Fall in Love Episode 33 Recap
> Fall in Love Recap
Wanqing gently touched Tan Xuanlin's face, asking why he had kept secrets from her. Tan Xuanlin apologized, explaining that he had realized Yamashita Junichi was likely setting a trap and he wanted to keep her completely out of harm's way. He feared for her safety and noted that the captured spies were too stubborn to reveal anything.
However, Lao Fu had been monitoring them and discovered their recent bank activities: they had all received large sums of money and transferred them to their families in Japan, suggesting they knew they would be caught and this was compensation, or a distraction. Tan Xuanlin realized they had fallen into a trap set by Xu Bojun and Yamashita Junichi and resolved not to let Wanqing get involved.
He told Wanqing she was his Achilles' heel and he did not want her to suffer any harm. Wanqing countered that she did not want to be his weakness; she wanted to be his armor and talisman, asking him to always tell her about dangers so she could protect him. Tan Xuanlin agreed, then apologized to her for implicating her father, Mu Zhiyuan, and Gu Yueshuang, and for nearly failing to protect Wanqing herself.
He admitted that after his father's death, he had lived a life of deception and intrigue to sustain the Tan Army, believing that winning was all that mattered. However, repeated narrow victories made him realize his fear of seeing those close to him implicated. He remembered Mr. Liao's words about no one being able to maintain personal integrity in this chaotic world, and he feared becoming another Pei Xun or Xu Bojun in his pursuit of power.
Wanqing reassured him that she believed he would not, adding that their future was their own choice, and she would never waver in her commitment to him. Meanwhile, Xu Bojun was seething with frustration. Gu Yueshuang had chosen to die rather than betray Tan Xuanlin, and Pei Xun had declared Tan Xuanlin innocent, leaving Xu Bojun with no way to harm him. He still had "another chip," he believed, on which success depended.
Elsewhere, Mr. Liao informed Wanqing that the Rishengchang ship would dock in Quanzhou, an area under the Revolutionary Army's control, and that with timely support, the new munitions would arrive safely. Mr. Liao thanked Wanqing for her generous help, acknowledging that Tan Xuanlin's matters were her own. He also warned Tan Xuanlin that despite his acquittal, Pei Xun still held a grudge.
Tan Xuanlin admitted his title as "King of Shanghai" was superficial, as he constantly had to guard against Xu Bojun and now Pei Xun. He acknowledged the Revolutionary Army's formidable strength, particularly the Independent Regiment, known as the "Iron Army," which had been invincible since the Northern Expedition. He stated he had no confidence in defeating them head-on and did not want his soldiers to serve as cannon fodder, especially not for Pei Xun.
Tan Xuanlin revealed his decision to embark on a "new road," even if it meant giving up his current status, power, and wealth. He believed that in this turbulent era, no one was truly a winner, and instead of competing for fame and fortune, it was better to fight for a better world for all people. He expressed his desire to join Mr. Liao and the organization in changing the world, and Mr. Liao pledged full support.
At the Cathay Theater, Gu Yueshuang's final film played on a large screen, bringing the audience to tears. Su Hongchen stood silently, deeply affected. Xu Guangyao stood at the entrance, head bowed in self-reproach. Wanqing approached him, placing a strand of Gu Yueshuang's hair—preserved before her cremation—into his hand, telling him she thought Yueshuang would want him by her side.
She told him she would not blame him for his father's sins, but also would not let his father off the hook. She challenged Xu Guangyao to choose between loyalty to his country and filial piety to his father. Tan Xuanlin then confronted Xu Guangyao, stating he did not want to be his enemy but would show no mercy if they met on the battlefield.
Wanqing tried to intercede, saying Tan Xuanlin's words were too harsh, but Tan Xuanlin clarified that while he knew Xu Guangyao was hurting, he had reached a point where he had to make a choice. He expressed pity for Xu Guangyao, saying it would be a shame if he were to sink with the Xu family. Later, Tan Xuanlin invited Wanqing to Sheshan Mountain. While there, Tan Xuanlin shared that his uncle, Tan Zijie, had recently died in Jiangcheng.
