to sever ties with his family. Unexpectedly, his bald appearance became a sensation, lauded as the "most handsome man in Dongdu," inspiring many to imitate him and even commission portraits. Hongxiu proposed a wager to Shangguan Tou involving thirty cups of Sanbai alcohol, a potent local brew. If he succeeded, she would perform a welcome dance; if he lost, he would answer one question.
Though Shangguan Tou could easily consume the wine, he deliberately feigned defeat. Hongxiu then asked how he truly felt about Chong Xuezhi. Instead of answering directly, Shangguan Tou smiled and played his guqin, entertaining everyone. Feeling inferior compared to the talented women of Winehouse of Fairyland, Chong Xuezhi retreated outside alone. Shangguan Tou followed her, assuring her that the wine was nothing to him and asking why she felt useless.
Chong Xuezhi confessed her admiration for Hongxiu and Zhong Tao, marveling at Hongxiu's ability to run the establishment and a successful intelligence network, all while remaining kind-hearted. Shangguan Tou explained Hongxiu's difficult past and how she uses her business to help orphaned girls. He said he was lucky to be friends with Hongxiu, and added that he was equally lucky to know Chong Xuezhi. Chong Xuezhi playfully accused him of saying such things to many women.
Shangguan Tou, in turn, teased her about being jealous, asking what she wished to be to him. He explained that despite Hongxiu's outward rejections, she secretly reciprocated Zhong Tao's affection, though Zhong Tao was too oblivious to realize it. Chong Xuezhi, observing the complexities of their relationship, mused on how love could be both intricate and simple.
