Fall in Love Episode 13 Recap
> Fall in Love Recap
Wanqing informed Military Governor Xu and Commander Tan that she had identified who was behind the kidnapping and Xu Guangyao's injury. She recounted how, during her kidnapping, the culprits used specific jargon related to pawnshops, such as "checking goods," and mentioned their boss frequently dealt with "pawning" or "pawned goods." She concluded that the group was definitely connected to a pawnshop and suggested an immediate investigation of all pawnshops in Shanghai.
Military Governor Xu initially objected, questioning if Wanqing was trying to clear Commander Tan's name, but he then fell silent due to Mr. Phil's presence. Wanqing clarified she was simply providing valuable clues as a direct victim, adding that Commander Tan could also be involved, and the top priority was finding the true mastermind to reveal the truth. Mr. Phil, present at the discussion, agreed the idea had merit and suggested focusing on pawnshops that had been closed recently.
He then told Commander Tan that while his men would be released, he remained a suspect until the truth was revealed, and he must ensure his soldiers were kept under control. Commander Tan readily agreed. Outside, a restless crowd loudly demanded, "Get out of Shanghai!" Commander Tan addressed them, assuring them that the kidnapping was not committed by the Tan Army and that they had already found clues, promising a swift resolution.
However, the crowd, mostly businessmen from the concession, voiced their dismay, having learned that the militia group they had welcomed for security was comprised of former bandits and stragglers. They accused the Tan Army of placing a "time bomb" in Shanghai, unwilling to believe Commander Tan's assurances of strict military discipline and his claim that the incident was a frame-up. They cited past abuses by other military forces in Shanghai, arguing they had no reason to trust him.
Capitalizing on the unrest, Military Governor Xu suggested that Commander Tan disband the Tan Army to appease the public, warning that his position as Shanghai Commander was otherwise at risk. Commander Tan dismissed this, stating that he was not afraid of such manipulative tactics. Mr. Phil expressed his disappointment, lamenting that his effort to do something good for the British concession had turned into a chaotic situation.
Just then, Commander Tan announced that the people who could explain the situation had arrived. Refugees, including former defeated soldiers and a woman from Hunan whose sons had died in battle, stepped forward. They testified that only Commander Tan had treated them with dignity, providing them food, shelter, and a chance to be law-abiding citizens in Shanghai.
A resident from Luodian Town added that Commander Tan's troops had paid their rent on time and taken no advantage, a stark contrast to previous military forces. Convinced by these testimonies, the agitated crowd began to disperse. Military Governor Xu noted Commander Tan's knack for winning people's support, to which Commander Tan replied it was simply a matter of treating others with sincerity.
Mr. Phil reiterated the need to find the true culprit of the kidnapping case to put everyone at ease, and Commander Tan promised to do so within three days, a commitment Military Governor Xu agreed to await. Word reached Min Dacheng that the investigation into the pawnshops had begun. He swiftly moved to burn evidence at his Baoli Pawnshop under the cover of night, but he was caught in the act by Commander Tan's men, led by Tan Si.
Commander Tan confronted Min Dacheng, implying he was either "stealing from himself" or acting with ulterior motives. Min Dacheng feigned ignorance, claiming it was his right to enter his own pawnshop. Commander Tan pressed him, asking why the pawnshop had been closed for two days, hinting at a failed attempt to drug someone or losses from the kidnapping.
Commander Tan revealed that one of Min Dacheng's men had confessed that Min Dacheng had kidnapped Miss Mu under orders from the Military Governor's Office, intending to frame the Tan Army and cause discontent in the concession to disband the militia. When Commander Tan demanded to know why Min Dacheng was burning a specific photo and who the child in it was, Min Dacheng refused to answer, grabbing Commander Tan's gun to attempt suicide.
Commander Tan, however, had not loaded the gun. Min Dacheng, realizing this, relaxed and even began to hum, stating he didn't mind staying. Commander Tan then tasked his subordinate to investigate Min Dacheng's family background, noting his unusual fearlessness for a businessman, especially one with a child. Xu Guangyao finally regained consciousness, with his father, Military Governor Xu, present at his bedside.
Xu Guangyao recounted a vivid dream from his surgery, where Wanqing pleaded with him not to leave her, making him believe she had saved him. Wanqing, feeling awkward, gently withdrew her hand. Military Governor Xu expressed relief but urged Xu Guangyao to return to Yuecheng for better recovery.
Xu Guangyao insisted on staying in Shanghai for official business, which Military Governor Xu agreed to, also stating that Xu Guangyao should stay to observe if Commander Tan would deliver on his promise to solve the kidnapping case, as the Tan Army was still under suspicion. Military Governor Xu then met Commander Tan, reiterating the three-day deadline for evidence and asking him to ensure Xu Guangyao's safety while he returned to Yuecheng.
Commander Tan assured him he would deliver a satisfactory explanation. Later, Commander Tan confided in his aide that he had confidence but no certainty in solving the case within three days, describing it as "going on undeterred by the dangers ahead." He also firmly instructed his aide not to reveal to his father that he had taken a bullet for Wanqing, fearing his father's disapproval.
Back in the ward, Xu Guangyao and Wanqing noticed Commander Tan's strange behavior, as he seemed reluctant for Wanqing to care for Xu Guangyao. When Wanqing tried to give Xu Guangyao water, Commander Tan immediately intervened, insisting on taking over and meticulously blowing on the hot water to cool it. He dismissed Wanqing's ability to protect Xu Guangyao, stating he had promised Military Governor Xu to protect him and that Wanqing was too helpless.
Meanwhile, Cui Jie, bruised and battered, was thrown out of a casino. Outside, he was ambushed and kidnapped by Min Dacheng's men. They revealed their plan: to frame Cui Jie for the kidnapping of Miss Mu, claiming he harbored a grudge for a past incident where he assaulted her and was jailed.
They intended to burn Cui Jie along with militia uniforms and firearms in a warehouse, making his death appear accidental while destroying evidence, thereby protecting themselves and their boss. Cui Jie managed to escape and, while running frantically in the street, stumbled upon patrolling officers. He desperately pleaded with them to take him to the Mu's mansion, but instead, the officers took him to jail and placed him in the same cell as Min Dacheng.
Upon seeing Min Dacheng, Cui Jie collapsed to the ground in terror. Commander Tan, having sent his subordinate Fu to investigate Min Dacheng, learned that Min Dacheng had indeed served as an adjutant to Military Governor Luo before suddenly laying down his arms ten years ago to open a pawnshop in Shanghai. Despite having many men with criminal records, Min Dacheng had inexplicably received preferential treatment from the police. Commander Tan decided to personally confront Min Dacheng.
Before leaving, Commander Tan found Gu Yueshuang and explicitly asked her to stay and act as a "third wheel" in Xu Guangyao's room, ensuring that Wanqing and Xu Guangyao were never left alone. Gu Yueshuang, though playfully teasing him about jealousy, agreed to his request. In the hospital room, the atmosphere grew awkward among the three. Gu Yueshuang, who had brought blood-nourishing soup, spoke about her long-standing, often separated, relationship with Commander Tan, emphasizing their mutual affection.
Commander Tan received a call and quickly departed after instructing Gu Yueshuang to give the soup to Xu Guangyao. Upon arriving at the jail, Commander Tan witnessed a horrific scene: Min Dacheng, his face twisted in a smug grin, brutally strangled Cui Jie to death with handcuffs. Enraged, Commander Tan watched as Cui Jie succumbed.