Tan Zijie had long neglected military affairs, leaving the military authority in the hands of several division commanders. With the Revolutionary Army confronting Jiangcheng across the Yangtze River, Tan Xuanlin feared for the suffering of Jiangcheng's people if war broke out. He revealed that he had discussed it with the Tan Army brothers, who were all from Jiangcheng and, despite years away, were unwilling to see their hometown devastated or their fellow townspeople suffer.
Feeling a deep sense of responsibility as a member of the Tan family, Tan Xuanlin intended to volunteer to Pei Xun to become the garrison commander of Jiangcheng, leading the Tan Army back home. His plan was to break away from the Beiyang government and join the revolution to save Jiangcheng from war. He had already sent a telegram to Mr. Liao, who had persuaded the Revolutionary Army headquarters to cease fire and cooperate.
Tan Xuanlin admitted that his only hesitation was his concern for Wanqing's safety, and he planned to ask Wu Xiangying to protect her and the Mu family. Wanqing, recalling Tan Xuanlin's declaration of "Shanghai, I'm back" when they first came to the command, reflected on how naive she had been, believing they could simply live peacefully with him guarding Shanghai and her guarding the Mu family.
She then articulated her realization that the Mu family, despite their wealth, were like lambs to the slaughter, exploited by warlords and exorbitant taxes. She declared her desire to be a "chess player" in this changing world, not merely a "chess piece." Determined, Wanqing announced she would return to Jiangcheng with him. Tan Xuanlin, deeply moved, embraced her and promised they would not lose this "game."
He proposed that they get married in Jiangcheng after their success, eager to introduce her to his family and ancestors. Wanqing agreed, promising to lovingly care for him and give him a home. They then shared a tender moment over a painting. Tan Xuanlin revealed he had started a painting of them, and Wanqing playfully criticized her depiction, but they agreed to paint together in the future, depicting both of them.
Pei Xun agreed to Tan Xuanlin's request to become Jiangcheng's garrison commander, as the city was a war-torn frontline and he was worried about finding a suitable successor. Pei Xun also accepted Tan Xuanlin's recommendation to appoint Wu Xiangying as the new Shanghai Commander, a decision influenced by the fact that Wu Xiangying was a former subordinate who had rebelled against Xu Bojun, making him a more favorable choice than Xu Bojun's cronies for control of Shanghai.
Before departing, Tan Xuanlin burned important documents in his office and bade farewell to Wu Xiangying. He told Wu Xiangying that the commander position truly belonged to him and thanked Wu Xiangying for saving him from Xu Bojun's suspicions. Tan Xuanlin advised Wu Xiangying to plan early for Shanghai's future, as the situation was constantly changing and the Revolutionary Army might cross the Yangtze River. Wu Xiangying affirmed his understanding and his commitment as a brother.
Meanwhile, Gu Yueshuang's death profoundly impacted Su Hongchen, leading him to decide to join the revolution in Guangzhou, determined to live a life worthy of her. He and Tan Xuanlin reconciled and bid farewell at the train station. A large crowd had gathered at the station, many of whom were suffering due to Xu Bojun's actions. Upon seeing Xu Guangyao, they surged forward, throwing rotten vegetables and accusing Xu Bojun of being a murderer who started the war.
They also blamed Xu Guangyao for Mu Zhiyuan's assassination. A man tearfully accused Xu Bojun of causing the deaths of both his sons. Tan Xuanlin stepped in to calm the crowd, trying to explain that Xu Bojun's actions in Yucheng were separate from Xu Guangyao and Shanghai. Overwhelmed by the accusations and the suffering of the people, Xu Guangyao sank to his knees. Tan Xuanlin acknowledged that Xu Guangyao had finally come to a realization.
Su Hongchen then invited Xu Guangyao to join him in Guangzhou to live for himself, free from the constraints of his status. Xu Guangyao accepted, and the two young men boarded the train together, departing Shanghai. Tan Xuanlin told them to find Mr. Liao in Guangzhou, who would make arrangements for them.
