Fall in Love Episode 3 Recap
> Fall in Love Recap
Following the tense standoff at the ball, Xu Guangyao attempts to persuade Tan Xuanlin to submit to the Military Governor's Office. He explains that if Tan Xuanlin agrees to hand over his military and financial power and disband the Tan Army, Xu Bojun will not only acknowledge him via a public telegram but also recommend him to the Army Headquarters as a protégé of the Xu family, making him the rightful commander of Shanghai.
Wary of the offer, Tan Xuanlin questions whether he is a "fine fowl" choosing a tree to perch on or merely a "fat goose" for the slaughter, expressing concern over how long he could maintain his position after surrendering his power. Xu Guangyao makes it clear this is non-negotiable, warning that Tan Xuanlin's life could be at stake once the Revolutionary Army retreats if he refuses.
After contemplation, Tan Xuanlin agrees, on the condition that his men are given a livelihood, such as factory work, should they choose to become civilians. He then adds a crucial demand: Xu Bojun must also recommend Xu Guangyao to serve as the Supervisor of the Shanghai Defense Command, permanently stationed in Shanghai. Xu Guangyao immediately recognizes this as a move to hold him hostage but agrees to the arrangement to resolve the situation.
Xu Guangyao promptly informs Wanqing that the matter is settled and she will soon be able to return home. He confesses that Tan Xuanlin only agreed to the hostage swap because he was unaware that Mu Wanting was originally supposed to be his dance partner.
He candidly admits that while he had no intention of marrying Mu Wanting, the turbulent times and his elders' wishes had made it seem inevitable until Wanqing's unexpected return, which he sees as a twist of fate. Meanwhile, Wu Xiangying is furious upon learning of the agreement, viewing it as a set of "tightening curses" that will strip Tan Xuanlin of all power. Tan Xuanlin remains calm, explaining it's a temporary strategy to secure the Shanghai Commander position first.
Soon after, the joint telegram from Xu Bojun and Pei Xun arrives, formally appointing Tan Xuanlin, followed by a commission from the Army Headquarters. However, the term "protégé" on the document is a noticeable "eyesore" to him. With his new appointment confirmed, Tan Xuanlin visits his troops, who are training outside the city.
He praises his officer, Fu, for setting up a soup kitchen for refugees and reassures his soldiers that after a decade of hardship, a brighter future awaits them in Shanghai. Xu Guangyao personally escorts Wanqing back to the Mu Mansion, where they are met by Tan Xuanlin. He mockingly congratulates Xu Guangyao and makes a crude joke about him spending a "wonderful night" with Wanqing, which Xu Guangyao hastily denies, clarifying he slept outside her door.
In front of everyone, Tan Xuanlin thanks Xu Bojun and Mr. Mu for their support and then deliberately announces Wanqing and Xu Guangyao's impending marriage, which enrages Mu Wanting. Later, Mu Wanting confronts Wanqing in her room, slapping her and accusing her of stealing Xu Guangyao. Wanqing calmly states she only claimed to be his fiancée due to the emergency and warns Mu Wanting that any future aggression will be met with double the retribution.
When Mu Wanting insults her as the illegitimate daughter of a maid, Wanqing retorts that if she can't be the lady of the house, then neither can Mu Wanting. Their argument is interrupted by Mu Zhiyuan and Cui Lianfeng. Wanqing cleverly de-escalates, claiming they were just discussing paying respects to her late mother. Back in Yuecheng, Xu Bojun plans to investigate officers loyal to Wu Xiangying.
Xu Guangyao advises against it, suggesting they instead issue a backdated letter ordering Wu to assist Tan Xuanlin. This would frame the situation as Xu Bojun's strategic move, preserving his authority and preventing panic within the army. Impressed, Xu Bojun agrees and instructs his son to watch Tan Xuanlin for any missteps and gather information on the Mu family's business operations. In Shanghai, Tan Xuanlin faces a new problem: his army's payroll, which now falls under the Military Governor's control.
His subordinate, Tan Si, reports they need forty to fifty thousand silver dollars for military pay and rent. Tan Xuanlin, while dismissing the idea of simply expropriating property, is left to ponder how to secure the funds. Wanqing receives a call from her father, who urges her to maintain family harmony, but she privately reaffirms her commitment to the memory of her mother and brother. Soon after, she calls Tan Xuanlin, demanding the return of her diary.
He had intentionally left his suitcase behind to lure her to him and now threatens to leak her diary to tabloid reporters unless she retrieves it in person. Left with no choice, Wanqing goes to his headquarters. During their heated argument, she notices the numerous scars on his chest. He demands fifty thousand silver dollars for his army's expenses.
To his surprise, Wanqing confidently declares she can provide the sum from her mother's dowry without involving the Mu family, promising to contact him when she has the money for a clean exchange. Amused by his "wife's" wealth, Tan Xuanlin agrees, vowing that while he may play around with women, he never defaults on a deal.
